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TECHNICAL TIPS
We have begun to build a library of technical tips to help you with LITHCO products. If you have a technical question submit it via our FEEDBACK page.
Check back as we will be continually adding to our library.
- Mixing Inks (Process Blue vs. Process Cyan)
- Eliminate Static Electricity
- Printing on Vinyl Book Covers
- Using LithoProof with Positive Film
Mixing Inks
(Process Blue vs. Process Cyan)
When you mix, remember Process Blue and Process Cyan are
not the same color. This problem is brought-up at almost every
trade show. Just look at the two colors in your PANTONE Formula Guide
and you will quickly realize why your mixed colors were incorrect. This
may be overly obvious, but the error happens more often than you may
think. By the way, remember that PANTONE Formula Guides should be replaced
annually. The cost of a Formula Guide is far outweighed by just one
job being rejected by an account.
Eliminate Static Electricity
The "Static Season" is upon us. To eliminate problems with static
when printing carbonless forms, coated stock or plastics, try an Ionix
Static Eliminator on your press. It ionizes the air from the blower.
The ionized air neutralizes the electrostatic charges between the sheets
of stock, allowing for smooth, even feeding. The Ionix will pay for
itself the first few days with less down time and less waste in the
trash can. They last about a year, so remember to record the installation
date on the cartridge. By the way, they are also great on folders and
collators. Turn problem printing into profitable printing.
Printing on Vinyl Book Covers
We have received many queries regarding printing on our Clear Vinyl
Book Covers. Just use an ink designed for plastics such as Van Son Tough
Tex or Speedmaster Hard Top. Some other pointers are to use a fountain
solution with some alcohol in it, metal plates work the best (electrostatic
plates will not work well due to the fountain solution that must be
used with these plates), use a drying stimulator in the fountain such
as Van Son Fountain Stimulator and keep the pH between 4.5 and 5.5.
Temperature and humidity can be important factors. A stock temperature
of 70-80° F and a relative humidity of about 50% is ideal. Also
- use minimum ink and water required to obtain density. These
are some starting points. Contact your favorite ink manufacturer for
specifics with their ink.
Using LithoProof with Positive Film
Do you know that you can use LithoProof™ to proof positive film?
Here is how it is done.
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For proofing positive film, you must have either a clearing filter on your exposing system or a sheet of W-2 mylar.
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Place proofing paper in vacuum frame.
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Place positive to be proofed on top of proofing paper, turn on vacuum and place W-2 mylar over the positive (if you don’t have a clearing filter).
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Expose with bright light to clear the background (exposure will vary with different light sources).
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Remove W-2 mylar (if necessary) and remove film positive.
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Expose LithoProof paper with UV light; no vacuum is necessary (again, exposure will vary with different light sources).
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This will give you a positive image on your LithoProof paper.