Analog Flexo Plates
Last updated: October 2026
Quick answer: Analog flexo plates are photopolymer plates exposed through a film negative — the long-established standard for corrugated postprint and any plate room already set up for film. CTPPress analog plates run on standard solvent washout in gauges from label to corrugated thicknesses. See the flexo plate range.
Key takeaways
- Analog flexo plates are photopolymer plates exposed through a film negative and washed out in standard solvent.
- They remain the economical standard for corrugated postprint and for plate rooms already built around film.
- Gauge follows the application: about 1.14 mm for labels, 1.70 mm for flexible packaging, 2.84 mm for bags and carton, 3.94 mm and above for corrugated.
- Thickness sets relief and compression; Shore A hardness sets ink transfer and fine-detail capability.
- CTPPress manufactures its analog plates in-house; MOQ, lead time and pricing are confirmed in the quotation.
What are analog flexo plates?
Analog plates are the classic photopolymer flexo plates: a film negative is placed on the plate, UV light hardens the image areas through it, and solvent washout removes the rest. Every flexo plate room in the world was built around this workflow for decades, and an enormous installed base still runs it productively — especially in corrugated, where plates are big, screens are coarse and film cost per plate is small.
We hear the same thing from corrugated converters in India, Africa and South-East Asia: “film plates cost less and work on corrugated, so why change?” For many of them that is the right conclusion. What they want is simple — a reliable plate for postprint corrugated that washes out cleanly, holds its relief and prints even solids on fluted board shift after shift. CTPPress manufactures its analog plates in its own plant and specifies each order by substrate and press.
Exposure through film
The workflow: back exposure sets the relief floor, the film negative registers on the plate, main exposure hardens the image, then washout, drying, detack and post-exposure finish the plate. Typical performance on our analog grades: 2–95% dots at 150 lpi and independent lines down to 0.10 mm on the 1.70 mm label/packaging gauges. Values are confirmed per grade in the TDS.
- Back exposure — sets the floor and therefore the relief depth; check it whenever you change gauge.
- Main exposure through film — good vacuum contact between film and plate is what holds fine lines and highlight dots.
- Solvent washout — removes unexposed polymer; washout speed and brush pressure follow the plate thickness.
- Drying — drives off absorbed solvent so the plate returns to its specified gauge.
- Detack and post-exposure — removes surface tack and completes curing for full press durability.
Store unexposed plates flat in their original packing, away from daylight, heat and ozone sources, and let plates reach plate-room temperature before exposure. For storage life, see the grade TDS and its test conditions.
Choosing thickness and hardness
Two parameters decide how the plate behaves on press: thickness sets the relief depth and compression behaviour; Shore A hardness sets ink transfer and fine-detail capability. Softer plates kiss corrugated board and print clean solids; harder plates hold finer screens. Tell us your substrate and press and we specify both — see the plate selection guide and compare with digital before you decide.
| Application | Typical gauge | Hardness direction |
|---|---|---|
| Self-adhesive labels | 1.14 mm | Harder — fine type and screens |
| Flexible packaging | 1.70 mm | Medium to hard — line and process work |
| Paper bags and folding carton | 2.84 mm | Medium — balance of solids and detail |
| Corrugated postprint | 3.94 mm and above | Softer — conforms to fluted board |
The exact Shore A value for each gauge is listed in the grade TDS. When you ask for a quotation, send your press type, substrate, plate size, gauge, ink system (solvent or water-based) and monthly volume — that is enough for us to recommend a grade.
For trial plates use sample request; for volume pricing, request a quote.
FAQ
Is analog obsolete?
No. The idea that analog is outdated for everything does not match what plate rooms actually run: analog exposure remains the economical standard for corrugated and film-based shops. Digital wins on fine screens and process colour on labels and film.
Can one plant run both analog and digital?
Yes, many do: same processors, different imaging routes.
Which thickness do I need for corrugated?
Corrugated postprint usually runs 3.94 mm and above with a softer plate; send your board grade and press and we confirm the gauge.
Moving away from film? Compare with our digital flexo plates for LAMS imaging, or see the flexo CTP machine supplied with our partner factories.
Disclaimer: screening, gauge and hardness figures are typical values for reference only; final specifications are subject to the grade TDS and order confirmation.
