On-Press Lithographic Plate Precursor with Ozone-Resistant Outer Layer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Lithographic printing plates are prone to discoloration due to exposure to ozone generated during the printing process, which is not effectively addressed by existing on-press development methods.
Innovation Solution
An on-press development type lithographic printing plate precursor is designed with an outermost layer having a contact angle greater than 36°, incorporating a hydrophobic polymer and a hydrophilic polymer to enhance ozone resistance and suppress discoloration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If an on-press development type lithographic printing plate precursor is used to simplify the development process, then the plate making process is simplified and development time is reduced, but the lithographic printing plate precursor is prone to discoloration due to exposure to ozone
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary anti-action by incorporating ozone-resistant components (hydrophobic polymer with specific contact angle >36° and hydrophilic polymer) into the outermost layer before ozone exposure occurs. This preventive approach counteracts the harmful effect of ozone discoloration before it can manifest, while maintaining the simplified on-press development process benefits.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses composite materials by combining hydrophobic polymer and hydrophilic polymer in the outermost layer. This composite structure provides both ozone resistance (from the hydrophobic component) and necessary hydrophilic properties for lithographic printing, resolving the contradiction between process simplification and ozone resistance.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the outermost layer is made hydrophobic to resist ozone, then ozone discoloration is suppressed, but the contact angle must be precisely controlled to maintain printing performance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by specifying a precise contact angle range (>36°) for the hydrophobic polymer in the outermost layer. This parameter control ensures ozone resistance while maintaining compatibility with the lithographic printing process, balancing protection against harmful factors with manufacturing precision requirements.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If a hydrophobic outermost layer is added to prevent ozone exposure, then discoloration is suppressed, but development residues may accumulate on the surface
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by incorporating both hydrophobic polymer (for ozone resistance) and hydrophilic polymer (for residue prevention) in the outermost layer. Each component addresses a specific local requirement: the hydrophobic portion resists ozone, while the hydrophilic portion prevents development residues from accumulating, achieving balanced performance.
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 outermost layer effectively reduces ozone discoloration and minimizes development residues, enhancing the printing plate's durability and performance.
Implementation Method 1
an on-press development type lithographic printing plate precursor in which discoloration caused by exposure to ozone is suppressed
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
AI summary
The present disclosure provides an on-press development type lithographic printing plate precursor having a support, an image-recording layer, and an outermost layer in this order, in which a contact angle of a water droplet on a surface of the outermost layer that is measured 2 seconds after the water droplet is landed by an airborne water droplet method is greater than 36°. The present disclosure also provides applications of the on-press development type lithographic printing plate precursor.