Abstract: A method of forming an imaging blanket for a printing apparatus comprises preparing a support structure (e.g., mold) for receipt of a polymer blanket compound, introducing the polymer blanket compound in liquid state over the support structure, curing the polymer blanket compound to produce an imaging blanket, releasing the imaging blanket from the support structure, and etching a surface of the imaging blanket to form a texture pattern therein, the surface forming an imaging surface of said imaging blanket. An imaging surface providing desirable dampening fluid retention is provided. Wet etch, dry etch or a combination of both may be used. The polymer may be a silicone compound, may include 3 percent by weight granular material.

Abstract: A method and system is provided to extend operational life of a mirror array of an image generating system, wherein the image generating system further includes a high intensity power light source to cause light to impinge on the mirror array, sufficient to cause deleterious plastic deformation of associated hinges of the mirror array, and an image output generating section configured to receive light from the mirror array. Image date is received by the image generating system image data to control mirrors of the mirror array and to generate an output image. A required level of illumination is provided from the mirror array to the image output generating section over a predetermined time period, in accordance with the received image data.

Abstract: An imaging blanket for a variable data lithography printing system is disclosed that comprises a polymer body having incorporated therein carbon black and measured amount of surface-treated fumed silica. The carbon black serves to improve the thermal absorption efficiency for thermal patterning of a dampening fluid layer formed over the imaging blanket in use. The surface-treated fumed silica assists with desirable dispersion of the carbon black in the polymer body. The surface-treated fumed silica further assists with the formation of a surface micro-texture as part of the process of molding the imaging blanket. A method for manufacturing such an imaging blanket is also disclosed.

Abstract: A reimageable layer of an imaging member is provided with a dampening fluid layer. The reimageable layer has specific properties such as composition, surface profile, and so on so as to be well suited for receipt and carrying the dampening fluid layer. An optical patterning subsystem such as a scanned modulated laser patterns the dampening fluid layer. Ink having a first set of properties such as color, composition, etc., is applied at an inking subsystem such that it selectively resides in voids formed by the patterning subsystem in the dampening fluid layer to thereby form an inked latent image. The inked latent image is then transferred to a substrate, and the reimageable surface cleaned. The process is repeated for a second ink having properties different than the first. Each ink image may successively be applied to the substrate, or a composite image may be formed then applied to the substrate.

Abstract: A dampening fluid useful in offset ink printing applications contains water and a surfactant whose structure can be altered. The alteration in structure aids in reducing accumulation of the surfactant on the surface of an imaging member. The surfactant can be decomposed, switched between cis-trans states, or polymerizable with ink that is subsequently placed on the surface.

Abstract: A method of forming an imaging blanket for a printing apparatus comprises preparing a support structure (e.g., mold) for receipt of a polymer blanket compound, introducing the polymer blanket compound in liquid state over the support structure, curing the polymer blanket compound to produce an imaging blanket, releasing the imaging blanket from the support structure, and etching a surface of the imaging blanket to form a texture pattern therein, the surface forming an imaging surface of said imaging blanket. An imaging surface providing desirable dampening fluid retention is provided. Wet etch, dry etch or a combination of both may be used. The polymer may be a silicone compound, may include 3 percent by weight granular material.

Abstract: An ink-based digital printing apparatus includes an imaging member having a surface layer with regular texture. The regular texture includes an array of microstructures such as cavities. Methods include forming the imaging member textured surface using photolithography and molding processes.

Abstract: An ink-based digital printing apparatus includes an imaging member having a surface layer with regular texture. The regular texture includes an array of microstructures such as cavities. Methods include forming the imaging member textured surface using photolithography and molding processes.

Abstract: An ink composition useful for digital offset printing applications comprises a colorant and a plurality of curable compounds. The compounds have Hansen solubility parameters as described herein, and the resulting ink composition is both compatible with certain dampening fluids and has certain rheological properties, including a low viscosity.

Abstract: An imaging member includes a surface layer comprising a matrix material, an aerogel component, and a radiation-absorbing filler. Methods of manufacturing the imaging member and processes for variable lithographic printing using the imaging member are also disclosed.

