Abstract: Printing and printed circuit board members and a method for producing printing member from a member is provided. The printing member includes a topmost protective layer, an IR ablatable layer, a substrate and a wash-off layer. The wash-off layer is washed with a solvent after imagewise ablation of the topmost protective layer so as to expose the substrate, so that the printing member is produced.

Abstract: A direct-to-plate flexographic printing plate precursor is disclosed comprising in the order given, a flexible support, a photopolymerizable layer containing an elastomeric binder, an image recording layer comprising a thermoplastic binder and optionally a cover layer characterized in that said image recording layer and said 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 0.1N.

Abstract: A protective pocket (10) is formed from a bottom sheet (11) adhesively bonded to a top sheet (12) to form a pocket therebetween. Adhesive pattern (13) is placed onto the sheets (11, 12) by otherwise conventional printing techniques.

Abstract: Disclosed is a novel aqueous developer solution used in the development treatment of an actinic ray-sensitive resist for the manufacture of, for example, semiconductor devices, which is capable of giving a patterned resist layer free from the troubles of film residue or scum deposition in any finest patterning. The developer solution contains, in addition to a nitrogen-containing organic basic compound, e.g., tetramethyl ammonium hydroxide, dissolved in an aqueous medium as the solvent, an anionic surface active agent which is a diphenyl ether compound having at least one ammonium sulfonate group, such as an ammonium alkyl diphenylether sulfonate, in a concentration of 0.05 to 5% by weight.

Abstract: A plate surface protective agent for a lithographic printing plate and a fountain solution composition for a lithographic printing plate are disclosed, each comprising at least one compound selected from the group consisting of the compounds represented by the following formula: wherein R, a and b are defined hereinbefore.

Abstract: The invention provides an apparatus for collecting ablated material generated by exposure of an imaging layer to a source of radiation, said apparatus comprising a vacuum supply means, and a vacuum head connected to, and in close proximity with, a centrifugal separator, said vacuum head being for direct attachment to a movable mounting means having guide means. The centrifugal separator preferably comprises a reverse flow gas cyclone or a uniflow gas cyclone. The apparatus preferably also includes a filtration system capable of removing any remaining contaminants Typically, the vacuum supply means comprises a vacuum pump, the movable mounting means comprises a carriage to which the vacuum head may be attached and the guide means comprises a guide rail. A method of preparing an imaged member is also disclosed, preferably from an imaging member which comprises a lithographic printing plate precursor comprising a substrate and a metal imaging layer.

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.

Abstract: This patent describes a method of imaging a printing plate comprising on a substrate a photosensitive layer and a top laser ablatable mask layer. The method includes imagewise exposing the plate with an infrared laser to remove the mask layer in the exposed areas, overall exposing the plate with an actinic light to harden or solubilize the photosensitive layer in the areas where the mask layer has been removed, and further exposing the plate with the infrared laser radiation in the laser non-exposed areas to remove the remaining mask layer. The fully exposed plate can be developed to bare the substrate in the non-hardened or solubilized areas of the photosensitive layer.

Abstract: A plate-making method is capable of recording a sharp image on a photosensitive plate, and is applicable to a process operation executed in a light room, while adverse influences caused by laser flares can be hardly received. Ultra-short pulse laser light emitted from a Ti:Al2O3 laser light source is modulated by an AOM (acousto-optic modulating element). The modulated laser light is focused by a collective lens onto a high-sensitive photopolymer layer of a photosensitive plate-making material. The focused ultra-short pulse laser light may cause a photopolymerization reaction in a laser-light-irradiated portion of the high-sensitive photopolymer layer by way of a multiple photon absorption phenomenon, so as to form a hardened portion.

Abstract: A positive-working lithographic printing plate is used to provide a positive image without a post-exposure baking step and without any floodwise exposure steps. The printing plate includes a layer that is imageable using an infrared radiation laser. This layer consists essentially of a phenolic resin, an infrared radiation absorbing compound, and a dissolution inhibitor that is non-photosensitive and is capable of providing sites for hydrogen bonding with the phenolic moieties of the binder resin. These printing plates are developed with an alkaline composition that includes an alkali metal silicate, a thickener and a fluorosurfactant or phosphate ester hydrotrope.

