Method for imaging a mask layer in two imaging settings and associated imaging system - Patents.com

Abstract

A method of imaging a mask layer (12) comprising the steps of providing a mask layer (12), receiving an image file (18), and detecting at least one solid area (20) and at least one halftone area (22) in the image file (18); imaging an area (32) of the mask layer (12) corresponding to the at least one solid area (20) using a first imaging setting, wherein a sampling pattern (44) is overlaid on pixels (24) of the at least one solid area before or during imaging such that only a portion of the pixels (24) of the at least one solid area are imaged; and imaging an area (34) of the mask layer (12) corresponding to the at least one halftone area (22) using a second imaging setting, different from the first imaging setting.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The field of the invention relates to imaging of a mask layer in the field of printing technology. Various embodiments herein relate to a method for imaging a mask layer, a control module and a computer program for use in imaging a mask layer, as well as a method and a system for imaging and exposing a relief precursor.

[0002] 2. Description of Related Art

[0003] In known methods for imaging a mask layer, the image file of the halftone and / or solid areas can contain fine high-resolution patterns in order to generate texture on the surface of the printed dots. Such patterns are typically superimposed on the original image file and can consist of regular or irregular patterns, such as checkerboard patterns or patterns in which an imaged pixel is surrounded by eight non-imaged pixels. Such patterns are intended to produce a relief structure, i.e. a texture on the printed dots, improving the ink transfer and thus the print quality.

[0004] However, such known methods are not entirely satisfactory. One problem is ink density: developed spots corresponding to solid and / or halftone areas may not be able to hold enough ink, so that the printed material may appear insufficiently ink dense, i.e. not dark enough. Another problem is the so-called "trailing edge voids". Trailing edge voids appear when the edges of the developed solid spots are badly inked. A third problem that may arise is when a sampling pattern is applied to the solid and / or halftone areas. The sampling pattern may interfere with the existing pattern of halftone dots in the halftone areas. Summary of the Invention

[0005] Some embodiments of the present disclosure relate to mask layer imaging methods that can improve the ink density of printed materials, some embodiments relate to mask layer imaging methods that can reduce or eliminate the problem of trailing edge voids, some embodiments can reduce interference caused by sampling patterns.

[0006] According to a first aspect of the present disclosure, a method of imaging a mask layer includes providing a mask layer, receiving an image file, detecting at least one solid region and at least one halftone region in the image file, imaging an area of ​​the mask layer corresponding to the at least one solid region using a first imaging setting, and imaging an area of ​​the mask layer corresponding to the at least one halftone region using a second imaging setting. Before or during imaging, a sampling pattern is superimposed on pixels of the at least one solid region such that all or only a portion of the pixels of the at least one solid region are imaged. The second imaging setting is different from the first imaging setting.

[0007] By using a suitable sampling pattern in the solid area, a suitable surface structure can be obtained on the corresponding solid printing relief of the printing plate, and the ink on the solid printing relief is more uniformly distributed. Therefore, the trailing edge voids can be significantly reduced. In fact, by using a sampling pattern, channels are formed on the upper surface of the solid relief so that the resulting printing relief does not contact the substrate over too large an area during printing. This reduces the trailing edge voids.

[0008] In addition, by using different imaging settings when imaging the mask layers corresponding to the solid and halftone regions, potential interference under one imaging setting can be prevented from causing interference under another imaging setting. In some embodiments, no sampling pattern is applied in the halftone regions, and therefore no interference exists in those regions. However, even if a sampling pattern is used in the halftone regions and causes some interference in the halftone regions, the interference can be significantly reduced because the image settings of the halftone regions can be selected independently of the image settings of the solid regions.

[0009] Preferably, the resolution of the sampling pattern is selected in the range of 1000 dpi to 2540 dpi. Preferably, if an ink roll is used to carry the ink onto the plate, the resolution is selected to be higher than the resolution of the surface structures of the ink roll.

[0010] The first aspect of the disclosure can include any one of the following features or any combination that is technically possible.

[0011] the sampling pattern and the first and second imaging settings are selected such that after exposing a relief precursor through the imaged mask layer and developing the exposed relief precursor, a first surface structure of hills surrounded by valleys is generated on the printing relief corresponding to the at least one solid area and a second surface structure of hills surrounded by valleys is generated on the halftone dots corresponding to the at least one halftone area.

[0012] Compared to an ink cell, which has an ink well containing ink surrounded by walls that prevent the ink from leaking out of the ink well, a surface structure of ridges surrounded by valleys distributes the ink evenly across multiple ridges.

[0013] - the first and second imaging settings are set such that an imaging spot corresponding to an imaging pixel of the at least one solid area is larger than an imaging spot corresponding to an imaging pixel of the at least one halftone area, preferably the top surface of the imaging spot corresponding to an imaging pixel of the at least one solid area is at least 10% larger than the top surface of the imaging spot corresponding to an imaging pixel of the at least one halftone area, more preferably at least 20% larger, even more preferably at least 30% larger, most preferably at least 40% larger.

[0014] By using larger imaged spots for solid areas where a sampling pattern is used, the imaged spots can be closer together or overlap, resulting in more "hill" surface area and the printout from the solid area can have a darker color. By using smaller imaged spots in halftone areas, hill structures can be obtained and good ink transfer can be obtained even when a sampling pattern is not used.

[0015] The sampling pattern is a repeating block of one or more imaging pixels combined with one or more non-imaging pixels.

[0016] Alternating imaging and non-imaging pixels across the block results in regular sampling, i.e. regular selection of imaging pixels across the block.

[0017] the sampling pattern is one of the following or a combination thereof: a single pixel pattern, e.g. a single pixel checkerboard pattern where each imaging pixel is surrounded by eight non-imaging pixels, a multi-pixel pattern, e.g. a multi-pixel checkerboard pattern where a cluster of four imaging pixels or four non-imaging pixels corresponds to the checkerboard case, a line pattern, a dash pattern (e.g. a broken line), a circle pattern.

[0018] -No sampling pattern is added to at least one halftone region.

[0019] By not applying the sampling pattern within the halftone regions, potential interference between the sampling pattern and the second imaging setting can be avoided entirely.

[0020] -Adding a sampling pattern to at least one halftone region.

[0021] By applying the sampling pattern also to the halftone regions, a selection can be made as to which imaging pixels are actually imaged according to the second imaging setting. For example, it is also beneficial to use a sampling pattern in one or more halftone regions depending on the tone values ​​used in the image to be printed. Furthermore, it is also possible to distinguish between different halftone regions and apply different sampling patterns (including the option of not including a sampling pattern) to different halftone regions, for example depending on a value representing a tone value or a range of tone values. The second imaging setting may also be different for different halftone regions. Optionally, the second imaging setting can be selected in function of a value representing a tone value or a range of tone values.

[0022] For tone values ​​below a predefined value, no sampling pattern is added in at least one halftone region, and for tone values ​​above a predefined value, a sampling pattern is added in at least one halftone region. In a similar embodiment, isolated pixel clusters containing fewer pixels than a predefined pixel value are detected, and no sampling pattern is added to such small isolated pixel clusters, while a sampling pattern is added to other regions. In this way, not only halftone regions with low tone values ​​but also very small image regions do not receive a sampling pattern.

[0023] Here, whether to add a sampling pattern to a halftone region depends on the tone value of the halftone region. For low tone values, all imaging pixels in the halftone region are imaged onto the mask layer. Thus, all information related to low tone values ​​is displayed on the mask layer. For high tone values, the selection of which imaging pixels are imaged onto the mask layer is performed via the sampling pattern. In this way, a good balance between color strength and application of the sampling pattern can be achieved.

[0024] - the at least one half-tone region comprises a first half-tone region and a second half-tone region, the first half-tone region being imaged using a second imaging setting and the second half-tone region being imaged using a third imaging setting, the method including the step of imaging an area of ​​the mask layer corresponding to the at least one half-tone region using a third imaging setting different from the first imaging setting.

[0025] By using at least two different imaging settings for the halftone region, the image settings can be adapted based on, for example, the tone value of the halftone region and / or other characteristics of the halftone region. By providing at least two imaging settings for the halftone region, a variety of results within the halftone region can be obtained.

[0026] The image file represents two-dimensional image data, preferably the image file is a 1 bit / pixel file or a multi-level image file having multiple bits / pixel.

[0027] The one bit per pixel possibility simplifies the image file and capture process, while multiple bits per pixel embodiments increase the number of capture options contained in a single image file.

[0028] - the first imaging setting and the second imaging setting each specify a value that represents a size and / or shape (e.g., diameter if the imaging spot is circular) of an imaging spot corresponding to an imaging pixel;

[0029] The first imaging setting and the second imaging setting define any one or more of the following parameters:

[0030] Intensity values ​​used to generate imaged features corresponding to imaging pixels, e.g., intensity values ​​for controlling the beams used to image each of the at least one solid area and the at least one halftone area; A time interval used to generate an imaged feature corresponding to an imaging pixel, e.g., an on-time value for controlling the beam used to image each of the at least one solid area and the at least one halftone area; a beam diameter or beam shape value for controlling a beam used to image each of the at least one solid area and the at least one halftone area; A number of passes used to image each of the at least one solid area and the at least one halftone area; An indication of one of a plurality of exposure heads used to generate an imaged feature or an imaged feature group corresponding to a pixel or pixel group for imaging of each of the at least one solid area and the at least one halftone area.

