Method for producing constitution body, method for producing printing plate, and constitution body

Abstract

To provide a method for producing a constitution body which does not need disposal of the constitution body, contributes to cost reduction, can attain sufficient light blocking effect in a pattern exposure process of a production process of a printing plate, and can improve efficiency in printing plate production work, a method for producing the printing plate, and the constitution body.SOLUTION: A method for producing a constitution body having an ultraviolet transmissible substrate, and a blackened layer provided on the substrate, has: a defect place-identifying process of identifying a defect place of the blackened layer; and a repair process of covering the defect place of the blackened layer with a substance having an ultraviolet-shielding effect.SELECTED DRAWING: None

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a method for manufacturing a structure, a method for manufacturing a printing plate, and a structure.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, in the manufacturing process of a flexographic printing plate, the photosensitive resin composition layer of a plate material having a photosensitive resin composition layer is exposed through a mask film as a negative film provided with a desired pattern, and after forming a printing pattern, a method of washing and removing the unexposed photosensitive resin composition layer is known. As the mask film, there is one having an ultraviolet-transmissive base film and a blackening layer on one side thereof, and the blackening layer can be drawn by decolorization by irradiation with a laser beam, and the ultraviolet transmittance before irradiation with the laser beam is about 0.1% or less, and a structure in which the blackening layer contains carbon black as a black pigment has been proposed (see, for example, Patent Documents 1 and 2).

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

Disclosure of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] However, defects such as pinholes and scratches due to rubbing (hereinafter, these may be referred to as defects) may occur in the blackening layer of the structure in the manufacturing process of the structure. When a structure in a state having such drawbacks is used as a mask film in the manufacturing process of a flexographic printing plate and pattern exposure is performed, there are problems that light transmittance variations occur at the defective locations, pinhole portions are exposed, and sufficient light shielding properties cannot be ensured. Further, in the exposure process, it is necessary to identify the defective locations of the structure and arrange the exposure design, which complicates the work. In view of these problems, the structure has been discarded according to the number of the drawbacks, but this causes a problem of high cost.

[0005] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a method for manufacturing a structure, the structure, and a method for manufacturing a printing plate, which do not require the discard of the structure, contribute to cost reduction, can achieve sufficient light shielding properties in the pattern exposure process in the manufacturing process of the printing plate, and enable the efficiency improvement of the printing plate manufacturing work.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] As a result of intensive studies to solve the problems of the above-described prior art, it has been found that the defective locations of the blackening layer of the structure used as a mask film in the manufacturing process of the printing plate can be specified, and by covering the defective locations with a predetermined substance or arranging the drawing design in consideration of the defective locations, the problems of the above-described prior art can be solved, and the present invention has been completed. That is, the present invention is as follows.

[0007] 〔1〕 A method for manufacturing a structure having an ultraviolet-transmissive substrate and a blackening layer provided on the substrate, comprising: a defective location specifying step of specifying defective locations of the blackening layer; a repair step of covering the defective locations of the blackening layer with a substance having an ultraviolet shielding effect; and a method for manufacturing a structure. 〔2〕 The substance having an ultraviolet shielding effect is a substance capable of being drawn by laser irradiation. The manufacturing method of the structure described in the above [1]. 〔3〕 In the repair step, direct marking capable of identifying the defective portion is performed directly on the defective portion, and the manufacturing method of the structure described in the above [1] or [2]. 〔4〕 In the repair step, the defective portion of the blackened layer is coated with a substance having the ultraviolet shielding effect by an inkjet method, and the manufacturing method of the structure described in any one of the above [1] to [3]. 〔5〕 A method for manufacturing a printing plate having an ultraviolet irradiation step of forming a photosensitive resin composition layer on a structure having an ultraviolet-transmissive substrate and a blackened layer provided on the substrate, covering the upper surface of the photosensitive resin composition layer with a base film, and exposing from both the structure side and the base film side to cure the photosensitive resin composition layer, In the stage before the ultraviolet irradiation step, A defective portion specifying step of specifying the defective portion of the blackened layer, A repair step of covering the defective portion of the blackened layer with a substance having an ultraviolet shielding effect, having, A method for manufacturing a printing plate. 〔6〕 The substance having the ultraviolet shielding effect is a substance capable of being drawn by laser irradiation, The method for manufacturing a printing plate described in the above [5]. 〔7〕 The substance having the ultraviolet shielding effect is a substance that cannot be drawn by laser irradiation, In the repair step, a design placement step of arranging a design for drawing by laser irradiation is provided, avoiding the portion covered with the substance having the ultraviolet shielding effect. The method for manufacturing a printing plate described in the above [5]. 〔8〕 In the stage before the design placement step, Marking capable of identifying the portion covered with the substance having the ultraviolet shielding effect is performed, The method for manufacturing a printing plate described in the above [7]. [9] An ultraviolet-transmissive substrate and a blackening layer provided on the substrate, the structure having a coating layer containing a substance having an ultraviolet-shielding effect at a defective portion of the blackening layer. Structure.

[10] The structure according to [9] above, wherein the substance having an ultraviolet-shielding effect is a substance that can be drawn by laser irradiation.

[11] The structure according to [9] or

[10] above, having a direct marking portion capable of identifying the defective portion at the defective portion.

[12] The structure according to any one of [9] to

[11] above, wherein the coating layer is a repaired portion by an inkjet method.

[13] The structure according to any one of [9] to

[12] above, wherein the optical density of the blackening layer is 2 or more and 4 or less.

[14] A method for manufacturing a printing plate, comprising forming a photosensitive resin composition layer on a structure having an ultraviolet-transmissive substrate and a blackening layer provided on the substrate, covering the upper surface of the photosensitive resin composition layer with a base film, and exposing the structure side and the base film side bidirectionally to cure the photosensitive resin composition layer, the method having in a previous stage of the ultraviolet irradiation step a defective portion specifying step of specifying a defective portion of the blackening layer and a design arranging step of arranging a design for drawing by laser irradiation while avoiding the defective portion. Method for manufacturing a printing plate.

[15] An ultraviolet-transmissive substrate and a blackening layer provided on the substrate, the structure having a marking portion capable of identifying a defective portion of the blackening layer at or near the defective portion of the blackening layer. ​​​​Constituent

Advantages of the Invention

[0008] According to the present invention, there is provided a method for manufacturing a constituent, a method for manufacturing a printing plate, and a constituent that do not require the disposal of the constituent, contribute to cost reduction, can achieve sufficient light-shielding properties in the pattern exposure step in the manufacturing process of the printing plate, and enable the efficiency improvement of the printing plate manufacturing operation.

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0009] Hereinafter, embodiments for carrying out the present invention (hereinafter, these embodiments) will be described in detail. It should be noted that the present invention is not limited to the following description, and can be variously modified and implemented within the scope of the gist.

[0010] 〔Method for Manufacturing Constituent〕 The method for manufacturing a constituent of the present embodiment is a method for manufacturing a constituent having an ultraviolet-transmissive substrate and a blackening layer provided on the substrate, a defective portion specifying step of specifying defective portions of the blackening layer, a repair step of coating the defective portions of the blackening layer with a substance having an ultraviolet shielding effect, and includes.

