Abstract: A non-photosensitive flexographic liquid or paste precursor comprising a mixture of acrylate oligomers and acrylic or methacrylate monomers, infrared absorbing material, fillers and heat decomposable peroxide, which when heated forms a non-thermoplastic elastomeric solid material in the form of a flexographic printing blank engravable by infrared laser ablation.

Abstract: A method of making a printing plate which has easy removability of engraving residue generated in laser engraving and has excellent reproducibility of thin lines is provided. The method includes in the following order: engraving by laser irradiation a relief forming layer of a printing plate precursor, the relief forming layer including a binder polymer having a glass transition temperature (Tg) of 20° C. or higher; and treating a surface of the engraved relief forming layer with an emulsion cleaner.

Abstract: A printing plate precursor for laser engraving, including a relief forming layer including a cured resin material formed by thermally crosslinking a resin composition including at least (A) non-porous inorganic particles, (B) a binder polymer having a glass transition temperature (Tg) of 20° C. or higher, and (C) a crosslinking agent.

Abstract: A resin composition for laser engraving is provided, which forms a film having good physical properties, imparts good printing durability to a printing plate having a relief forming layer made of the resin composition, and achieves high engraving sensitivity in laser engraving. The resin composition for laser engraving includes a compound (A) having at least two isocyanate groups in its molecule, and a polymer compound (B) having at least one substituent selected from the group consisting of a hydroxyl group and —NHR, in which R represents a hydrogen atom, a linear alkyl group, a branched alkyl group, an alkenyl group, an alkynyl group, a cycloalkyl group, an alkoxy group, an aryl group, or a heterocyclic group.

Abstract: An improved process for producing flexographic printing plates using a digital workflow is described. After creating an in-situ digital mask over the photopolymerizable layer, the photopolymerizable layer is exposed to actinic radiation through the mask layer in a reduced oxygen environment. After subsequent development, the resulting relief printing form is composed of flat topped dots with crisp edges and steep bevel angles that can be used to print directly on corrugated materials.

Abstract: A method of making a flexographic printing sleeve forme includes the steps of forming a sleeve body by providing one or more at least partially cured uniform layers on a sleeve carrier; forming a relief image on the sleeve body by imagewise jetting a curable jetting fluid; and optionally overall post-curing; characterized in that between formation of the sleeve body and formation of the relief image no polishing or grinding is performed.

Abstract: Problem to be Solved To provide a photosensitive resin composition which has good processability even in a relatively low temperature condition near room temperature and exhibits good efficiency in removing debris generated while shaping a printing plate by laser engraving. Solution A photosensitive resin composition, characterized by comprising: (a) 100 parts by mass of a resin having a number average molecular weight of 1,000 or more; and (b) 0.1 to 10 parts by mass of ultrafine particles having a number average particle diameter of primary particles of 5 nm or more and 100 nm or less; wherein the photosensitive resin composition has a viscosity at 20° C. of 50 Pa·s or more and 10,000 Pa·s or less; and a precursor composition, which is obtained by excluding the component (b) from the photosensitive resin composition, has a viscosity at 20° C. of 5 Pa·s or more and 500 Pa·s or less.

Abstract: The present invention provides a photosensitive resin composition comprising 100 parts by mass of a polyurethane prepolymer having an ethylenically unsaturated group, 10 to 150 parts by mass of an ethylenically unsaturated compound, and 0.01 to 10 parts by mass of a photopolymerization initiator, wherein the ethylenically unsaturated compound comprises 0.1 to 10 parts by mass of a polyfunctional ethylenically unsaturated compound having 6 or more (meth)acryloyl groups in a molecule thereof with respect to 100 parts by mass of the polyurethane prepolymer.

Abstract: A photosensitive resin composition for forming a laser engravable printing element, comprising: (a) 100 parts by weight of a resin which is in a solid state at 20° C., wherein the resin has a number average molecular weight of from 5,000 to 300,000, (b) 5 to 200 parts by weight of an organic compound having a number average molecular weight of less than 5,000 and having at least one polymerizable unsaturated group per molecule, and (c) 1 to 100 parts by weight of an inorganic porous material having an average pore diameter of from 1 to 1,000 nm, a pore volume of from 0.1 to 10 ml/g and a number average particle diameter of not more than 10 ?m. A laser engravable printing element formed from the above-mentioned resin composition. A method for producing a laser engraved printing element by using the above-mentioned photosensitive resin composition.

