TECHNICAL GUIDE SILVER DIGIPLATE α SYSTEM Ver.1.
Thank you very much for purchasing the SILVER DIGIPLATE α SYSTEM. This Technical Guide describes the safety precautions, maintenance, and inspection procedures necessary for operating this system. Before using this system, carefully read and understand the Technical Guide. Also, place the Technical Guide nearby so that you can reference the manual whenever necessary and make full use of the outstanding functions of the SILVER DIGIPLATE α SYSTEM.
ii
Using this Technical Guide Limit of responsibility Every effort has been made to make the contents of this technical guide clear and easy to understand, but should any information be unclear, inaccurate or missing, please contact Mitsubishi office or local sales channel. Mitsubishi Paper Mills Ltd. is not responsible for any damage caused by conditions beyond our control, such as use of the product for purposes other than those specified, misuse, or use in inappropriate environmental conditions.
Warning Labels Before handling any processing chemicals, be sure to read the section entitled, “Warning Labels”. Mishandling of processing chemicals and failure to read warning labels may result in fire, burns, or inflammation of the eyes. The warning labels, attached to the packaging, are intended to warn personnel handling processing chemicals or any other personnel who might be close by that potential dangers exist. Three different words are used to indicate warning, “Danger”, “Warning” and “Caution”.
About Warning Labels All the caution labels used on this Silver Digiplate α System (Danger, Warning and Caution) are shown below together with explanations of how to avert the particular danger involved. Be sure to follow the instructions on the warning labels when using, handling, or replacing the processing chemicals. For SDP-αDV and αEDV Warning CRROSIVE May cause eye burning and skin irritation Wear impermeable safety gloves, safety glasses and masks. Use in a well-ventilated location.
Using the Silver Digiplate α System Safely Be cautious when handling processing chemicals These processing chemicals are not generally dangerous to humans, but failure to use them in the correct manner is dangerous. Be sure to handle all processing chemicals with care. Cautions for handling processing chemicals (1) Read and understand the safety precautions for handling processing chemicals, and follow the instructions on the warning labels when using, handling, or replacing processing chemicals.
Have Chemical Waste Removed by a Waste Management Specialist Have Chemical Waste Removed by a Waste Management Specialist Please have chemical waste removed by a waste management specialist. Pouring waste chemicals down the drain is hazardous to public health. As failure to abide by safety restrictions is punishable by law, be sure to dispose of chemical wastes properly. Handle chemicals according to laws and regulations as well as local standards.
Contents INTRODUCTION ................................................................................. 1 Chapter 1 Overview of Silver Digiplate α .................................................. 2 1-1. Products of Silver Digiplate α system ..................................................................... 1-2. Specification of SDP-αRII ...................................................................................... 1-3. Specification of SDP-αV ....................................................
Chapter 7 Printing Auxiliary Material for SDP α System.................... 23 7-1. SDP-αOH .............................................................................................................. 23 7-2. SDP-αCL ............................................................................................................... 23 7-3. SDP-αOA ..............................................................................................................
INTRODUCTION Since first releasing the Silver Master (SLM) direct-camera platemaking system that successfully applied the Diffusion Transfer Reversal (DTR) process, which is a kind of the silver halide printing technology, back in 1974, Mitsubishi Paper Mills Ltd. has been at the forefront of direct prepress technology. The digital plate of this direct prepress system is our SILVER DIGIPLATE (SDP).
Chapter 1 Overview of Silver Digiplate α 1-1. Products of Silver Digiplate α system The SDP-αRII is a silver halide aluminum plate specially designed for Red laser diode. The SDP-αV is an aluminum plate specially designed for Violet laser diode. 1-2. Specification of SDP-αRII Table 1-1. Specification table of SDP-αRII Plate SDP-αRII Base Anodized aluminum Plate gauge 0.15, 0.20, 0.24, 0.30 mm (0.24, 0.
1-3. Specification of SDP-αV Table 1-2. Specification table of SDP-αV Plate SDP-αV Base Anodized aluminum Plate gauge 0.15, 0.20, 0.24, 0.30 mm (0.24, 0.30 for 8-up format) Light sensitivity Violet sensitivity (up to 430 nm) Photographic sensitivity Approx. 3 µJ/cm2 (410 nm) Safety light Yellow-Gold, cut-off below 500 nm (Encapsulite YG-10) Within 5 min.
1-4. Features of Silver Digiplate α 1-4-1. Features of system (1) The direct exposure on the plate with a laser allows repeatable sharp images on printings. (2) The direct exposure on the plate with a laser allows outstanding repeatability of thin lines and dots. (3) The direct exposure on the plate with a laser can avoid particles, dust, or operation errors that may be caused during the process in which images are exposed from the imagesetter media (film prepress process) to the conventional plate.
