Abstract: A method for producing a lithographic printing plate is provided, wherein, in the non-alkaline development of a lithographic printing plate precursor having a protective layer, even if the protective layer components are mingled into the developer, the reduction in development removability of the image recording layer and the generation of development scum can be inhibited; an on-press development type lithographic printing plate precursor with excellent inking property, high scratch resistance, satisfied on-press developability and good fine line reproducibility is provided; and a lithographic printing method is provided, each of which is a method for producing a lithographic printing plate, comprising: imagewise exposing a lithographic printing plate precursor comprising a support, an image recording layer and a protective layer, and rubbing the plate surface by a rubbing member of an automatic processor in the presence of a developer at a pH of 2 to 10 to remove the protective layer and the image recording

Abstract: An actinic energy ray-curable resin is obtained by reacting an unsaturated monocarboxylic acid (c) with a terminal epoxy group of an epoxy resin having an unsaturated group and a hydroxyl group in its side chains and an epoxy group in its terminal and further reacting a polybasic acid anhydride (d) with the hydroxyl group of the above-mentioned epoxy resin, wherein the above-mentioned epoxy resin is a product of the polyaddition reaction of a reaction product (I) of a polybasic acid anhydride (a) and a compound (b) having at least one unsaturated double bond and one alcoholic hydroxyl group in its molecule, a compound (II) having at least two carboxyl groups in its molecule, and a bifunctional epoxy compound (III), wherein at least either one of the carboxyl group-containing compound (II) and the bifunctional epoxy compound (III) is a compound containing no aromatic ring.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a method for producing a cross-linked polyvinyl acetal resin, which can provide a cross-linked polyvinyl acetal resin having high mechanical strength and excellent solvent resistance by a simple method without a cross-linking agent, and can solve such problems as sheet attack, insufficient strength, and instability of viscosity for a long-time storage, and another object of the present invention is to provide a cross-linked polyvinyl acetal resin produced by the above method for producing a cross-linked polyvinyl acetal resin.

Abstract: A photosensitive resin composition containing an alkali soluble resin, an ethylenically unsaturated compound, a near infrared absorbing dye, a compound containing a halomethyl group and a compound containing an organoboron anion, wherein the alkali soluble resin is an acryl resin having one or more pendant groups in which both terminals of a diol compound have been blocked with isophorone diisocyanates and then (meth)acryloyl has been added. Also provided is an image forming material having a substrate, and a photosensitive layer formed by the photosensitive resin composition on the substrate, as well as an image forming method.

Abstract: The invention provides a method for making a printing form having a relief surface on a floor from a photosensitive element. The method involves generating a polymerization rate curve for the photosensitive element from a step exposure test by measuring a cure response, such as floor thickness or one or more relief image characteristic/s, of the element relative to an energy density of a source of actinic radiation. The method exposes a photosensitive element to the source of actinic radiation based on energy density that accounts for changes in intensity of lamps used for the source of actinic radiation.

Abstract: High speed violet or ultraviolet laser sensitive lithographic printing plate comprising on a substrate a specific photosensitive composition is described. The photosensitive layer comprises a multifunctional (meth)acrylate monomer, a hexaarylbiimidazole compound, and a sensitizing dye. Combination of both multifunctional urethane (meth)acrylate monomer and multifunctional non-urethane (meth)acrylate monomer can be advantageously used. The plate is imagewise exposed with a violet or ultraviolet laser at a dosage of less than 1000 ?J/cm2, and then developed either off press or on press.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a simple method for treatment of a washing waste liquid, which enhances the flocculation effect and also enhances filtration characteristics of a flocculated washing waste liquid in a flocculation treatment of a washing waste liquid generated in processing a photosensitive lithographic printing plate. Disclosed is a method for treatment of a washing waste liquid generated in a processing apparatus of a photosensitive lithographic printing plate, which comprises (1) adding a cationic polymer flocculant to the washing waste liquid, then (2) adding an anionic polymer flocculent, followed by (3) filtration.

