Lithographic printing plates for use with laser-discharge imaging apparatus
AssigneePresstek, Inc.
InventorsThomas E. Lewis, Michael T. Nowak, Kenneth T. Robichaud, Kenneth R. Cassidy
Life of this patent
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Abstract
Lithographic printing plates suitable for imaging by means of laser devices that emit in the near-infrared region. Laser output either ablates one or more plate layers or physically transforms a surface layer, in either case resulting in an imagewise pattern of features on the plate. The image features exhibit an affinity for ink or an ink-abhesive fluid that differs from that of unexposed areas.
Claims26
A lithographic printing member directly imageable by laser discharge, the member comprising:
- a. a first durable, solid organic polymer layer that is oleophobic or hydrophilic;
- b. a solid oleophilic substrate underlying the first layer;
- and
- c. an imaging-radiation-reflective layer disposed between the first layer and the substrate;
- wherein
- d. the first layer is characterized by ablative absorption of imaging radiation and the substrate is not.
A lithographic printing member directly imageable by laser discharge, the member comprising:
- a. a first durable, solid organic polymer layer that is oleophobic or hydrophilic;
- and
- b. a solid oleophilic substrate underlying the first layer;
- wherein
- c. the substrate comprises means for reflecting imaging radiation.
A lithographic printing member directly imageable by laser discharge, the member comprising:
- a. a first durable, solid organic polymer layer that is hydrophilic;
- and
- b. a solid oleophilic substrate underlying the first layer;
- wherein
- c. the substrate is polished aluminum.
A lithographic printing member directly imageable by laser discharge, the member comprising:
- a. a first durable, solid organic polymer layer that is oleophobic or hydrophilic;
- and
- b. a solid oleophilic substrate underlying the first layer;
- wherein
- c. the first layer includes an infrared-absorptive chromophore chemically integral with the polymer.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.