EP0101266A2 - Procédé et appareil pour l'impression - Google Patents

Procédé et appareil pour l'impression Download PDF

Info

Publication number: EP0101266A2
Authority: EP; European Patent Office
Prior art keywords: image; printing; hydrophilic; plate; roll
Prior art date: 1982-08-09
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.): Withdrawn

Application number

EP83304532A

Other languages

German (de)

English (en)

Other versions

EP0101266A3 (fr

Inventor

Iii Franklin Sadler Love

Robert Charles Arnott

Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)

Milliken Research Corp

Original Assignee

Milliken Research Corp

Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)

1982-08-09

Filing date

1983-08-05

Publication date

1984-02-22

1982-08-09 Priority claimed from US06/406,700 external-priority patent/US4729310A/en

1982-08-09 Priority claimed from US06/407,001 external-priority patent/US4718340A/en

1983-08-05 Application filed by Milliken Research Corp filed Critical Milliken Research Corp

1984-02-22 Publication of EP0101266A2 publication Critical patent/EP0101266A2/fr

1985-04-03 Publication of EP0101266A3 publication Critical patent/EP0101266A3/fr

Status Withdrawn legal-status Critical Current

Images

Classifications

- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B41—PRINTING; LINING MACHINES; TYPEWRITERS; STAMPS
- B41C—PROCESSES FOR THE MANUFACTURE OR REPRODUCTION OF PRINTING SURFACES
- B41C1/00—Forme preparation
- B41C1/10—Forme preparation for lithographic printing; Master sheets for transferring a lithographic image to the forme
- B41C1/1008—Forme preparation for lithographic printing; Master sheets for transferring a lithographic image to the forme by removal or destruction of lithographic material on the lithographic support, e.g. by laser or spark ablation; by the use of materials rendered soluble or insoluble by heat exposure, e.g. by heat produced from a light to heat transforming system; by on-the-press exposure or on-the-press development, e.g. by the fountain of photolithographic materials
- B41C1/1033—Forme preparation for lithographic printing; Master sheets for transferring a lithographic image to the forme by removal or destruction of lithographic material on the lithographic support, e.g. by laser or spark ablation; by the use of materials rendered soluble or insoluble by heat exposure, e.g. by heat produced from a light to heat transforming system; by on-the-press exposure or on-the-press development, e.g. by the fountain of photolithographic materials by laser or spark ablation
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B41—PRINTING; LINING MACHINES; TYPEWRITERS; STAMPS
- B41C—PROCESSES FOR THE MANUFACTURE OR REPRODUCTION OF PRINTING SURFACES
- B41C1/00—Forme preparation
- B41C1/10—Forme preparation for lithographic printing; Master sheets for transferring a lithographic image to the forme
- B41C1/1066—Forme preparation for lithographic printing; Master sheets for transferring a lithographic image to the forme by spraying with powders, by using a nozzle, e.g. an ink jet system, by fusing a previously coated powder, e.g. with a laser
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B41—PRINTING; LINING MACHINES; TYPEWRITERS; STAMPS
- B41M—PRINTING, DUPLICATING, MARKING, OR COPYING PROCESSES; COLOUR PRINTING
- B41M1/00—Inking and printing with a printer's forme
- B41M1/06—Lithographic printing
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B41—PRINTING; LINING MACHINES; TYPEWRITERS; STAMPS
- B41N—PRINTING PLATES OR FOILS; MATERIALS FOR SURFACES USED IN PRINTING MACHINES FOR PRINTING, INKING, DAMPING, OR THE LIKE; PREPARING SUCH SURFACES FOR USE AND CONSERVING THEM
- B41N1/00—Printing plates or foils; Materials therefor
- B41N1/12—Printing plates or foils; Materials therefor non-metallic other than stone, e.g. printing plates or foils comprising inorganic materials in an organic matrix
- B41N1/14—Lithographic printing foils
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B41—PRINTING; LINING MACHINES; TYPEWRITERS; STAMPS
- B41M—PRINTING, DUPLICATING, MARKING, OR COPYING PROCESSES; COLOUR PRINTING
- B41M5/00—Duplicating or marking methods; Sheet materials for use therein
- B41M5/24—Ablative recording, e.g. by burning marks; Spark recording

