Anodized Micropore Lithographic Plate for Visibility and Press Life

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Solution Overview

Problem

Lithographic printing plates require improved image visibility and longer press life.

Innovation Solution

A lithographic printing plate precursor with anodized film micropores having an average diameter of 15 nm to 100 nm and a lightness L* of 70 to 100, combined with an undercoat layer containing a betaine structure, enhances image visibility and press life.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Illumination intensity

If conventional anodized film micropores are used, then the structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but image visibility is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveimage visibilityVSAvoidanodized film structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Illumination intensityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by creating micropores with specific local characteristics (average diameter 15-100 nm, lightness L* 70-100) in the anodized film. This localized optimization of pore size and optical properties enhances image visibility in the critical surface region without requiring complex overall structural changes to the entire printing plate system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The patent utilizes parameter changes by precisely controlling the micropore average diameter within 15-100 nm and the lightness L* within 70-100. By optimizing these specific parameters of the anodized film micropores, the invention achieves improved image visibility while maintaining a relatively simple manufacturing process based on conventional anodization technology.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Duration of action of stationary object

If conventional anodized film micropores are used, then the manufacturing process is simple, but press life is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepress lifeVSAvoidmanufacturing process complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Duration of action of stationary objectVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by creating micropores with specific local characteristics (average diameter 15-100 nm, lightness L* 70-100) in the anodized film. This localized optimization of pore size and optical properties enhances image visibility in the critical surface region without requiring complex overall structural changes to the entire printing plate system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The patent utilizes parameter changes by precisely controlling the micropore average diameter within 15-100 nm and the lightness L* within 70-100. By optimizing these specific parameters of the anodized film micropores, the invention achieves improved image visibility while maintaining a relatively simple manufacturing process based on conventional anodization technology.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Reliability

If conventional anodized film micropores are used, then the structure is simple, but scumming resistance is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvescumming resistanceVSAvoidanodized film structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by creating micropores with specific local characteristics (average diameter 15-100 nm, lightness L* 70-100) in the anodized film. This localized optimization of pore size and optical properties enhances image visibility in the critical surface region without requiring complex overall structural changes to the entire printing plate system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The patent utilizes parameter changes by precisely controlling the micropore average diameter within 15-100 nm and the lightness L* within 70-100. By optimizing these specific parameters of the anodized film micropores, the invention achieves improved image visibility while maintaining a relatively simple manufacturing process based on conventional anodization technology.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

The precursor achieves excellent image visibility and a longer press life, along with improved scumming resistance and deinking ability.

Implementation Method 1

anodized film having micropores which extend in a depth direction of the anodized film from a surface of the anodized film opposite from the aluminum plate

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight scattering: Scattering

Implementation Method 2

the surface of the anodized film on an image recording layer side has a lightness L* of 70 to 100

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight reflection: Reflection

Implementation Method 3

an undercoat layer which is positioned closer to the image recording layer than the aluminum support is, and contains a betaine structure

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSurfactant action: Surfactant

Data Source

PatentEP3476616B3Lithographic printing plate precursor, method for manufacturing a lithographic printing plate, and printing method
Publication Date: 2025.11.19 FUJIFILM CORP
  • EP3476616B3 patent drawingFigure 1~3
  • EP3476616B3 patent drawingFigure 4~6
  • EP3476616B3 patent drawingFigure 7

AI summary

The present invention provides a lithographic printing plate precursor that enables a lithographic printing plate formed therefrom to have excellent image visibility and a long press life, as well as a lithographic printing plate manufacturing method and a printing method. The lithographic printing plate precursor of the invention is a lithographic printing plate precursor including an aluminum support and an image recording layer, the aluminum support includes an aluminum plate and an anodized film of aluminum formed on the aluminum plate, the anodized film is positioned closer to the image recording layer than the aluminum plate is, the anodized film has micropores extending in a depth direction of the anodized film from a surface of the anodized film on the image recording layer, the micropores have an average diameter of more than 10 nm but not more than 100 nm at the surface of the anodized film, and the surface of the anodized film on the image recording layer side has a lightness L* of 70 to 100 in a L*a*b* color system.