Abstract: A method of controlling the ink feed to a printed substrate in a lithographic printing press is provided which includes providing, for each of a plurality of ink zones, an ink coverage requirement for a printing unit of the lithographic printing press; color scanning a first ink zone of a plurality of ink zones on a printed substrate as it exits the printing unit of the lithographic printing press; calculating, for each one of the plurality of ink zones, a dynamic flow change based on the static flow change for said each one of the plurality of ink zones and the ink coverage requirement for said each one of the plurality of ink zones; and providing a flow setting for each one of the plurality of ink zones based on the dynamic flow change for said each one of the plurality of ink zones.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention involve three-layer printing members having a central layer that is non-conductive yet abalatable at commercially realistic fluence levels. In various embodiments, the central layer is polymeric with a dispersion of nonconductive carbon black particles therein at a loading level sufficient to provide at least partial layer ablatability and water compatibility of the resulting ablation debris.

Abstract: Negative-working lithographic printing plate precursor a negative-working imagable layer and an outermost water-soluble overcoat layer that is disposed directly on the negative-working imagable layer. The outermost water-soluble overcoat layer comprises: (1) one or more film-forming water-soluble polymeric binders, and (2) organic wax particles dispersed therein. The organic wax particles have an average largest dimension of at least 0.05 ?m and up to and including 0.7 ?m, as determined from a scanning electron micrographic of the dried outermost water-soluble overcoat layer. Useful organic wax particles include fluorinated or non-fluorinated hydrocarbon wax particles.

Abstract: An imaging member includes a surface layer comprising a fluoroelastomer-fluorosilicone composite. Methods of manufacturing the imaging member and processes for variable lithographic printing using the imaging member are also disclosed.

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 includes a surface layer comprising a silicone component having polar groups. The imaging member can be used with different types of fountain solutions.

Abstract: An imaging member includes a surface layer comprising a silicone rubber and an infrared-absorbing filler. Methods of fabricating the imaging member and processes for variable lithographic printing using the imaging member are also disclosed.

Abstract: An imaging member includes a surface layer comprising a fluorosilicone and an infrared-absorbing filler. At least 75% of the siloxane units in the fluorosilicone are fluorinated. Methods of manufacturing the imaging member and processes for variably 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 method is described for producing an imaged lithographic printing plate, wherein the developer comprises a hydrophilic polymer which comprises (m1) primary, secondary and/or tertiary amino groups, and (m2) acid groups selected from —COOH, —SO3H, —PO2H and —PO3H2, and (m3) optionally alkylene oxide units —(CHR1—CH2—O)p—, wherein R1 is H or —CH3 and p is an integer from 1 to 50.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention involve printing members that utilize a particle-fusion imaging mechanism but avoid susceptibility to handling damage. In particular, printing plates in accordance with the invention may utilize two phases, and these may originate, during manufacture, as two particle systems. Both systems are initially dispersed in a single coating applied as a layer, or in multiple coatings applied as adjacent layers, on a substrate. The second particle system exhibits a glass-transition or thermal coalescing temperature well above room temperature and also above the temperature at which the coating is dried. The coalescing temperature of the first particle system is below the drying temperature. As a result, when the coating is dried, the first particle system coalesces and forms a binder that entrains the second particle system, which has not coalesced.

Abstract: A positive-working lithographic printing plate precursor has an outermost imageable layer that is present at a dry coverage weight of at least 0.7 g/m2 and up to and including 1.6 g/m2 and comprises a primary polymeric binder comprising recurring units of a hydroxyaryl acetal or a hydroxyaryl ester, or recurring units of both a hydroxyaryl acetal and a hydroxyaryl ester. The outermost imageable layer also contains an alkali-soluble secondary vinyl polymer that is not a primary polymeric binder and a non-polymeric polyhydric phenol. These precursors comprise an infrared radiation absorber to make them sensitive and imageable using infrared radiation. After imaging, the precursors can be processed (developed) using an relatively low pH developer such as a silicate- or metasilicate-free developer.

Abstract: A lithographic printing plate precursor comprises an imageable layer comprising a free radically polymerizable component, an initiator composition capable of generating free radicals upon exposure to imaging infrared radiation, an infrared radiation absorbing dye that is defined by Structure (I) shown in the disclosure, which dyes comprise one or more ethylenically unsaturated polymerizable groups in an organic group that is attached to the methine chain. These infrared radiation absorbing dyes exhibit a reduced tendency to crystallize in the imageable layers in the presence of tetraaryl borate counter anions and therefore provide improved shelf life.

