Printing Plate Research Articles

Application of PolyJet 3D Printing in Production of Flexographic Printing Plates

The aim of this study was to investigate whether PolyJet technology, which uses rubber-like materials for printing and is known for its high resolution and performance, could be suitable for producing flexographic printing plates. In our research, we designed test plates that were printed using PolyJet technology with TangoBlackPlus FLX9870-DM resin. These 3D-printed plates were evaluated for their resistance to various flexographic inks and solvents, and their contact angles were measured. Subsequently, the prints were made on a Flexiproof device using water-based ink with both the test plates and traditional photopolymer plates across six different substrates. The print quality was assessed using densitometry and spectrophotometry. Our findings indicate that the 3D-printed plates are suitable for printing solid areas and lines with water-based inks. However, the print quality of the 3D-printed plates is slightly lower than that of the photopolymer plates, with the optical density values for the high-quality prints on coated papers being approximately 10% lower. Additionally, the plates printed with TangoBlack Plus resin appear to be suitable for UV inks due to their high resistance, but they are not resistant to the solvents used in solvent-based inks.

Programming the deformation of the temperature driven spiral structure in 4D printing

Abstract Achieving shape programming of 4D printed actuators by varying the manufacturing process parameters. In this study, the effect of different path combinations on structural deformation was investigated. By altering the driving layer, passive layer, and grid angle, the spiral deformation direction of the double-layer structure was precisely controlled. Additionally, a finite element analysis model was established to predict the deformation behavior of PLA-based spiral structures. Furthermore, the influence of printing speed, nozzle temperature, line width, layer height, and plate temperature on the spiral curvature of the structure was examined. The results show that increasing printing speed and plate temperature can improve the spiral behavior of the structure, whereas increasing line width, layer height, and nozzle temperature have opposite effects. A multiple linear regression analysis was conducted on the five printing parameters to predict their influence on the spiral curvature of the structure, and a predictive model for the spiral deformation was developed. The structure was partitioned for design purposes, aiming to achieve diverse deformations of the actuator under the same geometric configuration. A loop-shaped actuator was designed to capture objects. The results showed that the path combination determined the spiral direction of the actuator, while the forming parameters effectively controlled the spiral curvature of the actuator.

‘5D PRINTING’ -THE NEW ERA IN DENTISTRY! -A NARRATIVE REVIEW

3D printing technology has a wide range of applications in various industries. It is widely used to produce complex 3D structures, but it has some limitations such as a limited amount of material, etc., which have been overcome with the introduction of 4D printing technology. In 4D printing, which involves time as a function and the combination of smart materials, this enables properties such as changing form and function.[1]Five-dimensional (5D) printing is a new branch of additive manufacturing (AM) with great potential to solve problems in engineering, medicine, dentistry and other related fields. It is the latest technological advancement used to produce complex and intricately shaped products, implants and devices with much better physical properties than those obtained by three-dimensional (3D) printing. The concept of 5D printing originated from William Yerazunis of the American University of Mitsubishi Electric Research Laboratories (MERL). In 5D printing, the printing plate also moves with the printing head during the printing process. in 3D printing techniques.[1]four-dimensional (4D) printing is the concept of using a smart material that can change the shape of a printed object over time as the temperature changes. [2] One of the advantages of 5D printing is the use of 25% less material than 3D printing. Five-dimensional printing is all about efficiently manufacturing this complex and curved structure with maximum strength. Using computer-aided design (CAD) data to produce super strong dental implants, orthodontic brackets, crowns, aligners, bridges and appliances. This CAD data is created using the dentist's 3D scanner / different design software.[1] 5D printing of five axes: [1], 1.X-axis ;2. Y-axis;3. Z axis; 4. Movable print head and 5. Movable printing base.5D printing is an advanced manufacturing technology that builds on the concept of 3D printing and adds customization options and features. While 3D printing requires the creation of three-dimensional objects layer by layer, 5D printing allows additional functions or features to be added to a printable object, often dynamically or responsively. its role in dentistry may be limited due to the newness of the technology.