Definitions

This invention relates to printing systems using a printing element on which the image is defined in terms of contiguous hydrophilic and relatively hydrophobic regions, and which is capable of serving as a printing plate or other analogous source of a transferrable ink image. More specifically, this invention relates to a novel printing system comprising a non-photosensitive, reusable printing surface suitable for use in a lithographic-type or other printing system, on which an ink image may be formed, refreshed, or completely reconfigured electronically, without a separate development or plate making step, without removal of the printing element, and without substantial interruption of the printing process.
the image portions of the printing plate are defined in terms of raised or recessed areas of the plate surface which are made to carry ink.
the image portions of the printing plate i.e. those portions of the printing plate surface intended to carry ink, are formed at substantially the same surface level as the rest of the plate. Rather than depend upon the relative elevation of portions of the plate surface to define the ink-bearing image, planographic systems depend upon certain areas of the plate having a greater relative affinity for water than is shown by the remaining areas of the plate.
the relative immiscibility of grease and water is used to define and maintain the image and non-image areas of the printing plate.
the lithographic plate is made oleophilic (grease-loving) and hydrophobic (water-hating) in image areas (i.e., those areas which will receive and transfer ink to the paper sheet or other material to be printed), and hydrophilic (water-loving) in the non-image areas.
image areas i.e., those areas which will receive and transfer ink to the paper sheet or other material to be printed
hydrophilic water-loving
the non-polymerized formulation in the unexposed or image-complementary areas. of the plate is removed by washing the plate surface with a solution in which only the unexposed, non-polymerized formulation is readily soluble. These unexposed, washed areas are then treated with gum, i.e., a gum formulation containing gum arabic, carboxymethyl cellulose gum,. or the like. Often, the non-polymerized formulation is washed away and the gum added in a single step.
gum i.e., a gum formulation containing gum arabic, carboxymethyl cellulose gum,. or the like.
a thin film of a gum-containing material may be rubbed onto or otherwise applied to the plate and the plate surface washed with water, thereby causing a water insoluble layer of gum to be adsorbed onto the unexposed or image-complementary areas of the plate surface, and forming a highly hydrophilic surface which will wet readily with water, and will thereafter reject ink.
the so-called "positive” plate is first sensitized with a light sensitive coating which degrades when exposed to actinic light. Exposure of the plate, via the positive film, then results in degradation of the coating in what will be the image-complementary (i.e., non-ink-carrying) portions of the image. The coated plate is chemically washed to remove the degraded areas of the coating. The plate is then baked to harden the coating in the image (i.e., ink-carrying) areas, and coated with a gum-containing material such as gum arabic or the like, as is done with the "negative" plate discussed above.
a gum-containing material such as gum arabic or the like
Electrostatic systems for generating a lithographic plate may be based on use of either a hydrophilic or a hydrophobic toner material. If, for example, a hydrophobic toner material is used, a plate surface comprising a photoconductive material which is hydrophilic is given a uniform electrical charge prior to being exposed to light striking the plate in image-complementary configuration. The light causes neutralization of the electrical charge in the illuminated areas of the plate. To develop the plate, a toner carrying a charge opposite to that of the remaining charged areas of the plate is then applied and made to stick to the plate surface. After fusing, the toned areas become hydrophobic, while the untoned areas remain hydrophilic.
a hydrophilic toner material employs analogous process steps with an initially hydrophobic plate surface.
a printing system employing a reusable printing plate which overcomes all of the above-listed deficiencies, as well as others associated with almost all photolithographic techniques, such as halation (i.e., imperfect light exposure caused by the reflective nature of the printing plate supporting base).
a substantially planographic plate suitable for service in a lithographic-type printing system is described herein which is comprised of an intrinsically hydrophilic plate material which supports a thin hydrophobic layer thereon. Also described herein is a method for generating, imaging, and using such a plate to print electronically generated images in various printing processes.
a method for generating a plate for use in a lithographic-type printing system comprises coating uniformly an intrinsically hydrophilic support surface with a thin hydrophobic layer of a suitable material, then selectively removing the material in a pre-determined configuration by means of an electronically addressable imaging system utilizing an electric spark discharge, a beam of electromagnetic energy (e.g., a laser beam), a beam of ionized particles, or other means.
the hydrophilic plate surface may be first coated with a thin layer of a hydrophilic protective material, for example, a gum-containing material, prior to the application and selective removal of the material forming the hydrophobic layer.
suitable material for forming a hydrophobic layer may be directly, selectively applied to the plate in the desired configuration. Whether selectively removed or selectively applied, the hydrophobic layer material may be said to be arranged over the plate surface in a desired image-related configuration.
ink image generation surface is intended to mean the surface on which the ink image corresponding to the desired printed image is initially formed. This surface generally will be the surface on which a pre-ink latent image, i.e., an image defined in terms of adjacent hydrophilic and hydrophobic areas, is also initially formed.
imaging is intended to mean the generation of this latent image, prior to the application of ink.
a surface suitable for use for example, as a planographic printing plate in either rotary or non-rotary printing systems wherein an electronically embodied image may be impressed directly onto the plate, without requiring the use of photosensitive materials or coatings, or without elaborate developing steps.
the disclosed surface is re-usable, in the sense that a lithographic plate, for example, when imaged and used for printing in accordance with the teachings of this invention, may be re-imaged with the same or with a totally different image without the need for replacing the plate.
an image having a length greater than (or not an integral divisor of) the circumference of the plate roll, where such roll is used may be printed by changing the image associated with one portion of the plate roll while another portion of the roll is transferring an ink image to an offset roll or directly to a substrate.
the terms "printing plate” or “plate” shall be used to describe a substantially flat, planographic surface capable of recording an image defined in terms of hydrophobic and relatively hydrophilic areas; such a surface may be the ink transfer surface associated with either a planar or curved lithographic printing plate, and may even be, for example, the print roll surface itself and not a separate, detachable entity usually associated with the term "plate.”
the printing plate may take the form of a planar surface, a cylinder, an endless belt, or other form. It is foreseen that the printing element as described herein may also comprise the printed product, e.g., the plate need not serve as an ink transfer surface, but as the printed substrate itself. In addition, other, non-planographic surfaces may be employed as well.
a method and apparatus is herein disclosed which can completely eliminate the costs associated with generating a plate using conventional photolithographic techniques, as well as the costs involved in maintaining a conventional plate library for short-run or periodic printing jobs.
the necessity of replacing a plate when a sharpened, or slightly modified, or totally reconfigured image is desired is completely eliminated.
the costs and limitations associated with having gaps in the plate used in rotary-type presses which cause a printing gap or seam in matter printed on long webs, as well as the mechanical shock associated with such plate gaps and the speed limitations such plate gaps impose, can be completely eliminated by imaging the roll surface as herein described, rather than imaging a separately attached printing plate of conventional design.
a series of pre-production run proofs may be generated inexpensively, and with the advantage that the proofs may be printed on the same machine, using the same plate, paper, inks, and many of the same press adjustments as the final production run, thereby eliminating any doubt whatsoever as to the appearance of the final printed image. Whatever adjustments are necessary to develop a satisfactory proof, regardless of their magnitude, can be made to the plate without removing the plate from the press, or having to make ready and install an entirely new plate.
teachings herein may be used in a wide variety of printing applications, particularly where, for example, minimal costs for plate preparation, set up, storage, or inventory are desired, or where no gap or seam between plate images on a continuous printed substrate is desired. Because of the lack of any plate gap or seam, and any corresponding mechanical shock originating therefrom, the teachings herein are also particularly suited to applications wherein high speed printing (e.g., high speed rotogravure speeds) is desired.
high speed printing e.g., high speed rotogravure speeds
a plate roll or cylinder 10 is continuously re-imaged with the same or a different image or pattern at the same time a substrate 8 is being printed.
the plate may take a form other than a roll or cylinder.
the apparatus of Figure 1 could be modified to accommodate an endless belt having a suitable hydrophilic surface, rather than the roll shown.
FIG. 1 The process depicted in Figure 1, which may be a lithographic process in which an oleo ink is employed, will be explained beginning with cleaning roll stack 12.
Stack 12 applies a conventional cleaning solvent to the surface of roll 10 which, in conjunction with soft doctor blade 14 and solvent drying jets 16, removes all traces of ink, fountain solution, solvent, and foreign matter, without marring the roll surface. If removal of any previously applied hydrophobic layer material is necessary, it may be removed with heat, solvents, or, perhaps most simply, by activating the imaging means to produce a totally "blank” or hydrophilic plate, as will be discussed later. Similar procedures may be employed if removal of gum is desired, as will be discussed later.
the roll surface of plate roll 10 is comprised of a material which is intrinsically substantially hydrophilic - a material having a surface which, when clean, i.e., free of significant contamination, is substantially hydrophilic.
Any suitable intrinsically substantially hydrophilic material may be used in the present invention.
suitable hydrophilic materials include, but are not necessarily limited to, metals such as nickel, copper, tin, aluminum, stainless steel, zinc, brass, phosphor bronze, titanium, zirconium, palladium, niobium, platinum, lead, molybdenum, tantalum, tungsten, iron, and gold, as well as non-metallic materials such as an aluminum oxide/titanium dioxide composite ( 6 0% A1203, 40% TiO 2 ), and mixtures thereof.
any suitable intrinsically hydrophilic material may be used with this invention, stainless steel and aluminum are particularly suitable for many applications.
the roll material chosen tends to form a relatively hydrophobic coating (e.g., a coating of airborne contaminants, etc.) upon exposure to the atmosphere, it may be desirable to coat the roll surface with a layer of a suitable protective material, for example, a g um formulation containing gum arabic, carboxymethyl cellulose gum, or the like, which formulation will herein be referred to simply as "gum.”
a suitable protective material for example, a g um formulation containing gum arabic, carboxymethyl cellulose gum, or the like, which formulation will herein be referred to simply as "gum.”
Such coating is also recommended if maximum longevity of the image on the roll is desired.
the gum is attracted to the exposed hydrophilic areas and tends to form a protective coating over these hydrophilic areas which is itself hydrophilic, thus protecting and preserving the image and extending plate wear.
a protective coating may be applied prior to the application of the hydrophobic layer material, as will be discussed hereinbelow.
Applicator 20 applies a thin layer of a suitable hydrophobic layer material through the action of a roll stack ?0 which expends across the width of roll 10.
Any suitable thickness of hydrophobic layer material and means or method of application may be used. In many applications, however, a layer thickness which approaches monomolecular dimensions has been found to be quite satisfactory and is.preferred from the standpoint of uniformity of application and ease of cleaning when using many of the hydrophobic layer materials suggested and discussed hereinbelow.
any method or means for applying suitable quantities of the hydrophobic layer material which results in relatively uniform and complete coverage of the roll surface, and which does not contaminate the roll surface may be used.
an atomizer may be employed.
a preferred applicator is a roll train fed from a trough of the hydrophobic layer material, immediately followed by a water flush and contact with a doctoring roll or blade, substantially as depicted in Figures 1-4. It is generally advantageous to use application techniques which result in the application of a layer which is self-limiting in thickness, preferably approximately monomolecular in thickness.
the material chosen preferably should meet several requirements in order to achieve the highest quality in the resulting printed image. It preferably should be a material which, when applied to the roll or plate in a thin layer, effectively renders the roll or plate substantially uniformly hydrophobic and oleophilic, by providing a hydrophobic and oleophilic layer thereon, which exhibits a relatively large wetting angle with respect to the desired aqueous developer material used, an affinity for the type of printing ink to be used, and which is relatively durable.
it preferably should be a material which has an affinity for the roll surface and which can be applied in a thin, smooth layer over the roll surface, as well as over small quantities of any contaminants or residual material which may be found thereon, without significant discontinuities or open areas, thereby forming a layer which is substantially uniformly hydrophobic.
Materials which can be applied in a relatively uniform, homogeneous layer have been found to be effective in providing a substantially uniformly hydrophobic layer.
a thin layer is generally easier to remove than a thicker layer, usually results in fewer problems with generation of possibly undesirable vapors, etc., and is therefore generally preferred over a thicker layer of the same material.