Abstract: A system and method are provided that incorporate a multi-layer plate configuration for a Digital Offset Plate (DOP) including at least a robust top imaging layer and a bottom layer that acts as a reservoir for the releasing oil in a proposed variable digital offset lithographic architecture. The top imaging layer may contain a small amount of oil (<20%) in a range suitable for allowing a small amount of oil to coat the surface and enable release of the ink. A bottom layer may be larger in volume and contain greater quantities (˜20-75%) of oil. Oil from the reservoir layer may diffuse to and through the top layer when the oil in the top surface layer is depleted in a manner that maintains a supply of oil at the surface. The top layer may act as a gate to maintain a steady flow of oil to the surface.

Abstract: A method for applying a light-blocking material onto an imagewise exposed lithographic printing plate is disclosed. The exposed plate comprises on a substrate a photosensitive layer having hardened areas and non-hardened areas (for negative plate) or solubilized areas and non-solubilized areas (for positive plate). The non-hardened or solubilized areas of said photosensitive layer are removable with ink and/or fountain solution on a lithographic press. The light-blocking material is applied to the plate preferably from a solution or dispersion containing such material. The application of the light-blocking material prevents at least a portion of the room light in a certain wavelength (such as ultraviolet) range from reaching the photosensitive layer, thus allowing improved room light stability of the exposed plate.

Abstract: Methods are disclosed for applying a dampening fluid to a reimageable surface of an imaging member in a variable data lithography system without a form roller. Dampening fluid in liquid form is converted to vapor phase, and directed to the reimageable surface. The dampening fluid reverts to the liquid phase directly on the reimageable surface. Controlling the temperatures of elements of the delivery subsystem prevents unwanted condensation of the dampening fluid vapor on those elements. Generation and delivery of the vapor can be controlled in a feedback arrangement as a function of measured layer thickness formed on the reimageable surface to obtain a desired dampening fluid layer thickness formed on the reimageable surface.

Abstract: A method of controlling the ink feed to a printed substrate in a lithographic printing press is provided which includes providing, for each of a plurality of ink zones, an ink coverage requirement for a printing unit of the lithographic printing press; color scanning a first ink zone of a plurality of ink zones on a printed substrate as it exits the printing unit of the lithographic printing press; calculating, for each one of the plurality of ink zones, a dynamic flow change based on the static flow change for said each one of the plurality of ink zones and the ink coverage requirement for said each one of the plurality of ink zones; and providing a flow setting for each one of the plurality of ink zones based on the dynamic flow change for said each one of the plurality of ink zones.

Abstract: An imager apparatus useful for a digital lithographic printing system includes imaging roll configured to be heated to a first temperature. The imager apparatus may include one or more heating elements for heating the imaging roll to the first temperature within one revolution. The imaging roll may be about the same width as an imaging plate in a cross-process direction, the imaging plate and the imaging roll being configurable for forming an imaging nip in a digital lithographic ink printing system. The imager apparatus may include a solution ejecting mechanism such as a printhead for ejecting fountain solution or water at ambient temperature onto a surface of the imaging roll according digital image data.

Abstract: A positive-working lithographic printing plate precursor is disclosed which comprises on a support having a hydrophilic surface or which is provided with a hydrophilic layer a heat and/or light-sensitive coating including an infrared absorbing agent, a compound including a blocked isocyanate group and an alkali soluble resin comprising a monomeric unit including a Lewis base moiety.

Abstract: In a variable data lithography system that employs a patterned dampening fluid layer for image formation, dampening fluid may be removed prior to image transfer to a substrate. Removed dampening fluid may be recovered and recycled to reduce operating expenses and environmental waste. A replacement fluid may be applied after inking and after removal of the dampening fluid. The replacement fluid preferentially occupies the regions previously occupied by dampening fluid, and may lubricate the transfer nip. Any replacement fluid and ink not transferred to the substrate upon printing may then be cleaned from the print image carrier prior to forming a new dampening fluid layer and subsequent pattern formation.

Abstract: A collector mirror exchanging apparatus is capable of safely and easily exchanging a collector mirror for collecting extreme ultra violet light emitted from plasma generated within a chamber of an extreme ultra violet light source apparatus. The collector mirror exchanging apparatus includes: a supporting base for supporting a collector mirror or a collector mirror structure; and a guiding rail disposed on the supporting base and regulating a moving direction of the collector mirror or the collector mirror structure; wherein at least the collector mirror is taken out of the chamber by moving the collector mirror or the collector mirror structure along the guiding rail on the supporting base.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention involve three-layer printing members having a central layer that is non-conductive yet abalatable at commercially realistic fluence levels. In various embodiments, the central layer is polymeric with a dispersion of nonconductive carbon black particles therein at a loading level sufficient to provide at least partial layer ablatability and water compatibility of the resulting ablation debris.

