Abstract: Wet lithographic printing plates include a protective layer that provides protection against handling and environmental damage, extends plate shelf life, and entrains debris generated by ablation. The layer washes away during the printing make-ready process, effectively cleaning the plate and disappearing without the need for a separate removal process.

Abstract: Materials that undergo self-propagating exothermic solid-solid reaction upon ignition by a heating source (e.g., a laser) are used in the fabrication of recording constructions such as lithographic printing plates, photomasks and proofing sheets. A recording construction in accordance with the invention may include at least one ignition layer comprising at least two unreacted, solid chemical species which, upon exposure to heat, combine exothermically to form a final species that is physically disrupted; and a substrate thereunder that is substantially unconsumed by heat generated by the exothermic combination. To form a lithographic printing plate, the ignition layer (or its topmost component, or a surface layer thereover) and the substrate exhibit different affinities for ink and/or an abhesive fluid for ink.

Abstract: Printing members resistant to handling damage include a porous compressible layer that deforms in response to applied forces, inhibiting overlying layers from tearing or scratching. One type of construction involves ablation-type printing members, wherein pulses from a heat source ablate one or more layers to expose (or facilitate exposure of by cleaning) an underlying layer. A second type of construction utilizes traditional photoexposure-type layers that harden or increase adhesion to adjacent layers in response to actinic radiation. The compressible layer is typically located below the radiation-responsive or imaging layer, but may also serve as that layer.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for rapid, efficient production of durable lithographic printing plates by a thermal-transfer process that does not involve ablation. In response to an imaging pulse, a transfer material reduces in viscosity to a flowable state. The material exhibits a higher melt adhesion for a plate substrate than for the carrier sheet to which it is initially bound, so that in a flowable state it transfers completely to the substrate. Following transfer, the carrier sheet, along with untransferred material, is removed from the substrate.

Abstract: A lithographic printing plate is comprised of an anodized aluminum support having thereon an oleophilic image-forming layer comprising an infrared-absorbing agent dispersed in a film-forming cyanoacrylate polymer binder. The plate is imagewise exposed to a focused high-intensity infrared laser beam which removes the oleophilic image-forming layer by thermal ablation to thereby reveal the underlying hydrophilic support surface. The cyanoacrylate polymers provide superior performance due to their combination of low decomposition temperature, good ink receptivity, good adhesion to the support and good wear characteristics.

Abstract: A laser imageable tuned optical cavity thin film for use with a laser producing laser radiation at a laser wavelength comprising a flexible sheet of plastic having first and second surfaces serving as a film substrate. A thin film stack is disposed on the first surface of the film substrate and comprises a first vacuum-deposited metal layer carried by the first surface. It is also comprised of a dielectric layer deposited on the first metal layer. A second semi-opaque metal layer is vacuum deposited onto the dielectric layer. The thin film stack is tuned to provide maximum absorption at the laser wavelength.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for imaging lithographic plates using laser devices that emit in the near-infrared region, and plates suitable for imaging with the apparatus and methods. Laser output either ablates one or more plate layers or physically transforms a surface layer, in either case resulting in an imagewise pattern of features on the plate. The image features exhibit an affinity for ink or an ink-abhesive fluid that differs from that of unexposed areas.

Abstract: The present invention provides a lithographic base comprising on a hydrophobic support a packet of subbing layers contiguous to a hydrophilic layer containing a hydrophilic (co)polymer or (co)polymer mixture and being hardened with a hydrolysed tetraalkyl orthosilicate crosslinking agent characterized in that said packet of subbing layers contains as undermost layer a layer comprising, a polymer latex having hydrophilic functionality and as uppermost layer a layer comprising a hydrophilic binder and silica in a weight ratio of the hydrophilic binder to silica of less than 1.

