Method of preparing flexographic printing members

摘要

Following imagewise exposure of a sandwiched photopolymer layer, the outer layers between which the photopolymer is interposed are separated in a manner that leaves some photopolymer on each of the separated layers. The photopolymer remaining on one layer contains the raised pattern that will carry ink, and may be subjected to further exposure to actinic radiation in order to complete the curing process without the need for washing; the photopolymer remaining on the other layer can be removed and reused. As a result, waste is minimized or eliminated.

主权项

1. A method of producing a flexographic printing member, the method comprising the steps of:
providing a precursor comprising (i) an imaged photomask having an imagewise pattern of opaque and non-opaque regions, the opaque regions substantially blocking passage therethrough of actinic radiation, (ii) a support, and (iii) disposed between the photomask and the support and in contact with opposed surfaces thereof, a layer of a photopolymer polymerizable by actinic radiation; exposing the precursor to actinic radiation at least through the photomask; separating the photomask from the support whereby (i) a first portion of the photopolymer layer only below opaque areas of the photomask remains on the photomask and a second portion of the photopolymer layer only below opaque areas of the photomask remains on the printing member and (ii) substantially none of the photopolymer remains on the photomask below non-opaque areas, thereby forming a flexographic printing member comprising a photopolymer relief pattern on the support corresponding to the imagewise pattern; and applying a sheet to the second photopolymer portion and removing the sheet to remove at least some uncured material from the second photopolymer portion.