Rapid Tooling for Microinjection Moulding of Proof-of-Concept Microfluidic Device: Resin Insert Capability and Preliminary Validation

Producing sustainable microfluidic devices on a large scale has become a trend in the biomedical field. However, the transition from laboratory prototyping to large-scale industrial production poses several challenges due to the gap between academia and industry. In this context, prototyping with a mass production approach could be the novel strategy necessary to bridge academic research to the market. Here, the performance of polymer inserts to produce PMMA microfluidic devices using the microinjection moulding process is presented. Inserts were fabricated with an additive manufacturing process: material jetting technology. The importance of the inserts’ orientation on the printing plate in order to produce samples with more uniform thickness and lower roughness has been demonstrated using a flat cavity insert. In addition, preliminary tests were carried out on microstructured inserts with inverted channels of various cross-section shapes (semi-circular or trapezoidal) and widths (200 or 300 µm) in order to investigate the microstructures’ resistance during the moulding cycles. The best geometry was found in the channel with the trapezoidal cross-section with a width equal to 300 µm. Finally, a preliminary microfluidic test was performed to demonstrate the devices’ workability.

Cartographic analysis of two centuries of map printing using copperplates – examples from the Czech Republic and Malta collections

Abstract This paper provides a comprehensive description of preserved copper plates used for map printing in order to enrich the existing knowledge and, at the same time, contribute with new knowledge on the topic of the engraving of old maps. The dimensions, thickness, and weight of individual printing plates were measured. Qualitative indicators of the material were also examined. Printing plates originating from countries north of the Alps (former Czech lands) and from Mediterranean regions (Malta and Italy) are represented. For the purpose of the study, the term printing plate refers to a copperplate on which the engraving was made using the burin or line etching technique. These are some of the oldest reproduction techniques used for printing old maps. The period studied covers the 18th century, approximately. Studies dealing with a large set of printing plates and their classification are rather an exception (Hameleers 1989). The issue of the qualitative properties of printing plates has not yet been comprehensively addressed in the literature focusing on the history of cartography.

Utilization of Printing Plate Waste As Applied Chemistry Learning Media For Using Engraving and Knocking Techniques

This study aims to utilize printing plate waste as alternative to making applied chemistry learning media using engraving and knocking techniques. The method includes three stages namely preproduction, production, and postproduction. Activities carried out in preproduction were collecting data through observation, interviews, literature studies, making pattern designs and teaching materials, and preparing tools and materials. The production stage focused on manufacturing the product. The product was hammered using hammer wrapped in paper adhesive and also engraved using CNC lasercutting machine. The postproduction stage included monitoring and evaluation and improvement of research products. The result was a set of learning media consisting of five media made of plates and one stand where media was placed. This learning media can be used in applied chemistry lectures to make it easier for graphic engineering students at Politeknik Negeri Media Kreatif to understand the lessons taught in class.
 Keywords: printing plate waste, applied chemistry media, engraving, knocking techniques

Claude Chamber

Proto-photographic and proto-cinematic technologies are an unending source of inspiration for a visual artist. We want to consider the case of an eighteenth-century optical device, the Claude mirror, as a starting point for an artistic collaboration.
 The Claude mirror is a small black convex mirror named after the painter Claude Lorrain and used by late eighteenth-century and early nineteenth-century painters and travellers for viewing landscapes. The dark mirror surface produces an image with a limited tonal range, allowing the viewer to look at the environment as if it were a painting. A famous Thomas Gainsborough drawing shows a man seated on a bank with a sketchbook on his lap and holding an oval mirror propped against a tree branch (Gainsborough, 1750-55).
 In spring 2019, in a flash of joint inspiration, we conceived a method of combining aspects of our artistic processes: Salla’s moving image and Laura’s printmaking practice. For 18 months, we captured photographic time-lapse sequences of everyday views from the backyards of our studios, residencies, and homes as reflections on the surface of copper plates installed in the environment (Myllylä and Vainikka, 2021). In the resulting installation, titled Claude Chamber, we projected the video sequences on the gallery space, reflected via the same mirror surfaces, and the projected images became distorted and spatial.
 We were intrigued by this optical device, in which characteristics of photography and printmaking meet. One can think of a Claude glass as a predecessor of the camera viewfinder, an early photographic gesture. It can also be viewed as a printing plate, a matrix reflecting a view. In a traditional printing plate, the image is attached or fastens itself onto the surface of the plate; in our installation, the image is transient and moving.

