Abstract: Apparatus and methods for rapid, efficient production of durable lithographic printing plates by a thermal-transfer process that does not involve ablation. In response to an imaging pulse, a transfer material reduces in viscosity to a flowable state. The material exhibits a higher melt adhesion for a plate substrate than for the carrier sheet to which it is initially bound, so that in a flowable state it transfers completely to the substrate. Following transfer, the carrier sheet, along with untransferred material, is removed from the substrate.

Abstract: Materials that undergo self-propagating exothermic solid-solid reaction upon ignition by a heating source (e.g., a laser) are used in the fabrication of recording constructions such as lithographic printing plates, photomasks and proofing sheets. A recording construction in accordance with the invention may include at least one ignition layer comprising at least two unreacted, solid chemical species which, upon exposure to heat, combine exothermically to form a final species that is physically disrupted; and a substrate thereunder that is substantially unconsumed by heat generated by the exothermic combination. To form a lithographic printing plate, the ignition layer (or its topmost component, or a surface layer thereover) and the substrate exhibit different affinities for ink and/or an abhesive fluid for ink.

Abstract: A lithographic laser imageable thin film structure comprising a substrate having first and second surfaces. A vacuum-deposited metal layer is carried by the first surface of the substrate. A layer of semiconductor material is adhered to and overlies the metal layer. The metal layer and the semiconductor material have thicknesses which are selected to maximize absorption of laser energy impinging on the same.

Abstract: Constructions useful as lithographic printing plates include metallic inorganic layers exhibiting both hydrophilicity and substantial durability at very thin application levels. These materials ablatively absorb imaging radiation, thereby facilitating direct imaging without chemical development. They can also be used to form optical interference structures which, in addition to providing color, likewise absorb imaging radiation and ablate in response to imaging pulses.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for rapid, efficient production of durable lithographic printing plates by a thermal-transfer process that does not involve ablation. In response to an imaging pulse, a transfer material reduces in viscosity to a flowable state. The material exhibits a higher melt adhesion for a plate substrate than for the carrier sheet to which it is initially bound, so that in a flowable state it transfers completely to the substrate. Following transfer, the carrier sheet, along with untransferred material, is removed from the substrate.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for imaging lithographic plates using laser devices that emit in the near-infrared region, and plates suitable for imaging with the apparatus and methods. Laser output either ablates one or more plate layers or physically transforms a surface layer, in either case resulting in an imagewise pattern of features on the plate. The image features exhibit an affinity for ink or an ink-abhesive fluid that differs from that of unexposed areas.

Abstract: Seamless, sleeve-shaped dry and wet lithographic printing members that can be recycled after use include a strong, durable, hollow cylinder or sleeve that is attached to the plate mandrel or cylinder jacket of an offset printing press or platemaking apparatus. In one version, the sleeve is surrounded by a photopolymer, which is itself surrounded by a mask coating opaque to radiation that is actinic with respect to the photopolymer. Subsequently, the imaged construction is exposed to actinic radiation, and the unexposed photopolymer, along with the overlying mask, is removed by ordinary chemical means. In another version, a thermally transferable material surrounds a cylinder, and is itself surrounded by a withdrawal layer. Exposure of the thermally transferable layer to laser radiation adheres the transferable layer to the cylinder, and the adhered layer exhibits an affinity for fountain solution and/or ink opposite to that exhibited by the cylinder.

Abstract: Seamless, sleeve-shaped dry and wet lithographic printing members that can be recycled after use are disclosed, along with methods for their manufacture and use. The members include a strong, durable, hollow cylinder or sleeve that is attached to the plate mandrel or cylinder jacket of an offset printing press or platemaking apparatus. Surrounding the sleeve is a layer of a material, preferably polymeric in nature, which is characterized by efficient, ablative absorption of laser radiation, as well as other layers that facilitate imaging and subsequent printing. A layer disposed beneath the ablatable layer reflects unabsorbed imaging radiation back into the ablatable layer.

Abstract: Laser-imageable lithographic printing members have rigid base supports that confer strength and rigidity. The supports may reflect imaging radiation so that radiation from an imaging pulse that passes through an imaging layer is returned to that layer, thereby augmenting the effective energy flux density. In the case of thermally conductive (e.g., reflective metal) base supports, heat is concentrated in the imaging layer by an underlying insulating layer interposed between the imaging layer and the base support.

