Abstract: A negative working non-ablative lithographic printing plate precursor is provided which includes a metal support such as an anodized aluminum plate and provided thereon a layer or a stack of layers, wherein at least one layer includes a near infrared light absorbing compound which is the main component of the layer(s). As the amount of other reactive compounds besides the near infrared light absorbing compound is less than 20% by weight, excellent-storage stability is obtained. In a highly preferred embodiment the layer or stack of layers is substantially free from the other reactive compounds. The material is very suitable for computer-to-plate and computer-to-press applications as it can be used as a printing master directly after exposure or may be processed by rinsing with plain water.

Abstract: Heat-imagable negative working lithographic printing forms employ negative working heat sensitive compositions comprising a water soluble binder and particles of pigment in association with a thermoplastic resin. Heat causes fusion of the particles to the binder. Heated regions are thereby rendered insoluble to aqueous developers. Unheated areas are soluble in developer or fount solutions, so development may take place “on-press” during the initial phase of a print run.

Abstract: A method is provided for preparing a negative working lithographic printing plate precursor by applying a dry powder, containing a light absorbing compound in an amount not less than 50% by weight, on a metal support such as an anodized aluminum plate. The light absorbing compound is preferably carbon, soot or an infrared dye. In one embodiment of the invention, the dry powder may be rubbed in on the surface of the metal support. In another embodiment a layer of soot is applied on the metal support by contacting the surface of the support with a flame. In still another embodiment, a metal support is contacted with a transfer material consisting of a support and a dry layer of a light absorbing compound such as carbon. By applying heat or light, the dry powder is converted into a hydrophobic substance at the printing areas of the plate.

Abstract: A printer and a restoration method for a printing plate which can be reused, while coping with digitization of printing processes is provided. On a substrate serving as a hydrophilic surface mounted beforehand onto a plate cylinder, a toner image portion formed on the surface of a photosensitive material is adhered and fixed directly or via an intermediate body to thereby form an image area. In thus way, the substrate is divided into a hydrophobic image area having at least a 50° or higher contact angle with water and a non-image area having an ink repulsion property, to thereby form a printing plate. After completion of printing, the ink and wetting solution adhered to the surface of the printing plate are cleaned by a cleaning apparatus, and image area on the surface of the printing plate is then removed by a chemical treatment solution supply roller, to thereby restore the printing plate to the initial condition so that this can be reused.

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: According to the present invention there is provided a method for making lithographic printing plates including the following steps a) preparing a heat mode imaging element having 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 which top layer is sensitive to IR-radiation and is unpenetrable for an alkaline developer containing SiO2 as silicates; b) exposing imagewise said heat mode imaging element to IR-radiation; c) developing said imagewise exposed heat mode imaging element with said alkaline developer so that the exposed areas of the top layer and the underlying areas of the first layer are dissolved and the unexposed areas of the first layer remain undissolved characterized in that said top layer includes an IR-dye in an amount between 1 and 100% by weight of the total amount of said IR-sensitive top layer selected from the group consisting of indoan

Abstract: According to the present invention there is provided a heat-sensitive material for making lithographic printing plates having on a lithographic support an image-forming layer including a hydrophilic binder, a cross-linking agent for the hydrophilic binder, metal oxide particles with a mean diameter of at least 100 nm and dispersed hydrophobic thermoplastic polymer particles, characterized in that the image-forming layer has a ratio of specific surface (in m2 per g) over mean roughness(in &mgr;m) of more than 0.65 and that the mean pore width is less than 15 nm.

Abstract: A plate precursor for a lithographic printing plate requiring no development, which comprises a surface formed of a solid material of an inorganic compound comprising at least two kinds of elements selected from groups 13, 14 and 15 of the periodic table; a method for making a lithographic printing plate using the same; and a novel plate precursor for a lithographic printing plate in which an image can be formed and deleted.

Abstract: A lithographic printing plate precursor element is made by coating a support web, with a thermal insulating layer, and then overcoating with a coextensive ink repellent layer. The coextensive ink repellant layer comprises a crosslinked polymeric matrix containing a colloid of an oxide or a hydroxide of a metal selected from the group consisting of beryllium, magnesium, aluminum, silicon, gadolinium, germanium, arsenic, indium, tin, antimony, tellurium, lead, bismuth, a transition metal and combinations thereof. A photothermal conversion material is present in the ink repellent layer, in a stratum located between the thermal insulating layer and the ink repellent layer, or in both the ink repellent layer and the stratum. The ink repellant layer contains less than 5% hydrocarbon groups by weight.