Developing a new sustainable eco-adsorbent film from flexographic printing plate waste to remove cationic organic and inorganic pollutants.

Although climate change poses a threat to the future of the world, we still have time to adapt and lessen its effects. However, the incineration of polymeric waste materials has increased the release of carbon-containing gases called greenhouse gases (GHGs) and tiny particles called 'black carbon', leading to global warming, which is the cause of the worst environmental crisis in history. Flexography is an advanced printing technique and is widely used in the packaging industry as well as in the printing of various functional films and coatings. In general, the polymeric waste produced from this industry poses a grave environmentally sustainable problem; thus, due to the fact that this waste's primary component is carbon, it has attracted our attention towards converting it into carbon-based value-added products such as graphene, which can be used in water treatment processes. The prepared material was tested as a potential coated film in a batch adsorption system for the removal of lead (Pb) and methylene blue (MB) after being supported on poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) film. Furthermore, contact time, solution pH, and starting pollutant concentrations were studied and used in the response surface methodology (RSM) model for optimization. The adsorption kinetics were more clearly depicted by the pseudo-second-order kinetic model. To meet the objectives of waste management and water treatment, waste-derived materials can be used in wastewater treatment, based on the "wastes-treat-wastes" approach.

Adhesive interaction of flexographic inks with the photopolymer printing plate surface

Adhesive interaction of flexographic inks with the photopolymer printing plate surface

(Invited) Some Observations on the History of Electrochemistry in Europe

Modern electrochemistry is generally regarded as having its origins in the work of the Italian scientists Galvani (1737 – 1798) and Volta (1745 – 1827). Their discoveries led directly to the invention (1799) by Volta of the voltaic pile, a primitive form of what we now call a battery. This invention greatly facilitated electrical experimentation and quickly led to a host of other electrochemical discoveries such as the electrolysis of water (Nicholson and Carlisle in 1800, although it was first demonstrated in 1789 by Deiman and van Troostwijk using an electrostatic generator), isolation of elemental alkali and alkaline earth metals (Davy, 1807–1808) and electroplating (Brugnatelli, 1805). The work of Davy (1778 – 1829) and of Faraday (1791 – 1867) greatly advanced the understanding of electrochemistry and Faraday’s laws of electrolysis (1833) put the field on a quantitative basis. This was followed by a long succession of electrochemical discoveries that has continued to the present.Scientists such as Daniell (1790 – 1845), Grove (1811 – 1896), Leclanché (1839 – 1882) and Planté (1834 – 1889) made early improvements to batteries; of course, research and development of batteries remains an important area of electrochemistry. Historically, batteries were the primary source of electric current until practical electric dynamos became available in about 1870. Electroplating developed as a practical technology from about 1840, initially for electrodeposition of copper on printing plates. From 1893 to 1948, the international standard for electric current was based on electrodeposition of silver. Furthermore, an electrochemical cell invented by Weston (1850 – 1936) was adopted as the reference standard for voltage in 1903 and remained so until 1990 when it was replaced by a Josephson junction standard.The science of electrochemistry experienced rapid growth from the 19th century on, with major contributions from European scientists including Kohlrausch (1840 – 1910), Ostwald (1853 – 1932), Arrhenius (1859 – 1927), Tafel (1862 – 1918), Nernst (1864 – 1941), and Heyrovský (1890 – 1967), to mention but a few. In this talk, I will attempt to trace the evolution of electrochemistry and discuss some of the major landmarks and the European scientists who made important contributions. I will also comment on how equipment and methodology have changed over the last half-century.

