Plates (CTP) problems: causes and fixes
7 Plates (CTP) problems in offset printing and finishing: symptoms, probable causes, step-by-step fixes and prevention.
Plates (CTP) · TPG-023
Fogged plate (won't stay clean)
Non-image areas accept ink from start-up
Plates (CTP) · TPG-024
Plate blinding
Image gradually stops accepting ink; prints washed out
Plates (CTP) · TPG-025
Premature plate wear
Loss of dots and detail mid-run
Plates (CTP) · TPG-029
Uneven plate registration
Impossible to register on press; crosses don't line up between colors
Plates (CTP) · TPG-026
Scratches on the plate
Fine lines that print or cut through the image
Plates (CTP) · TPG-027
Dot out of calibration
Total gain out of standard; drifting greys
Plates (CTP) · TPG-028
Dried gum or developer residue
Irregular spots repelling ink at start-up
Other categories
Binding (hotmelt/PUR) (8)Blankets (7)Die-cutting/Cracking (12)Feeder/Delivery (9)Folder-gluer (18)Folding (12)Fountain solution (10)Gathering/Stitching/Gluing (10)Grippers/Sheet travel (8)Guillotine/Cutting (6)High rulings/Stochastic (12)Hot foil (7)Ink (material) (12)Inking calibration (6)Lamination (5)Metallized (9)Offset – Ink/Water (14)Offset – Mechanical/Paper (12)Paper/Board (10)Polyboard/Corona (14)Prepress (10)Pressroom climate (5)Rollers (7)Stripping (8)Substrates GC/Bond/Coated (11)Three-knife trimmer (8)UV coating (7)Water-based coating (8)Wire/Spiral binding (7)