System and method for applying non-printing indicia on digital flexographic printing plates through a non-imaged mask

Abstract

Systems and methods for creating non-printing indicia having a non-printing elevation above the floor of a flexographic printing plate. The method includes providing a photopolymer printing plate precursor having a front side, a back side, and a Laser Ablateable Mask system (LAMs) layer disposed over the front side, and disposing on the LAMs layer an oxygen barrier having a pattern defining the non-printing indicia. The back side of the plate precursor is exposed to actinic radiation while the oxygen barrier remains disposed on the LAMs layer. Exemplary systems include the photopolymer printing plate precursor with LAMs layer, back side exposure system, and oxygen barrier, and may further include an ink applicator, such as an inkjet printer, a marking pen, a stamp, or a spray nozzle.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.