EP0755781A1
Expired / Lapsed
EP
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Thin-metal lithographic printing members with visible tracking layers
Assignee: Presstek LLC
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Filing: 1996-07-26
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Granted: —
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Expires: 2016-07-26
Abstract
Abstract Laser-imageable, ablation-type lithographic printing members have a colorant that provides contrast between plate layers of similar tonalities. In particular, the colorant observably distinguishes the ablation layer from visible underlying layers, but which does not substantially interfere with the action of the imaging pulses.
Inventors
- 👤 Thomas E. Lewis
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
EP
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-04 12:59
CPC Classifications
B; B41; B41C; B41C1/00; B41C1/10; B41C1/1008; B41C1/1033
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 17
Claim 1
Independent Claim
110 words
A lithographic printing member directly imageable by laser discharge, the member comprising: a. a topmost first layer; b. a second layer underlying the first layer; and c. a third layer underlying the second layer; wherein: d. the second layer is formed of a material which is subject to ablative absorption of imaging radiation and the first layer is not; e. the first and third layers exhibit different affinities for at least one printing liquid selected from the group consisting of ink and an abhesive fluid for ink; and f. the printing member includes a layer comprising a material that observably distinguishes it from at least one of the other layers.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
58 words
A printing member according to claim 1, comprising a support to which the third layer is laminated, and a layer of laminating adhesive anchoring the third layer to the support, wherein at least one of the first layer, the third layer, the adhesive layer and the support comprises a contrast material that distinguishes it from the second layer.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
37 words
A printing member according to claim 2, wherein the support comprises a material that reflects imaging radiation and does not exhibit substantial observable contrast with respect to the second layer, the laminating material comprising the contrast material.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
12 words
A printing member according to claim 3, wherein the support is metal.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
22 words
A printing member according to claim 3, wherein the support is polymeric and comprises a dispersion of particles that reflect imaging radiation.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
14 words
A printing member according to any preceding claim, wherein the second layer is metal.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
17 words
A printing member according to any of claims 1 to 5, wherein the second layer is polymeric.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
22 words
A printing member according to claim 6, wherein the second layer is a thin layer of titanium or an alloy of titanium.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
18 words
A printing member according to any preceding claim, wherein the contrast material does not substantially absorb imaging radiation.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
17 words
A printing member according to claim 6, wherein the contrast material is a pigment or a dye.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
25 words
A printing member according to any preceding claim, wherein the contrast material and the layer in which it is disposed have substantially similar refractive indices.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
20 words
A printing member according to any of claims 1 to 11, wherein the contrast material is observable under visible radiation.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
14 words
A printing member according to any preceding claim, wherein the first layer is polymeric.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
17 words
A printing member according to any preceding claim, wherein the first layer alone comprises the contrast material.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
29 words
A printing member according to any of claims 1 to 13, wherein the first and third layers are substantially transparent and the adhesive layer alone comprises the contrast material.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
28 words
A printing member according to any of claims 1 to 13, wherein the first and third layers are substantially transparent and the support alone comprises the contrast material.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
27 words
A printing member according to any of claims 1 to 13, wherein the first layer is substantially transparent and the third layer alone comprises the contrast material.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
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