Abstract: A process for creating a mask for making a printing plate from an unexposed flexographic plate having a masking layer. The process includes providing image information as a first screen having a first plurality of pixels and defining openings in the masking layer in accordance with the image information by superimposing on at least a portion of the image information a base pattern of equally sized spots. Each spot corresponds to an imaged discrete element represented on the mask and has a size corresponding to a smallest discrete element formed on the mask. The spots in the base pattern are aligned in horizontal rows and columns having a non-zero spacing between adjacent rows and columns. In at least a portion of the mask, a size for forming each imaged discrete element is selected such that each set of four neighboring imaged discrete elements has a non-imaged discrete area centered therebetween.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and non-transitory memory media embodying computer readable instructions for minimizing voids in front of a trailing edge of a solid rendition or linework print region printed using a photocurable flexographic printing plate having a printing surface corresponding to information in an image file. At least one solid rendition or linework image region corresponding to the solid rendition or linework print region has a pattern of “on” and “off” single pixels that correspond to openings formed by an imager in a mask layer of the plate. Micro-screen openings in an edge region of the solid rendition or linework mask region are imaged with a different size than micro-screen openings in a center region of the solid rendition or linework mask region.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and non-transitory memory media embodying computer readable instructions for minimizing voids in front of a trailing edge of a solid rendition or linework print region printed using a photocurable flexographic printing plate having a printing surface corresponding to information in an image file. At least one solid rendition or linework image region corresponding to the solid rendition or linework print region has a pattern of “on” and “off” single pixels that correspond to openings formed by an imager in a mask layer of the plate. Micro-screen openings in an edge region of the solid rendition or linework mask region are imaged with a different size than micro-screen openings in a center region of the solid rendition or linework mask region.

Abstract: A process for creating a mask for making a printing plate from an unexposed flexographic plate having a masking layer. The process includes providing image information as a first screen having a first plurality of pixels and defining openings in the masking layer in accordance with the image information by superimposing on at least a portion of the image information a base pattern of equally sized spots. Each spot corresponds to an imaged discrete element represented on the mask and has a size corresponding to a smallest discrete element formed on the mask. The spots in the base pattern are aligned in horizontal rows and columns having a non-zero spacing between adjacent rows and columns. In at least a portion of the mask, a size for forming each imaged discrete element is selected such that each set of four neighboring imaged discrete elements has a non-imaged discrete area centered therebetween.

Abstract: A process for creating a mask for making a printing plate from an unexposed flexographic plate having a masking layer. The process includes providing image information as a first screen having a first plurality of pixels and defining openings in the masking layer in accordance with the image information by superimposing on at least a portion of the image information a base pattern of equally sized spots. Each spot corresponds to an imaged discrete element represented on the mask and has a size corresponding to a smallest discrete element formed on the mask. The spots in the base pattern are aligned in horizontal rows and columns having a non-zero spacing between adjacent rows and columns. In at least a portion of the mask, a size for forming each imaged discrete element is selected such that each set of four neighboring imaged discrete elements has a non-imaged discrete area centered therebetween.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and non-transitory memory media embodying computer readable instructions for minimizing voids in front of a trailing edge of a solid rendition or linework print region printed using a photocurable flexographic printing plate having a printing surface corresponding to information in an image file. At least one solid rendition or linework image region corresponding to the solid rendition or linework print region has a pattern of “on” and “off” single pixels that correspond to openings formed by an imager in a mask layer of the plate. Micro-screen openings in an edge region of the solid rendition or linework mask region are imaged with a different size than micro-screen openings in a center region of the solid rendition or linework mask region.

Abstract: A printing plate having a printing surface for receiving ink, including a defined area of an image intended to print with ink and a surface pattern applied to the defined area. The surface pattern includes a plurality of rows each having a plurality of diagonally oriented line segments, each line segment corresponding to an ink-carrying relief structure in a raised area of the plate, the plurality of diagonally oriented line segments having orientations alternating between a positive angle in one row and a negative angle in an adjacent row, wherein each line segment has a first end aligned with a middle portion of and spaced apart from a first line of a first adjacent row and a second end aligned with a middle portion of and spaced apart from a second line of a second adjacent row.

