Patent ID: 6358671
Filing Date: 2002-03-19
Classification: B41C

Abstract:
A method of imaging a lithographic printing member having a layer of an ink-rejecting material and, disposed thereunder, a layer of an ink-receptive material, the method comprising the steps of:a. imaging the printing member by exposing the member to laser-generated heat in an imagewise pattern to remove or facilitate removal of the ink-rejecting layer, such exposure resulting in deposition of thermal byproducts of the ink-rejecting material onto the ink-receptive layer and generation of thermal byproducts of the ink-receptive material; and b. rubbing the printing member with a liquid composition comprising a major proportion by weight of a non-solvent for the ink-rejecting and ink-receptive materials, at least a portion of the non-solvent providing mechanical lubrication, and a minor proportion by weight of a solvent for byproducts of at least one of the ink-rejecting and ink-receptive materials.