"""
Knowledge about plate making processes for packaging printing.
"""

title = "Plate Making Processes"

content = """
Printing plates transfer the image to substrate. Plate making technology
determines print quality, production speed, and job changeover efficiency.
Understanding these processes enables informed technology decisions.

**Offset Plate Making:** Traditional offset plates use photosensitive
coatings exposed through film or digitally imaged. Thermal CTP (Computer-to-Plate)
lasers ablate coatings without chemical processing, enabling daylight operation
and fast plate throughput. Violet CTP offers cost-effective imaging for
shorter runs. Processless plates eliminate development entirely, reducing
chemical use and processing variability. Plate materials include aluminum,
polyester (for low-volume applications), and reusable grained cylinders.

**Flexographic Plate Making:** Photopolymer plates begin as liquid resin
poured onto polyester backings or as solid sheets. Film-based exposure uses
negative films as masks; digital exposure uses laser ablation of black masks
or direct-to-plate systems. UV exposure polymerizes exposed areas. Washout
removes unexposed resin with solvent or aqueous solutions. Drying and finishing
complete the process. Plate thickness and shore hardness vary by application.

**Digital Plate Technologies:** DLE (Digital Laser Exposure) plates use
ablatable black masks that laser imaging removes before UV exposure. This
hybrid approach improves highlight detail and reduces dot gain. DOD (Direct
On Device) systems image directly onto photopolymer without masks. Flat-top
dot plates maintain dot height across the tone range, reducing press gain
and improving print consistency.

**Quality Control:** Plate inspection verifies proper imaging, clean text,
and accurate halftone dot structure. Microscopic examination checks dot
shoulder angles and floor depth. Registration targets confirm multi-color
alignment. Proper storage (light-safe, controlled humidity) preserves plate
integrity until press mounting.
"""

version = "0.0.1"