[0031] Preferably, the first imaging setting is a first intensity and the second imaging setting is a second intensity, the first intensity being at least 1.5 times higher than the second intensity, more preferably at least 2 times higher.

[0032] The solid area of ​​the at least one solid area corresponds to a single relief area, i.e. an area where there is a single imaging pixel cluster and no repetition of similarly sized imaging pixel clusters, typically an area with a tone value of 100%. The halftone area of ​​the at least one halftone area corresponds to an area where a plurality of similarly sized imaging pixel clusters are present apart from each other, i.e. an area with a tone value of less than 100%. An embodiment of the invention is particularly useful for image files that contain classical Amplitude Modulation (AM) screens, i.e. halftone areas, where the distance between a first group of clustered imaging pixels corresponding to a first dot and a second group of clustered imaging pixels corresponding to an adjacent second dot of the halftone area is the same for all halftone areas, i.e. halftone areas with different tone values. In other words, cm 2 The number of dots per pixel is the same for all halftone regions. The tone value of the halftone region is then determined by the size of the group of clustered imaging pixels (i.e. the size of the dot). However, other embodiments of the invention may be implemented with a different distance, in cm 2 Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the number of dots per pixel may also be varied, and may be used for frequency modulation (FM) screens or AM and FM screens.

[0033] - detecting at least one solid area and at least one halftone area in the image file is performed during a raster image processing step. In an exemplary embodiment, at least one first raster image file is generated that contains only one or more of the at least one solid area and at least one second raster image file that contains only one or more of the at least one halftone area. In such an embodiment, the image files are, for example, a first 1-bit-per-pixel file for the at least one solid area if the same first imaging setting is used for all solid areas and a second 1-bit-per-pixel file for the at least one halftone area if the same second imaging setting is used for all halftone areas. If more than two capture settings are used, more than two raster image files may be generated, for example, a first raster image file for at least one solid area, a second raster image file for one or more first halftone areas having tonal values ​​within a first tonal value range, and a third raster image file for one or more second halftone areas having tonal values ​​within a second tonal value range, or a multi-bit / pixel file may be generated.

[0034] In this way, information about solid / halftone areas can be derived from the original image file, e.g., a pdf file, which contains general information about gray values, also called continuous tones, that can make detection easier and more accurate, indications of areas with text or line art, and indications of areas with continuous tones, etc. For example, line art typically corresponds to a solid area, while contone results in halftone areas and, optionally, solid areas within contone.

[0035] the image file is a raster image file, and a step of detecting at least one solid area and at least one halftone area in the image file is performed after the raster image processing step;

[0036] By performing detection on raster image files, e.g., tiff files, the method does not rely on any prior image processing steps, such as raster image processing steps or other prior image processing steps, allowing the method to be used in any imager, regardless of prior image processing steps. In such an embodiment, the method can detect clustered groups of pixels to determine solid and halftone areas.

[0037] - prior to imaging, a modified image file is generated, said modified image file having at least two bits per pixel, said at least two bits indicating, for each pixel, whether the pixel is one of the following:

[0038] Non-imaging pixels, Imaging pixels captured with the first imaging setting; Imaging pixels captured in the second imaging setting; Optionally, an imaging pixel imaged at a third imaging setting, the imaging being based on a modified image file.

[0039] These features combine indications of the imaging settings used into a single modified image file, and during imaging of the mask layer, there is no need to reference other files and / or have multiple raster image files, but only to extract information from this modified image file.

[0040] A further aspect of the present disclosure relates to a method for imaging and exposing a relief precursor, comprising the steps of: providing a relief precursor comprising a substrate layer, a photosensitive layer, and a mask layer; imaging the mask layer by a method according to any one of the above disclosed embodiments; exposing the relief precursor to electromagnetic radiation, preferably UV radiation, through the imaged mask layer such that a portion of the photosensitive layer hardens; and developing the exposed relief precursor by removing a portion of the photosensitive layer that was not exposed.

[0041] According to one embodiment of the method for imaging and exposing a relief precursor, the solid area of ​​the at least one solid area is such that after exposure and development, a single printed relief having a first surface structure pair of hills surrounded by valleys is generated in the solid area, and the halftone area of ​​the at least one halftone area is such that after development, a plurality of dots having a second surface structure of hills surrounded by valleys is generated in the halftone area.

[0042] In this way, a suitable texture is imparted to both the solid printing relief(s) corresponding to the solid area(s) and the halftone dots corresponding to at least one halftone area to obtain good ink transfer.

[0043] Another aspect of the present disclosure also relates to an imaging system configured to perform the above-mentioned method.

[0044] Another aspect of the disclosure relates to a control module configured to receive an image file and detect at least one solid area and at least one halftone area in the image file. The control module is configured to control the imager such that an area of ​​the mask layer corresponding to the at least one solid area is imaged using a first imaging setting. Before or during imaging, the control module is configured to overlay a sampling pattern onto pixels of the at least one solid area such that only a portion of the pixels of the at least one solid area are imaged and such that an area of ​​the mask layer corresponding to the at least one halftone area is imaged using a second imaging setting.

[0045] The control module of the present disclosure may include any one of the following features, or any combination thereof that is technically possible.

[0046] the control module is configured to select or set the sampling pattern and the first and second imaging settings such that after exposing a relief precursor through a mask layer to be imaged and developing the exposed relief precursor, a first surface structure of hills surrounded by valleys is generated on the relief corresponding to the at least one solid area and a second surface structure of hills surrounded by valleys is generated on the printing dots corresponding to the at least one halftone area.

[0047] The control module is configured to select or set the first imaging setting and the second imaging setting such that an imaging spot corresponding to an imaging pixel of at least one solid area is larger than an imaging spot corresponding to an imaging pixel of at least one halftone area.

[0048] The control module is configured to select or set the sampling pattern as a repeating block of one or more imaging pixels and one or more non-imaging pixels.

[0049] The sampling pattern is one of the following or a combination of these: single pixel patterns, e.g. a single pixel checkerboard pattern where each imaging pixel is surrounded by eight non-imaging pixels, multi-pixel patterns such as a multi-pixel checkerboard pattern, line patterns, dash patterns, circular patterns.

[0050] The control module is configured such that no sampling patterns are added within at least one halftone region.

[0051] The control module is configured to add a sampling pattern to the at least one halftone region.

[0052] The control module is configured to determine, depending on the tone value of at least one halftone region, whether or not to apply a sampling pattern to the halftone region.

[0053] The control module is configured to not add a sampling pattern to the at least one halftone region for tone values ​​below a predetermined value and to add a sampling pattern to the at least one halftone region for tone values ​​above the predetermined value.

[0054] - When the at least one halftone area comprises a first halftone area and a second halftone area, the control module is configured such that the first halftone area is imaged using a second imaging setting and the second halftone area is imaged using a third imaging setting, the third imaging setting being different from the first imaging setting.

[0055] The control module is configured to generate an image file representing the two-dimensional image data, preferably the image file being a 1 bit / pixel file or a multi-level image file having multiple bits / pixel.

[0056] - the control module is configured such that the first imaging setting and the second imaging setting each identify a value representing the size and / or shape (e.g., diameter if the imaging spot is circular) of the imaging spot corresponding to the imaging pixel; preferably, the first imaging setting and the second imaging setting are configured to define any one or more of the parameters described above in connection with this embodiment of the method.

[0057] - the control module is configured to perform a step of performing raster image processing of the image file and detecting at least one solid area and at least one halftone area during the raster image processing step, and optionally generating at least one first raster image file containing only one or more solid areas of the at least one solid area and at least one second raster image file containing only one or more halftone areas of the at least one halftone area.

[0058] the image file is a raster image file, and the control module is configured to perform the step of detecting at least one solid area and at least one halftone area in the raster image file.

[0059] the control module is configured to generate, based on the image file, a modified image file having at least two bits per pixel, the at least two bits indicating, for each pixel, whether the pixel is one of the following:

[0060] Non-imaging pixels, Imaging pixels captured with the first imaging setting; Imaging pixels captured in the second imaging setting; Optionally, an imaging pixel imaged at a third imaging setting, the imaging being based on a modified image file.

[0061] According to another aspect, a method for imaging a mask layer includes the steps of providing a mask layer, receiving an image file, and detecting at least one solid area and at least one halftone area in the image file; imaging an area of ​​the mask layer corresponding to the at least one solid area using a first imaging setting; and imaging an area of ​​the mask layer corresponding to the at least one halftone area using a second imaging setting different from the first imaging setting, wherein before or during imaging, a sampling pattern is overlaid on pixels of the halftone area of ​​the at least one halftone area, and only a portion of the pixels of the halftone area are imaged.

[0062] In this way, at least one solid area can be imaged in a robust and simple manner without the use of a sampling pattern, while a suitable sampling pattern can be used in one or more halftone areas, preferably such that moiré effects are avoided or limited.

[0063] In such an embodiment, the first imaging setting and the second imaging setting can be such that an imaging spot corresponding to an imaging pixel of the at least one solid region is smaller than an imaging spot corresponding to an imaging pixel of the halftone region.

[0064] In such an embodiment, for example, in high light, halftone areas of the at least one halftone area having a tone value below a predetermined value may not have a sampling pattern added within the halftone area, and halftone areas having tone values ​​above a predetermined value may have a sampling pattern added within the halftone area, and all halftone areas having tone values ​​above the predetermined value may use the same sampling pattern or different sampling patterns.

