Abstract: An imaging film, and a method of making it, comprising a flexible plastic substrate having a thin, high optical density, continuous layer of bismuth, or an alloy of bismuth, deposited on a surface thereof. The bismuth layer has a roughened outer surface. To this roughened surface a layer of a photoactive material is applied which serves as a photoresist as well as a protective overlayer for the bismuth. The photoactive material may be positive or negative working. A layer of a developable photographic emulsion may be applied to the photoactive material layer to impart camera speed to the imaging film. The photoresist side of the film has a non-shiny, essentially non-reflecting black surface which resembles the appearance of developed silver halide films. The substrate side of the film, on the other hand, has a metallic appearance which is easily distinguishable from the photoresist side. This feature of the film enables an operator to readily ascertain the photoresist side of the film and speeds plate making.

Abstract: A dry-process imaging film which is sensitive to, and substantially simultaneously imaged and developed by, electromagnetic radiation above a threshold value applied thereto through an imaging mask. The film, in its preferred form, comprises a thin solid continuous, non-particulate film of a dispersion imaging material provided with a thin, flexible, protective overlayer of a polymeric resin. The film of dispersion imaging material is carried or supported on a flexible plastic substrate which may be transparent or light reflective.

Abstract: An imaging film, and a method of making it, comprising a flexible plastic substrate having a thin, high optical density, continuous layer of bismuth, or an alloy of bismuth, deposited on a surface thereof. The bismuth layer has a roughened outer surface. To this roughened surface a layer of a photoactive material is applied which serves as a photoresist as well as a protective overlayer for the bismuth. The photoactive material may be positive or negative working. A layer of a developable photographic emulsion may be applied to the photoactive material layer to impart camera speed to the imaging film. The photoresist side of the film has a non-shiny, essentially non-reflecting black surface which resembles the appearance of developed silver halide films. The substrate side of the film, on the other hand, has a metallic appearance which is easily distinguishable from the photoresist side. This feature of the film enables an operator to readily ascertain the photoresist side of the film and speeds plate making.