Abstract: A direct drawing type lithographic printing plate precursor comprising a water-resistant support having provided thereon an image-receiving layer comprising inorganic particles and a binder resin, wherein the inorganic particles comprise at least one kind of particles selected from: (i) metal oxide particles having an average particle size of from 0.01 to 5 &mgr;m and comprising a metal atom selected from Mg, Ba, Ge, Sn, Zn, Pb, La, Zr, V, Cr, Mo, W, Mn, Co, Ni and Cu; (ii) metal hydroxide particles having an average particle size of from 0.01 to 5 &mgr;m, the metal hydroxide being represented by the formula (I): M(OH)x  (I) wherein M represents a metal atom selected from Mg, Ba, Al, Ti, Zn, Cu, Ni, Sn, Co, Ge, Fe and La, and x represents a valence of the metal M; and (iii) double oxide particles having an average particle size of from 0.

Abstract: A direct drawing lithographic printing plate precursor, which includes a water-resisting support having provided thereon an image-receiving layer, an image being formed on the image-receiving layer with an oil-based ink by an electrostatic ink jet system, wherein the water-resisting support has at least a resin coating layer on the side opposite to the side on which the image-receiving layer is provided, wherein the resin coating layer includes a mixture containing from 10 to 90 wt % of a low density polyethylene having a density of from 0.915 to 0.930 g/ml and a melt index of from 1.0 to 30.0 g/10 min., wherein the surface of the resin coating layer has a Bekk's smoothness of from 5 to 2,000 sec/10 ml, and wherein the water-resisting support has a conductive layer having a specific electric resistance value of 1010 &OHgr; cm or less on the image-receiving layer side surface thereof and on at least one end face thereof.

Abstract: The present invention is an image recording material characterized in that it contains (a) a compound that is decomposed by light or heat and produces an acid, (b) a crosslinking agent that crosslinks in the presence of an acid, (c) a high-polymer compound insoluble in water but soluble in an alkali aqueous solution, and (d) the anionic infrared absorbing agent expressed by general formula (I) or general formula (II) below. In the formulas, M represents a conjugated chain, Ga− represents an anionic substituent, Gb represents a neutral substituent, Xm+1 represents a hydrogen ion or a cation of m valence, and m represents an integer from 1 to 6.

Abstract: According to the present invention there is provided a method for preparing a lithographic printing plate, comprising the step of dispensing in a predetermined pattern a hydrophobic or hydrophobizing composition onto a receiving element comprising on a support a layer comprising hydrophobic thermoplastic polymer particles dispersed in a hardened hydrophilic binder.

Abstract: Provided is a lithographic printing plate comprising a support substrate having disposed thereon an ablative-absorbing layer and, optionally, a durable, ink-accepting surface layer that is not ablative-absorbing. The ablative-absorbing layer may contain a high weight per cent of an organic sulfonic acid component. The printing plate may further comprise a hydrophilic polymeric layer interposed between the ablative-absorbing layer and the substrate. The printing plate also comprises a primer layer underlying the ablative-absorbing layer with an adhesion-promoting agent, such as a zirconium compound, present in the primer layer. Also provided are methods of preparing such lithographic printing plates, and methods of preparing imaged lithographic printing plates from such lithographic printing plates by imagewise exposure to a laser and a subsequent cleaning step with water or with a cleaning solution.

Abstract: According to the present invention there is provided a method for making a lithographic printing plate including the steps of dispensing in a predetermined pattern a latex of particles of a hydrophobic polymer onto an optionally modified hydrophilic surface of a lithographic base, characterized in that the hydrophobic polymer and the optionally modified hydrophilic surface of the lithographic base have mutually reactive groups.

Abstract: The effects of interfacial transition between organic and inorganic layers of a lithographic printing member are ameliorated by incorporating an inorganic component within the matrix of the organic layer. In a first aspect, a lithographic printing plate having adjacent organic and inorganic layers is fabricated by depositing a curable polymer, softening the polymer, and integrating an inorganic material therewith. The polymer is then cured to immobilize the integrated deposition material, and the desired inorganic layer is applied over the deposited inorganic material (and any exposed portions of the polymer). In a second aspect, a graded structure is built up on a substrate in successive deposition steps. Both polymer precursors and an inorganic filler material are deposited in stages, with each stage containing a desired ratio of polymer to filler.