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: A process for covering edges and/or filling openings or gaps which are formed when photopolymerizable printing plates or printing forms for flexographic printing are mounted on a printing cylinder, by applying an edge covering or gap filling material of low molecular weight and oligomeric, ethylenically unsaturated compounds and hardening the materials by exposure with actinic light.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, there are provided methods for producing printing plates comprising rapid, efficient drying of solvent-containing resin compositions of the printing plates and apparatus useful therefor. Printing plates processed employing invention methods and apparatus are ready for use in printing applications in a relatively short period of time, especially compared to the time required for conventional convection drying. Moreover, printing plates processed according to the present invention method and apparatus are not subjected to excessive levels of heat, as is frequently the case with conventional convection drying. Excessive heating tends to be detrimental to the performance properties of the polymeric resin. In a particular aspect of the present invention, there are provided novel compositions which, upon drying according to the methods described herein, undergo a color change, thereby indicating when the drying process is substantially complete.

Abstract: There is described a method of preparing water-less lithographic plate which comprises imagewise exposing a lithographic plate coated with a photosensitive composition, processing the exposed plate in an aqueous based developing liquid to remove those areas of the photosensitive composition which are removable by the developing liquid, drying the plate and coating the plate with an ink releasing coating composition which adheres to those areas of the plate from which the photosensitive composition has been removed, but which does not adhere to those areas of the plate from which the photosensitive composition which has not been removed, further treating the plate to cure or fix the ink-releasing composition thus providing ink-receptive areas of the plate which are those areas of the plate from which the photosensitive composition which has not been removed in the developing liquid and ink-releasing areas of the plate which are covered with the cured ink-releasing composition.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an image plate comprised of a stiffening layer formed from a first photocured polymeric material and a print contact layer formed from a second photocured polymeric material wherein the first photocured polymeric material is a hard photocured polymeric material and the second photocured polymeric material is formed from a soft photocured polymeric material. The image plate is assembled as a photocured pre-cut sheet of relief images comprising a first layer formed from a releasable substrate, a second layer formed from a first photocured polymer, and a third layer formed from a second photocured polymer, wherein the first photocured polymer is formed from a hard photopolymer resin and the second photocured polymer is formed from a soft photopolymer resin.

Abstract: To delete undesired ink-receptive areas on a wet lithographic printing construction, an oleophobic material is applied to the hydrophilic surface of the plate that has suffered contamination and/or scratching, and allowed to cure. So long as the hydrophilic surface is capable of permanently bonding the oleophobic deletion agent, the areas to which that agent has been applied will not accept ink.

Abstract: Process for post exposure treatment of a latent image on a semiconductor wafer. After a deep ultraviolet (UV) photoresist has been exposed, the wafer, including the latent image in the attached photoresist, is maintained in an inert gas to protect the resist from the air atmosphere. Then the latent image is baked to stabilize the image.

Abstract: Printing plates having a photoresist layer thereon that can be exposed by a computer controller laser have improved sensitivity and do not require a photomask step. We have found photoresists that include a film forming polymer, an organo azide and a photosensitive dye that absorbs light at the frequency of the patterning laser and converts it to heat energy. The heat energy in turn elevates the temperature of the organo azide above its dissociation temperature, destroying the azide in areas exposed to the light source, and solubilizing those regions.Flood exposure with ultraviolet light hardens the resist and can be performed prior to or after pattern exposure.