[0065] Preferably, the sampling pattern and said first and second imaging settings are selected such that after exposing the relief precursor through the imaged mask layer and developing the exposed relief precursor, a first surface structure of hills surrounded by valleys is generated on the relief corresponding to said at least one solid area and a second surface structure of hills surrounded by valleys is generated on the printing dots corresponding to said at least one halftone area, Such structures limit any suction effects when the inked printing plate is pressed against the substrate.

[0066] According to a corresponding aspect, there is provided a control module configured to receive an image file and detect at least one solid region and at least one halftone region in the image file, the control module being configured to control the imager such that an area of ​​the mask layer corresponding to the at least one solid region is imaged using a first imaging setting and an area of ​​the mask layer (12) corresponding to the at least one halftone region is imaged using a second imaging setting different from the first imaging setting, and a sampling pattern is superimposed on pixels of the halftone region of the at least one halftone region before or during imaging such that only a portion of pixels of the halftone region are imaged.

[0067] According to another aspect, a method for imaging a mask layer includes providing a mask layer, receiving an image file, and detecting at least a first half-tone region and a second half-tone region having different first and second tonal value ranges in the image file; determining a first imaging setting for the first half-tone zone based on a value representing the first tonal value range; determining a second imaging setting for the second half-tone zone based on a value representing the second tonal value range; and imaging areas of the mask layer corresponding to the first and second half-tone regions using the determined first and second imaging settings.

[0068] In this way, the surface structure of the relief elements can be adapted as a function of the tone value range: for example, for larger tone values ​​the imaged spot size can have a larger diameter than for lower tone values.

[0069] Preferably, the first and second tone value ranges are greater than 10%, more preferably greater than 20%. For example, the first range can be from P1 to P2 and the second range can be all values ​​above P2, where P1 is a value between 10% and 30% and P2 is a value between 40% and 60%.

[0070] Optionally, before or during imaging, a sampling pattern may be superimposed on pixels of the first and / or second halftone regions such that only a portion of the pixels of the first and / or second halftone regions are imaged. Optionally, whether and / or which sampling pattern is used may also be determined as a function of the tone value of the respective region.

[0071] Optionally, the method further comprises detecting solid areas in the image file, and before or during imaging, a sampling pattern is overlaid on pixels of the solid areas such that only a portion of the pixels of the solid areas are imaged.

[0072] Preferably, the first imaging settings and the second imaging settings are selected such that after exposing the relief precursor through the imaged mask layer and developing the exposed relief precursor, a first surface structure of hills surrounded by valleys is generated on the printed dots in the first half-tone area and a second surface structure of hills surrounded by valleys is generated on the printed dots in the second half-tone area.

[0073] Preferably, the sampling pattern is any of the sampling patterns described above in relation to other aspects.

[0074] Preferably, the first imaging setting and the second imaging setting define any one or more of the parameters discussed above in relation to other aspects.

[0075] Optionally, the detecting step is performed during a raster image processing step.

[0076] In addition, the image file is a raster image file and the step of detecting within the image file is performed after a raster image processing step, for example, the pattern and size of clusters of captured pixels can be determined and based thereon, different halftone and solid regions of the image file can be determined.

[0077] In an exemplary embodiment, a first raster image file is generated that includes only the first halftone region, and a second raster image file is generated that includes only the second halftone region. In such an embodiment, the first raster image file and the second raster image file may be, for example, a first 1-bit-per-pixel file for the first halftone region and a second 1-bit-per-pixel file for the second halftone region. Using more than two capture settings may generate more than two raster image files. Alternatively, a multi-bit-per-pixel file may be generated, as described above.

[0078] According to a corresponding aspect, a control module is provided, the control module being configured to receive an image file and detect at least a first half-tone region and a second half-tone region in the image file having different first and second tonal value ranges, the control module being configured to determine a first shooting setting for the first half-tone zone based on a value representing the first tonal value range and to determine a second shooting setting for the second half-tone zone based on a value representing the second tonal value range, and configured to control imaging of areas of a mask layer corresponding to the first and second half-tone regions using the determined first and second imaging settings.

[0079] A further aspect of the present disclosure relates to a method of imaging a mask layer, comprising generating an image file having at least two bits per pixel, and imaging the mask layer with the image file such that each pixel is imaged according to an associated at least two bits in the image file, the at least two bits representing one of the following:

[0080] - non-imaging pixels, - an imaging pixel imaged at a first imaging setting; an imaging pixel that is imaged in a second imaging setting, the first imaging setting and the second imaging setting being different; Optionally, an imaging pixel imaged at a third imaging setting, said third imaging setting being different from said first imaging setting and said second imaging setting.

[0081] By generating such modified capture files, the imager can be commanded in a convenient manner while allowing the capture settings to be changed. In this manner, the capture settings can be changed in a convenient manner during capture.

[0082] This further aspect of the disclosure can include any one of the following features, or any combination thereof that is technically possible.

[0083] - The first shooting setting and the second shooting setting are set so that an imaged spot corresponding to an imaging pixel captured in the first shooting setting is larger than an imaged spot corresponding to an imaging pixel captured in the second shooting setting.

[0084] - Generating the image file includes overlaying a sampling pattern onto pixels of at least one first area, preferably at least one solid area, so that only a portion of the pixels of the at least one first area become imaged pixels.

[0085] The generation of the pixels is based on data in the received image file, preferably based on the greyscale values ​​of the pixels in the received image file.

[0086] - The first imaging setting and the second imaging setting each specify a value representing the size and / or shape of the imaged spot corresponding to the imaging pixel, and preferably the first imaging setting and the second imaging setting define any one or more of the parameters described above in relation to the first aspect.

[0087] the first imaging settings and the second imaging settings are selected such that after exposing the relief precursor through the imaged mask layer and developing the exposed relief precursor, a first surface structure of hills surrounded by valleys is generated in at least a first region and a second surface structure of hills surrounded by valleys is generated in at least a second region.

[0088] A further aspect of the present disclosure relates to a control module for controlling an imager for imaging a mask layer, the control module being configured to generate an image file having at least two bits per pixel and control imaging of the mask layer with said image file such that each pixel is imaged according to the associated at least two bits in the image file, the at least two bits representing either:

[0089] - non-imaging pixels, - an imaging pixel imaged at a first imaging setting; an imaging pixel that captures an image in a second imaging setting, the first imaging setting being different from the second imaging setting; Optionally, an imaging pixel imaged in a third imaging setting, said third imaging setting being different from said first imaging setting and said second imaging setting.

[0090] The values ​​of the two bits may be determined by the control module based on information contained in the original image file, for example based on whether the pixel is located in a solid or halftone area, and / or based on the tonal value of the pixel, and / or based on other image information.

[0091] In a preferred embodiment according to any one of the aspects disclosed above, the first imaging setting is such that when the first imaging setting is used, an imaged spot corresponding to an imaging pixel does not overlap with adjacent imaged spots corresponding to adjacent imaging pixels, and / or the second imaging setting is such that when the second imaging setting is used, an imaged spot corresponding to an imaging pixel does not overlap with adjacent imaged spots corresponding to adjacent imaging pixels, thus avoiding the formation of isolated "wells" that may cause ink to be drawn towards the printing plate.

[0092] A further aspect of the present disclosure relates to a method for processing a relief precursor, the method comprising the steps of providing a relief precursor comprising a substrate layer, a photosensitive layer and a mask layer, imaging the mask layer by the method described above in relation to any one of the aspects of the present disclosure, and developing the exposed relief precursor by exposing the relief precursor to electromagnetic radiation, preferably UV radiation, to harden a portion of the photosensitive layer and remove a portion of the photosensitive layer that was not exposed.

[0093] Preferably, imaging is performed such that after exposure and development a printed relief is produced having a surface structure of hills surrounded by valleys.

[0094] A further aspect of the present disclosure also relates to an imaging system, the imaging system being configured to perform any one of the embodiments of the method described above.

[0095] The present disclosure also relates to a control module configured to carry out any one of the method embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0096] Another aspect of the present disclosure also relates to a system for imaging a relief precursor and optionally further processing the relief precursor, the system comprising: a control module according to any one of the above disclosed embodiments; an imager configured to image the mask layer, for example an imager comprising means for generating and controlling at least one beam of electromagnetic radiation; The imager may be a flatbed device or an internal or external drum device, the latter of which may be equipped with a rotating drum.

[0097] The control module is configured to control the imager according to any one of the embodiments described above.

[0098] Preferably, the system further comprises any one or more of the following: at least one transport system configured to transport the relief precursor, a storage system, an exposure means configured to expose the relief precursor through a mask layer to be imaged, a development means configured to remove at least a portion of unexposed material from the relief precursor, a drying system, a post-exposure device, a cutting device, a loading station, a heater. The transport system may comprise one system connecting all the different processing means or may comprise one or more transport means connecting the different processing means. The storage system is configured to store the relief precursor and / or the resulting relief plate at any stage of the processing, for example upstream of the imager, at the end of the loading station or anywhere in between.

[0099] In an exemplary embodiment, the imaging of the at least one halftone region and the imaging of the at least one solid region can be performed sequentially (in any order) or preferably simultaneously. Preferably, multiple beams are used for imaging, each of which can be controlled independently so that imaging can be performed simultaneously with different imaging settings. In another embodiment, the multiple beams can include a first group of beams and a second group of beams, the first group being controllable independently of the second group so that imaging can be performed simultaneously with the first group and the second group with different imaging settings.

