Lithographic Printing Plate Precursor with Crosslinked Polymer Particles
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Solution Overview
Problem
Lithographic printing plates using ultraviolet-curable ink exhibit insufficient printing resistance, which is a challenge in achieving high-quality prints.
Innovation Solution
A lithographic printing plate precursor with an image-recording layer containing an addition polymerization-type resin having a hydrophilic structure and crosslinking structure, which enhances the polymer particle's hardness and dispersibility, improving the printing resistance and on-machine developability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If conventional lithographic printing plate precursors are used with ultraviolet-curable ink, then printing productivity is improved through instant drying, but printing resistance deteriorates due to insufficient image area stability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a composite polymer particle system combining polyalkylene oxide segments (hydrophilic) with carboxyl-containing groups. This composite structure provides both the instant-drying capability needed for UV ink productivity and the enhanced printing resistance through improved image area stability and ink receptivity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent modifies the polymer particle characteristics by controlling the polyalkylene oxide content (5-50 mass%) and molecular weight (10,000-1,000,000), as well as the carboxyl group content (0.1-10 mmol/g). These parameter adjustments optimize both printing resistance and compatibility with ultraviolet-curable ink
2Device complexity
If the image-recording layer is simplified for on-machine development, then manufacturing complexity is reduced and development process is simplified, but printing resistance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The polymer particles with polyalkylene oxide segments and carboxyl groups provide self-developing properties that enable on-machine development without complex external processing. The particles automatically differentiate between image and non-image areas through their hydrophilic-hydrophobic balance, eliminating the need for separate development steps while maintaining printing resistance
3Reliability
If the polymer particle hardness is increased to improve printing resistance, then ink-receiving property in image area is improved, but on-machine developability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates local quality differentiation within the polymer particles by incorporating both hydrophobic segments (for hardness and ink-receiving) and hydrophilic polyalkylene oxide segments (for developability). This local composition variation allows the same particle to provide both printing resistance and on-machine developability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent optimizes the balance between hydrophobic and hydrophilic components by controlling the polyalkylene oxide content (5-50 mass%) and molecular weight, as well as the carboxyl group content. This parameter optimization ensures sufficient particle hardness for printing resistance while maintaining adequate hydrophilicity for on-machine development
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 a lithographic printing plate with excellent UV printing resistance and on-machine developability, effectively addressing the issue of insufficient printing resistance when using ultraviolet-curable ink.
Implementation Method 1
a difference in the adhesive property of ink is caused on the surface of the lithographic printing plate, the ink is absorbed only in the image area
Implementation Method 2
a hydrophilic support has been broadly used... the hydrophilic non-image area that receives dampening water
Data Source
AI summary
Provided are a lithographic printing plate precursor having an image-recording layer on a hydrophilic support, in which the image-recording layer includes a polymer particle including an addition polymerization-type resin having a hydrophilic structure and a crosslinking structure, a method for producing a lithographic printing plate in which the lithographic printing plate precursor is used, a polymer particle including an addition polymerization-type resin having a hydrophilic structure and a crosslinking structure, and a composition including the polymer particle.