Abstract: Lithographic printing constructions and methods of imaging them. The constructions include a grained-metal substrate, a protective layer that can also serve as an adhesion-promoting primer, and an ablatable oleophilic surface layer. In operation, imagewise pulses from an imaging laser interact with the surface layer, causing ablation thereof and, probably, inflicting some damage to the underlying protective layer as well. The imaged plate may then be subjected to a solvent that eliminates the exposed protective layer, but which does no damage either to the surface layer or to the unexposed protective layer lying thereunder.

Abstract: Lithographic printing plates suitable for imaging by means of laser devices that emit in the near-infrared region. Laser output either ablates one or more plate layers or physically transforms a surface layer, in either case resulting in an imagewise pattern of features on the plate. The image features exhibit an affinity for ink or an ink-abhesive fluid that differs from that of unexposed areas.

Abstract: A planographic printing plate in which a design pattern is realized in a part of the back surface of a support for the planographic printing plate without any adverse influence on a photosensitive resin layer on the front surface thereof. After an aluminum support with a thickness of 0.24 mm is cleaned by degreasing and etching, an electrolytic aqueous solution is prepared to contain the nitric acid concentration of 10 g/l and the aluminum ion concentration of 7 g/l. In an electrolytic treatment cell 5, the back surface of the aluminum support is arranged so as to be faced to an electrode. A 1 mm-thick masking plate formed of an insulating material punched to provided openings with arbitrary shapes is brought into close contact with the back surface of the aluminum support so that the back surface of the aluminum support is covered with the masking plate. A carbon plate with a thickness of 50 mm is used as the electrode.

Abstract: Seamless, sleeve-shaped dry and wet lithographic printing members that can be recycled after use along with methods for their manufacture and use. The members include a strong, durable, hollow cylinder or sleeve that is attached to the plate mandrel or cylinder jacket of an offset printing press or platemaking apparatus. Surrounding the sleeve is a layer of a material, preferably polymeric in nature, which is characterized by efficient, ablative absorption of laser radiation, as well as other layers that facilitate imaging and subsequent printing.

Abstract: Provided herein is a brushgraining process to improve the quality of lithographic printing plate substrate surfaces. In the process, the surface is brushed in an aqueous slurry comprising a mixture of particulates of alumina and quartz in a weight ratio range 95:5 to 5:95, with the particulates being in the size range of 1-20 microns. Such a process surprisingly lessens the number of scratches produced on the substrate surface than when compared to using alumina alone or quartz alone or a mixture of alumina and quartz with particle sizes higher than the range disclosed.

Abstract: This invention provides a lithographic base comprising a support provided with a hardened hydrophilic layer wherein the hardened hydrophilic layer comprises a dextran or pullulan modified with a group containing amine or amide functions having at least one free hydrogen.

Abstract: Lithographic printing plates suitable for imaging by means of laser devices that emit in the near-infrared region. Laser output ablates a titanium layer sandwiched between an oleophobic or hydrophilic layer and a polyester layer, resulting in an imagewise pattern of features on the plate. The image features exhibit an affinity for ink or an ink-abhesive fluid that differs from that of unexposed areas.

Abstract: A lithographic plate comprising a substrate carrying an oxide layer derived from a Type A sol is disclosed. The substrate may be metal, e.g. aluminum or steel, and may be in a mill finished state or grained or otherwise profiled. Type A sols have polynuclear cations but no specific particles and may be formed by peptising basic salts with acids. The sol may include an inorganic passenger powder which may impart a desired topography to the coating layer.

Abstract: Lithographic printing plates suitable for imaging by means of laser devices that emit in the near-infrared region. Laser output either ablates one or more plate layers or physically transforms a surface layer, in either case resulting in an imagewise pattern of features on the plate. The image features exhibit an affinity for ink or an ink-abhesive fluid that differs from that of unexposed areas.

Abstract: Grained, anodized and hydrophilized lithographic printing plates which have a negative or positive working radiation-sensitive coating, are exposed and are developed in an aqueous alkaline solution, are subjected, after hydrophilization, to a treatment with a salt solution containing divalent or polyvalent cations in a concentration of not less than 0.02 mol/l, thereby minimizing degradation of the plate and contamination of the printing forms and the development apparatus.

