On-Press Lithographic Plate Precursors with Infrared Decomposition

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing lithographic printing technologies generate significant waste liquids during development treatments, necessitating a shift towards on-press development methods that improve printing durability and reduce environmental impact.

Innovation Solution

A lithographic printing plate precursor with an image-recording layer containing a specific compound represented by Formula (1), which undergoes decomposition upon exposure to heat or infrared, forming a visible color and enabling on-press development, enhancing printing durability and developability.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If conventional development treatment is performed, then the lithographic printing plate can be prepared, but significant waste liquids are generated causing environmental issues

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveplate preparation processVSAvoidwaste liquid generation
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts and eliminates the separate development treatment step from the conventional plate preparation process. By incorporating on-press development capability directly into the printing plate precursor through the use of decomposition-type infrared absorbers and specific resin compositions, the harmful development liquids are completely removed from the process, achieving zero waste liquid generation while maintaining plate preparation functionality

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The printing plate precursor is designed to perform its own development function during the printing process itself. The decomposition-type infrared absorber enables the plate to automatically differentiate between image and non-image areas through infrared exposure and decomposition reactions during printing, eliminating the need for external development chemicals and equipment

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Object-generated harmful factors

If on-press development method is used to reduce waste, then environmental impact is minimized, but printing durability may be compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewaste liquid reductionVSAvoidprinting durability
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-generated harmful factorsVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent carefully controls the decomposition characteristics of the infrared absorber by selecting specific compounds with appropriate decomposition temperatures and rates. The resin composition parameters are also optimized to ensure that the plate maintains its structural integrity and printing durability while enabling sufficient decomposition for on-press development. This parameter optimization resolves the contradiction between environmental friendliness and printing reliability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses composite resin compositions that combine multiple materials with complementary properties. The resin system includes components that provide both the necessary decomposition behavior for on-press development and the structural strength required for printing durability. This composite approach allows simultaneous achievement of environmental benefits and mechanical reliability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

3Device complexity

If decomposition-type infrared absorber is used for on-press development, then wet treatment is eliminated, but the compound structure must be precisely controlled

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevelopment processVSAvoidcompound structure control
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality control by specifying particular structural features at different positions within the infrared absorber molecule. The general formula (1) allows for specific substituent patterns and structural variations at different locations (R1, R2, R3, Ar1, Ar2, etc.), enabling precise control over decomposition behavior while maintaining the overall simplicity of the on-press development process

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The patent manages manufacturing precision by establishing specific parameter ranges for the compound structure, such as molecular weight ranges, substituent types, and compositional ratios. These controlled parameters ensure consistent decomposition characteristics and on-press development performance without requiring overly complex manufacturing processes

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 printing durability, color formability, and on-press developability, reducing the need for wet treatments and minimizing waste generation.

Implementation Method 1

the image-recording layer contains a compound represented by Formula (1)... which undergoes decomposition upon exposure to heat or infrared

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectInfrared absorption: Absorption (EM radiation)

Implementation Method 2

undergoes decomposition upon exposure to heat or infrared, forming a visible color

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectDecomposition: Decomposition (biological)

Implementation Method 3

undergoes decomposition upon exposure to heat or infrared

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectThermal decomposition: Pyrolysis

Data Source

PatentEP4610049A1On-press development type lithographic printing plate precursor, method of preparing lithographic printing plate, lithographic printing method, and compound
Publication Date: 2025.09.03 FUJIFILM CORP
  • EP4610049A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4610049A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4610049A1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

Provided is an on-press development type lithographic printing plate precursor having excellent printing durability. An on-press development type lithographic printing plate precursor includes: a support; and an image-recording layer on the support, in which the image-recording layer contains a compound represented by Formula (1), a method of preparing a lithographic printing plate using the on-press development type lithographic printing plate precursor, a lithographic printing method, and a novel compound. In the formula, R1 represents a group represented by Formula (2) or Formula (3), R10 represents a monovalent organic group having an aryl group, R11 to R14 and R17 to R20 each independently represent a hydrogen atom, an alkyl group, or an aryl group, R15 and R16 each independently represent a hydrogen atom, an alkyl group, or an aryl group, and at least two of R11 to R20 may be bonded to each other to form a ring structure.