the material may be one which does not leave a residue upon heating to temperatures of about 345°C or above. It is thought that meeting this test assures that the roll or plate coated with the material may be erased and re-imaged a large number of times without experiencing problems with residue buildup. If generation of a longer lasting image on the roll is desired, e.
the material chosen be relatively unaffected by exposure to the fountain solution or ink, to the atmosphere over the time period during which the plate is to be used, or to whatever gum-containing formulation is used. It is also recommended that the material chosen be one which, after being applied to the roll, does not readily migrate, i.e., does not transfer itself either onto surfaces contacting the plate or roll surface, or into hydrophilic areas on the plate or roll surface.
the material be photosensitive or photo-chemically reactive, or that the material be comprised of a polymer, an oligomer, or a material which is subject to polymerization, oligomerization, or cross-linking.
Suitable polymer or oligomer-containing or cross-linkable materials may be employed if desired, however (see, e.g., polyvinyl butyral,Table I).
the material be readily dissolvable in a wash or developing solution.
the measured contact angle which corresponds to the wetting angle as defined by the Young equation, is an inverse measurement of the spreadability or wettability of a liquid - in this case, distilled water - on a solid surface - in this case, the plate surface carrying a thin layer of the material being tested.
the solvent temperatures were approximately 22°C unless otherwise specified.
the contact angles were observed on a section of Type 304 stainless steel shim stock which was pre-treated by placement in a muffle furnace at approximately 345°C for one minute. Except where noted below, the shim was dipped quickly in the solvent containing the recited concentration of material, removed, quickly and thoroughly rinsed with distilled water, and the contact angle measured. Several trials for each material were performed. Angles marked with an asterisk indicate that lower contact angles were obtained on some trials with these particular materials; it is thought these materials may be somewhat sensitive to the uniformity of the application process.
hexadecanoic and octadecanoic acids may be preferred over their acid salts, because, among other things, the relatively inferior solubility of these salts can make uniform application difficult.
ammonium and potassium salts are particularly preferred among the preferred acid salts listed.
the preferred metal soaps are all salts of stearic acid using either aluminum, magnesium, or calcium cations, and were all supplied by Witco Chemical Co., 277 Park Avenue, New York, New York 10017.
the preferred anionic surfactants listed are products of Rohm & Haas, Independence Mall West, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19105. While the observed wetting angle of the phosphate ester was relatively high, it is thought that a phosphate residue may develop if the material is repeatedly removed and reapplied, as where the printing plate is reconfigured frequently.
Tetracosane is a preferred hydrocarbon wax which was applied by dipping a shim in the hexane solution and merely allowing the hexane to evaporate. While the resulting applied layer was substantially thicker than the other materials, tetracosane still exhibited a satisfactory contact angle and is believed quite suitable for use in printing applications where a thicker layer of material would be advantageous.
the listed preferred ethoxylated carboxylic acids are products of Glyco, Inc., 51 Weaver Street, P.O. Box 700, Greenwich, Connecticut 06830.
the preferred carboxylic acid anhydrides listed are the reaction product of olefins and maleic anhydride, and are manufactured by Milliken Chemical, P.O. Box 817, Inman, South Carolina 29349.
Elemental sulfur is an example of a preferred inorganic or non-carbon containing material which may be used to form a hydrophobic layer.
Polyvinyl butyral is an example of a suitable polymeric material is preferred.
the sample used is marketed under the name Butvar B-76, a product of Monsanto Plastics and Resins Co., St. Louis, Missouri 63166.
the acrylic resin ACRYLOID B-44 distributed by Rohm & Haas,Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, is another example of a preferred polymeric material.
roll 10 passes roll stack 22 or similar means for assuring that a thin, uniform layer of the chosen hydrophobic layer material is being applied over the entire roll surface.
roll stack 22 or similar means for assuring that a thin, uniform layer of the chosen hydrophobic layer material is being applied over the entire roll surface.
arranging the hydrophobic layer material on roll 10, thereby forming a latent image is achieved by an imaging means which removes, e.g., by ablation, selected portions of the hydrophobic layer in a desired image-complementary configuration, thereby rendering those areas relatively hydrophilic.
Any suitable energy means may be used as an imaging means to remove the hydrophobic layer material in the manner intended. There is no requirement that the energy means be sufficiently powerful to change the nature of the underlying roll surface. In fact, it is generally advantageous that the nature of the underlying hydrophilic material remain substantially unchanged, and it is an advantage of the invention that such change is generally unnecessary.
the generally preferred energy levels are therefore those levels which are sufficient to remove the necessary quantities of hydrophobic layer material, without substantially affecting the hydrophilic material thereunder, excepting possible minor pitting, etc. It is thought that, by removing portions of the hydrophobic layer, a portion of the underlying hydrophilic material is at least partially or more nearly exposed, thereby creating an area which can be wetted preferentially by an aqueous developer material such as a fountain solution or an aqueous ink.
the formation of the latent image does not depend upon any photo-induced reaction, for example polymerization, cross-linking, or indeed any kind of chemical reaction as would be used to harden, soften, or otherwise "cure" a hydrophilic or hydrophobic layer, or render such layer either soluble or insoluble during a conventional post-exposure wash step or development step, as might be commonly done in systems of the prior art.
a stylus array is used, such as the one depicted in Figure 6, although electrode configurations other than a stylus may be used.
Stylus array 30 is a spaced array of individually insulated and individually computer-addressable electrodes or styli 32 which are arranged generally perpendicular to and uniformly equidistant from the electrically conductive surface of roll 10, within an insulating form 34.
the adjacent styli spacing and total number of wire styli are functions of the desired effective printing gauge - if relatively fine, detailed lettering is desired, a high stylus density is necessary.
stylus density is so high that mutual interference between adjacent styli results and inter-stylus definition is lost, several separate, closely adjacent stylus arrays of more widely spaced styli may be used in a staggered, overlapping configuration.
one or more styli may be positioned in close proximity to the roll surface and sequentially traversed across the roll face as the roll is incrementally rotated, thereby allowing the roll surface to be imaged without the use of a full width array of styli depicted in Figure 6.
a mask, stencil, overlay, or the like may also be used to block selectively the unintended removal of the hydrophobic layer material; use of such a mask, interposed between the imaging means and the plate surface or the hydrophobic layer thereon, may reduce the need for direct computer control by allowing use of, for example, an array of continuously energized styli or other broad coverage electrode configuration sweeping the entire image area. Such array would only remove portions of the hydrophobic layer material in areas not blocked by the mask or stencil.
Imaging of the coated roll surface by the embodiment depicted in Figure 1 is achieved by establishing an electrical potential of several hundred volts between the roll surface and one or more selected styli in the stylus array, thereby causing a spark discharge to occur between the respective tips of the selected styli and the roll surface.
the energizing electrical signals are routed to the selected individual styli in an image-related configuration.
image-related is used to mean either an image (i.e., ink-carrying) or image-complementary configuration, and merely indicates that, regardless of the type ink used, the hydrophilic and oleophilic areas of the plate are arranged in a configuration from which the desired ink image may be produced.
Image configuration is generally used with an aqueous ink (the ink conforms to the hydrophilic areas of the plate), while an oleo ink requires imaging of the complement of the desired ink image (the ink is made to conform to the hydrophobic area).
Figure 1 depicts use of an oleo ink;therefore, the desired image configuration is image-complementary.
the duration, polarity, and waveform of such signals may be tailored to the particular application and apparatus.
the source of such signals may be a digital computer or other source of electronically-generated . imagery.
direct current signals at moderate voltage levels (300-1000 volts) and low current levels (less than 10 milliamps) have been found to be satisfactory.
the surface of the roll or plate may have relatively low electrical resistance.
the polarity of the energizing signal may be periodically reversed.
an inert gas in the arc region such as argon, neon, helium, or combinations thereof, by means of conduit 26 in Figure 1 or by other means, is helpful in reducing the required breakdown voltage and in minimizing electrode erosion.
a gas comprising 10% helium and 90% neon has been used with success.
Other, more expensive spark chamber-type gases may be used as well to further reduce the voltage levels required.
the resulting imaged plate is schematically depicted in Figure 10, in a magnified perspective view, wherein roll 10 is supporting hydrophilic plate 11 on which is defined an area 100 carrying a hydrophobic layer and an area 102 which is the exposed surface of plate 11.
a hydrophilic protective layer may be applied directly to the surface of plate 11 in area 102, and which may optionally extend within area 100.
FIG. 4 An alternative embodiment of this invention, employing a beam of electromagnetic energy as an energy means, is schematically depicted in Figure 4.
the energy of one or more incident laser beams from laser system 60 is substituted for the spark discharge described above, these beams being modulated or otherwise allowed to selectively impinge on the layer of hydrophobic layer material with sufficient energy to cause selective ablation of portions of the hydrophobic layer in the desired image-related configuration.
One or more such beams may be electronically modulated and, if necessary, traversed over the plate surface.
laser system 60 may be an array of closely spaced lasers, arranged in a pattern analogous to the electrical styli discussed above. As before, no photo-induced chemical reaction is believed to contribute in any significant way in this imaging process.
Examples VIII and IX were conducted to demonstrate the use of a laser beam to generate an image on an intrinsically hydrophilic sheet having a hydrophobic layer thereon; it is believed the imaged sheet of these examples could, if installed on a suitable press, be used as a printing plate.
Other suitable sources of electromagnetic energy may also be used, so long as the energy directed onto the hydrophobic layer is sufficient to cause removal of portions of the layer in the desired image-related configuration.
a stencil, mask or the like may be interposed between the energy source and the plate, as discussed herein in connection with other imaging means, if desired. Such a mask or stencil would be advantageous if, for example, the laser or other beam could not be suitably modulated to allow proper formation of a satisfactory image.
one or more jets of heated air or other fluid may be positioned to direct a stream or streams of heated fluid onto the layer, thereby selectively removing at least portions of the layer in the desired image-related configuration, for example, by vaporization or evaporation, and at least partially exposing the hydrophilic material lying thereunder.
a group of well defined, focused streams may be arranged into one or more arrays positioned and/or actuated to impinge upon the hydrophobic layer in the correct sequence to generate the desired latent image.
One or more individual streams may also be employed, with a means for actuating or modulating and traversing or otherwise positioning the streams relative to the hydrophobic layer to form the desired latent image.
a means for actuating or modulating and traversing or otherwise positioning the streams relative to the hydrophobic layer to form the desired latent image may be advantageous to employ one or more relatively unfocused fluid streams which are directed through a stencil, mask, or the like which is interposed between the jets and the plate or the hydrophobic layer thereon.
the stencil or mask would be used to assist in directing the fluid streams to the appropriate areas on the hydrophobic layer and to prevent significant unintended removal of the hydrophobic layer material.
an aqueous developing material for example, a conventional aqueous fountain solution
a fountain solution contains gum or the like in amounts commonly found in commercial preparations.
distilled water or other aqueous liquid may be used as a fountain solution. In either case, the fountain solution adheres to the areas from which the hydrophobic layer material has been removed, forming an image on the roll surface which is the-complement of the desired oleo ink image.
a gum-containing formulation optionally may be applied to the plate after the imaging step and prior to the application of fountain solution.
the gum is attracted to the exposed hydrophilic areas and tends to form a protective coating over these hydrophilic areas which is itself hydrophilic. This effectively extends the life of the image on the plate.
the gum formulation may be applied by any convenient means in any conventional manner. Customarily, the application of such gum formulation is accompanied by a water wash step in which excess gum is removed. In many cases, a fountain solution containing gum, if allowed to remain momentarily on the imaged plate, is sufficient for use in this gumming step.
a layer of an oleo marking material such as an oleo ink is then applied in a conventional manner to the roll surface by roller stack 50 or other suitable means; as is expected in lithographic-type printing systems, the oleo ink adheres only to those areas of the roll surface which are not covered by the aqueous fountain solution.
the roll surface may then be pressed directly against the moving surface of substrate 8 via impression roll 6; alternatively, roll 6 may be an offset or blanket roll 6 by which means the inked image is transferred to the moving surface of substrate 8A, as in conventional offset printing technology.
Other intermediate transfer devices such as belts, etc. may also be employed.
