False-colour scanning electron micrograph of the surface of a 'Flexigraph' photopolymer printing plate. Plates of this kind are used in letterpress printing. The thin metal plate is pre-coated with the photopolymer, and is exposed to ultraviolet light through a negative. Areas exposed to the UV light become hardened, whilst unexposed areas can be etched away chemically. The plate may then be wrapped around the printing drum. The tiny raised dots are coated with ink by a roller. The plate is then pressed against the paper, transferring the image. Magnification: x100 at 6x4.5cm size.

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