Abstract: According to the present invention there is provided a lithographic base including a support and a hydrophilic cross-linked layer having a total volume of pores of more than 0.0007 cm3/g of the lithographic base. The hydrophilic cross-linked layer contains a hydrophilic binder, TiO2 particles and a low molecular weight polyhydric alcohol or a liquid amide as a drying control chemical additive.

Abstract: A method of preparing a planographic printing member is disclosed. In one embodiment, the method comprises forming a hydrophilic layer by thermally spraying a hydrophilic particulate material onto an ablatable layer. Typical hydrophilic materials are SiO2, Al2O3, Cr2O3, TiO2 and ZrO2. Spraying a plasma containing the hydrophilic material in an inert gas atmosphere is preferred method for forming the hydrophilic layer.

Abstract: Provided is a lithographic printing plate comprising a support substrate having disposed thereon an ablative-absorbing layer and, optionally, a durable, ink-accepting surface layer that is not ablative-absorbing. The ablative-absorbing layer contains a high weight percent of an organic sulfonic acid component. The printing plate may further comprise a hydrophilic polymeric layer interposed between the ablative-absorbing layer and the substrate. The printing plate may also comprise a primer layer underlying the ablative-absorbing layer with an adhesion-promoting agent present in the primer layer. Also provided are methods of preparing such lithographic printing plates, and methods of preparing imaged lithographic printing plates from such lithographic printing plates by imagewise exposure to a laser and a subsequent cleaning step with water or with a cleaning solution.

Abstract: Provided are methods of imaging a wet positive working lithographic printing member comprising the steps of providing a positive working printing member comprising a substrate, a hydrophilic layer, an infrared-absorbing layer, and, optionally, an ink-accepting surface layer; exposing the printing member to infrared radiation in an imagewise pattern removing by ablation greater than 10% by weight, and most preferably none of the infrared-absorbing layer and optional ink-accepting surface layer; and removing with water the laser-exposed areas of the infrared-absorbing layer and optional ink-accepting surface layer to reveal the underlying hydrophilic layer. These methods are advantageous in reducing airborne debris and vapors during laser imaging, in increasing the speed of laser imaging, and in providing excellent cleanability and image quality. The printing member may further comprise a primer layer underlying the infrared-absorbing layer with an adhesion-promoting agent present in the primer layer.

Abstract: Provided is a lithographic printing plate comprising a support substrate having disposed thereon an ablative-absorbing layer and, optionally, a durable, ink-accepting surface layer that is not ablative-absorbing. The ablative-absorbing layer may contain a high weight percent of an organic sulfonic acid component. The printing plate may further comprise a hydrophilic polymeric layer interposed between the ablative-absorbing layer and the substrate. The printing plate also comprises a primer layer underlying the ablative-absorbing layer with an adhesion-promoting agent, such as a zirconium compound, present in the primer layer. Also provided are methods of preparing such lithographic printing plates, and methods of preparing imaged lithographic printing plates from such lithographic printing plates by imagewise exposure to a laser and a subsequent cleaning step with water or with a cleaning solution.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a heat mode imaging element for making a lithographic printing plate including on a lithographic base with a hydrophilic surface, a first layer including a polymer, soluble in an aqueous alkaline solution, and a top layer on the same side of the lithographic base as the first layer. The top layer is IR-sensitive and unpenetrable for an alkaline developer. The first layer and the top layer may be one and the same layer. The top layer is characterized in that it contains at least one compound containing epoxy units in an amount between 20 and 500 mg/m.sup.2 and a hardener.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to lithographic printing plates that are suitable for imaging by laser discharge using laser ablation. The lithographic printing plates according to the present invention comprise a vacuum deposited polymeric layer comprising polyvinylpyrrolidone having a thickness of up to about 6000 Angstroms, an absorbing layer underlying the first layer that absorbs infrared radiation and has a thickness in a range between about 100 and about 500 Angstroms, and a substrate underlying the absorbing layer. The polymeric layer and the substrate exhibit different affinities for at least one printing liquid selected from the group consisting of ink and an adhesive fluid for ink.

