Patent ID: 7229744
Filing Date: 2007-06-12
Classification: B41C,Y10S

Abstract:
1. A method of forming an image, the method comprising the steps of: (a) thermally imaging an imageable element and producing an imaged imageable element comprising imaged regions and unimaged regions; (b) developing the imaged imageable element with a developer and removing the imaged regions; in which: the imageable element comprises, in order: an imageable layer; an underlayer; and a substrate; the underlayer comprises a first polymeric material; the imageable layer comprises a second polymeric material; the underlayer is removable by the developer; the imageable layer is ink receptive; the element comprises a photothermal conversion material; the photothermal conversion material is in the underlayer; the imageable layer is not removable by the developer prior to imaging; the developer is a solvent based developer that comprises about 0.5 wt % to about 15 wt % of an organic solvent or solvents, based on the weight of the developer and is free of silicates, alkali metal hydroxides. and mixtures of silicates and alkali metal hydroxides; and step (b) is carried out by immersing the imaged imageable element in the developer.