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MartinFFcollector
New member
While all the ones in the past (to my knowledge) are. Guess they used a new printing method.
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Anyone notice the 2010 BC plates are not reversed?
- Thread starter MartinFFcollector
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LazerShow15
New member
Is there a new printing process or are they pulling the wool over our eyes? I always thought they were reversed too, but with these all over the place, I didn't even care to notice til now.
securedsports said:
Regular Topps and Bowman have been "normal," meaning they looked just like the printed card.
Topps Chrome and Bowman Chrome have been "reversed" for as long as I've been collecting them. This is the first instance of the Chromes being "normal" that I've seen.
As far as the process being used, I have no idea how printing works. Just know what I have.
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MartinFFcollector
New member
Here's what I've learned in the past. Guess it's time to update my info....
Basically all Chrome plates are reversed. Non Chrome = "normal".
Here's how I understand it.
The images that are "normal" have been that way since the early 60's (earliest Topps plate I've seen). The plates we use at work, ones used to make newspapers, Beckett magazine plates that are often offered for sale etc are all the "normal" way. The reversed ones are for Chrome.
"Regular" facing plates were used to make non Chrome cards using an offset process - which means the ink (a primary color) is applied via the plate to a rubber roller - which now would be the "reverse" of the plate - and that is applied to the cardboard - and thus will look like the plate. That's how offset printing is done.Offset printing has the advantage of consistent high quality image production.
Reversed Image/Chrome plates- That means that the plate came directly in contact with the sheet as opposed to offset where the image is transferred from the plate to a rubber pad and then to the sheet.4-colors are required for C (Cyan), M (Magenta), Y (Yellow), K (Black) printing. 1 plate is produced for each run a card makes through the press - 1x for each color.
In 1993 Flair had a 6 color printing process adding Orange and Green.
Basically all Chrome plates are reversed. Non Chrome = "normal".
Here's how I understand it.
The images that are "normal" have been that way since the early 60's (earliest Topps plate I've seen). The plates we use at work, ones used to make newspapers, Beckett magazine plates that are often offered for sale etc are all the "normal" way. The reversed ones are for Chrome.
"Regular" facing plates were used to make non Chrome cards using an offset process - which means the ink (a primary color) is applied via the plate to a rubber roller - which now would be the "reverse" of the plate - and that is applied to the cardboard - and thus will look like the plate. That's how offset printing is done.Offset printing has the advantage of consistent high quality image production.
Reversed Image/Chrome plates- That means that the plate came directly in contact with the sheet as opposed to offset where the image is transferred from the plate to a rubber pad and then to the sheet.4-colors are required for C (Cyan), M (Magenta), Y (Yellow), K (Black) printing. 1 plate is produced for each run a card makes through the press - 1x for each color.
In 1993 Flair had a 6 color printing process adding Orange and Green.
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MartinFFcollector
New member
Was football released before Baseball TC? Or maybe a different printer.
Apparently offset (old "normal" plate way) is higher quality. So possibly they use that now for Chrome plates.
I'm just guessing though, as the little I know about printing I've learned from sport card message boards.
Apparently offset (old "normal" plate way) is higher quality. So possibly they use that now for Chrome plates.
I'm just guessing though, as the little I know about printing I've learned from sport card message boards.
rico08
Active member
I don't think the word "normal" can be applied to printing plate images since it has more to do with how the card was printed and less to do with whether it is on Chrome stock or not.
And a quick eBay search will show multiple examples for other years--2008 Topps was not reversed, for example.
And a quick eBay search will show multiple examples for other years--2008 Topps was not reversed, for example.
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MartinFFcollector
New member
rico08 said:
I used normal, as in the view is normal looking.
Please link a 2008 Topps Chrome that is not reversed. I couldn't find one with a quick search. Thanks.
If this was the example you saw, it's incorrectly listed as Chrome.
http://cgi.ebay.com/2008-Bowman-Chr...0645527881?pt=US_Baseball&hash=item1c1708a949
2008 Topps Chrome. Reversed...
http://cgi.ebay.com/2008-Topps-Chro...0513519165?pt=US_Baseball&hash=item230b4e0a3d
rbadger
Member
I was wondering the same thing. I pulled a Stoneburner plate and wondered why it was "normal" vs. the others I have pulled from Chrome/Draft in the past. Also, the same for my Freddy Sanchez Topps Chrome that was "normal" too. Would be nice to have someone form Topps explain this.
Juddy
New member
Printing plates are not actually used for printing. Everything today is FTP - File to Print, files from one computer are transferred to another computer attached to the printing machines. The plates are just a manufacturered inserts like anything else.
As far as I know most the card printing has been in this format for a few years now.
As far as I know most the card printing has been in this format for a few years now.
TomMurry
New member
Heritage still uses the plates to print (Also not reversed)
GarkoCollector said:Heritage still uses the plates to print (Also not reversed)
I was about to post the same kind of thing. I don't have one, but I know there are plates that still have the ink residue on them that people have pulled.
I doubt the company would go through the trouble of dipping one in a paint can to make it look authentic.
Juddy
New member
You're right. I have no freaking idea what I am talking about. I'm obviously stupid. ::facepalm::
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MartinFFcollector
New member
Juddy-From what I read you have alot of experience with the card companies. How do you know they use PTF? Any proof? Making a claim like you did, you should expect some to disagree without any proof. Including myself, based on plates I own and have seen. Seems like they would go thru alot of work to add the wear, ink etc when another 1/1 paper card would be easier and not have them commit fraud, in a way I guess. They state on the backs of plates that this was used to manufacture the actual card etc. Wouldn't that open them up to a lawsuit?
uniquebaseballcards
New member
- Nov 12, 2008
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MartinFFcollector said:
Topps uses this phrase on a lot of their stuff in the vault. I know some of the proofs are 'used to make the actual card' but only to make sure the ink, etc. is properly set on the plate as a test run, but these proofs never came in contact with any final card meant for distribution to consumers.
It would be tremendous if Topps explained their printing processes.
Juddy
New member
Why in the hell would I bother lying about something so meaningless as the origin/usage of printing plates? Good gracious......are you kidding me? Really?
Gwynn545
Well-known member
Juddy said:
I don't care about a lot of things, and I never open packs of anything anymore, but your claim that plates aren't even used any more is some of the biggest news I've heard about cards in a long time!!! Maybe I am the only one who is stunned!!
I never imagined that the card companies just make these plates as inserts!!!! It makes sense, though, now that you say it!!!! Amazing!