Abstract: Presensitized lithographic plates are prepared which permit direct formation of printable images on plates by digital computerization without the intervening formation of a photographic image with a quality that allows the plates to be used for high volume printing applications. The lithographic printing plate has a structure which contains a substrate; a positive or negative working photosensitive layer; and a thermally sensitive masking layer which is opaque to the actinic radiation but which is soluble in an aqueous medium. The masking layer contains a heat softenable disperse phase which is insoluble in the aqueous medium; a polymeric continuous phase which is soluble or swellable in the aqueous medium; and a colorant which strongly absorbs radiant energy and converts the radiant energy to heat.

Abstract: A printing plate for use in lithographic printing has a thermally responsive recording material. A plate is fabricated with a photosensitive emulsion affixed to an upper surface of an aluminum substrate. The plate is first chemically processed so that it is capable of accepting ink (i.e., oleophilic). Thereafter, selected areas of the emulsion are thermally removed, preferably by exposure to a high power laser beam. The plate is ready for immersion into an aqueous ink solution.

Abstract: Laser-imageable flexographic printing plates and a method of making same are disclosed. A thin polymeric film doped with a UV absorber is laminated to a photopolymer layer. The film is ablated from the photopolymer using a laser operating at a selected wavelength to create an in situ negative. The resulting negative can be subjected to typical UV flood exposure and development.

Abstract: The present invention provides a photosensitive imaging element comprising on a support a two-phase layer, said two-phase layer comprising a disperse hydrophobic photopolymerizable. phase and a hydrophilic continuous phase, characterized in that the hydrophobic photopolymerizable phase comprises a multifunctional monomer with a perfluoroalkyl or perfluoroalkenyl group.

Abstract: A photosensitive printing element having an overall layer of powder material and a process for making a flexographic printing plate from such an element are disclosed. The photosensitive element includes a support, a photopolymerizable layer, and a layer of powder material on the photopolymerizable layer. The layer of powder material can be opaque or transparent depending upon desired use.

Abstract: A photosensitive printing element having an overall layer of powder material and a process for making a flexographic printing plate from such an element are disclosed. The photosensitive element includes a support, a photopolymerizable layer, and a layer of powder material on the photopolymerizable layer. The layer of powder material can be opaque or transparent depending upon desired use.

Abstract: A process for producing a photosensitive resin printing plate, which comprises the steps of developing a photosensitive resin which has been exposed to light, with a composition comprising a developer for a photosensitive resin and a hydrogen-abstracting agent which can abstract hydrogen atoms from a compound upon irradiation with an active radiation, and thereafter, irradiating the surface of an obtained cured plate with an active radiation.

Abstract: An alkaline developing composition for processing a lithographic printing plate includes an alkali metal silicate, at least 6 weight % of a thickener such as glycerine, and a nonionic fluorosurfactant or a phosphate ester hydrotrope. Lithographic printing plates that can be developed using this composition are either positive- or negative-working, and include both positive- and negative-working thermal plates.

Abstract: It is an object of the present invention to provide a developer-circulating method and an apparatus for carrying out the method in making a flexographic printing plate which prevents dissolved chemical substance from adversely affecting human bodies and has excellent safety; capable of preventing the increase of the viscosity of developer; and capable of effectively preventing the dissolved chemical substance from adhering to the apparatus, thus preventing the life of the apparatus from being reduced and collecting the dissolved chemical substance in a short period of time and which is superior in operation efficiency, work efficiency, and treating efficiency. Solid content of liquid containing resin component which has eluted from flexographic printing plates 3, 42 and dispersed in developer is flocculated by flocculating agent, and the liquid containing the flocculated solid content is separated into the liquid and solid contents.

Abstract: A developing solution for negative type photo-sensitive resin compositions which comprises an aqueous solution containing 0.01 to 1.5% by weight of at least one compound selected from quaternary ammonium bases represented by formula (I): ##STR1## wherein R.sup.1, R.sup.2, R.sup.3 and R.sup.4 are the same or different, and are groups selected from the class consisting of alkyl and hydroxyalkyl groups, each group having 1 to 6 carbon atoms, and containing a nonionic, cationic or amphoteric surface active agent. The developing solution allows for development of sharp image patterns within a short period without forming mottles.