Chapter 2 Silver Digiplate α System and Materials 2-1. System workflow The Silver Digiplate α (SDP-α) is the material used for the platemaking process in the CTP system. On that account, the complete digital data (text and image) created via the DTP system is indispensable. 2-2. Applicable eqipment for SDP-α system Table 2-1. Applicable equipment Specially designed processor P-α880, P-α880 Eco RF (Mitsubishi Paper Mills Ltd.) Platesetter compatible PF-R1050 (Dainippon Screen Mfg. Co., Ltd.
Processor P-α880 Eco RF-H, W P-α880 Pre-Process section 30 to 70ºC(86 to 158ºF) Not used Developer section Not used 18 to 30ºC(65 to 86ºF) Wash-offf section 30 to 35ºC(86 to 95ºF) Same as the one on the left Dryer section 30 to 65ºC(86 to 145ºF) Same as the one on the left Not used Area, oxidation, oxidation during Temperature control Replenishing method Developer section inactivation, manual Wash-off section Area, vaporization, vaporization Same as the one on the left during inactivat
2-4. Processing solution exclusively used for Silver Digiplate α (SDPα) The SDP-α is the CTP plate on which the silver halide photographic emulsion is coated. For that reason, other processing chemicals that are used for the imagesetter media or the CTP plate cannot be used for the SDP-α. 2-4-1. Platemaking processing solution (1) SDP-αDV, αEDV (Developer) The SDP-αDV is the developer that is exclusively used for the Silver Digiplate α system.
Exchange cycle/ When it is used for P-α880 or P-α880 Eco RF Every 2 weeks or every 250 m2 (Approx. 300 plates for 8-up format, approx. 650 plates for 4-up format) When handling these extremely alkaline chemicals, wear protective glasses and gloves to ensure safety. Warning (3) SDP-αGum (Finishing or Gum solution) The SDP-αGUM is a finishing solution that is exclusively used for the Silver Digiplate α system.
2-4-2. Processing agents for printing • Fountain solution SLM-OD · PSIII 10 liters (should be diluted with water between 1 and 2 %) • Additive for deterioration-prevention of fountain solution SLM-OA1 1 liter (add 0.5 to 1% in the fountain solution to be used) SDP-αOA 1 liter (add 0.5 to 1% in the fountain solution to be used) • Correction pen SDP-αOE · Pen Bleach type (× 3 pcs.
2-5. Packaging The SDP-α is packed in a dark-room loading package. One box contains either 25 or 50 plates, and they are wrapped with a package paper, and then packed in a carton box. The box for 25 plates or 50 plates can be identified based on the weight per box. The maximum size of the plate for a box that contains 50 plates is 755 × 635 mm. If the plate that is larger than this size is to be packed, a box for 25 plates should be used. The size of the plate is shown as “A × B”.
Chapter 3 Silver Digiplate α Principle and Process 3-1. Silver Digiplate α (SDP-α) principle The SDP-α is a CTP direct offset plate that applies the Diffusion Transfer Reversal (DTR) process, which is a silver halide photographic technology. This plate consists of the positive layer and the silver halide emulsion layer that are both formed on the anodized aluminum base. Fig. 3-1. Structure of Silver Digiplate α Silver halide emulsion layer Positive layer Aluminum base 3-2.
(2) Developing When developing the SDP-α exposed by the laser beam, the latent image formed in the emulsion layer reacts with the developer (αDV, αEDV [alkali]). Because of this, the silver halide in the exposed area becomes the developed silver, which is black. In the unexposed area, the silver halide is diffused to the positive layer, and then the metal silver image is formed.
3-3-2. Hydrophilic nature The SDP-α has an extremely high ability to retain water, almost as much as the conventional plate. Note, however, that a stain may be found on the SDP-α if it is processed with the maximum reduction of fountaion solution that can be set for the conventional plate. 3-3-3. Ink compatibility Conventional offset ink, UV ink, and desensitized ink can be also used. 3-3-4.
Chapter 4 Silver Digiplate α Platemaking (Output) Method The Silver Digiplate-α (SPD-α) is the plate that is used under the CTP system, in which the text and the images in the document completed on the DTP system or the CTS (Computer type-setting system) is exposed with a laser beam in the platesetter. 4-1. Condition setting of platesetter (1) Select the SDP-α that complies with the laser diode or the specifications of the platesetter. Table 4-1.
