Defining of printing plate quality level through introduction of different image analysis applications

Abstract

Printing plate is carrier of an image which will be print out and multiply in the reproduction process. It consists of surfaces which will, by using a printing ink, transfer the digitally made image onto the printing substrate. Quality of the image and final imprint depend on a number of parameters which have to be monitored and adjusted during the printing plate making and reproduction processes. Quality control of printing plate can be conducted by observing the printing areas, made of photosensitive layer; or by observing the non-printing areas,made of aluminium-oxide. Quality of the image on the printing plate surface is usually controlled by using different devices for measuring the quality level of plates. These devices work on the principle of determining several parameters for monitoring the quality of printing plates, where, the most significant is, the surface coverage of the printing elements. Beside those devices, market today offers a range of alternative methods which allow the determination and characterization of tones by using a software support for image analysis. Those methods are using the microscopic images of the surface and can define the surface coverage of printing elements and other necessary information about the quality of the printing plate. The aim of this work is the defining of printing plate quality level through introduction of different image analysis applications. The results of this research may indicate that it is also possible to use alternative applications for monitoring the quality of the printing plates. Furthermore, this paper would provide a general overview of quality control possibilities for printing plates and could be useful to the systems where such controls are regularly conducted.