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

Likewise, post-baking (heating the plate after it has been imaged, but before it goes on-press) offers several advantages depending upon the type of plate that is heated. It can also convey advantages to printers that want to make sure the plates will stand up under demanding press conditions.

David Bartram, worldwide marketing manager for Kodak Polychrome Graphics, explains how post-baking helps American printers. "Thermal plates in the United States must be post-baked more often than not. Generally, this is because press chemistry in this country has evolved to be compatible with conventional, negative plates." Post-baking gives thermal plates the edge they need and creates a very durable plate.