Magnetic base vs “Boxcar” base

Hi Ladies, not sure if I am posting this in the correct category :0(

 

Do any of you have a magnetized base for polymer plates? They are significantly more expensive and was wondering the benefit for the added cost, if any.

 

Boxcar offers the following info, which for obvious reasons, makes their plate sound like a better choice. I was just wondering if there’s a lady out there with the magnetized base to get their perspective. Thanks y’all.

 

http://www.boxcarpress.com/boxcar-base/switching-from-magnetic.htm

 

We produce and use all three plate types here (KF95, KF152, and KM152). I prefer the KF95 (standard relief Boxcar-style plate) for the Heidelberg Windmill because it’s easiest to use, and I really like the gridded Boxcar bases. It makes positioning a snap. Plus, I don’t have to worry about plates shifting during a press run or curling when being removed from the base after printing (which can happen with steel back plates).

 

For older letterpresses (such as C&Ps) which have worn rails and form rollers, deep relief plates are better (KF152). They require a deep relief Boxcar base. Many of our C&P clients love the KF152 plates.

 

We’ve done tests with clients where we plate the same file on all the different plate material types. Feedback seems that print quality is the same, but each client has his or her own preference, often preferring the first plate material type they learned to use.

 

Hope this helps!

 

Lars.

Thank you Lars, that does help. I will get a deep relief base from Boxcar. Not only is there a savings, but for my C & P it seems a better choice. I appreciate your help.

Dee

Glad you found the right fit 🙂 Happy printing!

In school, we learned by using steel-backed plates on magnetic bases. A resident artist came in one day with her aluminum base which she let me borrow, I made a few non-steel backed plates, and I was hooked. Because they’re clear, I find them a lot easier to place on the base, or to register them to a print. I also think they’re easier to place and re-place than steel-backed plates, which tend to ‘snap’ into place on a magnetic base, sometimes when you’re not ready for it (and watch out for those sharp edges!). They’re also thinner and lighter, which makes them easier to store. I’ve switched over entirely to aluminum bases with sticky-back plates (the kind you can get at Boxcar) and haven’t looked back.

Jessica, thank you for replying. For all the reasons that you all have mentioned I had decided to go with a deep relief boxcar base. My only problem is seeing if I can make embossing plates with the thicker pp that the deep relief requires. Budgetary restraints will only allow one base, at the time, and not both. Can the KF 95 be used on a deep relief…I wonder?

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