Abstract: An apparatus and method of reducing image artifacts on ink coverage areas of a lithographic printing plate are provided. The method includes providing digital image data including ink coverage pixel values; reducing the ink coverage pixel values by a predetermined amount by applying a transformation to the digital image data; and imaging a printing plate using the transformed digital image data. The apparatus includes a processor operable to apply a transformation to received digital image data to reduce ink coverage pixel values included in the digital image data by a predetermined amount; and an imaging device operable to image a printing plate using the transformed digital image data with the imaging device being in electrical communication with the processor.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to various apparatuses and methods for prevention of anilox roller scoring and compensation for anilox scoring ink marks, focusing on the anilox roller. According to some embodiments of the present invention, the uneven ink distribution pattern may be treated by an addition of an ink distribution mechanism. According to other embodiments of the present invention, image data modification methods are used for compensation for the scoring marks.