What Is A Grained Aluminum Plate For Lithography
Grained aluminum plates are a direct substitute for lithographic stone, widely used in contemporary lithography, also known as algraphy due to the material employed.
Thanks to their micrograined surface, these plates reproduce the hydrophilic–lipophilic behavior (water–grease relationship) characteristic of traditional stone lithography, allowing truly autographic work in the same way as with a lithographic stone.
Compared to stone, aluminum offers easier handling, lower weight and simpler storage and transport, while maintaining a high level of graphic response.
Technical Features Of The Lithographic Plate
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Material: grained aluminum
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Grain type: extra-fine (320)
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Thickness: 0.3 mm
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Size: 59 × 44 cm
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Surface prepared for drawing with greasy lithographic tools
(greasy pencils, lithographic crayons, tusche, liquid lithographic inks and toner)
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Compatible with traditional lithography processes
These features provide an excellent balance between drawing definition, printing stability and plate durability.
Applications In Lithography And Algraphy
Grained aluminum plates are כיום one of the preferred supports in lithography workshops, thanks to their versatility and adaptation to contemporary practices.
Advantages Compared To Lithographic Stone
These advantages have made aluminum plates a current reference for lithographic practice.
Preparation And Use Recommendations
Before starting to draw, it is recommended to wash the plate with distilled water and allow it to dry completely.
This helps remove possible lime residues or manufacturing traces and improves the grain response.
For processing and printing, standard lithography materials such as gum arabic, sponges, gauze, offset or lithographic inks, and professional rubber rollers are used and are available in the Rittagraf catalogue.
Relation To Other Lithographic Supports
In addition to aluminum plates, other supports are used in contemporary lithography, such as polyester lithography plates, which offer different graphic characteristics and new working possibilities.
Each support responds to a specific graphic intention, so the choice will depend on the type of project and the desired visual language.
FAQs
Do these plates replace lithographic stone?
Yes. They are a widely used functional substitute in contemporary lithography and algraphy, maintaining the autographic drawing principle.
Can you draw directly on the plate?
Yes. They are prepared for direct drawing with greasy pencils, lithographic inks and autographic materials.
What size are the available plates?
They are currently available in 59 × 44 cm format.
Are they suitable for educational use?
Yes. They are widely used in art schools and workshops due to their ease of use and handling.
