Abstract: A workpiece 70 is set to holding rotating means and then liquid-state photosensitive resin 10 is supplied to a resin applying smoothing unit 150 to mold the workpiece 70 into a uniform thickness while rotating the workpiece 70 and applying the liquid-state photosensitive resin 10 to the outer periphery of the workpiece 70 by the resin applying smoothing unit 150. Moreover, while rotating the workpiece 70, liquid-state photosensitive resin, it is exposed by high-intensity ultraviolet light 30 and thereby, the surface of the photo-cured photosensitive resin is shaped to remove an unnecessary resin layer. Then, laser carving is performed by an infrared laser beam 40 to perform post-treatment.

Abstract: A resin composition for laser engraving comprising a binder polymer contains at least one polyester (A) selected from the group consisting of a polyester containing a hydroxycarboxylic acid unit, polycaprolactone, poly(butylene succinic acid), and derivatives thereof.

Abstract: The invention provides a photosensitive element and a method for preparing a printing form from the element. The photosensitive element includes a layer of a photosensitive composition containing a binder, a monomer, and a Norrish type II photoinitiator, wherein the photosensitive layer has a transmittance to actinic radiation of less than 20% and contains reinforcing particles of graphene and/or carbon nanotubes.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method and apparatus for thermally developing a photosensitive element. The thermal development method includes heating the photosensitive element to a temperature sufficient to cause a portion of a composition layer in the element to liquefy, soften, or melt, contacting the heated photosensitive element with a development medium to absorb the liquefied portion at a contact location, and removing the development medium from the photosensitive element with a remover at a location away from the contact location.

Abstract: This invention pertains to a method and apparatus for thermally developing a photosensitive element. The photosensitive element includes a composition layer capable of being partially liquefied upon heating. Heating the layer causes one or more organic compounds in the layer to form a vapor. Oxidation of the vapor forms carbon dioxide and water vapor and reduces the need to manage waste streams containing the organic compounds.

Abstract: An apparatus for direct engraving comprises: a plurality of laser diode emitting at different wavelengths; a multiplexer (11) for collecting the plurality of laser sources into a single laser beam; a rare earth doped fiber amplifier (12) to amplify the single laser beam to form an amplified single laser beam; a demultiplexer to split the single laser beam into a plurality of amplified laser sources; and an imaging means to apply the plurality of amplified laser sources for imaging a printing plate (55).

Abstract: A mask pattern of high outline precision is formed on a photosensitive resin layer by a step of printing a predetermined pattern of a printing ink composition containing a light-blocking substance for absorbing light in a predetermined wavelength region and curable when receiving a predetermined energy on the photosensitive resin layer formed on a support and exhibiting a sensitivity to light in the predetermined wavelength region or on an intermediate layer formed on the photosensitive resin layer, and a step of forming a mask pattern by applying the predetermined energy to the print pattern to cure the print pattern. The problems when conventional negative films are employed in letterpress printing and when a mask pattern is formed of an ink composition directly on the surface of the photosensitive resin layer can thereby be solved simultaneously.

Abstract: A photosensitive laminated original printing plate for letterpress printing that does not contaminate developers, being capable of suppressing a cost increase due to developer replacement and is of high quality; and a process for producing a letterpress printing plate using the photosensitive laminated original printing plate for letterpress printing.

Abstract: A material film for a mask film comprising a substrate film transmitting ultraviolet light and a resin layer not transmitting ultraviolet light disposed on one face of the substrate film, the resin layer having a color which can be eliminated by irradiation with laser beams, a transmittance of ultraviolet light of 0.1% or smaller, a thickness of 0.1-30 ?m and an average surface roughness on a central line Ra of 0.1-3 ?m and comprising carbon black having an average particle diameter of 20-50 nm and a specific surface area of 70-150 m2/g. The resin layer exhibits uniform transparency at portions the color of which is eliminated and suppresses formation of scratches. The mask film is easily positioned in preparation of great printing plates and good contact is easily attained throughout the entire surface suppressing containment of air between the mask film and the printing plate material.

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

Abstract: A method for cutting flexographic plates (10) while plate imaging process is performed is described. The method includes mounting a flexographic plate (10) on an imaging drum (30); imaging at least one graphical element or piece (11) on the flexographic plate; cutting the graphical piece using the imaging device (31); and removing at least one graphical piece from the imaging device drum.

