Abstract: A lithographic precursor includes a hydrophilic layer that presents a surface for lithographic interaction, and which is formulated to receive a pigment-based aqueous ink deposited (e.g., by inkjet) in an “imagewise” pattern. The compatibility between the ink and the hydrophilic layer is such that a baking step is not required for subsequent printing.

Abstract: Following imagewise exposure of a sandwiched photopolymer layer, the outer layers between which the photopolymer is interposed are separated in a manner that leaves some photopolymer on each of the separated layers. The photopolymer remaining on one layer contains the raised pattern that will carry ink, and may be subjected to further exposure to actinic radiation in order to complete the curing process without the need for washing; the photopolymer remaining on the other layer can be removed and reused. As a result, waste is minimized or eliminated.

Abstract: A water based fluid that can be utilized in a standard inkjet printer to image a lithographic printing plate. The water based fluid may include a polymer that is soluble in an alkaline aqueous media and that is resistant to neutral or acidic aqueous media. In addition, the water based fluid may include a sufficient volume of water soluble material to raise the pH level higher than 8. Further, the water based fluid may include a sufficient volume of humectant co-solvents to prevent the nozzles of an inkjet printer from drying out. The water based fluid may be used to image a lithographic plate that include an inkjet ink accepting hydrophilic layer hydrophilic properties. Various embodiments of the water based fluid advantageously allow a plate to be imaged, and then without baking or adding other chemical treatments, the plate can be immediately used for printing.