Abstract: A method for producing a pseudo-stochastic master surface for producing a cover or jacket of a cylinder for contacting printing material, includes providing the master surface with a pseudo-stochastic distribution of microsurfaces. The master surface is produced on the basis of a digital master in a jacket preliminary stage and serves for a preferably galvanic production of a microstructured cover, in which structure elevations correlate with the microsurfaces. The pseudo-stochastic distribution helps to avoid disruptive discernible effects, for example the moiré effect and helps to construct the microstructuring in a targeted manner. A master surface, a method for producing a cylinder cover, a cylinder cover, a machine for processing printing material, a method for producing printed products and a method for microstamping printed products, are also provided.

Abstract: A nano imprint lithography apparatus includes a stamp including a main body having a first surface and a second surface, the first surface having a pattern to be imprinted on a substrate, and the second surface having at least one pole and at least one actuator configured to apply force to the at least one pole to deform the main body. The apparatus includes a stationary stage configured to support the substrate to which the pattern is transferred from the stamp. The apparatus further includes a controller configured to drive the at least one actuator to apply force to the at least one pole to deform the stamp and correct an alignment error between the stamp and the substrate.

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 variable lithographic inking system includes a chamber blade system configured to supply ink to an anilox member of an inking system. The inking system includes a soft ink transfer roll and a hard form roll. Ink is transferred from the anilox roll to the form roll by way of the transfer roll, and from the form roll to a reimageable surface layer of an imaging member of a variable data lithographic system. An ink layer free of ink history is uniformly applied onto a surface of the form roll, and subsequently transferred to the reimageable surface layer while avoiding or substantially eliminating image ghosting related to inking non-uniformities.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for applying an antibacterial coating onto a substrate (12) having one or more layers of print (28). In a printing press (10), one or more layers of print (28) are applied to a substrate (12) in a printing step. A finishing composition 36 is applied over the layers of ink (28) by a finishing (stage 16) in a finishing step to form a continuous outer protective layer. The finishing composition (36) is applied to the substrate (12) by a roller (30). The printing step and the finishing step are performed simultaneously. The finishing composition (36) comprises an antibacterial additive.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention dispense with the need for lithographic printing plates, instead facilitating direct transfer of ink from a permanent cylinder to a recording medium. Accordingly, instead of being permanently modified to exhibit oleophilic and oleophobic (or hydrophilic) regions, the cylinder is effectively “programmed” with the image prior to each transfer of ink.

Abstract: A method controls a printing speed and a temperature of a printing press to attain a predetermined actuating variable. The printing press includes a control computer. The method is characterized by calculating a target temperature to attain the predetermined actuating variable at a desired printing speed and initiating the adjustment operations to attain the target temperature by the control computer. The actual printing speed is changed via a first acceleration within a tolerance limit with respect to fluctuations about the predetermined actuating variable. The first acceleration process is stopped if the desired printing speed is attained in the process. The first acceleration is changed if the tolerance limits are reached and the desired printing speed has not been attained yet. The printing speed is ran at a modified second acceleration along the tolerance limits until the desired printing speed is attained.

Abstract: A lithographic printing plate precursor includes: a support having a surface, a contact angle of water droplet in air on which is 70° or more; and a photosensitive layer, wherein the support has, on a surface of the support, a compound having a functional group X, the functional group X is a functional group capable of forming a chemical bond with a compound having a functional group Y which can interact with the functional group X, when the functional group X is brought into contact with the compound having a functional group Y, to adsorb the compound having a functional group Y on the surface of the support so as to decrease the contact angle of water droplet in air on the surface of the support to 30° or less.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a silver complex obtained by reacting at least one silver compound represented by the formula 2 below with at least one ammonium carbamate compound or ammonium carbonate compound represented by the formula 3, 4 or 5 below:

Abstract: Negative-working imageable elements such as lithographic printing plate precursors, include a free-radically polymerizable component, an initiator composition that is capable of generating free radicals sufficient to initiate polymerization of the free-radically polymerizable component upon exposure to imaging radiation in the presence of a radiation absorbing compound, a radiation absorbing compound, an aerobic free radical inhibitor, optionally a polymeric binder that is not a free radically polymerizable component, and an anaerobic free radical inhibitor. The molar ratio of the anaerobic free radical inhibitor to the aerobic free radical inhibitor is at least 1:1. This combination of inhibitors provides increased shelf life and good latent image stability particularly when the element includes a polymeric topcoat layer that functions as an oxygen barrier.

