Abstract: A method of producing a photocured structure comprising a backing layer for coupling to a relief image printing plate or as an integral all-in-one structure comprising a backing layer and a relief image printing layer. The photocured structure may be formed using a continuous liquid interphase method or three-dimensional plating to selectively crosslink and cure a photocurable composition. The backing layer may comprise a lattice or series of openings of the lattice where the placement and density of the openings is controlled.

Abstract: A method of creating an image film negative capable of masking non-image areas of one or more layers of liquid photopolymer during a step of imagewise exposing the one or more layers of liquid photopolymer to actinic radiation. The method includes the steps of (a) providing an image film negative comprising a negative of an image on the image film negative, wherein the negative of the image comprises a pattern of opaque areas; and (b) inkjet printing a filtering layer on portions of the image film negative not covered by the pattern of opaque areas, wherein the portions of the image film negative comprise portions where it is desirable to modulate intensity of actinic radiation in a subsequent exposure step.

Abstract: A method of producing a flexographic printing plate using a continuous liquid interphase is provided herein. This method allows for significantly reduced production times and fewer preparation steps compared to standard non-continuous techniques and results in less waste than typical methods for preparing flexographic printing plates. The printing plate provided by using continuous liquid interphase production results in a printing plate with desirable elastomeric elongation, desirable hardness, plate thickness in the range of 0.030 inches to 0.250 inches, and comprises printing dots with desirable characteristics.

Abstract: An apparatus for thermally processing a relief image printing element and a method of using the same are described. The printing element comprises at least one photopolymer layer and is selectively exposed to actinic radiation to crosslink portions of the at least one photopolymer layer. The apparatus comprises: (a) means for supporting the printing element; (b) heating means for melting or softening non-crosslinked portions of the at least one photopolymer layer; (c) at least one rotatable roll that is capable of bringing a blotting material into contact with the at least one photopolymer layer to remove the melted or softened non-crosslinked portions of the at least one photopolymer layer; and (d) an element arranged adjacent to the at least one rotatable roll for removing non-crosslinked photopolymer remaining on a surface of the at least one rotatable roll after step c). The apparatus may alternatively be operated without a blotting material.

Abstract: A method of producing a flexographic printing plate using a continuous liquid interphase is provided herein. This method allows for significantly reduced production times and fewer preparation steps compared to standard non-continuous techniques and results in less waste than typical methods for preparing flexographic printing plates. The printing plate provided by using continuous liquid interphase production results in a printing plate with desirable elastomeric elongation, desirable hardness, plate thickness in the range of 0.030 inches to 0.250 inches, and comprises printing dots with desirable characteristics.

Abstract: A method of selectively exposing a liquid photopolymer printing blank to actinic radiation to create a relief image printing plate and a liquid platemaking exposure system. The method includes: (1) positioning a programmable screen programmed with an image file of a desired image between the top glass and an upper source of actinic radiation; (2) exposing the layer of liquid photopolymer to actinic radiation from the upper source of actinic radiation through the programmable screen to crosslink and cure at least a portion of the liquid photopolymer adjacent to the backing sheet and create a floor layer therein; and (3) imagewise exposing the layer of liquid photopolymer to actinic radiation from a lower source of actinic radiation through a negative of the relief image to crosslink and cure selective portions of the liquid photopolymer on the floor layer and create the relief image therein.

Abstract: A photocurable relief image printing blank comprising: (a) a support layer; (b) one or more photocurable layers disposed on the support layer, wherein the one or more photocurable layers comprise: i) a binder; ii) one or more monomers; iii) a photoinitiator; iv) an additive selected from the group consisting of phosphites, phosphines, thioether amine compounds, and combinations of one or more of the foregoing; and v) an additional component comprising amine moieties; (c) a laser ablatable masking layer disposed on the one or more photocurable layers, the laser ablatable masking layer comprising a radiation opaque material; and (d) optionally, a removable coversheet. Upon exposure and development, the resulting relief image printing element does not degrade if left under ambient UV lights for an extended period of time.