Abstract: A presensitized plate in which an image recording layer is formed on a support for a lithographic printing plate obtainable by performing a treatment with an aqueous solution containing one or more divalent or multivalent cations at a concentration ranging from 0.0001 mol/L to less than 0.020 mol/L is excellent in both scum resistance and press life when processed into a lithographic printing plate.

Abstract: A negative-working CTP plate which is superior in resolution and printing resistance of the image area of a press plate is provided, which is obtained by forming a latent image on a heat-sensitive layer in a heat-sensitive lithographic printing plate comprising a substrate having a hydrophilic surface and a heat-sensitive layer made of an alkali-soluble polymer formed on the surface of the substrate, using heat generated upon irradiation with laser light, and developing the heat-sensitive layer using an alkaline developing solution. In the heat-sensitive lithographic printing plate comprising a substrate having a hydrophilic surface, and a heat-sensitive layer made of an alkali-soluble polymer formed on the surface of the substrate, an advancing contact angle (&thgr;f1) of the surface of the heat-sensitive layer with water at 25° C. is within a range from 70° to 110°, a receding contact angle (&thgr;b2) of the surface of the heat-sensitive layer with water at 25° C.

Abstract: Flexographic printing plates are produced by thermal development by a process in which an imagewise exposed flexographic printing element is developed by heating and removing the softened, unpolymerized parts of the relief-forming layer, the flexographic printing element used comprising an olefin/(meth)acrylate copolymer having an olefin content of from 50 to 94 mol %. The photopolymerizable flexographic printing element comprises an olefin/(meth)acrylate copolymer having a content of from 50 to 94 mol % of olefin monomers, from 6 to 50 mol % of (meth)acrylate monomers and from 0 to 5 mol % of further comonomers. This flexographic printing element is used for the production of flexographic printing plates both by thermal development and by development by means of washout compositions.

Abstract: An imaging system is disclosed for imaging and photo-processing flexographic media. The imaging system includes an input opening through which flexographic media may be input to the imaging system, an imaging unit, a photo-processing unit, and an output opening. The imaging unit is for imaging the flexographic media that is received through the input opening, and provides imaged flexographic media. The photo-processing unit receives the imaged flexographic media, and photo-processes the imaged flexographic media by illuminating the flexographic media. The photo-processing unit provides photo-processed imaged flexographic media. The photo-processed imaged flexographic media may exit the imaging system through the output opening.

Abstract: The present invention provides an initiator system including an infrared-absorbing compound that exhibits an electronic transition band in the near-infrared region, an initiator, and a metallocene compound. Upon exposure to infrared radiation, the initiator system is capable of producing radicals sufficient to initiate a photopolymerization reaction. Suitable infrared-absorbing compounds include indocyanine dyes, for example. Trihalomethyl triazine compounds and onium compounds are suitable initiators. Suitable metallocene compounds include ferrocenes and titanocenes. The present invention also provides an infrared-sensitive composition including an ethylenically unsaturated polymerizable component, an infrared-absorbing compound that exhibits an electronic transition band in the near-infrared region, an initiator, and a metallocene compound. The infrared-sensitive composition provides improved photospeed and sensitivity in some embodiments.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods of forming and using thermally imageable composite elements which may be developed into lithographic printing plates. More specifically, the present invention provides a method of forming thermally imageable composite elements which provide substantial developer resistance in desired regions, while maintaining white light desensitivity and durability.