Abstract: A support material for photosensitive substances, useful in the production of offset-printing plates, is disclosed. The support material comprises mechanically, chemically or electrochemically roughened aluminum or an aluminum alloy in the form of a sheet, a foil or a web, and which is coated on at least one side with a hydrophilic polymer which comprises (a) at least 2 mol% of units having acidic side groups and (b) at least 2 mol% of units having basic side groups which are capable of being protonated.

Abstract: The invention provides an electrochemical process for applying a firmly bonded substantially insoluble metal oxide-organic complex on a metal surface by employing the metal as anode and a water-soluble polybasic organic acid plus a base as electrolyte. The polybasic acid may be a polyphosphonic acid, polyphosphoric and polycarboxyl acid, or polysulfonic acid and is advantageously polymeric. Polyvinyl phosphonic acid (PVPA) is a preferred electrolyte. Direct current is used. The insoluble metal oxide-organic complex formed is composed of anodic oxide combined with polyacid, which forms a protective layer on the metal of improved corrosion resistance. The metal oxide-organic complex is well-suited to bond light sensitive coatings thereto. The metal may be steel, aluminum or magnesium. The process is economical and the product novel. Sufficient base is added to give the electrolyte a pH in the range of from about 3 to about 10.

Abstract: Disclosed is a support for lithographic printing plate having an electrodeposited chromium layer on an iron material, characterized in that the surface of said electrodeposited layer has a shape in which crystalline products with angles protrude thereon, the elemental composition in the surface side portion of said electrodeposited layer consists substantially of chromium and oxygen and the ratios of atomic concentrations of chromium and oxygen at said portion are substantially even at the same depth from every point on said surface.

Abstract: According to the invention there is provided an electrochemical process for applying a firmly bonded insoluble metal oxide-organic complex on a metal surface by employing the metal as anode and a water-soluble polybasic organic acid as electrolyte. The polybasic acid may be a polyphosphonic acid, polyphosphoric and polycarboxyl acid, or polysulfonic acid and is advantageously polymeric. Polyvinyl phosphonic acid (PVPA) is a preferred electrolyte. Direct current is used. The insoluble metal oxide-organic complex formed is composed of anodic oxide combined with polyacid, which forms a protective layer on the metal of improved corrosion resistance. The metal oxide-organic complex is well-suited to bond light sensitive coatings thereto. The metal may be steel, aluminum or magnesium. The process is economical and the product novel.

Abstract: According to the invention there is provided an electrochemical process for applying a firmly bonded insoluble metal oxide-organic complex on a metal surface by employing the metal as anode and a water-soluble poly basic organic acid as electrolyte together with a strong inorganic acid such as phosphoric acid or further admixed with another strong inorganic acid such as sulfuric. The polybasic acid may be a polyphosphonic acid, polyphosphoric and polycarboxyl acid, or polysulfonic acid and is advantageously polymeric. Polyvinyl phosphonic acid (PVPA) is a preferred electrolyte. Direct current is used. The insoluble metal oxide-organic complex formed is composed of anodic oxide combined with polyacid, which forms a protective layer on the metal of improved corrosion resistance. The metal oxide-organic complex is well-suited to bond light sensitive coatings thereto. The metal may be steel or aluminum. The process is economical and the product novel.

Abstract: A method for producing a multilayer printing plate comprising image-wise exposing and developing a light-sensitive printing plate material which comprises a support having an oleophilic surface having a hydrophilic metal layer thereon, the hydrophilic metal layer having thereon at least one silver halide emulsion layer either directly or on at least one subbing layer on the hydrophilic metal layer, to form a silver image resist image corresponding to the image-wise exposure by subjecting the printing plate material to a process including baking, removing the hydrophilic metal layer at non-resist image areas to uncover the oleophilic surface thereunder, and removing the resist image, or a method for producing a multilayer printing plate comprising image-wise exposing and developing a light-sensitive printing plate material which comprises a support having a hydrophilic surface having thereon at least one silver halide emulsion layer either directly or on at least one subbing layer on the hydrophilic surface to

Abstract: A method of preparing a lithographic printing plate, and the resulting printing plate, by applying an acidified oxidizing agent such as aqueous potassium permanganate solution to the toned electrostatic latent image on the photoconductive layer of an electrophotographic member to define water-receptive non-printing areas. The thus treated surface may be washed or further treated with conventional ferrocyanide ion containing fountain solutions or gum arabic, but only if desired.