New Dimensions in Conservation Imaging: Combining Photogrammetry and Photometric Stereo for 3D Documentation of Heritage Artefacts

With the increasing ubiquity of digital media engagement it is worth considering how heritage artefact digitisation can evolve and adapt. Twenty-first century computing developments bring low-cost three-dimensional (3D) imaging into reach, creating opportunities for cultural materials conservators to implement efficient and comprehensive new avenues in non-contact documentation and engagement. This research presents a workflow for combining efficient photometric stereo capture workflows with structure-from-motion photogrammetry for comprehensive modelling of high- and low-frequency artefact geometry and surface texture. Presenting a range of potential applications in conservation, the excellent topographic mapping of planar surfaces brings granular accuracy and unparalleled detail to condition documentation and digital reproduction of flat objects with finely textured surfaces, such as paintings or printing plates.

DNA Origami-Based Letterpress Printing of Gold Nanostructures with Predesigned Morphologies.

Creating customizable metallic nanostructures in a simple and controllable manner has been a long-standing goal in nanoscience. In this study, we use DNA origami as a letterpress printing plate and gold nanoparticles as ink to produce predesigned gold nanostructures. The letterpress plate is reusable, enabling the repetitive production of predesigned gold nanostructures. Furthermore, by modifying the DNA origami letterpress plate on magnetic beads, we can simplify the printing processes. We have successfully printed gold nanoparticle dimers, trimers, straight and quadrilateral tetramers, and other nanostructures. Our approach improves the flexibility and stability of metallic nanostructures, simplifying both their design and their operation. It promises universal applicability in the fabrication of metamaterials, biosensors, and surface plasma nanooptics.

Analysis of factors and construction of prognostic quality models of flexographic printing process of packaging with solvent based inks

The presented article shows the results of the analysis of the factors influence on the flexographic printing process with solvent based inks. The main factors influencing the printing process quality are identified, a semantic network of influence and dependencies of these factors is constructed. The priority of factors, taking into account their influences and dependencies, is established by the ranking method. Using the Pareto rule and the construction of the corresponding diagram, four main factors are identified, the influence of which provides 70 % of the studied process quality. It is established that the most priority factors are the parameters of the printing plate, the rheological parameters of the ink, the lineature of the anilox roller and the surface properties of the material to be printed, with the following calculated values: 150, 120, 105 and 90 units, respectively. The selected factors are used to analyse their impact on the flexographic printing process by means of fuzzy logic. Accordingly, a universal set, corresponding terms and a fuzzy knowledge base with the condition "If-Then" are established for these factors in the form of linguistic variables. The formed knowledge base is tested with the help of the Fuzzy Logic Toolbox package of the Matlab technological computing environment and the corresponding prognostic models of the influence of the selected factors on the printing process quality are constructed.

Development of a scheme for the distribution of contact areas between the plate and offset cylinders

The object of the research is the distribution of contact areas between the plate and offset cylinders. For printing impression in the offset printing process, it is necessary to ensure the transfer of printing ink from the ink unit to the printing plate, from the mold to the rubber-fabric material (deckel) of the offset cylinder and from the deckel to the printed material. At the same time, the quality of the prints is ensured by creating the necessary technological pressure between the plate, offset and printing cylinders, which also contributes to the deformation of the elastic deckel and the transfer of the ink layer in the contact zone. The transfer of illustrative and textual information from the form to the deckel of the offset cylinder occurs due to the actual touch area. Therefore, the study and calculation of the actual contact area is necessary to study the transfer of the paint layer in the contact zones. For this purpose, a review of some studies on contact problems was carried out, their advantages and disadvantages were discussed. Theoretical and experimental relations are given. It has been established that micro protrusions of the surface roughness of the printing plate significantly affect the deformation of the deckel. To study the influence of the surface roughness distribution of the printing plate on the actual deckel contact area in the contact zone, the interaction of micro protrusions of the surface roughness of the printing plate with the deckel surface, leading to additional displacements, was taken into account. A method for calculating the number of roughness protrusions is proposed to further determine the actual deckel contact area and the actual pressure in the contact zone, taking into account the surface roughness of the printing plate. Based on the parameters calculated by the proposed method with known values of the surface roughness of the printing plate in the future it is possible to determine the actual deckel contact area and the actual contact pressure the optimal values of which are necessary to ensure the required ink transfer and print quality during printing. The data obtained also contribute to the determination of the modes of the printing process when printing the entire circulation, which leads to an increase in the circulation stability of printing forms. Increasing the circulation stability of printing plates allows to save the number of consumed printing plates. In the future, according to the results obtained, it is recommended to compile reference data, which are necessary when setting up and operating the printing machine.