Substrate 8 or 8A may be comprised of paper, a textile material, or any other suitable material. Any suitable means for moving substrate 8 or 8A may be employed. If desired, the inked image may also be fixed on the roll surface, without subsequent transfer to a substrate.
an image may be formed in a continuous manner around the entire perimeter of the roll or belt, with no gap or seam in the plate surface to produce a corresponding gap or seam in the printed substrate.
the printed image length need not be confined to the length of the plate surface or to an integral divisor of the plate roll or belt circumference, as is necessary in conventional rotary systems.
the image length may in fact exceed the plate roll circumference, or the plate roll circumference may be some non-integral multiple of the image length, due to the fact that portions of the image can be continuously erased and reformed on the roll or belt at the same time a previously formed portion of the image on another side of the roll or belt is being printed.
a separate thin, perhaps disposable, sheet of intrinsically hydrophilic material as discussed above may be secured to the perimeter of the roll; this thin sheet of material, superficially resembling a conventional lithographic plate, would then serve as the ink image transfer surface rather than the roll surface as described hereinabove.
This separate sheet could take the form of a continuous hollow cylinder or sleeve 11 which is secured to the plate roll 10, as depicted in Figure 5, or could alternatively resemble a conventional lithographic printing plate.
a mask 36 which may be employed in an imaging process. Obviously, imaging around the entire circumference of such plate would not be possible unless such plate in fact extended completely around the plate roll.
a principal application of the teachings herein is in the generation of a plate which is imaged one time, and then run without further re-imaging for a relatively large number of plate impressions.
Metals which are preferred in this application include nickel, copper, tin, brass, zinc, titanium, zirconium, aluminum, stainless steel, palladium, platinum, lead, and gold.
the use of gum preferably in a separate gumming step to protect the hydrophilic areas of the plate is recommended in this application.
a second application of the teachings herein is the printing of images wherein the plate is sharpened or refreshed, i.e. the hydrophilic nature of the hydrophilic areas of the printing plate is rejuvinated.
This may require nothing more than energizing the imaging means (e.g., electrical styli or other ablation means) at the appropriate time in the printing cycle and in registry with the original image, after most of the ink and fountain solution have been removed from the plate, and thereby removing any scumming (i.e., ink or other undesirable material) present in the hydrophilic or non-i.nk areas of the plate.
a conventional roll cleaning means may be used to remove the ink and fountain solution which has not transferred to the substrate; alternatively, the press may be run without ink re-supply until most or all of the ink on the plate has been depleted, and then run without fountain solution re-supply.
An additional cleaning means may be helpful in removing the hydrophobic layer material carried by or adsorbed on the roll or plate, as well as any gum formulation which may have been applied to enhance the durability of the image.
This additional cleaning means may simply take the form of an additional imaging means, e.g., a stylus array to which a lithographically "blank” pattern (I.e., resulting in a totally hydrophilic roll surface) may be directed, thereby requiring all styli to become energized.
an additional imaging means e.g., a stylus array to which a lithographically "blank” pattern (I.e., resulting in a totally hydrophilic roll surface) may be directed, thereby requiring all styli to become energized.
the roll cleaning process would involve two sequential revolutions of roll 10, with roll 6 appropriately disengaged.
ink is cleaned off the surface of roll 10 by means of roll cleaning and drying elements 12, 14, and 16, but the hydrophobic layer applicator 20 and roll stack 22 are disengaged, so that no hydrophobic layer material is applied prior to the passage of the roll surface past the imaging means 30 during this revolution.
the imaging means 30 is energized with a totally blank pattern, thereby effectively cleaning the roll surface, i.e., substantially removing all significant surface contamination, including hydrophobic layer material and gum which may remain on roll 10 from a prior imaging step.
the surface of roll 10 is now free of ink, fountain solution, hydrophobic layer material, gum formulations, and any contaminants or foreign matter, and is dry and entirely hydrophilic.
the fountain solution and inking applicators 40 and 50 are also disengaged.
the hydrophobic layer applicator 20 and doctoring means 22 are then engaged, resulting in the application of a continuous, uniform layer of hydrophobic layer material to the clean, hydrophilic roll surface.
the imaging, optional gumming, dampening, and inking steps are then performed with roll 6 now pressing against plate roll 10.
the imaging means 30 alone may be used to remove, in registry, assorted material from the hydrophilic areas of the plate, and thereby reduce scumming. For best results, most of the ink and fountain solution on the plate should be removed or allowed to become depleted before the plate is re-imaged by imaging means 30. Additional energy may be required if excessive material such as gum, etc., must be removed.
this coating may be dried before inking and printing. If done promptly following the imaging of roll 10, for example, and before any printing is attempted, this coating will prevent the exposed portions of the roll surface from becoming contaminated or undergoing undesirable chemical reactions with the atmosphere, and will have the effect of preserving the hydrophilic nature of those portions of the surface of roll 10 from which-the hydrophobic layer material has been removed, thus contributing to a more durable image on the plate.
this coating step may be accomplished by relying upon the gum arabic or the like in the fountain solution, i.e., by engaging fountain solution stack 40 immediately following the imaging of the surface of roll 10, with ink stack 50 and the roll cleaning devices 12 and 14 disengaged, and, optionally, with solvent drying jets 16 in operation.
a separate gum-containing formulation may be used, applied by means of an appropriate applicator not shown in Figure 2, e.g., a roll stack and doctoring roll, positioned immediately after stylus array 30 and ahead of fountain solution applicator 40.
an appropriate applicator not shown in Figure 2
oleo-type laquer may also be applied in the presence of water, which allows the laquer to adhere only to the hydrophobic areas.
the apparatus used (a) to clean the plate (i.e., solvent roll stack 12, doctor blade 14, and solvent drying jets 16), (b) to apply the hydrophobic layer material (i.e., applicator 20 and roller stack 22), and (c) to image the resulting hydrophobic layer (i.e., stylus array 30, gas conduit 26, and corona discharge device 28), are all temporarily rendered inoperative.
the resulting system superficially resembles a conventional printing system, in which a fountain solution is applied (via roll stack 40) to a surface bearing an image defined by hydrophilic and hydrophobic areas, which in turn causes the oleo ink applied subsequently by roll stack 50 to adhere to the roll surface only where the hydrophobic areas repelled the fountain solution.
This inked image is then transferred to a substrate as before, using roll 6 as an impression cylinder, or as an offset roll.
the inked roll is then replenished with fountain solution and ink, via roll stacks 40 and 50, respectively, and the process repeated.
the hydrophilic areas are formed by the partially exposed roll or plate surface, optionally coated with gum
the hydrophobic areas are formed by a single thin layer of hydrophobic layer material which is selectively removed from the roll surface without the use of light-sensitive coatings, without any discernible polymerization, cross-linking, or other chemical change to the material in the hydrophobic areas, and without the need for any wash or developing steps.
the plate may be used in a conventional manner, with conventional fountain solutions, inks, etc. It is therefore contemplated that a thin sheet of hydrophilic material as described above and cut to appropriate dimensions may be coated and imaged as disclosed herein, and placed in a conventional printing press to generate the multiple printed copies desired. See Examples I - VI.
the plate comprises an endless surface in the form of a roll 10, which rotates in the direction of arrow 86.
endless surfaces could be employed, for example, belt-type ink transfer surfaces arranged about a plurality of rolls.
Various subsystems, previously described, are arranged about the ink transfer surface along its direction of movement.
These subsystems comprise: the cleaning subsystem 62, made up of elements 12, 14 and 16; the hydrophobic layer application subsystem 64, made up of elements 20 and 22; the latent image generating subsystem, which may be generalized here as newly numbered element 70; the aqueous fountain solution application subsystem comprising element 40; the inking subsystem comprising element 50; and the image transfer subsystem comprising element 6, and, if desired, element 4.
the substrate to which the ink image is transferred comprises a web.
the substrate can comprise either a web or individual sheets as desired.
individual sheets are fed seriatum to the transfer station 6 by a sheet feeder 72 of any desired conventional design, as, for example, feed rolls 74 and bin 76.
the feed roll 74 removes the sheet from the bottom of the stack and feeds it to the transfer roll 6 wherein the ink image is transferred to the substrate surface 8.
the substrate is then fed to the output bin 78 wherein it is stacked until removal by a machine operator.
the ink image is transferred onto roll 6 rather than onto a sheet between rol l 6 and roll 10.
the ink image is then re-transferred from the roll onto sheet 8A which is fed by a sheet feeder (shown in dotted lines) similar to the sheet feeder 72.
Elements 72, 74, 76, and 78 may be regarded as comprising optional elements of the image transfer subsystem.
the latent image generating subsystem 70 can be any suitable means, as discussed hereinabove, i.e., a electrical spark discharge system, one or more beams of electromagnetic energy, one or more heated fluid streams, etc., and includes a source of image-forming signals, such as a digital computer.
the latent image generating subsystem 70 may be utilized in both forming the latent image and in re-imaging the roll surface.
a separate re-imaging subsystem 88 may be employed.
the separate subsystem 88 can comprise a spark discharge means or any other means as previously discussed in reference to the latent image generating station 70, and may be arranged, for example, between the cleaning subsystem 62 and the hydrophobic layer application subsystem 64.
a primary function of re-imaging subsystem 88 is to clean the surface of roll 10 by removing hydrophobic layer material, gum, etc., which may be present. This is achieved by "imaging" the entire plate, resulting in a lithographically blank, i.e., totally hydrophilic, plate.
Each of the subsystems is selectively operable and their respective operation is controlled by a control system 80.
the cleaning roll stack 12 and the doctor blade 14 are actuated by moving them toward and away from the ink transfer surface by means of mechanical actuators such as solenoids or motors with screw drives 82. Similar actuators 82 are also employed for moving toward and away from the ink transfer surface the hydrophobic layer application subsystem 64, the latent image generating subsystem 70, the fountain solution application subsystem 40 and the inking subsystem 50.
Actuation of transfer roll 6 can be controlled by controlling the sheet feeder 72 or, alternatively, the transfer roll 6 can be moved out of engagement with the ink transfer surface by conventional means.
the drying jets 16 are controlled by means of electrically operated valves 84.
control system 80 to selectively operate any of the various subsystems by energizing the appropriate actuating systems 82, 84 or 72.
the control system 80 may be implemented in any conventional manner. For example, it is possible to utilize conventional cam and switch arrangements for selectively actuating the respective actuating systems 82, 84 and 72 to provide any desired sequence of operation. Preferably, however, in accordance with more current practice, a digital-type control system would be employed utilizing a programmable computer. The advantage of a digital-type system is that a greater variety of operational sequences can be selected. It is foreseen that the same computer system may serve as both the control system and the source of the electronically generated imagery to be printed.
Such a computer-type controller and associated actuating systems could readily carry out, on a single printing apparatus, all of the various sequencing arrangements needed to fully carry out the teachings herein.
image and run This mode of operation may be termed "image and run.”
cleaning subsystem 62 alone may be actuated to remove ink or other material from the surface of roll 10.
latent imaging generating subsystem 70 or separate re-imaging subsystem 88 may be employed to clean the roll surface of hydrophobic layer material, gum, etc. which may remain.
Such actuation of subsystems 62 and 88 are optional, and may be eliminated if the plate surface is sufficiently clean.
hydrophobic layer application subsystem 64 is actuated, along with latent image generating subsystem 70 and fountain solution application subsystem 64.
Ink subsystem 50 and the image transfer subsystem are not actuated, to allow at least one revolution of roll 10 carrying nothing more than a gum-containing formulation residing on an imaged plate. Applying fountain solution in this manner can serve as an optional gumming step to enhance the longevity of the hydrophilic portions of the plate, as discussed earlier. Drying jets 16 may be optionally employed at this point in the process.
Control system 80 could be modified appropriately to accommodate the addition of such subsystem.
a change in the image is desired at this point, several options are available. If a complete re-imaging of the plate is desired and the plate has been gummed, a preferred approach is to begin as above, with the actuation of only cleaning subsystem 62, followed by activation of latent image generating subsystem 70 or separate re-imaging subsystem 88, etc., in order to clean thoroughly the roll surface. If no gum was used, the actuation of these latter subsystems may be unnecessary, and in many cases a fresh layer of hydrophobic layer material may be applied over the existing hydrophobic layer, providing little or no-ink remains on the plate.
the adsorbed character of the layer which contributes a self-leveling quality to the material in layer form, along with the method of application, can result in a suitable thickness of material being applied.
the plate is then imaged, dampened, inked, and the image transferred to the substrate, as before.
