EP1151857B1 - Controlled imaging formation and erasure on a metallic titanium printing form - Google Patents

Controlled imaging formation and erasure on a metallic titanium printing form Download PDF

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Publication number
EP1151857B1
EP1151857B1 EP01109311A EP01109311A EP1151857B1 EP 1151857 B1 EP1151857 B1 EP 1151857B1 EP 01109311 A EP01109311 A EP 01109311A EP 01109311 A EP01109311 A EP 01109311A EP 1151857 B1 EP1151857 B1 EP 1151857B1
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EP
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Prior art keywords
printing
printing form
offset printing
point
titanium
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EP01109311A
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German (de)
French (fr)
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EP1151857A2 (en
EP1151857A3 (en
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Bernd Vosseler
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Heidelberger Druckmaschinen AG
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Heidelberger Druckmaschinen AG
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    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B41—PRINTING; LINING MACHINES; TYPEWRITERS; STAMPS
    • B41C—PROCESSES FOR THE MANUFACTURE OR REPRODUCTION OF PRINTING SURFACES
    • B41C1/00—Forme preparation
    • B41C1/10—Forme preparation for lithographic printing; Master sheets for transferring a lithographic image to the forme
    • B41C1/1041—Forme preparation for lithographic printing; Master sheets for transferring a lithographic image to the forme by modification of the lithographic properties without removal or addition of material, e.g. by the mere generation of a lithographic pattern
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B41—PRINTING; LINING MACHINES; TYPEWRITERS; STAMPS
    • B41N—PRINTING PLATES OR FOILS; MATERIALS FOR SURFACES USED IN PRINTING MACHINES FOR PRINTING, INKING, DAMPING, OR THE LIKE; PREPARING SUCH SURFACES FOR USE AND CONSERVING THEM
    • B41N3/00—Preparing for use and conserving printing surfaces
    • B41N3/006—Cleaning, washing, rinsing or reclaiming of printing formes other than intaglio formes

