Laser Point II is a patented, laser-ablatable thermal film designed for prepress production of flexographic and letterpress plates. It replaces traditional film and chemical processing by imaging directly on most Flexo CTP devices using an infrared laser. This provides cost savings, a simplified workflow, durable handling, and exceptionally sharp, high-quality results for packaging and other demanding print applications.
The film features a solvent-resistant black IR/UV-absorbing coating on an optically clear polyester base, producing either matte or clear backgrounds as needed—without the need for a conventional imagesetter, chemicals, safe lighting, or a darkroom.
Key Features & Benefits
- Direct Laser Imaging: Compatible with most Flexo CTP devices, eliminating traditional film and chemical development.
- High-Quality Results: Produces images equal in quality to the best traditional film, with sharp dots and consistent floor depth.
- Robust and Durable: More scratch-resistant and stronger than conventional film, ensuring reliable handling.
- Solvent Resistant: Coating withstands exposure to common solvents used in plate making.
- Easy Handling: Can be managed in normal room light and stored across a wide temperature range (40°F–150°F).
- Flexible Ablation: Laser removes the black coating to form clear or matte image areas, preventing air pockets during vacuum draw-down.
- Applications: Ideal for labels, flexible packaging, corrugated products, point-of-sale materials, technical manuals, and durable displays.
- Available Sizes: Available in widths up to 1800mm, accommodating a wide range of plate formats.
- Workflow Benefits: No darkroom, no safe lighting, no chemicals, and no separate imagesetter required, reducing costs and improving efficiency.
How It Works
- The digital design is sent to an infrared laser platesetter.
- The laser ablates the black coating in the imaged areas.
- A clear or matte positive/negative image is created on the film, ready for plate exposure without chemical processing or a darkroom.
Laser Point II Unique Feature
Laser Point II has a matte finish in both the imaged and ablated areas, but the ablated areas can be converted to a clear finish when needed.
Matte surfaces are critical during vacuum draw-down—especially in large open areas—because they prevent air pockets between the film and the plate. If a clear background is required, the matte layer in the ablated regions can be removed easily using methylated spirits.
This flexibility allows users to choose either a matte or clear background from the same film, eliminating the need to stock multiple film types.