Abstract: A composition and method to reduce photolithographic residue and scum formation on a substrate or in a solution, and to reduce or prevent foam formation. The composition contains a diphenyl oxide compound in combination with an antifoam agent. The composition may be added to developer solutions and stripper solutions used in manufacturing printed wiring boards.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for the preparation of a printing plate comprises inkjet printing an oleophilic image on a surface of a support by applying to the support an aqueous solution or aqueous colloidal dispersion of an oleophilising compound on the surface of the support and drying the applied solution or dispersion, such that on drying the area of the surface to which the solution or dispersion was applied becomes lithographic ink-accepting, characterised in that the oleophilising compound has the chemical structure

Abstract: A clearance between an upper knife and a lower knife of a slitter is set at 30 to 100 &mgr;m, and the slitter cuts a sensitized printing plate. In the sensitized printing plate cut by the slitter, there is a shear droop which is 20 to 30 &mgr;m high at the cut part, and a burr which is less than 50 &mgr;m high. If the maximum height of a surface roughness of a cut surface of the sensitized printing plate is 1.2 &mgr;m to 12 &mgr;m on the average, a hydrophilic property of the cut part improves and the stain of a frame can be decreased.

Abstract: A method for preparation of a lithographic printing plate, which comprises the steps of: imagewise recording on a lithographic printing plate precursor comprising a support having a hydrophilic surface and a thermosensitive layer, the thermosensitive layer comprising at least one of polymer particles and a microcapsule encapsulating an oleophilic compound therein; and rubbing the printing plate precursor by a rubbing member in the presence of a processing liquid to remove the thermosensitive layer of non-image portions.

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 photopolymerizable lithographic printing plate having a photosensitive layer containing a photopolymerization initiator, a compound having an ethylenically unsaturated double bond and a polymer binder, and a protective layer provided in this order on a hydrophilic support, wherein an amount of the compound having an ethylenically unsaturated double bond in the photosensitive layer is from 30% to 70% by weight, and oxygen permeability of the protective layer is from 1×10−15 to 1×10−1 [cm3(STP)·cm/cm2·sec·cmHg].

Abstract: A method for preparing a lithographic printing plate is disclosed, and said method comprises the steps of imagewise light-exposing to infrared radiation, a presensitized plate for use in making a lithographic printing plate, said presensitized plate having an image-forming layer which comprises an IR-absorbing agent, and developing the light-exposed plate with an alkaline liquid developer comprising a polyhydric alcohol-type alkylene oxide adduct.

Abstract: A method for treating a photosensitive lithographic printing plate, which comprises exposing the photosensitive lithographic printing plate to laser light, developing with a developer containing an alkali metal silicate and then carrying out post-exposure treatment, said photosensitive lithographic printing plate being prepared by forming a photopolymerizable photosensitive layer having a film thickness of from 1.2 to 4 g/m2 and further forming a protective layer having a film thickness of from 2 to 8 g/m2 on a support having a centerline average height (Ra) of at least 0.35 &mgr;m.

Abstract: A process for preparing a printing plate. In this process a photopolymer printing plate is exposed to a source of actinic radiation, and this exposure causes the photopolymer to change at least one of its physical properties. Thereafter, a portion of the photopolymer is removed. The developed printing plate is then irradiated with deep ultraviolet radiation with a wavelength of from about 170 to about 290 nanometers.

Abstract: An image forming method for developing a negative type image forming material after image exposure by an infrared laser. The negative type image forming material is provided with a photosensitive layer, which has sensitivity to an infrared laser. The negative type image forming material is developed with a weak alkaline aqueous solution having a pH in a range from 7 to 12 and containing a carbonate and a surfactant.

Abstract: A laser imageable flexographic printing plate and a method of making the laser imageable flexographic printing plate using a collapsible UV cross-linkable material comprising a UV-curable elastomer, an IR dye, and microspheres is disclosed. The collapsible UV cross-linkable material is mixed together and then extruded to form a printing plate. An IR laser is used to collapse and melt the collapsible UV cross-linkable material to form a relief image on the printing plate. The printing plate is thereafter UV cured by face exposure to crosslink and cure the formed relief image. The invention addresses a market need for eliminating chemical processing of printing plates, thus going from plate to press much more quickly. The printing plate may also contain a thin layer of a high-density non-collapsible UV-curable elastomer between the collapsible layer and the cover sheet of the plate which acts as the print surface in the final plate.

