Method and system for applying a pattern on a mask layer

A method for applying a pattern on a mask layer for a printing plate precursor, said method comprising:

• obtaining an image file without a screen pattern, said image file representing pixels with a first pixel size in a first direction parallel to an edge of the pixel, and a second pixel size in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction, wherein the first and second pixel size are the same or different;
• and
• treating the mask layer such that a plurality of areas with altered physical properties are created in the mask layer, said plurality of areas comprising at least a first and second area corresponding to directly adjacent first and second pixels of said image file without a screen pattern, wherein the treatment is done such that the first and second area do not overlap in the first direction and/or in the second direction;
• wherein the method comprises a step of combining the mask layer and a substrate layer, the substrate layer comprising a support layer and a photoactive layer, before or after the step of treating the mask layer so as to obtain a printing plate precursor.

A system configured for applying a pattern on a mask layer of a printing plate precursor, the printing plate precursor further comprising a substrate layer comprising a support layer and a photoactive layer, said system comprising:

• a control module configured for obtaining an image file without a screen pattern, said image file representing pixels with a first pixel size in a first direction parallel to an edge of the pixel, and a second pixel size in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction, wherein the first and second pixel size are the same or different;
• and
• a first treatment means configured for treating the mask layer using a beam of a first electromagnetic radiation such that a plurality of areas with altered physical properties are created in the mask layer, said plurality of areas corresponding to a plurality of pixels of said image file without a screen pattern;
• wherein said control module is further configured to control the treatment such that a first and/or second area size of an area of said plurality of areas, as measured in said first and second direction, is smaller than the first and second pixel size, respectively;
• wherein the controlling is performed without manipulating said image file without a screen pattern for obtaining a surface screen pattern on the mask layer.

A system configured for applying a pattern on a mask layer of a printing plate precursor, the printing plate precursor further comprising a substrate layer comprising a support layer and a photoactive layer, said system comprising:

• a control module configured obtaining an image file without a screen pattern, said image file representing pixels with a first pixel size in a first direction parallel to an edge of the pixel, and a second pixel size in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction, wherein the first and second pixel size are the same or different;
• and
• a first treatment means configured for treating the mask layer using a beam of a first electromagnetic radiation such that a plurality of areas with altered physical properties are created in the mask layer, said plurality of areas comprising at least a first and second area corresponding with directly adjacent first and second pixels of said image file without a screen pattern;
• wherein said control module is further configured to control the first treatment means such that the first and second area do not overlap in the first and/or second direction.