Abstract:
The invention relates to the application of a uniform film of a fluid to the surface of a flat workpiece as it is being conveyed through a workstation. The invention is specifically directed to the development of lithographic printing plates and comprises the application of the thin film of developer solution to each plate in a controlled manner using a wire-wound coating device and a unique manner of metering and feeding fresh fluid to the wire-wound device. Specifically, the fluid is gently fed onto the wire-wound device by simple volumetric displacement and overflow from the inside of a hollow tube onto the wire and the flow is controlled by sensing the beginning and end of each workpiece or plate. The hollow tube may be the wire-wound component or it may be a tube mounted above the wire-wound component. The spent developer is rinsed and sent to waste. According to the invention, only fresh developer solution is applied at a uniform film thickness, thereby achieving uniform image development.
Abstract:
A catalytic structure is formed by first partially embedding discrete, non-conductive particles into the surface of an aluminum substrate. Nodules of a catalyst metal are then electrodeposited onto the surface between the embedded particles. The non-conductive particles control the distribution of the electrodeposited nodules. The aluminum substrate may be anodized after embedding the particles and the particles themselves may possess catalytic activity thereby providing a dual catalyst structure.
Abstract:
A substrate is coated with a first material which is soluble in a first solvent, whereupon a second material which is strongly adherent to the first material and insoluble in the first solvent is selectively applied by an ink jet printer. The substrate is then developed in the first solvent to establish the image. In a preferred embodiment the substrate is hydrophilic, the first material is a negative working photosensitive material, and the second material is a transparent adhesive, which permits curing the first material by exposure to actinic light after the development step. The adhesive is then removed. In an embodiment directed to a waterless plate the substrate includes a surface coating of silicone, and the first material is a primer which promotes adhesion of a second material in the form of an oleophilic adhesive which is selectively applied. The primer is then developed to expose the silicone on the non-image areas. The ink carrying image areas are formed by the adhesive, which in this embodiment is not removed.
Abstract:
The water-loving properties of an anodized aluminum lithographic surface are enhanced or restored by treatment with a solution containing a monomeric, organo-phosphonic acid chelating compound or salt thereof. Such treatment can take place following, during or in lieu of the treatment of anodized aluminum in web form with an alkali metal silicate in the process of manufacturing printing plates. Alternatively, the treatment can be carried out as a plate is developed and/or prepared for the press. In a third approach, an organo-phosphonic acid chelating compound can be incorporated into a fountain solution, ink or correction fluid.
Abstract:
Smooth planar metal surfaces, usually an aluminum web, intended for a lithographic printing plate, are roughened by brush graining with fine abrasive particles which are hard and dense and have a radial or disk-like configuration such that the abrasive particles are forged into the surface of the metal forming cavities in which the abrasive particles remain embedded. The embedded abrasive particles are dislodged and removed from the cavities by subjecting the web to an anodic treatment employing electrolyte materials and concentrations, temperatures and voltage which will dislodge and remove the particles while retaining the surface texture or morphology of the as-roughened surface. The web is then subjected to a second anodic treatment under conditions which favor oxide formation in order to provide a final anodized product.
Abstract:
Tetrahedral elements are hingedly connected along opposed edges to form an elongate structure with a pair of cable guides at apices of each pair of connected edges. Cables fixed at or near the apices of the element at the free end of the structure and passing through the guides are used to control the shape of the structure by applying tension at the fixed end of the structure.
Abstract:
The lithographic printing plate of the invention comprises a substrate having a hydrophilic surface, a coating on said surface of a light sensitive material (e.g., a water soluble diazo) and a top coating of discrete, oleophilic resin particles (e.g., an emulsion polymer), the resin particle coating being:(a) transparent to actinic light;(b) sufficiently permeable to allow a developer for the light sensitive material to penetrate through to the underlying light sensitive coating;(c) insoluble in said developer;(d) capable of being coalesced in situ after the plate is imaged and developed.
Abstract:
Lithographic printing plates are made by exposing to actinic light a lithographic plate having a water soluble light sensitive layer thereon and a coating of a solvent soluble, UV curable material thereover to form an image in the light sensitive layer and adhere said layer to the overlying UV curable material. The plate is developed with water to remove light sensitive layer and overlying UV curable material in the non-image areas, and the plate is exposed to UV source having an intensity greater than the imaging light to form a press-ready plate having a durable, reinforced cured image thereon.
Abstract:
Lithographic printing plates are made by exposing to actinic light a lithographic plate having a water soluble light sensitive layer thereon to form an image in said layer. A solvent soluble, UV curable material is adhered to the image in said layer. The plate is developed before or after applying the UV curable material. The plate is exposed to UV source having an intensity greater than the imaging light to form a press-ready plate having a durable, reinforced cured image thereon.
Abstract:
Lithographic printing plates are made by exposing to actinic light a lithographic plate having a water soluble light sensitive layer thereon to form an image in said layer. A solvent soluble, UV curable material is adhered to the image in said layer. The plate is developed before or after applying the UV curable material. The plate is exposed to UV source having an intensity greater than the imaging light to form a press-ready plate having a durable, reinforced cured image thereon.