Abstract: In a method of producing a photosensitive planographic printing plate according to the present invention, a web is coated with a coating solution, and a coating solution film thus formed is rapidly dried. For this drying, fresh air is blown onto the web W heated with a heat roll such that the air is blown parallel to the coating solution film. The coating solution film can thereby be prevented from changing its thickness due to an air stream during drying, while the coating solution film can be rapidly dried. Accordingly, the coating solution film can be dried before the film is leveled, to form a coating layer having uniform thickness.

Abstract: A method of the present invention is presented for deep etching of features on a surface. In one embodiment, the method includes providing a substrate having a surface selected to undergo a feature etching process and coating the substrate surface with a protective layer and an imprintable layer. The coated substrate is then subjected to a feature imprinting and etching process. Subsequent to the feature etching process, exposed portions of the protective layer are removed, exposing a well-defined, topographically patterned substrate. In addition, an apparatus for undergoing a feature etching process is disclosed. The apparatus comprises a substrate, an imprintable layer selected to undergo an imprinting process, and a protective layer positioned between the substrate and the imprintable layer.

Abstract: A polymerizable composition comprising: a polyurethane resin synthesized by using a compound represented by the following formula (I) as one of starting materials; a photopolymerization or thermal polymerization initiator; and an addition-polymerizable compound having an ethylenically unsaturated bond: wherein X represents a tri- or higher valent atom; R1 and R2 each independently represent a single bond or an alkylene group optionally having a substituent, provided that R1 and R2 do not represent a single bond at a same time; A represents a straight chain linking group; and n is an integer of from 1 to 5.

Abstract: The present invention is to obtain without any trouble a photosensitive resin composition, a photosensitive layer and a photosensitive resin printing original plate, which are developable with an aqueous developer, resistant to an aqueous ink and a cosolvent ink, and assured of good image reproducibility. The present invention relates to a photosensitive resin composition comprising (A) hydrophobic polymers obtained from at least two or more water dispersion latexes, (B) a photopolymerizable compound and (C) a photopolymerization initiator, wherein the two or more hydrophobic polymers each is present in a fine particle state.

Abstract: This invention is related to a manufacturing method of a printing plate by using a free-seal, free-quantity liquid photopolymer sachet and an apparatus thereof. Using this technology, the liquid photopolymer sachet is no longer to be limited by quantity with 3 dimensions—width, length and thickness. It is now very free, easy and convenient to use liquid photopolymer resin in a bag to make a printing plate at any width and length with any thickness you want.

Abstract: A laser-decomposable resin composition contains: a compound including at least one structure selected from a carboxyl group and a carboxylic acid anhydride structure and at least one hetero atom selected from N, S and O atoms other than the structure; and a binder polymer.

Abstract: Laser-engraveable flexographic printing plate precursors have a laser-engraveable elastomeric layer that comprises a non-free radical crosslinked polymeric binder, an infrared radiation absorbing compound, and a compound that remains stable in the precursor but upon imaging thermally degrades to produce gaseous products. The thermally degradable compounds can generate or liberate one or more gases such as nitrogen and carbon dioxide.

Abstract: A process for curing photopolymer which comprises exposing the photopolymer to an image produced by a mask-free imaging apparatus. The image may be generated by a monochromatic display screen, e.g. a liquid crystal display, light emitting diodes, a cathode ray tube or plasma screen.

Abstract: Lithographic printing plate precursor comprising: a) an untreated or pretreated substrate and b) a radiation-sensitive coating comprising: (i) at least one polymeric binder soluble or swellable in aqueous alkaline developers; (ii) at least one free-radical polymerizable monomer and/or oligomer comprising at least one non-aromatic C—C double bond and at least one SH group in the molecule; and (iii) a radiation-sensitive initiator or initiator system for free-radical polymerization, wherein component (ii) has the formula (I) wherein each R1a, R1b and R1c is independently selected from H, C1-C6 alkyl, C2-C8 alkenyl, aryl, halogen, CN and COOR1d, wherein R1d is H, C1-C18 alkyl, C2-C8 alkenyl, C2-C8 alkynyl or aryl; and Z is an aliphatic, heterocyclic or heteroaromatic spacer or a combination of two or more thereof, wherein Z can optionally comprise one or more additional SH groups and/or one or more additional non-aromatic C—C double bonds; and each Z1 is independently selected from a single bond, formulae (Ia),

Abstract: An ink composition is provided that includes (A) an N-vinyllactam, (B) a monomer represented by Formula (I), and (C) a radical polymerization initiator, or includes (A) an N-vinyllactam, (B) a monomer represented by Formula (II), (C) a radical polymerization initiator, and phenoxyethyl acrylate.

