Patent ID: 6279476
Filing Date: 2001-08-28
Classification: B41C,B41N

Abstract:
A method of imaging a lithographic printing member, the method comprising the steps of:a. providing a printing member having a printing surface and including first and second inorganic layers and an inorganic support under the first and second layers, wherein (i) the first layer, but not the second layer, is formed of a material subject to ablative absorption of imaging radiation, (ii) the first and second layers differ in affinity for at least one of ink and a liquid to which ink will not adhere, and (iii) the first layer comprises a doped compound of at least one metal with at least one non-metal, the at least one non-metal being selected from the group consisting of boron, carbon, nitrogen, silicon and oxygen, a dopant being integrated within the compound and imparting oleophilicity thereto;b. selectively exposing, in a pattern representing an image, the printing surface to laser radiation so as to ablate the first layer but not the second layer; andc. removing remnants of the first layer where the printing member received radiation.