Apparatus for thermal processing of flexographic printing elements
US9649786B2 · kind B2 · utility
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Aug 13, 2013 |
| Grant date | May 16, 2017 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Mar 28, 2035 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB29C2035/0877
- WIPO fieldOther special machines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
An apparatus for thermally processing a relief image printing element and a method of using the same are described. The printing element comprises at least one photopolymer layer and is selectively exposed to actinic radiation to crosslink portions of the at least one photopolymer layer. The apparatus comprises: (a) means for supporting the printing element; (b) heating means for melting or softening non-crosslinked portions of the at least one photopolymer layer; (c) at least one rotatable roll that is capable of bringing a blotting material into contact with the at least one photopolymer layer to remove the melted or softened non-crosslinked portions of the at least one photopolymer layer; and (d) an element arranged adjacent to the at least one rotatable roll for removing non-crosslinked photopolymer remaining on a surface of the at least one rotatable roll after step c). The apparatus may alternatively be operated without a blotting material.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.