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a reusable printing form, in particular for use in offset printing, with a printing surface and a method for imaging a reusable printing form with a printing surface.
  • the lithographic printing is based on utilizing the immiscibility of oil and water on the printing form, whereby the lipophilic solution or the ink or ink is captured by the image-forming areas and the water or hydrophilic solution by the non-image forming areas of the printing area.
  • the suitably prepared printing surface is wetted with hydrophilic and lipophilic substance or solution, especially water and ink or paint
  • the non-image areas preferentially retain the hydrophilic substance or solution and repel the lipophilic substances while the imagewise regions repel the lipophilic ones Take solution or ink or paint and repel the hydrophilic substances.
  • the lipophilic substance is then suitably transferred to the surface of a material on which the image is to be fixed, for example, paper, cloth, polymers and the like.
  • aluminum has been used as a substrate for printing plates.
  • the aluminum is first subjected to a graining process and then a subsequent anodization process.
  • the anodization serves to provide an anodic oxide layer whose adhesion is improved by the grain. Graining enhances the hydrophilic properties of the background of the printing plate.
  • a strong acid such as sulfuric or phosphoric acid is usually used to subsequently make the surface hydrophilic by another method such as a thermal silicization method or so-called electrosilication.
  • the aluminum support can be characterized as having a porous, demolition-resistant, hydrophilic surface, which is particularly adapted to lithographic printing, especially in the case of long print passes.
  • hydrophilic barrier layers in particular of polyvinyl phosphoric acid, polyacrylic acid, silicates, zirconates, or titanates.
  • a large number of radiation-sensitive materials are known which are suitable for generating images in the use of the lithographic printing process in that, after exposure and optionally required development and fixing, they provide an image-wise range which can be used for printing.
  • photopolymerizable substances can be used for this purpose.
  • the above-described arrangement is subjected to imagewise exposure by selectively supplying energy. This can be done for example by means of the exposure through a mask with UV light or by direct writing with a laser.
  • the lithographic printing plates of the type described above are usually treated with a developing solution, which is typically an aqueous alkaline solution with organic additives.
  • a developing solution typically an aqueous alkaline solution with organic additives.
  • oxide ceramics which are present for example in the form of coatings on a printing plate, are used.
  • zirconate in ceramic pure or provided with other additives form as the active material in the surface.
  • the surface is spotwise exposed to laser radiation, ie, melted, and is thereby converted from a hydrophilic, stoichiometric to a lipophilic, substoichiometric state. This conversion to the substoichiometric state is accomplished by ablation of small amounts of the surface of the ceramic.
  • the printing form can be erased by thermally oxidizing the surface.
  • oxide ceramics as a printing surface, however, has significant deficiencies. Since oxide ceramics are much harder and more brittle than metals, stresses occur in and between the layers, leading to detachment from the substrate, be it a metal substrate or a film, in particular a polymer. In particular, by bending the substrate may cause cracks and chipping.
  • the required temperatures are above the melting point of aluminum, which is used as a standard substrate of artwork, so that aluminum sheets can not be coated in this way.
  • Layers that are applied by plasma spraying are at least a few hundred microns thick and too rough and inhomogeneous to be used as a printing surface.
  • a printing plate In order to enable an even more economical printing with direct imaging printing machines in which the subject to be printed is imaged directly on a printing surface by means of a laser, or CtP systems (computer-to-plate systems), a printing plate must be used which can be deleted after printing and reprinted with another subject.
  • a gravure form of a nickel-titanium alloy which has a shape memory effect.
  • the gravure mold Before imaging, the gravure mold is subjected to plastic deformation by compression. In a selective heating, individual areas of the pressure surface return to their original height, while the unheated areas remain unchanged due to the low thermal conductivity of the nickel-titanium alloy, so that a relief-like structure for the gravure arises. Because the Gravure mold can be brought into their original shape by heating the entire work surface, the shape memory effect is repeatedly used. The gravure form is reusable.
  • the object of the present invention is to propose a material for the printing plate surface, which has better surface and processing properties, so that it is suitable for multiple printing of different images on the same printing surface. At the same time the costs are reduced.
  • a printing plate with a titanium-containing surface is proposed as the printing surface.
  • a titanium-containing surface is understood to mean a metallic surface which consists entirely of metallic titanium or a titanium-containing alloy.
  • the titanium content of the alloy ranges between 50 and 100%, preferably between 95 and 100%.
  • this surface may be the untreated surface of a sheet of either titanium or a titanium-containing alloy.
  • this surface may be formed as a thin layer which has been deposited on a support, such as a sheet, a plastic or a foil, by a suitable method, in particular by electroplating.
  • the titanium-containing surface may also be present in the form of a coating of a plate or a printing cylinder.
  • the titanium-containing surface changes its surface energy through a controlled supply of energy, such as by irradiation with electromagnetic energy and can be switched from a hydrophobic to a hydrophilic state.
  • the polar and dispersive components of the surface energy in the exposed or unexposed state differ significantly from one another, so that the wetting differences can be used for offset printing.
  • the metallic titanium surface according to the invention can thus be subjected to a controlled process for imaging and erasing.
  • Two symmetrical methods are available for this purpose: selective pointwise hydrophilization with large-area hydrophilization and selective point-wise hydrophobing with large-area hydrophilization.
  • a suitable laser or a light-emitting diode which emits in the ultraviolet spectral range, typically with a wavelength of less than 420 nm, is preferably used for this purpose.
  • the printing plate can be combined with various types of heat and / or water or aqueous solution Additives, especially alcohols, preferably isopopanol, are treated. It can then be dried with hot air.
  • pointwise hydrophilization can thus create an image be provided to the surface, which can be erased by large-scale hydrophobing.
  • a large-area hydrophilization is carried out.
  • a suitable light source typically a UV lamp
  • a light source in the infrared spectral range preferably a laser
  • an image can be provided on the surface by pointwise hydrophobing, which can be erased by extensive hydrophilization.
  • the inventive method for imaging and deletion can be carried out both inside and outside of the printing unit or the printing press.
  • An essential requirement is the imagewise exposure to radiation, for example, using ultraviolet light, which effectively converts the hydrophobic titanium layer or titanium-containing alloy layer to a hydrophilic state.
  • the printing surface can also be exposed directly with digital information, for example by means of a laser beam.
  • the laser equipped with a suitable control system can be used to write the background. Preference is given to lasers which emit in the ultraviolet spectral range.
  • the printing surface of the printing device is suitably cleaned of ink or ink.
  • the image can be deleted so that the printing surface can be reused.
  • the imaging and deletion can be performed multiple times, since the printing surface is extremely durable and long abrasion resistant.
  • the printing forme is in a preferred embodiment of an aluminum sheet, as it is used as a base material for conventional printing plates, deposited a metallic titanium layer, for example by electrochemical methods.
  • the coated sheet can then be clamped onto the plate cylinder of a direct imaging printing press.
  • the plate is first wetted with clean water, for example, with the help of an additional dampening unit and dried with hot air, so that it is placed in the hydrophobic state.
  • the imaging is now carried out with a suitable laser head of the direct imaging printing machine which emits ultraviolet radiation. The required intensities are significantly lower than in a thermal imaging, since the material is not heated, but only - comparable to a film - must be exposed.
  • the printing plate can now be printed like a conventional printing plate. After completion of an order, the plate then does not need to be changed, but must be restored only with water and hot air in the hydrophobic initial state.
  • the use of a metallic titanium-containing surface offers a number of advantages.
  • the metallic titanium coating of a sheet for the printing plate is less susceptible to bending than a printing plate having a ceramic surface.
  • the production of metallic layers is much easier than that of ceramic, since on processes such.
  • As galvanization can be used, which can be used over a large area.
  • the surface roughness can be adjusted via the surface finish of the carrier sheet and / or the plastic carrier to create optimal conditions for offset printing. Since no material is removed from the printing plate when switching from the hydrophobic to the hydrophilic state and back, the plate is repeatedly erasable and writable. Since the titanium surface itself is hydrophilic or hydrophobic, it is no longer absolutely necessary to use the relatively expensive and anodized aluminum described above as the base material, but it is also possible, for example, to use a cheap tinplate.
  • a printing device comprises a solid or monolithic printing cylinder, which consists partly or entirely of metallic titanium.
  • a printing plate which partly consists of metallic titanium
  • at least the outer pressure surface has such a composition.
  • a representative example of such a printing cylinder is shown in FIG.
  • a solid pressure cylinder 10 is made entirely of metallic titanium and has an outer pressure surface 12 of metallic titanium.
  • the cylinder 20 has a core 22, in particular of metal, of an alloy or a ceramic on which the metallic titanium surface has been applied as a layer or cladding 24 or deposited in a suitable manner, wherein an outer pressure surface 26 is provided.
  • the metallic titanium layer or cladding 24 may be a hollow cylindrical sleeve or a pressure jacket, as shown in FIG.
  • the sleeve 30 has a surface 32 made of a metallic titanium layer. The thickness of such sleeves varies in a wide range. In practical use, several centimeters have been proven.
  • the cores of such printing plates generally consist of one or more metals, such as ferrous metals, nickel, brass, copper or magnesium or alloys thereof, or of non-metallic materials.
  • the metal or alloy cores may be hollow or completely solid, or they may be one or more types of metal or alloys or non-metallic inorganic or organic materials.
  • the titanium-containing layer applied to the above-described cores or carriers generally has a uniform thickness of several microns.
  • the suitable carrier material 40 which consists of metal or a metal-containing alloy or ceramic, carries a layer which has a metallic titanium layer 42.
  • the area 44 is used for printing.
  • Such a plate can also be curved on a suitable printing unit or a suitable printing press, usually supported by rollers.
  • Fig. 5 is simplified and schematically illustrated the inventive method for imaging and erasing the printing form according to the invention.
  • the cylinder 50 carries a layer or sleeve or sheath 52 having the titanium-containing surface 54 which can be used for printing.
  • the surface is selectively supplied with pointwise energy from the light source 56 through the outgoing beam 58 or over a large area from the energy source 512 through the radiation sector 514.
  • this is a light source 56 which emits in the UV range and an energy source 512, in particular a heater for supplying heat.
  • an IR laser is provided for the light source 56, and a UV lamp is provided as the power source 512.
  • the water or aqueous solution 510 may aid in the process of hydrophobing.
  • Such a device can be realized inside or outside a printing unit or a printing press in this scheme of appropriate topology or with additional elements such as applicator rollers, optics and the like.

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Manufacturing & Machinery (AREA)
  • Printing Plates And Materials Therefor (AREA)
  • Thermal Transfer Or Thermal Recording In General (AREA)
  • Non-Silver Salt Photosensitive Materials And Non-Silver Salt Photography (AREA)
  • Photosensitive Polymer And Photoresist Processing (AREA)
  • Exposure And Positioning Against Photoresist Photosensitive Materials (AREA)
  • Manufacture Or Reproduction Of Printing Formes (AREA)
  • Printing Methods (AREA)

Abstract

The method involves providing a re-writable printing form (50) with a printing surface containing metallic titanium, producing an image on the printing surface by selective pointwise energy input and clearing the image after printing by applying energy over an area. The printing surface can be formed on a bearer that can be of aluminum, another metal or plastic or the form can be entirely made of titanium. Independent claims are also included for the following: a re-usable printing form, a printer mechanism and a print machine.

Description

Die vorliegende Erfindung betrifft eine wiederverwendbare Druckform, insbesondere zum Einsatz im Offsetdruck, mit einer Druckfläche und ein Verfahren zur Bebilderung einer wiederverwendbaren Druckform mit einer Druckfläche.The present invention relates to a reusable printing form, in particular for use in offset printing, with a printing surface and a method for imaging a reusable printing form with a printing surface.

