Digital Plates: ThermalNews Printing Plate

A dedicated thermal newspaper CtP technology.

Kodak Polychrome Graphics has established itself as a world leader in thermal plate technology by revolutionizing commercial, digital platemaking. This ground-breaking technology has now proved itself time and again with commercial printers nationwide. ThermalNews, our latest generation of thermal plates, meets the rigorous demands of newspaper printing, bringing unsurpassed final print quality and outstanding reliability to this arena.

With virtually no dot gain at plate level, the ThermalNews plate offers high run lengths of 200,000+ without post baking, as well as enjoying fast restarts on-press and a significant overall reduction in plate production time, in turn providing valuable extra editorial time.

These highly sensitive yet durable thermal digital newspaper plates are the result of ongoing commitment by Kodak Polychrome Graphics to research and development focused on customer needs.

• High sensitivity thermal digital plates, featuring advanced technology
• Wide processing latitude and high processing stability for flexibility and consistent, repeatable results.
• Increased platemaking productivity through consistency. Plate reliability means production efficiencies and fewer remakes, leading to increased editorial time.
• Low ink/water balance contributing to easy restart after press is stopped.
• Precise dot reproduction, with virtually no dot gain at plate level. High resolution, first generation thermal dots facilitate accurate color reproduction.
• Strong image color contrasting with non-image areas after processing facilitates easy inspection and any necessary deletions.
• Run lengths of 200,000+ without post baking, subject to press conditions.
• Low processor maintenance 1000 m² of plates developed per 40 liters of developer means minimal attention. Replenishment with normal developer is optional.
• Dual processing compatibility with conventional Kodak Polychrome Graphics Winner Printing Plate
• Manufactured in advanced production facilities to exacting standards to ensure reliability and consistency.

Product Specifications
Sizes and gauges	Max. 650 mm x 980 mm, minimum 290 mm x 470 mm; gauges 0.2 mm*, 0.3 mm, and 0.4 mm* (*Gauges 0.2 mm and 0.4 mm are not yet fully available in all sizes)
Storage and handling	Keep plates away from excessive heat or high humidity. Maximum temperature 24ºC @ 60% relative humidity while handling, and 2-6 hours before exposure, depending on thickness of stock.
Exposure	Spectral sensitivity: digital 800-850 nm. Suitable for digital exposure on thermal platesetters. Exposure energy required 120-170 mJ/cm2, depending on imaging device and laser divergence, tendency is falling. Recommended equipment: The Kodak Polychrome Graphics Newsetter System and CreoScitex 2637F and V AL. A standard conventional plate production environment should be used; 200 lux is the recommended level of lighting.
Pre Heat	Heat to 120ºC +/- 10º with dwell time of about 15 seconds.
Water pre wash	Use water at a rate of .5 liter per square meter of plate.
Process	As with all thermal plates, a particular configuation of brushes and rollers is recommended, such as that set up in the Mercury News Plate Processor. Develop with Kodak Polychrome Graphics Developer 980. Dwell time is from 20 to 30 seconds. Developer temperature is 23ºC +/- 2ºC. Rinse with water.
Replenishment	Kodak Polychrome Graphics Developer 980 is also used for drag out replenishment, at a rate of 30 ml per square meter. No additional replenishment is necessary.
Gumming	Use Kodak Polychrome Graphics 850 S. Finishing gum diluted 1:1 with water for short-term storage. Kodak Polychrome Graphics 850 Finishing Gum is recommended for long-term storage.
Deletions/Additions	Corrections may be carried out on the gummed plate using Kodak Polychrome Graphics C41/C42 Correction Pen, or Correction Fluid 231, allowing a deletion time of about 60 seconds. To avoid dryout of deleted areas, after correction, rinse with water and regum with Kodak Polychrome Graphics 850 S Finishing Gum.
Printing	Run lengths of 200,000+ without postbaking, subject to press conditions.
Plate cleaners/preservers	Avoid sytematic use. Always rinse after use. During long stops, operators should remove ink with Kodak Polychrome Graphics Plate Cleaner, or use other cleaners/preservers, which contain gum (or synthetic equivalents). Do not use products containing abrasives, such as scratch removers or alkaline plate cleaners.

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