The newly developed FADS3D is patented and part of Sibress’ systematic endeavor to improve and further develop the FC3D series. FADS3D uses a high-resolution camera to capture both the surface and the recessed areas of dots and their bases on the flexo plate. In addition to the standard plate measurement functions, the instrument enables accurate depth measurements based on digital images captured with Z-stacking (focus stacking). In practice, this means that Sibress FADS3D is also able to accurately measure the relief of flexo plates with a depth of more than 1350 µm. The gain per image/layer is less than 5 µm when measured in the Z axis.
The new Sibress measuring instrument produces pin-sharp images from the plate surface to the intermediate depths of the halftone dots and image areas. In other words, everything from the tip surfaces to the base areas of the plates can be checked visually in the [email protected] software using one and the same image.
As a special highlight, Sibress FADS3D offers a high-resolution 3D view and perspective of the captured plate area. The visualization is freely selectable 360 degrees, so that, for example, the shoulder and flank areas of halftone dots can be viewed from different perspectives. The new and improved measuring functions can be used to determine, among other things, the flank angle.
In terms of standard measurement functions, Sibress can analyze FADS3D displays from 28 to over 240 l/cm (71 to >620 lpi), as well as FM, hybrid and newer specialty displays such as Bellissima. All points in the active control patch (larger than 3 mm2) are captured and evaluated by the [email protected] software. Parameters such as halftone value, grid, dot diameter and dot circumference are instantly recognizable.
Other features include statistics, saving measurement curves and automatic creation of measurement reports complete with graphs. The depth value in µm is automatically determined during depth measurements and can be uploaded to an Excel file. The measurement histories obtained in this way are an important source of information for users, for example when it comes to reusability of plates. No comparable product on the market offers this option. Accurate metrological verification of key parameters before reusing archived plates can reveal wear and storage-induced changes before these plates have a chance to compromise print quality and cause costly press downtime.
Advanced, largely automated calibration procedures for 2D and 3D recording ensure that measurements with Sibress FADS3D are permanently accurate and reproducible. A new, specially developed calibration tool guarantees repeatable depth measurements. This tool is equipped with special LED ring lighting and a precisely defined sphere, the size of which determines the calibration value.
“FADS3D is the universal solution for quality control of flexo printing plates – from plate production at repro service providers to inbound inspection and inventory management functions at packaging printers,” says Sibress Managing Director Michael Romanowski. “In addition to several metrological refinements, the sharp display of our new measuring instrument of the entire relief depth range in combination with true 3D visualization makes it easy to check, for example, the results of the washing process or the condition of archived flexo plates before they are reused. ”