Photopolymer Plate Maker Advice

See if it takes special bulbs and if they are available.

Are you aware that’s is only an exposure unit, and that there is no wash out unit? It means washing out plates by hand. If the price is right and you can still get the tubes (if ever they need to be replaced), it might be a good way to start with making your own plates.

the price is right. I about paid for it twice using boxcar already. I’ll check on the tubes. What type of wash out unit should I purchase? I thought a sink would do.

My advice would be to stick with Boxcar. They provide an excellent product and incredible customer service. Keep in mind that the photopolymer material is not cheap and that expense needs to be factored into your costs. Also the negatives.

If you’re doing high volume work you can probably save some money with in house polymer. But the machine above is not built for high volume work. There’s a steep learning curve with photopolymer. You’ll waste a fair amount of money trying to get your exposure figured out as well as with hand washout.

Hope this helps,
Brad.

I would like to put a plug in for Crown Flexo Graphics for plate making. Especially if you are on the west coast. Low minimum order charge excellent turnaround time and quality to rival Boxcar.

www.crownflexo.com/graphics

Don Mathisen

Thanks Don, I will try them!

I use Crown as well. Very good plate quality (they’re directly imaging the plates via laser, rather than making film and imaging plates with the film), knowledgeable staff, and good prices. Even though I’m in Memphis, I still get plates back only 2 to 3 days after I send files in. I’ve been very happy with them.
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Michael Hurley
Titivilus Press
Memphis, TN