Abstract: A short run offset printing member is provided which includes a substrate layer that is substantially oleophilic to conventional hydrocarbon-based printing inks, with a second infra-red radiation ablatable and hydrophilic layer over it. The infra-red radiation ablatable layer is coupled with an infra-red radiation absorbing covering to permit ablation of the infra-red radiation ablatable layer.

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 and/or a fluid to which ink will not adhere that differs from that of unexposed areas.

Abstract: Lithographic printing members have protective layers formulated specifically for use with single-fluid inks, and which are removed from the printing member during the preparatory procedures that precede printing. The protective layer provides protection against handling and environmental damage, and also extends plate shelf life; performs a cleaning function, entraining debris and carrying it away as the layer itself is removed; acts as a debris-management barrier if the layer immediately beneath the protective layer is ablated during the imaging process, preventing the emergence of airborne debris that might interfere with unimaged areas and/or imaging optics; and exhibits hydrophilicity, actually accelerating plate roll-up.

Abstract: A lithographic printing plate, in which (1) the non-image area of a hydrophilic swellable layer is 1 to 50 g/m.sup.2 in water absorbability, and the water absorbability of the image area is less than that of the non-image area, (2) the non-image area of a hydrophilic swellable layer is 0.01 to 10 kg/mm.sup.2 in initial modulus, and the initial modulus of the image area is larger than that of the non-image area, (3) the non-image area of a hydrophilic swellable layer is 10 to 2000% in water swelling ratio, and the water swelling ratio of the image area is less than that of the non-image area, or (4) the hydrophilic swelling layer has a phase separated structure consisting of at least two phases; a phase mainly composed of a hydrophilic polymer and a phase mainly composed of a hydrophobic polymer, can be produced from a new photosensitive lithographic original plate simple in development treatment, highly repellent against ink even without being etched, and allowing the use of pure water as dampening water.

Abstract: The ability to clean ablation-type lithographic printing plates is enhanced by the formation of debris chemically compatible with a desired cleaning fluid. The debris may originate in the ablation layer of the printing member, or in a separate insulating layer disposed above the ablation layer.

Abstract: According to the present invention there is provided a method for making a lithographic printing plate comprising the image-wise exposure of a heat-sensitive imaging element with a laser and developing said imaging element by rinsing it with plain water or an aqueous solution. To improve ink-uptake the imaging element is exposed on an external drum recorder whereby the pixel dwell time of the laser is above 0.1 .mu.

Abstract: Defects of electrostatic origin in lithographic printing plates are prevented by reducing or minimizing the dielectric nature of the various plate layers. This lessens the capacitance of the system, reducing the voltage that results from a given deposited charge and, consequently, the likelihood of arcing. This may be accomplished by utilizing, for the substrate of the plate, a conductive film.

Abstract: Provided is a media-fluid material set which comprises a media with a support that bears a hydrophilic receiving surface together with a fluid material comprising a liquid carrier medium and a reactive transition metal complex of a fluorinated organic acid. After application of the fluid material to the hydrophilic receiving surface, the reactive complex reacts to form an ink-releasing layer. Such a media-fluid material set can be advantageously used in preparing waterless lithographic printing plates with ink-releasing layers comprising such fluorinated reaction products. Also provided are imaged waterless lithographic printing plates with such ink-releasing layers made by an ink jet printing application or by laser-induced thermal ablation, and methods of making such waterless lithographic printing plates.

Abstract: An imaging member can be prepared by imagewise application of a fluid onto a water-soluble fluid-receiving layer coated on a hydrophilic support. Application is preferably accomplished by ink jet printing. The fluid is dried or cured to form an oleophilic image on the fluid-receiving layer. After removal of the non-imaged areas, the resulting imaging member can be used for lithographic printing. The fluid-receiving layer is designed to protect the resulting imaging member from fingerprints or other handling defects.

