Abstract: A method and a multibeam scanning device for ablation of a surface on a rotating drum by laser engraving with a multi-spot array includes simultaneously emitting laser beams from fiber exits disposed beside one another, dividing up each of the beams, after emerging from the exit in an AOM array having a number of AOMs corresponding to the number of exits, into two or more partial beams modulated independently of one another, imaging the exits with an optical system on the surface, and moving the exits, the AOM array, and the optical system together in a drum axial direction while the surface is scanned by the multi-spot array in a drum circumferential direction to make possible, without increasing the number of fiber lasers, an increase in the number of scanning points of the multi-spot array and a reduction of the space required by the scanning device.

Abstract: A multibeam scanning device for scanning a photosensitive material with a multi-spot array includes a plurality of fiber exits, which are in each case detachably inserted into a holder of a mount of the multibeam scanning device. The fiber exits are aligned in order to generate a precise multi-spot array. A method for correcting the position of image points of a multi-spot array is also provided. The fiber exits are inserted into the holder such that they have a defined rotational angle in relation to their axis and such that all image points have substantially the same angular alignment in relation to their desired position. Then the distances of the individual image points from their desired positions are reduced by deflecting the laser beams and/or by delaying the time of incidence of the laser beams on the photosensitive material.

Abstract: A method and a multibeam scanning device for ablation of a surface on a rotating drum by laser engraving with a multi-spot array includes simultaneously emitting laser beams from fiber exits disposed beside one another, dividing up each of the beams, after emerging from the exit in an AOM array having a number of AOMs corresponding to the number of exits, into two or more partial beams modulated independently of one another, imaging the exits with an optical system on the surface, and moving the exits, the AOM array, and the optical system together in a drum axial direction while the surface is scanned by the multi-spot array in a drum circumferential direction to make possible, without increasing the number of fiber lasers, an increase in the number of scanning points of the multi-spot array and a reduction of the space required by the scanning device.

Abstract: The printing plate has a carrier layer, a photopolymer layer and a laser-sensitive layer, in particular, a flexographic printing plate for direct laser exposure. The laser-sensitive layer is firstly selectively removed in a laser exposure unit with a laser beam that is moved relative to the printing plate, and the printing plate is subsequently irradiated with UV light at least on the side of the selectively removed laser-sensitive layer. This prevents washing out of the photopolymer layer under the removed regions of the laser-sensitive layer during subsequent developing of the printing plate. Time required for the partial removal of the laser-sensitive layer and the irradiation with UV light and to lower the space requirement and investment costs, different regions of the plate are irradiated with laser beam and with the UV light simultaneously in the laser exposure unit.