Der lithographische Druck basiert auf der Ausnutzung der Nichtmischbarkeit von Öl und Wasser auf der Druckform, wobei die lipophile Lösung oder die Tinte oder Farbe durch die bildaufbauenden Bereiche und das Wasser oder die hydrophile Lösung durch die nichtbildaufbauenden Bereiche der Druckfläche festgehalten werden. Wenn die in geeigneter Weise vorbereitete Druckfläche mit hydrophiler und lipophiler Substanz oder Lösung, insbesondere Wasser und Tinte oder Farbe, benetzt wird, so halten die nichtbildmäßigen Bereiche vorzugsweise die hydrophile Substanz oder Lösung zurück und stoßen die lipophilen Stoffe ab, während die bildmäßigen Bereiche die lipophile Lösung oder Tinte oder Farbe annehmen und die hydrophilen Stoffe abweisen. In der Folge wird dann die lipophile Substanz in geeigneter Weise auf die Oberfläche eines Materials übertragen, auf dem das Bild fixiert werden soll, beispielsweise Papier, Stoff, Polymere und dergleichen.The lithographic printing is based on utilizing the immiscibility of oil and water on the printing form, whereby the lipophilic solution or the ink or ink is captured by the image-forming areas and the water or hydrophilic solution by the non-image forming areas of the printing area. When the suitably prepared printing surface is wetted with hydrophilic and lipophilic substance or solution, especially water and ink or paint, the non-image areas preferentially retain the hydrophilic substance or solution and repel the lipophilic substances while the imagewise regions repel the lipophilic ones Take solution or ink or paint and repel the hydrophilic substances. As a result, the lipophilic substance is then suitably transferred to the surface of a material on which the image is to be fixed, for example, paper, cloth, polymers and the like.

Seit vielen Jahren setzt man Aluminium als Trägermaterial für Druckplatten ein. Üblicherweise wird das Aluminium zuerst einem Körnungsverfahren und dann einem anschließenden Anodisierungsverfahren unterworfen. Die Anodisierung dient dazu, eine anodische Oxidschicht bereitzustellen, deren Haftung durch die Körnung verbessert wird. Durch die Körnung werden die hydrophilen Eigenschaften des Hintergrundes der Druckplatte verstärkt. Im Anodisierungsverfahren wird üblicherweise eine starke Säure, wie Schwefel- oder Phosphorsäure eingesetzt, um anschließend durch ein weiteres Verfahren, wie beispielsweise in einem thermischen Silizierungsverfahren oder der sogenannten Elektrosilizierung, die Oberfläche hydrophil zu machen.For many years, aluminum has been used as a substrate for printing plates. Usually, the aluminum is first subjected to a graining process and then a subsequent anodization process. The anodization serves to provide an anodic oxide layer whose adhesion is improved by the grain. Graining enhances the hydrophilic properties of the background of the printing plate. In the anodization process, a strong acid such as sulfuric or phosphoric acid is usually used to subsequently make the surface hydrophilic by another method such as a thermal silicization method or so-called electrosilication.

Der Aluminiumträger lässt sich dadurch charakterisieren, dass er eine poröse, abrissresistente hydrophile Oberfläche aufweist, die ganz besonders dem lithographischen Druck angepasst ist, insbesondere für den Fall langer Druckdurchgänge. Optional ist ein zusätzlicher Einsatz von hydrophilen Sperrschichten, insbesondere aus Polyvinylphosphorsäure, Polyacrylsäure, Silikaten, Zirkonaten, oder Titanaten. Es ist eine große Anzahl von strahlungsempfindlichen Materialien bekannt, die zur Generierung von Abbildungen im Einsatz des lithographischen Druckverfahrens geeignet sind, insofern als sie nach Belichtung und gegebenenfalls erforderlicher Entwicklung und Fixierung einen bildmäßigen Bereich zur Verfügung stellen, der zum Drucken verwendet werden kann. Beispielsweise können dazu fotopolymerisierbare Stoffe verwendet werden.The aluminum support can be characterized as having a porous, demolition-resistant, hydrophilic surface, which is particularly adapted to lithographic printing, especially in the case of long print passes. Optionally, an additional use of hydrophilic barrier layers, in particular of polyvinyl phosphoric acid, polyacrylic acid, silicates, zirconates, or titanates. A large number of radiation-sensitive materials are known which are suitable for generating images in the use of the lithographic printing process in that, after exposure and optionally required development and fixing, they provide an image-wise range which can be used for printing. For example, photopolymerizable substances can be used for this purpose.

Die oben beschriebene Anordnung wird einer bildmäßigen Belichtung unterworfen, indem selektiv Energie zugeführt wird. Dieses kann beispielsweise mittels der Belichtung durch eine Maske mit UV-Licht oder aber durch direktes Schreiben mit einem Laser erfolgen.The above-described arrangement is subjected to imagewise exposure by selectively supplying energy. This can be done for example by means of the exposure through a mask with UV light or by direct writing with a laser.

Die lithographischen Druckplatten der oben beschriebenen Art werden üblicherweise mit einer Entwicklerlösung behandelt, welche typischerweise eine wässrige alkalische Lösung mit organischen Zusätzen ist. Die Notwendigkeit, beträchtliche Mengen dieser Substanzen einzusetzen und zu entsorgen, ist seit langem ein besonderes Problem beim Einsatz von Druckverfahren.The lithographic printing plates of the type described above are usually treated with a developing solution, which is typically an aqueous alkaline solution with organic additives. The need to use and dispose of significant amounts of these substances has long been a particular problem in the use of printing processes.

Aus diesem Grunde werden seit einiger Zeit Bemühungen unternommen, Druckplatten herzustellen, bei denen zur Erzeugung des Bildes auf ein nasschemisches Entwicklungsverfahren verzichtet werden kann. Hierzu können Oxidkeramiken, welche beispielsweise in Form von Beschichtungen auf einer Druckplatte vorliegen, Verwendung finden.For this reason, efforts have been made for some time to produce printing plates, which can be dispensed to produce the image on a wet-chemical development process. For this purpose, oxide ceramics, which are present for example in the form of coatings on a printing plate, are used.