Abstract: A thermally imagable element suitable for use as a lithographic printing plate is disclosed. Imagable element contains an ink repellent, thermally sensitive surface layer on a substrate. The surface layer contains an ink repellent, thermally sensitive co-polymer which is both thermally sensitive and has the physical properties needed for handling and printing. The thermally sensitive co-polymer contains two types of segments: (a) soft silicone segments, which repel ink, and (b) hard segments, which provide physical integrity and impart thermal sensitivity to the co-polymer. The element can be imaged by imagewise expose either by infrared radiation or by heat. The process requires no wet development step and no wiping. Thermally labile crosslinked polymers are also disclosed.

Abstract: A lithographic printing plate made by coating a support web with a coextensive hydrophilic layer of a crosslinked polymeric matrix containing a member of the group consisting of colloids of beryllium, magnesium, aluminum, silicon, gadolinium, germanium, arsenic, indium, tin, antimony, tellurium, lead, bismuth and the transition metal oxides, along with a photothermal conversion material capable of accepting ink when exposed to high intensity radiation.

Abstract: The performance-limiting effects of thermal breakdown on ablation-type lithographic printing plates are overcome by rendering the ink-accepting surface largely impervious to the effects of debris originating with the surface layer of the printing member, or by discouraging the formation of harmful debris altogether. In one approach, the ink-accepting surface is a highly crosslinked polymer. The resulting cured matrix exhibits a sufficient degree of three-dimensional bonding to resist melting, softening, or chemical degradation as a result of the imaging process. Alternatively, an intervening layer, disposed between the imaging layer and the surface layer, prevents the surface layer from undergoing significant thermal degradation in response to imaging radiation or ablation of the underlying imaging layer, and is also formulated to produce little debris or debris having an affinity for ink and/or fountain solution similar to the affinity of the substrate--e.g.

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 performance-limiting effects of thermal breakdown on ablation-type lithographic printing plates are overcome by rendering the ink-accepting surface largely impervious to the effects of debris originating with the surface layer of the printing member, or by discouraging the formation of harmful debris altogether. In one approach, the ink-accepting surface is a highly crosslinked polymer. The resulting cured matrix exhibits a sufficient degree of three-dimensional bonding to resist melting, softening, or chemical degradation as a result of the imaging process. Alternatively, an intervening layer, disposed between the imaging layer and the surface layer, prevents the surface layer from undergoing significant thermal degradation in response to imaging radiation or ablation of the underlying imaging layer, and is also formulated to produce little debris or debris having an affinity for ink and/or fountain solution similar to the affinity of the substrate--e.g.

Abstract: An imaging member can be prepared by imagewise application of a mixture of a sol precursor in a liquid to a suitable substrate. Application is preferably accomplished by ink jet printing. Upon removal of the liquid, such as by drying, an insoluble, crosslinked polymeric sol-gel matrix is formed that will accept a lithographic printing ink. The resulting imaging member can be used for lithographic printing.

Abstract: A lithographic imaging member, such as a printing plate, has a support having thereon an ink-accepting melanophilic layer and an ink-rejecting siloxane surface melanophobic layer. Within the printing plate is a photothermal conversion material capable of converting irradiation, such as IR radiation, to heat in exposed regions. Also within one of the layers is a compound that upon imaging releases a moiety that facilitates degradation of the surface melanophobic layer. The released moiety can be fluoride ion or a fluoride ion-containing compound. In some imaging members, a barrier layer may be interposed between the two other layers. Such imaging members can be digitally imaged and used for printing without post-imaging processing.

Abstract: A laser imageable direct write printing member for use with a laser producing laser radiation comprising a flexible sheet of plastic having first and second surfaces serving as a film substrate. A vacuum-deposited laser ablative coating is carried by said first surface formed of a metal selected from a group consisting of titanium, zirconium, aluminum hafnium and alloys thereof.

