New Plates

[DeCal]

I am wondering if anyone out there has used or is using Presstek Aeon thermal plates, Kodak Trillian , or how they compare any information is much appreciated.

[Kevin@Kodak]

I am wondering if anyone out there has used or is using Presstek Aeon thermal plates, Kodak Trillian , or how they compare any information is much appreciated.

I'll save my marketing spiel about Trillian SP plates for now...

Are you using alcohol sub founts? Even if you're not... do a "drop test" of all your pressroom chemistries on both plate types, and the differences will speak for themselves. Chemical resistance is decidely not one of the strengths of the Aeon plate.

KODAK TRILLIAN SP Chemical Resistance Demonstrated - YouTube

See this link too.

Kevin.

[DeCal]

Thank you.
I have read up n the trillian plates and noticed that one of their major selling points is chemical resistance but, another concern I have is how well do they hold up against UV inks?

[Kevin@Kodak]

Thank you.
I have read up n the trillian plates and noticed that one of their major selling points is chemical resistance but, another concern I have is how well do they hold up against UV inks?

Very good question. The answer is "excellent". The limiting factor when printing with UV inks is almost exclusively related to chemical (solvent) resistance. UV inks themselves aren't usually the biggest problem - it's the blanket washes and such that are used with them which eat away at normal plates. Secondly there are the abrasive issues of some of the typical UV inks like opaque whites and metallics, etc.

I'm sure that even Presstek will tell you that Aeon requires post-baking for any UV ink application. Trillian SP does not until you get into long-run UV work (typically 150k impressions or more with UV, but there are many variables).

Kevin.

[DeCal]

Really so the main concept that I am getting from you and most of my reading is that post-baking is a very good option to have when printing with UV inks. As of now I am using SWORD EXCEL plates and they tend not to last after 150k imps. as you are saying but we are also not post-baking them. Also would it be worth the time to look into a less harsh blanket washes and other chemicals.

[Kevin@Kodak]

Really so the main concept that I am getting from you and most of my reading is that post-baking is a very good option to have when printing with UV inks. As of now I am using SWORD EXCEL plates and they tend not to last after 150k imps. as you are saying but we are also not post-baking them. Also would it be worth the time to look into a less harsh blanket washes and other chemicals.

Correct. Most UV print applications these days are short-mid run lengths. i.e. under 150k impressions. However, if you're regularly going over that and need a single set of plates to last, then post-baking is almost a necessity.

However, working with your plate vendor and press chemical vendors it's possible to find a combination of materials that will let you go slightly longer... but if you're already getting 150k unbaked with Sword Excel then you're probably fairly optimized already (for that plate). Trillian SP has better chemical resistance than Sword Excel (and we think any other plate on the market, unbaked), but it's not going to get you to 500k unbaked with UV inks either.

Baking helps - but it's expensive (equipment, energy, heat, some chemistry) and takes up a lot of room. We're doing all we can to eliminate baking for all but the harshest printing needs.

Kevin.

[DeCal]

So what would be the advantages of switching to Trillian from Sword plates because with all the great information you have been giving me(Thank you by the way) it seems I will be getting close to the same amount of imps. per plate. Also with Trillian being new I figure they would cost more.

[Kevin@Kodak]

So what would be the advantages of switching to Trillian from Sword plates because with all the great information you have been giving me(Thank you by the way) it seems I will be getting close to the same amount of imps. per plate. Also with Trillian being new I figure they would cost more.

From an on-press perspective, Trillian SP should give you better run length even under UV ink conditions, but unfortunately I can't say exactly how much because UV conditions vary so widely. A real press test would be the best way to be sure. If the run length you're getting from Sword Excel is only slightly too short for your needs, then this alone is worth pursuing (maybe 20% more?)

However, Trillian SP will also give you prepress benefits. It's a faster plate to image, which may improve your CTP productivity (depending on device). It will also lower your total chemistry usage by about half, and reduce your processor cleaning needs.

Yes, it's a newer and more valuable plate - but the value it delivers should easily lower your total cost of use compared to Sword. Let me know if you want a specific quote for your shop - I still have a little pull around here.

Kevin.

[DeCal]

Thank you very much all this information was greatly appreciated.

[Armya Inc]

I'll save my marketing spiel about Trillian SP plates for now...

Are you using alcohol sub founts? Even if you're not... do a "drop test" of all your pressroom chemistries on both plate types, and the differences will speak for themselves. Chemical resistance is decidely not one of the strengths of the Aeon plate.

KODAK TRILLIAN SP Chemical Resistance Demonstrated - YouTube

See this link too.

Kevin.

Indeed Kodak Trillian is one of the best Plates in the world. Beside chemical resistance. The quality is excellent.