Production of color proofs and printing plates

摘要

A color reproduction method is described using laser addressable thermal transfer donor elements which may be used to image both color proofing films and printing plates. Matched proofs and plates may be generated by direct digital address since identical transfer media are used in the respective imaging processes. In addition, each plate bears a resin image of a color that matches the color of the ink that will be used with that plate thus providing a convenient means of identification. In other words, the identity of each plate (i.e. whether it bears the y, m, c or k separation image) is immediately apparent by visual inspection, thus removing any risk of confusion and any need to provide individual plates with identification marks.