Abstract: This invention describes a method for making a three dimensional (3D) image by additive manufacturing using, as a light source, an off-the-shelf visual display screen. The invention also relates to apparatus for carrying out said methods.

Abstract: This invention describes a method for making a three dimensional (3D) image by additive manufacturing using, as a light source, an off-the-shelf visual display screen. The invention also relates to apparatus for carrying out said methods.

Abstract: The invention provides an improved method of imaging analogue flexographic liquid and sheet printing plates. Specifically it involves adding colour or greyscale to some of the clear parts of negatives used to make flexographic plates. This colour moderates the light allowed through the clear areas, keeping reverses open to the maximum depth possible, preventing the widening or overexposure of relief and reverse whilst allowing the maximum amount of light through the small clear areas making the fine relief. It does this by calculating the correct amount of light for each part of the negative according to the predicted amount of light that will be transmitted through it, adjusting the intensity of colour accordingly. It provides a technical advantage of using a negative over the digital process, widening the amount of information available to create the printing plate from just black and white. It enables the plate maker to achieve an optimal printing plate independent of design.

Abstract: A process for curing photopolymer which comprises exposing the photopolymer to an image produced by a mask-free imaging apparatus. The image may be generated by a monochromatic display screen, e.g. a liquid crystal display, light emitting diodes, a cathode ray tube or plasma screen.

Abstract: A process for curing photopolymer which comprises exposing the photopolymer to an image produced by a mask-free imaging apparatus. The image may be generated by a monochromatic display screen, e.g. a liquid crystal display, light emitting diodes, a cathode ray tube or plasma screen.

Abstract: This invention describes an exposure apparatus comprising a light measuring device and a light transmitting clamp designed to compress a photocurable (photopolymer) package for use in manufacture of a hand stamp plate, the package typically consisting of a sachet containing a liquid photopolymer. The liquid photopolymer is specifically engineered to cure under ambient lighting conditions eliminating the requirement for fluorescent tubes to create the UV light to cure the photopolymer. The light measuring device is designed to inform the user of the required exposure time for the printing plate.

Abstract: The invention provides a photopolymer package for use in making a hand stamp plate, the package consisting of a sachet containing a photocurable liquid polymer, the walls of the sachet being formed of material capable of being released from the cured photopolymer. Methods for the formation of the package and the hand stamp plate are also provided. The invention eliminates the requirement for the use of a backing layer in the package and thereby offers significant advantages over the prior art in terms of cost and efficiency. The invention describes how that sachet can be inserted in a holding device to expose it to UV radiation to produce the printed surface. The invention describes a novel method for spraying the sachet with a liquid to enable it to be dry post-exposed in a new type of exposure unit. It describes how this exposure unit benefits from the simplicity of the sachet concept to require no movable upper lid.

Abstract: The invention provides a photopolymer package for use in making a hand stamp plate, the package consisting of a sachet containing a photocurable liquid polymer, the walls of the sachet being formed of material capable of being released from the cured photopolymer. Methods for the formation of the package and the hand stamp plate are also provided. The invention eliminates the requirement for the use of a backing layer in the package and thereby offers significant advantages over the prior art in terms of cost and efficiency.

Abstract: The invention provides a photopolymer package for use in making a hand stamp plate, the package consisting of a sachet containing a photocurable liquid polymer, the walls of the sachet being formed of material capable of being released from the cured photopolymer. Methods for the formation of the package and the hand stamp plate are also provided. The invention eliminates the requirement for the use of a backing layer in the package and thereby offers significant advantages over the prior art in terms of cost and efficiency.