The Influence of Plate Topography upon Print Quality in Lithography.

The influence of plate topography upon print quality has been studied with presensitized plates run on a full size press under laboratory conditions. Run time variables were minimized by the preparation of banded plates, with a wide range of topography. The plate surfaces and image quality were characterized by surface profile and image analyses respectively. were characterized by surface profile and image analyses respectively. Print quality was correlated with plate topography with upper and lower limits for surface roughness suggested on the basis of print quality and probable press time limitations.