Abstract: A printing plate laminate is formed of a carrier sheet, sticky back, a substrate and photopolymer layer. The substrate has a thickness of only about 0.2 mil to about 3 mil. The printing plate laminate can be formed from a process wherein photopolymerizable resin is coated onto a bilayer substrate, where one layer of the substrate is in contact with the photopolymer layer and has a thickness of about 0.2 mil to about 3 mil, and a second layer of the substrate has a thickness of about 4 mil to about 7 mil. A pressure sensitive adhesive lies between the first and second layers of the substrate, so that the second layer may be easily peeled away from the first layer after selectively curing and then developing the photopolymer layer.

Abstract: A process for making a flexographic printing plate from a flexographic element having an infrared ablatable layer capable of being selectively removed by a laser beam is described.

Abstract: An apparatus and a process for developing radiation-sensitive, exposed printing forms into printing plates is disclosed. The apparatus has a developer pan that contains a developer bath. Individual printing form runs through the developing station of this apparatus in a running-through plane. On each side of the running-through plane there is are a first pair of transport rollers, two brushing rollers with counter-rollers and a second pair of transport rollers at the end of the developing station. Guide rollers are arranged between the first pair of transport rollers and the first brushing roller with its counter-roller, on the underside of the running-through plane. A closed vessel, filled with developing solution, is connected via a developer circuit and a pump to the developer bath. The vessel contains a temperature sensor and a measuring electrode for the electric conductivity of the developing solution.

Abstract: A resist pattern good in resolution and image precision can be obtained by a developing process characterized by jetting a gas on a developing surface during development or after development.

Abstract: A desensitizing solution for offset printing is provided, which is characterized by containing an inorganic ionic polymer of basic aluminum chloride or a derivative thereof, represented by the general formula ?Al.sub.2 (OH).sub.n Cl.sub.6-n !.sub.m where 0<n<6 and m>1. The amount of basic aluminum chloride or a derivative is 5 to 50% by weight and the pH of the solution is 2 to 5. This solution can be free from a ferrocyanic or ferricyanic compound but provide a hydrophilic coating layer with a strong physical strength on a non-image area.

Abstract: A process for developing irradiated radiation-sensitive recording materials using an aqueous-alkaline developer which contains compounds of the formula (I) ##STR1## wherein A is H, Na, K, NH.sub.4 or NR.sub.4, whereR is a substituted or unsubstituted alkyl radical,W and X, independently of one another are H or --CH.sub.2 --COOA,Y is H or COOA andZ is H or OH,wherein the compound of the formula (I) contains at least 3 COOA units.

Abstract: This invention relates to a desensitizing solution for offset printing which is used for desensitizing an original plate for offset printing. The desensitizing solution of the present invention contains a basic aluminum chloride and/or its derivatives and glucosamine and/or its derivatives. This desensitizing solution can be used in combination with a desensitizing solution for offset printing which consists of phytic acid and its derivatives as the principal components.

Abstract: A radiation-sensitive resist composition for manufacturing highly resolved relief structures is characterized by the following components:a film-forming base polymer;a radiation-active component that releases an acid when irradiated;a radiation-sensitive ester-former; anda solvent.

Abstract: A composition for a lithographic printing fountain solution is described, which comprises polyvinyl alcohol containing itaconic acid, maleic acid, maleic anhydride or ester thereof in an amount of from 1 to 10 mol % per molecule as a copolymer component and having a saponification degree of from 80 to 100 mol %.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for making an offset printing plate according to the silver salt diffusion transfer process comprising the steps of exposing and developing an imaging element comprising in the order given on a hydrophilic surface of a support (i) an image receiving layer and (ii) a photosensitive layer comprising a photosensitive silver halide emulsion, removing the layer(s) on top of the image receiving layer thereby exposing the imaged surface of the support and treating said exposed imaged surface of the support with a finisher having a temperature between 30.degree. C. and 60.degree. C.