Abstract: Compounds of the formula (I), wherein R1, R2 and R10 independently of one another are C1-C20alkyl, phenyl, C1-C12alkylphenyl or phenyl-C1-C6alkyl; R3 and R4 independently of one another are hydrogen, C1-C20alkyl, NR6R7 or SR8, provided that at least one of R3 or R4 is NR6R7 or SR8; R5 is hydrogen or C1-C20alkyl; R6 and R7 independently of one another are C1-C20alkyl, or R6 and R7 together with the N-atom to which they are attached form a 5 or 6 membered ring, which optionally is interrupted by O, S or NR9 and which optionally additionally is substituted by one or more C1-C4alkyl; R8 is phenyl, biphenylyl, naphthyl, anthryl or phenanthryl, all of which optionally are substituted by one or more C1-C4alkyl; and R9 is hydrogen, C1-C20alkyl, C2-C4hydroxyalkyl or phenyl; exhibit an unexpectedly good performance in photopolymerization reactions.

Abstract: A process for producing a laser engravable printing substrate, comprising the step of forming a layer of photosensitive resin composition on a cylindrical support or sheeted support and the step of irradiating the formed layer of photosensitive resin composition with light to thereby provide a layer of cured photosensitive resin of 50 ?m to 50 mm thickness, wherein the light for irradiation of the photosensitive resin composition layer contains a ray of 200 to 450 nm wavelength and wherein the light illuminance on the surface of the photosensitive resin composition layer is in the range of 20 mW/cm2 to 2 W/cm2 when measured with the use of UV meter (trade name “UV-M02” manufactured by Ohku Seisakusho) and filter (trade name “UV-35-APR Filter” manufactured by Ohku Seisakusho) and in the range of 3 mW/cm2 to 2 W/cm2 when measured with the use of the above UV meter and filter (trade name “UV-25 Filter” manufactured by Ohku Seisakusho).

Abstract: A method of controlling surface roughness of a flexographic printing element during thermal processing. The printing blank comprises at least one photocurable layer on a support layer, the at least one photocurable layer comprising: (1) a binder comprising styrene-butadiene-styrene; (2) at least one fast curing monomer; (3) at least one slow curing monomer; and (4) a photoinitiator. The printing blank is selectively imagewise exposing the printing plate blank to actinic radiation from the top of the printing element blank to selectively crosslink and cure portions of the at least one photocurable layer and then thermally processed to remove uncured portions of the at least one photocurable layer, thereby revealing the relief image in the at least one photocurable layer. Surface roughness of the relief image printing element after thermal processing is controlled to less than about 1,000 nm.

Abstract: A mask-forming film has a transparent layer between the imageable layer and the carrier sheet, which transparent layer has a refractive index that is lower (by at least 0.04) than that of the carrier sheet or any immediately adjacent layer between it and the carrier sheet. This lower refractive index layer modifies the path of incident radiation during mask image transfer so as to provide steeper shoulder angles in the relief image solid areas. This mask film is used to form a relief image such as in a flexographic printing plate.

Abstract: A method for fabricating a disc stamper is provided. First, a substrate is provided. Next, a layer of a coatable inorganic material is coated on the substrate, wherein the coatable inorganic material is an oxide, in which the chemical element constitution is more than one element selected from the group consisting of Te, Al, Zr, and Ti. Next, a laser beam is utilized to perform direct write on the layer of the coatable inorganic material to form a relief pattern. Thereafter, a metal layer is electroplated on the relief pattern. Next, the metal layer is separated from the relief pattern. The layer of the coatable inorganic material is utilized to form the relief pattern, so that it is more compatibility to equipment apparatus and lower cost in contrast with sputtered PTM process.

