Patent ID: 8748082
Filing Date: 2014-06-10
Classification: B41C,B41N

Abstract:
1. A method of making a flexographic printing article comprising: (a) applying millable polyurethane to a substrate, the millable polyurethane capable of being cross-linked or vulcanized and having an absorptive of laser radiation having a wavelength between approximately 830 nanometers and approximately 10,600 nanometers, wherein an outer layer of the millable polyurethane comprises an additive for increasing laser absorptivity of the layer, and wherein the additive is selected from the group consisting of nanomaterials, mica, carbon black, kaolin clay, antimony tin oxide, and copper oxide; (b) thermally crosslinking the millable polyurethane to provide a laser-engravable element; and (c) forming a relief in the element by at least laser engraving the crosslinked millable polyurethane, wherein no intermediate processing steps occur between steps (b) and (c).