Abstract: An imaging member surface contains a swellable elastomer doped with a release oil. This aids in complete transfer of ink to a receiving substrate when a thin film of release oil forms upon the surface during application of pressure at the nip.

Abstract: A pan/tilt apparatus for a camera includes a base, a stage mounted on the base to rotate around a vertical pan axis, an optical apparatus mounted on the stage, a pan actuating mechanism, and a tilt actuating mechanism. The optical apparatus includes a frame that supports a magnetic structure and a mirror such that they are pivotable around a horizontal tilt axis. The mirror receives an image directed along an incident axis, and redirects the image along the pan axis, e.g., to a camera that is disposed on or below the base. The pan actuating mechanism engages and rotates the stage into a desired pan direction. The tilt actuating mechanism modulates (alters) a magnetic field applied to the mirror/magnetic structure by, for example, moving a permanent magnet that is mounted on the base.

Abstract: An ink composition useful for digital offset printing applications comprises a colorant and a plurality of curable compounds. The compounds have Hansen solubility parameters as described herein, and the resulting ink composition is both compatible with certain dampening fluids and has certain rheological properties, including a low viscosity.

Abstract: An imaging system including an image receiving structure including a material layer having a tunable energy transfer characteristic; and an energy source to emit an energy beam at the material having the tunable energy transfer characteristic such that marking material is pattern-wise transferred to the image receiving structure. An imaging system includes an image receiving structure disposed to be in direct contact with marking material; and an energy source to emit a pattern-wise modulated energy beam at a region of the image receiving structure contacting the marking material to pattern-wise transfer marking material to the image receiving structure.

Abstract: Different solvents for a dampening fluid are disclosed. The solvent is a volatile hydrofluoroether liquid or a volatile silicone liquid. Such liquids have a lower heat of vaporization, a lower surface tension, and better kinematic viscosity compared to water, which is the conventional solvent used in dampening fluids. The dampening fluids, which are relatively nonpolar, can be used in a combination with polar inks to form a new type of digital lithographic printing system.

Abstract: A dampening fluid useful in offset ink printing applications contains water and a surfactant whose structure can be altered. The alteration in structure aids in reducing accumulation of the surfactant on the surface of an imaging member. The surfactant can be decomposed, switched between cis-trans states, or polymerizable with ink that is subsequently placed on the surface.

Abstract: According to some embodiments, a method for printing an image on a substrate includes applying a clear liftoff material to a surface of the substrate to form a sacrificial pattern, the clear liftoff material being substantially optically clear, and applying a first marking material to the surface of the substrate to form a first static pattern, a portion of the first static pattern arranged directly above a portion of the sacrificial pattern. The method further includes removing the portion of the first static pattern from the surface of the substrate, and removing the sacrificial pattern from the surface of the substrate.

Abstract: An imaging system including an image receiving structure including a tunable-resistivity material; and an energy source to emit an energy beam at the image receiving structure to pattern-wise program the tunable-resistivity material. A resistivity can be pattern-wise changed. Marking material can be pattern-wise adhered in response to the pattern-wise changed resistivity.

Abstract: An addressable imaging belt for use in printing applications having embedded anisotropically conductive addressable islands configured for electric contact on a first side of the belt by a write head consisting of an array of compliant cantilevered fingers with contact pads/points to which a voltage can be applied. The conductive addressable islands electrically isolated from one another and extending substantially through the thickness of the belt in order to allow charge to flow through the belt towards a second side of the belt, in order to form a latent electrostatic image on the second side and develop this latent image by attracting colorized toner or other electrically charged particles to the second side.

Abstract: Scan line position error resulting in banding, bow, skew, etc. is corrected by way of an agile beam steering mirror assembly in a ROS printing system and the like. The agile beam steering mirror system comprises a piezoelectric bending actuator fixedly mounted to a substrate at a proximate end thereof. A mirror structure is mounted at a free distal end of the bending actuator. Voltage applied to the bending actuator causes rotation of the mirror to thereby correct for positional errors of the scan line. Correction waveforms may be stored in control memory associated with the agile beam steering mirror assembly. A capacitive sensing circuit using a sensing electrode located beneath the free end of the bending actuator may be used in a feedback arrangement to determine and control mirror position.