Agfa Acento S and Kodak Sword Excel plates

[Jerri]

We have an Acento S from Agfa and are using Kodak sword plates. Has anyone ever done this before? We usually have no problems, but here lately we get hot spots on plates. Some are random, some are in a straight row on the plate.

 

[Raymond Ramirez]

I've seen this problem before. The device being a screen device is very susceptible do artifacts on the drums my question to you is when was the last time you get a preventative maintenance you're not getting proper vacuum. When the device was installed proper use our maintenance requires periodic cleaning of the drum and and cleaning roller .. You could send me an email and I can assist you on proper user maintenance.

We have an Acento S from Agfa and are using Kodak sword plates. Has anyone ever done this before? We usually have no problems, but here lately we get hot spots on plates. Some are random, some are in a straight row on the plate.

 

[rich apollo]

Check the backs of the plates with hot spots; see if there are any scratches or dimples opposite the hot spots. I've had small imperfections due to plate handling cause such problems. It takes very little to throw a laser out of focus.

Wipe down the drum, as Raymond suggested.

Check that the laser power is not waning.

 

[Bigger@Kodak]

Jerry, As both Raymond and Rich have posted, the Acento S (Screen CTP) is a fixed focus device which means that, unlike Kodak CTP devices, the focal depth of the laser is fixed at initial set up and cannot adjust for any unforeseen undulations in the imaging surface of the plate. As they mentioned, many times these changes in the imaging surface can be caused by debris on the drum, debris or scratches on the backside of the plate, or improper vacuum. When this occurs the plate’s imaging surface will become raised and the laser will be thrown out of focus leading to improper exposure and poor imaging.

 

[Jerri]

Thanks guys,
Agfa guy changed out a roller and cleaned drum. Working good.