Abstract: The present invention discloses the use of rubber and surfactant to enhance the durability and resolution of on-press developable lithographic printing plates. The rubber is preferably incorporated into a photoresist as discrete particulate rubber. To ensure a uniform and stable dispersion, the rubber is suspended in the photoresist by means of a surfactant having an HLB approximately between 7.0 and 18.0.

Abstract: Surface reforming of a polymeric article containing a polymerizable compound is effectively performed by polymerizing the polymeric article in contact with a surface reforming medium because the transfer of the material constituting the surface reforming medium to the polymeric article is enhanced by the polymerization. The surface reforming can be performed locally selectively, i.e., imagewise. The remaining un-polymerized part may be subjected to further surface reforming, e.g., by using another type of surface reforming medium or attachment of powder, to provide an enhanced contrast of surface property. Such an enhanced contrast of surface property can be effectively used, e.g., for production of a printing plate.

Abstract: A photosensitive resin composition for producing a relief printing plate is disclosed, which comprises a polymer selected from the group consisting of a prepolymer, a binder polymer and a mixture thereof, an ethylenically unsaturated monomer, a specific hindered amine and a photopolymerization initiator. Even when the photosensitive resin composition is excessively irradiated with strong actinic rays in order to cure the resin composition to its inner portion sufficiently, the surface of the resin composition does not undergo photodeterioration by virtue of the hindered amine contained therein, thereby imparting excellent toughness to the photocured resin composition throughout the entire thickness thereof. Thus, a relief printing plate having excellent printing resistance can be produced.

Abstract: A developing solution comprising (A) at least one aromatic hydrocarbon having a boiling point of from 150.degree. to 300.degree. C.; (B) at least one alcohol represented by the following formula (I):R.sup.1 OH (I)wherein R.sup.1 represents an aliphatic or alicyclic alkyl group having from 5 to 12 carbon atoms, --C.sub.n H.sub.2n Ar, --(C.sub.m H.sub.2m O).sub.p C.sub.q H.sub.2q+1, a furfuryl group or a hydrogenated furfuryl group, an alkyl group substituted by an acyl group or an epoxy group, or --CH.sub.2 CH.sub.2 (OCH.sub.2 CH.sub.2).sub.r OR.sup.2 ; in which Ar represents an aromatic group; n represents an integer of from 1 to 3; m represents an integer of from 2 to 6; p represents 1 or 2; q represents 0 or an integer of from 1 to 4; R.sup.2 represents a hydrogen atom or an alkyl group; and r represents 0, 1 or 2; and (C) at least one compound represented by the following formula (II): ##STR1## wherein R.sup.3 and R.sup.

Abstract: An amine compound-containing, but cyanogen-free, desensitizing solution for offset printing, characterized by containing phytic acid (inositol hexaphosphate) and/or a metal and/or ammonium salts of phytic acid, and at least one selected from the group consisting of amine compounds represented by the following general formulae (1) and (2); a carboxylic acid or carboxylate containing (3); an urea (5) and/or an urethane (6) containing (4); an amide compound represented by (8) and/or an imide compound (9), each containing an amino group (7); and a heterocyclic compound at least one nitrogen atom and having an inorganic/organic value of 0.1 to 4.0 inclusive.

Abstract: A method for producing a press-ready lithographic printing plate which comprises:(A) providing an uncoated lithographic substrate;(B) coating a photosensitive layer on one side of the lithographic substrate;(C) providing a flexible substrate;(D) coating an adhesive layer directly on the flexible substrate;(E) laminating the coated lithographic substrate to the coated flexible substrate;(F) imagewise exposing the laminated element of (E) to radiation to which the photosensitive layer is sensitive; and(G) peeling off the flexible substrate along with the nonimage areas of the photosensitive layer, leaving the press-ready image areas of the colored photosensitive layer and the adhesive layer on the lithographic substrate.

