Pros and Cons of Pre-, Post- and No-bake Plates

The other problem arises when plates are under-baked, and the plate has reduced durability and run length compared to what would be possible if the plate had been baked properly. "Harsh chemicals (very alkaline washes) and ultra-violet and electron beam inks, known for their chemically aggressive tendencies, can weaken the plate's polymer and lead to early replacement." Rough papers, older presses and very long print runs can also affect under-baked plates adversely.