4-3. Determination of optimum exposure level For the SDP-α, the standard exposure level is determined according to the exposure level, at which point the reproduction of the hairline image is optimized on the plate. When determining the standard exposure value, first obtain the laser intensity with which the positive and negative thin lines are reproduced equally on the plate (as in the SDP Control Chart). (If a similar machine output pattern is provided in the platesetter, use the pattern.
4-5. Daily control for optimum exposure level (1) Daily check Mitsubishi Paper Mills Ltd. provides the SDP Chart and the SDP Color Control Chart that are necessary for checking the SDP-α system. Use the tools in those charts to assess the optimum exposure level on the output plate. Due to the silver halide photographic emulsion coated on the SDP-α, the sensitivity may vary slightly depending on the manufacturing lot.
Chapter 5 Storing of Plates 5-1. Storing unexposed plates Store the plate in the proper humidity and temperature (15 to 25 °C, 59 to 77°F) conditions. Relative humidity should be controlled so as not be over 80 % and temperature should be controlled so as not to be over 26 °C(79°F). Recommended condition is 20 °C (64°F)and 65 % relative humidity. Especially in the humid season, pay extra attention to the plate storage condition.
5-3. Storing plate after printing Although we do not particularly recommend storage of the plates after printing, if you used the SDPαOH* or process the plates according to the recommended procedure, it is possible to store the plates for approximately 6 months. When storing the plates, take special care of the storage environment (standard: 20 °C, 64°F, 65 % relative humidity). * SDP-αOH: The plate preserver that is exclusively used for the SDP-α system.
5-4. Handling plate after processing (1) Spotted stain-prevention If droplet is adhered to the plate after processing, a spotted stain may occur on the plate. Make sure not to splash droplets on the plate (be careful not to expectorate). (2) Fingerprint stain-prevention Fingerprints can be easily adhered to the plate, especially immediately after the plate is processed. Also, the longer the plate with the fingerprint is stored before printing, the more distinctively the stain appears when it is printed.
Chapter 6 Correction of Image 6-1. Deleting method When correcting the image, use the SDP-αOE · Pen, which is exclusively used for correcting images. As the images are formed with the precipitated silver on the SDP-α, the images can be deleted by bleaching the silver image with the SDP-αOE · Pen. (In order to delete the image, the silver should be removed from the plate.) Note) The deleting pen used for the conventional plate cannot be used because it is not able to dissolve the silver.
(2) Image deleting procedure after printing Remove the ink from the plate using a waste paper on the printing press. Completely remove the ink with the SDP-αCL or a recommended plate cleaner *. Before deleting, check that the pen tip is filled with deletion fluid using an unused plate. Coat, by scratching the image area to be deleted with the pen tip and wait for a couple of seconds. Lightly scratch the image with the pen tip 5 to 10 times until the image is completely deleted.
- 22 -
Chapter 7 Printing Auxiliary Material for SDP −α System 7-1. SDP-αOH The SDP-αOH is the plate preserver that is exclusively used for the SDP-α system. Shake the container well and put the SDP-αOH in a sponge, which has been soaked with the undiluted solution. Use this solution only in the following cases.
The pH value of the plate cleaner for SDP-Alpha plates should be between 3.0 to 4.0 and should not include tiny particles for cleaning. Determine whether the existing plate cleaner can be used for SDP Alpha plates or not by the following procedure: (1)Create the 30%tint pattern on the plate. (2)Put two cottons soaked with plate cleaner on this tint pattern. (3)Wipe the plate with both cottons and leave them about one hour. After removing cottons, print the plate.
- 25 -
Chapter 8 Standard Setting and Maintenance of Processor 8-1. P-α880 and P-α880 Eco RF 8-1-1. Standard setting (1) Temperature of developer The standard temperature of the developer to be set for the P-α880 is 22 °C, 71.6°F (ambient temperature for the P-α880 Eco RF). (2) Developing time The standard developing time is 10 seconds for the P-α880, and 12 seconds for the P-α880 Eco RF. The developing time should be input in an exponential form from the controller of the processor.
8-1-2. Maintenance of P-α880 The maintenance cycle of the processor to be performed by the customer is set to “daily”, “weekly”, or “monthly”. Post the maintenance list near the processor so that the customer can easily refer to the list and will not fail to perform the specified maintenance. (1) Precautions for exchanging processing chemical After exchanging the processing chemical or cleaning the processor, inspect the processor following the precautions below. Remove bubbles from the lines.
