Hello everyone,

Im having a slight problem with our Sword Xcell processor. We are using a Lotem Xpose v400 imaging machine, and the sword excell negative plate developer. The problem is that the plates arent gettting the proper clean-out that they should be. In other words where there should be no color/dots there are strange stripes and banding. I have thoroughly cleaned the Lotem and the processor. Both are friggin imaculate, and yet im not getting desired results on press. Is there anyone here who is familiar with troubleshooting these types of problems or anyone who is having the same problem? I am open to any suggestions.
So far I have tried.
- adjusting the scrubber pressure.
- changing replenisher chemistry to more potent developer.
- cleaning the scrub rollers of debris
PLease help
Collin

Hi Collin,

Yes, been on Kodak Sword II Xcell for about 6 months, been problematic all the way. Must take processor cleaning interval down to 400 plates. Be sure you are using the "Rejuvinator" chemistry. Have Creo Scitex and Kodak reps come in at same time and test laser intensity and calibrate that for you. These are the things I have had to do. Kodak will tell you 900 plates interval, HA!

Those lines are symptomatic of laser intensity or exposure not going hard enough to clear the plate. If you run an exposure test, it makes strips at different settings, you can incrementally see those faint lines getting darker and darker as it gets weaker on that test. So, sounds like a little more power will help there.

I have a Creo Trendsetter at work and am doing pretty good right now. Having Creo and Kodak come in and do exposure and laser intensity tests was icing on cake. Do a search for Sword on the board here, there's some very good posts by another member who helped me out allot. Hang in there, it can work good. Till it does, apply lots of gum manually. Post of Kodak Sword Plate Stuff More Kodak Sword Stuff Here
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Thank you joe,

I had a Kodak rep into the building today, he tested our scrubb roller pressure, speed and chemistry PH levels.

Apparently, the chemisty became contaminated. Algae and bacteria spilled over into the some of the developer. I guess its rare but is possible if here is a large amount of sulfur in your water. The crud destroyed our filters and potency of the chemistry. With a full system flush and a cup of bleach into the water every few weeks is an easy fix.

The Kodak rep advised me to watch the water a bit more closely. Build of of algae is a dangerous thing.

Another aspect of the plates not clearing out was that all the lot numbers for our plates were on Re-call, for faulty manufacturing. Supposedly other companies have had problems with this specific lot#. So to dodge that bullet Kodak recalled the entire shipment. Has anyone else been affected by this recall?

So a fresh chemisty change, new filters and some new plates...has gotten me back on me feet. Thanks for the support everyone. (err...Joe)

Sincerely;
Collin@curcioprinting.com

I thought I would add this info to this discussion as it relates to your original discussion. Did you get forced to go with the Kodak CTP plates?

Recent Post on Kodak's Treatment of "Acquired" Customers

Post on Working With Kodak's CTP plates

Another Post on Working With Kodak's CTP plates
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JoePostscript -- support administrator

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Are you getting areas of “swirl patterns” or “tide marks” (bands of uneven
development across the plate, 90o to transport direction
and approx. 20cm from the lead edge) It is actually seen
noticable in some large even tint areas. These effects are
caused by too much developer flow within the tank or
incorrect adjustment of the mesh bed of the processor.
This can usually be solved by ensuring that the extended
front mesh developer bed is correctly positioned so that
the plates feed directly into the centre drive roller nip (thus
reducing the resultant bow waves as the plate passes
through the developer transport rollers).
If the mesh bed as been fitted correctly then check
the following
a) The plate has been given the correct exposure.
b) The processing conditions are correct (developer
temperature and plate throughput speed).
c) That the developer is not exhausted.
d) Ensure an accredited developer is used.
It can also come as a specific processor related problem.
This is different from the previous tide marking problem in
that the bands are seen across the plate (at right angles
to the direction of processing). The most pronounced
band will be seen 20-25 cm from the lead edge with
possibly fainter bands towards the centre and back of the
plate. The usual causes of this are:
a) Extended front mesh developer bed is not alligned
and fixed properly to ensure that the plate is fully
supported as it feeds into the developer section
(especially the back edge) and also to make sure that
the plate feeds directly into the centre drive roller nip.
The whole point of the above is to reduce developer
flow in the front section of the processor, especially at
the developer surface, as any movement causes
reduced development in these localised areas.
b) The above effect can be made to look worse through
under exposure / under development of the plate, so
it is important to check that all platesetter and
processor settings are correct.
c) The plate orientation through the processor and
screen ruling can effect the above. i.e. a lengthways
orientation is less likely to show banding than a
widthways orientation. Generally the higher the
screen ruling the more pronounced the banding.
this is more of textbook talks but might help you out. Prima facea Joe is right...seems more of a power related issue.
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Regards
swaran

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