Where can I purchase plates for an AB Dick 9850 with T head?

[Luisgorg]

I just purchased an AB Dick Press, which I absolutely no nothing about. I bought it so I can learn how to operate an offset press.

But the main thing thats holding me back is, where or how to get plates made.
Does anyone know of a place to get them done or have any recommendations on platemakers? (in the l.a. area)

Any info. is greatly appreciated.

 

[FFR428]

With most guys going into the digital age there might not be many plate burners around you. But your best bet is to call most of the local printers and more so the smaller chain shops. Keep a eye on your local Craigslist and try some of the schools in your area. One of them might have a old plate burner tucked in the corner somewhere. If you have any equipment guys in the area try them too. But I'd start talking with your local guys and see what you can find.


Now this next method is very very old school but a old engraver I used to know did some offset work on his Multi 1250. He burned his plates in the front window of the shop. He simply lined them up with the neg and taped them secure on the window. Then hand developed them. I don't know the exact timeframe I never asked. But worst case you can try to burn a few plates with a grey scale on them and see what you get. Not optimal for screens and halftones but line type is ok. This might at least allow you to try the press out. After all UV light is UV light.

 

[plotter]

you can usually get plate burners off ebay, get the plates and developer from a local supplier and all you need for general work is some transparent film and a postscript laser printer.. this is how i started

 

[Luisgorg]

Thanks for your responses.

What about polyester plates, would anyone recommend that? Plus I read up on it and an HP 5100 is mainly used to print on these plates. Does it have to be that specific model or can it be any other HP printer?

 

[ziggy33]

Nobody in there right mind suggests poly plates ever but if you don't care about your quality go for it! Gotta have the right stuff to make em don't guess they are bad enough when made properly

 

[Printerforlife]

I have used poly plates for many years you can't go wrong if you run lengths are under 20,000 as for the quality that's all up to the operator.If you would like some more info about what we use email me at rchesser@sbsduluth.com

 

[lantz_xvx]

Poly laser plates are great for text, line art and mild halftones, for runs under 2,000. They come out to be about $1.50 apiece and are well suited if you're just starting out. There's no reason to drop money on a metal plate unless you're doing four color work, work with huge screens or halftones, and / or need to archive the plates. I know printers that use poly plates for 90% of their work and their stuff is beautiful.

I used to have an AB Dick 9850. It will fight you. You will think it's trying to kill you. But I did some pretty good stuff on it and once you figure it out, you probably will too. Let me know if you have questions.

- Lantz

 

[betweenthesheets]

plates

Try-Intoprinttechnologies for plates.
I have a burner if you are interested.