Magnesium Printing Plates | Short-run printing, packaging, labels | Material: Magnesium alloy (density: 1.74 g/cm³) Thickness: 1.5mm Complies with RoHS (2011/65/EU), CE, EPR Germany | ▲ Lightweight (30% lighter than aluminum) Cost-effective for small batches | Prone to corrosion without coating Limited lifespan for heavy-duty use |
Aluminum Printing Plates | High-volume commercial printing (books, newspapers) | Material: Aluminum alloy (density: 2.7 g/cm³) Thickness: 2.0mm Hardness: 85 HB (per ASTM E10) | ▲ Superior durability (10,000+ print cycles) Resistant to wear and tear | Heavier, bulkier storage Higher upfront cost compared to magnesium |
Polyester (PET) Plates | Flexible packaging, labels, textiles | Material: PET film (thickness: 0.2mm) Flexibility: Bend radius < 5mm (ISO 15601) | ▲ Lightweight and flexible for curved surfaces Chemical resistance (ASTM D543) | Lower resolution (max 600 dpi) Shorter lifespan for high-heat applications |
Photopolymer Plates | High-resolution commercial printing | Photosensitive coating (thickness: 0.1mm) Resolution: 2400 dpi (ISO 12647-7) | ▲ Ultra-high resolution for fine details Consistent ink transfer | Requires UV exposure setup Costly for large-scale production |
Rubber Printing Plates | Textured surfaces, specialty stamps | Material: Natural rubber (Shore hardness 40A) Thickness: 3.0mm | ▲ Conforms to uneven surfaces (e.g., fabric, wood) Low-cost for small runs | Limited durability (500–1,000 cycles) Low resolution (200 dpi max) |
PVC Printing Plates | Outdoor signage, durable displays | Material: Rigid PVC (thickness: 0.5mm) UV resistance: 800 hours (ASTM G154) | ▲ UV-resistant for outdoor use Cost-effective for signage | Environmental concerns (non-recyclable) Brittle at low temperatures |