[0011] (Substrate) The constituent used in the method for manufacturing a constituent of the present embodiment has a substrate and a blackening layer provided on the substrate. The substrate may have ultraviolet transmissivity and is not particularly limited. However, a film having a transmittance of 20% or more at the characteristic wavelength of the light source of the actinic ray for curing the photosensitive resin composition (for example, a wavelength 360 nm UV lamp) and having good heat resistance, thermal dimensional stability, and mechanical properties is preferable. Further, from the viewpoint of realizing precise pattern exposure, the smaller the internal haze value of the substrate, the more preferable, and it is preferably 2% or less. Examples of the base material include polyester resins such as polyethylene terephthalate, polybutylene terephthalate, and polyethylene naphthalate; polyamide resins, polyimide resins, polyamideimide resins, polyetheretherketone resins, polyethersulfone resins, polyetherimide resins, polysulfone resins, polyphenylene sulfide resins, polyesterimide resins, and mixed resins thereof. Further, a film obtained by subjecting the base material film to an easy adhesion treatment can also be used. The thickness of the base material is usually 25 to 500 μm, preferably 100 to 300 μm. The internal haze value of the base material can be measured using a haze meter in accordance with JIS K 7136.

[0012] The surface on the side of the blackening layer formation surface of the base material may be subjected to unevenness treatment as desired. By performing unevenness treatment on the base material, the arithmetic mean roughness Ra of the surface of the blackening layer can be adjusted to a desired value. Examples of the method for unevenness treatment of the base material include a method of providing a matte coat layer with a predetermined resin and a sandblasting treatment method. The roughness of the unevenness treatment surface is an arithmetic mean roughness Ra of 0.05 to 3.0 μm, preferably about 0.1 to 1.0 μm. The arithmetic mean roughness of the unevenness treatment surface of the base material can be measured using a surface roughness measuring instrument in accordance with JIS B 601-1994.

[0013] (Blackening layer) The component used in the manufacturing method of the component of the present embodiment has a base material and a blackening layer provided on the base material. The component of the present embodiment is laminated on a photosensitive resin composition layer during printing plate production and is used as a mask film, and is usually protected from the outside air and scratches by a cover film.

[0014] The blackening layer can be processed (drawn) by laser irradiation, and from the viewpoint of ensuring light-shielding properties against ultraviolet rays during the exposure process of the photosensitive resin composition layer, it preferably has an average thickness of 0.1 μm or more. On the other hand, when the average thickness of the blackening layer increases, the processing (drawing) accuracy tends to deteriorate. Therefore, from the viewpoint of ensuring high processing (drawing) accuracy, the average thickness of the blackening layer is preferably 0.5 to 20 μm, more preferably 0.8 to 10 μm.

[0015] The blackening layer preferably has an ultraviolet transmittance of 0.1% or less in the wavelength range of 300 to 380 nm before laser irradiation. When the ultraviolet transmittance in the said wavelength range is 0.1% or less, when the photosensitive resin composition layer is irradiated with actinic rays and developed to form a pattern using the structure of this embodiment, sufficient resolution can be obtained. Further, from the viewpoint of being removable by laser light, it is preferable that the light transmittance in the entire wavelength range of 400 to 1100 nm, which is the wavelength range of generally used laser light, is 1.0% or less and the reflectance is 10% or less. Note that the ultraviolet transmittance of the blackening layer in the wavelength range of 300 to 380 nm before laser light irradiation, and the light transmittance and reflectance of the blackening layer in the wavelength range of 400 to 1100 nm can be measured using an ultraviolet-visible spectrophotometer.

[0016] The blackening layer preferably contains an infrared absorber and a binder resin in order to impart ultraviolet shielding properties and absorbability in the processing (drawing) laser light wavelength range. As the infrared absorber, a simple substance or compound having strong absorption characteristics in the wavelength range of usually 750 to 2000 nm is used. For example, inorganic pigments such as carbon black, graphite, iron oxide, chromium oxide, copper chromite, and dyes such as phthalocyanine and substituted phthalocyanine derivatives, cyanine dyes, merocyanine dyes, polymethine dyes, and metal thiolate dyes can be mentioned. These may be used alone or in combination of two or more. As the carbon black, the average particle diameter is 10 to 50 nm, particularly preferably 20 to 50 nm, and the specific surface area is 70 to 150 m 2Carbon black of / g is suitable. The average particle size can be observed by an electron microscope, and the specific surface area can be measured by the nitrogen adsorption method conforming to JIS Z 8830. By using carbon black having such an average particle size and specific surface area, the blackened layer tends to have good adhesion to the base material. Carbon black includes channel black, furnace black, acetylene black, thermal black, etc. depending on the manufacturing method, and any of them can be used. It is preferable to add the above-described infrared absorber within a range that ensures sensitivity capable of being removed by the laser beam used when processing (drawing) the blackened layer. Specifically, the addition amount is preferably 10 to 80% by mass based on the total mass of the blackened layer.

[0017] It is preferable to contain a non-infrared shielding substance in the blackened layer. As the non-infrared shielding substance, a substance that reflects or absorbs ultraviolet light can be used. For example, an ultraviolet absorber, carbon black, graphite, etc. are suitable. The addition amount of the non-infrared shielding substance is preferably an amount such that the optical density of the blackened layer is 4 or less. The optical density can be measured using a D200-II transmission densitometer (manufactured by GretagMacbeth). The optical density is so-called visual sense (ISO visual), and the light to be measured is in a wavelength region of about 400 to 750 nm. In addition, those having both a function as an infrared absorber and a function as a non-infrared shielding substance like carbon black are particularly preferable.

[0018] As the binder resin, those having good dispersibility of an infrared absorber and a non-infrared shielding substance and a tack-free surface so that the blackened layer has sufficient light-shielding properties are preferable. The binder resin is not limited to the following, and examples include vinyl chloride-vinyl acetate copolymer, ethylene-acrylic copolymer, styrene resin, polyolefin resin, acrylic resin, vinyl acetate resin, polyurethane resin, vinyl chloride resin, vinylidene chloride resin, etc. These may be used alone or in combination of two or more kinds. Among these, those containing a vinyl chloride-vinyl acetate copolymer and / or an acrylic resin, or this resin and an isocyanate-based crosslinking agent of 65% by mass or less with respect to the resin are particularly preferred.

[0019] The isocyanate-based crosslinking agent has an action of improving the hardness of the blackening layer by reacting with the acrylic resin to cause crosslinking or by reacting the crosslinking agents with each other. Examples of the isocyanate-based crosslinking agent include, but are not limited to, aromatic polyisocyanates such as tolylene diisocyanate, diphenylmethane diisocyanate, and xylylene diisocyanate; aliphatic polyisocyanates such as hexamethylene diisocyanate; alicyclic polyisocyanates such as isophorone diisocyanate and hydrogenated diphenylmethane diisocyanate, and their biuret compounds, isocyanurate compounds, and further adduct compounds which are reaction products with low molecular weight active hydrogen-containing compounds such as ethylene glycol, propylene glycol, neopentyl glycol, trimethylolpropane, and castor oil. The crosslinking agent may be used alone or in combination of two or more kinds.