Abstract: A method for calibrating a printing process by applying a selected adjustment curve to an image input file to produce an output file. The adjustment curve is derived to match a target tonal response curve having a function value for 0 that is non-zero or has a discontinuity between 0 and 10%. The adjustment curve has a basic part selected from limited options and an intersecting highlight part derived using a 1-dimensional function having input parameters selected from limited options. The adjustment curve has a starting point (X1, Y1), a highlight curve part having a first slope at the starting point and a first intersection with the basic curve part at (X2, Y2). The first slope and first intersection are among the input parameters selected from limited options. The basic curve part has a second slope at a midrange point (X3>X2, Y3>Y2).

Abstract: A printing plate having a printing surface for receiving ink, including a defined area of an image intended to print with ink and a surface pattern applied to the defined area. The surface pattern includes a plurality of rows each having a plurality of diagonally oriented line segments, each line segment corresponding to an ink-carrying relief structure in a raised area of the plate, the plurality of diagonally oriented line segments having orientations alternating between a positive angle in one row and a negative angle in an adjacent row, wherein each line segment has a first end aligned with a middle portion of and spaced apart from a first line of a first adjacent row and a second end aligned with a middle portion of and spaced apart from a second line of a second adjacent row.

Abstract: A method of creating a bitmap for a printing plate, including defining an area of an image intended to print with a solid color, applying a halftone screen to the defined solid color area, and creating the bitmap embodying the halftone screen in the defined solid color area. The halftone screen pattern includes a plurality of dashes with a plus or minus 45-degree orientation, a plus or minus 135-degree orientation, or a combination of two or more plus or minus 45-degree and 135-degree orientations. Each dash or component dash thereof has a same number of two or more adjacent touching pixels in length and a number of one or more adjacent touching pixels in width, or the dashes are orthogonally arranged in rows and columns, or a combination thereof. Masks, plates, processes for making them, and print methods using the bitmaps are also described.

Abstract: A process for creating a mask for making a printing plate from an unexposed flexographic plate having a masking layer. The process includes providing image information as a first screen having a first plurality of pixels and defining openings in the masking layer in accordance with the image information by superimposing on at least a portion of the image information a base pattern of equally sized spots. Each spot corresponds to an imaged discrete element represented on the mask and has a size corresponding to a smallest discrete element formed on the mask. The spots in the base pattern are aligned in horizontal rows and columns having a non-zero spacing between adjacent rows and columns. In at least a portion of the mask, a size for forming each imaged discrete element is selected such that each set of four neighboring imaged discrete elements has a non-imaged discrete area centered therebetween.

Abstract: An imaging system, including a laser source and a controller, for producing a mask for a flexographic plate. The imaging data includes a base pattern comprised of spots superimposed on the image information and aligned to a grid defined by an imaging resolution of an imager. Each spot corresponding to an imaged discrete element in the base pattern is surrounded by eight spots corresponding to non-imaged discrete elements. In at least a portion of the mask corresponding to a non-solid tonal area of the plate, the controller adjusts the laser beam to a size that causes each set of four neighboring imaged discrete elements to have an unexposed or unablated area centered therebetween, wherein the unablated area resolves to a region on a surface of the plate below an uppermost level but above a non-printing level, and each of the four neighboring imaged discrete elements resolves to the uppermost level.

Abstract: A method of creating a bitmap for a printing plate, including defining an area of an image intended to print with a solid color, applying a halftone screen to the defined solid color area, and creating the bitmap embodying the halftone screen in the defined solid color area. The halftone screen pattern includes a plurality of dashes with a plus or minus 45-degree orientation, a plus or minus 135-degree orientation, or a combination of two or more plus or minus 45-degree and 135-degree orientations. Each dash or component dash thereof has a same number of two or more adjacent touching pixels in length and a number of one or more adjacent touching pixels in width, or the dashes are orthogonally arranged in rows and columns, or a combination thereof. Masks, plates, processes for making them, and print methods using the bitmaps are also described.

