Detailed explanation of Kodak Tengger Sonora XP / News printing plate

Kodak Tengger Sonora XP / News Print-Free Plate

What is a no-rinse printing plate?

No-rinse, or print-free, technology allows for direct printing on the press without the need for chemical development or plate-making equipment. True no-rinse plates, like the Tengger Sonora XP and Sonora News, are pre-processed and ready to print in just two steps. This makes them ideal for fast, efficient, and eco-friendly printing operations.

Benefits of Using No-Rinse Plates:

  • Lower operating costs and reduced environmental impact
  • Elimination of washing machine maintenance and operation
  • Reduced pressure from waste developer disposal
  • Simplified plate making process
  • Improved efficiency and better control over the workflow
  • More sustainable and environmentally friendly printing solutions

In terms of print quality, Tengger Sonora XP and Sonora News plates match the performance of traditional thermal CTP plates. They deliver sharp, consistent images with excellent detail and color reproduction.

Prepress Performance:

The Sonora XP / News printing plate is a negative (image-wise) plate, meaning it’s designed to be imaged directly on the plate-making system. Since there’s no ablation involved, there's no need for debris removal systems, which simplifies the overall workflow.

Imaging Capabilities:

These plates are compatible with a wide range of imaging systems, including:

  • 150 Mj/cm² on Kodak plate-making machines using formula-shaped spot technology
  • 175 Mj/cm² on Kodak Achieve plate-makers
  • 150–210 Mj/cm² depending on the third-party plate-maker's type, configuration, and resolution

Printing Quality:

Sonora XP / News delivers outstanding results at 200 lpi, with a 20-micron Fangjiajia screen. It works seamlessly with various Heidelberg Suprasetter and Topsetter models, as well as Japanese screen-making systems.

Kodak Prepress Integration:

Tengger Sonora XP / News plates are fully compatible with most automatic plate-loading devices, making integration into existing workflows straightforward.

Technical Overview – Plate Installation:

Installing the Sonora plate is similar to any other printing plate. It works with both manual and automated systems. The high contrast image allows for easy identification of the drum, even with small font sizes like 10pt.

Technical Overview – Press Startup:

During startup, dampening fluid and ink are applied to the entire plate. The fountain solution helps remove the coating in non-image areas, while the ink transfer process physically moves the unimaged coating to the blanket. This physical transfer ensures compatibility with a wide range of press chemicals and conditions.

After the first few sheets, the background becomes clean, and the pre-print time is comparable to that of wet processing plates. Registration and color adjustments remain the same as with other plates.

Storage Conditions:

Both the plates and prepress area should be stored under controlled conditions. Ideal storage settings include:

  • Temperature: 20–25°C
  • Humidity: 30–70% RH
  • Illumination: White light for 1 hour, UV isolation for 8 hours, and yellow light for 24 hours

Expanding the Use of Tengger Plates:

Start by using Sonora XP for jobs that don’t require color correction. Test its compatibility with your existing press setup to ensure good performance, no scumming, and acceptable yield. Once confirmed, create a color correction curve for typical jobs to optimize color output.

Kodak can assist in setting up production profiles tailored to your specific paper, inks, presses, and chemicals. We recommend starting with short-run jobs to build confidence in the plate’s performance in terms of productivity, processing, and printing. Gradually increase the job volume and expand usage to more complex environments like UV or FM screening when needed.

As experience grows, users will find that Sonora offers true print-free quality comparable to traditional thermal CTP plates, with added benefits in cost and sustainability.

Potential Challenges and Solutions:

Customers may need to adapt to new workflows, such as setting up a color optimization curve. However, this only needs to be done once, and the performance of Tengger plates remains consistent across batches.

Plate handling and storage also require some adjustments, but simple measures like storing plates in used boxes or using backing paper between plates can help. There’s no need for post-rinsing inspection since there are no variable platesetters or chemical processes involved.

Misconceptions about contamination during printing can be addressed by understanding that the emulsion layer is removed by the ink and taken away by the first few printed sheets.

Compared to other no-rinse or low-rinse options, Tengger plates offer longer yields, greater image stability, and no special fountain solutions.

Resistance in the shop may come from power issues, reluctance to change, or reliance on competitive plates. However, with multiple machines running, the benefits of Sonora—such as lower costs and improved efficiency—are hard to ignore.

In summary, the Tengger Sonora XP / News thermal CTP printing plate is a true no-rinse solution, requiring only two steps to print directly on the press. It brings significant advantages, including reduced costs, environmental benefits, simplified plate making, and improved efficiency.

When compared to other no-rinse or low-rinse plates, Tengger’s offerings provide measurable performance, cost, and environmental benefits. With experience, end users will quickly recognize the value of Sonora in their printing operations.

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