[0020] When the blackening layer is irradiated with a high-power laser beam, it absorbs the wavelength energy of the laser beam, and the irradiated part locally generates heat. Infrared absorbers and resins in the heated blackening layer are thermally decomposed or sublimated, so that the irradiated part is removed, resulting in ultraviolet transmittance and formation of a desired pattern. Note that laser processing (drawing) on the blackening layer is usually performed with the cover film formed on the blackening layer peeled off. From the viewpoint of preventing moisture absorption wrinkles that are likely to occur at this time and ensuring good detergency in the subsequent development process, it is preferable to contain an anionic polymer in the blackening layer. Thereby, the occurrence of moisture absorption wrinkles can be suppressed, the detergency is improved, and redeposition of blackening layer residues on the plate surface can be avoided.

[0021] An anionic polymer refers to a polymer having an anionic polar functional group. In particular, a resin that is insoluble in neutral water or has a water absorption rate of 5% or less in the undissolved state is preferred. The number average molecular weight of the anionic polymer is not particularly limited, but is preferably from 3,000 to 100,000, more preferably from 5,000 to 80,000, and even more preferably from 5,000 to 30,000. The number average molecular weight of the anionic polymer can be measured and calculated in terms of polystyrene using gel permeation chromatography (GPC). Examples of the anionic polymer include, but are not limited to, acrylic resins, styrene resins, vinyl chloride resins, vinylidene chloride resins, polyolefin resins, polyamide resins, polyacetal resins, polycarbonate resins, polyester resins, polyphenylene sulfide resins, polysulfone resins, polyether ketone resins, polyimide resins, fluorine resins, silicone resins, urethane resins, urea resins, melamine resins, guanamine resins, epoxy resins, phenol resins, etc. Further, copolymers of these resins, etc. are also included. The above polymers may be used alone or in combination of two or more.

[0022] Examples of the anionic polar functional group of the anionic polymer include a phosphate group, a sulfonic acid group, a carboxylic acid group, a phenol group, etc. From the viewpoints of handling and availability, a carboxylic acid group is preferred. From the viewpoint of ensuring good detergency, the content of the polar functional group in the anionic polymer is preferably 1% by mass or more, and from the viewpoint of suppressing hygroscopic wrinkles, it is preferably 80% by mass or less. More preferably, it is in the range of 5% by mass to 60% by mass, and even more preferably in the range of 7% by mass to 40% by mass.

[0023] As the anionic polymer, a modified polyolefin resin is preferred. In particular, an ethylene-acrylic acid copolymer and an ethylene-methacrylic acid copolymer are more preferred, and an ethylene-acrylic acid copolymer is even more preferred. In this case, the polar functional group of the anionic polymer is a carboxylic acid group.

[0024] The blackening layer may contain a water-soluble polymer within a range where good wrinkle resistance can be maintained. As the water-soluble polymer, any resin that can be dispersed and dissolved in water may be used. Further, any resin that can be dispersed and dissolved in an aqueous cleaning solution may be used. For example, polyvinyl alcohol, polyvinyl pyrrolidone, water-soluble nylon, polyacrylic acid, polyacrylamide, polyethylene oxide, polyethyleneimine, water-soluble cellulose, water-soluble cellulose derivatives, etc. may be mentioned, but it is not limited thereto. From the viewpoints of ensuring stability when dissolved in water and the mechanical strength of the ablation layer, polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) is preferable. In particular, PVA having a saponification degree of 75 mol% or more is preferable from the viewpoint of ensuring resistance to hygroscopic wrinkles, more preferably having a saponification degree of 80 mol% or more, and still more preferably 85 mol% or more. The saponification degree can be measured according to Japanese Industrial Standard JIS K6726 (Test Method for Polyvinyl Alcohol). In the blackening layer, other known additives, for example, plasticizers, antistatic agents, mold release agents, adhesion adjusters, etc., may be added as necessary within a range that does not impair the performance.

[0025] The blackening layer can be formed, for example, by applying a solution of a blackening layer-forming composition containing the above-described infrared absorber, binder resin, non-infrared shielding substance, anionic polymer, water-soluble polymer, and a predetermined additive onto a predetermined cover film (usually having a film thickness of 50 to 250 μm) constituting the base material so that the thickness after drying becomes 0.1 to 20 μm, and then performing a drying treatment or a curing treatment. As the coating method, for example, any of conventionally known coating methods such as a bar coating method, a knife coating method, a roll coating method, a blade coating method, a die coating method, a gravure coating method, etc. can be used. Examples of the solvent for the solution of the blackening layer-forming composition include water, ethanol, isopropanol, ethoxyethanol, toluene, ethyl acetate, tetrahydrofuran, etc. In the solution of the composition for forming the blackening layer, various surfactants, antifoaming agents, leveling agents, penetrants, etc. may be blended in order to improve the coatability with respect to the base material. Further, in the manufacturing process of the printing plate described later, as a pre-step before applying the solution of the composition for forming the blackening layer in order to ensure good peelability with respect to the photosensitive resin composition layer, a release treatment may be performed on the surface to be coated in advance.

[0026] Also, the surface hardness of the blackening layer is preferably H or more in terms of pencil hardness. Thereby, when the structure of the present embodiment is used as a mask film, damage to the surface can be prevented, and a printing plate with good quality tends to be obtained. Note that the pencil hardness of the blackening layer surface can be measured in accordance with JIS K 5600-5-4. Also, it is preferable to laminate a protective layer having a thickness of about 0.05 to 0.5 μm on the surface of the blackening layer. Examples of the resin for forming the protective layer include, but are not limited to, acrylic resin, vinyl chloride-vinyl acetate copolymer, polyester resin, etc., and polyester resin is particularly preferable.

[0027] (Defect location identification process) The manufacturing method of the structure of the present embodiment has a defect location identification process for identifying the defect locations of the blackening layer. The blackening layer may have defects such as pinholes and scratches due to rubbing, etc. in the manufacturing process of the structure. By previously identifying such defects of the blackening layer at the pre-stage of laser processing (drawing), it becomes possible to arrange a design for drawing by laser irradiation while avoiding the defect locations, and the efficiency of the work in the manufacturing process of the printing plate can be improved. Examples of the method for identifying the defect locations include a method of attaching a mark (marking part) on the blackening layer where the position of the defect location becomes clear, and a method of directly forming a mark (direct marking part) on the defect location.

[0028] (Repair process) The manufacturing method of the structure of the present embodiment has a repair process of covering the defect locations with a substance having an ultraviolet shielding effect. By covering the defective part with a substance having an ultraviolet shielding effect, when irradiating the photosensitive resin composition layer with actinic rays using the above-described member and performing development processing to form a pattern, sufficient resolution can be obtained and precise plate making becomes possible.

[0029] <Substance having an ultraviolet shielding effect> As the substance having an ultraviolet shielding effect, any substance may be used as long as the transmittance for light in the wavelength range of 300 to 380 nm is 0.1% or less in a state where the defective part is covered, and it is not particularly limited, but it is preferably a substance that can be processed (drawn) by laser irradiation. Specifically, it is preferable to use the material for forming the blackening layer described above. From the viewpoint that the substance having an ultraviolet shielding effect can be removed by laser light, it is generally preferable that the light transmittance in the entire wavelength range of 400 to 1100 nm, which is the wavelength range of the laser light used, is 1.0% or less and the reflectance is 10% or less. Note that the ultraviolet transmittance of the substance having an ultraviolet shielding effect used in the repair process, and the light transmittance and reflectance in the wavelength range of 400 to 1100 nm can be measured using an ultraviolet-visible spectrophotometer.