the previously described process results in a printing plate in which those areas of the hydrophilic plate surface intended to carry an oleo ink are coated with a hydrophobic layer material, while the non-image areas of the hydrophilic plate surface are thought to be at least partially exposed.
a layer of gum may be made to cover these partially exposed areas, thereby rendering these areas more durably and decisively hydrophilic.
the method for generating such a plate described previously may be summarized as follows: (1) coat the hydrophilic plate surface with a thin layer of hydrophobic layer material, (2) selectively remove the layer in the desired configuration, and, (3) as an optional step, coat the resulting plate with gum, the gum ordinarily adhering only to the exposed portions of plate surface.
Alternative processes for generating the above described plate, as well as alternative printing plate constructions, however, are possible.
the above plate comprising hydrophobic layer material and gum in contiguous areas may be generated either by selective removal of a uniform layer of hydrophobic layer material, followed by a gumming step, as summarized above, or, for example, by (1) covering the plate surface with a thin layer of gum, (2) removing selectively portions of the gum layer in a desired configuration and (3) coating the resulting plate with a hydrophobic layer material.
Many hydrophobic layer materials will not readily cover the remaining portions of the gum layer, but will instead preferentially coat the now-exposed portions of the plate surface.
the result is a plate comprising hydrophobic layer material and gum in contiguous areas, as before. Note, however, that (1) the removal step was performed on the gum rather than the hydrophobic layer material, and (2) the removal step involved tracing the complement of the configuration used before.
An alternative method for generating plates similar in general construction to those disclosed above, which also results in the placement of hydrophobic layer material on the plate in an image-related, pre-determined configuration comprises selectively applying the hydrophobic layer material in the appropriate configuration, rather than selectively removing the material from a uniform layer, as has been described above.
This method may be implemented using, for example, an ink jet printing assembly or other means which is supplied with a source of hydrophobic layer material of appropriate viscosity rather than ink. Many of the materials listed in Table I are suitable for this application.
the ink jet printing assembly may be substituted for the hydrophobic layer application subsystem 64 and the layer-removal portion of the latent image generating subsystem 70 in the apparatus of Figure 7.
the hydrophobic layer application subsystem 64 may be disengaged, and the latent image generating subsystem 70 may comprise an ink jet assembly, or an array of such assemblies, which applies the chosen hydrophobic layer material in the proper configuration.
the use of a stencil, mask, or similar device may be used to aid in properly configuring the hydrophobic layer material, as before.
a suitable plate may be generated by (1) covering the hydrophilic plate surface with a thin underlayer of gum, (2) coating the gum underlayer with a thin overlayer of hydrophobic layer material, and (3) selectively removing the overlayer of hydrophobic layer material in the desired configuration, without substantially disturbing the underlying gum.
a suitable plate may be generated by (1) covering the hydrophilic plate surface with a thin underlayer of gum, (2) coating the gum underlayer with a thin overlayer of hydrophobic layer material, and (3) selectively removing the overlayer of hydrophobic layer material in the desired configuration, without substantially disturbing the underlying gum.
application of the hydrophobic layer material while in the vapor state, and allowing the material to condense onto the gum surface, or heating the hydrophobic layer material prior to application aids in the formation of the requisite hydrophobic overlayer recited in step (2).
the chemical properties of most gums allow them to adhere well to exposed portions of the plate surface.
the gum layer is relatively more difficult to remove and tends to remain intact compared with the hydrophobic layer material, and the imaging energy may be readily adjusted to accomplish this layer-selective removal with many combinations of gum formulations or similar materials and hydrophobic layer materials.
the result is a plate wherein the hydrophilic areas are comprised of the hydrophilic plate surface, coated by a layer of gum, and the hydrophobic areas are comprised of the hydrophilic plate surface coated with a layer of gum, which layer in turn is coated with an overlayer of hydrophobic layer material.
this same plate construction may be achieved by selective addition of the hydrophobic layer material over the g um in the desired configuration, via an ink jet or other means, rather than selective removal of the material from a uniform overlayer.
the use of an ink jet or other selective applicator could also be employed to generate a plate wherein the plate surface is first uniformly coated with a hydrophobic layer material, followed by the selective application of a hydrophilic layer of gum, e.g., by ink jet, in an image-related configuration.
the printing processes described hereinabove have generally assumed use of a substantially planographic printing plate wherein the image areas of the plate comprise regions which are relatively hydrophobic and wherein the non-image or image-complementary areas of the plate comprise regions which are relatively hydrophilic.
an oleo ink is applied to a plate surface which has been selectively wetted, in image-complementary configuration, with an aqueous fountain or dampening solution.
the plates used in these processes are also suitable for use in printing systems employing aqueous inks. In their simplest form, such .system# may be thought of as lithographic systems in which an aqueous-type ink is made a component of the aqueous fountain solution.
Such composite solution may be applied in the same manner and sequence as a conventional fountain solution, e.g., through the use of roll stack 40 or other suitable applicator. No ink is applied via applicator 50, which may be disengaged.
the ink carried in the fountain solution is transferred to a substrate as before, i.e., either directly or via an offset roll or the like. Because the ink now resides in the hydrophilic areas, rather than in the hydrophobic, oleophilic areas as before, the image "sense" of the plate must be transposed, i.e., the hydrophobic layer material must now be configured in an image-complementary configuration and the hydrophilic areas of the plate must be in image configuration, rather than vice versa, as before.
image-related configuration may be used to describe the configuration of either the hydrophilic or hydrophobic areas.
the latent image may be said to correlate with the resulting ink image, in that one either directly implies or is complementary to the other.
the process of cleaning aqueous ink from the roll may be somewhat different than in the oleo ink case, the hydrophobic layer material should now no longer have an affinity for the printing ink used, and other obvious differences may be found, but the overall printing process, as distinguished from the imaging process, is otherwise substantially similar, and may be used in situations where aqueous inks are advantageous.
the apparatus depicted in Figure 8 is similar to that depicted in Figure 7, except that a hydrophilic layer applicator subsystem 63, comprising gum applicator 18 and wash means 19, and appropriate actuators 82, have been added immediately prior to the hydrophobic layer applicator subsystem.
the sequence for the previously described "image and run" mode of operation may be followed, except that, immediately prior to the actuation of hydrophobic layer application subsystem 64, hydrophilic layer applicator subsystem 63 is actuated, causing a uniform, thin layer of the gum formulation to be deposited on the hydrophilic surface of roll 10.
roll 10 may be allowed to revolve one or more times to allow the gum formulation to dry..
Re-imaging of the plate discussed above is relatively easy, particularly if an aqueous ink is used, due to the uniform, somewhat tenacious layer of gum residing on the plate surface and the ease with which the aqeuous ink may be removed via cleaning subsystem 62.
Layer-selective removal of the entire layer of hydrophobic layer material is readily accomplished, for example, by activation of re-imaging subsystem 88.
Re-application of a gum layer if necessary,may be accomplished via optional actuation of hydrophilic layer application subsystem 63.
the natural self-leveling tendency of gum prevents excessive gum build-up. All the re-imaging steps above, as well as the application of a fresh layer of hydrophobic layer material, followed by re-imaging and printing, could be achieved within a single revolution of roll 10 if desired.
a non-planographic, gravure-type cylinder having a contoured surface which is intrinsically hydrophilic, as discussed herein, may be substituted for the planographic plate roll discussed above, with the benefit of-advantages analogous to those discussed above.
the physical configuration of the surface may be among those ordinarily chosen by those skilled in the art; the shape at the depressions, cells, grooves, etc., which comprise the contoured surface is not important.
the term cell is intended to include all such features.
the desired hydrophobic layer material may be applied either by applying a thin, uniform layer to the cylinder surface and selectively removing, e.g., by ablation, material from the surface of those cells intended to accept an aqueous developing liquid, e.g., an ink, or by selectively applying, e.g., by ink jet methods, a coating or layer of material to the interior surface of the desired cells.
an aqueous developing liquid e.g., an ink
the material and application means are chosen to permit the application of a monomolecular or near-monomolecular layer of the material which coats the walls and floor, or portions thereof, of the desired cells and conforms thereto.
FIG 11 depicts a magnified perspective view of a cross section of the surface of a conventionally configured gravure roll 104 which has been imaged by arrangement of a hydrophobic layer material over its hydrophilic surface. Shaded roll cells 106 carry an adsorbed, thin hydrophobic layer; unshaded cells 108 carry no hydrophobic layer material, and are therefore comprised of the exposed intrinsically hydrophilic material from which the roll is made, or a hydrophilic protective layer such as a gum layer. Boundary 109 indicates that only a portion of an individual cell need carry the hydrophobic layer material.
printing may be done in accordance with conventional gravure printing practice.
the image is then transferred to a suitable substrate by conventional means, e.g., direct cylinder-to-substrate contact.
a suitable substrate e.g., direct cylinder-to-substrate contact.
the "sense" of the image on the cylinder must be changed so that those cells intended to carry ink also carry a quantity of hydrophobic layer material.
the resulting gravure cylinder may be easily re-used, i.e., re-imaged, by cleaning ink from the cells and surface of the cylinder using conventional methods, and removing, e.g. by-ablation, all remaining hydrophobic layer material or other material from the cells. After thus thoroughly cleaning the cylinder of all dirt, coatings, etc., a fresh quantity of hydrophobic layer material may be applied as before, i.e., either selectively in the desired configuration, or as a uniform layer for subsequent selective removal.
a seamless cylindrical screen similar to that used in conventional screen printing methods also may be substituted for the planographic plate roll discussed herein, with all of the advantages analogous to those discussed above which are appropriate for such a screen system.
a reusable screen may be fashioned by installing a clean, open, relatively fine mesh (for example, about 100 x 100 mesh or finer, depending upon the desired viscosity of the ink, etc.) unimaged screen having mesh elements comprised of an intrinsically hydrophilic material, as discussed herein, on an apparatus similar to that depicted in Figure 9.
a cylindrical, substantially hollow revolving frame 90 is used, driven by any convenient means around which screen 92 is stretched.
a suitable hydrophobic layer material as disclosed herein may be applied to the mesh elements comprising the mesh surface of screen 92 by means of roll stack 20 or other suitable means.
Doctoring means 22, comprised of a water jet wash system 24 and a doctoring or kiss roll 23, are intended to remove excess hydrophobic layer material from screen 92.
Other doctoring or metering devices, such as a soft doctor blade, could be used as well.
Rolls 97, 99 serve to prevent deformation of screen 92, and may supply energy to rotate frame 90 and screen 92 in the direction indicated.
the uniform quantity of hydrophobic layer material adhering to the surface of screen 92 after passing doctoring means 22 may be selectively removed by any convenient means, e.g., a laser system 30, as discussed above and depicted in Figure 9.
Figure 12 depicts a magnified perspective view of a cross-section of a printing screen 110 which carries a quantity of hydrophobic layer material in the upper left, shaded portion.
the material is adsorbed on the wire mesh in area 112, and does not occlude the screen openings 114; wire mesh outside area 110, as depicted at 116, remains substantially hydrophilic.
ink is then applied thereto, as by roll train 50 or other suitable means.
a high surface tension, low viscosity aqueous ink is generally preferred. The ink is held within the screen interstices only in those regions of the screen wherein the hydrophobic layer material has been removed, and nowhere else.
the hydrophobic layer material cover or fill the selected interstices from which an aqueous ink or other aqueous developer material is to be excluded.
the layer material may therefore be consideed substantially non-occlusive.
the aqueous ink is then transferred to a substrate, as explained above. It is foreseen, however, that if a process resembling a conventional lithographic process is desired, using a screen in place of a solid lithographic plate, an oleo, lithographic-type ink may be used, along with a suitable fountain solution or other aqueous developer material. In this case, the oleo ink is held within the screen interstices only in those regions of the screen where the hydrophobic layer material remains.
hydrophobic layer material may be selectively applied to the screen surface, as, for example, by using a ink jet-type system, as discussed above, rather than uniformly applied and selectively removed.
the screen When a new image is desired, the screen may be cleaned of ink, by any suitable method, and of all hydrophobic layer material by, for example, use of an ablation means as discussed above. After the screen has thus been thoroughly cleaned and is once again completely open, the screen may be imaged again, by appropriate arrangement of hydrophobic layer material, as above, in the desired new configuration. If, for example, non-continuous imaging or non-seamless printing is desired, a non-cylindrical screen can be employed as well, with appropriate modification to the imaging and printing methods and apparatus.
the sheet was then mounted on a grounded steel plate cylinder.
