CTP Flexo: A Bright Idea

CTP flexo: A primer

A flexographic digital plate consists of a photopolymer layer topped by a carbon-based masking layer. Flexographic CTP uses infrared lasers to ablate portions of the masking layer to uncover corresponding areas on the photopolymer layer.

Digital imaging of flexographic plates begins with placement of the plate material on an external drum or sleeve. As the imaging drum rotates, a laser head creates the image on the plate, creating a pattern of appropriately sized and spaced raised dots. This method, called “imaging in the round,” eliminates the distortion that can occur when, as in conventional flexographic platemaking, a flat plate is mounted to the printing cylinder after imaging. The process creates only minimal debris, which is removed by an extractor built into the system, followed by a water wash and a drying period.