ab dick b/w print - ran out of patience and ideas, please help.

Hi guys. I have a AB Dick Century 3500, I understand that machine is rare but I dont think problem I am having has to do with this model only. When I print , image gets lots of little tiny white dots especially on dense areas. They are not visible on the plate but clearly evident on the blanket. Water system on this press is something similar to crestline. I have drained the chiller and put fresh solution in it using polar spring bottle as a source so no tap water issues. Ink is spinks acryllic and I used some tack reducer to make sure it does not pick the paper fibers. Another thing beyound my control - temperature in the warehouse is below 50 F but I had this issue before regardless of the temp just not to this extend. The whole page coming out looks like it sprinkled with white paint so bad that I had to quit the day. If you think you know what is the problem/ solution please let me know. I am runnig simple b/w bs job and can't make saleable. Thank in advance.

 

New blanket

 

It is, replaced it 2 month ago, and we ran the press 2-3 day a week only. How blanket would affect this kind of printing deffect?

 

I'd try Spinks oil base instead of the Acrylic..... to me the acrylic is much like a rubber base. Oil base lays down much nicer for me. Also what kind of stock? Same results on a different stock? I have found some of the digital copier specific papers print like **** sometimes. Go figure?

 

Defective blanket maybe, also check your plate to blanket pressure. Some of the new digital coating they use dosnt agree with ink

 

Also cold temps like that are not helping much either.

 

Oh, yes - stock. it's a 20lb 11x17 paper, the "paperline" junk

 

I have Spinks Titan - will try tomorrow.

 

Yep the Titan should hopefully run better. It's been cold up here too so a bit of reducer can help. Paperline stock not the best but I've run it and it prints ok. Not great but for linework or books with some halftones/solids not bad. Just remember the "print" side of the stock nets best results. Good luck!

 

It does not specify on the ream-wrap as it does on some papers. Is there a way to determine?

 

Print side should be "up" out of the ream unless there's a arrow showing which side is print side. You can flip the stock over as well to verify which side prints best too. I'm sure it gets mixed up sometimes too.

 

Thank you. I am, usually, stack paper always the same way and it's wrap's joint up, means it is upside-down technically speaking.
Guys, thanks for all the input. I am also would be interested in definition of this, like there is a name for major issues like hickeys, etc.

 

in cold weather i always run a hairdryer over the ink in the duct and rollers for a few minutes first before inking them up, youd be suprised how much this helps

 

Hi guys, I would like to thank you all for help. Most of the advices were right on the spot. I had cleaned the blanket with blanket cleaner and hot water to the extend that rag no longer was getting dirty. Beautifull print - no spots after that. Had some paper pick-up issues but that had to do with one of the pick-up feet (it uses system similar to Big foot) was stiffy. Some cleaning and press ran like a charm all afternnon. Million thanks to all of you. Roman.

 

Sounds like the cold temp and stiff ink was picking the surface on your sheet. I also have a 3500 also, which I have been running for 5-6 years. I'm having pretty good luck with all I have tried. Some delivery problems on the chain bars but I am working on it. Possibly we can discuss problems between the two machine if you care to.

Tim

 

Sure Tim, gladly. You may write me unlimitedBT@yahoo.com, i can give you the phone number as well but out of public forum.

 

I am not familiar with your press but printing is printing !I dont think spring water will help...try distilled water,and cut back on
your fountain solution also maybe try varn aqua varnish #30

 

Hi Roman, your interest in a definition of terminology is valued. Are you asking about the felt side and wire side of paper or the grain direction, printability, runability, best direction of grain for registration, ect.