Method for creating surface texture on flexographic printing elements
US9256129B2 · kind B2 · utility
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Feb 19, 2014 |
| Grant date | Feb 9, 2016 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Mar 14, 2034 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG03F7/2055
- WIPO fieldOptics
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A method of making a relief image printing element from a photosensitive printing blank is described. The photosensitive printing blank comprises a laser ablatable mask layer disposed on at least one photocurable layer and the laser ablatable mask layer is selectively laser ablated to create an in situ mask and uncover portions of the at least one photocurable layer. The method includes a) pushing the photosensitive printing blank through a nip formed by a textured roller and a backing roller, wherein the textured roller contacts the in situ mask and the uncovered portions of the at least one photocurable layer; and b) exposing the at least one photocurable layer to at least one source of actinic radiation through the in situ mask to selectively cross link and cure the portions of the at least one photocurable layer not covered by the in situ mask. A defined topographical pattern is transferred from the textured surface of the roller to the at least one photocurable layer.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.