[0030] As a method for covering the defective part of the blackening layer with a substance having an ultraviolet shielding effect, it is not particularly limited and a known method can be used. For example, a method of applying a paint containing the substance having an ultraviolet shielding effect or an inkjet method described later can be mentioned.

[0031] <Direct marking> In the method for manufacturing the member of the present embodiment, in the repair process, it is preferable to perform direct marking that can identify the defective part directly on the defective part. As the material for performing direct marking, any material may be used as long as it is a substance having an ultraviolet shielding effect and can be distinguished from the parts other than the defective part, and a known material can be used without particular limitation. In the repair process, by performing direct marking that can identify the defective portion, when performing the exposure process in the printing plate manufacturing process, the arrangement of the exposure design can be easily performed while avoiding the defective portion of the component, the efficiency of the plate-making operation can be improved, the component can be used without being discarded, and the cost can be reduced.

[0032] <Inkjet method> In the manufacturing method of the component of the present embodiment, it is preferable to coat the defective portion of the blackening layer with a substance having the ultraviolet shielding effect by the inkjet method in the repair process. According to the inkjet method, by scanning the head in the plane of the blackening layer and ejecting from the nozzles, a wide range can be coated in a short time, and a uniform coating layer can be formed.

[0033] 〔Component〕 The component of the present embodiment has an ultraviolet-transmissive base material and a blackening layer provided on the base material. As the base material and the blackening layer, those described in the (base material) and (blackening layer) can be applied. In the component of the present embodiment, the optical density of the blackening layer is preferably 2 or more and 4 or less, more preferably 2 or more and 3.5 or less, and still more preferably 2 or more and 3 or less. When the component of the present embodiment is used as a mask film in the printing plate manufacturing process, an excellent shielding effect can be obtained because the optical density is 4 or less. On the other hand, the optical density of the blackening layer needs to be increased to a certain extent for the following reasons. In the process of manufacturing a normal printing plate, a series of printing plate manufacturing operations from the production of a negative film to the plate making of the printing plate take a long time, and the number of plates that can be made in a day is limited. While productivity improvement is being considered, such as shortening the exposure process time by adjusting the sensitivity of the photosensitive resin composition and shortening the cleaning process time by improving the plate cleaning property, productivity improvement is being considered by shortening the ablation drawing time in the production of the negative film. Generally, by reducing the thickness of the blackening layer of the negative film, that is, by reducing the optical density and increasing the laser sensitivity, the drawing time can be shortened. However, in the manufacturing process of the above-mentioned component, defects such as pinholes and scratches due to rubbing are likely to occur, and unintended photosensitivity of the photosensitive resin in the plate making process occurs, resulting in insufficient light shielding property. In this embodiment, from the viewpoint of reducing the amount of waste printing plates while shortening the ablation drawing time by repairing and marking pinholes that still occur even with the thickness of the blackening layer having a balance between laser sensitivity and light shielding property, the optical density range of the blackening layer is set to 2 or more. The optical density can be measured using a D200-II transmission densitometer (manufactured by GretagMacbeth). Also, the optical density is so-called visual sense (ISO visual), and the light of the measurement object is in the wavelength range of about 400 to 750 nm. The optical density of the blackening layer can be controlled within the above numerical range by adjusting the content of the infrared absorber and the binder resin in the material constituting the blackening layer.

[0034] (Marking part) Moreover, it is a preferable form that the component of this embodiment has a marking part capable of specifying the defective part of the blackening layer at or near the defective part of the blackening layer. The marking part is a mark that clarifies the position of the defective part in the blackening layer, and the method for forming the marking part is not particularly limited. For example, a method of attaching a predetermined mark on the blackening layer can be mentioned.

[0035] (Coating layer containing a substance having an ultraviolet shielding effect) The structure of this embodiment has a coating layer containing a substance having an ultraviolet shielding effect at the defective portion of the blackening layer. The coating layer covers the defective portion of the blackening layer and has a function of preventing ultraviolet transmission at the defective portion. The coating layer contains the <substance having an ultraviolet shielding effect> in the (repair process), and as other materials, conventionally known additives such as plasticizers, antistatic agents, mold release agents, and adhesion adjusters may be contained. The coating layer can be formed by the method described in the above-mentioned (repair process). According to the structure of this embodiment, since it can be used as a mask film material without the need for disposal, it can contribute to cost reduction.

[0036] The substance having an ultraviolet shielding effect that constitutes the coating layer is preferably a substance that can be processed (drawn) by laser irradiation as described in the above-mentioned (repair process). Thereby, in the coating layer, a desired exposure design can be formed in the same manner as in other portions. In addition, the coating layer is preferably a repaired portion formed by the above-mentioned <inkjet method>. Thereby, the coating layer becomes uniform and has a smooth surface shape, facilitating the formation of the exposure design.

[0037] (Direct marking portion) The structure of this embodiment preferably has a direct marking portion that can identify the defective portion directly at the defective portion. The material constituting the direct marking portion is a substance having an ultraviolet shielding effect, and any known material can be used without particular limitation as long as it can be distinguished from portions other than the defective portion. By having the direct marking portion that can identify the defective portion, when performing the exposure process in the manufacturing process of the printing plate, the arrangement of the exposure design can be easily performed while avoiding the defective portion of the structure, the efficiency of the plate-making operation can be improved, and the structure can be used without being discarded, suppressing costs.

[0038] 〔Physical properties of the structure〕 The component of this embodiment can be removed using an aqueous developer and / or a solvent-based developer. An aqueous developer is a water-soluble cleaning solution. An aqueous developer usually contains a surfactant and an alkali builder (pH adjuster). Examples of surfactants include anionic surfactants, amphoteric surfactants, and nonionic surfactants. As the alkali builder, either an organic material or an inorganic material may be used, but those that can be adjusted to a pH of 9 or higher are preferred. In order to improve the cleaning effect, it is also useful to add an organic solvent miscible with water, such as alkyl glycol ether, as a penetrant. As the solvent-based developer, conventionally known materials can be used. For example, esters such as heptyl acetate and 3-methoxybutyl acetate, petroleum fractions, hydrocarbons such as toluene and decalin, and mixtures of chlorine-based organic solvents such as tetrachloroethylene with alcohols such as propanol, butanol, and pentanol can be mentioned.

[0039] 〔Method for manufacturing a printing plate〕 The method for manufacturing a printing plate of this embodiment is forming a photosensitive resin composition layer on a structure having an ultraviolet-transmissive substrate and a blackening layer provided on the substrate, covering the upper surface of the photosensitive resin composition layer with a base film, and performing an ultraviolet irradiation step of curing the photosensitive resin composition layer by exposing it from both the structure side and the base film side. In the method for manufacturing a printing plate of this embodiment, in the stage before the ultraviolet irradiation step, there is a defective part specifying step of specifying defective parts of the blackening layer. In addition, in the method for manufacturing a printing plate of this embodiment, when forming a photosensitive resin composition layer on the structure, it is assumed that the printing design has already been formed by laser irradiation in the blackening layer.