Abstract: The invention provides a planographic printing plate precursor having at least: a support; and an image recording layer that is provided on the support, the image recording layer comprising: an infrared ray absorbing agent (A); a polymerization initiator (B); a polymerizable compound (C); and a compound (D) represented by the following Formula (I). In Formula (I), at least one of R1 to R3 represents —(CH2CH2O)n—R4, while the remainder of R1 to R3 respectively independently represent a hydrogen atom, an alkyl group having 1 to 4 carbon atoms, or R5—COOH; R4 represents a hydrogen atom or an alkyl group having 1 to 4 carbon atoms; n represents an integer of 1 to 20; and R5 represents an alkylene group having 1 to 6 carbon atoms. The invention further provides a printing method using the planographic printing plate precursor and performing on-press development.

Abstract: A method of treating an on-press developable lithographic printing plate with an aqueous treating solution after imagewise exposure and before on-press development is described. The plate comprises on a substrate a photosensitive layer developable with ink and/or fountain solution and capable of hardening upon exposure to a radiation. The plate is imagewise exposed with a radiation, overall treated with a treating solution to cause at least one chemical or physical change in the photosensitive layer or on the substrate surface, and then on-press developed with ink and/or fountain solution. Such a treatment allows improvement on the performance of the imagewise exposed plate by, for example, improving the white light stability, forming visible imaging, increasing the hydrophilicity of the substrate, or increasing the developability of the photosensitive layer.

Abstract: Flexographic printing plates and other relief images can be formed from a laser-ablatable element having a laser-ablatable layer that is at least 20 ?m in thickness. The laser-ablatable layer includes a film-forming material that is a laser-laser-ablatable material or the film-forming material has dispersed therein a laser-ablatable material. The laser-ablatable material is a polymeric material that when heated to 300° C. at a rate of 10° C./minute, loses at least 60% of its mass to form at least one predominant low molecular weight product. The element can be imaged by ablation at an energy of at least 1 J/cm2 to provide a relief image.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for producing flexographic printing forms by thermal development during which a flexographic printing element exposed in an image-like manner is developed by heating and removing the softened, non-polymerized portions of the relief-forming layer, whereby the flexographic printing element used contains a styrene butadiene block copolymer mixed with a softener, and the proportion of butadiene which is 1,2-coupled, ranges from 15 to 50% by weight of the block copolymer.

Abstract: A planographic printing plate precursor, including: a substrate; a photosensitive layer containing an IR absorber, a polymerization initiator, a polymerizable compound and a binder polymer; and a protective layer containing a UV absorber, disposed in this order. The photosensitive layer exhibits reduction in solubility in an alkaline developing solution upon being exposed to light having a wavelength of 750 nm to 1400 nm.

Abstract: The invention pertains to an apparatus and a process for forming a printing form from a photosensitive element having a cylindrical support, and in particular, to an apparatus and a process for thermally treating the photosensitive element to form a relief pattern and particularly to form a cylindrically-shaped flexographic printing form. The apparatus and process includes supporting the cylindrical support to accommodate thermal treating of photosensitive elements with various sizes of the cylindrical support.

Abstract: A laser imageable flexographic printing plate precursor comprises a thermoset elastomeric upper layer that is at least partially ablatable and comprises a radiation sensitive compound, and a non-ablatable elastomeric underlayer. This flexographic printing plate precursor can be imaged to provide a printing plate that is primarily useful for “high quality” printing because the resulting relief image is generally not greater than 600 ?m and has an extremely even “floor”. The imaged flexographic printing plate also can have a high visual contrast between the imaged areas and the non-imaged background areas.

Abstract: Flexographic printing plates are produced by exposing the photopolymer plates to a light source and washing out (developing) the masked out, non-exposed areas with a solvent. The invention provides substituted benzene solvents suitable for use in the development of photopolymer printing plates. The solvents, which include substituted benzene alone or mixed with co-solvents and/or non-solvents, are effective in developing a large number of different photopolymer printing plates and can produce images superior to those obtained with commercially available solvents currently used in such applications.

Abstract: A relief printing original plate including a substrate, a photosensitive resin layer thereon that is photosensitive to ultraviolet radiations, and a mask layer thereon having both ultraviolet and non-ultraviolet absorbability, the ultraviolet absorbability being deactivatable in response to receiving non-ultraviolet radiation. A method for producing a relief printing plate by using the original plate is also provided.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method for thermally developing a photosensitive element to form a relief pattern. The method includes heating a composition layer of the element to cause a portion of the layer to liquefy and providing a development medium under tension to the element to absorb the liquefied composition. The development medium includes an absorbent material and a support, the combination of which minimizes stretch and distortion of the absorbent material and can impede the migration of the liquefied composition through the absorbent material.

