HP (Hewlett-Packard) LaserJet User Manual

MICR-Line LASER PLATES

QUICK USER GUIDE

1. Develop the image.

• Using a desktop PC or Macintosh, layout the image, taking into account plate size,
gripper margin, and trim margin.

• Print image on scrap paper to proof the layout using printer settings for standard media
type and appropriate paper size.

2. Select printer settings.

• Set the toner density on the laser printer to the lowest position. If the toner density is
not already at the lowest position, print an image on about 15 sheets of paper before
imaging the plate.

• Select paper setting appropriate to media type in the page setup menu (refer to the
laser printer user manual). For most printers, select ”cardstock”.

• Set page size appropriate to plate size in the layout software’s page setup menu to be
as large as or larger than the laser plate.

• For best results, image MICR-Line™ plates using the HP LaserJet 5000/5100 series
printer.

3. Image the MICR-Line™ plate.

• Use the manual feed tray and rear exit, if available, to minimize bending of the plate.

• Image the laser plate.

• Proof, inspect print quality, and make changes to the electronic image.

• If changes are made, use the second side of the laser plate to image the final plate.

4. Prepare the MICR-Line™ plate for press.

• Punch plate as necessary.

• If fingerprints or toner scatter appear on plate surface, apply MICR-Line™ Plate

Cleaner as directed and thoroughly rinse plate with water or diluted fountain solution.

• Use MICR-Line™ 4x4 Cotton Litho Pad with MICR-Line™ Fountain Solution (diluted
32:1, water to solution) to ensure the plate surface is evenly wet.

• Do not use plate etch or full-strength fountain solution.

5. Printing press start-up.

• Mount the MICR-Line™ plate on the press.

• Run dampening rollers 10 to 15 seconds then drop form rollers and begin print cycle.

• Ensure the ink rollers are not in contact with the laser plate.

• Start press as usual.

STORAGE & HANDLING

Storage

• Store MICR-Line™ plates flat, in the original bag, and in a clean, dry location out of direct light.

Avoid Random Imaging

• When handling laser plates, avoid dust, oils, fingerprints, etc. Wearing disposable gloves is
recommended. When removing a sheet from the polyethylene wrap, retain protective paper
sheets on top and bottom of the stack to prevent polyethylene oils from transferring to plates.

Trimming

• If trimming MICR-Line™ plate to size, back trim the leading edge going into the laser printer.

Punching

• Punch the plate after imaging to avoid toner scatter and random imaging and also to prevent
damage to the laser printer drum.

• If using Reinforcing Strips, apply strips to plate before punching.

IMAGING EQUIPMENT

Maintenance

• Regular cleaning of the laser printer or copier will help ensure a clean image on the plate by
preventing toner particles from falling onto the plate or being deposited onto internal rollers.

• Store the printer in an area free of airborne particles, such as in a plate room or office.

• For optimum results, dedicate

a laser printer exclusively to imaging laser plates.

Toner Density

• Toner density should be at the lowest setting, then increased one position at a time as necessary.
A low density setting will reduce background imaging caused by toner scatter and improve image
fusing.

• Printing the image on 10 to 15 sheets of paper on the lowest setting will clear excess toner, which
could cause toner scatter and random imaging.

• To minimize toner buildup inside the printer and to reduce toner scatter, maintain the lowest
possible setting for all printing.

Resolution

• 600 DPI is adequate for text and line art, however, imaging at 1200 DPI results in increased fusing
temperatures and longer run lengths.

• 1200 DPI or higher is best for halftone images.

Page/Print Setup

• Select correct paper setting in page setup menu (refer to the laser printer user manual).

• Set page size in the page setup menu to be as large as or larger than the laser plate.

• Use the laser printer's manual feed tray and rear exit, if available, to minimize bending of the plate.

Product Suggestions

• The HP LaserJet 5000/5100 series printer produces the best results. Other high resolution, dry
toner laser printers (such as Xanté Plate Maker 1 and 2) can produce quality results.

• High quality copiers may be used for some short-run print jobs.

HEATH CUSTOM PRESS MICR-Line LASER PLATES