Plate Characteristics and Image Scanning for Printing Area Determination

The need for automatic plate image area determination for press presetting and control is increasing. In order to satisfy this need, Rockwell International initiated a multiphase test program to determine characteristics of plates and scanners. Ten samples of off-the-shelf plates were studied, and were tested using a commercially available plate scanner. Readings obtained for the plate characteristics using densitometer and photomicrographic techniques compared favorably. A selected plate type was further tested on a plate scanner, and the results were compared with those obtained on a negative scanner for the negative associated with the sample plate and with microscope readings. Again the results were positive.