Abstract: A lithographic printing precursor for lithographic offset printing comprises, a layer of imageable medium on a hydrophilic base. The imageable medium comprises hydrophobic polymer particles in an aqueous medium, a substance for converting light into heat, and a non-crosslinkable aqueous-soluble composition. The lithographic printing precursor may be used to make lithographic printing surfaces that obtain long run lengths on lower quality paper and in the presence of press-room chemicals. The lithographic printing precursor can be imaged and developed on-press and the imageable medium can also be sprayed onto a hydrophilic surface to create a printing surface that may be processed wholly on-press. It can also be processed in the more conventional fully off-press fashion. The hydrophilic surface can be a printing plate substrate or the printing cylinder of a printing press or a sleeve around the printing cylinder of a printing press. The cylinder can be conventional or seamless.

Abstract: Lithographic printing plates having on a hydrophilic substrate an oleophilic photosensitive layer comprising an oleophilic polymer, a free radical polymerizable monomer, and 4-piperonyl-2,6-bis(trichloromethyl)-s-triazine as free radical initiator and/or leucomalachite green as exposure indicating dye; wherein the weight ratio of the monomer to the polymer is larger than 1.0. The plates can be developed with ink and/or fountain solution on a lithographic printing press or with a non-alkaline aqueous developer comprising 60-99% by weight of water and 0.5 to 40% by weight of an alcohol solvent. A photosensitive dye can be added in the photosensitive layer to provide photosensitivity to a specific wavelength between 200 and 1200 nm. Unlike commonly used s-triazine initiator or leuco dye, 4-piperonyl-2,6-bis(trichloromethyl)-s-triazine or leucomalachite green does not insolubilize from the photosensitive layer.

Abstract: Lithographic printing form precursors comprising positive working polymeric coatings on substrates may during storage or transportation undergo undesirable changes in their imaging properties. It has been found that acceptable properties can be restored by carrying out a heat treatment which involves a relatively short heating stage followed by accelerated cooling.

Abstract: A method for preparing a lithographic printing plate comprising the steps of imagewise exposing, to light, a presensitized plate for use in making a lithographic printing plate, which comprises a grained and anodized substrate provided thereon with a photopolymerizable light-sensitive layer containing a compound having at least one addition-polymerizable ethylenically unsaturated double bond and a titanocene type initiator; and then developing the light-exposed presensitized plate using a developer which comprises a surfactant and a weak acid or a salt thereof having a dissociation constant pka ranging from 10 to 13, and has a pH value ranging from 11.5 to 12.8. The method exhibits excellent development performance, and gives good results to the resultant printing plate in terms of printing durability and scumming. In addition, the change in pH value of the developer is so small that the stable development can be ensured for a long period of time.

Abstract: A photosensitive printing element is used for preparing flexographic printing plates. The photosensitive printing element comprises (a) a support and especially a flexible support, (b) a photopolymerizable layer comprising an elastomeric composition sensitive to non-infrared actinic radiation, said layer being soluble, swellable or dispersible in a liquid developer prior to exposure to said non-infrared actinic radiation, and (c) at least one layer comprising a radiation-sensitive imaging layer, such as an infrared radiation sensitive thermographic material that provides excellent image density (e.g., greater than 3.0) at least in the electromagnetic region of said non-infrared radiation sensitivity and preferably in both the visible and ultraviolet regions of the electromagnetic spectrum upon exposure to infrared laser radiation and thermal development. Imaging of the imaging layer (e.g.

Abstract: There is disclosed a dampening composition for lithographic printing which comprises a (poly) propylene glycol alkyl ether and an ethylene oxide adduct of acetylene glycol.

