Fotopolümeeriplaatide

Fotopolümeeriplaatide, also known as photopolymer plates, are a type of printing plate used in various printing processes, particularly flexography. These plates are made of a light-sensitive polymer material that solidifies when exposed to ultraviolet (UV) light. The image to be printed is transferred to the plate as a digital file and then etched onto the polymer using UV exposure. Unexposed areas remain soft and are washed away, leaving a raised relief image on the plate.

The manufacturing process typically involves a base material, such as polyester or metal, coated with a layer of photopolymer. A negative film or a digital mask is placed over the polymer, and UV light is shone through it. The exposed areas of the polymer cure and harden, creating the printing image. Subsequent washing removes the uncured polymer, and a final UV post-exposure hardens the plate further.

Fotopolümeeriplaatide offer several advantages, including high print quality, good durability, and the ability to reproduce fine detail. They are commonly used for printing on packaging materials, labels, and flexible films. The flexibility of the polymer also allows them to conform to irregular surfaces, making them suitable for a wide range of substrates. The development of digital photopolymer plates has further improved efficiency by eliminating the need for film, allowing for direct-to-plate imaging.