[0100] Some embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a computer program comprising computer-executable instructions for controlling an embodiment of the method described above in relation to any one of the aspects of the present disclosure, when the program is run on a computer.

[0101] Some embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a digital data storage medium encoding a machine-executable program of instructions for performing any one of the method steps described above in relation to any one of the aspects of the present disclosure.

[0102] Some embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a computer program product comprising computer-executable instructions for controlling or performing the methods described above in relation to any one of the above aspects of the present disclosure, when the program is run on a computer.

[0103] Any feature of the first aspect of the present disclosure may be combined with any feature of the further aspects of the present disclosure. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0104] The above and further aspects of the disclosure will now be explained in more detail on the basis of a number of embodiments which are described with reference to the accompanying drawings. [Figure 1] FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of a method for imaging a relief precursor. From the top left to the bottom left, FIG. 1 shows a cross-section of a relief precursor with a halftone region on the left hand side, a pixel pattern in an image file for the halftone region, a pixel pattern with a superimposed sampling pattern for the three zones with adjacent imaged spots to form a single relief after exposure, and an imaged mask layer. Furthermore, in the middle left part, the beam used for imaging the halftone zone (second imaging setting) is shown. From the top right to the bottom right, FIG. 1 also shows a cross-section of a relief precursor with a solid region on the right hand side, a pixel pattern in an image file for the solid region, a pixel pattern with a superimposed sampling pattern, a zone with adjacent imaged spots to form a single relief after exposure, and an imaged mask layer. Furthermore, in the middle right part, the beam used for imaging the solid zone (first imaging setting) is shown. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a top view of a solid area of ​​the mask layer being imaged. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is a top view of a half-tone region of a mask layer being imaged. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a view similar to FIG. 1 showing a schematic cross-sectional view of the relief precursor after a portion of the photosensitive layer has been cured and after the uncured portions of the photosensitive layer have been removed. [Diagram 5]FIG. 5 depicts a three-dimensional image of a halftone area illustrating the surface structures on the halftone dots in an exemplary embodiment of a developed relief plate. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 depicts a three-dimensional image of the surface structure of a solid area in an embodiment on a developed relief plate having a sampling pattern superimposed on the solid area, illustrating the height differences. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 shows diagrams of various sampling patterns for use in an exemplary embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 shows diagrams of various sampling patterns for use in an exemplary embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 shows diagrams of various sampling patterns for use in an exemplary embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 shows diagrams of various sampling patterns for use in an exemplary embodiment. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 shows diagrams of various sampling patterns for use in an exemplary embodiment. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 shows diagrams of various sampling patterns for use in an exemplary embodiment. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 shows diagrams of various sampling patterns for use in an exemplary embodiment. [Figure 14] FIG. 14 shows diagrams of various sampling patterns for use in an exemplary embodiment. [Figure 15] FIG. 15 shows diagrams of various sampling patterns for use in an exemplary embodiment. [Figure 16] FIG. 16 shows diagrams of various sampling patterns for use in an exemplary embodiment. [Figure 17] FIG. 17 shows diagrams of various sampling patterns for use in an exemplary embodiment. [Figure 18] FIG. 18 shows diagrams of various sampling patterns for use in an exemplary embodiment. [Figure 19]FIG. 19 shows diagrams of various sampling patterns for use in an exemplary embodiment. [Figure 20] FIG. 20 shows diagrams of various sampling patterns for use in an exemplary embodiment. [Figure 21] FIG. 21 shows diagrams of various sampling patterns for use in an exemplary embodiment. [Figure 22] FIG. 22 shows diagrams of various sampling patterns for use in an exemplary embodiment. [Figure 23] FIG. 23 shows diagrams of various sampling patterns for use in an exemplary embodiment. [Figure 24] FIG. 24 shows diagrams of various sampling patterns for use in an exemplary embodiment. [Diagram 25] FIG. 25 shows diagrams of various sampling patterns for use in an exemplary embodiment. [Figure 26] FIG. 26 shows diagrams of various sampling patterns for use in an exemplary embodiment. [Figure 27] FIG. 27 shows diagrams of various sampling patterns for use in an exemplary embodiment. [Figure 28] FIG. 28 shows diagrams of various sampling patterns for use in an exemplary embodiment. [Figure 29] FIG. 29 shows diagrams of various sampling patterns for use in an exemplary embodiment. [Diagram 30] FIG. 30 shows diagrams of various sampling patterns for use in an exemplary embodiment. [Diagram 31] FIG. 31 shows diagrams of various sampling patterns for use in an exemplary embodiment. [Diagram 32] FIG. 32 shows diagrams of various sampling patterns for use in an exemplary embodiment. [Diagram 33] FIG. 33 shows diagrams of various sampling patterns for use in an exemplary embodiment. [Diagram 34]FIG. 34 shows diagrams of various sampling patterns for use in an exemplary embodiment. [Diagram 35] FIG. 35 shows diagrams of various sampling patterns for use in an exemplary embodiment. [Diagram 36] FIG. 36 shows diagrams of various sampling patterns for use in an exemplary embodiment. [Figure 37] FIG. 37 shows diagrams of various sampling patterns for use in an exemplary embodiment. [Figure 38] FIG. 38 shows diagrams of various sampling patterns for use in an exemplary embodiment. [Figure 39] FIG. 39 shows diagrams of various sampling patterns for use in an exemplary embodiment. [Diagram 40] FIG. 40 shows diagrams of various sampling patterns for use in an exemplary embodiment. [Diagram 41] FIG. 41 shows diagrams of various sampling patterns for use in an exemplary embodiment. [Diagram 42] FIG. 42 shows diagrams of various sampling patterns for use in an exemplary embodiment. [Diagram 43] FIG. 43 shows diagrams of various sampling patterns for use in an exemplary embodiment. [Diagram 44] FIG. 44 shows diagrams of various sampling patterns for use in an exemplary embodiment. [Diagram 45] FIG. 45 shows diagrams of various sampling patterns for use in an exemplary embodiment. [Figure 46] FIG. 46 shows diagrams of various sampling patterns for use in an exemplary embodiment. [Figure 47] FIG. 47 shows diagrams of various sampling patterns for use in an exemplary embodiment. [Figure 48] FIG. 48 shows diagrams of various sampling patterns for use in an exemplary embodiment. [Figure 49]FIG. 49 shows diagrams of various sampling patterns for use in an exemplary embodiment. [Figure 50] FIG. 50 shows diagrams of various sampling patterns for use in an exemplary embodiment. [Figure 51] FIG. 51 shows diagrams of various sampling patterns for use in an exemplary embodiment. [Figure 52] FIG. 52 shows diagrams of various sampling patterns for use in an exemplary embodiment. [Figure 53] FIG. 53 shows diagrams of various sampling patterns for use in an exemplary embodiment. [Figure 54] FIG. 54 shows diagrams of various sampling patterns for use in an exemplary embodiment. [Figure 55] FIG. 55 illustrates one embodiment of an imaging system. [Figure 56] FIG. 56 illustrates a method for imaging and exposing a relief precursor. [Figure 57] FIG. 57 illustrates a method for imaging and exposing a relief precursor. [Figure 58A] FIG. 58A shows the spot imaged for the first grey zone (10%). [Figure 58B] , FIG. 58B shows the spot imaged for the second midtone zone (30%). [Figure 58C] , FIG. 58C shows the spot imaged for the third midtone zone (70%). [Fig. 58D] , FIG. 58D shows the spot imaged against a beta zone (100%).

[0105] Description of the Invention

[0106] Flexography or letterpress printing is a technique commonly used for mass printing. A flexography or letterpress printing plate is a relief plate having printing elements, typically called reliefs or dots, that protrude above the non-printing elements to produce an image on a recording medium such as paper, cardboard, film, foil, laminate, etc. Also, cylindrical printing plates or sleeves may be used.

[0107] There are various methods for preparing flexographic printing plate precursors. According to conventional methods, flexographic printing plate precursors are prepared from a multilayer substrate comprising a backing layer and one or more photohardenable layers (also called photosensitive layers). These photohardenable layers are imaged by exposure to electromagnetic radiation through a mask layer containing image information, or by direct and selective exposure to light, for example by scanning the plate to transfer image information, to obtain a relief plate.

[0108] In flexographic printing, ink is transferred from a flexographic plate to a printing medium. More specifically, the ink is transferred to the relief parts of the plate, i.e., halftone dots or solid relief, and not to the non-relief parts. During printing, the ink on the relief parts is transferred to the printing medium. A grayscale image is typically produced using halftoning, which uses a screening pattern, preferably an AM screening pattern. Grayscale refers to the amount of a particular color that is reproduced when printing a plate with that color. For example, a printing plate can contain different halftone dot areas and print with different densities in those areas. To increase the amount of ink transferred and increase the so-called ink density on the substrate, an additional very fine structure is applied to the surface of the printing dots, i.e., the relief area. This fine surface structure is typically obtained by adding a fine high-resolution sampling pattern to the image file, which is then transferred to the corresponding mask used for exposure.

[0109] The image reproduced by a flexographic printing plate typically contains both solid image areas and various gray-tone areas, also called halftone areas. A solid area corresponds to a single relief of the printing plate that is completely covered with ink to produce the highest density on the printing material. A gray-tone or halftone area corresponds to an area with multiple printing dots that are separated from each other, i.e. an area where the appearance of the printed image is intermediate between pure white (no ink at all) and a pure color (completely covered with ink). Gray areas are produced by the process of halftoning, which uses multiple relief elements per unit area to create the illusion of different densities of printing. These relief elements are commonly called "halftone dots" in the printing industry. Image display is achieved by varying the area coverage (dot intensity) from area to area. Dot intensity can be changed by changing the dot size (AM screening) and / or the dot density, i.e. the dot frequency (FM screening).

