The AVantage® washout bath formulation is designed to remove any remaining unreacted resin, ensuring the production of high-quality photopolymer printing plates. Proper processing of the printing plate is crucial to achieving a high-quality finished product. The components of the AVantage® washout bath are liquid-based, making them easy to dispense and effective for multiple plate washes.
Recommended AVantage® Washout Bath Formula
| Component | 3048 system | 4460 system | 5280 system |
| Water | 70 gallons | 120 gallons | 150 gallons |
| AVE Washout | 1.5 gallons | 2 gallons | 2.5 gallons |
| AVE Developer | 1.75 gallons | 2.5 gallons | 3.5 gallons |
| AVE Defoamer | ~.75 gallon | ~1.25 gallons | ~1.5 gallons |
Procedure
Mix Detergent (Washout): Begin by mixing the detergent thoroughly before dispensing the desired amount into the bath.
Add Developer: Next, add the recommended developer to the bath.
Add Defoamer: Finally, measure and add the required volume of defoamer to the bath.
Ensure the washout temperature is set correctly. Run one cycle to mix the chemicals in the bath and check for excessive foam. Additional defoamer can be added in small portions (8 ounces at a time) if needed.
Temperature
The temperature setting for the bath will vary depending on the resin product being used. Consult your local Technical Representative for specific recommendations.
Changing the Bath
The typical bath life depends on factors such as the type of copy, plate thickness, and the amount of liquid resin left on the plate after reclaiming. Maintain a log of plates washed to determine general usage. Typically, a bath should last for 12-18 plates, with a washout cycle time of 10-15 minutes.
AVenhance Usage
AVenhance is a chemical detack component added directly into the washout unit to ensure a completely tack-free photopolymer printing plate. This additive is used with AVantage® photopolymers AV Corr LDR and AV Corr 32MLR resins. Be aware that AVenhance can affect foam production in the bath, potentially reducing the amount of defoamer needed by up to 50%. When using AVenhance, avoid using germicidal treatment.
Usage Amounts
The amount of AVenhance required depends on the total plate surface to be tack-free. For example, an I-Plate type corrugated plate requires less AVenhance than conventional corrugated plates. The size of the washout unit and whether it has a feed-and-bleed operation also influence the required amount of AVenhance.
Bath Life
Each bath should last for 15-20 plates, depending on the amount of resin being washed out after reclaiming. Small plates (3048 size) typically wash out about 1.5 lbs of liquid resin, while larger plates (5280 size) have approximately 4.5 lbs of resin. An I-Plate may have 3 to 3.5 lbs of resin on its surface after reclaiming. Determine your specific amount by weighing a plate before and after the washout phase. This information helps set the startup bath with the necessary chemicals and estimate the number of plates per bath volume.
AVantage® Washout Baths for Tack-Free Photopolymer Printing Plates
By following these guidelines, you can ensure the effective use of AVantage® washout baths and AVenhance additives, leading to high-quality, tack-free photopolymer printing plates.
Below is the recommended bath formula for different sizes of washout units. The washout bath and chemical set-up amounts are based on a fixed bath water volume. The washout water volume should be determined for an exact bath formulation.
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