Printing Plate Precursor Protective Layer with Elastic Particles

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing planographic printing plate precursors face issues with multiple-plate feeding, convex portion falling, scratches, and development delays when interleaving paper is eliminated, as they lack effective properties to prevent these issues.

Innovation Solution

A printing plate precursor with a protective layer containing particles of high modulus elasticity (≥0.7 GPa) and a polymer compound with a particle shape, including styrene and/or acrylonitrile, which prevents multiple-plate feeding, falling, and scratches, and reduces pressure-bonding area for delayed development.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If interleaving paper is eliminated to reduce cost and simplify the process, then manufacturing cost is reduced and process complexity is simplified, but multiple-plate feeding occurs, adhesion between plates increases, and scratches occur on the plate surface

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemanufacturing cost and process complexityVSAvoidplate stacking stability and surface protection

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The invention uses a release layer as a thin film structure that provides separation and protection functions without requiring thick interleaving paper. The release layer has controlled thickness and properties that enable it to prevent plate adhesion and surface damage while being thin enough to not interfere with the printing process.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Solution Approach 2:

The release layer acts as an intermediary between the plate precursor surfaces, providing a mediating function that prevents direct contact and adhesion between plates. This intermediary layer enables plates to be stacked and handled without direct plate-to-plate contact, solving the multiple-plate feeding and adhesion problems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If a protective layer with convex portions is added to prevent adhesion and scratches, then plate protection is improved, but convex portions fall off during handling and cause scratches and development delays

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveplate protection against adhesion and scratchesVSAvoidconvex portion falling and causing scratches

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The invention applies local quality by providing protection only where needed through the release layer, rather than using prominent convex portions that extend beyond the plate surface. The release layer provides localized separation and protection functions without creating protruding elements that could fall off and cause damage.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The release layer functions as a disposable protective element that is present during handling and stacking but does not interfere with the printing process. It provides temporary protection during manufacturing and storage, then is removed or does not interfere during actual printing operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

3Loss of time

If pressure-bonding area is reduced to enable delayed development, then development timing control is improved, but plate strength and structural integrity may be compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevelopment timing controlVSAvoidplate structural integrity

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of timeVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The invention uses parameter changes in the release layer properties (thickness, material composition, adhesion characteristics) to control the pressure-bonding area and enable delayed development. By adjusting these parameters, the plate maintains sufficient structural integrity while controlling when development occurs during the printing process.

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 solution provides excellent characteristics for preventing multiple-plate feeding, falling, and scratches, while minimizing development delays by forming a gap for air flow and reducing pressure-bonding area, enhancing the printing process without interleaving paper.

Implementation Method 1

particles with a modulus of elasticity of 0.7 GPa or more

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

a polymer compound having a particle shape, including styrene and/or acrylonitrile

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectParticle shape:

Implementation Method 3

protective layer... which prevents multiple-plate feeding, falling, and scratches

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPhysical barrier:

Data Source

PatentEP3858629B1Planographic printing plate precursor and method for making a printing plate

Publication Date: 2024.10.30 FUJIFILM CORP

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AI summary

The present invention provides a printing plate precursor including a layer which includes particles and is provided at a printing surface side of an aluminum support, in which a modulus of elasticity of the particles is 0.1 GPa or more, and in a case where a Bekk smoothness of an outermost layer surface at the printing surface side is denoted by A second, a specific expression (1) is satisfied; a printing plate precursor laminate; a method for making a printing plate; and a printing method.