In der EP 0 911 154 A1 wird als Material für die Plattenoberfläche TiO2 und ZnO2 vorgeschlagen, welche in keramischer Form sowohl rein als auch mit anderen metallischen Zusätzen in verschiedenen Mischungsverhältnissen vorliegen können. Diese Oberfläche ist in nicht angeregtem hydrophob und kann durch Bestrahlung mit ultraviolettem Licht in einen hydrophilen Zustand versetzt werden. Durch Erwärmung kann dieser Schaltvorgang wieder rückgängig gemacht werden. Die Bebilderung geschieht nun, indem die gesamte Oberfläche der Platte mit ultraviolettem Licht beleuchtet wird und Bereiche, die beim Druck Farbe führen sollen, durch eine Maske beziehungsweise einen Film abgedeckt werden. Zur Löschung werden anschließend die Bildbereiche thermisch, z. B. mit einem Laserstrahl, zurückgeschaltet.In EP 0 911 154 A1, TiO 2 and ZnO 2 are proposed as the material for the plate surface, which can be present in ceramic form both pure and with other metallic additives in different mixing ratios. This surface is hydrophobic in unexcited and can be irradiated with ultraviolet light in be added to a hydrophilic state. By heating, this switching process can be reversed again. Imaging is now done by illuminating the entire surface of the plate with ultraviolet light and masking areas of ink which are to be printed. For deletion, the image areas are then thermally, z. B. with a laser beam, switched back.

In der US 5,743,188 wird die Verwendung von Zirkonat (ZrO2) in keramisch reiner oder mit anderen Zusätzen versehener Form als aktives Material in der Oberfläche vorgeschlagen. Die Oberfläche wird punktweise mit Laserstrahlung belichtet, d. h. aufgeschmolzen, und wird dadurch von einem hydrophilen, stöchiometrischen zu einem lipophilen, unterstöchiometrischen Zustand umgewandelt. Diese Umwandlung in den unterstöchiometrischen Zustand erfolgt durch Ablation (Abtrag) kleiner Mengen der Oberfläche der Keramik. Die Druckform kann gelöscht werden, indem die Oberfläche thermisch oxidiert wird.In US 5,743,188 the use of zirconate is proposed (ZrO 2) in ceramic pure or provided with other additives form as the active material in the surface. The surface is spotwise exposed to laser radiation, ie, melted, and is thereby converted from a hydrophilic, stoichiometric to a lipophilic, substoichiometric state. This conversion to the substoichiometric state is accomplished by ablation of small amounts of the surface of the ceramic. The printing form can be erased by thermally oxidizing the surface.

Die Verwendung von Oxidkeramiken als Druckfläche weist jedoch wesentliche Mängel auf. Da Oxidkeramiken sehr viel härter und spröder als Metalle sind, kommt es zu Spannungen in und zwischen den Schichten, die zur Ablösung vom Substrat, sei es ein Metalluntergrund oder eine Folie, insbesondere aus einem Polymer, führt. Insbesondere durch Biegen des Substrates kann es zu Rissen und zum Abplatzen kommen.The use of oxide ceramics as a printing surface, however, has significant deficiencies. Since oxide ceramics are much harder and more brittle than metals, stresses occur in and between the layers, leading to detachment from the substrate, be it a metal substrate or a film, in particular a polymer. In particular, by bending the substrate may cause cracks and chipping.

Die großflächige Herstellung von oxidkeramischen Schichten geschieht in einem relativ komplizierten Verfahrensprozess. Standardverfahren, wie Kathodenstrahlzerstäuben (sputtern) und thermisches Aufdampfen, erfolgen im Hochvakuum, so dass hohe Kosten entstehen und der große Durchsatz an Material erschwert wird. Die Abscheidung mit Hilfe gepulster Laserstrahlung im sogenannten PLD-Verfahren (Pulsed-Laser-Deposition) ist auf kleine Substratflächen beschränkt und erfolgt ebenfalls unter Vakuumbedingungen. Bei nass-chemischen Verfahren, wie beispielsweise dem Sol-Gel-Verfahren, liegen die Komponenten der abzuscheidenden Keramik in gelöster Form in einer Flüssigkeit vor, welche als dünner Film aufgetragen wird. Um das Lösungsmittel anschließend auszutreiben, werden die Schichten getempert. Die dabei benötigten Temperaturen liegen oberhalb des Schmelzpunktes von Aluminium, welches als Standarduntergrund von Druckvorlagen Verwendung findet, so dass Aluminiumbleche nicht auf diese Weise beschichtet werden können. Schichten, die mittels Plasmaspritzen aufgetragen werden, sind mindestens einige hunderte Mikrometer dick und zu rauh und inhomogen, um als druckende Oberfläche benutzt werden zu können.The large-scale production of oxide ceramic layers takes place in a relatively complicated process. Standard processes, such as sputtering and thermal vapor deposition, are carried out under high vacuum, so that high costs are incurred and the high throughput of material is hindered. The deposition by means of pulsed laser radiation in the so-called PLD process (pulsed laser deposition) is limited to small substrate surfaces and also takes place under vacuum conditions. In wet-chemical processes, such as the sol-gel process, the components of the ceramic to be deposited are present in dissolved form in a liquid which is applied as a thin film. Then add the solvent to exorcise, the layers are annealed. The required temperatures are above the melting point of aluminum, which is used as a standard substrate of artwork, so that aluminum sheets can not be coated in this way. Layers that are applied by plasma spraying are at least a few hundred microns thick and too rough and inhomogeneous to be used as a printing surface.

Um besondere Materialeffekte von Oxidkeramiken ausnutzen zu können, muss außerdem zumeist beachtet werden, dass die Keramik in der richtigen Phase vorliegt. Speziell unter thermischer Belastung und beim thermischen Hin- und Herschalten zwischen Zuständen, kann es auch zu unerwünschten Phasenübergängen kommen.In order to be able to exploit special material effects of oxide ceramics, it must also be noted in most cases that the ceramic is in the correct phase. Especially under thermal stress and thermal switching back and forth between states, it can also lead to undesirable phase transitions.

Obendrein bleiben bei der Bebilderung einer Zirkonatoberfläche durch punktweise Ablation auch nach dem Löschen des Bildes Vertiefungen im Bildraster zurück. Diese können beim Drucken des nächsten Bildes das Druckergebnis verschlechtern, sogenanntes Ghosting. Außerdem ist mit dem Materialabtrag eine begrenzte Anzahl möglicher Bebilderungen verbunden.On top of that, in the imaging of a zirconate surface by punctiform ablation, even after the image has been erased, pits remain in the image grid. These can worsen the print result when printing the next image, so-called ghosting. In addition, a limited number of possible illustrations is associated with the material removal.

Um ein noch wirtschaftlicheres Drucken mit Direct-Imaging-Druckmaschinen, in welchen das zu druckende Sujet mit Hilfe eines Lasers direkt auf eine Druckfläche bebildert wird, bzw. CtP-Systemen (Computer-to-plate-Systemen) zu ermöglichen, muss eine Druckform verwendet werden, die nach dem Drucken gelöscht und mit einem anderen Sujet neu bebildert werden kann.In order to enable an even more economical printing with direct imaging printing machines in which the subject to be printed is imaged directly on a printing surface by means of a laser, or CtP systems (computer-to-plate systems), a printing plate must be used which can be deleted after printing and reprinted with another subject.