[0110] In a flexographic plate, halftone dots are areas of relief that have their surface on the top surface of the plate. The plate in the area surrounding the dot is etched to a depth that reaches the floor. The height of the halftone dot is the height of the surface of the dot (and of the plate surface) relative to the floor. Halftone relief is the relief that extends from the floor to the top surface.

[0111] FIG. 1 illustrates in a schematic manner an embodiment of a method for imaging a relief precursor 10. The lower part of FIG. 1 shows a cross-section of a relief precursor 10 according to one embodiment. The relief precursor 10 comprises a mask layer 12, a substrate layer 14, and a photosensitive layer 16 placed between the mask layer 12 and the substrate layer 14. The relief precursor 10 is the relief precursor that is imaged before it is exposed to electromagnetic radiation that hardens a portion of the photosensitive layer 16. The relief precursor is, for example, a digital relief precursor or an analog relief precursor. In the case of a digital relief precursor, the mask layer is an integral layer of the precursor and imaging of the mask layer results in an ablated layer, whereas in the case of an analog relief precursor, the mask layer is typically a separate layer, such as a film, that comprises areas that are transparent to radiation and areas that are not transparent to radiation and that is mounted on the relief precursor before exposure with electromagnetic radiation. For example, an opaque ablatable layer on a substrate layer can be used, the structures of which can be produced by ablation, or the transmittance of a layer of a film can be changed by exposure with a laser.

[0112] To image the mask layer 12, first an image file 18 is received. The image file 18 represents two-dimensional image data, for example as shown in the top part of Fig. 1. The left hand side shows halftone areas 22 of the image file 18, and the right hand side shows solid areas 20. Before or during imaging, a sampling pattern 44, here a checkerboard pattern, is superimposed on the pixels 24 of at least one solid area 20, so that only a portion of the pixels 24 of the at least one solid area are imaged, as shown in the middle right part of Fig. 1. The two-dimensional image data is at least partially transferred to the mask layer 12.

[0113] Once an image file 18 is received, the method detects at least one image file solid area 20 and at least one image file halftone area 22 within the image file 18. The image file solid area 20 includes at least one cluster of solid area imaging pixels 24. The image file halftone area 22 includes a plurality of imaging pixel clusters (three imaging pixel clusters are shown here) each including at least one halftone area imaging pixel 26. Before or during imaging, a sampling pattern 44 is superimposed on the pixels of the at least one solid area 20 such that only a portion of the pixels 24 of the at least one solid area 20 are imaged (see resulting modified image file portion 18' in FIG. 1).

[0114] As described below, after the mask layer 12 is imaged, the mask layer 12 comprises at least one solid zone 32 and at least one halftone zone 34. Each solid zone 32 corresponds to a corresponding solid relief 36 (shown in FIG. 4) of the photosensitive layer 16. Each halftone zone 34 corresponds to a corresponding plurality of halftone dots 38 (shown in FIG. 4) of the photosensitive layer 16. The solid zone 32 comprises at least one imaged spot 40. As shown in the image on the center right of FIG. 1, the imaged spots 40 may not overlap or may be touching (or may overlap, but this is not shown). The halftone zone 34 comprises a plurality of clusters 42 of imaged spots 41 (here, only three clusters 42 are shown for simplicity), each cluster 42 including at least one imaged spot 41, e.g., a more or less circular spot.

[0115] Solid area imaging pixel 24 is configured to image a solid zone imaged spot 40 within solid zone 32. Halftone area imaging pixel 26 is configured to image a halftone zone imaged spot 41 within halftone zone 34.

[0116] It should be noted that the imaged spots 40, 41 shown diagrammatically in cross section in FIG.

[0117] The original image file 18 may be a raster image file, such as a TIF file, or a higher level image file, such as a PDF or PS file. After detection of at least one solid area 20 and at least one halftone area 22, the original image file 18 may be converted into a first raster image file containing only the solid areas 20 with a superimposed sampling pattern, and a second raster image file containing only the halftone areas 24. It should be noted that the sampling pattern may also be applied "on the fly" during imaging, in which case it is not included in the first raster image file. The first raster image file is then used for imaging with a first imaging setting, and the second raster image file is used for imaging with a second imaging setting. According to another embodiment, the original image file 18 is converted into a multi-level image file indicating the image setting used for each pixel.

[0118] According to one embodiment, the step of detecting at least one image file solid area 20 and / or at least one image file halftone area 22 is performed during a raster image processing step.

[0119] According to another embodiment, the image file 18 is a raster image file. The step of detecting at least one image file solid area 20 and at least one image file halftone area 22 is performed after the raster image processing step.

[0120] A solid zone 32 of the mask layer 12 is imaged using a first imaging setting. A halftone zone 34 of the mask layer 12 is imaged using a second imaging setting. The second imaging setting is different from the first imaging setting. Figure 1 illustrates the first imaging setting and the second imaging setting diagrammatically as a beam having a first diameter and a second diameter.

[0121] The first and second imaging settings may specify values ​​that represent the sizes of the resulting first and second imaging spots 40 and 41. The first and second imaging settings may define any one or more of the following parameters:

[0122] the intensity values ​​used to generate the imaged features 40, 41 corresponding to the imaging pixels 24, 26, e.g. intensity values ​​for controlling the beams used for imaging the at least one solid area 32 and the at least one halftone area 34, respectively;

[0123] - the time interval used to generate the imaged features 40, 41 corresponding to the imaging pixels 24, 26, e.g., the on-time value for controlling the beam used for imaging each of the at least one solid zone 32 and the at least one halftone zone 34, i.e. the time the beam should be turned on to image the solid zone 32 and the halftone zone 34; generally, the longer the time the beam is turned on to image one zone 32, 34, the larger the diameter of the imaged spots 40, 41.

[0124] - a beam diameter or beam shape value for controlling the beam used to image each of the at least one solid zone 32 and the at least one halftone zone 34;

[0125] the number of passes used to image each of the at least one solid zone 32 and the at least one halftone zone 34,

[0126] -Indication of one of the multiple exposure heads used to generate an imaged feature 40, 41 or a group of imaged features 40, 41 corresponding to an imaging pixel 24, 26 or a group of imaging pixels 24, 26 for imaging at least one solid zone 32 and at least one halftone zone 34, respectively.

[0127] 2 shows a portion of a solid zone 32 of the mask layer. FIG. 3 shows a portion of a cluster 42 of a halftone zone 34 of the mask layer. In comparison, solid zone 32 has a larger solid zone imaging spot 40. Halftone zone 34 has a smaller halftone zone imaging spot 41. In an exemplary embodiment, the intensity of the beam used in solid zone 32 can be at least two times higher than the intensity of the beam used in halftone zone 34. In an exemplary embodiment, the diameter of the beam used in solid zone 32 can be at least 10% larger than the diameter of the beam used in halftone zone 34.

[0128] 1 , prior to or during imaging of the mask layer 12, a sampling pattern 44 is superimposed over at least a portion of the solid area imaging pixels 24, such that only a portion of the solid area imaging pixels 24 are imaged. In other words, only a portion of the information corresponding to the solid area imaging pixels 24 is transferred to the mask layer 12.

[0129] 4 shows a cross-section of the developed relief plate. After exposure to electromagnetic radiation, the photosensitive layer 16 comprises at least one solid relief 36 and a number of halftone dots 38. According to one embodiment, the at least one solid relief 36 corresponds to an area having a tone value of 100%. According to one embodiment, the number of halftone dots 38 corresponds to an area having a tone value less than 100%. According to some embodiments, the distance between the centers of the halftone dots 36 remains the same for all tone values. Only the size of the halftone dots 36 changes depending on the tone value.

[0130] The solid zone 32 of the mask layer of Figure 1 comprises at least one solid zone imaging spot 40. The solid zone imaging spot 40 corresponds to an imaging pixel of at least one solid area 20, referred to above as a solid area imaging pixel 24. Each imaged spot 40 produces a hole in the mask layer and exposure is performed through these imaging spots 40, resulting in the surface structure of the solid relief 36 shown diagrammatically in Figure 4 and in more detail in Figure 6.

[0131] The halftone zones 34 of the mask layer in Figure 1 comprise clusters 42 each having at least one halftone zone imaged spot 41. The halftone zone imaged spots 41 correspond to the imaging pixels of at least one halftone region 22 and are referred to as halftone region imaging pixels 26 above. Each imaged spot 41 creates a hole in the mask layer and exposure is performed through these image spots 41, resulting in a surface structure of halftone dots 38 as shown diagrammatically in Figure 4 and in more detail in Figure 5.

[0132] According to one embodiment, as shown in Figures 2 and 3, the solid zone imaging spot 40 is larger than the halftone zone imaging spot 41. Figures 2 and 3 are approximately on the same scale. This may be the result of using a more powerful beam when imaging the solid zone 32 than when imaging the halftone zone 34. Alternatively, this may be the result of using a beam with a larger diameter when imaging the solid zone 32 than when imaging the halftone zone 34. As an example of relative size, the power of the beam used to image the solid zone 32 is 2 to 3 times higher than the power of the beam used to image the halftone zone 34.