Abstract: Provided is an imaged wet lithographic printing plate which bears a hydrophilic layer and an oleophilic, water-insoluble layer in a desired imagewise pattern overlying the hydrophilic layer, wherein the oleophilic layer comprises a reaction product of a transition metal complex of an organic acid, preferably a chromium complex of an organic carboxylic acid. Also provided are methods of preparing such imaged wet lithographic plates by ink jet printing and by laser ablation imaging; methods of preparing positive working, wet lithographic printing plates imageable by laser radiation; positive working, wet lithographic printing plates prepared by such methods; and methods of imaging such positive working plates by laser ablation imaging.

Abstract: According to the present invention there is provided a heat mode imaging element for making a lithographic printing plate having on a lithographic base with a hydrophilic surface a first layer including a polymer that is soluble in an aqueous alkaline solution and a top layer on the same side of the lithographic base as the first layer that is IR-sensitive and unpenetrable for an alkaline developer; characterized in that at least one of the first layer and the top layer includes a surfactant.

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: An imaging member, such as a negative-working printing plate, can be prepared using a hydrophilic imaging layer comprised of a heat-sensitive hydrophilic polymer having a positively charged moiety, and optionally a photothermal conversion material. The heat-sensitive polymer has recurring units containing an N-alkylated aromatic heterocyclic group or an organoonium group that reacts to provide increased oleophilicity in areas exposed to energy that provides or generates heat. For example, heat can be supplied by laser irradiation in the IR region of the electromagnetic spectrum. Thus, the heat-sensitive polymer is considered “switchable” in response to heat, and provides an imaging means without wet processing.

Abstract: An imaging member, such as a negative-working printing plate, can be prepared using a hydrophilic heat-sensitive imaging layer comprised of a hydrophilic heat-sensitive, crosslinked vinyl polymer containing recurring organoonium groups. The imaging member can also include a photothermal conversion material such as carbon black or an infrared radiation absorbing dye. The heat-sensitive polymer has recurring units containing an organoammonium, organophosphonium or organosulfonium group that reacts to provide increased oleophilicity (ink receptivity) in response to heat. Heat is preferably generated by laser irradiation in the IR region of the electromagnetic spectrum. The heat-sensitive polymer is considered “switchable” in response to heat. The imaging member can be used in printing methods without the usual wet processing steps.

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: A presensitized printing plate intermediate having an image mask on a UV radiation transparent removable coating layer; and a printing plate produced directly by reactants which polymerize alone or in combination with other reactants precoated on the plate substrate to form a printable hard resin image. A method of digitally forming an image on said printing plate intermediate.

Abstract: A method for imaging seamless printing sleeves of varying length and diameter includes providing a retractable support for the end of a mandrel holding the sleeve and a tilting mechanism to title the mandrel upwards, allowing sleeve replacement. Since different length sleeves can be used on a fixed length mandrel, a fixed size frame can be used for different sleeve lengths. Tilting of the mandrel allows the use of a rigid frame, eliminating the need for a removable end block.

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: Provided is a positive working, wet lithographic printing member comprising a hydrophilic metal substrate having disposed thereon a hydrophilic layer, an ablative-absorbing, ink-accepting surface layer and, optionally, an ink-accepting overcoat layer that is not ablative-absorbing. 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 to remove residual laser-induced debris and damaged areas from the hydrophilic layer.

Abstract: A lithoprinting plate comprising a support and a recording layer which comprises a polyvalent metal ion and a hydrophilic binder polymer having a Lewis base portion containing nitrogen, oxygen or sulfur and which has an oleophilic image area and a hydrophilic non-image area which are printed in a thermal mode, wherein the hydrophilic binder polymer in the hydrophilic non-image area is three-dimensionally cross-linked by the interaction between the polyvalent metal ion and the Lewis base portion.

Abstract: Imaging of lithographic printing plates with reduced fluence requirements is accomplished using printing members that have a solid substrate, gas-producing and radiation-absorptive layers over the substrate, and a topmost layer that contrasts with the substrate in terms of lithographic affinity. Exposure of the radiation-absorptive layer to laser light causes this layer to become intensely hot. This, in turn, activates the gas-producing layer, causing rapid evolution and expansion of gaseous decomposition products. The gases stretch the overlying topmost layer to create a bubble over the exposure region, where the imaging layers have been destroyed. If this process is sufficiently explosive, the neck of the bubble expands beyond the diameter of the incident laser beam, tearing the topmost layer and the underlying imaging layers away from the substrate outside the exposed region.

Abstract: According to the present invention there is provided a method for lithographic printing comprising the following steps:preparing a lithographic printing plate by image-wise laser exposing a heat-sensitive non-ablatable wasteless imaging element comprising a compound capable of transferring light into heat and having on a support as top layer a heat sensitive image forming layer comprising a heat-switchable binder which layer becomes more hydrophilic or more hydrophobic under the action of image-wise laser exposure;mounting said printing element on the press prior to or after the exposure; andapplying a fountain solution and ink, characterized in that said fountain solution comprises at least one water insoluble compound selected from the group consisting of silica, alumina, titanium oxide, tin oxyde, china clay, smectic clay and zirconium oxide.

