Plate Processing

• Check the developing parameters
• Check the tail light of the stouffer Stepwedge-step 8 onwards should be solid. Check the developing parameters if the reading is not right.
• Check the compatibility of the developer and finisher
• Check the exposure

Plate packing

• Refer the machine manual
• Always measure the plate thickness and the packing material thickness
• Add soft packing
• 30% of the plate-failure is because of the wrong packing

Plate & Blanket pressure

• Refer the machine manual
• Check the pressure by following methods
• Filler gauge method
• Check the dot gain
• Check with ink dab method

Plate & Blanket Cylinder Condition

• Check the chrome plating
• Check whether the packing slips from the cylinder surface
• Fill up the dents immediately

Inking & Dampening forme roller shore hardness

• Forme roller - 25 to 30
• Distributor - 35
• Dampener roller core - 25 to 30 use maintenance wash

Inking & Dampening roller setting

• Check the setting with the help of ink strip method for inkers
• For dampeners Check with the help of Filler Gauge

pH of the fountain solution

• pH should be in the range of 4.5 to 5.5
• Too acidic or too alkaline pH would reduce the run length drastically

Paper fluff

• Clean the blanket frequently
• Check the pH of the paper

Plate cleaners

• Avoid usage of kerosene
• Use compatible plate cleaner

Ink grinding

• Check the ink grinding
• Replace if the grinding is poor

Poor desensitization

• Use factory made gums
• Use compatible gums

Usage of non compatible chemicals

• Use only compatible plate cleaners and fountain solutions

Press lighting

• Avoid actinic light falling on the plate

Blanket shore hardness

• Maintain the blanket well
• Rejuvenate the blanket in time
• Use maintenance washes