Dye-carrying current for offset and flexo printing - has compressible elastomer layer(s) on flexible substrate

摘要

A dye-carrying element for offset and flexo printing and for lacquered prods. of elastomer has a dimensionally stabilised carrier layer of PET and a compressible layer(s) of elastomer on the print modified side, bound to the PET layer by chemical bonding. Pref. at least one elastomeric layer is present between the PET layer and the printing surface. A further elastomer layer is present between a foam layer and the laser engraved printing upper surface,layer having a higher coefft. or expansion than the neighbouring layers. The compressibility of one or more elastomer layers is achieved by foaming. One compressible elastomer layer is laser-engraved or is reticular with hollow spaces or is a photopolymer layer irradiated using a screen or is formed by stamping against a mould with screen structures before and/or during curing a vulcanisation. The compressibility of one elastomer layer is such that only 3 vol.% of the total gas inlet can be achieved. Pref. one or more layers are of foamed and/or unfoamed polyurethane layers and at least one is a photopolymer. ADVANTAGE - Reduced toner clogging and printing machinery prepn. time, and greater tolerance to fluctuation in feed adjustment.