Abstract: Seamless, sleeve-shaped dry and wet lithographic printing members that can be recycled after use include a strong, durable, hollow cylinder or sleeve that is attached to the plate mandrel or cylinder jacket of an offset printing press or platemaking apparatus. In one version, the sleeve is surrounded by a photopolymer, which is itself surrounded by a mask coating opaque to radiation that is actinic with respect to the photopolymer. Subsequently, the imaged construction is exposed to actinic radiation, and the unexposed photopolymer, along with the overlying mask, is removed by ordinary chemical means. In another version, a thermally transferable material surrounds a cylinder, and is itself surrounded by a withdrawal layer. Exposure of the thermally transferable layer to laser radiation adheres the transferable layer to the cylinder, and the adhered layer exhibits an affinity for fountain solution and/or ink opposite to that exhibited by the cylinder.

Abstract: Seamless, sleeve-shaped dry and wet lithographic printing members that can be recycled after use are disclosed, along with methods for their manufacture and use. The members include a strong, durable, hollow cylinder or sleeve that is attached to the plate mandrel or cylinder jacket of an offset printing press or platemaking apparatus. Surrounding the sleeve is a layer of a material, preferably polymeric in nature, which is characterized by efficient, ablative absorption of laser radiation, as well as other layers that facilitate imaging and subsequent printing. A layer disposed beneath the ablatable layer reflects unabsorbed imaging radiation back into the ablatable layer.

Abstract: According to the present invention the storage stability of a diazo based imaging element can be improved by controlling the amount of free water in the imaging element. Thus the present invention provides an imaging element comprising on a support a hydrophilic layer containing a hydrophilic (co)polymer or (co)polymer mixture and having been hardened with a hydrolyzed tetraalkyl orthosilicate and a light sensitive layer containing a diazo resin or a diazonium salt characterized in that the total amount of free water in said imaging element satisfies the following formula (I):FW (g/m.sup.2).ltoreq.0.0043 * WS (g/m.sup.2)+0.46 (g/m.sup.2) (I)wherein FW represents the amount of free water and WS represents the weight of the support of the imaging element.

Abstract: Laser-imageable lithographic printing members have rigid base supports that confer strength and rigidity. The supports may reflect imaging radiation so that radiation from an imaging pulse that passes through an imaging layer is returned to that layer, thereby augmenting the effective energy flux density. In the case of thermally conductive (e.g., reflective metal) base supports, heat is concentrated in the imaging layer by an underlying insulating layer interposed between the imaging layer and the base support.

Abstract: Rapid thermosetting, low VOC web offset lithographic inks are prepared in the instant invention from solid resin, drying oil alkyds, bodied drying oil, vegetable oil, fatty acids, multifunctional unsaturated polyester, reducing agents and transition metal salts of organic acids. The aqueous lithographic fountain solution contains hydroperoxides or peroxides which promote free radical polymerization of the ink in contact therewith. The metal salts of organic acids function as crosslinking agents in combination with excess carboxylic acid functionality of the ink. Optionally, the reducing agent and the organic hydroperoxide or peroxide may be interchanged.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for imaging lithographic plates using laser devices that emit in the near-infrared region, and plates suitable for imaging with the apparatus and methods. Laser output either ablates one or more plate layers or physically transforms a surface layer, in either case resulting in an imagewise pattern of features on the plate. The image features exhibit an affinity for ink or an ink-abhesive fluid that differs from that of unexposed areas.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for imaging lithographic plates using laser devices that emit in the near-infrared region, and plates suitable for imaging with the apparatus and methods. Laser output either ablates one or more plate layers or physically transforms a surface layer, in either case resulting in an imagewise pattern of features on the plate. The image features exhibit an affinity for ink or an ink-abhesive fluid that differs from that of unexposed areas.

Abstract: A photosensitive lithographic printing plate requiring no fountain solution, which comprises an aluminum base and, formed thereon in the following order, a primer layer, a photosensitive layer, and a silicone rubber layer, wherein the aluminum base has a roughened surface with an average roughness (R.sub.a) of from 0.2 .mu.m to 0.8 .mu.m and a whiteness of from 0.10 to 0.35, and the primer layer is a homogeneous layer comprising a binder as the main component. The lithographic printing plate requiring no fountain solution is excellent in tone reproducibility, suitability for plate inspection, suitability for plate scanner examination, and press life.

