ABLATABLE PROCESSES IMAGING MEMBER AND METHOD OF USE

摘要

A thermal imaging member can be imaged using infrared radiation such as from an IR-emitting laser and used for lithgraphic printing. The imaging member includes a support having an ink-repellant thermally sensitive imaging layer and an ink-repellant surface layer that is swellable in waterless ink solvents. Imaging ablates the surface layer, but minimal debris is generated so wiping or washing is not required. The imaging layer including a thermally sensitive copolymer of silicone "soft" segments and thermally sensitive "hard" segments, as well as a photothermal conversion material that is IR radiation sensitive, said imaging layer being capable of becoming ink-accepting upon exposure to thermal energy.