Abstract: A flexographic printing plate is prepared from a photosensitive element having a photopolymerizable elastomeric layer with specific rheological properties. The element is imagewise exposed and thermally treated to form a relief structure suitable for flexographic printing.

Abstract: A method of making a relief image printing plate by means of application of successive layers of polymer on a composite structure using inkjets. Relief depth (Need explanation in description of invention) is able to be minimized by building required press undercut thickness by applying the inkjetted polymer on the surface of a pre-manufactured composite structure of at least two layers; one an elastic polymeric material and one providing dimensional stability. An article—a relief image printing plate made by means of application of successive layers of polymer on a composite structure using inkjets in which a compressible layer is between the print layer and a dimensionally stable layer.

Abstract: A process for making a flexographic printing plate is provided, the process including a step of forming an image mask on a flexographic printing starting plate by discharging an oil-based ink by an ink-jet method, the flexographic printing starting plate having a support and a photosensitive resin layer provided thereon; a step of subjecting the photosensitive resin layer to overall exposure via the image mask; and a step of developing the photosensitive resin layer thus exposed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an improved compressible flexographic printing plate that uses a compressible layer comprising a polyurethane (meth)acrylate resin and microspheres. The process of the invention produces a chemically fused printing plate that eliminates the need for an adhesive to secure the compressible layer to the back of the printing plate.

Abstract: A composition for photosensitive flexographic plates which is capable of forming a sheet having a smooth surface and excellent antiflowing properties and less apt to have trouble caused by sticking and which further has excellent thin-line reproducibility; a block copolymer composition for photosensitive flexographic plates which is suitable for use in the composition; and a flexographic plate obtained by exposing the composition to light. Also provided are: a block copolymer composition containing a three-branched aromatic vinyl/conjugated diene block copolymer obtained with a specific coupling agent; and a composition for photosensitive flexographic plates which comprises an ethylenic compound and a photopolymerization initiator.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to a photosensitive composition useful in preparing water-developable, relief printing plates and other photosensitive articles. The compositions comprise an unsaturated polyurethane pre-polymer, which is the reaction product of at least one polyether diol, at least one aliphatic diisocyanate, at least one hydroxyl-functionalized mono-, di- and tri-(meth)acrylate, and a particular photoinitiator. The resulting photosensitive resin compositions have reduced rates and levels of yellowing if subjected to additional UV-light or sunlight after processing.

Abstract: Positive-working imageable elements comprise a radiation absorbing compound and inner and outer layers on a substrate having a hydrophilic surface. The inner layer comprises a combination of two different polymeric binders one of which has an acid number of at least 30, which combination of polymers provides improved post-development bakeability (more quickly baked or cured at lower temperatures) and desired digital speed with no loss in chemical resistance.

Abstract: A polymerizable composition contains (A) a dye which is soluble in an organic solvent and in an alkaline aqueous solution and has an absorption in 700 to 1200 nm, (B) a radical polymerization initiator, (C) a compound having an ethylenically unsaturated bond, and (D) a binder polymer.

Abstract: The invention is directed to methods of making an article bearing a relief image using a removable film. First, an imageable film that contains at least a mask substrate and an imageable material is imagewise exposed to imaging radiation to form an imaged film. The imaged film is then transferred to an imageable article, such as a flexographic printing plate precursor. The resulting assembly is exposed to curing radiation resulting in exposed and unexposed areas of photosensitive material on the imageable article. Following exposure to curing radiation, the imaged film is then removed from the imageable article. The imageable article is then developed with a suitable developer to form a relief image. The imaged film may then be reused to make additional articles bearing the relief image.

Abstract: A radiation-sensitive composition includes a radically polymerizable component and a borate initiator composition capable of generating radicals sufficient to initiate polymerization of the radically polymerizable component upon exposure to imaging radiation. This composition also includes a radiation absorbing compound (such as an IR-sensitive dye), a polymeric binder comprising a polymer backbone to which is directly or indirectly linked a pendant group comprising a reactive vinyl group, and a primary additive that is a poly(alkylene glycol) or an ether or ester thereof that has a number average molecular weight of from about 200 and up to 4000 and comprises from about 2 to about 50 weight % based on the total composition solids content. This composition can be used to prepare a negative-working imageable element that can be imaged at relatively low energy and developed without a preheat step.