[0040] (Design arrangement step) In the method for manufacturing a printing plate according to the present embodiment, it is a preferred form to have a design arrangement step of arranging a design for drawing by laser irradiation while avoiding the defective portions of the blackened layer specified by the defective portion specifying step. By previously specifying the defective portions of the blackened layer before the design arrangement step for drawing, the efficiency of the plate-making operation can be improved, and a high-quality printing plate can be manufactured. Further, by arranging the design for drawing while avoiding the defective portions of the blackened layer, the disposal of the component can be prevented, so that the cost can be reduced.

[0041] (Repair step) In the method for manufacturing a printing plate according to the present embodiment, it is a preferred form to perform a repair step of coating the defective portions of the blackened layer specified by the defective portion specifying step with a substance having an ultraviolet shielding effect. By coating the defective portions with a substance having an ultraviolet shielding effect, when irradiating the photosensitive resin composition layer with actinic rays and performing development processing to form a pattern in the printing plate manufacturing process, sufficient resolution can be obtained and precise plate-making becomes possible. As the substance having an ultraviolet shielding effect, the materials described in <Substances having an ultraviolet shielding effect> described above can be used. In particular, it is preferably a substance that can be processed (drawn) by laser irradiation. Specifically, it is preferable to use the materials for forming the blackened layer described above.

[0042] In the method for manufacturing a printing plate according to the present embodiment, the arrangement of the design for drawing by laser irradiation may be performed after the repair step of covering the defective portions of the component while avoiding the portions covered with the substance having an ultraviolet shielding effect. Further, in the stage preceding the step of arranging the design, marking that can identify the portions covered with the substance having an ultraviolet shielding effect may be performed. By performing the design layout process for drawing while avoiding the defective portions of the blackening layer, a high-quality printing plate can be manufactured. Further, by arranging the design for drawing while avoiding the defective portions of the blackening layer, the discard of the constituent body can be prevented, so that the cost can be reduced.

[0043] (Photosensitive resin composition layer) In the method for manufacturing a printing plate of the present embodiment, a photosensitive resin composition layer is formed on the said constituent body. The photosensitive resin composition layer may be formed by applying a liquid photosensitive resin composition on the blackening layer of the constituent body to form a liquid layer and then covering the upper surface thereof with a base film, or by laminating a photosensitive resin composition layer obtained by applying a photosensitive resin composition on a predetermined base film in advance on the blackening layer of the constituent body. As the photosensitive resin composition, a conventionally known material that cures by ultraviolet irradiation can be used. For example, any of the photosensitive resin compositions proposed in Japanese Patent No. 3508788, Japanese Patent Publication No. 58-33884, Japanese Patent No. 2940006, Japanese Patent No. 2985655, etc. can be used. The photosensitive resin composition generally comprises an oligomer or polymer component, a polymerizable monomer component, a photopolymerization initiator, and a stabilizer. In particular, the oligomer or polymer component greatly affects the physical properties of the intended printing plate. For example, polyurethane-based, polyvinyl alcohol-based, polyester resin-based, nylon resin-based, resin systems in which a polar group-containing polymer and a hydrophobic polymer are mixed and dispersed (binder polymers), etc. can all be applied. In particular, a resin system in which a polar group-containing polymer and a hydrophobic polymer are mixed and dispersed is preferable from the viewpoints of the durability of the intended printing plate and the formation of a high-definition plate surface, and is a resin system with high versatility and usefulness. Examples of such a resin system in which a polar group-containing polymer and a hydrophobic polymer are mixed and dispersed include the following. Examples of the polar group-containing polymer include water-soluble or water-dispersible copolymers containing hydrophilic groups such as carboxyl groups, amino groups, hydroxyl groups, phosphate groups, and sulfonic acid groups, or salts thereof. Specifically, carboxyl group-containing NBR, carboxyl group-containing SBR described in Japanese Patent No. 2128098, polymers of aliphatic conjugated dienes containing carboxyl groups described in JP-A Nos. 5-7705, 61-128243, 6-194837, and 7-134411, emulsion polymers of ethylenically unsaturated compounds having phosphate groups or carboxyl groups described in JP-A No. 9-15860, sulfonic acid group-containing polyurethanes described in JP-A No. 3-206456, carboxyl group-containing butadiene latexes described in JP-A No. 2002-162731, and the like. These polar group-containing polymers may be used alone or in combination of two or more. Examples of the hydrophobic polymer include polymers obtained by polymerizing conjugated diene hydrocarbons or copolymers obtained by polymerizing conjugated diene hydrocarbons and monoolefinically unsaturated compounds. Specifically, butadiene polymers, isoprene polymers, chloroprene polymers, styrene-butadiene copolymers, styrene-butadiene-styrene copolymers, styrene-isoprene copolymers, styrene-isoprene-styrene copolymers, styrene-chloroprene copolymers, acrylonitrile-butadiene copolymers, acrylonitrile-isoprene copolymers, methyl methacrylate-butadiene copolymers, methyl methacrylate-isoprene copolymers, acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene copolymers, acrylonitrile-isoprene-styrene copolymers, and the like. These hydrophobic polymers may be used alone or in combination of two or more.

[0044] In addition, the photosensitive resin composition may contain a polymerizable monomer. The type of the polymerizable monomer is not particularly limited. Examples thereof include ester compounds of ethylenically unsaturated acids and alcohols, and compounds described in the literature "Photocuring Technology Data Book (published by Technonet Co., Ltd.)" and the like can be applied. Specifically, linear, branched, or cyclic monofunctional monomers such as hexyl (meth)acrylate, nonyl (meth)acrylate, lauryl (meth)acrylate, stearyl (meth)acrylate, 2-ethyl-2-butylpropanediol (meth)acrylate, hydroxyethyl (meth)acrylate, 2-(meth)acryloyloxyethyl hexahydrophthalate, 2-(meth)acryloyloxyethyl phthalate, (meth)acrylic acid dimer, ECH-modified allyl acrylate, benzyl acrylate, caprolactone (meth)acrylate, dicyclopentenyl (meth)acrylate, isobornyl (meth)acrylate, cyclohexyl (meth)acrylate; or linear, branched, or cyclic polyfunctional monomers such as hexanediol di(meth)acrylate, nonanediol di(meth)acrylate, 2-ethyl-2-butylpropane di(meth)acrylate, neopentyl glycol di(meth)acrylate, neopentyl glycol hydroxypivalate di(meth)acrylate, ECH-modified phthalic acid di(meth)acrylate, tricyclodecane di(meth)acrylate, trimethylolpropane tri(meth)acrylate, pentaerythritol tri(meth)acrylate, ECH-modified glycerol tri(meth)acrylate, trimethylolpropane benzoate (meth)acrylate, EO(PO)-modified trimethylolpropane tri(meth)acrylate, dipentaerythritol hexa(meth)acrylate, etc. can be mentioned. In addition, esters of alcohols and fumaric acid such as dioctyl fumarate, or N-substituted maleimide derivatives such as lauryl maleimide and cyclohexyl maleimide can be mentioned.

