Abstract: A thermal transfer sheet suitable for preparing a lighographic printing form cylinder is provided including a substrate layer and a donor layer. The substrate layer includes a first polymer having mechanical stability at temperatures greater than 150 degrees C. and light transmission of at least 70% for wavelengths of from about 700 nm to about 1600 nm. The donor layer includes a second polymer having acidic groups and/or optionally substituted amide groups and an additive is capable of converting incident laser light energy into heat energy. A wetting aid and/or a solvent are also included in the donor layer. A method of making the thermal transfer sheet is also provided.

Abstract: A cleaning medium for use in cleaning printing forms includes either an acid solution having a pH of from 1 to 4 or a basic solution having a pH of from 10 to 14. A dispersible abrasive agent in a concentration of from 1 to 15 grams per 100 grams of the cleaning composition, a surfactant in a concentration of from 1 to 50 grams per 100 grams of the cleaning composition, an organic solvent in a concentration of from 10 to 50 grams per 100 grams of the cleaning composition, and additional water if needed are added to the acid or basic solution to form the cleaning medium. A cleaning medium in concentrate form is also provided.

Abstract: A cleaning medium for use in cleaning printing forms includes either an acid solution having a pH of from 1 to 4 or a basic solution having a pH of from 10 to 14. A dispersible abrasive agent in a concentration of from 1 to 15 grams per 100 grams of the cleaning composition, a surfactant in a concentration of from 1 to 50 grams per 100 grams of the cleaning composition, an organic solvent in a concentration of from 10 to 50 grams per 100 grams of the cleaning composition, and additional water if needed are added to the acid or basic solution to form the cleaning medium. A cleaning medium in concentrate form is also provided.