Aus dem Dokument SU 984878 ist eine Tiefdruckform aus einer Nickel-Titan-Legierung bekannt, die einen Formgedächtnis-Effekt aufweist. Vor der Bebilderung wird die Tiefdruckform einer plastischen Deformation durch Zusammenpressen unterzogen. Bei einer selektiven Erwärmung treten einzelne Bereiche der Druckfläche zu ihrer ursprünglichen Höhe zurück, während die nicht erwärmten Bereiche aufgrund der niedrigen Wärmeleitfähigkeit der Nickel-Titan-Legierung in unveränderter Höhe verbleiben, so dass eine reliefartige Struktur für den Tiefdruck entsteht. Da die Tiefdruckform in ihre ursprüngliche Form durch Erhitzen der gesamten Arbeitsfläche gebracht werden kann, ist der Formgedächtnis-Effekt mehrfach hintereinander einsetzbar. Die Tiefdruckform ist wiederverwendbar.From the document SU 984878 a gravure form of a nickel-titanium alloy is known, which has a shape memory effect. Before imaging, the gravure mold is subjected to plastic deformation by compression. In a selective heating, individual areas of the pressure surface return to their original height, while the unheated areas remain unchanged due to the low thermal conductivity of the nickel-titanium alloy, so that a relief-like structure for the gravure arises. Because the Gravure mold can be brought into their original shape by heating the entire work surface, the shape memory effect is repeatedly used. The gravure form is reusable.

Aufgabe der vorliegenden Erfindung ist es, ein Material für die Druckformoberfläche vorzuschlagen, das bessere Oberflächen- und Verarbeitungseigenschaften aufweist, so dass es sich zu mehrfachem Druck von verschiedensten Bildern auf der gleichen Druckfläche eignet. Gleichzeitig werden damit die Kosten gesenkt.The object of the present invention is to propose a material for the printing plate surface, which has better surface and processing properties, so that it is suitable for multiple printing of different images on the same printing surface. At the same time the costs are reduced.

Diese Aufgabe wird erfindungsgemäß durch die wiederverwendbare Offset-Druckform gemäß Anspruch 1 gelöst.This object is achieved by the reusable offset printing plate according to claim 1.

Erfindungsgemäß wird eine Druckform mit einer titanhaltigen Oberfläche als Druckfläche vorgeschlagen. Unter einer titanhaltigen Oberfläche wird dabei eine metallische Fläche verstanden, welche ganz aus metallischem Titan oder einer titanhaltigen Legierung besteht. Typischerweise liegt der Titanteil der Legierung im Bereich zwischen 50 und 100 %, bevorzugt zischen 95 und 100 %. Zum Beispiel kann diese Oberfläche die unbehandelte Oberfläche eines Bleches entweder aus Titan oder aus einer titanhaltigen Legierung sein. Alternativ kann diese Oberfläche als dünne Schicht ausgebildet sein, welche auf einem Träger, wie etwa ein Blech, ein Kunststoff oder eine Folie, mit einem geeignetem Verfahren, insbesondere durch Galvanisieruung, abgeschieden worden ist. Außerdem kann beispielsweise die titanhaltige Oberfläche auch in Form einer Beschichtung einer Platte oder eines Druckzylinders vorliegen.According to the invention, a printing plate with a titanium-containing surface is proposed as the printing surface. A titanium-containing surface is understood to mean a metallic surface which consists entirely of metallic titanium or a titanium-containing alloy. Typically, the titanium content of the alloy ranges between 50 and 100%, preferably between 95 and 100%. For example, this surface may be the untreated surface of a sheet of either titanium or a titanium-containing alloy. Alternatively, this surface may be formed as a thin layer which has been deposited on a support, such as a sheet, a plastic or a foil, by a suitable method, in particular by electroplating. In addition, for example, the titanium-containing surface may also be present in the form of a coating of a plate or a printing cylinder.

Die titanhaltige Oberfläche ändert durch eine kontrollierte Energiezufuhr, wie sie beispielsweise durch Bestrahlung mit elektromagnetischer Energie, ihre Oberflächenenergie und kann so von einem hydrophoben in einen hydrophilen Zustand geschaltet werden. Die polaren und dispersiven Anteile der Oberflächenenergie im belichteten bzw. unbelichteten Zustand unterscheiden sich deutlich voneinander, so dass die Benetzungsunterschiede zum Offsetdrucken benutzt werden können.The titanium-containing surface changes its surface energy through a controlled supply of energy, such as by irradiation with electromagnetic energy and can be switched from a hydrophobic to a hydrophilic state. The polar and dispersive components of the surface energy in the exposed or unexposed state differ significantly from one another, so that the wetting differences can be used for offset printing.

Die erfindungsgemäße metallisches Titan aufweisende Oberfläche kann also einem gesteuerten Verfahren zur Bebilderung und zum Löschen unterzogen werden. Dazu stehen zwei zueinander symmetrische Verfahren zur Auswahl: selektives punktweises Hydrophilieren mit großflächigem Hydrophibieren und selektives punktweises Hydrophobieren mit großflächigem Hydrophilieren. Im ersten Fall wird hierzu bevorzugt ein geeigneter Laser oder eine Leuchtdiode verwendet, welche im ultravioletten Spektralbereich emittiert, typischerweise mit einer Wellenlänge weniger als 420 nm. Zur Rückführung der Oberfläche in den Ausgangszustand kann die Druckform mit Wärme und/oder Wasser oder wässriger Lösung mit verschiedenen Zusätzen, insbesondere Alkoholen, vorzugsweise Isopopanol, behandelt werden. Es kann anschließend mit Heißluft getrocknet werden. Durch punktweises Hydrophilieren kann somit ein Bild auf der Oberfläche bereitgestellt werden, welches durch großflächiges Hydrophobieren gelöscht werden kann.The metallic titanium surface according to the invention can thus be subjected to a controlled process for imaging and erasing. Two symmetrical methods are available for this purpose: selective pointwise hydrophilization with large-area hydrophilization and selective point-wise hydrophobing with large-area hydrophilization. In the first case, a suitable laser or a light-emitting diode which emits in the ultraviolet spectral range, typically with a wavelength of less than 420 nm, is preferably used for this purpose. To return the surface to its initial state, the printing plate can be combined with various types of heat and / or water or aqueous solution Additives, especially alcohols, preferably isopopanol, are treated. It can then be dried with hot air. By pointwise hydrophilization can thus create an image be provided to the surface, which can be erased by large-scale hydrophobing.

Im zweiten Fall wird eine großflächige Hydrophilierung vorgenommen. Dazu wird eine geeignete Lichtquelle, typischerweise eine UV-Lampe, verwendet. Zum selektiven punktweisen Hydrophobieren ist eine Lichtquelle im Infraroten Spektralbereich, vorzugsweise ein Laser, vorgesehen. Es kann somit alternativ zum ersten Fall ein Bild auf der Oberfläche durch punktweises Hydrophobieren bereitgestellt werden, welches durch großflächiges Hydrophilieren gelöscht werden kann.In the second case, a large-area hydrophilization is carried out. For this purpose, a suitable light source, typically a UV lamp, is used. For selective pointwise hydrophobing, a light source in the infrared spectral range, preferably a laser, is provided. Thus, as an alternative to the first case, an image can be provided on the surface by pointwise hydrophobing, which can be erased by extensive hydrophilization.

