Process for preparing a planographic printing plate

Claim 1

A process for preparing a planographic printing plate by electrophotographic or electrographic means, comprising the steps of: on a photoconductive or highly insulating layer which provides a first surface and a second surface, producing a charge image on said first surface; applying a dielectric film as an intermediate support to said first surface of said photoconductive or insulating layer, whereby said charge image is covered by said intermediate support; developing a toner image on the free surface of said intermediate support, said toner image corresponding to said charge image, by applying a liquid developer to said free surface of said intermediate support, said developer comprising an electrophoretically active liquid developer comprising thermoplastic, dispersed particles which (a) have a melting range from about 90° C. to 130° C. and (b) are comprised of at least one thermoplastic selected from the group consisting of a polyamide, polyethylene, a copolymer of styrene, and a copolymer of acrylate or methacrylate; separating said intermediate support from said photoconductive or insulating layer; transferring and fixing said toner image to the planographic printing plate by (i) applying said intermediate support to a planographic printing plate, such that said toner image is immediately adjacent to said planographic printing plate, (ii) applying heat such that said toner image is softened for melt transfer, and (ii) transferring said toner image by melt transfer to said planographic printing plate; and separating said intermediate support from said planographic printing plate.