8-1-3. Consumable parts on P-α880 (1) Developer filter Product specification/10-inch long (254 mm), 75-micron filter (1 pc.) Replacement cycle/ When developer is exchanged (every 4 weeks or every 500 m2) Note) The replacement cycle varies depending on the performance of the filter. If a commercial filter is used, instead of the filter specified by Mitsubishi Paper Mills Ltd., we do not guarantee that the replacement cycle and the performance will be maintained. (It is not necessarily for the P-α880 Eco RF.
Chapter 9 Handling Waste Chemicals 9-1. Aluminum plate The SDP-α plate has same aluminum base as the industrial aluminum, which is also used for the conventional plate. Therefore, it can be handled in the same manner as the one for the convensional plate. 9-2. Processing chemicals The developer waste chemical should be handled in the same manner as for the silver halide photograph waste chemical. Please strictly follow all laws and regulations applied by the local government.
Chapter 10 Troubleshooting 10-1. During platemaking Trouble Image error (during platemaking) Symptom Highlighted dots are too small. Possible cause • Over exposure • Inappropriate screen calibration Dots in shadow area are too big. • Under exposure • Inappropriate screen calibration Insufficient density of non-image area • Under exposure • Insufficient wash off Remedy • Decrease the laser intensity. • Perform appropriate screen calibration. • Increase the laser intensity.
Trouble Image error (during platemaking) Symptom Possible cause Remedy Fogging in image area • Light beam fogging •Check the light leakage on the platesetter, if so, shield the light. Fade of image color • Inappropriate storage condition after processing. • Plate was left in the light for a long period. • Avoid direct light on the plate after processing. If possible, store plates in the moistureproof package. Dent, breakage • Inappropriate handling • Handle plates appropriately.
10-2. During printing Trouble Stain Symptom Overall stain or stain in the course of printing Possible cause Remedy • Too much fountain solution supply • Decrease its supply rate. • Inappropriate fountain solution • Change to the recommended fountain solution. • Check the dilution ratio. • Too long plate storage period • Plate (before printing) can be stored for 1 week. Plate (after printing) can be stored for 6 months if the plate has been processed with the SDP-αOH.
Trouble Stain Symptom Overall stain, stain in the course of printing Oxidation stain Possible cause Remedy • Low form roller pressure • Adjust it according to the manual of the press. • High blanket pressure • Adjust it according to the manual of the press. • Inappropriate molleton pressure • Adjust it according to the manual of the press. • Old blanket • Replace it with a new one. • High fountain solution temperature • Decrease the temperature.
Trouble Stain Symptom Scumming • High fountain solution • Stain from emulsion ink concentration • Inappropriate ink (susceptible to • Dirty molleton emulsification) Stain by fingerprint Dropout Possible cause Dropout occurred immediately after the start of printing Remedy • Decrease the concentration ratio. • Clean it or replace it with a new one. • Deterioration of roller • Clean the roller with special cleaner • Operator touched the plate while inspecting the plate after processing.
Trouble Dropout Symptom Dropout in the course of printing Partial dropout Possible cause Remedy • Tacky ink • Use less tacky ink or put in additive. • Do not use tacky ink. • High developer temperature • Set the temperature of the developer as specified. • Too long developing time • Set the dipping time as specified. • Non recommended solvent has been used. • Use the recommended plate cleaner. • Hard blanket • Replace it with a new one.
Trouble Dropout Ink poor acceptance Symptom Partial dropout Ink is not spread at all Possible cause Remedy • Uneven blanket pressures • Uneven form roller pressures • Uneven molleton pressures • Adjust it according to the manual of the press. • Unstable ink supply • Stabilize the ink supply • Non recommended cleaner was used. • Use the recommended plate cleaner. • Foreign material is attached on the plate • Remove it. • Deterioration of processing chemicals • Exchange the processing chemical.
Trouble Symptom Possible cause Ink poor acceptance Partially not inked • Concentrated Gum • Exchange the Gum. • Deterioration of developer • Exchange the developer. • Developer circulation error • Remove bubbles from the lines. • Low temperature of developer • Check for an error in the processor. • Tacky ink • Use less tacky ink or add additive. • Low room temperature • Set the room temperature between 18 and 28 °C for printing.
Trouble Tint pattern reproduction error Symptom Possible cause Remedy • Deterioration of developer • Exchange the developer. • Too short developing time • Set the dipping time as specified. • Low temperature of developer • Set the temperature of the developer as specified. • Deterioration of developer cloth • Replace it with a new one.
Trouble Roller stripping Symptom Worn-out inking roller Possible cause Remedy • Insufficient cleaning • Clean the roller thoroughly, if necessary, with recovering agent. • High fountain solution concentration • Decrease the concentration ratio. • Mixed with cleaner • After ink cleaning, reset the ink. • Excessive water supply • Decrease the water supply.