Abstract: The present invention relates a printing element comprising at least one polymer layer which has photoimageable constituents and additions to make the polymer layer either hydrophobic or hydrophilic. The printing element may have two polymer layers on a substrate in which one of the layers comprises fluorinated acrylates or methacrylates.

Abstract: A system and method for producing a flexographic relief image printing plate from a liquid photopolymer printing blank. The system comprises one or more apparatuses for performing steps to produce the relief image printing plate which are selected from the group consisting of a) a glass setting apparatus for setting a desired gauge of the relief image printing plate, b) an apparatus for controlling UV exposure of the printing plate during an exposure step, and/or c) an apparatus for automatically performing a masking exposure of the printing plate. A microcontroller is operatively connected to the one or more apparatuses and includes software for controlling the operation of the one or more apparatuses and data storage means for storing data relating to the at least one or more apparatuses.

Abstract: The present invention provides a process for producing a photosensitive resin plate or relief printing plate having a recessed and projected pattern, which comprises the steps of: making a liquid containing an ink-repellent component (A) and a curing component (B) attach to the plate surface of the photosensitive resin plate or relief printing plate having a recessed and projected pattern prior to the post-treatment step or during the post-treatment step, wherein the ink-repellent component (A) comprises at least one compound selected from the group consisting of silicon-based compounds, fluorine-based compounds and paraffin-based compounds, and provides a treatment liquid which is suitable for the process for producing the photosensitive resin plate or the relief printing plate having the recessed and projected pattern.

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 photopolymer plate manufacturing process utilizes a modified substrate and mask to generate pre-cut and interchangeable single and multi-part stamp dies. Using a modified substrate and mask, a conventional photopolymer plate can be manufactured with a plurality of independent pattern or stamp areas that are readily removable and replaceable on the substrate and do not require cutting. The resulting material is also securable to a plastic stamp or the like without an adhesive, thereby facilitating a stamp with exchangeable patterns. Additionally, with a further modified mask, the stamp dies can be manufactured in two or more separable pieces, which can then be selectively interchanged among multiple stamp dies.

Abstract: A method for developing an imaged and exposed photopolymer printing element is disclosed where the printing element is heated to a temperature sufficient to selectively melt or soften the non-cured portions of the photopolymer such that the softened or melted non-cured photopolymer is removable from the printing element by contacting the heated printing element with a blotter. The image of the removed non-cured photopolymer is obscured by using a darkly colored blotter thereby increasing the security of the printing operation.

Abstract: The present invention provides a plate surface treatment solution comprising a fluorinated polymer containing a perfluoroalkyl group having 7 or less carbon atoms on average to be adhered onto a plate surface of a photosensitive resin printing plate having a concave-convex shape or a relief printing plate. The present invention also discloses a process for producing a photosensitive resin printing plate having a concave-convex shape or a relief printing plate, wherein the process comprises the step of adhering the plate surface treatment solution.

Abstract: The invention provides a method for preparing a printing form from a photopolymerizable element. The photopolymerizable element includes a layer of a photopolymerizable composition containing an elastomeric block copolymer of polystyrene and polybutadiene having less than 15% by weight of 1,2-coupled bond segments in the polybutadiene block, an ethylenically unsaturated compound, and a photoinitiator. The method includes imagewise exposing the photopolymerizable element to actinic radiation in the presence of atmospheric oxygen; heating the element to a temperature sufficient to cause a portion of the layer to liquefy; and contacting an exterior surface of the photopolymerizable element with a development medium to allow at least a portion of the liquefied layer to be removed by the development medium.

Abstract: A method of producing a pattern-forming body with high accuracy with no need for a post-exposure treatment and without allowing any photocatalyst to remain in the resultant pattern-forming body and whereby any problematic effect of the photocatalyst in the pattern-forming body is eliminated. The method includes providing a photocatalyst-containing layer-sided substrate and a pattern-forming body substrate having a characteristic-changeable layer, which is changed by the effect of the photocatalyst in the photocatalyst-containing layer, and a light-shading part formed as a pattern in such a manner that the photocatalyst-containing layer and the characteristic-changeable layer are brought into contact with each other, followed by exposure on the side of the pattern-forming body substrate to change the characteristics of the characteristic-changeable layer of the exposed part, followed by removing the photocatalyst-containing layer-sided substrate.

