ULTRA-FINE TEXTURED DIGITAL LITHOGRAPHIC IMAGING PLATE AND METHOD OF MANUFACTURE

摘要

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an imaging blanket for printing systems having a controlled surface roughness and oleophobicity.SOLUTION: A method comprises preparing a support structure (e.g., mold) for receipt of a polymer blanket compound, introducing the polymer blanket compound in a liquid state into the support structure, curing the polymer blanket compound to produce an imaging blanket, releasing the imaging blanket from the support structure, and etching a surface of the imaging blanket to form a texture pattern in the surface, the surface forming an imaging surface of the imaging blanket. An imaging surface providing desirable dampening fluid retention is provided. Wet etch, dry etch or a combination of both may be used. The polymer may be a silicone compound, and may include 3 wt.% of granular material.