Patent ID: 6927014

Claim:
A method of producing a screen using digital imaging, for use in a screen printing process, said method comprising the steps of: providing digital image information from a computer system; providing an image-ready printing blank comprised of a screen ( 28 ) coated with a photosensitive coating ( 38 ) that permits aqueous-based inkjet ink ( 46 ) to be deposited evenly on its surface and remain in liquid condition; printing said digital image information in UV-blocking aqueous-based inkjet ink ( 46 ) on said photosensitive coating ( 38 ) with an ink-jet printer ( 44 ), forming an image structure having exposed and unexposed areas of said photosensitive coating; flood-curing said photosensitive coating ( 38 ) having said formed image structure with UV light such that said exposed areas of said photosensitive coating ( 38 ) are cured while said unexposed areas of said photosensitive coating ( 38 ) are blocked from UV curing by said UV-blocking ink ( 44 ); and washing said photosensitive coating ( 38 ) so that said UV-blocking ink ( 44 ) and said unexposed image structure areas are removed, such that the remaining cured areas of said photosensitive coating ( 38 ) form a mask on said screen ( 28 ) for use in the screen printing process.