Structural analysis of customized 3D printed plate for pelvic bone by comparison with conventional plate based on bending process

Pelvic bone fracture is highly complex, and its anatomical reduction is difficult. Therefore, patient-specific customized plates have been developed using three-dimensional (3D) printing technology and are being increasingly used. In this study, the reduction status in five representative pelvic fracture models was compared between two groups: the 3D printing plate (3DP) group using a patient-specific 3D printed plate after virtual reduction and the conventional plate (CP) group using a conventional plate by manual bending. The 3DP and CP groups included 10 and 5 cases, respectively. The fractured models were reduced virtually and their non-locking metal plates were customized using 3D printing. The process of contouring the conventional plates to fit the contact surface of the bone with the bending tool was conducted by an experienced pelvic bone trauma surgeon. The reduction and fixation achieved using the two different plate groups was compared, and the significance of differences in the results was analyzed using paired t-tests, after verifying the normality of data distribution. The vertex distances between the surface of the bone and the contact surface of the plate were significantly lower in the 3DP group than in the CP group (0.407 ± 0.342 and 2.195 ± 1.643, respectively, P = 0.008). Length and angular variations, which are measurements of the reduction state, were also lower in the 3DP group than in the CP group (length variation: 3.211 ± 2.497 and 5.493 ± 3.609, respectively, P = 0.051; angular variation: 2.958 ± 1.977 and 4.352 ± 1.947, respectively, P = 0.037). The customized 3D printed plate in the virtual reduction model provided a highly accurate reduction of pelvic bone fractures, suggesting that the customized 3D printed plate may help ensure easy and accurate reduction.

Constitutive Relation Development for Fused Deposition Modeling Three-Dimensional Printing Materials and Simulation of Printing Direction Combination

Abstract Due to the forming or curing process, the materials of three-dimensional (3D) printing have periodic meso-defects, which result in complex constitutive relations and anisotropy. Fused deposition modeling (FDM), which is a typical 3D printing process, inevitably introduces stacking pore defects due to the three-dimensional stacking of materials along the printing direction. At present, research focuses on the mechanical properties of materials printed along only one single direction. To consider the possibility of changing the mechanical properties of materials by adjusting the printing direction, the change in the properties of printing materials along the multiple printing direction combinations was analyzed in this paper. First, based on a continuous medium model, the constitutive model proposed by Garzon-Hernandez et al. was considered, and then to improve the prediction accuracy of the model in the plastic stage, a model describing the porosity change rate of porous materials was introduced to obtain better prediction results. Then, the finite element method (FEM) was developed using the new constitutive relation model implemented by the user defined material subroutine (USERMAT) into ansys software. Second, through the finite element subroutine, the mechanical response of the FDM 3D printing plate with two different printing direction combinations was simulated. The results show that by adjusting the print direction combination of the double-layer FDM 3D printing materials, the materials show a different anisotropy, maximum bearing capacity of tension and shear and buckling resistance.

