Features Packaging Printing
Asahi Launches TOP and AWP Plates

Asahi Photoproducts has introduced what the company describes as two new premium digital photopolymer flexo plates, called TOP (solvent washable) and AWP (water-washable), which use Pinning Top Dot (PTD) technology.

PTD is designed to provide clean ink transfer and to prevent ink accumulating on the plate surfaces and shoulders in screen areas. It allows what Asahi refers to as a kiss-touch printing pressure settings. Its polymer chemistry provides low plate surface tension to inhibit liquid flow. The ink forms a globule, with a large contact angle and high pinning point. This results, according to Asahi, in a cleaner and homogeneous ink transfer from plate to substrate.

Asahi explains the higher pinning point also allows for applying reduced printing pressure throughout the printing run, regardless of ink set used, which leads to lower dot gain. Asahi’s PTD plates offer a resolution of 80 l/cm (200 lpi), minimum isolated dot of 150 µm micron, and is available in thicknesses of 1.14mm (shore A hardness 77) and 1.70mm (shore A hardness 69). It is compatible with all commonly available laser types, as well as the latest high-definition microcell screening technology.