Abstract

A laser engravable photocurable composition comprising: (a) crosslinked elastorneric polymer paiticles having a diameter of between about 5 and about 1000 nm; (b) about 0 to 60 parts of at least one monomer; (c) about 0.1 to 4 parts of at least one photoinitiator; and optionally, (d) a binder or oligomer. The crosslinked elastorneric polymer particles preferably comprise: (!) an aliphatic conjugated diene monomer; (ii) at least one vinyl monomer; and (iii) optionally, an acid functional monofunctional vinyl monomer. In addition a laser engravable relief printing element including the laser engravable photocurable composition and an engraving method are also described.

IPC Classes  ?

• C08F 28/04 - Thioethers

Abstract

A method of improving performance of a relief image printing plate on a printing cylinder which includes mounting a compressible cushion element on a surface of the printing cylinder. The surface of the cushion element that is contactable with the relief image printing plate is a low friction surface that allows a relief image printing plate to slide freely across its surface and settle into position on the printing cylinder. The use of a cushion element having a low friction surface reduces smut and improves registration of the printing plate on the printing cylinder.

IPC Classes  ?

• B41F 27/06 - Devices for attaching printing elements or formes to supports for attaching printing elements to forme cylinders

Abstract

This invention pertains to a system for thermally treating a photosensitive element to form a relief structure suitable for flexographic printing. The system of the invention comprises a plurality of consecutively arranged blotting stations for removing uncured photopolymer from the imaged surface of the photosensitive printing element. The flexographic plates produced in the apparatus of the invention are especially suited for use in printing newspapers and other publications.

IPC Classes  ?

• B29C 71/00 - After-treatment of articles without altering their shapeApparatus therefor
• G03F 7/34 - Imagewise removal by selective transfer, e.g. peeling away