Abstract: The present invention provides an IR-sensitive composition, which includes: a polymeric binder; and a free radical polymerizable system consisting of: at least one component selected from unsaturated free radical polymerizable monomers, oligomers which are free radical polymerizable and polymers containing C═C bonds in the backbone and/or in the side chain groups; and an initiator system, which includes: (a) at least one compound capable of absorbing IR radiation; (b) at least one compound capable of producing radicals; and (c) at least one carboxylic co-initiator, provided that the total acid number of the polymeric binder is 70 mg KOH/g or less. The present invention further provides a printing plate precursor, a process for preparing the printing plate and a method of producing an image.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for making a lithographic printing plate, which comprises imagewise exposing a presensitized plate having a photopolymerizable layer on a substrate having a hydrophilic surface by scanning the plate with laser light having a wavelength of 450 nm or shorter, developing the exposed plate with a developer and further exposing the whole surface of the developed plate to light having a wavelength of 450 nm or shorter. The method provides a lithographic printing plate by which a fog of reflection that is easily occurred in an inner drum-type exposing device during a direct process can be reduced to provide a clear image as well as a high printing durability.

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 methyl ester solvents suitable for use in the development of photopolymer printing plates. The solvents, which include methyl esters 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: This invention relates to a photosensitive element for use as a flexographic printing plate and a process for preparing the plate from the element. The photosensitive element has at least one photopolymerizable elastomeric layer that comprises a binder, a monomer, a photoinitiator, an onium salt, and a leuco dye. Upon exposure to actinic radiation, the onium salt and leuco dye react resulting in a change of color in polymerized portions of the photopolymerizable layer. The color change provides enhanced image color contrast in the photosensitive element.

Abstract: A method for treating a photosensitive lithographic printing plate, which comprises exposing the photosensitive lithographic printing plate to laser light, developing with a developer containing an alkali metal silicate and then carrying out post-exposure treatment, said photosensitive lithographic printing plate being prepared by forming a photopolymerizable photosensitive layer having a film thickness of from 1.2 to 4 g/m2 and further forming a protective layer having a film thickness of from 2 to 8 g/m2 on a support having a centerline average height (Ra) of at least 0.35 &mgr;m.

Abstract: A direct-to-plate flexographic printing plate precursor is disclosed including in the order given, a flexible support, a photopolymerizable layer containing an elastomeric binder, an image recording layer including a thermoplastic binder and optionally a cover layer characterized in that the image recording layer and the photopolymerizable layer can be liquefied so that they can be penetrated to a depth of at least 5% at a temperature of 110° C. by a ballpoint probe having a diameter of 3 mm, which is subjected to a force of 0.1 N. Furthermore, a method is provided for making a direct-to-plate if lexographic printing plate precursor.

Abstract: Additive compositions suitable for rinse water used for processing lithographic printing plates, particularly to additive compositions for rinse water in water recycling systems, are disclosed. The additive compositions contain at least one water-soluble film-forming polymer; optionally, at least one pH regulating agent capable of maintaining the pH value of an aqueous solution at about 7 or below; and at least one compound selected from the group consisting of phosphonic acid derivatives of formula I.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for conveying a thin, planar, flexible work piece through a work station with the work piece being held flat as it is conveyed. Specifically, a method and apparatus for developing an imaged coating on a lithographic printing plate involves the application of a thin film of developer solution to the imaged coating and allowing time for the dissolution to take place as the plate is conveyed through the developer across a flat horizontal platen. The spent developer solution is then removed and discarded to waste. Therefore, fresh developer solution of the proper composition is always being used to develop each plate. A film of water between the plate and the conveyor belt holds the plate in position and flat on the conveyor. The fresh developer solution is stored and delivered out of contact with the atmosphere to prevent atmospheric-caused degradation.

Abstract: A method of treating a process-free printing form fitted to a printing-form cylinder includes having an imaging unit act upon a coating of a printing form and produce printing areas and non-printing areas on the printing form, and after the imaging unit has acted upon the coating, operating the imaging unit at reduced power during a return pass into a starting position thereof.

Abstract: A manufacturing method of a stamper for optical information medium comprises forming a photoresist layer on a substrate, irradiating the photoresist layer with laser beam to form a latent image thereon, developing the latent image so that a protrusion/depression pattern is formed to produce a photoresist master, and then transferring the protrusion/depression pattern to a metal film, wherein a photoresist master having an organic material layer provided in contact with the photoresist layer between the substrate and the photoresist layer is used.

