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Product Information

Viking™negative plates are one- or two-sided negative-acting, subtractive, lithographic printing plates for duplicator, sheet-fed or web press printing applications. They have a light-sensitive coating on an aluminum base. The plates can be processed by hand or in Viking™ plate processors with Viking™aqueous chemistry.

Chemistry

Viking™Aqueous-based Chemistry
Viking™aqueous-based chemistry eliminates one of the primary hazards associated with solvent-based systems because it is nonflammable, so special storage is not required. Viking™aqueous-based chemistry meets volatile organic compound (VOC) requirements in most states, including California. The nature of spent Viking™chemistry also means it can be disposed of in conventional waste water treatment systems in most areas of the country. Be sure to check with your local authorities to verify VOC and disposal requirements.

Viking™Plate Processors
Viking™plate processors develop and gum one-and two-sided plates in a single pass. The Model 1133 and Model 1160 plate processors feature three-station processing to develop, rinse and gum Viking™plates. Model 1124 and Model 1116 Viking™plate processors are single-station processors that require no external plumbing. They use Viking™2-in-1 developer gum for processing plates up to 24 inches wide (Model 1124) and up to 16 inches wide (Model 1116).

The following Viking™ negative plates are compatible with each other and can be processed interchangeably in Viking negative plate processors and chemistries.

Viking™ E
Base Treatment	Foil Laminate
Resolution	3% - 97%/150 line
Run Length	Short run
Viking™ S2-A
Base Treatment	2-sided lightly grained anodized
Resolution	3% - 97%/150 line
Run Length	Short run
Viking™ G2
Base Treatment	2-sided grained anodized
Resolution	3% - 97%/200 line
Run Length	Medium run
Viking™ G1
Base Treatment	Grained anodized
Resolution	3% - 97%/200 line
Run Length	Medium run
Viking™ GMX
Base Treatment	EC grained anodized
Resolution	3% - 97%/200 line
Run Length	Long run

Storage and Handling

Store unexposed plates in the original foil wrap protected from extreme heat and cold. Handle plates under yellow safelighting until they have been processed. Handle plates by the corners to avoid contamination, kinking or scratching.

Exposure

To set exposure, expose Viking™ plates with a diazo or combination light source to a solid Step 4 on a 10-Step or 21-Step gray scale. Viking™GMX and GFL plates should be exposed to a solid Step 3 to lower the recommended gray scale steps. Develop by hand using the procedures below. Although the recommended exposure is a solid Step 4, exposures may be increased to reduce pinholes and cutlines, but this may also increase dot gain and halation. Exposures at a solid Step 3 will reduce dot gain, but may increase pinholes and cutlines.

The gray scale should always be placed under the maximum number of film layers.

Processing

Hand Processing

Before handling or using any chemical, be sure to read the Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) for health hazard data, precautionary information and suggested first aid.

Using Viking™Negative Developer

1. Apply Viking™negative developer to the Imation Developing Pad. Use enough developer to easily cover the entire surface of the plate.

2. Spread the developer on the plate using light pressure on the pad and allow the developer to soak in for 10 seconds.

3. Develop the plate using light pressure to remove the background coating.

4. Rinse the plate thoroughly with water and squeegee. When using 2-sided plates, develop both sides before rinsing.

5. Move the plate to a separate clean, dry area to avoid any chemistry contamina-tion. Dry the plate if it is still wet and spread Viking™ gum with gum arabic or Viking™ gum over the entire surface of the plate with a disposable wipe.

Note: Viking™gum with gum arabic will provide additional protection against fingerprinting and other contamination. Viking™gum may roll up slightly faster on press if plates are not wet wshed to remove the gum coating.

6. Buff the plate dry using a fresh dispos-able wipe. Dry the back side of the plate.

Using Viking™2-in-1 Developer-Gum

This procedure is recommended ONLY for plates 17 by 22 inches or smaller.

1. Pour Viking™ 2-in-1 developer-gum on the Imation Developing Pad. Use enough developer-gum to easily cover the entire surface of the plate.

2. Spread the developer-gum using light pressure on the pad and allow the developer-gum to soak in for 10 seconds.

3. Develop the plate using light pressure to remove the background coating.

DO NOT RINSE.

4. Squeegee the plate and buff dry. Dry the back side of the plate.

If the plate is to be stored for more than 48 hours before printing, rinse the plate and regum it with Viking™gum with gum arabic or Viking™gum. When using 2-sided plates, develop the second side before buffing the first side.

Machine Processing

Viking™ plates may be processed in any Viking™ plate processor. Processors with rotary brushes require Viking™ anti-foam to prevent developer from foaming.

Only Viking™make-up solution should be used as replenisher.

Viking™developer life should generally be 500 square feet/gallon of initial fill or one month, whichever comes first. When processing Viking™ GMX or GFL exclusively, consult your Imation sales representative or the Imation CARE Center for developer life recommendations. For best results, a filter change is recommended halfway through the developer life.

If using Viking™2-in-1 developer-gum and if the plate is to be stored for more than 48 hours before printing, rinse the plate and regum it with Viking™ gum with gum arabic or Viking™ gum. Store dry processed plates with protective slip sheeting.

Press Procedures

On Press

After mounting the plate on the press, for fastest roll-up, wipe down the plate with mixed fountain solution or water to remove the gum coating. On presses with conventional dampening systems, drop the dampener rollers for a few revolutions before dropping the ink form rollers. For best results, use a fountain solution containing gum arabic with a target pH of 3.8 to 4.5.

Press Chemistries

Avoid strong acidic or alkaline solutions and harsh roller and press washes. Use chemistries specified for aqueous plates.

Follow the chemistry manufacturers' directions.

To determine if a chemistry is harmful, place a small amount directly on the image area of a discarded plate and let it stand for 5 minutes. Rub the area with a clean cloth or press wipe. If the coating rubs off, don't use the chemistry on the plate. Consult your press chemistry supplier for a suitable replacement.

Gumming for Press Shutdowns or Storage

Gumming for brief shutdowns of 10-15 minutes is usually not necessary. For shutdowns longer than 15 minutes, use Viking™gum with gum arabic, or Viking™plate storage gum following the instructions on the product label. Do not use Viking™plate storage gum on Viking™E plates.

Additions and Deletions

Additions

Viking™addition fluid, supplied in bottle or pen form, is specifically designed to add images to the plate. Follow the instructions included with the product.

Deletions

Viking™deletion pen is specifically designed to remove unwanted images from the plate. Follow the instructions included with the product.

Important Notice to Purchaser & Limited Warranty and Limitation

Copyright 1996 Imation. All rights reserved.