Technical Specifications
| Models | Batch Capacity | Paddle Speed | Total Power | Power Supply | Maximum Etching Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Innovative Etch 30 | 30 L | 30 L | 2 kW | 220 V | 250 × 350 mm |
| Innovative Etch 60 | 60 L | 60 L | 2 kW | 220 V | 360 × 500 mm |
| Innovative Etch 100 | 100 L | 100 L | 3.5 kW | 220 V | 500 × 600 mm |
| Innovative Etch 130 | 130 L | 130 L | 4 kW | 220 V | 500 × 750 mm |
Product Features: Zinc Plates
Innovative Flexotech provides A grade Zinc plates which are pre-synthesized and mom synthesized polished plates.
The Innovative zinc plate starts with highest grade zinc spelter available, which is carefully processed in our facility with precision traces of aluminium and magnesium, to produce a smoother etch.
Our unique annealing and thermal fattening process helps shape grain growth to ensure finished plate maintains a uniform, fat character. 10The zinc etches soft, yet durable enough to stand the test of time.
12 Steps Zinc Etching Procedure
STORAGE
- Store zinc photoplates in a cool, dry place.
ARTWORK
- Inspect negative carefully and opaque pinholes in the black areas. Pinholes result in pimply etching if not opaqued.
EXPOSURE
- Expose using a Stouffer 21-Step Sensitivity Guide to a solid step 8-10.
- Overexposure causes excessive shadow-dot plugging and does not increase etching resistance of coating.
- Underexposure causes wash-off in development and etching failure.
DEVELOPING
- Mix one part of Heated or Cold Hydro-Coat Developer with five parts water.
- Heated Hydro-Coat Developer should be used at 105°-115°F (41-46°C). Cold Hydro-Coat Developer can be used at room temperature 70°-85°F (21°-29°C).
- In case of evaporation loss when using Hydro-Coat Developer, water alone should be added back to developer solution.
- DO NOT add back concentrate Hydro-Coat Developer to compensate for evaporation loss.
- Heated Hydro-Coat Developer should be changed when developing times exceed 90 seconds.
- Cold Hydro-Coat Developer used in trays should be changed daily.
TOUCH UP
- Examine plate for flaws in the image areas retained on the plate and touch up as needed with Retouch Solution.
WEIGH
- Record initial plate weight on your etching log prior to etching.
- Scale must be capable of weighing to the nearest 1/4 ounce.
DESCUM
- For best results apply solution n°1 followed by solution n°2, with a final repeat application of solution n°1. Use separate descum pads for each solution.
- Rinse between solution applications.
- Descum Hydro-Coat zinc plates using a solution of sulfuric and nitric acid. Refer to descum formulas on next page.
- Wipe the descum solution across the plate both horizontally and vertically.
RINSE
- Rinse plates thoroughly with water after descumming
PLATE PROTECTOR
- An application of Express Guard Plate Protector is recommended prior to etching to enhance performance of etching bath by preventing oxidation which can cause pimples.
ETCH
- Etch plates according to recommendations of etching machine manufacturers and additive technical data sheets.
REPLENISH BATH
- Check dip gauge and restore proper level in bath by adding water or draining excess.
- Record plate weight after etching to determine proper acid replenishment. Refer to acid addition chart on last page.
- Use the following formula to calculate replenishment (where 1:1 represents 30 milliliters of acid per ounce of zinc dissolved into bath)
- Formula : Initial plate weight – Post etching plate weight = amount of zinc dissolved
- Rate of replenishment (1:1 or 1.5:1) will depend upon how much zinc is in the bath. Refer to recommendations of equipment manufacturer.
- Example: 38.2 – 31.7 = 6.5 ozs, of zinc dissolved at a rate of 1:1 replenishment, 195 mls of acid are added to bath at a rate of 1.5:1 replenishment, 292.5 mls of acid are added to bath.
TOP REMOVAL (Optional)
- Use Hydro-Coat Top Remover II according to directions on label.