Method and composition for removing residual ink image from offset printing blanket
AssigneeEnviro Image Solutions Inc
InventorsHugh Daniel McDonald, Hao Wang
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A thickened aqueous cleaning solution for removing residual ink images from the surface of a blanket used in offset lithographic printing which has been subjected to printing using radiation-curable ink. The cleaning solution comprises an alkaline builder, a thickener, a co-solvent, a surfactant and water. A method for removing the residual ink images from the blanket comprises removing the blanket from the offset lithographic printing press, applying a layer of the thickened aqueous cleaning solution to the blanket, rubbing the surface of the blanket, for example with rags or a scouring pad, and removing the soiled cleaning solution.
Claims26
A thickened aqueous cleaning solution for removing a residual ink image from a printing blanket of an offset lithographic printing press, said image being formed of radiation-curable ink, comprising:
- (a) an alkaline builder that comprises NaOH or KOH;
- (b) an amine;
- (c) a thickener;
- (d) a co-solvent that comprises an alcohol or glycol ether;
- (e) a surfactant;
- and
- (f) water.
A method of removing a residual ink image from a transferring surface of a printing blanket used for printing with radiation-curable ink on an offset lithographic printing press, comprising in the following order the steps of:
- (a) removing said blanket from said offset lithographic printing press;
- (b) applying a thickened aqueous cleaning solution to said transferring surface of said blanket to form a layer thereon;
- (c) permitting said layer of cleaning solution to remain in contact with said surface for a period of time;
- (d) rubbing said surface of said blanket;
- and
- (e) removing soiled cleaning solution from said surface.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.