Granted Patent B2

US 8,098,270 · App. 12/413,753 · Granted Jan 17, 2012

Abstract

Claims (11)

1. A method of creating a digital mask for imaging a photosensitive printing element, comprising the steps of:

a) providing a donor element wherein the donor element is capable of transferring material to a receptor thereby creating an image on the donor element;

b) transferring material from the donor element to the receptor to create the image on the donor element;

c) laminating the donor element containing the image to a top surface of the photosensitive printing element.

2. The method according to claim 1 , further comprising the steps of exposing and developing the photosensitive printing element to reveal the relief image.

3. The method according to claim 2 , wherein the donor sheet comprises a thermally transferable layer disposed on a backing layer.

4. The method according to claim 3 , wherein the thermally transferable layer comprises a dye or pigment.

5. The method according to claim 4 , wherein the thermally transferable layer further comprises at least one binder.

6. The method according to claim 3 , comprising the step of removing the backing layer from the donor element prior to exposing and developing the printing element.

7. The method according to claim 2 , wherein the exposing step comprises exposing the photosensitive printing element through the negative image of the donor sheet to actinic radiation to selectively cross-link and cure portions of the photosensitive printing element not covered by the donor element.

8. The method according to claim 2 , wherein the developing step comprises thermally developing the photosensitive printing element to remove the donor element and the uncured portions of the photosensitive printing element.

Assignments (9)