Image replication element and method and system for producing the same
AssigneeDay International, Inc.
InventorsMichael E. McLean, Brett Scherrman, Douglas C. Neckers, Peter Serguievski
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A process and system for making an image replication element from a photosensitive printing element by digital photopolymerization are provided. The process includes forming a desired printing image on a photopolymer layer by digital light processing without the use of either a mask layer or a laser.
Claims20
An image replication element for use in graphic arts reproduction comprising a support base and a raised imaged surface of a plurality of rectangular pixels bonded to said support base, wherein said raised imaged surface has been formed imagewise directly onto said support assembly by digital imaging photopolymerization to provide an image replication element useful in graphic arts reproduction.
A method of making an image replication element for use in graphic arts reproduction comprising the steps of:
- providing a support base having a surface;
- providing a layer of liquid photopolymer on at least a portion of said surface of said support base;
- and irradiating said liquid polymer with a light source reflected by a spatial light modulator in a desired image pattern for a time sufficient to photopolymerizes said liquid polymer into a raised image directly on said support base.
A digital imaging photopolymerization system for providing an image replication element usable in graphic arts reproduction, said system comprising:
- a support assembly adapted to receive a liquid photopolymer;
- a light source for irradiating said photopolymer to form a raised image on said support assembly;
- a digital light processor for modulating and directing said light source onto said photopolymer in a full image pattern that forms said raised image;
- and a computer for controlling the operation of said system.
A method of making a reimagable image replication element for use in graphic arts reproduction comprising the steps of:
- providing a support assembly;
- providing a raised image on the surface of said support assembly by digital imaging photopolymerization utilizing a digital light processor to form a printing plate;
- mounting said printing plate on a printing device and printing a substrate using said raised image;
- demounting said printing plate from said printing device and removing said raised image from said printing plate such that said flexographic printing plate is adapted to receive a new raised imaged surface.
A system for generating an image on a photocurable resin layer for use in graphic arts reproduction comprising:
- a light source;
- a condenser for receiving light from said light source and providing collimated light;
- a spatial light modulator for receiving said collimated light and for selectively modulating said collimated light into a desired image pattern;
- and,
- projection optics for projecting said desired image pattern onto the photocurable resin layer for polymerization into the image.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.