Abstract: A printhead subsystem is disclosed for selectively removing portions of a layer of dampening fluid disposed over an arbitrarily reimageable surface in a variable data lithographic system. The subsystem comprises a thermal printhead element disposed proximate the arbitrarily reimageable surface, and driving circuitry communicatively connected to the thermal printhead for selectively temporarily heating the thermal printhead to an elevated temperature. Portions of the dampening fluid layer proximate the thermal printhead are vaporized and driven off the arbitrarily reimageable surface by the thermal printhead when the thermal printhead is at the elevated temperature, to thereby form voids in the dampening fluid layer.

Abstract: Described herein is a method for obtaining a preferred layout for a lithographic process, the method comprising: identifying an initial layout including a plurality of features; and reconfiguring the features until a termination condition is satisfied, thereby obtaining the preferred layout; wherein the reconfiguring comprises evaluating a cost function that measures how a lithographic metric is affected by a set of changes to the features for a plurality of lithographic process conditions, and expanding the cost function into a series of terms at least some of which are functions of characteristics of the features.

Abstract: Ablation-type printing plates having increased shelf-life are produced using a melamine resin free of water prior to use. A representative production sequence includes providing a substrate having an oleophilic surface; coating, over the substrate, an oleophilic resin composition having (A) a resin phase consisting essentially of a melamine resin substantially free of water and a resole resin, the resole resin being present in an amount ranging from 0% to 28% by weight of dry film, (B) a near-IR absorber dispersed within the resin phase, and (C) a sulfonic acid catalyst dispersed within the resin phase and being present in an amount ranging from 0.7% to 1.6% by weight of dry film; curing the resin composition to produce a dry film; following resin curing, coating an oleophobic polymer composition over the cured resin composition; and curing the oleophobic polymer composition.

Abstract: A negative-working lithographic printing plate precursor have an outermost imageable layer that includes an oxygen scavenger and shelf-life stabilizer that is represented by either Structure (I) or Structure (II) below: HOOC—Ar—N(R1)(R2)??(I) HOOC—R5—N(R6)(R7)??(II) wherein Ar is a phenylene or naphthylene group, R1 and R2 are independently alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, phenyl, phenoxy, —R5OH, —CH2—C(?O)—R3, or —CH2—C(?O)O—R4 groups, R3 is hydrogen or an alkyl or phenyl group, R4 is an alkyl or phenyl group, R5 is an alkylene group, R6 and R7 are independently hydrogen or an alkyl, —R5OH, —R5C(?O)—R8, or —R5C(?O)OR9 group, R8 is hydrogen or an alkyl group, and R9 is an alkyl group, provided that the oxygen scavenger has no more than one carboxyl group.

Abstract: Imageable elements can be imaged and then processed using a solution containing core-shell particles that are designed to complex with non-coalesced particles in the non-exposed regions of imaged element. A separate development step is not needed, but the non-coalesced particles and complexed core-shell particles can be removed from the resulting printing plate before using the resulting lithographic printing plate for printing.

Abstract: Methods for controlling application of a substance to a substrate involve the use of a gating agent that blocks the substance from the substrate. The methods may utilize ink jet technology to apply the gating agent directly to the substrate or to an intermediate surface. The gating agent composition includes a nonionic surfactant, and water. The gating agent composition does not contain a discernable amount of dye, pigment or other colorant agent.

Abstract: A multi-layer, positive-working lithographic printing plate precursor can be imaged with infrared radiation and processed in a single step using a single processing solution that has a pH greater than 6 and up to about 11. This single processing solution both develops the imaged precursor and provides a protective coating that need not be rinsed off before lithographic printing.

Abstract: A heat-sensitive lithographic printing plate precursor comprising on a grained and anodized aluminum support a compound which is capable of converting form a hydrophobic state to a hydrophilic state or vice versa upon exposure to heat, and is represented by the following formula: A-(L)n-B wherein L represents a linking group, n represents 0 or 1 and B represents a thermo-labile group; characterized in that the compound further comprises the group A which is a functional group capable of interacting with the surface of a grained and anodized aluminum support and is selected from the list consisting of a halosilanyl group, an alkoxysilanyl group, a phosphonic acid group or a salt thereof, a phosphoric acid group or a salt thereof, a salicylic acid group or a salt thereof, a boronic acid group or an ester or a salt thereof, an optionally substituted di or tri-hydroxyaryl group, an optionally substituted salicaldoxime group, an optionally substituted salicaldimine group, an optionally substituted hydroxyheteroa

Abstract: Negative-working imageable elements can be imaged and processed to provide lithographic printing plates, especially with sulfuric acid-anodized aluminum substrates. These elements have an imageable outermost layer that contains two different polymeric binders, a primary polymeric binder is optionally present a discrete particles, and a secondary polymeric binder comprising a poly(vinyl acetate) that has a degree of hydrolysis of less than 60 mol %. These imageable elements can be designed for either off-press or on-press development.