[0133] According to a preferred embodiment, no sampling pattern is added to at least one halftone area 22, i.e. no sampling pattern is superimposed on the halftone area imaging pixels 26. As a result, all information on the halftone area imaging pixels 26 is imaged without omissions and / or additional modifications.

[0134] Alternatively, a sampling pattern (not shown) is added to at least one halftone region 22, i.e., the halftone region imaging pixels 26 are superimposed with the sampling pattern. As a result, not all halftone region imaging pixels 26 of the halftone regions 22 of the original image file 18 are imaged. The sampling pattern 44 added to the solid region 36 may be the same as or different from the sampling pattern added to the midtone region 22.

[0135] As another variant, the addition of a sampling pattern to at least one halftone region 20 may depend on the tone value of the halftone region. According to one embodiment, for tone values ​​below a predefined value, no sampling pattern is added to at least one halftone region 22. For tone values ​​above the predefined value, a sampling pattern is added to at least one halftone region 22.

[0136] Additionally or alternatively, whether a sampling pattern is added to a region of the image file may depend on the size of an isolated cluster of pixels in the image file. For example, for clusters of isolated pixels having a number of pixels below a predetermined value, a sampling pattern is not added. For clusters of isolated pixels having a number of pixels above a predetermined value, a sampling pattern is added.

[0137] According to a preferred embodiment, the sampling pattern 44 and the first and second imaging settings are selected such that after exposing the relief precursor through the imaged mask layer 12 and developing the exposed relief plate, a first surface structure of hills surrounded by valleys is generated on at least one solid relief 36 and a second surface structure of hills surrounded by valleys is generated on the halftone dots 38. Hills here mean structures that protrude further from the floor of the photosensitive layer 16. Valleys here mean grooves that protrude less from the floor of the photosensitive layer 16 than hills. Hills surrounded by valleys here mean alternating structures protruding further from the floor and grooves. Figure 5 shows a halftone dot 38 with a surface structure with hills and valleys. Figure 6 shows a solid relief 36 with a surface structure with hills and valleys.

[0138] According to one embodiment, the depth of the valleys of the surface structures on the solid relief 36 is 0.5 μm to 10 μm. According to one embodiment, the depth of the valleys of the surface structures on the halftone dots is 0.5 μm to 20 μm, preferably 1 to 10 μm, more preferably 3 to 10 μm. The total relief depth (i.e. the maximum relief depth in large areas where no imaging pixels are present) is preferably 100 μm to 4 mm, more preferably 100 μm to 2 mm, most preferably 100 μm to 1 mm. The intermediate relief depth (i.e. the relief depth in the areas between the halftone dots 38) is preferably 40 to 60% of the total intermediate depth, for example 30 μm to 2 mm, more preferably 40 μm to 1 mm.

[0139] According to one embodiment, after the relief precursor 10 is exposed and developed, a single printed relief 36 having a first surface structure of hills surrounded by valleys is generated in the solid area 20, and a plurality of halftone dots 38 having a second surface structure of hills surrounded by valleys is generated in the halftone area 22.

[0140] According to one embodiment, prior to imaging, a modified image file is generated, the modified image file having at least two bits per pixel, the at least two bits indicating, for each pixel, whether the pixel is one of the following:

[0141] - non-imaging pixels (e.g., represented by a value of 00); imaging pixels imaged with a first imaging setting (for example represented by the value 01); - imaging pixels imaged with a second imaging setting (represented for example by the value 10); Optionally in this embodiment, whether the imaging pixel is imaged with a third imaging setting (represented by a value of 11, for example).

[0142] According to the present embodiment, imaging of the mask layer 12 is performed based on the modified image file.

[0143] The bits in the image file 18 may for example indicate the size, e.g. diameter, of the imaging beam. Alternatively, the bits in the image file 18 may indicate the intensity level of the beam. This embodiment is particularly suited to imaging with a laser beam.

[0144] 7-54 show various embodiments of possible sampling patterns 44. In these figures, black areas represent areas that are "sampled", i.e., imaging pixels that overlap with the black areas will be imaged onto the mask layer 12. White areas represent areas that are not "sampled", i.e., imaging pixels that overlap with the white areas will not be imaged onto the mask layer 12.

[0145] Of Figures 7 to 54, Figures 7, 8, 9, 15, 17, 36, 37, 39, 42, 44, 45, and 46 show a single pixel pattern, and the other figures show multiple pixel patterns.

[0146] According to one embodiment, sampling pattern 44 is a repeating block of one or more imaging pixels combined with one or more non-imaging pixels.

[0147] 7, 8 and 17 show patterns where each imaging pixel is surrounded by 8 non-imaging pixels. FIG. 9 illustrates a classic checkerboard pattern. FIG. 10 and FIG. 11 illustrate a 2-pixel checkerboard pattern and a 4-pixel checkerboard pattern, respectively. In the examples of FIG. 10 and FIG. 11, the imaged spots of two adjacent imaging pixels and four adjacent imaging pixels, respectively, typically overlap. FIG. 12 shows another example of a multi-pixel pattern in which a cluster of 13 imaging pixels is repeated. In the examples of FIG. 13 and FIG. 18, two clusters of imaging pixels are repeated, in FIG. 13 the clusters are oriented in different directions (some horizontal, some vertical) and in FIG. 18 the clusters are all oriented vertically. In FIG. 18 two imaging pixels are surrounded by 10 non-imaging pixels. Examples of line patterns are shown in FIG. 14-FIG. 16 and FIG. 38. FIG. 19 is another multi-pixel pattern, here including clusters of 4 pixels each surrounded by 10 non-imaging pixels. FIGS. 20 and 21 show patterns with different numbers of pixels in the clusters. In FIG. 20 there is a cluster of 1 pixel and a cluster of 2 pixels. In FIG. 21 there is a cluster of 2 pixels and a cluster of 4 pixels. Sampling pattern 44 can also include dash patterns as shown in FIGS. 36, 37, 39-43, and 49-54. A dash pattern is, for example, a line of interrupted imaging pixels.

[0148] In general, finer patterns, i.e., patterns with relatively small pixel clusters or single pixel files, are preferred for high quality color work such as printing on labels and some packaging materials. For other materials such as corrugated board, multiple pixel patterns are generally preferred. Additionally, the image settings of the area may be selected as a function of the selection of the sampling pattern. For example, for multiple pixel patterns, the size of the beam may be larger than for single pixel patterns, or the size may be selected as a function of the multiple pixel pattern used.

[0149] FIG. 55 shows a system for converting a relief precursor into a relief printing plate or sleeve. The system comprises a control module 100, an imager 110, an exposure means 120 and a development means 130. After the mask layer on the precursor has been imaged by the imager 110 using the converted image file and / or the imaging instructions generated by the control module 100, the precursor is exposed to electromagnetic radiation in the exposure means 120. The electromagnetic radiation changes the properties of the exposed parts of the photosensitive layer 16 and in a subsequent development means the unexposed parts of the photosensitive layer are removed by the development means 130 to form a relief printing plate or sleeve. This relief printing plate or sleeve can be further processed and ultimately used as a printing plate.

[0150] After the mask layer 12 has been imaged in the imager 110, the relief precursor 10 is exposed to electromagnetic radiation in an exposure means 120 such that a portion of the photosensitive layer 16 is hardened. The electromagnetic radiation may have a wavelength in the range of 200-2000 nm, and is preferably ultraviolet (UV) radiation having a wavelength in the range of 200-450 nm.

[0151] After portions of the photosensitive layer 16 are hardened, the exposed relief precursor 10 is developed by a developing means 130 by removing portions of the photosensitive layer 16 that were not exposed to electromagnetic radiation and therefore not hardened. Those skilled in the art are familiar with various methods of exposing the relief precursor 10 to electromagnetic radiation and various methods of developing the exposed relief precursor 10.

[0152] Figures 56 and 57 illustrate two embodiments of a method for imaging a relief precursor. In a first step 210, 310, a relief precursor 10 is provided, comprising a mask layer 12, a substrate layer 14 and a photosensitive layer 16. The characteristics of the relief precursor 10, including the characteristics of the mask layer 12, the substrate layer 14 and the photosensitive layer 16, may be the same as described above. The steps for providing the relief precursor 10 may also be the same as described above.

[0153] In a second step 220, the image file 18 is analyzed to detect at least one solid area and / or at least one halftone area. A different raster image file may be generated as described above, or a modified image file having at least two bits per pixel may be generated after the analysis as described above. Figure 57 shows an embodiment in which a 2 bits / pixel image file is generated in step 330. This file may be generated in advance or based on the detection of step 220. Each bit of the at least two bits indicates one of the following:

[0154] - non-image pixels (e.g., represented by the value 00), imaging pixels that are imaged with a first imaging setting (e.g. represented by the value 01); imaging pixels imaged with a second imaging setting (e.g. represented by a value of 10); Optionally in this embodiment, imaging pixels imaged at a third imaging setting (eg, represented by a value of 11).

[0155] The first imaging setting and the second imaging setting are different. Under options in this embodiment, the third imaging setting is different from the first imaging setting and the second imaging setting.

[0156] Next, in steps 230, 240, the mask layer 12 is imaged, 330 using either the generated modified 2-bit / pixel image file or using multiple raster image files and further instructions regarding the first and second pixel settings. Each imaging pixel is imaged at a corresponding imaging setting to generate a corresponding imaging spot in the mask layer 12. It should be noted that steps 230 and 240 may be performed in any order or simultaneously. Preferably, multiple beams are used for imaging, and each of these beams or multiple sets of these beams can be independently controlled so that imaging can be performed simultaneously at different imaging settings.