[0045] Further, the photosensitive resin composition may contain a photopolymerization initiator. As the photopolymerization initiator, those described in documents such as "Photocuring Technology Data Book (published by Technonet Co., Ltd.)" and "Ultraviolet Curing System (published by the Comprehensive Technology Center)" can be applied. Specifically, examples include benzophenone, Michler's ketone, benzoin, benzoin methyl ether, benzoin ethyl ether, α-methylolbenzoin, α-methylolbenzoin methyl ether, benzyl methyl ketal, 1-hydroxy-cyclohexyl-phenyl ketone, benzophenone, acrylated benzophenone, methyl o-benzoylbenzoate, bisacylphosphine oxide, α-methoxybenzoin methyl ether, 2,2-dimethoxy-2-phenylacetophenone, 2,2-diethoxy-2-phenylacetophenone, 2-methyl-1-[4-methylthio]phenyl, 2-morpholinopropan-1-one, thioxanthone, benzyl, anthraquinone, etc. These may be used alone or in combination of two or more.

[0046] In addition, if necessary, other additives such as plasticizers, polymerization inhibitors, dyes, ultraviolet absorbers, and anti-ozone agents may be blended into the photosensitive resin composition. Examples of plasticizers include hydrocarbon oils such as liquid 1,2(or 1,4)-polybutadiene, 1,2(or 1,4)-polyisoprene, or their end-modified products, naphthenic oil, paraffin oil, etc. Examples of polymerization inhibitors include phenols such as hydroquinone, p-methoxyphenol, 2,4-di-t-butylcresol, catechol, t-butylcatechol, etc. As the dye, materials generally used for coloring can be used. Examples of ultraviolet absorbers include benzotriazole-based, triazine-based, benzophenone-based ultraviolet absorbers, etc. Examples of anti-ozone agents include antioxidants such as dibenzyl ether, dihydroquinoline-based, diphenylamine-based, phenylenediamine-based, mercaptobenzimidazole-based, etc., and waxes, etc.

[0047] In the method for manufacturing a printing plate according to this embodiment, a predetermined first protective layer (cover film) may be provided between the constituent body and the photosensitive resin composition layer. Thereby, an effect of protecting the surface of the photosensitive resin composition layer at the removal location of the blackening layer by the design drawing can be obtained. Further, as an upper layer of the blackened layer, a second protective layer may be further provided. That is, a configuration in which a second protective layer is provided between the first protective layer (cover film) and the blackened layer may be used. Thereby, an effect of avoiding rapid moisture absorption of the blackened layer can be obtained. The first and second protective layers may be formed of the same material or different materials. Examples of the forming materials of the first and second protective layers include acrylic resins, styrene resins, vinyl chloride resins, vinylidene chloride resins, polyolefin resins, polyamide resins, polyacetal resins, polycarbonate resins, polyester resins, polyphenylene sulfide resins, polysulfone resins, polyether ketone resins, polyimide resins, fluorine resins, silicone resins, urethane resins, urea resins, melamine resins, guanamine resins, epoxy resins, phenol resins, cellulose resins, etc. From the viewpoint of preventing the remaining of washing residues, those that dissolve and disperse in the developing solution (aqueous developing solution or solvent developing solution) used are preferred. The film thickness of the first and second protective layers is preferably 0.1 μm or more in order to exhibit the protective function, and preferably 20 μm or less from the viewpoint of image reproducibility. Examples of the solvent for the solution of the material for forming the protective layer include water, ethanol, isopropanol, ethoxyethanol, toluene, ethyl acetate, tetrahydrofuran, etc. In the solution of the material for forming the protective layer, various surfactants, antifoaming agents, leveling agents, penetrants, etc. may be blended in order to improve the coating properties.

[0048] As the support (base film) for forming the photosensitive resin composition layer, for example, a polyester film laminated with an adhesive on a dimensionally stable polyester film can be applied. Note that an easy-adhesion coating film may be laminated between the polyester film and the adhesive layer. As the adhesive, for example, an adhesive having a polyester structure described in JP-A-2001-264959, an adhesive having a polyurethane structure, an active energy ray-curable or thermosetting adhesive described in Japanese Patent No. 3830959, etc. can be used.

[0049] In the method for producing a printing plate of the present embodiment, the laminate (photosensitive resin structure) of the above-described structure and the photosensitive resin composition layer is exposed to ultraviolet rays from the side of the structure and the side of the support (base film), and the photosensitive resin composition is cured. The photosensitive resin structure can be produced, for example, by forming a blackening layer on a base material and closely laminating the surface on which the blackening layer is formed on a photosensitive resin composition laminated on a support (base film). Also, as described above, a configuration in which a predetermined protective layer is provided between the photosensitive resin composition layer and the blackening layer may be employed. Furthermore, a structure having a blackening layer may be formed on the support side of the photosensitive resin composition layer. Thereby, a cured layer having a predetermined pattern can be formed in the photosensitive resin composition layer by ultraviolet irradiation from the support (base film) side. That is, the photosensitive resin structure can have a configuration of: lower surface: structure (base material and blackening layer) / protective layer (cover film, optional) / photosensitive resin composition layer / support (base film) / structure (base material and blackening layer, optional): upper surface.

[0050] In the method for producing a printing plate of the present embodiment, the photosensitive resin structure is irradiated with ultraviolet rays from both the side of the structure on the lower surface and the side of the support (base film) to perform exposure and cure the photosensitive resin composition layer. At this time, pattern exposure is performed on the photosensitive resin composition layer by exposure from the structure side. For exposure, ultraviolet rays in a wavelength range of usually 300 to 400 nm are used. The exposure time can be appropriately selected depending on the thickness of the target printing plate and the exposure intensity.

[0051] Next, the unexposed photosensitive resin composition is removed with a developer. In the above-described development process, a conventionally well-known method can be applied. Specifically, methods include exposing the photosensitive resin composition and then immersing it in a developer (cleaning solution) and dissolving or scraping off the unexposed portions with a brush or the like; and spraying a cleaning solution onto the plate surface and then dissolving or scraping off the unexposed portions with a brush or the like.

[0052] Among developers, any conventionally well-known aqueous developer can be used. The developer is assumed to contain a surfactant as an active ingredient. Examples of surfactants include anionic surfactants, amphoteric surfactants, and nonionic surfactants. These may be used alone or in combination of two or more. Examples of anionic surfactants include sulfate esters, higher alcohol sulfates, higher alkyl ether sulfate esters, sulfated olefins, alkylbenzene sulfonates, α-olefin sulfonates, phosphate esters, dithiophosphate esters, and the like. Examples of amphoteric surfactants include amino acid type amphoteric surfactants and betaine type amphoteric surfactants. Examples of nonionic surfactants include polyethylene glycol type surfactants such as higher alcohol ethylene oxide adducts, alkylphenol ethylene oxide adducts, fatty acid ethylene oxide adducts, polyhydric alcohol fatty acid ester ethylene oxide adducts, higher alkylamine ethylene oxide adducts, fatty acid amide ethylene oxide adducts, and polypropylene glycol ethylene oxide adducts; and polyhydric alcohol type surfactants such as glycerol fatty acid esters, pentaerythritol fatty acid esters, sorbitol, and sorbitan fatty acid esters, alkyl esters of polyhydric alcohols, and fatty acid amides of alkanolamines. In addition to the above various surfactants, in order to improve the cleaning performance and the penetrability of the silicon-based compound into the plate, it is a useful method to add an organic solvent miscible with water, such as alkyl glycol ether, as a penetrant. The penetrant can be selected according to the composition of the photosensitive resin to be washed. For example, mono- or polyethylene glycol ether type nonionic penetrants such as dibutyl diglycol ether can be mentioned.