Abstract: Positive-working imageable elements having improved sensitivity, high resolution, and solvent resistance are prepared using a water-insoluble polymeric binder comprising vinyl acetal recurring units that have pendant hydroxyaryl groups, and recurring units comprising carboxylic acid aryl ester groups that are substituted with a cyclic imide group. These imageable elements can be imaged and developed to provide various types of elements including lithographic printing plates.

Abstract: Single- and multi-layer positive-working imageable elements include an ink receptive outer layer that includes inorganic, non-metallic, inert discrete particles, such as nano-sized silica, aluminum oxide, or titanium dioxide particles. The presence of these particles in the outermost layer improves the abrasion and scratch resistance of the elements.

Abstract: An imageable element can be imaged using non-ablative processes. This element has a non-silicone, non-crosslinked layer contiguous to and under an ink-repelling crosslinked silicone rubber layer. These elements can be used for providing lithographic printing plates useful for waterless printing (no fountain solution). Processing after imaging is relatively simple with either water or an aqueous solution consisting essentially of a surfactant or mechanical means to remove the crosslinked silicone rubber layer and a minor portion of the non-silicone, non-crosslinked layer in the imaged regions.

Abstract: A process for treating an imaged printing form, in particular a printing form covered with amphiphilic molecules or with polymers, such as saccharides, includes applying a gum, in particular a microscopic gum layer, to the surface of the printing form in the liquid state. The gum is removed or reduced down to a remaining nanoscopic covering after a short or negligible time interval, relative to the time interval until the application of lithographic liquid, for example dampening solution or printing ink, to the surface. The removal or reduction of the gum is preferably carried out in the still liquid state, i.e. before the applied gum dries on, and preferably immediately after the application. The remaining gum covering protects the printing form against contaminants and increases its hydrophily/hydrophoby contrast. An apparatus for treating an imaged printing form, a re-imageable printing form and a machine for processing printing material, are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention provides a resin composition for laser engraving containing at least an acetylene compound and a binder polymer, a relief printing plate precursor for laser engraving using the same, a relief printing plate, and a method for producing a relief printing plate.

Abstract: A method for preparing lithographic printing plates for on-press development, including sequentially feeding the plates to an imaging station to produce a plurality of latent image reference marks allocated among at least two margins along a respective two sides of the plate, and a latent print image within the margins. The imaged plates are transported from the imaging station to a plate bending station where the short ends of the plate are bent over. Between the imaging station and the bending station, the unimaged areas of the coating in at least two of the margins are removed to reveal the reference marks without developing the latent print image. Preferably, the reference marks are revealed while the plate is temporarily aligned in landscape orientation at stop, such as at the feeder to the bending station.

Abstract: Negative-working imageable elements have an imageable layer comprising a free radically polymerizable component, an initiator composition capable of generating radicals sufficient to initiate polymerization of the free radically polymerizable component upon exposure to imaging radiation, a radiation absorbing compound, one or more polymeric binders, and at least 5 weight % of core-shell particles comprising a hydrophobic polymeric core and a hydrophilic polymeric shell that is covalently bound to the polymeric core. The hydrophilic polymeric shell has one or more zwitterionic functional groups. These elements can be imaged such as by IR lasers to provide lithographic printing plates.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention dispense with the need for lithographic printing plates, instead facilitating direct transfer of ink from a permanent cylinder to a recording medium. Accordingly, instead of being permanently modified to exhibit oleophilic and oleophobic (or hydrophilic) regions, the cylinder is effectively “programmed” with the image prior to each transfer of ink.

Abstract: A method of on-press developing a high-speed laser sensitive lithographic printing plate with ink and/or fountain solution is described. The plate comprises on a substrate a photosensitive layer soluble or dispersible in ink and/or fountain solution and capable of hardening upon exposure to a laser. The plate is exposed with a laser and on-press developed with ink and/or fountain solution. At least a portion of the on-press development is performed with the plate under a yellow-red light, in substantial darkness, or under a light that is different from the light for printing and does not cause hardening of the photosensitive layer during on-press development.