Patent ID: 7290487
Filing Date: 2007-11-06
Classification: B41C,B41N

Abstract:
1. A process for the production of flexographic printing plates by means of laser engraving, in which the starting material used is a crosslinkable, laser-engravable flexographic printing element which at least comprises, arranged one on top of the other, a dimensionally stable substrate, at least one crosslinkable, laser-engravable relief-forming layer having a thickness of at least 0.2 mm, at least comprising an essentially hydrophobic elastomeric binder, a plasticizer and components for crosslinking, and which process comprises at least the following steps: (a) uniform crosslinking of the relief-forming layer and (b) engraving of a print relief into the crosslinked relief layer with the aid of a laser, the height of the relief elements to be engraved with the laser being at least 0.03 mm, wherein the plasticizer is an inert plasticizer selected from the group consisting of aromatic, naphthenic and paraffinic mineral oils.