Patent ID: 8148048
Filing Date: 2012-04-03
Classification: B41C,G03F

Abstract:
1. A method of processing a lithographic printing plate, comprising in order: (a) providing a lithographic plate comprising (i) a substrate, (ii) a photosensitive layer, and (iii) an overcoat; wherein said photosensitive layer is soluble or dispersible in ink and/or fountain solution and capable of hardening upon exposure to a laser having a wavelength selected from 200 to 1200 nm, and said overcoat is coated onto said photosensitive layer from a solution or dispersion; (b) imagewise exposing said plate with said laser to cause hardening of said photosensitive layer in the exposed areas; (c) removing said overcoat from said plate by mechanical peeling, wherein the overcoat is removed by applying a mechanical force to pull off or drive off the overcoat from the plate as a single piece or more than one piece of film; and (d) developing said plate with ink and/or fountain solution on a lithographic press to remove the photosensitive layer in the non-hardened areas.