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February 2, 2010 — Clemson students, faculty, and researchers will gain hands-on experience with the latest in digital platemaking technology thanks to a recent installation of equipment by Asahi Photoproducts. Asahi placed its new AWP 230W water-washable plate processor along with its AFP 912 exposure/drying/light finisher unit at Clemson’s Sonoco Institute. The equipment will aid the institute with its exciting and innovative research in the printing and packaging industries.
The AWP 230W processor is designed specifically to process water-washable plates from Asahi. Using only a detergent and water mixture to process plates, Asahi’s AWP 230W design eliminates the need for solvents and the release of VOC’s during the flexographic platemaking process. The AWP platemaking process (back exposure, digital imaging, face exposure, wash-out, drying, and light finishing) takes less than an hour to complete. The wash solution in this VOC free process produces plates which are at gauge immediately after the processing.
In addition, Asahi will provide their newest flexographic plate product, the water wash digital AWP DEF for the process. Asahi’s AWP DEF plate is suitable for all types of inks (solvent-based, UV-curing and water-based), exhibiting excellent printing performance, ink transfer and plate durability. This water wash digital plate will allow the Institute to print in excess of 175 lpi, 1-98% dots. The plates will be provided in thicknesses of 0.045” and 0.067” at a hardness of 77 and 70 Shore A respectively. Due to the unique characteristics of the AWP DEF plates, the students and researchers have the ability to extend their color capabilities by easily combining line and screen work on the same plate with excellent reproduction and printing of both elements.
Asahi Photoproducts, one of the world leaders in photopolymer printing plates, recently opened its Atlanta Technology Center near Atlanta’s Hartsfield-Jackson airport. The state-of-the-art and fully-equipped platemaking facility will provide customer demonstrations, in-house technical training and research as well as valuable customer support. Currently, three Clemson Graphic Communications alumni work from this facility, including David Chinnis (1985), Michael Amosu (2006), and Catherine Whitaker (2007).
Asahi Kasei America
Photoproducts Division
3800 Camp Creek Pky, Bldg. 2400, Ste 122
Atlanta, GA 30331
Phone: (877) 344-1223 / (404) 344-1223
Web site: www.asahi-afp.com
e-mail: jbauer@asahi-photoproducts.com
Source: Asahi Photoproducts Press Release
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