Patent ID: 6589710
Filing Date: 2003-07-08
Classification: B41C,Y10S

Abstract:
A method for obtaining a lithographic printing surface comprising the steps of:a) image-wise or information-wise exposing to radiation a thermally convertible lithographic printing precursor comprising: i) a hydrophilic lithographic base; and ii) a radiation sensitive coating on a surface of said hydrophilic lithographic base, said coating comprising: (1) uncoalesced particles of a hydrophobic thermoplastic polymer; (2) an inorganic salt that is substantially soluble in an aqueous medium, said salt being present in a concentration sufficient to allow the removal of said coating by said aqueous medium in areas of said coating that are not exposed to said radiation; and (3) a converter substance capable of converting radiation into heat; and b) developing said exposed thermally convertible lithographic printing precursor with an aqueous medium in order to remove the unexposed areas of said coating.