Das erfindungsgemäße Verfahren zur Bebilderung und Löschung kann sowohl innerhalb wie auch außerhalb des Druckwerks oder der Druckmaschine durchgeführt werden. Eine essentielle Anforderung liegt in der bildmäßigen Belichtung mit Strahlung, beispielsweise unter der Verwendung von ultraviolettem Licht, das wirkungsvoll die hydrophobe Titanschicht oder titanhaltige Legierungsschicht in einen hydrophilen Zustand überführt. Somit kann man die erfindungsgemäße Druckfläche bildmaßig durch Belichtung durch eine transparente Vorlage verarbeiten. Die Druckfläche kann weiterhin auch mit digitaler Information, beispielsweise mittels eines Laserstrahls, direkt belichtet werden. Der mit einem geeigneten Steuersystem ausgestattete Laser kann zum Schreiben des Hintergrundes eingesetzt werden. Bevorzugt werden Laser, welche im ultravioletten Spektralbereich emittieren.The inventive method for imaging and deletion can be carried out both inside and outside of the printing unit or the printing press. An essential requirement is the imagewise exposure to radiation, for example, using ultraviolet light, which effectively converts the hydrophobic titanium layer or titanium-containing alloy layer to a hydrophilic state. Thus, one can process the printing surface according to the invention imagewise by exposure through a transparent template. The printing surface can also be exposed directly with digital information, for example by means of a laser beam. The laser equipped with a suitable control system can be used to write the background. Preference is given to lasers which emit in the ultraviolet spectral range.

Nach vollständigem Druckdurchlauf wird die Druckfläche der Druckvorrichtung von Tinte oder Farbe in geeigneter Weise gereinigt. Das Bild kann gelöscht werden, so dass die Druckfläche wiederverwendet werden kann. Die Bebilderung und Löschung kann mehrfach durchgeführt werden, da die Druckfläche extrem dauerhaft und lange abriebsfest ist.After complete printing pass, the printing surface of the printing device is suitably cleaned of ink or ink. The image can be deleted so that the printing surface can be reused. The imaging and deletion can be performed multiple times, since the printing surface is extremely durable and long abrasion resistant.

Zur Herstellung der Druckform wird in einer bevorzugten Ausführungsform auf ein Aluminiumblech, wie es als Basismaterial für herkömmliche Druckplatten benutzt wird, eine metallische Titanschicht abgeschieden, beispielsweise durch elektrochemische Verfahren. Das beschichtete Blech wird dann auf den Plattenzylinder einer Direct Imaging Druckmaschine aufgespannt werden kann. Zur Vorbehandlung wird die Platte zunächst mit sauberem Wasser benetzt, beispielsweise mit Hilfe eines zusätzlichen Feuchtwerks und mit Heißluft getrocknet, so dass sie in den hydrophoben Zustand versetzt wird. Die Bebilderung erfolgt nun mit einem geeigneten Laserkopf der Direct-Imaging Druckmaschine, welcher ultraviolette Strahlung emittiert. Die hierbei benötigten Intensitäten sind deutliche geringer als bei einer thermischen Bebilderung, da das Material nicht aufgeheizt wird, sondern nur - vergleichbar einem Film - belichtet werden muss. Im Gegensatz zur herkömmlichen Plattenbebilderung werden hier diejenigen Bereiche belichtet, die keine Farbe führen, also nicht drucken sollen. Die Druckplatte kann nun wie eine herkömmliche Druckplatte abgedruckt werden. Nach Fertigstellung eines Auftrages braucht die Platte dann nicht gewechselt zu werden, sondern muss nur mit Wasser und Heißluft in den hydrophoben Ausgangszustand zurückversetzt werden.For the production of the printing forme is in a preferred embodiment of an aluminum sheet, as it is used as a base material for conventional printing plates, deposited a metallic titanium layer, for example by electrochemical methods. The coated sheet can then be clamped onto the plate cylinder of a direct imaging printing press. For pretreatment, the plate is first wetted with clean water, for example, with the help of an additional dampening unit and dried with hot air, so that it is placed in the hydrophobic state. The imaging is now carried out with a suitable laser head of the direct imaging printing machine which emits ultraviolet radiation. The required intensities are significantly lower than in a thermal imaging, since the material is not heated, but only - comparable to a film - must be exposed. In contrast to conventional plate imaging, those areas are exposed here which do not lead any color, ie should not print. The printing plate can now be printed like a conventional printing plate. After completion of an order, the plate then does not need to be changed, but must be restored only with water and hot air in the hydrophobic initial state.

Durch die Verwendung einer metallischen titanhaltigen Oberfläche ergeben sich eine Reihe von Vorteilen. Die metallisches Titan aufweisende Beschichtung eines Bleches für die Druckform ist weniger gegen Biegen empfindlich als eine Druckform mit einer keramischen Oberfläche. Die Herstellung metallischer Schichten ist deutlich einfacher als die von keramischen, da auf Verfahren, wie z. B. Galvanisierung, zurückgegriffen werden kann, die großflächig eingesetzt werden können. Die Oberflächenrauigkeit kann über die Oberflächenbeschaffenheit des Trägerbleches und/oder des Kunststoffträgers eingestellt werden, um optimale Bedingungen für den Offsetdruck zu schaffen. Da beim Schalten vom hydrophoben auf den hydrophilen Zustand und zurück kein Material von der Druckplatte abgetragen wird, ist die Platte mehrfach lösch- und beschreibbar. Da die Titanoberfläche selbst hydrophil beziehungsweise hydrophob ist, muss als Basismaterial nicht mehr unbedingt das relativ teure und oben beschriebene anodisierte Aluminium verwendet werden, sondern es kann beispielsweise auch ein billiges Weißblech benutzt werden.The use of a metallic titanium-containing surface offers a number of advantages. The metallic titanium coating of a sheet for the printing plate is less susceptible to bending than a printing plate having a ceramic surface. The production of metallic layers is much easier than that of ceramic, since on processes such. As galvanization, can be used, which can be used over a large area. The surface roughness can be adjusted via the surface finish of the carrier sheet and / or the plastic carrier to create optimal conditions for offset printing. Since no material is removed from the printing plate when switching from the hydrophobic to the hydrophilic state and back, the plate is repeatedly erasable and writable. Since the titanium surface itself is hydrophilic or hydrophobic, it is no longer absolutely necessary to use the relatively expensive and anodized aluminum described above as the base material, but it is also possible, for example, to use a cheap tinplate.

