Plate Processors / Supplies

JET Photopolymer Plate Processing Unit

We carry Jet Photopolymer Plate Processing Machines. The Jet Line consists of two series of machines, the original Jet A-3, A-4, and A-5 machine with manual controls that is manufactured in Japan, and the 350, 520 and 750 plate processors that are made by AZ in Italy and have all digital controls. We use a manual Jet A-3 machine at NA Graphics for plate processing that has been in use now for 13 years and we have been very satisfied with its performance. These machines are complete, modern, accurate and rugged solutions for those requiring in-house plate processing capabilities. These units are delivered fully assembled. Mounted on industrial strength casters for portability, the stainless steel body and rugged construction of these instruments ensure years of quality operation.

All Jet processors come with a one year manufacturer's warranty.

Due to the weight of these units, freight charges will need to be calculated by our staff. Use the prices listed for estimating purposes for plate processors, but obtain a firm qoute from us for current pricing before placing an order. Please call us if you have any questions.

Photopolymer Material

We normally sell steel-backed photopolymer material in packages of 10 sheets. However, due to one of the materials used in making these plates coming from China, and it is currently unavailable in 2022, none of the Jet brand of plate is available. Please contact us for more information.

We offer two choices in magnetic bases for use with the steel backed plates. The first is a precision milled aluminum base with a magnetic surface, also known by the trade name PatMag. As present stocks of the PatMag are sold, the manufacturer, Pat Reagh, plans to discontinue the bases. The highest quality is the Bunting Magnetic Base, that has ceramic magnets embedded in the surface of the base. The Bunting is a precision piece of work and is used where the best quality coupled with deep impression is sought. The Bunting is also the most expensive, but is the hands down choice of the professional letterpress printer. It is best to call us for pricing and availability both brands bases. The Bunting bases listed below are one to two week delivery direct from Bunting. Other sizes are two to three week delivery. Standard height of Bunting bases is .860", but they will finish grind to match your plate. Order two or more Bunting bases of the same size at the same time and there is a price discount--for example, 2 of the MB204 list for $390.00 each.

Plate Base Sizes--the temptation is to fill the chase with the largest base that will fit, along with at least one quoin for lockup. This creates immediate problems with platen presses in particular in that gauge pins and most grippers can not be used in the area that the base takes up, and that means feeding small items, like envelopes or reply cards, to the bottom left corner of the platen just to get to the gauge pins. And that can be very awkward. It is best to consider getting two bases, one on the smaller size for cards, envelope return addresses, etc., so that feeding the stock is not a nightmare. Pre-planning will save a lot of grief later on.