Abstract: The invention provides a photopolymer package for use in making a hand stamp plate, the package consisting of a sachet containing a photocurable liquid polymer, the walls of the sachet being formed of material capable of being released from the cured photopolymer. Methods for the formation of the package and the hand stamp plate are also provided. The invention eliminates the requirement for the use of a backing layer in the package and thereby offers significant advantages over the prior art in terms of cost and efficiency.

Abstract: This invention relates to semiconductor devices, microelectronic devices, micro electro mechanical devices, microfluidic devices, and more particularly to a lithographic template, a method of forming the lithographic template and a method for forming devices with the lithographic template. The lithographic template (20, 30, 42) is formed having a substrate (22, 32) and a template pedestal (24, 34) having formed thereon an uppermost surface an etched pattern or relief image (26, 36, 48). The template (20, 30, 42) is used in the fabrication of a semiconductor device (44) for affecting a pattern in the device (44) by positioning the template (20, 30, 42) in close proximity to semiconductor device (44) having a radiation sensitive material (50) formed thereon and applying a pressure (52) to cause the radiation sensitive material (50) to flow into the relief image (48) present on the template (42).

Abstract: A method for making a lithographic printing plate comprises the steps of imagewise exposing, to a laser beam, a PS plate comprising a substrate, a heat-sensitive layer containing at least one light-heat conversion agent and a binder polymer formed on the substrate and a hydrophilic or lipophobic layer applied onto the heat-sensitive layer; and then removing the hydrophilic or lipophobic layer on the laser-exposed area by developing the imagewise exposed printing plate within 120 seconds from the completion of the laser-exposure to thus give a lithographic printing plate, wherein the developing treatment comprises the step of rubbing the exposed printing plate surface with an abrasion means in the absence of any liquid. This method permits the production of a lithographic printing plate without causing any deterioration of the developing properties of the PS plate even when the imagewise exposed PS plate is developed within a short period of time after the completion of the laser-exposure.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing photopolymer marking structures is disclosed. The improved method results in a substantially tack-free marking structure.

Abstract: Additive compositions suitable for rinse water used for processing lithographic printing plates, particularly to additive compositions for rinse water in water recycling systems, are disclosed. The additive compositions contain at least one water-soluble film-forming polymer; optionally, at least one pH regulating agent capable of maintaining the pH value of an aqueous solution at about 7 or below; and at least one compound selected from the group consisting of phosphonic acid derivatives of formula I.

Abstract: A method for producing a pattern of hydrophilic (34) and hydrophobic (32) regions on a printing form (30) is presented which, in a first, essentially unpatterned state, features a polymer material containing imide groups, for example, polybenzene diimide or polyamide imide. The method includes a chemical treatment of the surface with an oxidizing agent subsequent in time to a locally selective exposure with UV light. Optionally, the locally selective exposure can be preceded by a large-area chemical treatment of the surface with a strong base. The printing form (30) can be restored to the first state by a large-area chemical treatment of the surface with a strong acid. The patterned printing form (30) is suitable for use in offset printing.

Abstract: A method for forming selectively colored printing plates using photosensitive recording elements is disclosed wherein the photosensitive recording element contains a photopolymerizable recording layer comprising a photopolymerizable monomer, a radical photoinitiator, a color former, and a color photoinitiator.

Abstract: A lithographic printing plate precursor comprises a grained and anodized aluminum substrate coated with a metallic layer, preferably a silver layer, on top of which is applied a layer comprising at least one oleophilising agent and at least one hydrophilic stain-reducing agent, the hydrophilic agent being chosen such that it adsorbs onto the metallic layer but is not so strongly adsorbed thereon as to displace the oleophilising agent. Preferably, the oleophilising agent comprises a mercaptotetrazole or mercaptooxadiazole derivative, the hydrophilic stain-reducing agent comprises a material which includes at least one sulfur, selenium or tellurium containing group, and the layer additionally comprises an additional hydrophilic material.