Abstract: Lithographic printing constructions and methods of imaging them. The constructions include a grained-metal substrate, a protective layer that can also serve as an adhesion-promoting primer, and an ablatable oleophilic surface layer. In operation, imagewise pulses from an imaging laser interact with the surface layer, causing ablation thereof and, probably, inflicting some damage to the underlying protective layer as well. The imaged plate may then be subjected to a solvent that eliminates the exposed protective layer, but which does no damage either to the surface layer or to the unexposed protective layer lying thereunder.

Abstract: Lithographic printing plates suitable for imaging by means of laser devices that emit in the near-infrared region. Laser output either ablates one or more plate layers or physically transforms a surface layer, in either case resulting in an imagewise pattern of features on the plate. The image features exhibit an affinity for ink or an ink-abhesive fluid that differs from that of unexposed areas.

Abstract: A planographic printing plate in which a design pattern is realized in a part of the back surface of a support for the planographic printing plate without any adverse influence on a photosensitive resin layer on the front surface thereof. After an aluminum support with a thickness of 0.24 mm is cleaned by degreasing and etching, an electrolytic aqueous solution is prepared to contain the nitric acid concentration of 10 g/l and the aluminum ion concentration of 7 g/l. In an electrolytic treatment cell 5, the back surface of the aluminum support is arranged so as to be faced to an electrode. A 1 mm-thick masking plate formed of an insulating material punched to provided openings with arbitrary shapes is brought into close contact with the back surface of the aluminum support so that the back surface of the aluminum support is covered with the masking plate. A carbon plate with a thickness of 50 mm is used as the electrode.

Abstract: The present invention provides a lithographic base comprising on a hydrophobic support a subbing layer and a hydrophilic layer containing a hydrophilic (co)polymer or (co)polymer mixture and being hardened with a hydrolyzed tetraalkyl orthosilicate crosslinking agent characterized in that said subbing layer contains a hydrophilic binder and silica, the surface area of the silica being at least 300 m.sup.2 per gram.

Abstract: The present invention provides a lithographic base comprising on a hydrophobic support a subbing layer contiguous to a hydrophilic layer containing a hydrophilic (co)polymer or (co)polymer mixture and being hardened with a hydrolyzed tetraalkyl orthosilicate crosslinking agent characterized in that said subbing layer contains a hydrophilic binder and silica and is applied at a solids content of more than 200 mg per m.sup.2 but less than 750 mg per m.sup.2.

Abstract: Seamless, sleeve-shaped dry and wet lithographic printing members that can be recycled after use along with methods for their manufacture and use. The members include a strong, durable, hollow cylinder or sleeve that is attached to the plate mandrel or cylinder jacket of an offset printing press or platemaking apparatus. Surrounding the sleeve is a layer of a material, preferably polymeric in nature, which is characterized by efficient, ablative absorption of laser radiation, as well as other layers that facilitate imaging and subsequent printing.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for imaging lithographic plates using laser devices that emit in the near-infrared region, and plates suitable for imaging with the apparatus and methods. Laser output either ablates one or more plate layers or physically transforms a surface layer, in either case resulting in an imagewise pattern of features on the plate. The image features exhibit an affinity for ink or an ink-abhesive fluid that differs from that of unexposed areas.

Abstract: Lithographic printing plates suitable for imaging by means of laser devices that emit in the near-infrared region. Laser output ablates a titanium layer sandwiched between an oleophobic or hydrophilic layer and a polyester layer, resulting in an imagewise pattern of features on the plate. The image features exhibit an affinity for ink or an ink-abhesive fluid that differs from that of unexposed areas.

