Patent ID: 9126452
Filing Date: 2015-09-08
Classification: B41C,B41M,B41N,H01L

Abstract:
1. A method of forming an elastomeric imaging blanket for a printing apparatus, the imaging blanket having an imaging surface configured to transfer an image to a substrate during a printing process of the printing apparatus, the method comprising: preparing a mold for receipt of an elastomeric polymer blanket compound, the mold having an open surface for introduction of the elastomeric polymer blanket compound into the mold and a molding surface opposite the open surface; introducing the elastomeric polymer blanket compound in liquid state into the mold at the open surface; curing the elastomeric polymer blanket compound to produce the elastomeric imaging blanket, a first surface of the elastomeric imaging blanket being exposed to air during the curing, and a second surface opposite the first surface being in contact with the molding surface during the curing; releasing the elastomeric imaging blanket from the mold; and uniformly etching one of the first surface and the second surface of the elastomeric imaging blanket to form a texture pattern therein, the one of the first surface and the second surface forming the imaging surface of the elastomeric imaging blanket.