Abstract: Dry film resists of the invention in general comprise a photoactive component, a highly viscous or solid (at room temperature, ca. 25° C.) crosslinker component, and preferably a flexibilizing agent. Preferred dry film constructions of the invention do not require the use of a protective cover sheet due to the composition's very dry nature.

Abstract: A process for preparing a printing plate. In this process a photopolymer printing plate is exposed to a source of actinic radiation, and this exposure causes the photopolymer to change at least one of its physical properties. Thereafter, a portion of the photopolymer is removed. The developed printing plate is then irradiated with deep ultraviolet radiation with a wavelength of from about 170 to about 290 nanometers.

Abstract: A photosensitive flexographic printing element for the production of flexographic printing plates by digital imaging by means of lasers which has an IR-ablative layer with a polyether-polyurethane as binder. A process for the production of flexographic printing plates using an element of this type.

Abstract: A surface-treating solution for a photosensitive resin printing plate which comprises an aqueous surface active agent solution and a hydrogen-abstracting agent which can abstract a hydrogen atom of a compound upon irradiation with an active radiation which hydrogen-abstracting agent is uniformly dispersed in the aqueous surface active agent solution.

Abstract: A metal substrate is treated with a plurality of rotating brushes and a slurry of particulate material such that the treated surface is capable of absorbing incident infrared laser radiation. The substrate is itself capable of being visibly imaged by selective writing with an infrared laser. The substrate is coated with an ablatable coating which is transparent to the imaging infrared laser radiation. Selective exposure to infrared laser radiation ablates this coating in the laser exposed areas as a result of the absorption of infrared radiation by the substrate. The substrate can be anodized after rotary brush graining and still retain its ability to be imaged and ablate a coating. The coated article can be imaged in a computer-to-plate infrared laser imaging device. Depending on the specific coating and substrate selection, the imaged article can be used in a conventional lithographic printing process or in a dryographic printing process.

Abstract: The present invention discloses an imaging element comprising on a hydrophilic surface of a lithographic base an image forming layer comprising hydrophobic thermoplastic polymer particles 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, characterised in that said image forming layer further comprises a cross-linking agent capable of cross-linking said hydrophilic binder upon heating in a ratio between 1:100 and 200:1 by weight versus the hydrophilic binder. The present invention further provides a method for making a printing plate therewith. According to this method, the above imaging element is preferably exposed by means of a laser and is subsequently developed with plain water or an aqueous liquid.

Abstract: A directly imageable planographic printing plates that is high in image productivity and easy to check is produced by using a directly imageable planographic printing plate that comprises at least a substrate, a thermo-sensitive layer and a ink-repelling layer in this order, wherein the thermo-sensitive layer in the printing area contains a dye that has an absorption maximum in the range of 400 nm to 700 nm, and the difference between the reflected absorption of the non-printing area and the reflected absorption of the printing area, observed at the absorption maximum wavelength of the dye, is not less than 0.3 and not more than 2.0.

Abstract: In the exposure and development of available deep ultraviolet (DUV) sensitive photoresist it has been observed that following the standard prior art methods of exposure and development results in a high density of undesirable remnants (denoted as Blob Defects) of various components of photoresist material remaining on the semiconductor substrate (body). A method of exposing and developing the photoresist material which results in a reduced incidence of these Blob Defects consists of using a Puddle Development technique to develop the photoresist material, and subsequently exposing the semiconductor wafer to at least one Puddle Rinse cycle which uses water.

Abstract: A method for the preparation of a lithographic printing plate comprises exposing imagewise a lithographic printing plate precursor comprising a support having provided thereon a light-sensitive layer containing fine anatase-type titanium oxide grains and a complex composed of an organo-metallic polymer and an organic polymer containing at least one member selected from the group consisting of an amido bond, a urethane bond, a ureido bond and a hydroxy group to an ultraviolet ray to render a surface of the light-sensitive layer hydrophilic in the exposed area. A lithographic printing plate prepared according to the method is also disclosed.