Abstract: A layered printing plate that attains a high degree of clarity and improved clean out. The printing plate may include an oleophilic substrate, a laser absorbing imaging layer and an oleophobic silicon layer. One embodiment utilizes an amine resin rather than a traditional polymer as the basic organic matter of the imaging layer, adds of colloidal silica into the imaging layer to improve the cleanout properties, and utilizes a substrate that absorbs IR radiation rather than reflects it.

Abstract: Wet lithographic printing members for imaging by an inkjet printer using pigment-based aqueous ink and method for calibrating the amount of the inkjet ink to be injected in solid areas of an image are disclosed. An exemplary printing member can comprises a base substrate and a top hydrophilic coating layer having a thickness in the range of 2 to 10 microns above the base substrate. A volume of less than 10 nl/mm2 of inkjet ink is used in order to image areas in which the image is solid. Areas of the top hydrophilic coating layer, which are imagewise covered by aqueous pigmented inkjet ink, become hydrophobic. In some embodiments after imaging, the surface of the imaged printing member can be treated with acidic colloidal silica solution. Exemplary treatment can comprise wiping the surface of the imaged printing member with the acidic colloidal silica solution.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention are directed to a printing member for imaging with an inkjet printer using pigment-based aqueous inkjet ink. The printing member may include a substrate and a hydrophilic coating layer. The coasting layer may include acidic colloidal silica whose particles have an elongated shape, a hydrophilic polymer and a crosslinking agent.

Abstract: Printing plate material supply spool (PMSS) for a printing machine or plate-imaging machine and a method of loading it is provided. An exemplary PMSS can comprise a printing plate material film that is wrapped around a hollow core (HC), wherein the HC is adapted to be engaged with a heavy duty core (HDC) prior to be placed in the printing machine. The method for loading the printing plate material supply spool (PMSS) in a printing machine or plate imaging machine may comprise inserting a heavy-duty core (HDC) inside the HC of the PMSS forming an integrated core. Then the PMSS and the integrated core can be placed in the printing machine.