Abstract: A process for preparing a lithoplate by electrophotographic means is provided wherein the toned image is fused, the photoconductive layer in the nonimage area is decoated, and finally, the fused toner is selectively removed leaving oleophilic photoconductive material as the image portion.

Abstract: An image recording material formed with a support, a photosensitive composition layer formed on the support, and a mono-particle layer of solid particles of different optical transmittances formed on the photosensitive composition layer. When the recording material is exposed to light, the firmness with which the photosensitive composition holds the solid particles varies locally from point to point in accordance with the exposure energies of light passed through the solid particles. Thus by causing the dissolving force of the solvent or other physical forces to act on the photosensitive composition, the particles held weakly are selectively removed from the recording material, whereby an image is formed by the particles left on the recording material. The recording material on which the image has been formed can be used as a printing form as it is or by being subjected to simple after-treatment.

Abstract: A photosensitive printing plate forming material having on its surface a matting layer composed of a resin and a fine particulate material dispersed therein, said resin being at least one member selected from rosin and rosin esters.

Abstract: Planar surfaces are roughened by graining with an aqueous slurry of unfused platy, crystalline alumina. Preferably, an aluminum base with is adapted to receive a light-sensitive coating thereon to make lithographic plate is grained with said aqueous slurry.

Abstract: A method of producing a support for a printing plate comprising treating an aluminum plate, which has been oxidized by anodizing and then etched, with hot water or with water vapor.

Abstract: Lithographic masters for improved image quality in direct printing process are provided. The masters are formed with a relatively soft elastomeric or resilient layer on a suitable supporting master substrate. An image layer of up to 2.5 microns is supported by the resilient layer. A resilient blanket supports the printing master or receiver sheet.

Abstract: Lithographic masters for improved image quality in direct printing process are provided. The masters are formed with a relatively soft elastomeric or resilient layer on a suitable supporting master substrate. An image layer of up to 2.5 microns is supported by the resilient layer. A resilient blanket supports the printing master or receiver sheet.

Abstract: A planographic printing master comprising an ink releasing photoconductive insulating layer and an ink receptive particulate image pattern.

Abstract: A process for preparing a waterless lithographic printing master is provided. A suitable substrate, which is preferably ink accepting is first coated with a curable silicone which is curable at low or elevated temperature and a second different curable silicone deposited on said first silicone which can be preferentially cured at a lower temperature without curing the first silicone and which second silicone contains, in addition to its own catalyst, an amount of high temperature curing catalyst sufficient to cure the underlying silicone. The surface silicone is then preferentially cured at least on its surface to render it nontacky, but not the underlying silicone.

Abstract: A combination master/blanket printing sheet for use with a lithographic offset duplicating press includes a master layer comprising material having hydrophilic properties which is imagable to provide pre-selected oleophilic areas for receipt of printing inks and a blanket layer of hydrophobic-oleophilic material suitable for receiving and carrying thereon an inked image transferred thereto by contact with a member carrying such image. In a preferred embodiment of the printing sheet the master and blanket layers are applied by coating or other suitable techniques to opposite surfaces of a base or support layer. The printing sheet is usable in the offset printing process both as a "master" sheet, when properly imaged on the master layer, and a "blanket".

Abstract: Improved waterless lithographic plates are provided. The master which comprises a copolymer of siloxane blocks crosslinked to an elastomeric ink releasing condition and organic thermoplastic blocks which are ink accepting is imaged with a particulate material, preferably an ink accepting thermoplastic polymer, and the thermoplastic blocks heated and cooled to bond the particulate imaging material thereto.

Abstract: A light-sensitive lithographic printing plate comprising a support with a hydrophilic surface having thereon a light-sensitive layer comprising a light-sensitive polyester containing o-quinonediazido groups as terminal groups.

Abstract: Lithographic printing plates suitable for imaging by means of laser devices that emit in the near-infrared region. Laser output either ablates one or more plate layers or physically transforms a surface layer, in either case resulting in an imagewise pattern of features on the plate. The image features exhibit an affinity for ink or an ink-abhesive fluid that differs from that of unexposed areas.