Dots Do It Right

In general, advances in –digital platemaking techniques in flexographic printing have been driven by the desire to achieve improved print quality, a streamlined workflow, and more sustainable manufacturing processes. The first generation of flexo platesetters used round-tipped dots rather than a traditional flat-tipped structure, a change that presented challenges for corrugated converters. These round-tipped dots resulted when the dot surface lost its sharpness and strength due to the presence of oxygen during the plate exposure process. On a –corrugated press, this can result in a loss of highlight detail, unpredictable dot gain, increased fluting, and decreased plate longevity.