Abstract: A liquid transfer article is provided including a support assembly and an imaged surface formed directly on the surface of the support assembly by digital photopolymerization. The support assembly is in the form of a polymeric base, and the liquid transfer article is formed by providing a liquid photopolymer on the surface of the base and then irradiating the polymer with a light source to form the image. The liquid transfer article is reimagable and may be used in gravure printing processes, as well as other printing applications.

Abstract: A photosensitive structure for flexographic printing having a support (A) and, laminated thereon, an adhesive layer (B) and a photosensitive resin layer (C) different from said adhesive layer (B), wherein said adhesive layer (B) is an adhesive layer (B) comprising a thermoplastic elastomer (a) derived from at least one monovinyl substituted aromatic hydrocarbon and a conjugated diene, at least one ethylenically unsaturated compound (b) and at least one polymerization initiator (c), wherein said ethylenically unsaturated compound (b) comprises at least one (meth)acrylate (i) having one or more aromatic rings and/or one or more hydroxyl groups in the molecule thereof.

Abstract: The present invention provides an intermediate transfer member having higher transferability and higher cleaning properties and durability, an apparatus for producing an intermediate transfer member which does not require the provision of any large equipment such as vacuum equipment, and an image forming apparatus comprising the intermediate transfer member. The intermediate transfer member contains a support and, provided on the support, a first inorganic compound layer containing carbon atoms and a second inorganic compound layer as a surface layer, the second inorganic compound layer not containing any carbon atom or containing carbon atoms in a smaller amount than the carbon atoms in the first inorganic compound layer.

Abstract: High speed violet or ultraviolet laser sensitive lithographic printing plate comprising on a hydrophilic substrate a specific photosensitive composition is described. The photosensitive layer comprises an alkaline soluble polymeric binder, a multifunctional (meth)acrylate monomer, a free-radical initiator, and a sensitizing dye. The plate is imagewise exposed with a violet or ultraviolet laser at a dosage of less than 300 ?J/cm2, and then developed with an aqueous alkaline developer. Higher monomer to polymer weight ratio is advantageously used. A pigment is preferably incorporated into the photosensitive coating solution as a liquid dispersion. The exposed plate is preferably developed on a processor with an alkaline developer coupled with a replenisher having higher pH.

Abstract: An aspect of the present invention provides a method for manufacturing an original plate of a planographic printing plate, comprising: a process of forming a photosensitive layer on a substrate; a process of coating an overcoat layer over the photosensitive layer; a first drying process of supplying hot air toward the overcoat layer; and a second drying process of supplying hot air and superheated vapor toward the overcoat layer after the first drying process, wherein the original plate of a planographic printing plate is photopolymerizable.

Abstract: The present invention provides an aqueous regenerator for addition to an aqueous developer that contains an organic solvent, a dispersing agent and a weak base, and has a pH of between about 8 and less than about 13. The aqueous regenerator includes an organic solvent, dispersing agent, and an effective amount of a strong base such that the regenerator has a greater pH than the developer into which the regenerator is to be added.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method and apparatus for thermally developing a photosensitive element. The thermal development method includes heating the photosensitive element to a temperature sufficient to cause a portion of a composition layer in the element to liquefy, soften, or melt, contacting the heated photosensitive element with a development medium to absorb the liquefied portion at a contact location, and removing the development medium from the photosensitive element with a remover at a location away from the contact location.

Abstract: A polymerizable composition comprising: a polyurethane resin synthesized by using a compound represented by the following formula (I) as one of starting materials; a photopolymerization or thermal polymerization initiator; and an addition-polymerizable compound having an ethylenically unsaturated bond: wherein X represents a tri- or higher valent atom; R1 and R2 each independently represent a single bond or an alkylene group optionally having a substituent, provided that R1 and R2 do not represent a single bond at a same time; A represents a straight chain linking group; and n is an integer of from 1 to 5.

