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US 6,593,055 B2Granted
Multi-layer thermally imageable element
AssigneeKodak Polychrome Graphics LLC
InventorsKen-Ichi Shimazu, Jayanti Patel
Life of this patent
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Abstract
Multi-layer thermally imageable elements, useful as a lithographic printing plate precursors, are disclosed. The elements contain a top layer, an absorber layer that contains a photothermal conversion material and a hydrophilic substrate. An optional underlayer may also be present between the absorber layer and the hydrophilic substrate. The elements can be thermally imaged and processed with an aqueous alkaline developer.
Claims38
A thermally imageable element comprising:
- (a) a hydrophilic substrate;
- (b) an absorber layer;
- and
- (c) a top layer;
- in which:
- the top layer comprises a first polymeric material;
- the top layer is ink receptive and insoluble in an aqueous alkaline developer;
- the top layer and the absorber layer are each removable by the aqueous alkaline developer following thermal exposure;
- and
- the absorber layer consists essentially of a photothermal conversion material or a mixture of photothermal conversion materials and, optionally, a surfactant or a mixture of surfactants.
7 more elements
A method for forming an image, the method comprising the steps of:
- thermally exposing a thermally imageable element and forming exposed regions and unexposed regions in the element, and;
- removing the exposed regions with an aqueous alkaline developer and forming the image;
- in which:
- the thermally imageable element comprises:
- (a) a hydrophilic substrate;
- (b) an absorber layer;
- and
- (c) a top layer
- the top layer comprises a first polymeric material;
- the top layer is ink receptive and insoluble in the aqueous alkaline developer;
- the top layer and the absorber layer are each removable by the aqueous alkaline developer following thermal exposure;
- the absorber layer consists essentially of a photothermal conversion material or a mixture of photothermal conversion materials and, optionally, a surfactant or a mixture of surfactants;
- and
- the aqueous alkaline developer has a pH of at least 7 to about 11.
11 more elements
A method for printing, the method comprising the steps of:
- forming a printing plate by
- thermally exposing a printing plate precursor and forming exposed regions and unexposed regions in the precursor, and;
- applying an aqueous alkaline developer to the printing plate precursor and forming the printing plate, whereby the exposed regions are removed revealing the underlying substrate;
- in which:
- the thermally imageable element comprises:
- (a) a hydrophilic substrate;
- (b) an absorber layer;
- and
- (c) a top layer
- the top layer comprises a first polymeric material;
- the top layer is ink receptive and insoluble in the aqueous alkaline developer;
- the top layer and the absorber layer are each removable by the aqueous alkaline developer following thermal exposure;
- the absorber layer consists essentially of a photothermal conversion material or a mixture of photothermal conversion materials and, optionally, a surfactant or a mixture of surfactants;
- and
- the aqueous alkaline developer has a pH of at least 7 to about 11, and
- applying a fountain solution and then a lithographic ink to the printing plate whereby the ink is taken up by the unexposed regions;
- and
- transferring the ink to a receiving material.
15 more elements
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.