Patent ID: 8468941

Claim:
A method for forming a relief pattern from a photosensitive element having an exterior surface and containing a composition layer capable of being partially liquefied comprising: heating the exterior surface to a temperature sufficient to cause a portion of the layer to partially liquefy; supporting a development medium for contacting with the exterior surface adjacent the partially liquefied portion; and pressing the development medium and the exterior surface adjacent the partially liquefied portion into contact at a pressure sufficient for at least a portion of the liquefied material of the composition layer to be absorbed and removed in depth by the development medium, to form the relief pattern on the element; wherein the supporting step comprises contacting a side of the development medium opposite the partially liquefied portion with a non-rotating surface, and providing relative movement between the development medium and the non-rotating surface to cause the development medium to traverse the non-rotating surface, and wherein the supporting step is with a non-rotating support member that is resistant to displacement under operating forces encountered in the method.