Pronunciation: [plˈe͡ɪt pˈʌnt͡ʃ] (IPA) 
The correct spelling of the word "plate punch" is /pleɪt pʌntʃ/. The first part of the word is pronounced with a long "a" sound, represented by /eɪ/. The second part of the word is pronounced with a short "u" sound, represented by /ʌ/, followed by the sound of "ch" which is represented by /tʃ/. This term refers to a tool used in the printing industry to create holes in plates used in offset printing.
Plate punch refers to a specialized tool used in the printing industry to create holes or notches in printing plates. Also known as a punch or puncher, it is primarily designed to accurately position and align the printing plate on the plate cylinder of a printing press. The plate punch comes in various shapes and sizes, but typically consists of a metal body with a handle and a sharp, cylindrical pin at the end.
The process of plate punching involves placing the printing plate on a flat surface and aligning it using registration marks or reference points. The plate punch is then positioned at the desired location on the plate and pressed firmly, causing the pin to create a hole or indent in the plate. These holes or notches serve as important markers for the printing press operators, aiding in the precise positioning and alignment of the plate on the plate cylinder during the printing process.
Plate punches are essential tools in the printing industry as they ensure accurate and consistent placement of the printing plates, minimizing registration errors and improving overall print quality. They are commonly used in various printing methods, including offset lithography, flexography, and letterpress. Plate punches are typically made from durable materials such as steel or hardened alloy, ensuring their longevity and reliability in the demanding printing environment.
An instrument for cutting out portions of the artificial tooth plate.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The etymology of the term "plate punch" can be understood from the individual roots of the word:
1. Plate: In this context, "plate" refers to a printing plate, specifically in the field of graphic arts and printing. It is a thin, flat, and rigid sheet, generally made of metal, onto which an image or text is engraved or etched for transferring onto a substrate, such as paper or fabric.
2. Punch: The word "punch" has a long history, deriving from the Middle English word "pounchen", which ultimately comes from the Old French word "poinçon", meaning "point". It originally referred to a pointed tool or instrument used for making holes or impressions on various materials.
So, the term "plate punch" logically combines these two elements, referring to a tool or device used for creating holes or indentations on a printing plate.
