Plate Cleaners and Conditioners

Plate cleaners and conditioners are essential products used in offset printing to maintain the performance and longevity of printing plates. Plates play a crucial role in the offset process by transferring the inked image onto the blanket, and keeping them clean and in good condition ensures consistent print quality and reduces press downtime. Plate cleaners are formulated to remove ink, oxidation, and other debris from the plate surface, while conditioners restore the plate’s surface, ensuring it remains hydrophilic in the non-image areas.

• Removes Ink Residue and Debris: During printing, plates accumulate ink, paper dust, and other contaminants that can degrade print quality. Plate cleaners are specifically designed to remove these residues, ensuring that the plate remains clean for consistent ink transfer.
• Removes stubborn ink stains: Cleaners effectively break down dried ink stains and stubborn residues that regular cleaning methods may not eliminate.
• Restores Hydrophilic Properties: Plate conditioners work to restore and maintain the hydrophilic (water-attracting) properties of the non-image areas on the plate. This ensures that ink does not adhere to these areas, preventing issues such as scumming and toning.
• Prevents ink adhesion: By maintaining a strong water layer on non-image areas, conditioners ensure that ink only sticks to the image areas, resulting in cleaner prints.
• Prevents Oxidation: Plates can oxidize over time due to exposure to air, chemicals, and moisture, leading to reduced performance and poor ink adhesion. Plate cleaners often contain anti-oxidation agents that protect the plate’s surface from oxidation, prolonging its usability.
• Keeps plates fresh for extended use: Cleaners help remove oxidation buildup, keeping plates ready for use even after prolonged storage.
• Enhances Plate Longevity: Regular use of plate cleaners and conditioners extends the lifespan of printing plates by preventing wear, maintaining surface smoothness, and reducing the need for frequent plate replacements.
• Minimizes wear and tear: Conditioners help reduce friction between the plate and blanket, minimizing surface wear and prolonging the life of the plate.
• Removes Glazing: Over time, ink and contaminants can form a hard, glossy layer on the plate’s surface known as glazing. Plate cleaners effectively remove this layer, restoring the plate’s ability to accept and transfer ink properly.
• Improves print consistency: Removing glazing ensures that ink coverage remains consistent throughout print runs, preventing issues like streaking or faded prints.
• Compatibility with Different Plate Types: Modern plate cleaners and conditioners are formulated to be compatible with a wide range of plate materials, including aluminum, photopolymer, and thermal plates. This versatility makes them suitable for various offset printing setups.
• Safe for sensitive plates: Cleaners are designed to clean effectively without damaging delicate plate surfaces, preserving their integrity and performance.
• Conditioning Between Jobs: Plate conditioners are also used during downtime between jobs to keep plates in optimal condition. This prevents plates from drying out or degrading while they’re not in use, ensuring they are ready for the next print run.
• Reduces reconditioning time: By conditioning plates between jobs, press operators can reduce the time needed to prepare plates for the next run.
• Easy Application: Plate cleaners and conditioners are available in various forms, including sprays, liquids, and wipes, making them easy to apply during regular maintenance routines without requiring significant press downtime.