Abstract: A photosensitive composition containing: (A) a polymerizable compound containing an ethylenic double bond in the molecule; (B) a photopolymerization initiator; (C) a polymer binder; and (D) a dye exhibiting a maximum absorption wavelength of 350-450 nm, wherein the dye is represented by Formula (1):

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method of selectively pre-exposing a photosensitive printing element prior to imagewise exposure in order to remove oxygen from the photosensitive layer prior to imagewise exposure. The invention is usable in a computer-to-plate process to produce flexographic relief image printing elements.

Abstract: A method for developing printing plates in a printing press having at least one printing unit includes loading an imaged, undeveloped printing plate with dampening solution before a start of printing for dampening in at least one printing unit of the printing press for an active duration corresponding at least to one and one half times a time duration or number of machine revolutions provided before a start of printing when an already developed printing plate is used in the same printing press. A printing press for carrying out the method is also provided.

Abstract: A material film for a mask film comprising a substrate film transmitting ultraviolet light and a resin layer not transmitting ultraviolet light disposed on one face of the substrate film, the resin layer having a color which can be eliminated by irradiation with laser beams, a transmittance of ultraviolet light of 0.1% or smaller, a thickness of 0.1-30 ?m and an average surface roughness on a central line Ra of 0.1-3 ?m and comprising carbon black having an average particle diameter of 20-50 nm and a specific surface area of 70-150 m2/g. The resin layer exhibits uniform transparency at portions the color of which is eliminated and suppresses formation of scratches. The mask film is easily positioned in preparation of great printing plates and good contact is easily attained throughout the entire surface suppressing containment of air between the mask film and the printing plate material.

Abstract: A highly alkaline developer composition includes an alkali silicate, an alkyl sulfate, and a water-soluble or water-dispersible polyhydroxy compound such as glycerin. The developer composition is useful for processing imaged elements to produce lithographic printing plates with reduced etching of the aluminum substrates that have been coated with hydrophilic polymers such as poly(vinyl phosphonic acid) and with minimal sludging in the developer tank.

Abstract: Particular embodiments include method embodiments and apparatus embodiments. One method embodiment comprises: placing a printing plate on an imaging device; imaging the plate according to imaging data; and applying UV radiation using a plurality of UV emitting LEDs during the process of imaging of the printing plate. In one embodiment, the plate initially has ablatable material, and wherein the imaging includes ablating ablatable material on the plate according to the imaging data to form an ablated plate, and wherein the applying the UV radiation includes exposing the ablated plate to UV radiation to cure the plate. In one embodiment, the imaging device is an external drum imager that includes a drum that rotates during imaging.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a printing plate to acheive a precise and fine pattern by minimizing a variation of etching critical dimension is disclosed. The method uses a hard mask having an opening on an insulating substrate to form a first trench having a first depth in the insulating substrate. A first etching stopper and a first photoresist may be applied on a surface of the insulating substrate including the first trench for patterning the first photoresist by exposing the first photoresist. Likewise, a second and third trench may be formed.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a printing plate is realizes a precise and fine pattern by minimizing a variation of etching critical dimension. The method includes forming a hard mask having an opening on an insulating substrate; forming a first trench having a first depth in the insulating substrate using the hard mask; coating, patterning and developing a first photoresist over an entire surface of the insulating substrate including the hard mask; and forming at least a second trench having a second depth in the insulating substrate using the hard mask, wherein the second depth is deeper than the first depth.

Abstract: A negative-working imageable element having an imageable layer on a substrate can be used to form an imaged element by imagewise exposing it to form exposed and non-exposed regions in the imageable layer. The imageable element also has a water-soluble topcoat disposed on the imageable layer. With or without a preheat step, the water-soluble topcoat is at least partially removed with water or an aqueous solution that incompletely or not at all removes the non-exposed regions of the imageable layer. The element is then mounted in a printing press and contacted with a fountain solution, a lithographic printing ink, or a combination of a fountain solution and a lithographic printing ink, thereby removing non-exposed regions of the imageable layer at the beginning of the printing operation.