Abstract: The present invention features planographic plates fabricated with a silicone coating which produces economical and durable waterless plates when the coating is applied to imaged plates, cured and allowed to properly develop. Such a plate has a very high resolution and an excellent ink repellency in the non-print zones. The process of the invention applies the silicone coating directly onto a photo-imaged or a non-photo-imaged plate, curing the silicone, and then applying a solvent (developer) which penetrates through the silicone to the image. The imaging material is removed precisely, leaving a silicone stencil only in the desired, non-print areas. The silicone coating attaches chemically to the base metal (aluminum oxide), which produces a very durable coating.

Abstract: A lithographic printing plate precursor of direct image type, adequately prevented from occurrence of background stains and having excellent printing durability is provided, comprising a base and an image receptive layer provided on the base, in which the image receptive layer contains one or more types of non-aqueous solvent-dispersed resin grains obtained by subjecting to dispersion polymerization reaction in a non-aqueous solvent, a monofunctional monomer (A) being soluble in the non-aqueous solvent but insoluble after polymerization and containing at least one functional group capable of producing at least one polar group through decomposition and a monofunctional polymer [M] comprising a polymer principal chain containing at least recurring units each containing a silicon atom and/or fluorine atom-containing substituent, to only one end of which a polymerizable double bond group represented by General Formula (I), as described herein, is bonded.

Abstract: Techniques for imaging lithographic printing members responsive to the output of laser devices. Laser output passes through at least one discrete layer and ablates one or more underlying layers, resulting in an imagewise pattern of features on the printing member. The image features exhibit an affinity for ink or an ink-abhesive fluid that differs from that of unexposed areas.

Abstract: Lithographic printing plates suitable for imaging by means of laser devices that emit in the near-infrared region. Laser output either ablates one or more plate layers or physically transforms a surface layer, in either case resulting in an imagewise pattern of features on the plate. The image features exhibit an affinity for ink or an ink-abhesive fluid that differs from that of unexposed areas.

Abstract: A support material for photosensitive substances, useful in the production of offset-printing plates, is disclosed. The support material comprises mechanically, chemically or electrochemically roughened aluminum or an aluminum alloy in the form of a sheet, a foil or a web, and which is coated on at least one side with a hydrophilic polymer which comprises (a) at least 2 mol% of units having acidic side groups and (b) at least 2 mol% of units having basic side groups which are capable of being protonated.

Abstract: According to the present invention a dispersant is provided for stabilizing dispersions of metal oxides and/or carbon black in water in the presence of a hydrophilic binder. Said dispersant is a block-copolymer comprising at least one block of an ammonium group containing (meth)acrylate.

Abstract: A device for increasing heat transmission to the cooling cylinders in rotary-offset machines in order to cool a web of printed and dried stock. One or more charging electrodes are positioned where the web comes into contact with the cooling cylinders.

Abstract: A method of controlling unwanted degradation of overlapping image points in a sparked-imaged lithographic plate. A suitable conductive sheet having an appropriately selected volume resistivity is placed beneath the conductive metal sheet of the plate, thereby drawing off excess spark energy during the imaging process.

Abstract: A printing member for a press without dampening made by forming on a metal substrate an organic plastic layer having an exposed surface which is highly oleophobic and thermally decomposing the layer surface at selected image points thereon without contacting the surface and without penetrating through the layer so that there is a transformation of the surface structure which renders said surface oleophilic at said image points.

Abstract: A photosensitive lithographic plate is suitable for use in making a water-less lithographic plate which does not require dampening water. The photosensitive lithographic plate has a primer layer containing a hardened gelatin, a photosensitive layer and a silicone rubber layer. The silicone rubber layer and the photosensitive layer are imagewise removed as a result of the imagewise exposure and development so as to expose portions of the primer layer corresponding to an image. The exposed gelatin-containing plate is securely adhered to the substrate and is easily dyeable for examination of the formed image.

