Patent ID: 6303184
Filing Date: 2001-10-16
Classification: B41M,G03C

Abstract:
A method of providing an imaging element comprising:providing a gravure cylinder having an outer surface having a plurality cells;moving the surface of the cylinder through a coating solution of a film forming organic polymer, either a water dispersible or water soluble polymer, to thereby fill the cells with coating solution;moving an imaging element across the outer surface of the gravure cylinder thereby depositing the coating solution onto the imaging element such that a fraction of the surface area of the imaging element of from 0.02 to 0.98 remains uncovered with coating solution, wherein a distance between any point in a covered area and the nearest edge of an uncovered area is not greater than 100 .mu.m and the longest distance between any point in an uncovered area and the nearest edge of a covered area is not greater than 500 .mu.m, anddrying the coating solution to form a discontinuous overcoat on the imaging element, such that the film forming organic polymer is capable of fusing to form a continuous water impermeable protective layer in the presence of heat and/or pressure.