Plate Specs

Plate & base height-to-paper combinations in thousandths-of-an-inch

Plate TypeImage ReliefPlate HeightBase HeightUnderlay/
Bed plate/
Bed Height Adj.
Photopolymer
standard depth, polyester-backed
0.027.040
(+ .004 adhesive)
0.875
Photopolymer
standard depth, steel-backed
0.027.040
(+ .004 steel)
0.875
Photopolymer
deep relief, polyester-backed
0.047.060
(+ .004 adhesive)
0.853
Photopolymer
deep relief, steel-backed
0.05.060
(+ .004 steel)
0.86
16 gauge (magnesium, copper).040–.0450.064.838
.759
.668
.016
.095
.186
80 thousandths (magnesium).050–.0650.08.838
.759
.668

.079
.170
11 point (magnesium).070–.1000.153.759
.668
.006
.079
¼" (copper).070–.1000.250.668

Notes
Base height column lists the ideal combination first.
Copper and magnesium are also available in 3/8” thicknesses, but are rarely used for letterpress.

Sources
Boxcar Press, JetUSA, NA Graphics, Owosso Graphic, and Sterling Toggle.

Thanks also to John Henry and Eric Holub.

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