Patent ID: 6918663
Filing Date: 2005-07-19
Classification: B41C

Abstract:
1. A method for forming images on a printing plate including: providing a printing plate having a surface; providing an ink-absorbant layer on said surface of said printing plate; providing an ink-repellant layer on said ink-absorbant layer and overlying said ink-absorbant layer; providing an inkjet printing unit; using said inkjet printing unit and applying a developing fluid to areas of said overlying ink-repellant layer; defining an image to be printed as said areas of said ink-repellant layer contacted by said developing fluid; using said developing fluid for changing said overlying ink-repellant layer in said areas of said overlying ink-repellant layer contacted by said developing fluid; removing said changed overlying ink-repellant layer, in said areas of said ink-repellant layer contacted by said developing fluid applied by said ink jet printing unit, from said ink-absorbant layer on said surface of said printing plate in accordance with said image to be printed; and exposing said ink-absorbant layer on said surface of said printing plate in said areas defining said image to be printed during removal from said areas of said changed overlying ink-repellant layer from said printing plate.