Cascade Developing System for Lithographic Printing Plate Consistency
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Solution Overview
Problem
The stability of the developing solution in lithographic printing plate production decreases over time due to increased material load, affecting the consistency of lithographic properties as more plates are processed, leading to variations in printing quality.
Innovation Solution
A method involving a cascade system where the image-wise exposed lithographic printing plate precursor is developed with a first and second solution, with the second solution being regenerated by adding a replenishing solution at a controlled rate, and both solutions are circulated through separate liquid conveying systems to maintain consistent activity levels and minimize waste.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a single developing solution is used to process multiple lithographic printing plates, then the processing capacity increases, but the activity level of the developing solution decreases over time due to material load accumulation
Solution Approach 1:
The single developing solution is divided into two separate solutions (first developing solution and second developing solution) that are circulated independently. This segmentation allows each solution to process a specific portion of the plate surface, preventing complete saturation and maintaining consistent activity levels across multiple plates.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements dynamic circulation of the developing solutions through liquid conveying systems, allowing continuous renewal and distribution of fresh solution across the plate surface. This dynamic approach prevents localized exhaustion and maintains reliable activity levels throughout the processing cycle.
2Reliability
If a large volume of developing solution is used to maintain activity levels, then the consistency of lithographic properties improves, but the cost and waste increase
Solution Approach 1:
The developing solutions are circulated continuously through liquid conveying systems during the processing of multiple plates. This continuous circulation ensures that fresh solution is constantly supplied to the plate surface, maintaining consistent lithographic properties without requiring excessive solution volumes or frequent replenishment.
Solution Approach 2:
The cascade system with two developing solutions enables self-regulation of the processing activity. As one solution becomes loaded with material, the system naturally shifts to utilizing the other solution, which maintains its activity level. This self-service mechanism ensures consistent lithographic properties while minimizing the need for external intervention and solution replacement.
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
This approach maintains the activity level of the developing solution, ensuring consistent lithographic properties across multiple plates, reduces the amount of solution used, and minimizes waste generation, providing both economic and ecological benefits.
Implementation Method 1
image-wise exposing a lithographic printing plate precursor comprising a light or heat sensitive coating on a support
Implementation Method 2
processing said precursor with a first solution, consecutively with a second solution, thereby removing the coating from the support at non-printing areas
Data Source
Figure 1
AI summary
A method of making a lithographic printing plate comprising the steps of: a) image-wise exposing a lithographic printing plate precursor, comprising a light or heat sensitive coating on a support having a hydrophilic surface or which is provided with a hydrophilic layer, b) processing said precursor with a first solution, consecutively with a second solution, thereby removing the coating from the support in the non-printing areas, wherein said first and second solutions are provided by a cascade system, wherein said second solution overflows into said first solution and said first solution overflows into a container to be further treated as waste, wherein said second solution is regenerated by adding a replenishing solution or a mixture of replenishing solutions at a rate of at least 5 ml/m2 of treated precursor and at most 30 ml/m2 of treated precursor, wherein said first and second solutions are circulated respectively by a first and second liguid conveying system, wherein the first solution present in said first liguid conveying system has a volume of at least Vmin and at most Vmax respectively defined by formula 1 and formula 2, Vmin = [A + (processing width/0.95 m) ]. liter (formula 1) Vmax = [B + (processing width/0.95 m) ]. liter (formula 2) wherein Vmin and Vmax represent respectively the minimum and maximum volume present in said first liquid conveying system, each of them expressed in liter, wherein A and B represents a constant value of respectively 2 and 15, and wherein said processing width represents the width, expressed in m, inside the processing unit, perpendicular to the processing direction, which is available for processing plate precursors in a uniform way across their width.