[0053] The developer may contain, as other components, a pH adjuster called an alkali builder. As the alkali builder, either an organic material or an inorganic material may be used, but those that can adjust the pH to 9 or higher are preferred. For example, sodium hydroxide, sodium carbonate, sodium silicate, sodium metasilicate, sodium succinate, etc. can be mentioned.

[0054] The amounts of the surfactant, penetrant, and builder contained in the developer are not particularly limited. Usually, the amount of the surfactant is 1 part by mass to 50 parts by mass, preferably 3 parts by mass to 20 parts by mass, based on 100 parts by mass of the developer. The penetrant is usually used in the range of 0.2 part by mass or more and 20 parts by mass or less, preferably in the range of 0.2 part by mass or more and 10 parts by mass or less, based on 100 parts by mass of the developer. The alkali builder is usually used in the range of 0.1 to 10 parts by mass based on 100 parts by mass of the developer. When the amounts of these components are less than the above ranges, inconveniences such as too long development time may occur, and when they are greater than the above ranges, it is not preferable from the viewpoint of cost.

[0055] Known solvent-based developers can also be used in the same way. For example, esters such as heptyl acetate and 3-methoxybutyl acetate, petroleum fractions, hydrocarbons such as toluene and decalin, and mixtures of chlorinated organic solvents such as tetrachloroethylene and alcohols such as propanol, butanol, and pentanol can be mentioned. In particular, a 3:1 mixture (mass ratio) of tetrachloroethylene and butanol and the use of hydrocarbons as the cleaning liquid are preferable.

[0056] After removing the unexposed photosensitive resin composition by the above-described development treatment, a drying treatment is performed, and then, if necessary, a post-exposure treatment is performed to obtain a printing plate. In addition, the surface of this plate may be brought into contact with a liquid containing a silicon compound and / or a fluorine compound.

Examples

[0057] Hereinafter, specific examples and comparative examples will be given for specific explanation, but the present invention is not limited thereto.

[0058] 〔Evaluation method〕 (Light-shielding property in the exposure process, quality of the flexographic printing plate) The surface of the flexographic printing plates produced in the examples and comparative examples described below was observed to calculate the number of abnormal dots formed, and the light-shielding properties of the members (the following Films A to D) used in the exposure process and the quality of the flexographic printing plates produced using these were evaluated. The evaluation criteria are shown below. In the following evaluation criteria, A can achieve a practically good light-shielding property and a flexographic printing plate of good quality was obtained, and B to D were evaluated as those that do not obtain a practically sufficient light-shielding property and require the disposal of the flexographic printing plate. (Evaluation criteria) A: Number of abnormal dots formed: 0 B: Number of abnormal dots formed: 1 or more and 2 or less C: Number of abnormal dots formed: 3 or more and 4 or less D: Number of abnormal dots formed: 5 or more and 10 or less

[0059] (Manufacturing efficiency of the flexographic printing plate) In the examples and comparative examples described below, the time required for the manufacturing operation of the flexographic printing plate was calculated, and an evaluation was made regarding the efficiency improvement of the manufacturing operation of the flexographic printing plate. The time required to obtain the target flexographic printing plate through the design layout process, laser drawing process, forming and exposure process, development process, post-exposure process, and drying process for the structure was measured. Based on the time required to obtain the flexographic printing plate in Example 4 described below, the manufacturing efficiency of the flexographic printing plate was evaluated as follows according to the excess time. (Evaluation Criteria) A: Excess time less than 1 minute B: Excess time 1 minute or more and less than 15 minutes C: Excess time 15 minutes or more and less than 30 minutes D: Excess time 30 minutes or more

[0060] (Manufacturing Efficiency of the Structure) In the examples and comparative examples described below, the time required for the manufacturing operation of the structure was calculated, and an evaluation was made regarding the efficiency improvement of the manufacturing operation of the structure. The time required to obtain the target structure through the defect location identification process and repair process for the structure was measured. Based on the time required to obtain the structure in Example 1 described below, the manufacturing efficiency of the structure was evaluated as follows according to the excess time. (Evaluation Criteria) A: Excess time less than 1 minute B: Excess time 1 minute or more and less than 15 minutes C: Excess time 15 minutes or more and less than 30 minutes D: Excess time 30 minutes or more

[0061] [Manufacturing of the Structure] (Example 1) DD-1 (manufactured by DISCO Chemical Industries, Ltd., LAMS film) was cut into 400 mm × 600 mm, and 10 φ300 μm pinholes were randomly drawn on the DD-1 using Crystal 5080 (manufactured by ESKO Graphics Co., Ltd.). Using MK-G1000 (manufactured by KEYENCE CORPORATION) and the ink containing the blackening layer composition of the DD-1, the pinhole locations were coated with the ink by the inkjet method to obtain Film A, which is the structure of Example 1.

[0062] (Example 2) The covering method for the pinhole part was done manually. With other conditions being the same as in (Example 1), the film B which is the structure of Example 2 was obtained.

[0063] (Example 3) The covering material for the pinhole part was an opaque pen (trade name, manufactured by Take Sumi Co., Ltd.). With other conditions being the same as in (Example 2), the film C which is the structure of Example 3 was obtained.

[0064] (Comparative Example 1) The above DD-1 (LAMS film, manufactured by Daiso Chemical Co., Ltd.) was cut into 400 mm × 600 mm, and 10 φ300 μm pinholes were randomly drawn on the DD-1 using Crystal 5080 (trade name, manufactured by Esco Graphics Co., Ltd.) to obtain the film D which is the structure of Comparative Example 1.

[0065] [Manufacture of flexographic printing plate] (Manufacture of flexographic printing plates for Example 4, 5, and Comparative Example 2) Using the photosensitive resin composition F-800B (trade name, manufactured by Asahi Kasei Corporation) and the films A, B, and D which are the above-described structures respectively, a flexographic printing plate was produced by sequentially going through the laser drawing process, forming and exposure process, development process, post-exposure process, and drying process as shown below.

[0066] >[Laser drawing on the film which is the structure] The film which is the structure was placed on Crystal 5080 (trade name, manufactured by Esco Graphics Co., Ltd.), and laser drawing was performed on the blackening layer with a test image having an image pattern described later at a resolution of 2540 dpi and a laser intensity of 3.0 J.

[0067] >[Forming and exposure process] Using the "ALF-213E type plate-making machine" manufactured by Asahi Kasei Corporation, forming and exposure were performed according to (A1) to (A3). (A1): The film, which is the structure after image drawing, is placed on an ultraviolet-transmissive lower glass plate such that the blackened layer after image drawing is located on the side opposite to the lower glass plate with the base material interposed therebetween. Then, a cover film is laminated, and the film, which is the structure, and the cover film are fixed by evacuating with a pump through a groove provided around the lower glass. A photosensitive resin composition is poured thereon, and a base film serving as a support is bonded thereto via a spacer so that the composition has a certain plate thickness. Further, the photosensitive resin composition layer is formed by pressing from above with an ultraviolet-transmissive glass plate (upper glass plate). (A2): After forming the photosensitive resin composition layer, actinic light (light having a wavelength distribution of 300 nm or more), using an ultraviolet fluorescent lamp or the like as an actinic light source, is irradiated from the upper glass plate side through the base film. (A3): After the masking exposure step, the photosensitive resin composition layer is irradiated with the same actinic light as above from the lower glass side through the film, which is the structure after image drawing, and the cover film, and a relief forming exposure step for image formation is performed, thereby obtaining a flexographic printing original plate.

