I've read a lot on this forum about various attributes pertaining to specific plates but not much about how to really compare them in the pressroom.
I have suggested that the best way to test would be to request linear plates from the manufacturer with identical images on each. In this way, the quality of the plate and of the imaging system could be tested to determine how the individual plate carries water and reproduces the critical highlights and deep shadows. If plate 1 holds a 2% dot at 200 lpi and plate 2 holds a 1% I would judge that the ability of plate 2 at holding highlights is greater than plate 1. The same evaluation would be used to judge the shadows and midtones.
Would this process help determine which plate has the most/least amount of inherent TVI based on being linear? Would one test be a proper determination or should it be repeated a couple of times to account for imaging inconsistencies, plate variances and printability?
I've often been told to find a plate that the pressroom can run the best and go from there. This would be the first step in this process.
I'd appreciate any feedback related to the following plates, with the stipulation being chem-free (not sure I like that terminology) and thermal. Current technology is violet but looking to go thermal. Company is high quality 4 and 5 color sheetfed with between $15 and $20 million in sales. Plates are read with X-Rite Plate Scope.
Agfa - I don't know the difference between Amigo and Accento but would relish the education
Fuji - Pro-T
Kodak - Thermal Direct
TIA for your help and thoughts.
I have suggested that the best way to test would be to request linear plates from the manufacturer with identical images on each. In this way, the quality of the plate and of the imaging system could be tested to determine how the individual plate carries water and reproduces the critical highlights and deep shadows. If plate 1 holds a 2% dot at 200 lpi and plate 2 holds a 1% I would judge that the ability of plate 2 at holding highlights is greater than plate 1. The same evaluation would be used to judge the shadows and midtones.
Would this process help determine which plate has the most/least amount of inherent TVI based on being linear? Would one test be a proper determination or should it be repeated a couple of times to account for imaging inconsistencies, plate variances and printability?
I've often been told to find a plate that the pressroom can run the best and go from there. This would be the first step in this process.
I'd appreciate any feedback related to the following plates, with the stipulation being chem-free (not sure I like that terminology) and thermal. Current technology is violet but looking to go thermal. Company is high quality 4 and 5 color sheetfed with between $15 and $20 million in sales. Plates are read with X-Rite Plate Scope.
Agfa - I don't know the difference between Amigo and Accento but would relish the education
Fuji - Pro-T
Kodak - Thermal Direct
TIA for your help and thoughts.