Weitere Vorteile und vorteilhafte Ausführungsformen der Erfindung werden anhand der nachfolgenden Figuren sowie deren Beschreibungen dargestellt.Further advantages and advantageous embodiments of the invention will be described with reference to the following figures and their descriptions.

Es zeigen im einzelnen:

Fig. 1
eine schematische und fragmentarische isometrische Teilansicht eines Druckzylinders, welcher vollständig aus metallischem Titan besteht,
Fig. 2
eine schematische und fragmentarische isometrische Teilansicht eines Druckzylinders, welcher aus einem Kern als geeignetes Trägermaterial und einer titanhaltigen Oberfläche,
Fig. 3
eine schematische und fragmentarische isometrische Teilansicht einer hohlen erfindungsgemäßen Druckhülle, welche eine titanhaltige Oberfläche aufweist,
Fig. 4
eine schematische und fragmentarische isometrische Teilansicht einer Druckform, welche aus einem Trägermaterial besteht, auf welchem eine Oberfläche aufgebracht ist, welche metallisches Titan aufweist,
Fig. 5
ist eine schematische Seitenansicht eines Zylinders mit einer titanhaltigen Oberfläche, welche durch selektive punktweise Energiezufuhr bebildert und mit großflächiger Energiezufuhr gelöscht werden kann.
They show in detail:
Fig. 1
a schematic and fragmentary isometric partial view of a printing cylinder, which consists entirely of metallic titanium,
Fig. 2
3 is a schematic and fragmentary isometric partial view of a printing cylinder, which consists of a core as a suitable carrier material and a titanium-containing surface,
Fig. 3
4 is a schematic and fragmentary isometric partial view of a hollow printing sleeve according to the invention, which has a titanium-containing surface;
Fig. 4
a schematic and fragmentary isometric partial view of a printing form, which consists of a support material on which a surface is applied, which has metallic titanium,
Fig. 5
is a schematic side view of a cylinder with a titanium-containing surface, which can be imaged by selective pointwise energy supply and erased with large-scale energy supply.

Nach einer ersten Ausführungsform der Erfindung weist eine erfindungsgemäße Druckvorrichtung einen festen oder monolitischen Druckzylinder auf, welcher zum Teil oder vollständig aus metallischem Titan besteht. Im Falle einer Druckform, welche zum Teil aus metallischem Titan besteht, weist zumindest die äußere Druckfläche eine derartige Zusammensetzung auf. Ein repräsentatives Beispiel eines solchen Druckzylinders wird in Fig. 1 gezeigt. Ein fester Druckzylinder 10 besteht vollständig aus metallischem Titan und weist eine äußere Druckfläche 12 aus metallischem Titan auf.According to a first embodiment of the invention, a printing device according to the invention comprises a solid or monolithic printing cylinder, which consists partly or entirely of metallic titanium. In the case of a printing plate, which partly consists of metallic titanium, at least the outer pressure surface has such a composition. A representative example of such a printing cylinder is shown in FIG. A solid pressure cylinder 10 is made entirely of metallic titanium and has an outer pressure surface 12 of metallic titanium.

Nach einer weiteren in Fig. 2 gezeigten Ausführungsform, hat der Zylinder 20 einen Kern 22, insbesondere aus Metall, aus einer Legierung oder einer Keramik, auf dem die metallisches Titan aufweisende Oberfläche als Schicht oder Umhüllung 24 aufgebracht oder in geeigneter Weise abgeschieden wurde, wobei eine äußere Druckfläche 26 bereitgestellt wird. Alternativ dazu kann die metallisches Titan aufweisende Schicht oder Umhüllung 24 auch eine hohle zylindrische Hülse oder ein Druckmantel sein, wie es in Fig. 3 dargestellt ist. Die Hülse 30 weist eine Oberfläche 32 auf, die aus einer metallischen Titanschicht besteht. Die Dicke derartiger Hülsen variiert in einem großen Bereich. Im praktischen Einsatz haben sich mehrere Zentimeter bewährt. Die Kerne derartiger Druckformen bestehen im Allgemeinen aus einem oder mehreren Metallen, wie beispielsweise Eisenmetallen, Nickel, Messing, Kupfer oder Magnesium oder Legierungen davon, oder aus nicht metallischen Materialien. Stahlkerne werden bevorzugt. Die Metall- oder Legierungskerne, auch nicht keramisch, können hohl oder vollständig fest sein, oder sie bestehen aus einem oder mehreren Metalltypen oder Legierungen oder nicht metallischen anorganischen oder organischen Materialien. Die auf die zuvor beschriebenen Kerne oder Träger aufgebrachte titanhaltige Schicht hat im Allgemeinen eine gleichförmige Dicke von mehreren Mikrometern.According to another embodiment shown in Fig. 2, the cylinder 20 has a core 22, in particular of metal, of an alloy or a ceramic on which the metallic titanium surface has been applied as a layer or cladding 24 or deposited in a suitable manner, wherein an outer pressure surface 26 is provided. Alternatively, the metallic titanium layer or cladding 24 may be a hollow cylindrical sleeve or a pressure jacket, as shown in FIG. The sleeve 30 has a surface 32 made of a metallic titanium layer. The thickness of such sleeves varies in a wide range. In practical use, several centimeters have been proven. The cores of such printing plates generally consist of one or more metals, such as ferrous metals, nickel, brass, copper or magnesium or alloys thereof, or of non-metallic materials. Steel cores are preferred. The metal or alloy cores, not even ceramic, may be hollow or completely solid, or they may be one or more types of metal or alloys or non-metallic inorganic or organic materials. The titanium-containing layer applied to the above-described cores or carriers generally has a uniform thickness of several microns.

Fig. 4 zeigt eine erfindungsgemäße Druckplatte in einer isometrischen Teilansicht. Das geeignete Trägermaterial 40, welches aus Metall oder einer metallhaltigen Legierung oder Keramik besteht, trägt eine Schicht, die eine metallische Titanschicht 42 aufweist. Die Fläche 44 wird zum Drucken benutzt. Eine derartige Platte kann auf einem geeigneten Druckwerk oder einer geeigneten Druckmaschine auch gekrümmt, üblicherweise getragen von Walzen, aufgebracht werden.4 shows a printing plate according to the invention in a partial isometric view. The suitable carrier material 40, which consists of metal or a metal-containing alloy or ceramic, carries a layer which has a metallic titanium layer 42. The area 44 is used for printing. Such a plate can also be curved on a suitable printing unit or a suitable printing press, usually supported by rollers.