Abstract: The present invention discloses printing plates comprising a substrate and a radiation-absorptive layer, wherein the radiation-absorptive layer comprises at least one modified pigment product. The modified pigment product comprises a pigment having attached at least one organic group and at least one amphiphilic counterion. Methods of imaging printing plates are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a polymerizable coating composition suitable for the manufacture of printing plates, which may be developable on-press. The coating composition comprises (i) a polymerizable compound and (ii) a polymeric binder comprising polyethylene oxide segments, wherein the polymeric binder is selected from the group consisting of at least one graft copolymer comprising a main chain polymer and polyethylene oxide side chains, a block copolymer having at least one polyethylene oxide block and at least one non-polyethylene oxide block, and a combination thereof. The invention is also directed to an imageable element comprising a substrate and the polymerizable coating composition.

Abstract: Laser-engravable flexographic printing elements for the production of flexographic printing plates have relief layers comprising blends of hydrophilic polymers and hydrophobic elastomers. Said flexographic printing elements are used for the production of flexographic printing plates by means of laser engraving.

Abstract: A method of producing a pattern-forming body with high accuracy with no need for a post-exposure treatment and without allowing any photocatalyst to remain in the resultant pattern-forming body and whereby any problematic effect of the photocatalyst in the pattern-forming body is eliminated. The method includes providing a photocatalyst-containing layer-sided substrate and a pattern-forming body substrate having a characteristic-changeable layer, which is changed by the effect of the photocatalyst in the photocatalyst-containing layer, and a light-shading part formed as a pattern in such a manner that the photocatalyst-containing layer and the characteristic-changeable layer are brought into contact with each other, followed by exposure on the side of the pattern-forming body substrate to change the characteristics of the characteristic-changeable layer of the exposed part, followed by removing the photocatalyst-containing layer-sided substrate.

Abstract: The present invention relates to photocurable compositions for use in flexographic printing plates comprising selectively hydrogenated block copolymers of conjugated dienes and monoalkenyl arenes and flexographic printing plates made from the same. The block copolymers, either linear or radial, have terminal blocks of unsaturated conjugated diene. The block copolymer is further comprised of monoalkenyl arene blocks and hydrogenated conjugated diene blocks. The compositions exhibit exceptional improvement in degree of cure over comparative selectively hydrogenated block copolymers.

Abstract: This invention pertains to a system for thermally treating a photosensitive element to form a relief structure suitable for flexographic printing. The system of the invention comprises a plurality of consecutively arranged blotting stations for removing uncured photopolymer from the imaged surface of the photosensitive printing element. The flexographic plates produced in the apparatus of the invention are especially suited for use in printing newspapers and other publications.

Abstract: An improved flexo processor and a method of using the improved flexo processor to increase the flexibility of both the type and the size of the flexographic printing element that may be processed. The novel thermal plate processor system is capable of processing both flat and round photosensitive printing elements with only minimal changes to the system. The thermal plate processor system may also include means for exposure and post-exposure/detack in the same system.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a photosensitive flexographic printing element for the production of flexographic newspaper printing plates, comprising at least a flexible, metallic support, an adhesive layer applied thereto, a photopolymerizable layer which can be developed in organic media and which itself comprises at least one elastomeric binder, ethylenically unsaturated monomers, a photoinitiator or photoinitiator system and a plasticizer, a transparent substrate layer, and optionally a removable protective film, where the total thickness of the flexographic printing element is from 300 to 1000 ?m, the elastomeric binder has a weight average molecular weight Mw of from 80,000 to 150,000 g/mol and a Shore A hardness of from 50 to 80, and the amount of plasticizer is from 5 to 50% by weight, based on the amount of all constituents of the photopolymerizable layer, and to a process for the production of flexographic newspaper printing plates by imagewise exposure of the flexographic printing element to act

Abstract: An improved method of manufacturing a photosensitive printing element that minimizes relief variation and improves image fidelity. The method involves a step of pre-curing the first (floor layer) of photocurable material prior to depositing an additional layer or layers of photocurable material that may be imaged and developed to produce a desired relief image on the surface of the photosensitive printing element. The photosensitive printing element is then thermally developed by contacting the photosensitive printing element with at least one roll that is capable of moving over at least a portion of the imaged surface of the flexographic printing element to remove the softened or melted non-crosslinked photopolymer.