Optimizing the Neural Network Architecture for Automation of the Tailored UV Post-Treatment of Photopolymer Printing Plates

In this work, three types of photopolymer printing plates for packaging printing were subjected to varied UV (ultraviolet radiation) post-treatments, and their surface free energy (SFE) components were calculated. SFE of the photopolymer printing plate is crucial in the process of transferring the ink from the printing plate to the substrate. Calculated polar and dispersive SFE components were used to build and optimize artificial neural networks for the prediction of the surface properties of different photopolymer materials after the performed UVA and UVC post-treatments. In this way, the production of printing plates with tailored SFE components could be automated and optimized. Consequently, products with improved qualitative properties could be printed. Results of the research have shown that the choice of the neural network’s activation function is most significant for the minimization of the mean squared error (MSE), while the number of neurons and hidden layers in neural networks has less influence on MSE. The optimized neural networks applied for common photopolymer materials in this work have the potential to be applied for the automation of the printing plates’ post-treatment process and the production of printing plates with surface properties tailored to specific printing systems.

ECOLOGIZATION OF PRINTING PLATE PROCESSES PRODUCTION

The article analyzes the technological process of manufacturing photopolymer flexographic plates, determines the danger from the point of view of ecological impact that certain technological processes can cause, and proposes measures that minimize their dangerous impact on the environment. A comparison of the properties of solvents and their advantages and at the same time harmfulness was carried out with the establishment of the reasons for the subsequent development of alternative organic solvents and the operation of washout flexographic photopolymer printing plates with water or waters solutions. General strategic directions for solving the problem of using volatile organic solvents have been established. The following classification of ways to solve this problem is proposed: use of less toxic solvents or water; elimination of the washing operation from the technological process of manufacturing flexographic photopolymer plates; development of new technological processes for the production of flexographic plates. Based on the results of a comparative analysis of mold manufacturing technologies, a change in the anthropogenic factor was established as a result of improving processes and their environmentalization. It is shown that by introducing information and laser technologies into the technological processes of manufacturing printing forms due to the reduction of the influence of the anthropogenic factor, a significant improvement in the environmental safety of production is achieved, although the introduction of such technology requires large capital investments. According to the results of a comparative analysis of printing plate manufacturing technologies, the so-called ecological factor is shown as a result of improving processes and their ecologization. If we talk about spent photopolymer plates, then the problem of their disposal is still open. Taking into account the current negative effects on the economy of Ukraine, the use of more environmentally friendly technologies and materials in the flexographic sector of printing depends to a greater extent on the economic situation at specific enterprises, and not on the purposeful environmental policy of the state.

13.1: The design and preparation of flexible MiniLED plate with nano‐Ag paste

The development and preparation process of a flexible MiniLED line subgrade board on a white reflective sheet was carried out in this paper using silk‐printing nanoscale silver paste assisted bonding technology. The design of the line conductivity parameter ‐ nanoscale silver paste parameter model, printing plate selection, and process verification were systematically completed, as well as the preparation and reliability confirmation of flexible MiniLED lamp board. The flexible MiniLED lamp board with disposable sintered nano silver slurry lines was successfully prepared, and the 65" backlight module was constructed.

New identifications of natural history images on the “Bodleian Plate”, an early eighteenth-century engraved copperplate

The “Bodleian Plate”, an early eighteenth-century engraved copper printing plate, bears a series of images of buildings erected in Williamsburg, Virginia, USA, as well as depictions of plants and animals. Four of these natural history images portray fragments of marine algae here identified as Sargassum spp. (Sargassaceae) and Ascophyllum nodosum (Fucaceae). A fifth botanical subject is identified as fragments of the inflorescences of Tilia sp. (Malvaceae). Two of the Sargassum fragments show commensal marine organisms, a bryozoan (probably Jellyella tuberculata (Membraniporidae)) and goose barnacles ( Lepas sp. (Crustacea; Cirripedia)). A seahorse ( Hippocampus sp. (Syngnathidae)), a ground beetle and a spider are also depicted. These new identifications contradict the hypothesis that the illustrations portray agricultural or other commodities of financial importance in Virginia during the early 1700s. A putative link with William Byrd II of Westover, Virginia, is not supported by the natural history images.