Patent · US Expired

Laser-imageable lithographic printing members

US5996496A · kind A · utility

5Cited by
11References
7Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventors

Key dates

Filing dateFeb 11, 1997
Grant dateDec 7, 1999
Priority date
Expiry dateFeb 11, 2017

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
  • CPC primaryY10S430/165
  • WIPO fieldTextile and paper machines
  • WIPO sectorMechanical engineering

Abstract

Apparatus and methods for imaging lithographic plates using laser devices that emit in the near-infrared region, and plates suitable for imaging with the apparatus and methods. Laser output either ablates one or more plate layers or physically transforms a surface layer, in either case resulting in an imagewise pattern of features on the plate. The image features exhibit an affinity for ink or an ink-abhesive fluid that differs from that of unexposed areas.

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.