Processing method and apparatus for production of lithographic printing plates
US6228557A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Sep 21, 1999 |
| Grant date | May 8, 2001 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Sep 21, 2019 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG03F7/07
- WIPO fieldOptics
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
An apparatus is provided for processing a lithographic printing plate precursor comprising an aluminium support, an image-receiving layer and a silver halide emulsion layer. The apparatus comprises a tank for holding a processing liquid, at least one set of driving rollers, at least one guide roller or guide plate and means for providing direct electrical contact between the lithographic printing plate precursor and other electrically conducting surfaces in the apparatus which are in contact with the processing liquid. A method of processing a lithographic printing plate precursor using the apparatus is also disclosed. Undesirable electrochemical cell formation during processing, and the consequent deleterious effects on silver image formation, are prevented and subsequent problems with poor plate run length can therefore be avoided.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.