Method and apparatus for laser imaging of lithographic printing members by thermal non-ablative transfer
US5819661A · kind A · utility
32Cited by
26References
32Claims
0Family size
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jan 23, 1995 |
| Grant date | Oct 13, 1998 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jan 23, 2015 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB41C1/1091
- WIPO fieldTextile and paper machines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
Apparatus and methods for rapid, efficient production of durable lithographic printing plates by a thermal-transfer process that does not involve ablation. In response to an imaging pulse, a transfer material reduces in viscosity to a flowable state. The material exhibits a higher melt adhesion for a plate substrate than for the carrier sheet to which it is initially bound, so that in a flowable state it transfers completely to the substrate. Following transfer, the carrier sheet, along with untransferred material, is removed from the substrate.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.