Laser imaged printing plates comprising a multi-layer slip film
US6367381B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Feb 22, 2000 |
| Grant date | Apr 9, 2002 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Feb 22, 2020 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG03F7/202
- WIPO fieldOptics
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
The present invention provides a method of making a laser imaged printing plate. First, a solid, uncured printing plate is modified with both a UV absorber and an IR absorber. This is most conveniently done by constructing a multilayer slip film comprising at least two layers wherein at least one layer comprises a strong UV absorber, and wherein at least one other layer comprises an IR absorber having high absorptivity. The multilayer slip film is already adapted for use with a printing plate and is applied in the usual fashion to the surface of the uncured printing plate. The printing plate with the multilayer slip film can be stored for a time, or used immediately, as the printer's needs dictate. In use, the multilayer slip film is ablated from the photopolymer using an IR laser operating at a selected wavelength to create an in situ negative. The resulting negative can be subjected to typical UV flood exposure and development.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.