Patent ID: 9217928
Filing Date: 2015-12-22
Classification: G03F

Abstract:
1. A method of processing a flexographic printing blank to produce a relief image printing element capable of printing cleanly, the method comprising the steps of: a) providing a flexographic printing blank comprising: b) laser ablating the laser ablatable mask layer to create an in situ negative in the laser ablatable mask layer; c) disposing a barrier layer on the laser ablatable mask layer; d) exposing the at least one photocurable layer to actinic radiation through the barrier layer and the laser ablatable mask layer; and e) developing the imaged and exposed flexographic printing blank to reveal a relief image therein, wherein the relief image comprises a plurality of relief printing dots; wherein the resulting relief image printing element is mountable in a printing press and is capable of printing cleanly and of resisting paper fibers, dust and ink during a print run when mounted in the printing press.