Patent ID: 8669041
Filing Date: 2014-03-11
Classification: G03F

Abstract:
1. A method of making a printing element comprising a plurality of relief dots, wherein the printing element comprises a backing layer having at least one photocurable layer disposed thereon and a laser ablatable masking layer on the at least one photocurable layer, the method comprising the steps of: a) selectively ablating the laser ablatable masking layer to create an overall image in the laser ablatable masking layer such that the overall image comprises a sub-image comprising a pattern of cells; b) applying an oxygen barrier layer over the laser ablatable masking layer; c) exposing the printing element to actinic radiation through the oxygen barrier layer and the laser ablatable masking layer to selectively crosslink and cure the at least one photocurable layer; and d) developing the printing element by removing the oxygen barrier layer and the uncured portions of the photocurable layer to reveal the relief dots;