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: The present invention provides a resin composition for laser engraving, including at least a complex between a layered inorganic compound and a cationic organic compound, and a binder polymer that is insoluble in water and soluble in an alcohol having 1 to 4 carbon atoms; a relief printing plate precursor for laser engraving using the same, a relief printing plate; and a method of producing the relief printing plate.

Abstract: A relief printing plate precursor for laser engraving, including a relief forming layer that includes a peroxide and a binder polymer, and includes a crosslinked structure.

Abstract: A process for preparing a flexographic printing plate comprising providing a photosensitive element comprising a support and at least one photopolymerizable layer, providing a photomask adjacent the photopolymerizable layer opposite the support, exposing the photosensitive element with ultraviolet radiation between 200 and 300 nm through the photomask, exposing the photosensitive element with ultraviolet radiation between 310 and 400 nm through the photomask to photopolymerize areas of the photopolymerizable layer, and treating the exposed photosensitive element to remove unpolymerized areas, thereby forming a relief surface suitable for printing.

Abstract: A developing or processing solution can be used to provide flexographic relief printing plates. This processing solution comprises dipropylene glycol dimethyl ether (DME) and optionally one or more alcohols or other co-solvents. The processing solution is used to remove non-polymerized material after imaging while leaving polymerized material in a relief image.

Abstract: The present invention provides a resin composition for laser engraving, containing at least an inorganic porous material, a binder polymer, a thermopolymerization initiator and a polymerizable compound; a relief printing plate precursor for laser engraving using the same; a relief printing plate; and a method of producing the relief printing plate.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and apparatus for forming a printing form from a photosensitive element to form a relief pattern. The method and apparatus thermally develop the photosensitive element by heating a composition layer of the element to cause a portion of the layer to liquefy and providing a development medium to the element to remove the liquefied composition. A conformable layer is disposed between the photosensitive element and a base support, which improves the compressibility and the contact between the photosensitive element and the development medium. The method and apparatus improve the efficiency of the removal of liquefied portions from the photosensitive element and the uniformity of the relief pattern formed.

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; supporting a development medium with a non-rotating surface to provide contact of the development medium with the heated photosensitive element; and providing relative movement between the development medium and the non-rotating surface.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to a process and an apparatus for treating a photosensitive element to form a relief structure suitable for flexographic printing plate. The apparatus comprises an enclosure, a conveyor, a heatable roller with absorbent material conducted over it, and a roller that can significantly smooth or uniformly roughen the relief structure of the flexographic printing plate. Previously selectively cured photosensitive elements are developed by means of the heatable roller by blotting with the absorbent material, and the resulting relief structure is made uniform by way of a smoothing or roughening roller. The flexographic plates produced by the method and apparatus are especially suited to processes that require substantially smoothed or uniformly roughened printing plate surfaces, which are capable of producing better quality printing.

Abstract: Methods of forming a flexographic printing plate are described and include disposing a polymeric substrate onto a master tool having a plurality of recesses defining a master tool pattern. A solvent is disposed within the recesses. Then, the solvent is diffused into the polymeric substrate to form a substrate relief pattern that is complementary to the master pattern. The substrate relief pattern is then cured to form a flexographic printing plate. Flexographic printing plates are also described.

Abstract: A flexographic printing sleeve or plate is made by a method that includes providing a millable polyurethane, crosslinking the millable polyurethane, and forming a relief by at least laser engraving the crosslinked millable polyurethane. For example, crosslinking may be accomplished by a peroxide-based process or by a vulcanization process using sulfur. A relief in one example is formed by extruding the millable polyurethane, thermally crosslinking the polyurethane after the extrusion step and laser engraving the crosslinked millable polyurethane. A printing article is formed into the shape of a flat printing plate or a continuous in-the-round printing sleeve.

Abstract: A resin composition for laser engraving, including: a binder polymer; and a metal compound containing a metal selected from the group consisting of metals in Group 1 to Group 15 in the periodic table.

