Plate developer, is a chemical solution (solvent), used to wash out an image on printing plates. Also, letterpress uses this plate making solvent. Prior to etching the plates, the exposure unit exposes them to UV light.
Photopolymer plates (cliché) are light sensitive materials. When exposed to UV light through a film, the exposed areas harden. At the same time the unexposed (blocked) areas remain soft. The plate developer then washes out the soft areas.
Pad printing process uses the etched plates for printing. During printing, a silicone pad picks up the pad printing ink and transfers it to the part.
The plate chemical etching process involves; exposure, washing, drying, and Post-exposure.
Compared to laser or inkjet printing processes, photopolymer plates offer higher-detail prints.