Abstract: High volume manufacturing process for flexographic printing plates comprises wash out, drying and post-exposure. During drying the printing plates are transported with a plurality of endless conveyors. The transport speed during drying/post-exposure is lower than the transport speed during wash out such that a storage of flexographic plates can be achieved in the drying and post exposure portion of the process.

Abstract: A process for preparing flexographic printing plates wherein the photopolymerizable material is imagewise exposed from the cover layer side, followed by an overall exposure through the support. The resulting flexographic printing plate has improved relief depths and a lower tonal value increase on printing.

Abstract: Disclosed is a novel aqueous developer solution used in the development treatment of an actinic ray-sensitive resist for the manufacture of, for example, semiconductor devices, which is capable of giving a patterned resist layer free from the troubles of film residue or scum deposition in any finest patterning. The developer solution contains, in addition to a nitrogen-containing organic basic compound, e.g., tetramethyl ammonium hydroxide, dissolved in an aqueous medium as the solvent, an anionic surface active agent which is a diphenyl ether compound having at least one ammonium sulfonate group, such as an ammonium alkyl diphenylether sulfonate, in a concentration of 0.05 to 5% by weight.

Abstract: Heat-developable silver-based photosensitive imaging element comprising a heat-reducible organic silver salt, a photosensitive silver halide, a developing agent, and a releasing compound that upon reaction with either the reduced or the oxidized form of the developing agent is capable of releasing a hydrophobizing agent. The invention also relates to a method for producing a lithographic printing plate comprising image-wise exposing an imaging element, bringing the exposed element in face-to-face contact with an oleophobic surface of a printing plate precursor, heating the imaging element while in contact or before being brought in contact with the oleophobic surface to cause reduction of the organic silver salt and to cause the release of the hydrophobizing agent from the releasing compound, allowing the hydrophobizing agent to diffuse to the oleophobic surface to render the surface image-wise oleophilic, and separating the resulting lithographic printing plate from the imaging element.

Abstract: A desensitizing solution for lithographic platemaking which mainly comprises phytic acid or a salt thereof is disclosed, said desensitizing solution containing a polyether polyamine or a derivative thereof represented by formula (I): ##STR1## wherein k, m, x, and y each represent an integer of 1 or more; and R.sub.1 represents a hydrogen atom or C.sub.n H.sub.2n R.sub.2, wherein n is an integer of 1 or more, and R.sub.2 represents a hydrogen atom, an NR.sub.3 R.sub.4 (wherein R.sub.3 and R.sub.4 each represent a hydrogen atom or an alkyl group), a chlorine atom, a fluorine atom, an iodine atom, a bromine atom, a hydroxyl group, a carboxyl group or a carbamoyl group,or a polyamine derivative represented by formula (II): ##STR2## wherein X represents a halogen atom; p and each represent an integer of from 2 to 6; and r represents an integer of from 3 to 2000. The desensitizing solution exhibits satisfactory desensitizing characteristics without causing environmental pollution.

Abstract: A developing solution comprising (A) at least one aromatic hydrocarbon having a boiling point of from 150.degree. to 300.degree. C.; (B) at least one alcohol represented by the following formula (I):R.sup.1 OH (I)wherein R.sup.1 represents an aliphatic or alicyclic alkyl group having from 5 to 12 carbon atoms, --C.sub.n H.sub.2n Ar, --(C.sub.m H.sub.2m O).sub.p C.sub.q H.sub.2q+1, a furfuryl group or a hydrogenated furfuryl group, an alkyl group substituted by an acyl group or an epoxy group, or --CH.sub.2 CH.sub.2 (OCH.sub.2 CH.sub.2).sub.r OR.sup.2 ; in which Ar represents an aromatic group; n represents an integer of from 1 to 3; m represents an integer of from 2 to 6; p represents 1 or 2; q represents 0 or an integer of from 1 to 4; R.sup.2 represents a hydrogen atom or an alkyl group; and r represents 0, 1 or 2; and (C) at least one compound represented by the following formula (II): ##STR1## wherein R.sup.3 and R.sup.