Aqueous processing method for flexographic printing plates
US10642157B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | May 24, 2019 |
| Grant date | May 5, 2020 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | May 24, 2039 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG03F7/405
- WIPO fieldOptics
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A method for processing a photosensitive flexographic printing plate having an aqueous-processable photopolymer. A main processing unit is used to develop a relief image by removing unexposed photopolymer using an aqueous processing solution including a first dispersing agent while the photosensitive flexographic printing plate is being subjected to mechanical cleaning. Used aqueous processing solution containing the removed photopolymer is returned back into a processing solution tank. A secondary processing unit is used to wash the developed relief image with secondary aqueous processing solution including a second dispersing agent to remove debris from the developed relief image. Used secondary aqueous processing solution containing the removed photopolymer is directed into the processing solution tank. A portion of the aqueous processing solution from the processing solution tank is removed to keep a volume of aqueous processing solution in the processing solution tank below a predefined maximum volume.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.