a small amount of a solution comprising 0.2 grams of hexadecanoic acid dissolved in 100 ml distilled water and 100 ml isopropyl alcohol was then wiped by hand onto a four inch by four inch area in the central region of the sheet, thereby rendering that area hydrophobic.
the region of the sheet outside the four inch by four inch area remained clean of contaminants, and was therefore substantially hydrophilic.
a linear stylus array comprising tungsten wires approximately 10 mils in diameter supplied by the California Fine Wire Company, of Grover City, California, with an adjacent wire spacing of approximately one-half inch, was positioned so that the distance between the wire tips and the stainless steel sheet surface was approximately three mils.
the wires were held in an insulating matrix of glass filled epoxy and glass fiber reinforced board. Each wire was connected through a 100,000 ohm resistor and a switch to a +800 volt D.C. power supply.
the cylinder carrying the stainless steel sheet was rotated at a circumferential speed of approximately four yards per minute while the switch to the wires was closed, completing the connection with the power supply.
the stainless steel sheet was held at ground potential via contact with the grounded cylinder.
Argon gas was directed to the region of the wire tips, at a rate of approximately 3 C.F.H.
the switch was opened and the sheet was removed from the cylinder and stored in distilled water, to prevent oxidation or contamination of the clean hydrophilic areas of the sheet traced by the arcs.
the sheet was removed from the water and mounted in a Multilith 1250 Offset Lithographic Duplicator (distributed by A M International, Los Angeles, California) in place of a conventionally prepared lithographic plate.
the duplicator was inked with Pantone Process Brown ink, (supplied by A M Multigraphics, a division of A M International, Mt. Prospect, Illinois).
the fountain solution used was a solution of one part (by volume) 3M Duplicator Fountain Concentrate, supplied by 3M Printing Products Division, St. Paul, Minnesota, and 31 parts (by volume) distilled water.
the duplicator was run in the normal fashion, with the dampening rolls applying fountain solution to the sheet surface, followed by the inking rolls applying ink to the sheet surface.
the fountain solution was observed to wet only those areas of the four inch by four inch region where the arcs had impinged.
the ink being immiscible with the fountain solution, coated only the remainder of the four inch by four inch region containing no fountain solution.
the rest of the plate being uncontaminated, wet with the fountain solution and therefore did not accept ink.
the inked image was transferred to the blanket cylinder where it was transferred to paper.
a clean, sharp, well-defined image resulted on the paper which was the complement of the area traced by the arcs, i.e., a four inch by four inch inked region carrying uninked lines corresponding to the region traced by the arcs.
the sheet was used to print multiple copies on paper. No significant image degradation was observed.
Example I The procedures of Example I were followed, except as noted below.
the sheet was cleaned with alcohol and placed in a 600°F oven for one minute to vaporize any surface contaminants.
the plate was not stored under water.
a linear array comprising parallel tungsten wires 10 mils in diameter and spaced 25 wires per linear inch supplied by the California Fine Wire Company, of Grover City, California, was positioned so that the distance between the wire tips and the plate was approximately three mils.
the wires were held in an insulating matrix of glass filled epoxy and glass fiber-reinforced resin board. Each wire was connected through a 100,000 ohm resistor to a +700 volt D.C. power supply through a switch.
the surface of the stainless steel sheet Prior to mounting, the surface of the stainless steel sheet had been immersed in a fifty per cent (by weight) solution of sodium stearate in distilled water (prepared by heating the mixture to a temperature of about 50°C and cooling), and then rinsed with streams of distilled water and briefly air dried, leaving the sheet uniformly hydrophobic.
the duplicator was inked with 0/S H/T Process Blue fifteen per cent 23401 ink, made by Sinclair and Valentine Co., of Charlotte, North Carolina.
the fountain solution used was a solution of 31 parts (by volume) water and one part (by volume) RBP Craftsman Fountain Solution Soft Number 290701, supplied by Research for Better Printing Chemical Corporation, Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
the plate cylinder was rotated at a circumferential speed of approximately four yards per minute while the switch to the wires was closed, completing the circuit to the power supply.
the stainless steel sheet was held at ground potential via connection with the grounded duplicator frame.
Argon gas was directed to the region of the wire tips, at a rate of approximately 3 C.F.H. As the sheet surface passed under the wires, electrical arcs occurred between the wire tips and the sheet surface.
the plate roll speed was increased to twenty yards per minute, and the dampening roll was brought into operative engagement with the sheet.
the fountain solution wet only those areas of the sheet where the arcs had impinged.
the inking rolls of the duplicator were brought into operative engagement with the sheet.
the ink being immiscible with the fountain solution, was repelled by those areas wet by the fountain solution, and coated the surface of the sheet only in those areas not wet by the fountain solution, i.e., those areas where the arcs had not impinged.
the inked image was then transferred to the blanket cylinder where it was then transferred to paper.
a clean, sharp, well-defined image was printed on the paper which was the complement of that image traced by the arcs, i.e., the paper showed a solid inked area with a series of sharp, inked lines corresponding to the regions traced by the arcs.
the sheet was used to make multiple copies of the image; no discernible degradation in image quality was observed.
the sheet was then cleaned manually with mineral spirits, and the sheet was recoated with the sodium stearate solution and rinsed with distilled water, as before.
the imaging and printing processes described above were repeated. Again, the result was a series of clean, sharp, well-defined images of uninked lines traced within a region of solid ink, similar to those obtained earlier. There was no visible trace of the earlier image.
a roller was used to apply an additional quantity of the above solution, which was observed to wet only the imaged area.
a lithographic-type ink (Offset Black BI8261, manufactured by Burntwood Industried, Inc., of Addison, Illinois) was then applied to the general area of the roll surface carrying the image via a roller. The ink adhered to the roll surface only where the fountain solution had not wet the roll, i.e., in those areas which had not been imaged by the spark discharge.
the sheet was then dipped in a solution comprising 0.2 grams of hexadecanoic acid dissolved in a solution of 100 ml distilled water and 100 ml isopropyl alcohol and rinsed promptly in cold tap water, thereby rendering the sheet hydrophobic.
the sheet was then dried in a stream of nitrogen gas and securely mounted on a grounded, steel cylinder in order to image the sheet surface.
the wire was held in an insulating sandwich of acrylic plastic.
the wire was connected through a 100,000 ohm resistor and a switch to a D.C. power supply adjusted to deliver +8 00 volt pulses at a frequency of 17 KHz.
the cylinder carrying the stainless steel sheet was rotated at a circumferential speed of approximately 1.2" per second while the switch to the wire was closed, completing the connection with the power supply.
the stainless steel sheet was held at ground potential via contact with the grounded cylinder.
Argon gas was directed to the region of the wire tips, at a rate of approximately 3 C.F.H.
an electrical arc occurred between the wire tip and sheet surface.
the surface was imaged and the switch was opened.
the sheet was removed from the cylinder, rinsed with a 1:15 solution (by volume) of 3M Fountain Solution, distributed by 3M Printing Products Division, St. Paul, Minnesota, and distilled water. The solution was left standing on the sheet for five minutes, thereby gumming the plate.
the sheet was then rinsed with distilled water and inserted in a prepared cut-out in the central portion of a 3M R-Type plate, distributed by 3M Printing Products Division, St.
the "hybrid" plate was then mounted in a Multilith 1250 Offset Lithographic Duplicator (made by AM International, Los Angeles, California) in place of a conventionally prepared lithographic plate.
the duplicator was inked with Pantone Process Blue No. 530-8000, (supplied by AM Multigraphics, a division of AM International, Mt. Prospect, Illinois).
the fountain solution used was a solution of one part (by volume) Rosos Fountain Solution G-7A-V-Comb, supplied by Rosos, Inc., Lake Bluff, Illinois, and 31 parts (by volume) distilled water.
the duplicator was run in the normal fashion, with the dampening rolls applying fountain solution to the sheet surface, followed by the inking rolls applying ink to the sheet surface.
the fountain solution was observed to wet only those areas of the stainless steel insert where the arc had impinged.
the ink being immiscible with the fountain solution, coated only the remainder of the stainless steel insert containing no fountain solution.
the rest of the plate i.e., the conventional, diagnostically imaged plate, was selectively wet with the fountain solution as expected and, accepted ink in the diagnostic image areas.
the inked image carried by the entire hybrid plate was transferred to the blanket cylinder, where it was transferred to paper.
a clean, sharp, well-defined ink image resulted on the paper, which included an uninked line representing the area traced by the arc on the stainless steel insert.
the sheet was used to print multiple copies on paper. No significant image degradation was observed.
the stainless steel insert was removed from the hybrid plate and cleaned by hand using Blankrola , distributed by AM Nultigraphics, of Mt. Prospect, Illinois. After air drying, the insert was rinsed with isopropyl alcohol and again air dried. The shim was securely re-mounted on the grounded steel cylinder at approximately a 45° angle to the direction of cylinder rotation. The plate was imaged as before, except that a voltage of +950 volts was used and the cylinder speed was fixed at 1.5 yards per minute. The resulting arced line crossed the original arced line at approximately a 45° angle. The arcing process was repeated 4 times over the same area.
the shim was then rinsed with palmitic acid and gently rubbed with a paper tissue. Following this, the shim was rinsed with distilled water, then with the above fountain solution, then with distilled water, and then dried in a stream of nitrogen gas. The shim was inserted into the same prepared cut-out to form the "hybrid" plate as above, and remounted on the above lithographic duplicator. Multiple copies were printed which showed the same clean, sharp image as before, except that the original uninked line now had a small portion containing ink, corresponding to the region traced by the second arc which had removed the gum from that area and thereby allowed the hexadecanoic acid to coat the area. In effect, this region had been erased.
the hybrid plate was removed from the duplicator and the shim removed from the cut-out. After manual cleaning with Blankrola, the shim was dried and rinsed with isopropyl alcohol. The shim was then re-imaged as above, forming a line parallel to the direction of cylinder rotation directly over the initial imaged line, except that non-pulsating direct current was used. The shim was then re-inserted into the standard plate, as before, and mounted in the duplicator. Multiple copies were printed which showed the same clean sharp image that was originally visible after the first arcing. The same uninked line, corresponding to the area traced by the arc, appeared but without the former ink containing area visible in the previous print. In effect, this area had been re-imaged.
Example V The procedures of Example V were repeated, except that a 4" x 1" section of five mil thick aluminum shim stock, from the same supplier, was substituted for the stainless steel shim, with similar results.
Example IV A 4" x 1" section of five mil thick type 304 stainless steel sheet, supplied by the Precision Steel Warehouse, Inc. of Downers Grove, Illinois was placed in an oven at 650°F for one minute, then dipped in the hexadecanoic acid solution of Example IV. The section was mounted on the apparatus of Example IV, with the cylinder traveling at the rate of 4.6 yards per minute, the imaging procedures of Example IV were followed. The gumming solution of Example IV was applied and let dry. An ink/fountain solution mixture comprising 60 ml.of the above gumming solution and 10 drops of TERAPRINT Blue R disperse dye, distributed by Ciba Geigy Corporation, Greensboro, North Carolina, was applied.to the sheet by a roller.
the laser had an average beam energy of 3.5 Joules, a beam cross-sectional area of approximately 0.0123 square inches, and a pulse width of 40 nonoseconds.
the sheets were untreated before illumination, and therefore carried a film of machining oils and other materials associated with the manufacturing process which rendered the sheet surfaces hydrophobic as observed with distilled water. Immediately after illumination each sheet was dipped in distilled water and quickly withdrawn.
Example VIII The procedure of Example VIII was repeated, using 5 mil sheets of zinc and aluminum by Alfa Products of Danvers, Massachusetts, in place of the stainless steel and copper sheets. Similar results were obtained.
a small grooved roll similar to a rotogravure roll and having 120 grooves per linear inch, arranged in approximately a 45° helix was placed in an oven at 600°F for one minute to clean the surface.
the roll was then dipped in the hexadecanoic acid solution of Example V and immediately rinsed with water.
the roll was then imaged, using the procedures of Example V, except the voltage was +950 volts, the series resistance was 200 kilohms. Four short, evenly laterally spaced dashes were traced by the spark.
the roll was then squirted with an ink comprising (by volume) 50% distilled water and 50% Sheaffer Skrip blue fountain pen ink, distributed by Sheaffer Eaton, Fort Madison, Iowa.
a rubber doctor blade was used to remove excess ink.
the ink wet only those areas of the roll traced by the sparks.
the roll was pressed against a sheet of paper. Four short, inked dashes were formed on the paper. Multiple copies were produced. All images were clean and sharp.
a small section of stainless steel screen (120 x 108 mesh) supplied by McMaster-Carr, Inc., Elmhurst, Illinois, was first placed in an oven at 600°F for one minute, then briefly dipped in the hexadecanoic acid solution of Example V. The screen was then promptly rinsed with water, and then attached to the apparatus of Example V. The imaging procedures of Example IV were followed. The screen was made wettable in the area traced by the spark. The imaged screen was then dipped in distilled water to which a small quantity of Pelikan Yellow drawing ink distributed by Pelikan AG, Hannover, West Germany, had been added. Only the area traced by the spark held ink. The screen was then pressed against paper, and a clear, sharp image was transferred. Repeated images were printed, with only ink resupply necessary.