Abstract: This invention describes an exposure apparatus comprising a light measuring device and a light transmitting clamp designed to compress a photocurable (photopolymer) package for use in manufacture of a hand stamp plate, the package typically consisting of a sachet containing a liquid photopolymer. The liquid photopolymer is specifically engineered to cure under ambient lighting conditions eliminating the requirement for fluorescent tubes to create the UV light to cure the photopolymer. The light measuring device is designed to inform the user of the required exposure time for the printing plate.

Abstract: Ablation data of a region other than an image region, which ablation data is required for a positive-type printing plate, is added at a printing plate automatic exposure device side. Thus, a disadvantage of a time duration for transmission of job data from a PC being slowed because of the ablation data is solved. As a result, image recording operations can be made more efficient. Furthermore, the ablation data includes non-exposure portions at regions corresponding to peripheral edge portions of the printing plate. Consequently, light does not impinge on a leading end chuck, a trailing end chuck and the like, and the ablation data can be made suitable for interlaced scanning.

Abstract: The invention relates to an imaging element and a method of using the imaging element to form a recording element. The imaging element includes a composition sensitive to actinic radiation from a source of radiation having a range of wavelengths and a photoluminescent tag that is responsive to at least one wavelength from the source of radiation. The photoluminescent tag can be used to authenticate the identity of the element, provide information about the element, and/or to establish one or more conditions in a device used to prepare the recording element from the imaging element.

Abstract: A process for making a flexographic printing plate is provided, the process including a step of forming an image mask on a flexographic printing starting plate by discharging an oil-based ink by an ink-jet method, the flexographic printing starting plate having a support and a photosensitive resin layer provided thereon; a step of subjecting the photosensitive resin layer to overall exposure via the image mask; and a step of developing the photosensitive resin layer thus exposed.

Abstract: A photosensitive lithographic printing plate comprises a photosensitive layer and a protective layer formed in this order on a support, wherein the photosensitive layer has a maximum peak of spectral sensitivity within a wavelength range ranging from 390 to 430 nm, the minimum exposure for the photosensitive lithographic printing plate for image formation at a wavelength of 410 nm (S410) is at most 100 ?J/cm2, and the relation between the minimum exposure for image formation at a wavelength of 450 nm (S450) and the minimum exposure for image formation at a wavelength of 410 nm (S410) is 0<S410/S450?0.1.

Abstract: The present invention provides an aqueous regenerator for addition to an aqueous developer that contains an organic solvent, a dispersing agent and a weak base, and has a pH of between about 8 and less than about 13. The aqueous regenerator includes an organic solvent, dispersing agent, and an effective amount of a strong base such that the regenerator has a greater pH than the developer into which the regenerator is to be added.

Abstract: The present invention discloses printing plates comprising a substrate and a radiation-absorptive layer, wherein the radiation-absorptive layer comprises at least one modified pigment product. The modified pigment product comprises a pigment having attached at least one organic group and at least one amphiphilic counterion. Methods of imaging printing plates are also disclosed.

Abstract: An improved flexo processor and a method of using the improved flexo processor to increase the flexibility of both the type and the size of the flexographic printing element that may be processed. The novel thermal plate processor system is capable of processing both flat and round photosensitive printing elements with only minimal changes to the system. The thermal plate processor system may also include means for exposure and post-exposure/detack in the same system.

Abstract: Systems and methods are described for improved yield and line width performance for liquid polymers and other materials. A method for minimizing precipitation of developing reactant by lowering a sudden change in pH includes: developing at least a portion of a polymer layer on a substrate with an initial charge of a developer fluid; then rinsing the polymer with an additional charge of the developer fluid so as to controllably minimize a subsequent sudden change in pH; and then rinsing the polymer with a charge of another fluid. An apparatus for minimizing fluid impingement force on a polymer layer to be developed on a substrate includes: a nozzle including: a developer manifold adapted to supply a developer fluid; a plurality of developer fluid conduits coupled to the developer manifold; a rinse manifold adapted to supply a rinse fluid; and a plurality of rinse fluid conduits coupled to the developer manifold.