In Fig. 5 ist vereinfacht und schematisch das erfindungsgemäße Verfahren zum Bebildern und Löschen der erfindungsgemäßen Druckform dargestellt. Der Zylinder 50 trägt eine Schicht oder eine Hülse oder einen Mantel 52, welcher die titanhaltige Oberfläche 54 aufweist, die zum Drucken verwendet werden kann. Der Oberfläche wird je nach gewünschtem Verfahrensschritt selektiv punktweise Energie von der Lichtquelle 56 durch den ausgehenden Strahl 58 oder großflächig von der Energiequelle 512 durch den Strahlungssektor 514 zugeführt.In Fig. 5 is simplified and schematically illustrated the inventive method for imaging and erasing the printing form according to the invention. The cylinder 50 carries a layer or sleeve or sheath 52 having the titanium-containing surface 54 which can be used for printing. Depending on the desired method step, the surface is selectively supplied with pointwise energy from the light source 56 through the outgoing beam 58 or over a large area from the energy source 512 through the radiation sector 514.

Dabei handelt es sich im ersten oben beschriebenen Fall um eine Lichtquelle 56, welche im UV-Bereich emittiert, und eine Energiequelle 512, insbesondere eine Heizung zur Wärmezufuhr. Im zweiten Fall ist für die Lichtquelle 56 ein IR-Laser und als Energiequelle 512 ist eine UV-Lampe vorgesehen. Optional kann das Wasser oder die wässrige Lösung 510 den Prozess des Hydrophobierens unterstützen.In the first case described above, this is a light source 56 which emits in the UV range and an energy source 512, in particular a heater for supplying heat. In the second case, an IR laser is provided for the light source 56, and a UV lamp is provided as the power source 512. Optionally, the water or aqueous solution 510 may aid in the process of hydrophobing.

Eine derartige Vorrichtung kann innerhalb oder außerhalb eines Druckwerks oder einer Druckmaschine in diesem Schema entsprechender Topologie oder mit zusätzlichen Elementen, wie Auftragswalzen, Optiken und dergleichen, realisiert sein.Such a device can be realized inside or outside a printing unit or a printing press in this scheme of appropriate topology or with additional elements such as applicator rollers, optics and the like.

BEZUGSZEICHENLISTELIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1010
Zylinder aus Titan oder titanhaltiger LegierungCylinder made of titanium or titanium-containing alloy
1212
Oberfläche, welche zum Drucken genutzt wirdSurface that is used for printing
2020
Druckzylinderpressure cylinder
2222
Kern aus geeignetem TrägermaterialCore made of suitable carrier material
2424
Schicht aus metallischem Titan oder titanhaltiger LegierungLayer of metallic titanium or titanium-containing alloy
2626
Oberfläche, welche zum Drucken genutzt wirdSurface that is used for printing
3030
Hohlzylinder aus metallischem Titan oder mit titanhaltiger LegierungHollow cylinder of metallic titanium or titanium-containing alloy
3232
Oberfläche, welche zum Drucken genutzt wirdSurface that is used for printing
4040
Trägerplatte aus geeignetem MaterialSupport plate made of suitable material
4242
Beschichtung aus metallischem Titan oder titanhaltiger LegierungCoating of metallic titanium or titanium-containing alloy
4444
Oberfläche, welche zum Drucken genutzt wirdSurface that is used for printing
5050
Zylinder aus geeignetem TrägermaterialCylinder made of suitable carrier material
5252
Beschichtung aus metallischem Titan oder titanhaltiger LegierungCoating of metallic titanium or titanium-containing alloy
5454
Oberfläche, welche zum Drucken benutzt wirdSurface used for printing
5656
Lichtquellelight source
5858
Strahl zur punktweisen BelichtungBeam for pointwise exposure
510510
Wasser oder wässrige Lösung zur LöschungWater or aqueous solution for extinction
512512
Energiequelleenergy
514514
Lichtsektor zur großflächigen BestrahlungLight sector for large-area irradiation

Claims (14)

  1. Re-usable offset printing form having a printing surface,
    characterized in
    that the printing surface contains metallic titanium.
  2. Offset printing form according to Claim 1,
    characterized in
    that the printing surface is formed on a carrier that contains, in particular, aluminium, another metal, or a plastic.
  3. Offset printing form according to Claim 1,
    characterized in
    that the offset printing form entirely consists of metallic titanium.
  4. Offset printing form according to at least one of Claims 1 to 3,
    characterized in
    that the metallic titanium is an alloy including titanium.
  5. Offset printing form according to Claim 4,
    characterized in
    that the titanium content of the alloy ranges between 50 and 100%, preferably between 95 and 100%.
  6. Offset printing form according to claim 1,
    characterized in
    that the offset printing form is embodied as a surface of a solid cylinder, a hollow cylinder, a sleeve, or a plate.
  7. Method of forming images on a re-usable offset printing form,
    characterized by
    - providing a re-writable offset printing form having a printing surface, containing metallic titanium,
    - creating an image on the printing surface by selective point-by-point supply of energy,
    - erasing the image by large-area application of energy after a printing material has been printed.
  8. Method according to Claim 7,
    characterized in
    that the formation of an image on the printing surface by selective point-by-point application of energy is achieved by point-by-point hydrophilic conversion using electromagnetic radiation, in particular by a laser or a diode, and that the erasing of the image by large-area application of energy is achieved by treatment with heat.
  9. Method according to Claim 8,
    characterized in
    that the laser or diode at least emits a wavelength that is shorter than 420 nm.
  10. Method according to Claim 8,
    characterized in
    that, during the large-scale application of energy, water or alcohol, in particular isopropanol or an aqueous solution, in particular a mixture of alcohol and water, in particular isopropanol and water, are used as an aid.
  11. Method according to Claim 7,
    characterized in
    that the formation of the image on the printing surface by selective point-by-point application of energy is achieved by point-by-point hydrophobic conversion using electromagnetic radiation, in particular by a laser or a diode, and that the erasing of the image by large-area application of energy for hydrophilic conversion is achieved by UV radiation.
  12. Method according to Claim 11,
    characterized in
    that the laser or diode at least emits a wavelength in the infrared range.
  13. Printing unit including at least one offset printing form according to one of Claims 1 to 6.
  14. Printing machine including at least one offset printing form according to one of Claims 1 to 6.
EP01109311A 2000-05-03 2001-04-12 Controlled imaging formation and erasure on a metallic titanium printing form Expired - Lifetime EP1151857B1 (en)

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DE10021451 2000-05-03
DE10021451A DE10021451A1 (en) 2000-05-03 2000-05-03 Controlled imaging and deletion of a printing form made of metallic titanium

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DE10115435B8 (en) * 2001-03-29 2007-02-08 Maschinenfabrik Wifag Method for producing a printed image and / or deleting a printed image of a wet offset printing form with photothermally changeable material
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EP1151857A2 (en) 2001-11-07
DE10021451A1 (en) 2001-11-08
JP2001353974A (en) 2001-12-25
ATE331617T1 (en) 2006-07-15
US6520088B2 (en) 2003-02-18
EP1151857A3 (en) 2001-11-14
DE50110307D1 (en) 2006-08-10
US20010042469A1 (en) 2001-11-22

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