The ink and glaze buildup is ink/varnish, fountain solution gum, and even spray powder. If you run the same sheet size you can try this quick fix. Cut the blanket packing size to just smaller than the sheet size. The blanket outside of the packing will not contact the impression cylinder and transfer ink and fountain solution. Cutting the packing short can leave a score ridge in the blanket from the edge of the packing that would show up in the print if a larger sheet size is run on the same blanket. Do not use this shortcut if you are having emulsification problems or printing on a non-porous substrate such as plastic. Since this buildup is difficult to clean, use a mixture of water and solvent, soak the glaze, and allow the mixture to soften the glaze before scrubbing the cylinder.
U.S. International Trade Commission Approves Tariffs Targeting Aluminum Lithographic Printing Plates from China and Japan
On October 22, 2024, the U.S. International Trade Commission (USITC) determined that a U.S. industry is materially injured by imports of aluminum lithographic printing plates from China and Japan. The U.S. Department of Commerce determined that the printing plates are being sold at less than fair value and subsidized by the government of the People’s Republic of China.