Abstract: A device (14) for production of printing forms is integrated into a control desk (4) which has operating and display elements (20, 21) for the control of operating processes of a printing press (2, 3). The device can be used in print shops in which production of printing forms and printing itself are closely linked on the basis of operation sequences.

Abstract: A process for treating the periphery of an unexposed photosensitive resin plate, which comprises irradiation of light having a wavelength of not longer than 300 nm on the periphery of the unexposed photosensitive resin plate until the periphery is free of stickiness. The process of the present invention solves problems such as sticking of the peripheral resin of unexposed plates to packages, sticking of unexposed resin to a working table, exposure table or vacuum adhesion sheet, sticking of dust, and so on on the periphery of unexposed plates, and sticking of unexposed resin to hands when handling, while eliminating all defects in handling during the steps of making printing plates.

Abstract: The present invention is a method and system for lithographic printing by controlling the surface energy of a printing plate to affect the hydrophilic and hydrophobic properties of the printing plate. These properties enable the ink to be applied to the printing plate in an image-wise manner and provides for rapid production of images on a recording medium. The lithographic printing plate may be rewritten repeatedly between printing jobs or may even be rewritten between individual recording media.

Abstract: A planographic printing plate includes a radiation sensitive layer which may comprise a rubber material. Application of heat causes exposed areas to be vulcanized. The plate may be developed by applying a force to the radiation sensitive layer, for example by rubbing, thereby to remove non-exposed areas.

Abstract: A precursor element for making a lithographic printing plate is composed of a support, an ink receptive thermal conversion inner layer and a sol-gel, ink repellent outer layer. The outer sol-gel layer containes crosslinked colloids derived from certain metal oxides or hydroxides. The plates produced from the ellements are long-running plates that require no post-imaging processing.

Abstract: An imaging member, such as a printing cylinder, is composed of a hydrophilic imaging layer formed from a heat-sensitive composition (for example, by spray coating) having a hydrophilic heat-sensitive polymer containing heat-activatable thiosulfate groups, and optionally a photothermal conversion material. Upon application of energy that generates heat, such as from IR irradiation, the polymer is crosslinked and rendered more hydrophobic. The exposed imaging member can be contacted with a lithographic printing ink and a fountain solution and used for printing with or without post-imaging wet processing. This imaging member is particularly useful for direct write imaging using IR lasers or thermal printing heads. In preferred embodiments, the imaging member is an on-press printing cylinder that is prepared, imaged and used on press.

Abstract: In a printing method and system for production of a print image on a carrier material, a print carrier is provided, a surface of which is charged with water vapor at locations corresponding to structures of the print image to be printed. Water vapor is condensed at these locations as a film of water. Ink is applied to the surface, the ink adhering to non-wetted locations and not being accepted by the wetted locations. The ink from the non-wetted locations is printed onto the carrier material.

Abstract: According to the present invention there is provided a method for making driographic printing plates comprising the image-wise exposure of a heat-sensitive recording material comprising on an ink-accepting support an image-forming layer containing nydrofobic thermoplastic polymer particles and a compound capable of converting light into heat, said compound being present in said image-forming layer or a layer adjacent thereto and a cured ink-repellant surface layer. After the exposure the printing plate is developed by wiping it with water or an aqueous solution before or after mounting it on the print cylinder of a printing press.

Abstract: A method for making a lithographic printing plate comprising exposing a support, a melonophilic layer and a melonophobic layer, the latter containing crosslinked colloids to a laser beam having an intensity greater than 0.1 mW/.mu..sup.2 for a time sufficient to give a total exposure of about 200 milliJoules/cm.sup.2 or greater. Good printing steps and long running plates are produced.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for lithographic imaging without ablation function by irreversibly debonding intermediate printing-plate layers, thereby rendering at least the surface layer removable by cleaning to expose, in an imagewise pattern, an underlying layer having a different affinity for ink and/or an abhesive fluid for ink. In contrast to ablation-type systems, it is unnecessary to destroy a plate layer, thereby reducing power requirements and facilitating increased imaging speeds.

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 method of operating a rotary printing press, wherein, during printing with a first printing form, a second printing form is imaged. A device for implementing the method has at least one imaging apparatus associated with the printing forms.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for making a lithographic printing plate comprising the steps of:(1) image-wise exposing to light an imaging element comprising (i) on a hydrophilic surface of a lithographic base an image forming layer comprising hydrophobic thermoplastic polymer particles capable of coalescing under the influence of heat and dispersed in a hydrophilic binder and (ii) a compound capable of converting light to heat, said compound being comprised in said image forming layer or a layer adjacent thereto;(2) and developing a thus obtained image-wise exposed imaging element by mounting it on a print cylinder of a printing press and supplying an aqueous dampening liquid and/or ink to said image forming layer while rotating said print cylinder.