Abstract: A dry planographic plate has an image area and a non-image area in the shape of an image. The non-image area is constituted by a silicone rubber layer. The surface of the plate is coated with a thin film containing an organic polymer.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a graphic arts film obtained by forming a toner image on a light-transmitting base sheet having a toner-adhesive and ink-repellent coating layer, then fixing the toner image and applying ink onto the surface of the base sheet to thereby selectively enhance the optical density of the toner image area on the coating layer, and a method of preparing the same.The present invention permits easy and inexpensive production of a graphic arts film having a sufficiently enhanced optical density, free from pin-holes and capable of being retouched with respect to the image formed thereon.

Abstract: In a master plate for dry lithographic printing comprising (1) a substrate and (3) an ink-repellent silicone layer formed thereon, the improvement wherein a toner anchoring layers (2) composed of a resin having compatibility with an image layer (5) to be superimposed on the silicone layer (3) during image making or a resin containing an active group capable of reacting with the image layer (5) during image making is formed between the substrate (1) and the silicone layer (3), and wherein the silicone layer (3) is composed of a silicone resin containing a fluorine-containing surface-active compound of the formulaRf--X--Ywherein Rf represents a fluorinated aliphatic radical having 3 to 12 carbon atoms, X represents a divalent linking group, and Y represents a hydrophilic group having a nitrogen-containing linking moiety or a phosphorus containing linking moiety.

Abstract: A light-sensitive adduct comprising the combination of a diazo resin having a plurality of pendant diazonium groups and a sulfonated polymer having a plurality of sulfonate groups and a presensitized light-sensitive article comprising a substrate having a light-sensitive coating which is comprised of the light-sensitive adduct on a surface thereof. After imagewise exposure, unexposed portions of the coating are removable by water or aqueous developers.

Abstract: Printing characteristics such as ink receptivity and printing endurance of a lithographic printing plate which utilizes as ink receptive areas the photographically formed silver or silver halide image can be improved by treating said printing plate in the presence of a polymer compound containing in its principal and/or side chain an aromatic nucleus bearing a hydrophilic substituent group, said printing plate containing in at least one of its constitutive layers as hydrophilic high molecular weight-binder.

Abstract: A rotary printing press includes a laser beam imaging device to enable a rotary printing member to be prepared while it is located in the printing press. This arrangement has particular advantages when it is used with a lithographic or a gravure printing press and especially when used as a proofing press for color lithography or color gravure.

Abstract: Disclosed is a process for manufacturing a lithographic printing form by electrophotographic means, comprising the steps of uniformly charging an oleophilic photoconductive layer which is present on an electrically conductive hydrophilic layer support and which contains a photoconductor and a binder; image-wise exposing the charged photoconductive layer to produce a charge image; developing the charge image with toner to produce a toner image comprised of imaged areas and non-image areas; fixing the toner image; decoating the non-image areas of the photoconductive layer to bare the electrically conductive layer support; coating the bared areas of the layer support with a solution comprising a water-soluble, but hydrocarbon-insoluble film-forming polymer and a vinyl phosphonic acid compound; drying the coating solution to form a uniform coating; and removing the toner image by rinsing with a hydrocarbon composition containing aromatic portions in an amount of at least about 20% by weight.

Abstract: Provided is a dry planographic printing plate containing on a base substrate a mixture which mixture comprises an organopolysiloxane; an alkoxy silane as a cross-linking agent represented by the formula R.sub.4-a-b R'.sub.a Si(OR").sub.b wherein a is 0 or 1, b is 2 or 3 and a+b is at most 3, R is an organic group containing a polar group or double bond and OR" is an alkoxy group; and a compound as a cross-linking catalyst represented by the formula (R.sup.1 O)(R.sup.2 O)(R.sup.3 O)(R.sup.4 O)M wherein M is titanium or zirconium, R.sup.1, R.sup.2, R.sup.3 and R.sup.4 are each an organic group.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for manufacturing a seamless printing roll. A liquid photosensitive resin is applied to the space between a process cylinder and a rigid plate which is transparent to actinic light. Relative movement is provided between the cylinder and the plate perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the cylinder, while the cylinder is rotated in synchronization with the relative movement of the rigid plate to evenly spread the photosensitive resin. The photosensitive resin is simultaneously exposed in the space between the cylinder and rigid plate.

