What should I look for in a plate making system ?

There are many UV light boxes that are used for very many applications. Some systems are used specifically in the manufacture of anodised sign making. Some systems are used for photoglazing onto ceramic plates. The printing plate that you get from such machines may not be of the required quality. We tend to find that a plate is better cured when there is a separate post exposure tray.

When you purchase a plate maker specifically for the manufacture of polymer plates the system should ideally have a separate post exposure tray. If the system does not have this feature then the polymer plate will not be as durable and you certainly will not be able to manufacture a good rubber stamp on your machine. Another factor is that you certainly will not be able to use smaller typefaces (down to at least 10 point). Make sure the timing system on the machines will be able to produce exposures of up to at least 4 - 10 minutes. Absolutely vital to the process is that the UV bulbs should have the required power, to weak and the polymer simply will not harden sufficiently enough to withstand the extreme heat you will eventually put through it.

If you are considering a plate maker for the first time ask for a thorough demonstration of the process before you purchase the machine.

What does the process involve?
Firstly you need to use your computer and printer to produce the artwork. Once the artwork has been printed onto a special paper (as supplied by us) you then manufacture a negative film. This is similar to the negatives that you get when you have photographs developed, though no dark room is required. The negative film is then put onto the machine with the Polymer plate then laid on top. An exposure of about 6 minutes is then used to put the image onto the polymer. The plate is washed and dried and then post exposed in the machine for anything up to about 10 minutes. If you do not have a separate post exposure tray the image will not harden sufficiently because the glass that you lay the polymer plate on will not allow the hardening process to be at its most efficient therefore the plate will not be as durable. The whole process of producing a polymer plate ready to use on your foil printer takes less than half an hour. The cost of producing a plate for an average business card is only £2.00.

Why choose a Quill Press plate making system?

All of our plate makers are new. We supply 2 systems, the PSE1 and PSE1V (vacuum). Both machines are amongst the very best in polymer plate manufacture. They have been designed by one of the most respected suppliers in the industry. Both systems can also produce rubber stamps, printing plates for pad printing and even photo glaze onto ceramic plates. We have used and trained people to operate these systems for many years and we will do the same for you.

How much will the plate makers cost?

We sell the plate makers as part of a package which includes foil printer and stock etc. or individually. Check out our other pages for the package costs. Individually the PSE1 costs only £650 and the 1V can be purchased for only £775. Both machines come complete with the items listed.