Abstract: An apparatus and related method for laminating a masking film onto a pre-press flexographic printing plate to place the plate in optical contact with the film by applying a balanced, non-distorting force to the flexographic printing plate and masking film. This method includes laminating the pre-press flexographic printing plate with the film mask by applying an optimized lamination force to achieve optical contact while minimizing lateral film distortion.

Abstract: A mask-forming film has a transparent layer between the imageable layer and the carrier sheet, which transparent layer has a refractive index that is lower (by at least 0.04) than that of the carrier sheet or any immediately adjacent layer between it and the carrier sheet. This lower refractive index layer modifies the path of incident radiation during mask image transfer so as to provide steeper shoulder angles in the relief image solid areas.

Abstract: A method of providing connectivity to a microsized device, the method includes the steps of providing an ablative base material having at least a top surface; providing a die having a first and second surface and having bonding pads at least upon the first surface; placing the die with the at least first surface of the die contacting the at least first surface of the ablative base material; and ablating a channel in the ablative material proximate to the die.