Lithographic Printing Plate Precursor Surface Roughness
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Lithographic printing plate precursors face issues with development delay and plate feeding problems due to the brittleness of the image recording layer and the absence of a protective layer, leading to increased waste and decreased development speed, especially when interleaving paper is not used.
Innovation Solution
A lithographic printing plate precursor with a hydrophilized aluminum support and a water-soluble or water-dispersible negative type image recording layer, featuring an arithmetic average height of 0.3-20 μm on the image recording layer side and 0.1-20 μm on the opposite side, which enhances development delay resistance and plate feeding properties without the need for interleaving paper.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a protective layer is not provided on the image recording layer, then the structure is simplified and cost is reduced, but the image recording layer becomes brittle and susceptible to damage from pressure concentration
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by creating surface projections (local structural modification) on the image recording layer without adding a separate protective layer. The projections are formed at specific locations and heights (0.1-20 μm arithmetic average height) to provide localized protection against pressure concentration and damage, while maintaining overall structural simplicity and avoiding the need for interleaving paper.
2Reliability
If interleaving paper is inserted between LPP precursors, then dislocation and adhesion are prevented, but cost increases and disposal treatment is required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the interleaving paper from the lamination structure by providing alternative functional features directly on the LPP precursor surfaces. The surface projections and controlled roughness (Sa values) provide anti-adhesion and positioning properties that previously required separate interleaving paper, thereby simplifying the overall lamination structure and eliminating disposal requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The surface projections serve multiple functions simultaneously: they prevent adhesion between stacked LPP precursors, provide positioning to prevent dislocation, and protect the image recording layer from damage. This multi-functionality replaces the need for separate interleaving paper components, achieving universal protection without additional complexity.
3Ease of manufacture
If the surface of the image recording layer is made smooth, then manufacturing is easier, but pressure concentration occurs during lamination causing damage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by creating surface projections (local structural modification) on the image recording layer without adding a separate protective layer. The projections are formed at specific locations and heights (0.1-20 μm arithmetic average height) to provide localized protection against pressure concentration and damage, while maintaining overall structural simplicity and avoiding the need for interleaving paper.
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 solution provides excellent development delay resistance and plate feeding properties, reducing waste and improving printing efficiency by maintaining the integrity of the image recording layer and preventing damage from pressure concentration.
Implementation Method 1
an aluminum support which has a hydrophilic surface
Implementation Method 2
the image recording layer contains an infrared absorbing agent
Implementation Method 3
a water-soluble or water-dispersible negative type image recording layer containing an infrared absorbing agent and a thermoplastic polymer particle
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
Provided are a lithographic printing plate precursor including a hydrophilized aluminum support, and a water-soluble or water-dispersible negative type image recording layer provided on the aluminum support, in which an arithmetic average height Sa of a surface of an outermost layer on a side where the image recording layer is provided is in a range of 0.3 µm to 20 µm, and wherein the image recording layer contains an infrared absorbing agent and a thermoplastic polymer particle; and a lithographic printing method.