DPM 2340- scratches on the plates- cannot find the source!

[Brett S]

We have a DPM 2340 and are having issues with scratches on our plates. The DPM has been torn apart several times in the last 3 months but there are still a few scratches that will not go away. We have been able to eliminate all but 2 scatches, but we are against the wall. The scratches are on the right half of the plate and do not appear to lineup with any certain area or a roller.
Everything that they have suggested to clean we cleaned. It appears (based on a mediocre test) that it is happening in the top of the unit before it hits the chemicals. This is based on where caught the plate after opening it up while the DPM was working.

Just looking for some fresh thoughts/ideas. Thanks.

[gabprinter]

Hey BrettS
We have the same Platemaker, every once in a while I'll get a small scratch horizontally but small, Can't help you on whats going on with yours. Please post if you solve it!

[VladCanada]

In the top of the unit... that means somewhere in the image-setter.
Are you sure the media came into the drum and lays inside without scratches before imaging?

[Printservedigital]

Silcone strips on the preheat cover, Conveyor rollers (underneath and on top of plate) , Guide plates, Finger guides on press

Conveyor belts coming off centre rollers and "LIFTING" the plate causing surface scratches "inside" the unit.

Worn Suckers & Bands on Paper Interleave grippers , loose festo arm on paper gripper picker.


All these can cause scratches.