[0157] According to an exemplary embodiment, the image settings used in steps 230, 240, 330 are such that an imaging spot corresponding to an imaging pixel imaged in the first imaging setting is larger than an imaging spot corresponding to an imaging pixel imaged in the second imaging setting. This is achieved, for example, by using a beam having a higher intensity value under the first imaging setting compared to the intensity value of the beam under the second imaging setting. Alternatively, this is achieved by using a beam having a larger diameter under the first imaging setting compared to the diameter of the beam under the second imaging setting.

[0158] According to the exemplary embodiment shown in Fig. 56, the sampling pattern is superimposed on the pixels of at least one first region, preferably a solid region, so that only a portion of the pixels of the at least one first region are imaging pixels. Additionally or as a variant, the sampling pattern is superimposed on the pixels of at least one second region, preferably a halftone region, so that only a portion of the pixels of the at least one second region are imaging pixels. The sampling pattern superimposed on the second region may be the same as or different from the sampling pattern superimposed on the first region. Examples of sampling patterns may be those described in detail above.

[0159] After the mask layer 12 is imaged, step 250, step 340, the relief precursor 10 is exposed to electromagnetic radiation to harden portions of the photosensitive layer 16. The electromagnetic radiation can have a wavelength in the range of 200-2000 nm, and is preferably ultraviolet (UV) radiation having a wavelength in the range of 200-450 nm.

[0160] After portions of the photosensitive layer 16 have been hardened, step 260, step 350, the exposed relief precursor 10 is developed by removing portions of the photosensitive layer 16 that were not exposed to electromagnetic radiation and therefore not hardened.

[0161] According to one embodiment, the first and second imaging settings are selected such that after the relief precursor 10 is exposed and developed, a first surface structure of hills surrounded by valleys is generated in at least a first region and a second surface structure of hills surrounded by valleys is generated in at least a second region, as illustrated, for example, in Figures 5 and 6. The first surface structure may be different from the second surface structure.

[0162] According to one embodiment, the halftone zone 34 of the mask layer 12 includes a first halftone zone (not shown) and a second halftone zone (not shown). The first halftone region is imaged using the first imaging setting described above. The second halftone region is imaged using a third imaging setting different from the first imaging setting. Preferably, the third imaging setting is different in the same way as the second imaging setting.

[0163] According to one embodiment, the third imaging setting is such that the intensity of the beam (optical power per unit area, unit: W / cm 2 ) used to generate features within the second halftone zone is different from the intensity of the beam used to generate features within the first halftone zone, and / or the diameter of the beam used to generate features within the second halftone zone is different from the diameter of the beam used to generate features within the first halftone zone, and is at least different from the first imaging setting. As a result, the spots imaged within the first halftone zone are smaller than the spots within the second halftone zone, i.e., the diameter is smaller.

[0164] Figures 58A to 58D illustrate examples where different imaging settings are used for halftone zones 34 having different tone values. For example, for small tone values, e.g., between 0 and 10%, the first diameter d1 can be used to obtain contact or overlap of the spots 41 to be imaged (see Figure 58A). For larger tone values, e.g., between 10 and 50%, a second diameter d2 smaller than d1 can be used so that the spots 41 to be imaged do not overlap (see Figure 58B). For even larger tone values, e.g., between 50 and 99%, an even smaller diameter d3 < d2 can be used (see Figure 58C). Alternatively, the sampling pattern may be used for those larger tone values in combination with a larger diameter. For the solid zone 32 (100%), the sampling pattern can be combined with a diameter d4 > d1 (see the imaged spot 40 in Figure 58D).

[0165] As illustrated in Figures 58A-58D, embodiments of the present invention are particularly useful for classical amplitude modulation (AM) screens, where the distance D between adjacent dots in a halftone area is the same for halftone areas with different tone values. The tone value of the halftone area is then determined by the size of the clustered imaging pixel group (i.e., the size of the dot) corresponding to the clustered imaging spot 41. However, those skilled in the art will appreciate that other embodiments of the present invention can be used for frequency modulation (FM) screens or AM and FM screens, where the distance D is not constant.

[0166] According to one embodiment, a first halftone sampling pattern can be superimposed on pixels configured to image the first halftone zone before or during imaging of a first halftone zone of the mask layer 12. According to one embodiment, a sampling pattern can be superimposed on pixels configured to image the second halftone zone before or during imaging of a second halftone zone of the mask layer 12. The sampling pattern superimposed on the pixels to image the first halftone zone can be the same or different from the sampling pattern superimposed on the pixels to image the second halftone zone. According to another embodiment, imaging neither the first nor the second halftone zone includes superimposing a sampling pattern.

[0167] According to some embodiments, the photosensitive layer 16 in the present disclosure is essentially the same as the substrate layer described in WO 2020 / 188041 A1 in the name of the applicant, which is incorporated herein by reference.

[0168] While the principles of the present invention have been described above with reference to specific embodiments, it should be understood that this description is made by way of example only and does not limit the scope of protection determined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A method for imaging a mask layer (12), comprising the steps of: Providing a mask layer (12); receiving an image file (18) and detecting at least one solid area (20) and at least one halftone area (22) within the image file (18); imaging an area (32) of the mask layer (12) corresponding to the at least one solid area (20) using a first imaging setting, wherein before or during imaging, a sampling pattern (44) is superimposed on the pixels (24) of the at least one solid area such that only a portion of the pixels (24) of the at least one solid area are imaged; imaging an area (34) of the mask layer (12) corresponding to the at least one half-tone region (22) using a second imaging setting different from the first imaging setting, the first imaging setting and the second imaging setting each specifying a value representative of a size and / or shape of an imaged spot corresponding to an imaging pixel; A method comprising:

2. 2. The method of claim 1, wherein the first and second imaging settings are set such that an imaged spot (40) corresponding to an imaging pixel (24) of the at least one solid area (20) is larger than an imaged spot (41) corresponding to an imaging pixel (26) of the at least one halftone area (22).

3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein no sampling pattern is added to the at least one halftone region (22).

4. 3. The method according to claim 1, wherein, among the at least one halftone region, a sampling pattern is not added to a halftone region having a tone value below a predetermined value, and a sampling pattern is added to a halftone region having a tone value above a predetermined value.

5. A method for imaging a mask layer (12), comprising the steps of: Providing a mask layer (12); receiving an image file (18) and detecting at least one solid area (20) and at least one halftone area (22) within said image file (18); imaging an area (32) of the mask layer (12) corresponding to the at least one solid area (22) using a first imaging setting; imaging an area (34) of the mask layer (12) corresponding to the at least one halftone region (22) using a second image setting different from the first image setting, the first image setting and the second image setting each specifying a value representative of a size and / or shape of an imaged spot corresponding to an imaging pixel, and before or during imaging, a sampling pattern (44) is superimposed on the halftone region pixels (26) of the at least one halftone region (22) such that only a portion of the halftone region pixels (26) are imaged; A method comprising:

6. 6. The method of claim 5, wherein the first and second imaging settings are set such that an imaged spot (40) corresponding to an imaging pixel (24) of the at least one solid area (20) is smaller than an imaged spot (41) corresponding to an imaging pixel (26) of the halftone area (22).

7. 7. The method according to claim 5, wherein a sampling pattern is not added to an area of ​​the halftone region where the tone value is below a predetermined value, and a sampling pattern is added to an area of ​​the halftone region where the tone value is above a predetermined value.

8. 8. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the sampling pattern (44) and the first and second image settings are selected such that after exposing a relief precursor (10) through an imaged mask layer (12) and developing the exposed relief precursor (10), a first surface structure of hills surrounded by valleys is generated on a solid relief (36) corresponding to the at least one solid area (20) and a second surface structure of hills surrounded by valleys is generated on a plurality of halftone dots (38) corresponding to the at least one halftone area (22).

9. A method for imaging a mask layer (12), comprising the steps of: Providing a mask layer (12); receiving an image file (18) and detecting at least a first halftone region (22) and a second halftone region (22) having different first and second tonal value ranges within said image file (18); determining a first capture setting for the first halftone zone based on values ​​representative of the first range of tonal values; determining a second imaging setting for the second halftone zone based on values ​​representative of the second tonal value range, the first imaging setting and the second imaging setting each specifying a value representative of a size and / or shape of an imaged spot corresponding to an imaging pixel; imaging areas (34) of a mask layer (12) corresponding to the first and second half-tone regions (22) using the determined first and second imaging settings; A method comprising:

10. The method of claim 9, wherein the first and second tonal value ranges are greater than 10%, preferably greater than 20%.

11. 11. The method of claim 9 or 10, wherein a sampling pattern (44) is superimposed on the pixels (24) of the first half-tone region (22) and / or the second half-tone region (22) before or during imaging such that only a portion of the pixels (24) of the first half-tone region (22) and / or the second half-tone region (22) are imaged.

12. 12. The method of claim 9, further comprising detecting solid areas in the image file, and wherein, before or during imaging, a sampling pattern (44) is superimposed on the pixels (24) of the solid areas (20) such that only a portion of the pixels (24) of the solid areas (20) are imaged.