Abstract: An imaging member, such as a negative-working printing plate, can be prepared using a heat sensitive imaging layer comprised of a heat-sensitive vinyl polymer and optionally a photothermal conversion material. The heat-sensitive polymer has recurring units containing a cyclic anhydride that decarboxylates upon application of thermal energy (such as from IR irradiation), rendering the polymer more hydrophobic in IR exposed areas. Upon contact with a neutral or acidic pH solution, the polymer is then rendered more hydrophilic in unexposed areas.

Abstract: Lithographic printing constructions are removable from a permanent support, which may be a metal sheet affixable (usually by clamps) to a plate cylinder, or may instead be the permanent surface of such a cylinder. In this way, the traditional "plate" is replaced with a thin, easily manufactured printing member, which is separated from the support following its use.

Abstract: A laser imageable direct write printing member for use with a laser producing laser infrared radiation comprising a flexible sheet of plastic having first and second surfaces serving as a film substrate. A vacuum-deposited laser ablative coating is carried by said first surface formed of a metal selected from a group consisting of titanium, zirconium, hafnium and alloys thereof.

Abstract: The lithographic affinity characteristics of a material, such as a polymer, are affected--and thereby selectively modulated--through implantation of one or more metallic materials, typically in the form of ions and/or atoms (or molecules). The desired characteristics are achieved by bulk chemical modification of the material rather than by texturing or deposition of a new surface layer. In the case of a polymer system, for example, the metal impregnates the matrix, penetrating to an observable depth without substantial surface accumulation.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for making a lithographic printing plate wherein an imaging element is image-wise heated by means of a thermal head. The imaging element comprises on a flexible support (i) an ink-repellant layer containing a cross-linked hydrophilic binder and (ii) an image forming layer comprising hydrophobic thermoplastic polymer particles dispersed in a hydrophilic binder. Subsequent to image-wise heating, the imaging element is developed with water or an aqueous liquid. Development may also be carried out on-press. Moreover, image-wise heating and development can both be carried out on press.

Abstract: Provided is a composition curable by active energy rays, comprising a cationic polyacryloyl compound having two or more acryloyl groups and one or more cation groups in a molecule, represented by any of General Formulae (1) to (6) ##STR1## wherein Z.sub.1 to Z.sub.6 represent independently a residue derived from a polyhydric alcohol or a polyepoxide,K.sub.1 represents independently a radical of the formula ##STR2## K.sub.2 represents a radical of the formula ##STR3## R.sub.1 represents independently a radical of the formula ##STR4## wherein R.sub.3 is independently H-- or CH.sub.3 --, and R.sub.2 represents independently a radical of the formulaCH.sub.2 .dbd.CHCOO--, or CH.sub.2 .dbd.C(CH.sub.3)COO--.

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: Laser-imageable lithographic printing members have thin metal imaging layers and layers thereunder that reflect imaging radiation. Radiation from an imaging pulse that passes through an imaging layer is returned to that layer, thereby augmenting the effective energy flux density. The constructions can include dimensionally stable base supports adhered to the reflective substrate by, for example, lamination.

Abstract: The present invention provides an indirect type lithographic printing original plate which can afford a high-quality print without causing scumming in the background area. The indirect type lithographic printing original plate includes a substrate and a zinc oxide-dispersed resin layer formed on the surface of the substrate, the substrate being a plastic film or sheet containing 1 to 40% by weight of a polymer antistatic agent having a melting point of not less than 90.degree. C., and wherein the polymer antistatic agent is substantially insoluble in water and isopropyl alcohol.

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: 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: 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: 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: A thermosensitive recording material comprising a recording layer formed on a substrate and a coating film layer formed thereon, wherein the recording layer is of a bilayer structure composed of a first thermosensitive layer on the side of the lower layer and a second thermosensitive layer on the side of the upper layer and particles are dispersed in at least one of the first and second thermosensitive layers. An original plate for lithographic printing can be produced from a combination of an ink-philic resin and an ink-repelling resin as the compositional materials of such thermosensitive layers. Besides, thermosensitive, recording materials for magnetic recording, thermosensitive materials for electrostatic recording, thermosensitive recording materials for colored image recording and the like, can be generated through a variety of modifications of the compositional materials.

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 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.