Photopolymer is polymer (resin with many -poly parts -mer) that changes its properties when exposed to UV light. Specifically, when photopolymer is exposed to UV, the exposed area hardens; allowing the unexposed area to be removed. This leaves a raised image that is ideal for flexographic printing.

Photopolymer replaced natural and synthetic rubber as the material of choice in flexographic printing decades ago. Technologies for producing photopolymer have been advancing ever since. These technologies are mainly centered around a polymer’s ability to release ink smoothly and hold finer screens to create more detail on the end product.

These advancements are accomplished in three ways. First, the raw material itself is improving by changing the chemistry and physics involved in the raw photopolymer manufacturing process. Second, the equipment used to process photopolymer has progressed with higher resolution lasers and more refined processing methods. Third, the software involved with creating screens to make the most out of both the equipment and raw material is constantly developing.

It is critical to utilize each of these advancements to produce the level of printing that consumers have come to expect in a retail environment. However, it is unreasonable for many printers and packagers to make the large ongoing investments that are required. The result is that most printers who make plates in house are not achieving the quality final product that their presses are truly capable of.

This is why most printers opt to procure their photopolymer printing plates from trade shops. Specialists, such as PlateCrafters are able to take advantage of all 3 phases of the latest plate technologies. PlateCrafters is able to focus on producing the best plate, so that the printer can focus on producing the best end product.

PlateCrafters serves all industries and provides multiple varieties of photopolymer. We offer both analog and digital, solvent processing and thermal, high definition as well as flat top screening. We can provide any thickness, durometer, or size you require. Please contact one of our agents to determine which photopolymer is right for your application. We are here to help: 888-Flexo-Plate.