How do Printing Plates Work?
This video explains the role of Printing Plates in the can decorating process, where intricate, multi-colored labels are applied to beverage cans.
The Basics of Printing Plates
Each label on a beverage can is made up of multiple colors. For every color in the design, there is a corresponding printing plate. These plates are engraved with the specific design for that color, using a pattern of tiny dots.
The surface of a printing plate is composed of high and low spots. The high spots hold ink and transfer it to the blanket, while the low spots remain ink-free, ensuring precise reproduction of the design.
The Printing Process
1) Ink Application to Plates:
Each Inker Assembly of the Decorator is assigned one color and applies that color's ink onto the corresponding printing plate.
2) Loading the Blanket:
The blanket cylinder rotates past each printing plate, loading ink from one plate at a time. As the blanket collects ink from multiple printing plates, the full-color design begins to form.
3) Transferring the Label to the Can:
Once the blanket is fully loaded with all colors from the printing plates, it transfers the complete, multi-colored label directly onto the can. This process happens at high speeds, ensuring consistent, high-quality decoration on every can.
Each Inker Assembly of the Decorator is assigned one color and applies that color's ink onto the corresponding printing plate.
2) Loading the Blanket:
The blanket cylinder rotates past each printing plate, loading ink from one plate at a time. As the blanket collects ink from multiple printing plates, the full-color design begins to form.
3) Transferring the Label to the Can:
Once the blanket is fully loaded with all colors from the printing plates, it transfers the complete, multi-colored label directly onto the can. This process happens at high speeds, ensuring consistent, high-quality decoration on every can.