Abstract: A method of making a flexographic printing form precursor for laser engraving including the steps of (i) providing at least one layer of a curable composition on a substrate; (ii) curing the at least one layer; wherein the curable composition defining an outermost layer includes at least 0.5% by weight relative to the total weight of the composition of an organo-silicon compound including at least one polymerizable group; and a urethane (meth)acrylate oligomer having three or less polymerizable groups.

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: A relief printing plate precursor for laser engraving, including a relief forming layer containing (A) a polymerizable compound having an ethylenic unsaturated bond, (B) a binder polymer, and (C) a compound having deodorizing ability.

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: The invention pertains to a method for preparing a composite printing form from a photosensitive element and a carrier using a template. The photosensitive element is located on the carrier by positioning the element through cutout portions in the template. The method is particularly suited for preparing composite printing forms for relief printing, and in particular for preparing composite printing forms for flexographic printing of corrugated substrates.

Abstract: The invention provides a relief printing plate precursor for laser engraving, comprising a relief forming layer, the relief forming layer comprising a resin composition for laser engraving, and the resin composition for laser engraving comprising a binder polymer (A) that is insoluble in water and soluble in an alcohol having 1 to 4 carbon atoms. The invention further provides a method for manufacturing a relief printing plate having crosslinking components of the relief forming layer and laser engraving the relief forming layer, and a relief printing plate formed thereby.

Abstract: A relief image printing element with an integral imageable printing surface and a method of preparing the relief image printing element are described. The relief image printing element comprises a dimensionally stable base layer; a floor layer comprised of a cured polymer selected from the group consisting of photopolymers, and polymers with a resilience of at least 40% when cured; and at least one layer of an imageable material. Most preferably, the floor layer created by curing the layer through the top of the printing element by face exposure. The printing element may also contain a compressible layer between the base layer and the floor layer.

Abstract: The invention provides a resin composition for laser engraving, having a binder polymer containing at least one of a structure unit represented by the following Formula (I) or a structure unit represented by the following Formula (II). In the Formulae, Q represents a partial structure which provides an acid group having an acid dissociation constant pKa of 0 to 20 when it is in the form of -Q-H; R1 to R3 each independently represent a hydrogen atom or a monovalent organic group; and A and B each independently represent a bivalent organic connecting group. The invention further provides a relief printing plate precursor having a relief forming layer containing the resin composition, a method for manufacturing a relief printing plate having crosslinking components of the relief forming layer and laser engraving the relief forming layer, and a relief printing plate formed thereby.

Abstract: A resin composition for laser engraving includes a binder polymer including a polyester, and an oxy compound of at least one of metal and metalloid selected from Groups 1 to 16 of periodic table.

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: The invention provides a method and an apparatus for preparing a relief printing form from a photosensitive element. More specifically, this invention describes a method and an apparatus for preparing a relief form in an environment having controlled oxygen concentration during exposure to actinic radiation. The method includes forming an in-situ mask on a lo photosensitive element, exposing the element to actinic radiation through the in-situ mask in an environment having an inert gas and a concentration of oxygen between 190,000 and 100 ppm, and treating the exposed element to form the relief printing form having a pattern of raised surface areas.

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: The invention provides a method of manufacturing a relief printing plate having at least engraving an area which is in a relief forming layer of a relief printing plate precursor for laser engraving and is to be exposed by scanning exposure using a fiber-coupled semiconductor laser which emits laser beam with a wavelength of 700 nm to 1,300 nm. The relief printing plate precursor has at least a relief forming layer provided over a support, and the relief forming layer contains at least a binder polymer and a photo-thermal conversion agent. The invention further provides a relief printing plate precursor for laser engraving which can be used in the method of manufacturing a relief printing plate.

Abstract: The invention provides a method and an apparatus for preparing a relief printing form from a photosensitive element. More specifically, this invention describes a method and an apparatus for preparing a relief form in an environment having controlled oxygen concentration during exposure to actinic radiation. The method includes forming an in-situ mask on a photosensitive element, exposing the element to actinic radiation through the in-situ mask in an environment having an inert gas and a concentration of oxygen between 190,000 and 100 ppm, and treating the exposed element to form the relief printing form having a pattern of raised surface areas.

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.