Method for making lithographic printing plates allowing for the use of lower laser writing power

摘要

According to the present invention there is provided a method for making lithographic printing plates comprising the image-wise exposure of a heat-sensitive imaging element comprising on a hydrophilic lithographic base an image-forming layer comprising hydrophobic thermoplastic polymer particles dispersed in a hydrophilic binder and a compound capable of converting light into heat present in said image-forming layer or a layer adjacent thereto and developing said imaging element by rinsing it with plain water or an aqueous solution. To allow for the use of lower laser writing power the heat-sensitive imaging element is heated to a temperature between 35 DEG C and 60 DEG C while being exposed.