Abstract: A method and a system for dynamic imaging, UV-exposure and thermal development of relief image printing elements, including printing plates and printing sleeves. The imaging step is accomplished using ink jet printing to create an in situ mask layer on a layer of photocurable material followed by exposing the photocurable layer to actinic radiation through the in situ mask. Thereafter, the printing element is developed in a thermal developing system to create the desired relief image in the surface. If desired, the improved system may also include means for post-exposing/detacking the printing element.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method and a system for forming a relief image on a photosensitive printing element. The system comprises an enclosure housing a conveyor and a heatable roller. The photosensitive printing element is positioned on a continuous loop of the conveyor and the heatable roller is urged towards the photosensitive printing element on the conveyor. An absorbent material is conducted over the heatable roller and is used to absorb at least a portion of the liquefied or softened material from the photosensitive printing element when the heatable roller is heated. The system also comprises ventilation means operatively connected to the enclosure for treating and recycling air containing contaminants that are released into the enclosure as the portion of the photosensitive material is heated and then softens. The ventilation means typically include a particulate filter and a bed of adsorbent material. The treated air may then be returned to the enclosure.

Abstract: An improved apparatus and a method of using the apparatus to remove non-crosslinked photopolymer from an imaged and exposed surface of a relief image printing element. Included are means for supporting and rotating the printing element, means for softening and/or melting non-crosslinked photopolymer on the imaged and exposed surface of the printing element, and at least one thermal developing assembly. The thermal developing assembly includes means for supplying an absorbent material that is contactable with the printing element, and that is capable of removing at least a portion of the softened and/or melted non-crosslinked photopolymer, and means for causing the absorbent material to contact at least a portion of the printing element. The absorbent material is backed with an endless impression belt that is supported by a plurality of rollers.

Abstract: An improved apparatus for thermally developing a flexographic printing element to reveal a relief image on the surface and a method of using the apparatus to expose and develop a flexographic printing element. The apparatus typically comprises means for softening or melting non-crosslinked photopolymer on the imaged and exposed surface of the flexographic printing element; at least one roll that is contactable with the imaged surface of the flexographic printing element and capable of moving over at least a portion of the imaged surface of the flexographic printing element to remove the softened or melted non-crosslinked photopolymer on the imaged and exposed surface of the flexographic printing element; and means for maintaining contact between the at least one roll and the imaged and exposed surface of the flexographic printing element.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method and a system for forming a relief image on a photosensitive printing element. The system comprises an enclosure housing a conveyor and a heatable roller. The photosensitive printing element is positioned on a continuous loop of the conveyor and the heatable roller is urged towards the photosensitive printing element on the conveyor. An absorbent material is conducted over the heatable roller and is used to absorb at least a portion of the liquefied or softened material from the photosensitive printing element when the heatable roller is heated. The system also comprises ventilation means operatively connected to the enclosure for treating and recycling air containing contaminants that are released into the enclosure as the portion of the photosensitive material is heated and then softens. The ventilation means typically include a particulate filter and a bed of adsorbent material. The treated air may then be returned to the enclosure.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method and a system for forming a relief image on a photosensitive printing element. The system comprises an enclosure housing a conveyor and a heatable roller. The photosensitive printing element is positioned on a continuous loop of the conveyor and the heatable roller is urged towards the photosensitive printing element on the conveyor. An absorbent material is conducted over the heatable roller and is used to absorb at least a portion of the liquefied or softened material from the photosensitive printing element when the heatable roller is heated. The system also comprises ventilation means operatively connected to the enclosure for treating and recycling air containing contaminants that are released into the enclosure as the portion of the photosensitive material is heated and then softens. The ventilation means typically include a particulate filter and a bed of adsorbent material. The treated air may then be returned to the enclosure.

Abstract: An improved thermal development apparatus is used to remove uncured photopolymer from the imaged surface of a flexographic printing element. The apparatus typically comprises one or more heatable rolls that are contactable with an imaged surface of a flexographic printing element; and means for maintaining contact between the one or more heatable rolls and the imaged surface of the flexographic printing element. The one or more heatable rolls are heated and is moved over at least a portion of the imaged surface of the flexographic printing element, and non-crosslinked polymer on the imaged surface of the flexographic printing element is melted and removed by the one or more heatable rolls.

Abstract: An improved apparatus for thermally developing a flexographic printing element to reveal a relief image on the surface and a method of using the apparatus to expose and develop a flexographic printing element. The apparatus typically comprises means for softening or melting non-crosslinked photopolymer on the imaged and exposed surface of the flexographic printing element; at least one roll that is contactable with the imaged surface of the flexographic printing element and capable of moving over at least a portion of the imaged surface of the flexographic printing element to remove the softened or melted non-crosslinked photopolymer on the imaged and exposed surface of the flexographic printing element; and means for maintaining contact between the at least one roll and the imaged and exposed surface of the flexographic printing element.

Abstract: An improved flexo processor and a method of using the improved flexo processor to increase the flexibility of both the type and the size of the flexographic printing element that may be processed. The novel thermal plate processor system is capable of processing both flat and round photosensitive printing elements with only minimal changes to the system. The thermal plate processor system may also include means for exposure and post-exposure/detack in the same system.