Abstract: A composition comprising a polymer according to Structure 1 wherein R is H, Me, Et or C6H5; R? is H or Me; R? is H or Me; n=1 to 100; and Z=1 to 3, is disclosed. The composition can be cured and used in a wide range of articles such as a photopolymer printing plate, sealant, caulk, encapsulent, road marking paint, photoresist, binder, impact modifier, polymer modifier, oxygen or water vapor barrier coating, conformal coating, solder mask, pigment dispersion, stereolithograph, laminating resin, grafted co-polymer, composite, optical fiber coating, paper coating, metal coating, glass coating, plastic coating, wood coating, waterproofing material, electrical insulating material, automotive belt or hose, tire, engine mount, gasket, golf ball core, and rubber roll.

Abstract: A developer composition for a lithographic printing plate comprising on an aluminum plate support a photosensitive layer which comprises an ethylenically unsaturated monomer, a photopolymerization initiator and a polymeric binder is disclosed, wherein the developer composition contains water in an amount of not more than 10% by weight and is substantially free from a silicate. There is also disclosed a developer solution obtained by dissolving the developer composition in water.

Abstract: An edge-covering composition for covering the cut surfaces of a photosensitive printing element to prevent premature curing of the cut surfaces during a process of manufacturing the printing element. The edge-covering composition is an emulsion comprising one or more emulsifiers, one or more-ultraviolet radiation-absorbing materials, optionally, a coloring agent, and optionally, one or more additional additives. The emulsion compositions are easy to apply, non-toxic, inexpensive, and are largely compatible with the solvents used to wash uncured photopolymer from the printing elements during processing.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for improving the accuracy and streamlining the process of preparing an imaged flexographic printing sleeve. Seam layout details are determined by a controller and transferred to an automated cutting device to cut flexographic precursor sections. The controller can also control a printing device to print indicia on a sleeve substrate for use in aligning the cut precursor sections. The controller can also control a mounting device for the mounting of the cut precursor sections. An imaging engine for imaging a flexographic printing sleeve is equipped with an edge detection system for determining the location of seams between abutting precursor sections.

Abstract: A plate-making method is capable of recording a sharp image on a photosensitive plate, and is applicable to a process operation executed in a light room, while adverse influences caused by laser flares can be hardly received. Ultra-short pulse laser light emitted from a Ti:Al2O3 laser light source is modulated by an AOM (acousto-optic modulating element). The modulated laser light is focused by a collective lens onto a high-sensitive photopolymer layer of a photosensitive plate-making material. The focused ultra-short pulse laser light may cause a photopolymerization reaction in a laser-light-irradiated portion of the high-sensitive photopolymer layer by way of a multiple photon absorption phenomenon, so as to form a hardened portion.

Abstract: A liquid transfer article is provided including a support assembly and an imaged surface formed directly on the surface of the support assembly by digital photopolymerization. The support assembly is in the form of a polymeric base, and the liquid transfer article is formed by providing a liquid photopolymer on the surface of the base and then irradiating the polymer with a light source to form the image. The liquid transfer article is reimagable and may be used in gravure printing processes, as well as other printing applications.

Abstract: An image-forming member excellent in the developing ability and printing durability can be obtained and images can be formed without being accompanied by any accumulation of scum in a developing bath used, by developing an image-forming material, in particular, a negative-working image-forming material which comprises a substrate provided thereon with an image-recording layer comprising an infrared light absorber, a polymerization initiator, an ethylenically unsaturated bond-containing monomer and a binder polymer, using a developer which comprises at least one carbonate and at least one hydrogen carbonate, and at least one surfactant selected from the group consisting of nonionic aromatic ether type surfactants represented by the following general formula (1): X—Y—O-(A)n-(B)m—H (wherein X represents an aromatic group; Y represents a single bond or an alkylene group having 1 to 10 carbon atoms; A and B represent groups different from one another and each represents either —CH2CH2O— or —CH2CH(CH3)O—; m and n a