System for thermal development of flexographic printing plates
US7152529B2 · kind B2 · utility
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Dec 8, 2005 |
| Grant date | Dec 26, 2006 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Dec 8, 2025 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB41C3/08
- WIPO fieldTextile and paper machines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
The present invention is directed to a method and a system for forming a relief image on a photosensitive printing element. The system comprises an enclosure housing a conveyor and a heatable roller. The photosensitive printing element is positioned on a continuous loop of the conveyor and the heatable roller is urged towards the photosensitive printing element on the conveyor. An absorbent material is conducted over the heatable roller and is used to absorb at least a portion of the liquefied or softened material from the photosensitive printing element when the heatable roller is heated. The system also comprises ventilation means operatively connected to the enclosure for treating and recycling air containing contaminants that are released into the enclosure as the portion of the photosensitive material is heated and then softens. The ventilation means typically include a particulate filter and a bed of adsorbent material. The treated air may then be returned to the enclosure.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.