It is very important before a production run in any kind of flexographic printing whether it be labels, bags, envelopes, cardboard cartons, magazines/newspapers to ensure that printing plates - printing stereo's have been mounted properly. Below is a quick guide on how to apply cushion mount and plate mount tapes for flexographic printing:

All elements (cylinder, plate mount tape, printing stereo) should be handled at room temperature - at least equal temperatures

All products - Platemount tape, printing plate, cylinder should be handled at room temperature, or at least equal temperatures

Cleaning of plate & cylinder should be with an isopropyl alcohol or an even mix of alcohol & water

Cleaning of printing plate & cylinder should be with an even mix of alcohol + water, or an isopropyl alcohol

Apply the tape in a sweeping motion, line by line, for best results, use a squeegee.

Apply the "Flexo Tape" - Plate / Cushion Mount Tape in a sweeping motion, line by line. For best results, use a squeegee.

Attach the plate on a narrow area of tape,try to avoid early contact between the tape & plate by using the liner on the tape

Attach the plate on a narrow area of tape,try to avoid early contact between the plate & the tape by using the tape liner

Press down on the printing plate (printing stereo) with a rubber roller to increase adhesion & to make sure there is no air bubbles

Press down on the plate with a rubber roller to increase adhesion & to make sure there is no air bubbles

Join of mounting tape should not be positioned directly underneath the join of your printing plate

Make sure the join of your mounting tape is not postioned directly underneath the join of your printing plate/stereo

Edge Sealing of printing plates is usually done with Coloured PVC Tape, usualy red to prevent inks + chemicals seeping under printing plates & platemount tape as well as stopping edges being lifted during a print run. Above is a video demonstrating how to apply Red PVC Tape on your printing plate around your cyclinder

Contact Us for all of YOUR Tesa & 3M Platemount & Cushionmount Tape Requirements.

We Supply Cushionmount, Platemount & Splicing Tapes used in Flexo (Flexographic) Printing throughout Australia