Method and apparatus for preparing a printing form using vibrational energy

摘要

This invention pertains to a method and apparatus for preparing a relief printing form from a photosensitive element that includes a photopolymerizable composition layer having an exterior surface and capable of being partially liquefied. The method includes the steps of (a) heating the exterior surface of the photopolymerizable composition layer to a temperature sufficient to cause a portion of the layer to liquefy, forming the liquefied material; and (b) removing the liquefied material; wherein the heating step is performed using vibrationally-induced frictional energy.