[0068] The photosensitive resin composition layer was formed in the above (A1). Here, a test image having a design in which linear exposure portions (hereinafter referred to as "independent lines") with a width of 500 μm are formed in a range of 400 mm × 600 mm was used. Next, in the above (A2) and (A3), the photosensitive resin composition layer was exposed to obtain a flexographic printing original plate having a plate thickness of 3 mm and a relief depth of 1.5 mm. Here, the relief depth is a conventional term representing the length obtained by subtracting the height of the back layer from the plate thickness, that is, the depth of the printed image relief. Relief exposure amount was 600 mJ / cm 2 Relief formation was performed under the condition of.

[0069] <Developing process> The film for flexographic printing plate manufacturing after image drawing was peeled off from the flexographic printing original plate, and the unexposed photosensitive resin composition was recovered and removed from the flexographic printing original plate using a rubber spatula. Then, using an "AL-400W type developing machine" (manufactured by Asahi Kasei Corporation, drum rotation spray type, drum rotation speed: 20 rotations / minute, spray pressure: 0.15 Pa), an aqueous solution containing 2% by mass of "APR (registered trademark, manufactured by Asahi Kasei Corporation) cleaner type W-13" (main ingredient: anionic surfactant) that can emulsify the photosensitive resin composition, 0.5% by mass of "APR (registered trademark, manufactured by Asahi Kasei Corporation) surface treatment agent type A-10" (main ingredient: nonionic surfactant, benzophenone), and 0.3% by mass of "antifoaming agent SH-4" (manufactured by Asahi Kasei Corporation, silicone mixture) was used as the developer, and development was carried out under the conditions of a liquid temperature of 40°C and a development time of 20 minutes. After development, it was washed with tap water until the bubbles caused by the developer dropped.

[0070] <Post-exposure process> Using an AL-200UP type post-exposure machine (manufactured by Asahi Kasei Corporation) equipped with both an ultraviolet fluorescent lamp and a germicidal lamp, post-exposure was carried out by the underwater exposure method. The exposure amount irradiated from each light source was 2000 mJ / cm 2 on the surface of the photosensitive resin composition for the ultraviolet fluorescent lamp: 2000 mJ / cm 2 and exposure was carried out for the exposure time such that it was 2000 mJ / cm for the germicidal lamp.

[0071] <Drying process> Using an ALF-DRYER (trade name, manufactured by Asahi Kasei Corporation), the plate after post-exposure was dried for about 30 minutes until the moisture on its surface disappeared, and finally a flexographic printing plate was obtained.

[0072] (Manufacture of the flexographic printing plate of Example 6) In the pre-step of the <laser drawing step on the film which is a constituent> of Example 4 above, a design layout step was introduced. The test image was arranged while avoiding the repaired defective parts of the film C which is a constituent. After the laser drawing step, a flexographic printing plate was produced in the same manner as in Example 4 above.

[0073]

Table 1

[0074]

Table 2

[0075] According to the embodiment, a structure capable of obtaining sufficient light-shielding property in the pattern exposure process in the manufacturing process of the printing plate and enabling the efficiency improvement of the printing plate manufacturing operation was obtained. Further, it was found that the flexographic printing plate using the said structure has practically good quality.

Industrial Applicability

[0076] The structure of the present invention has industrial applicability, particularly as a member for a mask film in the manufacture of a large printing plate.

Claims

1. A method for manufacturing a structure having an ultraviolet-transmissive substrate and a blackening layer provided on the substrate, comprising: a defective portion specifying step of specifying a defective portion of the blackening layer; a repair step of covering the defective portion of the blackening layer with a substance having an ultraviolet shielding effect; and a method for manufacturing a structure.

2. The method for manufacturing a structure according to claim 1, wherein the substance having an ultraviolet shielding effect is a substance that can be drawn by laser irradiation. The method for manufacturing a structure according to claim 1.

3. The method for manufacturing a structure according to claim 1, wherein in the repair step, direct marking capable of specifying the defective portion is performed directly on the defective portion. The method for manufacturing a structure according to claim 1.

4. The method for manufacturing a structure according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein in the repair step, the defective portion of the blackening layer is covered with a substance having an ultraviolet shielding effect by an inkjet method. The method for manufacturing a structure according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. A method for manufacturing a printing plate, comprising forming a photosensitive resin composition layer on a structure having an ultraviolet-transmissive substrate and a blackening layer provided on the substrate, covering the upper surface of the photosensitive resin composition layer with a base film, and performing an ultraviolet irradiation step of exposing the structure side and the base film side in both directions to cure the photosensitive resin composition layer, wherein: in a stage before the ultraviolet irradiation step, a defective portion specifying step of specifying a defective portion of the blackening layer; a repair step of covering the defective portion of the blackening layer with a substance having an ultraviolet shielding effect; and a method for manufacturing a printing plate.

6. The method for manufacturing a printing plate according to claim 5, wherein the substance having an ultraviolet shielding effect is a substance that can be drawn by laser irradiation. The method for manufacturing a printing plate according to claim 5.

7. The method for manufacturing a printing plate according to claim 5, wherein the substance having an ultraviolet shielding effect is a substance that cannot be drawn by laser irradiation, and the repair step includes a design arranging step of arranging a design for drawing by laser irradiation while avoiding a portion covered with the substance having an ultraviolet shielding effect. The method for manufacturing a printing plate according to claim 5.

8.

9. Before the design arranging step, marking capable of specifying a portion covered with the substance having an ultraviolet shielding effect is performed. The method for manufacturing a printing plate according to claim 7.

9. An ultraviolet-transmissive substrate, and a structure having a blackening layer provided on the substrate, wherein the defective portion of the blackening layer has a coating layer containing a substance having an ultraviolet shielding effect. A structure.

10. The substance having the ultraviolet shielding effect is a substance that can be drawn by laser irradiation. The structure according to claim 9.

11. The defective portion has a direct marking portion capable of specifying the defective portion. The structure according to claim 9.

12. The coating layer is a repaired portion by an inkjet method. The structure according to claim 9.

13. The optical density of the blackening layer is 2 or more and 4 or less. The structure according to claim 9.

14. A method for manufacturing a printing plate, comprising: forming a photosensitive resin composition layer on a structure having an ultraviolet-transmissive substrate and a blackening layer provided on the substrate; covering the upper surface of the photosensitive resin composition layer with a base film; and exposing from both the structure side and the base film side to cure the photosensitive resin composition layer, the method having an ultraviolet irradiation step, In a stage prior to the ultraviolet irradiation step, a defective portion specifying step of specifying a defective portion of the blackening layer; a design arranging step of arranging a design for drawing by laser irradiation while avoiding the defective portion. A method for manufacturing a printing plate.

15. An ultraviolet-transmissive substrate and a blackening layer provided on the substrate, the structure being a structure having a marking portion capable of specifying a defective portion of the blackening layer at or near the defective portion of the blackening layer. Structure.

Images