Thread: Plate Image is Fading after xxx-impressions

I am running a Ryobi 3302M with Mitsabishi direct poly plates. when i run this monthly newsletterr 16,000, 11x17 #60, Black & 185 I always have problems with my image. Alot of the time i can run the first-side without to many problems... some minor toning and scumming on the lead edge of the plate>paper and i have to squirt a little bit of water on the ends of the rolls damping unit durning the last half of the run to keep the side scumming off. When i run the second side of the job it is an absolute nightmere everytime. This last time i made it to about 5k and lost the image on my plates and then had to hang new plates every 2k after that to finish the job. It looks like something is rubbing the plate surface off (light greyess color) it loses the blackness of the plate.

Here are some things i have tried, not to say that it still couldn't be one of these issues i have explored so far. I feel i am just running in circles.

• New Clean Chemistry every time
• Running Developer temprature @ 30 celcuis
• New ink rolls and Crestline rolls
• Tech. installed all new rolls & re-checked pressures couple weeks later
• I am running new ink not any old stuff
• I am mixing Universal Pink 4oz per gallon (dropped it down some)
• switched from tap water to distilled

I have never had to use any additives (Ink or water) of any kind during my whole career, and really i am in unfamilar waters. The water metering roller does seem to get more and more build up during the run. I have been told to try an alchol sub. to reduce this. I do have and use metering roller cleaner.

I would love some good old advise so my life can go back to NORMAL

If the first pass is ok then you could presume the chemistry, ink, etc is ok. Are you using any anti-set off powder on the first pass ??

Is it only with that particular job that you experience this or with other job too? Try washing up after the first side and then start up again. Im wondering if after that many sheets your just getting a calcium build up or something..

If the universal pink is just like the pink mega plate solution (which I'm pretty sure it is) try 16oz solution per gallon. I also add 8oz of etch per gallon. I run Kompacs and run the Presstech line of film and chemistry. On lighter screens I start to lose them around 12-13k imps. But solid type I can run 50-60k no problem. Kompacs get a little gummy with ink buildup and I wash them up as needed 30-60k imps. My ink rollers are beat and the stripes a little heavy. Spinks oil base on everything and I go 8 weeks between DPM chemistry changes. I also use distilled water in the solution. So try more fountain solution and add some mega etch and see where you are. As mentioned spray powder can add havoc if too heavy. So watch that too. I use a 320 grade which is a nice overall powder. 16.000 2/2 should easily run with 1 set of plates and no issues.

I have been running Poly Mitsubishi plates at the same shop for over 15 years. I have had a 3302m here for 10 of those years. I have had the same problem for the entire time. I had mitsubishi come out and they said it's the ink. The ink guys say it's the fountain solution and the fountain solution guys say it's the plates. I have found the fix to this problem recently. If you would like to try it PM me. I will not waste my time any longer for people that are stuck in one way of doing things. Just a warning it means changing your thinking completely about ink and fountain solutions. All the adjusting mixes and rollers will just mask the real problem. I spent the last 10 years recearching this and finally I found it. My plates now last 50 to 60k with the screens never changing and no more scuming.

Originally Posted by wnchstr156

I will not waste my time any longer for people that are stuck in one way of doing things. Just a warning it means changing your thinking completely about ink and fountain solutions. All the adjusting mixes and rollers will just mask the real problem. I spent the last 10 years recearching this and finally I found it. My plates now last 50 to 60k with the screens never changing and no more scuming.

Care to share the info with the rest of the folk who try to help people on the forum ?

Originally Posted by mrheidelberg

Care to share the info with the rest of the folk who try to help people on the forum ?

I would be glad to. Unfortunately I stopped doing that because everyone keeps telling me it wont work before they even try it. I am not waisting my time anymore. If you want to know send me a pm. If I get enough I may share it here. This should filter out the conservative minds that just want to tell me I am crazy.

well im interested.

Count me in.

Count me in also!