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: 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: There is described a method of preparing a water-less lithographic plate by coating a positive working photosensitive composition onto an oleophilic base imagewise exposing the plate and developing it to remove the areas of the photosensitive composition which have been light exposed, coating overall the surface of the plate with a layer of a composition which is ink-releasing or when cured becomes ink releasing, then either as a separate step or as a combined step curing the ink-releasing composition or drying the ink-releasing composition and light exposing overall the plate, then redeveloping the plate to remove the photosensitive composition remaining after the first development and any ink-releasing composition overlying the photosensitive composition.

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 plate material the surface of which is formed of film including as its major component a material whose surface changes from a lipophilic state to a hydrophilic state by a photocatalytic reaction and returns to a lipophilic state when subsequently subjected to a heat treatment is used for making a printing plate. The substantially entire surface of the plate material is uniformly exposed to active light and an image is written in a heat mode on the surface of the plate material, which has been exposed to the active light.

Abstract: A plate material the surface of which is formed of film including as its major component a material whose surface changes from a lipophilic state to a hydrophilic state by a photocatalytic reaction and returns to a lipophilic state when subsequently subjected to a heat treatment is used for making a printing plate. The plate material is exposed to active light over the substantially entire surface thereof with image-wise part kept unexposed. The part exposed to the active light becomes hydrophilic and repels ink while the part unexposed to the active light is kept lipophilic and receives ink. When the plate material is subsequently heated, the hydrophilic part is rendered lipophilic and the plate material can be reused.

Abstract: Lithographic printing members utilize, as an ink-accepting layer, a hard, inorganic, and generally covalent material that exhibits sufficient flexibility (at the deposition thicknesses envisioned) to accommodate flexing and bending. This layer may overlie a relatively heavy, metal plate substrate or support, resulting in a structure whose permanent layers all share the physical properties of inorganic materials. The printing member may also be provided with a protective layer that serves a variety of beneficial functions, including protection against handling and environmental damage and extension of plate shelf life, but which also is removed during the printing make-ready process.

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: A formulation comprising a heat sensitive cross-linkable ink and carbon black is coated over substantially the entirety of an ink-repellent/ink-releasing surface of a printing cylinder of a printing press by heating the formulation and/or the outer surface of the printing cylinder so that the formulation adheres to the cylinder to provide a continuous coating thereon. The coated printing cylinder is then allowed to cool to ambient temperature whereafter it can be imaged using a digitally controlled laser. The imaged printing cylinder may be developed during press start up by application of waterless ink over the cylindter surface in order to remove the non-imaged areas comprising non-cross-linked ink. After completion of printing, the printing cylinder can be cleaned by using an appropriate solvent to solubilize the cross-linked ink in the imaged areas and subsequently re-used.

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: A a lithographic printing method comprising repetition of the steps of exposing a printing plate precursor having on the surface thereof a thin layer comprising TiO.sub.2, ZnO or at least one compound selected from the group consisting of RTiO.sub.3 wherein R represents an alkaline earth metal atom, AB.sub.2-x C.sub.x D.sub.3-x E.sub.x O.sub.10 wherein A represents a hydrogen atom or an alkali metal atom; B represents an alkaline earth metal atom or a lead atom; C represents a rare earth atom; D represents a metal atom of the group 5A of the Periodic Table; E represents a metal atom of the group 4A of the Periodic Table; and x represents a number of from 0 to 2, SnO.sub.2, Bi.sub.2 O.sub.3, and Fe.sub.2 O.sub.3 to active light to make the exposed area hydrophilic, and making the hydrophilic area hydrophobic by heat treatment.

Abstract: A negative waterless plate contains a sheet substrate; a radiation sensitive imaging layer composed of a diazido naphthaquinone ester or amide compound, such as diazido naphthaquinone sulfonate of a phenolic resin, and a polyurethane prepared by reacting a di-isocyanate and a diol; and a silicone layer. The planographic printing plate is imagewise exposed to actinic radiation through a negative original to form exposed areas of the imaged layer which are soluble or dispersible in a developer liquid. After imaging exposure, the developer liquid is applied which penetrates the silicone layer and dissolves the areas exposed to the radiation. The coating areas not exposed by the radiation remain intact. During this development procedure, areas of the silicone layer overlying the exposed areas are removed along with the underlying soluble areas to produce an imaged planographic printing plate having uncovered ink receptive areas and complimentary ink repellent areas of the silicone layer.

Abstract: Constructions useful as lithographic printing plates include metallic inorganic layers exhibiting both hydrophilicity and substantial durability at very thin application levels. These materials ablatively absorb imaging radiation, thereby facilitating direct imaging without chemical development. They can also be used to form optical interference structures which, in addition to providing color, likewise absorb imaging radiation and ablate in response to imaging pulses.

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.