Landscapes

Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
Optics & Photonics (AREA)
Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
Manufacturing & Machinery (AREA)
Thermal Sciences (AREA)
Manufacture Or Reproduction Of Printing Formes (AREA)
Printing Plates And Materials Therefor (AREA)

EP83304532A 1982-08-09 1983-08-05 Procédé et appareil pour l'impression Withdrawn EP0101266A3 (fr)

Applications Claiming Priority (8)

Application Number	Priority Date	Filing Date	Title
US40669982A	1982-08-09	1982-08-09
US40662882A	1982-08-09	1982-08-09
US06/406,700 US4729310A (en)	1982-08-09	1982-08-09	Printing method
US06/407,001 US4718340A (en)	1982-08-09	1982-08-09	Printing method
US406699		1982-08-09
US406628		1982-08-09
US407001		1982-08-09
US406700		1982-08-09

Publications (2)

Publication Number	Publication Date
EP0101266A2 true EP0101266A2 (fr)	1984-02-22
EP0101266A3 EP0101266A3 (fr)	1985-04-03

Family

ID=27503526

Family Applications (1)

Application Number	Title	Priority Date	Filing Date
EP83304532A Withdrawn EP0101266A3 (fr)	1982-08-09	1983-08-05	Procédé et appareil pour l'impression

Country Status (2)

Country	Link
EP (1)	EP0101266A3 (fr)
DK (1)	DK361583A (fr)

Cited By (42)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
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WO1984002494A1 (fr) *	1982-12-27	1984-07-05	Josef Schneider	Procede et installation pour la fabrication d'un element de stockage d'image a imprimer pour l'impression a plat
EP0130028A3 (fr) *	1983-06-17	1985-06-05	Milliken Research Corporation	Procédé et appareil pour la formation d'images
EP0160920A3 (en) *	1984-05-08	1987-09-02	Hoechst Aktiengesellschaft	One-step electrochemical image-forming process for reproduction sheets
EP0167352A3 (fr) *	1984-06-28	1987-09-09	Milliken Research Corporation	Procédé pour obtenir des images, appareil et produit
GB2209018A (en) *	1987-08-25	1989-04-26	Bicc Plc	Screen printing
EP0298580A3 (en) *	1987-07-08	1989-12-27	Dataproducts Corporation	Ink jet image transfer lithographic apparatus and technique
EP0352612A1 (fr) *	1988-07-29	1990-01-31	M.A.N.-ROLAND Druckmaschinen Aktiengesellschaft	Procédé de fabrication d'une plaque d'impression
EP0279066A3 (en) *	1987-02-20	1990-02-28	M.A.N.-Roland Druckmaschinen Aktiengesellschaft	Printing machine
DE3837941A1 (de) *	1988-11-09	1990-05-10	Roland Man Druckmasch	Verfahren und vorrichtung zur herstellung einer tiefdruckform
WO1990002044A3 (fr) *	1988-08-19	1990-08-23	Presstek Inc	Plaques de lithographie, procede et appareillage pour graver l'image
GB2198085B (en) *	1986-11-29	1991-02-13	Stc Plc	Printing apparatus and process
EP0428894A3 (en) *	1989-11-18	1991-11-06	Man Roland Druckmaschinen Ag	Method of preparing a printing unit and printing unit adapted for this method
US5072671A (en) *	1988-11-09	1991-12-17	Man Roland Druckmaschinen Ag	System and method to apply a printing image on a printing machine cylinder in accordance with electronically furnished image information
US5094933A (en) *	1989-06-03	1992-03-10	Heidelberger Druckmaschinen	Process for filmless production of a printing form
EP0529163A1 (fr) *	1991-08-12	1993-03-03	Presstek, Inc.	Tête d'impression et dispositif pour le nettoyage des plaques
US5211113A (en) *	1990-07-07	1993-05-18	Heidelberger Druckmaschinen Ag	Printing machine with an electrochemically changeable printing form, and method of operation
US5222433A (en) *	1990-08-31	1993-06-29	Tampoprint Gmbh	Printing image carrier
EP0588399A1 (fr) *	1992-08-20	1994-03-23	Yoram Duchovne	Procédé de sérigraphie
EP0628409A1 (fr) *	1993-06-11	1994-12-14	Agfa-Gevaert N.V.	Procédé pour l'enregistrement par la chaleur et procédé pour la fabrication de plaques d'impression utilisant ce procédé
EP0609941A3 (fr) *	1993-02-05	1995-03-29	Agfa Gevaert Nv	Matériau d'enregistrement thermosensible et procédé pour la production de plaques lithographiques.
EP0755802A1 (fr) *	1995-07-26	1997-01-29	Eastman Kodak Company	Procédé de formation d'images par ablation à laser
EP0756942A1 (fr) *	1995-07-26	1997-02-05	Eastman Kodak Company	Procédé de formation d'images par ablation à laser
EP0786337A3 (fr) *	1996-01-24	1998-02-11	M.A.N.-ROLAND Druckmaschinen Aktiengesellschaft	Procédé pour l'écriture sur plaques d'impressions effaçables
EP0882584A1 (fr) *	1997-06-04	1998-12-09	Eastman Kodak Company	Méthode pour la préparation d'une plaque d'impression planographique
US5934196A (en) *	1996-02-20	1999-08-10	Scitex Corporation Ltd.	Printing member and method for producing same
US6245421B1 (en)	1999-02-04	2001-06-12	Kodak Polychrome Graphics Llc	Printable media for lithographic printing having a porous, hydrophilic layer and a method for the production thereof
EP1145863A1 (fr) *	2000-04-14	2001-10-17	Asahi Glass Company Ltd.	Procédé de préparation d' épreuve pour plaque d' impression, et moyen d' enregistrement
US6451413B1 (en)	1999-02-04	2002-09-17	Kodak Polychrome Graphics Llc	Method of preparing a printing plate and printing plate
US6532871B1 (en)	2000-01-27	2003-03-18	Kodak Polychrome Graphics Llc	Method of controlling image resolution on a substrate using an autophobic fluid
EP1285750A3 (fr) *	2001-08-21	2003-05-14	Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd.	Machine d'impression du type à fabrication des plaques, presse d'impression polychrome et procédé d'impression avec fabrication des plaques
WO2003070476A1 (fr) *	2002-02-19	2003-08-28	Oce Printing Systems Gmbh	Procede d'impression numerique et dispositif d'impression comprenant une forme d'impression a surface en forme de godets
WO2003106164A1 (fr) *	2002-06-17	2003-12-24	Institut für Neue Materialien Gemeinnützige GmbH	Substrat presentant une surface structuree comprenant des zones hydrophobes et des zones hydrophiles
EP1287986A4 (fr) *	2001-04-26	2006-11-29	Mitsubishi Heavy Ind Ltd	Methode et dispositif de traitement et d'impression regeneratifs
WO2010017068A3 (fr) *	2008-08-06	2010-04-22	Nova Write Corp.	Impression lithographique sans plaque
US8011300B2 (en)	2006-02-21	2011-09-06	Moore Wallace North America, Inc.	Method for high speed variable printing
ES2418730R1 (es) *	2012-02-09	2013-11-15	Souto Paloma Balbuena	Procedimiento para obtener reproducciones seriadas de una obra grafica
US8798104B2 (en)	2009-10-13	2014-08-05	Nanda Nathan	Pulsed high-power laser apparatus and methods
US8807029B2 (en)	2008-08-06	2014-08-19	Thomas E. Lewis	Plateless lithographic printing
EP2555058A3 (fr) *	2011-08-05	2015-01-07	Xerox Corporation	Sous-système de commande d'environnement pour appareil lithographique de données variables
US9701120B2 (en)	2007-08-20	2017-07-11	R.R. Donnelley & Sons Company	Compositions compatible with jet printing and methods therefor
US9952515B2 (en)	2003-11-14	2018-04-24	Asml Netherlands B.V.	Lithographic apparatus and device manufacturing method
US10022965B2 (en)	2006-02-21	2018-07-17	R.R. Donnelley & Sons Company	Method of operating a printing device and an image generation kit

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US9463643B2 (en)	2006-02-21	2016-10-11	R.R. Donnelley & Sons Company	Apparatus and methods for controlling application of a substance to a substrate
US8733248B2 (en)	2006-02-21	2014-05-27	R.R. Donnelley & Sons Company	Method and apparatus for transferring a principal substance and printing system
US8869698B2 (en)	2007-02-21	2014-10-28	R.R. Donnelley & Sons Company	Method and apparatus for transferring a principal substance
WO2009025814A1 (fr)	2007-08-20	2009-02-26	Rr Donnelley	Procédé et dispositif pour l'impression par jet d'encre

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BE760067A (fr) *	1969-12-09	1971-06-09	Applied Display Services	Procede et appareil pour la fabrication de plaques en relief ainsi que plaques pour impression ainsi obtenues
US3690878A (en) *	1970-01-09	1972-09-12	Addressograph Multigraph	Planographic printing element having carboxylic acid treated image areas
US3654864A (en) *	1970-01-16	1972-04-11	Energy Conversion Devices Inc	Printing employing materials with variable volume
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US3741118A (en) *	1970-06-17	1973-06-26	A Carley	Method for electronic lithography
GB1465364A (en) *	1974-02-28	1977-02-23	Crosfield Electronics Ltd	Preparation of printing surfaces
DE2450535A1 (de) *	1974-10-24	1976-04-29	Crosfield Electronics Ltd	Druckplatte sowie verfahren und vorrichtung zur herstellung derselben
GB1501214A (en) *	1975-04-23	1978-02-15	Xerox Corp	Imaging device responsive to electrical input
JPS5944225B2 (ja) *	1976-04-27	1984-10-27	株式会社東京機械製作所	製版装置を付設した印刷装置
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CA1144418A (fr) *	1979-12-17	1983-04-12	Ari Aviram	Methode d'electro-erosion de cliches pour l'impression offset
JPS58168562A (ja) *	1982-03-29	1983-10-04	ハリス・グラフィックス・コ−ポレ−ション	刷版製作方法及び装置

