Pressing Solutions
Adjust Anilox, Plate Pressure to Reduce Air Brushing
Problem
Name: Air Brushing
Also known as: Plate Voids,
Cupping
Signs and Symptoms:
Void areas inside of solids but
can also be found in screened
areas. The problem will be most
noticeable when setting up a new
job on press.
Also see:
Trailing Edge Void
Location on sheet and/or
printed elements:
This print problem will appear
most frequently in large solids
and can be in any section of the
sheet. The problem will typically
be evenly distributed, but can
appear concentrated on only one
side of the sheet. Small solids
and screens will also contain this
characteristic but will not be as
prominent.
Description:
Large voids in print are clearly
evident. Edges around the voids
are smooth and light in color in
comparison to edges of the sur-
rounding solid. It appears as if
the image has been air brushed
onto the paper.
Diagnostic Process
Evaluation:
• It will have a smooth appear-
ance and the color will become
lighter as you approach the void
from the solid edge.
• Fluting will not be prominent.
The following secondary indi-
cators may also be evident.
a. A void may be evident at
the trailing edge of a solid.
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Air brushing will appear most frequently in large solids.
b. When the printing plate is
examined, ink will not be present
on the plate.
Tools:
Visual exam. A magnifying glass
may be used but is not necessary.
Cause:
• Not enough anilox to plate
impression.
• Plates have low spots.
• Support material under the
plate has low spots.
• If more prominent on one side
of the plate, the anilox roll may
not be parallel.
Collateral Effects:
Can lead to poor traps from a
lack of ink on the plate.
Treatment
General Measures:
• Increase anilox to plate pres-
sure gradually until the problem
is gone.
Caution: Do not apply more
pressure than is needed. This will
create additional unwanted
problems.
Chemicals:
None
Extreme Measures:
If additional anilox roll pressure
REVISED 2/1/04
to the plate will not resolve the
problem, the following may need
to be reviewed.
• Remove plates and return to
plate supplier for evaluation.
• Examine the relationship
between the plate cylinder and
the anilox roll and ensure they
are parallel to each other and
total indicated run out (TIR) is
within original equipment man-
ufacturer (OEM) specification.
Prevention
Proactive Steps:
• Ensure that incoming plates
are level within tolerance.
• Ensure press is maintained
to OEM specifications.
• Ensure press controls provide
accurate setting information.
Where to seek help:
• Contact your equipment
supplier for specifications
regarding parallel and TIR.
• Contact your plate supplier
to review plate manufacture,
imaging and mounting.
Cordes Porcher 888/226-8800 or 973/226-8000
cordes.porcher@bobstgroup.com