Abstract: A method of increasing the strength, abrasion resistance, solvent resistance, and press life of a lithographic image comprising a layer of light-reacted light sensitive material and an outer layer comprising an epoxy resin overlying the light-reacted layer. In the method, the surface of the outer layer is contacted and wetted with an aqueous solution comprising a least about 7% by weight of a boron trifluoride-amine complex. Solvent is evaporated from the solution on the surface to deposit dry boron trifluoride-amine complex on the outer layer and the outer layer is heated in the presence of the complex to cross-link the epoxy resin and form a hard, tough, abrasion-resistant, solvent-resistant and wear-resistant epoxy resin layer at the outside of the image. Further included in the invention are a curing composition adapted for topical application to a lithographic image in carrying out the method of the invention and a planographic printing plate produced thereby.

Abstract: The invention provides a novel planographic printing plate suitable for dry planographic printing without supply of dampening water and a method for the preparation thereof. The inventive printing plate has, on one surface of a base plate, a layer of an organopolysiloxane composed of the areas where fresh surface of the organopolysiloxane is exposed bare as the ink-repellent non-image areas and the areas where the surface of the organopolysiloxane layer has been subjected to the treatment with low temperature plasma to be oleophilic or ink-receptive as the image areas of the printing plate. According to the inventive method, the pattern-wise exposure of the organopolysiloxane layer to the plasma atmosphere is performed by first providing a pattern-wise layer of a plasma resistant protective resist layer on the organopolysiloxane layer followed by the plasma treatment and removal of the resist layer.

Abstract: A lithographic printing plate in which the oleophilic imaging areas are formed as a thin cross-linked block copolymer film adhered to the hydrophilic surface of a backing plate. The block copolymer comprises blocks of copolyacrylate and polyurethane wherein the copolyacrylate blocks are a copolymer of a hydroxy-containing acrylate and a second acrylate component comprising one or more esters of acrylic acid or methacrylic acid or mixtures thereof and the polyurethane blocks are formed of polyoxybutylene as the prepolymer component. In forming the printing plate the block copolymer is deposited as a thin film containing an ultraviolet initiator and a cross linking promoter and the cross-linked imaging areas are formed by exposure to ultraviolet radiation.

Abstract: A base plate adapted to be coated with a light-sensitive diazo resin, and a lithographic plate which may be prepared therefrom. The base plate includes a substrate comprising a metal support and having a water-wettable, hydrophilic surface. Over the substrate and in direct contact with the surface is a layer comprising an oleophilic ink-receptive organic resin adapted to receive a light-sensitive coating comprising a diazo resin sensitizer. The oleophilic resin layer is permeable to the sensitizer so that it may penetrate substantially through the resin layer to establish sufficient contiguity between the diazo resin and the substrate so that both the light-sensitive coating and the organic resin layer become anchored to the substrate in the areas of exposure when the light-sensitive coating is exposed to light. Methods of preparing the base plate and lithographic plate are also disclosed.

Abstract: The invention relates to a negative electron resist for application in electron lithography. It consists of an organic copolymer formed by copolymerization of butadiene or isoprene with glycidyl acrylate or glycidyl methacrylate. The resist exhibits the high sensitivity to irradiation by electrons and, at the same time, a good adhesion to the base and a resistance towards common etching agents. The copolymer is advantageously prepared by radical polymerization and a high purity of the product does not require further purification. The electron resist manufactured in this way has the long-term workability.

Abstract: Aqueous solutions are provided for treating image-bearing lithographic plates.

Abstract: Lithographic printing plates suitable for imaging by means of laser devices that emit in the near-infrared region. Laser output either ablates one or more plate layers or physically transforms a surface layer, in either case resulting in an imagewise pattern of features on the plate. The image features exhibit an affinity for ink or an ink-abhesive fluid that differs from that of unexposed areas.