Abstract: A masking film has a unique polymeric binder in the imageable layer that enables the imaged film to be readily solubilized in non-chlorinated developers when it is used to form a relief image in a radiation-sensitive element, such as a UV-sensitive flexographic printing plate precursor. The polymeric binders in the imageable layer are resins that can be dissolved or dispersed in cyclohexane at 10% solids at 23° C. within 24 hours.

Abstract: In a laser-engravable flexographic printing element, the relief-forming layer comprises a conductivity carbon black having a specific surface area of at least 150 m2/g and a DBP number of at least 150 ml/100 g. Flexographic printing plates are produced by a process in which a printing relief is engraved into said flexographic printing element by means of a laser system.

Abstract: A coating fluid for printing plates which can be suitably used to make printing plates that permit images to be written in response to input digital data and that can be easily regenerated and reused. This coating fluid for printing plates comprises at least a carrier liquid, thermoplastic resin particles and an IR absorber, and the IR absorber has a decomposition starting temperature higher than the melt starting temperature of the thermoplastic resin particles.

Abstract: New photoresists are provided that are suitable for short wavelength imaging, including sub-200 nm, particularly 193 nm. Resists of the invention comprise a polymer that is preferably substantially free of aromatic moieties and comprises photoacid-labile repeat units, a photoactive components such as one or more photoacid generator compounds and a solvent component that comprises methyl isoamyl ketone (5-methyl-2-hexanone).

Abstract: An improved apparatus and a method of using the apparatus to remove non-crosslinked photopolymer from an imaged and exposed surface of a relief image printing element. Included are means for supporting and rotating the printing element, means for softening and/or melting non-crosslinked photopolymer on the imaged and exposed surface of the printing element, and at least one thermal developing assembly. The thermal developing assembly includes means for supplying an absorbent material that is contactable with the printing element, and that is capable of removing at least a portion of the softened and/or melted non-crosslinked photopolymer, and means for causing the absorbent material to contact at least a portion of the printing element. The absorbent material is backed with an endless impression belt that is supported by a plurality of rollers.

Abstract: The invention concerns a printing plate in the form of a roller and a method for obtaining same. Said method consists in producing on a first layer, at least a photopolymer film and in coiling said layers on themselves to form a roller. The invention is applicable in flexographic or typographic printing.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for improving the accuracy and streamlining the process of preparing an imaged flexographic printing sleeve. Seam layout details are determined by a controller and transferred to an automated cutting device to cut flexographic precursor sections. The controller can also control a printing device to print indicia on a sleeve substrate for use in aligning the cut precursor sections. The controller can also control a mounting device for the mounting of the cut precursor sections. An imaging engine for imaging a flexographic printing sleeve is equipped with an edge detection system for determining the location of seams between abutting precursor sections.

Abstract: A manufacturing line for manufacturing a print belt comprising a support-forming strip and a photopolymerized resin forming printing characters, the line comprises spreader means adapted to spread the resin on the strip, photopolymerizer means adapted to solidify that portion of the resin that is to correspond to the printing characters, remover means adapted to remove the non-photopolymerized resin from the strip, and drive means adapted to drive the strip in translation in such a manner that each of its transverse sections passes in succession in register with the spreader means, the photopolymerizer means, and the remover means.

Abstract: This invention pertains to a system for thermally treating a photosensitive element to form a relief structure suitable for flexographic printing. The system of the invention comprises a plurality of consecutively arranged blotting stations for removing uncured photopolymer from the imaged surface of the photosensitive printing element. The flexographic plates produced in the apparatus of the invention are especially suited for use in printing newspapers and other publications.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for producing direct-imaged flexographic printing elements such that both the front and back exposure times are economically efficient for the manufacturer. In one embodiment, the method comprises providing at least one solid photocurable element. The solid photocurable element comprises a solid photocurable material comprising an oxygen scavenger, a support layer having an actinic radiation absorbing compound integrated uniformly throughout such that it absorbs at least some actinic radiation during exposure, and a photoablative mask layer. The methods of the invention involve creating a floor in the solid photocurable material by back exposure through the support layer having the actinic radiation absorbing compound, transferring a negative image directly onto the solid photocurable material by photoablating the photoablatable mask layer, followed by front exposure effective to cure the solid photocurable material.