13. 13. The method according to any one of claims 9 to 12, wherein the first and second imaging settings are selected such that after exposing a relief precursor (10) through a mask layer (12) to be imaged and developing the exposed relief precursor (10), a first surface structure of hills surrounded by valleys is generated on halftone dots (38) corresponding to the first halftone regions and a second surface structure of hills surrounded by valleys is generated on halftone dots (38) corresponding to the second halftone regions.

14. The method of any one of claims 1 to 7, 11 or 12, wherein the sampling pattern (44) is a repeating block of one or more imaging pixels combined with one or more non-imaging pixels.

15. 15. The method of claim 1, wherein the sampling pattern (44) is one or a combination of a single pixel pattern, such as a single pixel checkerboard pattern, where each imaging pixel is surrounded by eight non-imaging pixels, a multi-pixel pattern, such as a multi-pixel checkerboard pattern, a line pattern, a dash pattern, a circular pattern.

16. A method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said image file represents two-dimensional image data, preferably said image file being a 1 bit / pixel file or a multi-level image file having multiple bits / pixel.

17. The first imaging setting and the second imaging setting are - intensity values ​​used to generate the imaged features corresponding to the imaging pixels, e.g. intensity values ​​for controlling the beams used to image each of the at least one solid area (20) and the at least one halftone area (22); - the time interval used to generate the imaged feature corresponding to the imaging pixel, e.g. an on-time value for controlling the beam used to image each of the at least one solid area (20) and the at least one halftone area (22); - beam diameter or beam shape values ​​for controlling the beams used to image each of the at least one solid area (20) and the at least one halftone area (22); the number of passes used to image each of the at least one solid area (20) and the at least one halftone area (22); - an indication of one of the exposure heads used to generate an imaged feature or an imaged feature group corresponding to a pixel or a pixel group for imaging of each of the at least one solid area (20) and the at least one halftone area (22); The method according to any one of claims 1 to 16, further comprising defining any one or more of the parameters:

18. 19. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 18, wherein the solid areas of the at least one solid area (20) correspond to isolated clusters of imaging pixels resulting in a single relief, and the halftone areas of the at least one halftone area (22) correspond to a plurality of similarly sized clusters of imaging pixels spaced apart from one another, resulting in a plurality of similarly sized relief dots.

19. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 18, wherein the detecting step is performed during a raster image processing step, optionally generating a first raster image file containing only one or more of the at least one solid area (20) and a second raster image file containing only one or more of the at least one halftone area (22).

20. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said image file (18) is a raster image file and the step of detecting in said image file (18) is performed after a raster image processing step.

21. Prior to said capturing, a modified image file is generated, said modified image file having at least two bits per pixel, said at least two bits indicating for each pixel whether said pixel: - non-imaging pixels, imaging pixels imaged with a first imaging setting, imaging pixels imaged with a second imaging setting, an imaging pixel, optionally imaged at a third imaging setting, the imaging being based on a modified image file; The method according to any one of claims 1 to 20, wherein

22. A method of imaging a mask layer (12), comprising the steps of: generating an image file having at least two bits per pixel, said at least two bits comprising: Non-imaging pixels, Imaging pixels captured with the first imaging setting; an imaging pixel that is imaged in a second imaging setting, the first imaging setting being different from the second imaging setting; Optionally, an imaging pixel imaged in a third imaging setting, said third imaging setting being different from said first imaging setting and said second imaging setting; and imaging the mask layer (12) with the image file such that each pixel is imaged according to at least two associated bits in the image file; A method comprising:

23. 23. The method of claim 22, wherein the first imaging setting and the second imaging setting are such that an imaged spot corresponding to an imaging pixel imaged in the first imaging setting is larger than an imaged spot corresponding to an imaging pixel imaged in the second imaging setting.

24. A method according to claim 22 or 23, wherein the generation of the image file comprises overlaying a sampling pattern (44) on pixels of at least one first region, preferably at least one solid region, such that only a portion of the pixels of the at least one first region are imaged pixels.

25. A method according to any one of claims 22 to 24, wherein the generation of pixels is based on data in a received image file, preferably based on greyscale values ​​of pixels in the received image file.

26. The first and second imaging settings each specify a value representative of a size and / or shape of an imaged spot corresponding to an imaging pixel, and preferably the first and second imaging settings specify: - the intensity values ​​used to generate the imaged features corresponding to the imaging pixels, e.g. intensity values ​​for controlling the beams used for imaging each of the at least first and at least second regions; the time interval used to generate the imaged feature corresponding to the imaging pixel, e.g. an on-time value for controlling the beam used for imaging each of the at least first region and the at least second region; - beam diameter or beam shape values ​​for controlling the beams used for imaging at least the first area and at least the second area, the number of passes used for imaging each of the at least first region and the at least second region, - designation of one exposure head of a plurality of exposure heads to be used to generate an imaged feature or an imaged feature group corresponding to a pixel or pixel group for imaging of at least a first region and at least a second region, The method according to any one of claims 22 to 25, further comprising defining any one or more of the parameters:

27. 27. The method according to any one of claims 22 to 26, wherein the first and second imaging settings are selected such that after exposing the relief precursor (10) through the imaged mask layer (12) and developing the exposed relief precursor (10), a first surface structure of hills surrounded by valleys is generated in at least a first region and a second surface structure of hills surrounded by valleys is generated in at least a second region.

28. 28. The method of any one of claims 1 to 27, wherein the first imaging setting is such that, when the first image setting is used, an imaged spot corresponding to an imaging pixel does not overlap with adjacent imaged spots corresponding to adjacent imaging pixels, and / or the second imaging setting is such that, when the second image setting is used, an imaged spot corresponding to an imaging pixel does not overlap with adjacent imaged spots corresponding to adjacent imaging pixels.

29. A method for treating a relief precursor (10), comprising the steps of: - providing a relief precursor (10) comprising a substrate layer (14), a photosensitive layer (16) and a mask layer (12); - imaging said mask layer (12) by a method according to any one of claims 1 to 28, - exposing said relief precursor (10) to electromagnetic radiation, preferably UV radiation, to harden parts of said photosensitive layer (16); - developing the exposed relief precursor (10) by removing the unexposed parts of said photosensitive layer (16); A method comprising:

30. 30. The method of claim 29, wherein the imaging produces, after the exposing and developing, a printed relief having a surface structure of hills surrounded by valleys.

31. A computer program or computer program product comprising computer executable instructions for controlling a method according to any one of claims 1 to 30, when said program is run on a computer.

32. A digital data storage medium encoding a machine-executable program of instructions for performing any one of the method steps of any one of the preceding claims.

33. a control module configured to receive an image file (18) and detect at least one solid area (20) and at least one halftone area (22) within the image file (18), the control module is configured to control an imager such that an area of ​​the mask layer (12) corresponding to the at least one solid area (20) is imaged using a first imaging setting, and prior to or during the imaging, the control module is configured to overlay a sampling pattern (44) on pixels (24) of the at least one solid area (20) so that only a portion of the pixels (24) of the at least one solid area (20) are imaged, and an area of ​​the mask layer (12) corresponding to the at least one halftone area (22) is imaged using a second imaging setting, the first imaging setting and the second imaging setting each specifying a value representative of a size and / or shape of an imaged spot corresponding to an imaging pixel.

34. a control module configured to receive an image file (18) and detect at least one solid area (20) and at least one halftone area (22) within the image file (18), the control module is configured to control the imager such that an area (32) of the mask layer (12) corresponding to the at least one solid area (20) is imaged using a first imaging setting and an area (34) of the mask layer (12) corresponding to a halftone area of ​​the at least one halftone area (22) is imaged using a second imaging setting different from the first imaging setting, the first imaging setting and the second imaging setting each specifying a value representative of a size and / or shape of an imaged spot corresponding to an imaging pixel, and before or during the imaging, a sampling pattern (44) is superimposed on the halftone area pixels (26) of the at least one halftone area (22) such that only a portion of the halftone area pixels (26) are imaged.

35. a control module configured to receive an image file (18) and detect at least a first half-tone region (22) and a second half-tone region (22) having different first and second tonal value ranges in the image file (18), determine a first imaging setting for the first half-tone zone based on the first tonal value range and determine a second imaging setting for the second half-tone zone based on the second tonal value range, the first imaging setting and the second imaging setting being configured to identify values ​​representing a size and / or shape of an imaged spot corresponding to an imaging pixel, respectively; and control imaging of regions (34) of a mask layer (12) corresponding to the first and second half-tone regions (22) using the determined first and second imaging settings.

36. 1. A control module configured to generate an image file having at least two bits per pixel, the at least two bits comprising: Non-imaging pixels, Imaging pixels captured with the first imaging setting; imaging pixels that are imaged in a second imaging setting, the second imaging setting being different from the first imaging setting and the second imaging setting; Optionally, an imaging pixel imaged in a third imaging setting, said third imaging setting being different from said first imaging setting and said second imaging setting; and controlling imaging of a mask layer (12) with the image file such that each pixel is imaged according to an associated at least two bits in the image file.

37. 1. A system for treating a relief precursor, comprising: an imager configured to image the mask layer; A digital storage medium according to claim 31 or a control module according to any one of claims 33 to 36 for controlling the imager; A system comprising:

38. 38. The system of claim 37, comprising at least one transport system configured to transport the relief precursor, a storage device, an exposure means configured to expose the relief precursor through an imaged mask layer, a development means configured to remove at least a portion of unexposed material from the relief precursor, a drying system, a post-exposure device, a cutting device, a mounting station, and a heater.

Images