Patent ID: 6300040
Filing Date: 2001-10-09
Classification: B41C

Abstract:
A method of printing comprising:a. providing a printing member fabricated according to steps comprising:i. providing a first layer comprising a curable polymer and having a first surface;ii. softening the first layer;iii. depositing onto the first surface of the softened first layer a deposition material comprising an inorganic compound, the deposition material depositing onto the surface and integrating within the first layer;iv. curing the first layer to immobilize the integrated deposition material; andv. applying a second layer over the deposition material and any exposed portions of the first surface, wherein (a) at least the second layer has a different affinity from the first layer for at least one printing liquid selected from the group consisting of ink and an abhesive fluid for ink, and (b) at least the second layer, but not the first layer, is subject to ablative removal by exposure to laser radiation;b. selectively exposing, in a pattern representing an image, the printing member to laser output so as to ablate selected portions of at least the second layer, thereby directly producing an array of image features;c. applying ink to the member; andd. transferring the ink to a recording medium.