New photopolymer plate technology is designed to reduce washout chemistry use and cut plate-drying time from 120 to 60 minutes.
At LOUPE India 2026, Asahi Photoproducts, an Asahi Kasei company, is showcasing AFP™-REVO, a photopolymer plate solution developed to accelerate solvent platemaking while reducing the use of washout chemistry. Positioned as part of the company’s REVO SERIES alongside AWP™-REVO, the technology supports Asahi’s stated ambition of moving towards “Solvent ZERO.”
Asahi Kasei is participating in LOUPE India 2026 alongside its distributor at Hall 12, Stand M26. The company is primarily presenting the newly launched AFP™-REVO and AWP™-REVO plates in India, alongside its existing AFP™-BFTK and AFP™-TSP series, which are popular in the Indian market.
Designed to Use Less Washout Chemistry
AFP™-REVO is designed for film, coated paper and label applications. According to the company, its distinctive plate structure means that only part of the polymer needs to dissolve during washout, while other components are removed as small particles. This differs from conventional solvent plates, where the polymer must dissolve in the solvent.
By requiring less polymer to dissolve, AFP™-REVO is designed to increase washout speed, reduce the time the plate spends in solvent and limit plate swelling. These changes can also shorten the drying stage, helping to make the overall platemaking workflow faster and more efficient.
Drying Time Reduced from 120 to 60 Minutes
Asahi Photoproducts reports that AFP™-REVO can reduce plate-drying time from 120 minutes to 60 minutes, alongside a significant reduction in drying energy. The company also cites faster plate washout compared with standard solvent plates and premium-quality printing.
The company notes that these results are based on internal studies and may vary depending on platemaking conditions.
Available in Flat-Top and Round-Top Versions
AFP™-REVO is available in two versions: AFP™-REVO HF, featuring a flat-top dot, and AFP™-REVO HR, featuring a round-top dot. The plate range is specified for film, coated paper and label applications, with compatibility recommendations covering water-based, solvent-based and UV-based inks.
Plate Specifications
| Version / Dot shape | Plate thickness | Shore A | Applications | Ink recommendation |
| AFP™-REVO HF – Flat top | 1.14 mm / 1.70 mm | 77 / 69 | Film, coated paper and label | Water-based, solvent-based and UV-based inks |
| AFP™-REVO HR – Round top | 1.14 mm / 1.70 mm | 77 / 69 | Film, coated paper and label | Water-based, solvent-based and UV-based inks |
Supporting a More Efficient Platemaking Workflow
With faster washout, reduced solvent contact and shorter drying, AFP™-REVO is designed to improve efficiency across the platemaking process. The combination of reduced washout chemistry use and lower drying requirements is also intended to help reduce the environmental impact of solvent platemaking.
Through AFP™-REVO, Asahi Photoproducts continues to develop plate technologies that combine print quality with more efficient processing, supporting converters and printers seeking to improve productivity in film, paper and label production.
About Asahi Photoproducts
Asahi Photoproducts is an Asahi Kasei company. Further information is available at asahi-photoproducts.com.
