Method for the production of thermally cross-linked laser engravable flexographic elements

US6794115B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• BASF Drucksysteme GmbH · DE

Inventors

• Thomas Telser · Weinheim, DE
• Jens Schadebrodt · Mainz, DE
• Margit Hiller · Karlstadt, DE
• Wolfgang Wenzl · Ried im Innkreis, AT

Key dates

• Filing date: Jul 29, 2003
• Grant date: Sep 21, 2004
• Expiry date: Jul 29, 2023

Classification

• Technology area (CPC Y): Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
• CPC primary: Y10S430/146
• WIPO field: Textile and paper machines
• WIPO sector: Mechanical engineering

Abstract

Laser-engravable flexographic printing elements including a thermally crosslinked, elastomeric, laser-engravable relief-forming layer E are made by producing a multilayer composite which has at least a two-layer composite formed of a depot layer D and an uncrosslinked precursor layer V for the relief-forming layer E which is directly adjacent to the depot layer D. Optionally, the multilayer composite may include further layers, such as support foils or films and/or protective films. The precursor layer V most preferably includes at least one elastomeric binder, and at least one ethylenically unsaturated monomer and, optionally an absorber for laser radiation and/or further additives. The depot layer D most preferably includes at least one elastomeric binder, and at least one thermally decomposing polymerization initiator and, optionally, an absorber for laser radiation and/or further additives. The thermally decomposing polymerization initiators are allowed to diffuse out of the depot layer D into the precursor layer V. If desired the depot layer D may be removed. Thermal crosslinking of the precursor layer V thereby yields the crosslinked elastomeric, laser-engravable, relief-form…