Abstract: A printing plate includes a plurality of relief areas which stand proud of a floor of the plate, each of the relief areas having an uppermost surface to which, in use, is applied a liquid which is borne by the uppermost surface and subsequently contactingly transferred to a substrate material. A predetermined pattern of depressions define a corresponding pattern of islands within the uppermost surface. The depressions within the uppermost surface include at least primary depressions of a first size and substantially geometric first cross-sectional shape, and secondary depressions, being of smaller cross-sectional area than the primary depressions and having a second cross-sectional shape which is distinctly more elongate than the first cross-sectional shape.

Abstract: A substantially tubular interchangeable sleeve is adapted for applying a printing or coating liquid to a substrate material or offset roller. The sleeve has a multi-layer construction primarily consisting of a first outer layer of a dimensionally stable substantially fluid-impregnable solid material, such as aluminum or steel, around the exterior surface of which is affixed or applied a print or coating liquid receiving plate or layer. The sleeve further comprises one or more further interior layers of relatively less dimensionally stable, compressible, usually fibrous materials disposed inwardly of the interior surface of the first layer which, under air pressure, can be compressed so as to enlarge the inner dimensions of the sleeve so that it can be slid over a suitable bridge mandrel. The sleeve further comprises at least one end ring of a dimensionally stable substantially fluid-impregnable solid material.