DIGITAL PLATES -- Shortcutting the Process

If a press is running an integrated system, the ink and fountain solution are applied at the same time. "In that case, it's better to 'hand' wet the plate down first. This is true with all plates 'processed' on-press," the technical director says.

Depending on the type of plate and press (web or sheetfed), Citiplate is looking to support run lengths in the 50,000 to 70,000 impression range. "We have worked with other types of polymers to give us a longer run length, Dainton adds.