Abstract: A layered printing plate that attains a high degree of clarity and improved clean out. The printing plate may include an oleophilic substrate, a laser absorbing imaging layer and an oleophobic silicon layer. One embodiment utilizes an amine resin rather than a traditional polymer as the basic organic matter of the imaging layer, adds of colloidal silica into the imaging layer to improve the cleanout properties, and utilizes a substrate that absorbs IR radiation rather than reflects it.

Abstract: Printing plate material supply spool (PMSS) for a printing machine or plate-imaging machine and a method of loading it is provided. An exemplary PMSS can comprise a printing plate material film that is wrapped around a hollow core (HC), wherein the HC is adapted to be engaged with a heavy duty core (HDC) prior to be placed in the printing machine. The method for loading the printing plate material supply spool (PMSS) in a printing machine or plate imaging machine may comprise inserting a heavy-duty core (HDC) inside the HC of the PMSS forming an integrated core. Then the PMSS and the integrated core can be placed in the printing machine.