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Printing plate (flexo plate)
Also known as: flexo plate, photopolymer plate, printing plate, plate cost
A flexo plate is a flexible photopolymer sheet with the image in relief, made separately for each colour of a flexographic print job.
A printing plate (in Turkish, klişe) is the flexible relief image carrier used in flexographic printing. It is usually made from photopolymer and one plate is needed for each colour.
How plates affect your quote
The number of plates equals the number of colours: a CMYK design with two spot colours and a white underprint needs seven. Larger print areas mean larger plates and higher cost. Plates are job-specific, so they are normally charged once on the first order and reused for repeats as long as artwork stays the same.
Plate quality matters too. High-definition and flat-top dot plates give cleaner highlights and more solid colours, and accurate mounting on the cylinder is essential for good registration.
Good to know
- Changing one colour may only require replacing that colour's plate.
- Plates wear over time and need proper storage.
- Sharing common colours across SKUs can reduce plate costs.
Clarify plate ownership and storage terms with your converter.
Frequently asked
Do I pay for plates on every order?
Usually not. Plates are charged once and reused for repeat orders unless the artwork changes or the plates wear out.
How many plates does my design need?
One per printed colour, including white underprint and sometimes varnish.
Related terms
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