Abstract: This invention pertains to a method for making a cylindrically-shaped element, and particularly a cylindrically-shaped element for use as a base sleeve for printing or as a support for a print form. The method includes wrapping a sheet of a material having a first end and a second end to bring the second end adjacent the first end to form a base sleeve having an axial seam of the first and second ends. The first end has a non-linear edge having an amplitude. Portions between the first end and the second end overlap and form the axial seam. The method can include applying an imageable material adjacent an exterior surface of the base sleeve that covers at least a portion of the axial seam.

Abstract: The invention is a method and apparatus for forming a relief structure by thermally developing a photosensitive element containing a composition layer capable of being partially liquefied. During thermal development, the photosensitive element is supported on a base member having an exterior surface that is textured. The textures for the exterior surface include a particular surface roughness and/or patterns.

Abstract: This invention pertains to a method for making a cylindrically-shaped element, and particularly a cylindrically-shaped element for use as a base sleeve for printing or as a support for a print form. The method includes wrapping a sheet of a material having a first end and a second end to bring the second end adjacent the first end to form a base sleeve having an axial seam of the first and second ends. The first end has a non-linear edge having an amplitude. Portions between the first end and the second end overlap and form the axial seam. The method can include applying an imageable material adjacent an exterior surface of the base sleeve that covers at least a portion of the axial seam.

Abstract: The invention is a method and apparatus for forming a relief structure by thermally developing a photosensitive element containing a composition layer capable of being partially liquefied. During thermal development, the photosensitive element is supported on a base member having an exterior surface that is textured. The textures for the exterior surface include a particular surface roughness and/or patterns.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for thermal processing a photosensitive element includes heating a composition layer on a flexible substrate to a melt temperature of an unirradiated area of the composition layer and maintaining the flexible substrate at a temperature below the melt temperature while pressing a heated absorbent layer against the heated composition layer, and repeating these steps for multiple cycles. A further embodiment of the method includes a step of cooling the flexible substrate and layer laminate on each cycle to maintain the flexible substrate at the desired temperature below that of the heated composition layer.