1983
- 1983-08-05 EP EP83304532A patent/EP0101266A3/fr not_active Withdrawn
- 1983-08-08 DK DK361583A patent/DK361583A/da not_active Application Discontinuation

Cited By (52)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number	Priority date	Publication date	Assignee	Title
WO1984002494A1 (fr) *	1982-12-27	1984-07-05	Josef Schneider	Procede et installation pour la fabrication d'un element de stockage d'image a imprimer pour l'impression a plat
EP0130028A3 (fr) *	1983-06-17	1985-06-05	Milliken Research Corporation	Procédé et appareil pour la formation d'images
EP0160920A3 (en) *	1984-05-08	1987-09-02	Hoechst Aktiengesellschaft	One-step electrochemical image-forming process for reproduction sheets
EP0167352A3 (fr) *	1984-06-28	1987-09-09	Milliken Research Corporation	Procédé pour obtenir des images, appareil et produit
GB2198085B (en) *	1986-11-29	1991-02-13	Stc Plc	Printing apparatus and process
EP0279066A3 (en) *	1987-02-20	1990-02-28	M.A.N.-Roland Druckmaschinen Aktiengesellschaft	Printing machine
EP0298580A3 (en) *	1987-07-08	1989-12-27	Dataproducts Corporation	Ink jet image transfer lithographic apparatus and technique
GB2209018A (en) *	1987-08-25	1989-04-26	Bicc Plc	Screen printing
EP0352612A1 (fr) *	1988-07-29	1990-01-31	M.A.N.-ROLAND Druckmaschinen Aktiengesellschaft	Procédé de fabrication d'une plaque d'impression
WO1990002044A3 (fr) *	1988-08-19	1990-08-23	Presstek Inc	Plaques de lithographie, procede et appareillage pour graver l'image
DE3837941A1 (de) *	1988-11-09	1990-05-10	Roland Man Druckmasch	Verfahren und vorrichtung zur herstellung einer tiefdruckform
US5072671A (en) *	1988-11-09	1991-12-17	Man Roland Druckmaschinen Ag	System and method to apply a printing image on a printing machine cylinder in accordance with electronically furnished image information
US5094933A (en) *	1989-06-03	1992-03-10	Heidelberger Druckmaschinen	Process for filmless production of a printing form
US5134936A (en) *	1989-11-18	1992-08-04	Man Roland Druckmaschinen Ag	Set-up method for a printing system, and resulting printing system
EP0428894A3 (en) *	1989-11-18	1991-11-06	Man Roland Druckmaschinen Ag	Method of preparing a printing unit and printing unit adapted for this method
US5211113A (en) *	1990-07-07	1993-05-18	Heidelberger Druckmaschinen Ag	Printing machine with an electrochemically changeable printing form, and method of operation
US5222433A (en) *	1990-08-31	1993-06-29	Tampoprint Gmbh	Printing image carrier
EP0529163A1 (fr) *	1991-08-12	1993-03-03	Presstek, Inc.	Tête d'impression et dispositif pour le nettoyage des plaques
EP0588399A1 (fr) *	1992-08-20	1994-03-23	Yoram Duchovne	Procédé de sérigraphie
EP0609941A3 (fr) *	1993-02-05	1995-03-29	Agfa Gevaert Nv	Matériau d'enregistrement thermosensible et procédé pour la production de plaques lithographiques.
EP0628409A1 (fr) *	1993-06-11	1994-12-14	Agfa-Gevaert N.V.	Procédé pour l'enregistrement par la chaleur et procédé pour la fabrication de plaques d'impression utilisant ce procédé
EP0755802A1 (fr) *	1995-07-26	1997-01-29	Eastman Kodak Company	Procédé de formation d'images par ablation à laser
EP0756942A1 (fr) *	1995-07-26	1997-02-05	Eastman Kodak Company	Procédé de formation d'images par ablation à laser
EP0786337A3 (fr) *	1996-01-24	1998-02-11	M.A.N.-ROLAND Druckmaschinen Aktiengesellschaft	Procédé pour l'écriture sur plaques d'impressions effaçables
US6796237B2 (en)	1996-01-24	2004-09-28	Man Roland Druckmaschinen Ag	Method for imaging and erasing an erasable printing form
US5934196A (en) *	1996-02-20	1999-08-10	Scitex Corporation Ltd.	Printing member and method for producing same
EP0882584A1 (fr) *	1997-06-04	1998-12-09	Eastman Kodak Company	Méthode pour la préparation d'une plaque d'impression planographique
US6245421B1 (en)	1999-02-04	2001-06-12	Kodak Polychrome Graphics Llc	Printable media for lithographic printing having a porous, hydrophilic layer and a method for the production thereof
US6451413B1 (en)	1999-02-04	2002-09-17	Kodak Polychrome Graphics Llc	Method of preparing a printing plate and printing plate
US6455132B1 (en)	1999-02-04	2002-09-24	Kodak Polychrome Graphics Llc	Lithographic printing printable media and process for the production thereof
US6472054B1 (en)	1999-02-04	2002-10-29	Kodak Polychrome Graphics Llc	Method of preparing a printing plate and printing plate
US6555205B2 (en)	1999-02-04	2003-04-29	Kodak Polychrome Graphics Llc	Printing plate and method to prepare a printing plate
US6532871B1 (en)	2000-01-27	2003-03-18	Kodak Polychrome Graphics Llc	Method of controlling image resolution on a substrate using an autophobic fluid
EP1145863A1 (fr) *	2000-04-14	2001-10-17	Asahi Glass Company Ltd.	Procédé de préparation d' épreuve pour plaque d' impression, et moyen d' enregistrement
US7073443B2 (en)	2000-04-14	2006-07-11	Asahi Glass Company, Limited	Method for preparing proof for plate printing, and recording medium
EP1287986A4 (fr) *	2001-04-26	2006-11-29	Mitsubishi Heavy Ind Ltd	Methode et dispositif de traitement et d'impression regeneratifs
EP1285750A3 (fr) *	2001-08-21	2003-05-14	Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd.	Machine d'impression du type à fabrication des plaques, presse d'impression polychrome et procédé d'impression avec fabrication des plaques
US6997108B2 (en)	2001-08-21	2006-02-14	Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd.	Plate-making type printing press, multi-color printing press and plate-making type printing method
WO2003070476A1 (fr) *	2002-02-19	2003-08-28	Oce Printing Systems Gmbh	Procede d'impression numerique et dispositif d'impression comprenant une forme d'impression a surface en forme de godets
WO2003106164A1 (fr) *	2002-06-17	2003-12-24	Institut für Neue Materialien Gemeinnützige GmbH	Substrat presentant une surface structuree comprenant des zones hydrophobes et des zones hydrophiles
US10345712B2 (en)	2003-11-14	2019-07-09	Asml Netherlands B.V.	Lithographic apparatus and device manufacturing method
US9952515B2 (en)	2003-11-14	2018-04-24	Asml Netherlands B.V.	Lithographic apparatus and device manufacturing method
US8011300B2 (en)	2006-02-21	2011-09-06	Moore Wallace North America, Inc.	Method for high speed variable printing
US10022965B2 (en)	2006-02-21	2018-07-17	R.R. Donnelley & Sons Company	Method of operating a printing device and an image generation kit
US9701120B2 (en)	2007-08-20	2017-07-11	R.R. Donnelley & Sons Company	Compositions compatible with jet printing and methods therefor
WO2010017068A3 (fr) *	2008-08-06	2010-04-22	Nova Write Corp.	Impression lithographique sans plaque
US8807029B2 (en)	2008-08-06	2014-08-19	Thomas E. Lewis	Plateless lithographic printing
US8256346B2 (en)	2008-08-06	2012-09-04	Lewis Thomas E	Plateless lithographic printing
CN102202887A (zh) *	2008-08-06	2011-09-28	托马斯·E·路易斯	无印版式平印
US8798104B2 (en)	2009-10-13	2014-08-05	Nanda Nathan	Pulsed high-power laser apparatus and methods
EP2555058A3 (fr) *	2011-08-05	2015-01-07	Xerox Corporation	Sous-système de commande d'environnement pour appareil lithographique de données variables
ES2418730R1 (es) *	2012-02-09	2013-11-15	Souto Paloma Balbuena	Procedimiento para obtener reproducciones seriadas de una obra grafica

Also Published As

Publication number	Publication date
DK361583A (da)	1984-02-10
EP0101266A3 (fr)	1985-04-03
DK361583D0 (da)	1983-08-08

Publication	Publication Date	Title
US4729310A (en)	1988-03-08	Printing method
US4718340A (en)	1988-01-12	Printing method
EP0101266A2 (fr)	1984-02-22	Procédé et appareil pour l'impression
US5511477A (en)	1996-04-30	Method and apparatus for the production of photopolymeric relief printing plates
US5005479A (en)	1991-04-09	Method and apparatus for imaging printing plates by spark discharge
EP0730953B1 (fr)	2000-08-30	Procédé et appareil pour l'héliogravure
US7020420B2 (en)	2006-03-28	Device and method for electrographically printing or copying using liquid inks
US6048446A (en)	2000-04-11	Methods and apparatuses for engraving gravure cylinders
JP2007253621A (ja)	2007-10-04	印刷版および印刷機の印刷装置
US5272979A (en)	1993-12-28	Plasma-jet imaging apparatus and method
US6899814B2 (en)	2005-05-31	Creating a mask for producing a printing plate
CA1232790A (fr)	1988-02-16	Methode et dispositif d'impression
CA1222412A (fr)	1987-06-02	Cliche, et sa preparation
US3698312A (en)	1972-10-17	Rotary planographic printing press
US4958563A (en)	1990-09-25	Lithography plate with a chromium surface and method for imaging
US5211113A (en)	1993-05-18	Printing machine with an electrochemically changeable printing form, and method of operation
CA2104769C (fr)	1998-07-07	Methode servant a prolonger la duree de vie utile et a ameliorer le rendement de plaques d'impression lithographiques
US5052292A (en)	1991-10-01	Method and means for controlling overburn in spark-imaged lithography plates
US4947750A (en)	1990-08-14	Printing member for a press with dampening
EP1401660B1 (fr)	2010-11-03	Procede et dispositif permettant de produire differentes images imprimees a partir du meme support d'impression
EP1476311B1 (fr)	2006-11-08	Procede d'impression numerique et dispositif d'impression comprenant une forme d'impression a surface en forme de godets
US4947749A (en)	1990-08-14	Printing member for a press with dampening
US4958562A (en)	1990-09-25	Printing member with an organic plastic surface and method for imaging
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