Abstract: A process for creating a flexographic plate or a mask for producing a flexographic plate, including providing a screen having a resolution defined by a base pattern of equally sized screen spots, each screen spot comprising a smallest exposed discrete element represented on the screen. In at least a non-solid tonal portion of the plate or mask, the size of physical spots are selectively modulated such that each set of four neighboring physical spots in the base pattern has an unexposed area centered therebetween. Each screen spot in the base pattern may be an exposed pixel surrounded by 8 unexposed pixels, each physical spot corresponding to the resolution of a laser beam for exposing the spots on the mask, in which the imaging step includes boosting power of the laser beam for isolated pixels relative to non isolated pixels. Mask and plates, and imaging systems for creating them, are also disclosed.

Abstract: An imaging system, including a laser source and a controller, for producing a mask for a flexographic plate. The imaging data includes a base pattern comprised of spots superimposed on the image information and aligned to a grid defined by an imaging resolution of an imager. Each spot corresponding to an imaged discrete element in the base pattern is surrounded by eight spots corresponding to non-imaged discrete elements. In at least a portion of the mask corresponding to a non-solid tonal area of the plate, the controller adjusts the laser beam to a size that causes each set of four neighboring imaged discrete elements to have an unexposed or unablated area centered therebetween, wherein the unablated area resolves to a region on a surface of the plate below an uppermost level but above a non-printing level, and each of the four neighboring imaged discrete elements resolves to the uppermost level.

Abstract: A method for calibrating a printing process by applying a selected adjustment curve to an image input file to produce an output file. The adjustment curve is derived to match a target tonal response curve having a function value for 0 that is non-zero or has a discontinuity between 0 and 10%. The adjustment curve has a basic part selected from limited options and an intersecting highlight part derived using a 1-dimensional function having input parameters selected from limited options. The adjustment curve has a starting point (X1, Y1), a highlight curve part having a first slope at the starting point and a first intersection with the basic curve part at (X2, Y2). The first slope and first intersection are among the input parameters selected from limited options. The basic curve part has a second slope at a midrange point (X3>X2, Y3>Y2).

Abstract: A process for creating a flexographic plate or a mask for producing a flexographic plate, including providing a screen having a resolution defined by a base pattern of equally sized screen spots, each screen spot comprising a smallest exposed discrete element represented on the screen. In at least a non-solid tonal portion of the plate or mask, the size of physical spots are selectively modulated such that each set of four neighboring physical spots in the base pattern has an unexposed area centered therebetween. Each screen spot in the base pattern may be an exposed pixel surrounded by 8 unexposed pixels, each physical spot corresponding to the resolution of a laser beam for exposing the spots on the mask, in which the imaging step includes boosting power of the laser beam for isolated pixels relative to non isolated pixels. Mask and plates, and imaging systems for creating them, are also disclosed.

Abstract: A method of halftoning a continuous-tone image includes the step of expressing a transition tone intensity by a maximum population density of halftone dots equal in size and having a transition dot size. Expressing tone intensities darker than the transition tone intensity includes increasing dot sizes beyond the transition dot size of the maximum population. Expressing tone intensities lighter than the transition tone intensity includes using a population density lesser than the maximum population density, and each relatively darker tone includes a relatively smaller dot size and a relatively larger population density than each relatively lighter tone.

Abstract: A method of halftoning a continuous-tone image includes the step of expressing a transition tone intensity by a maximum population density of halftone dots equal in size and having a transition dot size. Expressing tone intensities darker than the transition tone intensity includes increasing dot sizes beyond the transition dot size of the maximum population. Expressing tone intensities lighter than the transition tone intensity includes using a population density lesser than the maximum population density, and each relatively darker tone includes a relatively smaller dot size and a relatively larger population density than each relatively lighter tone.