Abstract: Process for photographic recording of selective areas of an original image, e.g., as equidensities and/or contour images, on a photohardenable material, e.g., (a) nongaseous monomer compound, (b) organic photoinitiator or photoinitiator/sensitizer system and (c) photoinhibitor activatable by ultraviolet radiation, which comprises in either order (A) exposing the photohardenable layer with desensitizing radiation, and (B) photohardening the layer with photohardening radiatiion, exposures (A) and (B) being imagewise exposures with the proviso that if exposure (B) is the first imagewise exposure, a nonimagewise final exposure is utilized.

Abstract: Process for improving the printing quality of photohardenable reproduction materials for the production of relief printing plates whose surface has been abraded before imagewise exposure, by filling in the abraded relief with the photohardenable material itself or with a thermoplastic binder.

Abstract: Process for broadening the processing range of photohardenable negatively functioning reproduction materials wherein the unexposed areas are removed by liquid development and while still in contact with the developer the material is diffusely exposed to delayed actinic radiation, the delayed exposure amounting to at least 5% of the time necessary to clear the unexposed material.

Abstract: Process for preparation of positive images which comprises exposing imagewise a supported layer of a photosensitive composition comprising an alkali-soluble polymeric binder, at least one dihydropyridine compound and at least one hexaarylbiimidazole compound and developing by washing out the exposed image areas. Optionally auxiliary layers can be present between the support and photosensitive layer. The photosensitive elements are useful in preparing positive working printing plates and photoresists.

Abstract: A photosensitive element for preparing negative tonable images which comprises a support bearing a layer of a photosensitive composition comprising a thermoplastic binder, at least one dihydropyridine compound and at least one hexaarylbiimidazole compound. Optionally softeners and sensitizer can be present in the photosensitive layer. The photosensitive element is useful in preparing negative tonable images.

Abstract: Image reproduction process using a photohardenable element for the production of negative tonable images comprising (1) support, (2) intermediate layer containing at least one thermoplastic binder, (3) photohardenable layer containing addition polymerizable monomeric compound or photocrosslinkable compound, (4) tonable layer comprising a polymeric binder and a non-volatile diffusible component, e.g., a plasticizer for the binder and (5) optionally removable cover sheet. The element is used for image reproduction, e.g., colored prints.

Abstract: Photohardenable element for the production of negative tonable images comprising (1) support, (2) intermediate layer containing at least one thermoplastic binder, (3) photohardenable layer containing addition polymerizable monomeric compound or photocrosslinkable compound, (4) tonable layer comprising a polymeric binder and a non-volatile diffusible component, e.g., a plasticizer for the binder and (5) optionally removable cover sheet, and process of use. The element is used for image reproduction, e.g., colored prints.