EP0047737A1 - Method and apparatus for manufacturing continuous design rollers - Google Patents

Method and apparatus for manufacturing continuous design rollers

Info

Publication number
EP0047737A1
EP0047737A1 EP80902115A EP80902115A EP0047737A1 EP 0047737 A1 EP0047737 A1 EP 0047737A1 EP 80902115 A EP80902115 A EP 80902115A EP 80902115 A EP80902115 A EP 80902115A EP 0047737 A1 EP0047737 A1 EP 0047737A1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
layer
reservoir
exposure
photopolymer
cylindrical core
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Withdrawn
Application number
EP80902115A
Other languages
German (de)
French (fr)
Inventor
Lodewijk Anselrode
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Stork Screens BV
Original Assignee
Stork Screens BV
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Stork Screens BV filed Critical Stork Screens BV
Publication of EP0047737A1 publication Critical patent/EP0047737A1/en
Withdrawn legal-status Critical Current

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Classifications

    • G—PHYSICS
    • G03—PHOTOGRAPHY; CINEMATOGRAPHY; ANALOGOUS TECHNIQUES USING WAVES OTHER THAN OPTICAL WAVES; ELECTROGRAPHY; HOLOGRAPHY
    • G03F—PHOTOMECHANICAL PRODUCTION OF TEXTURED OR PATTERNED SURFACES, e.g. FOR PRINTING, FOR PROCESSING OF SEMICONDUCTOR DEVICES; MATERIALS THEREFOR; ORIGINALS THEREFOR; APPARATUS SPECIALLY ADAPTED THEREFOR
    • G03F7/00—Photomechanical, e.g. photolithographic, production of textured or patterned surfaces, e.g. printing surfaces; Materials therefor, e.g. comprising photoresists; Apparatus specially adapted therefor
    • G03F7/16—Coating processes; Apparatus therefor
    • G03F7/18—Coating curved surfaces
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G03—PHOTOGRAPHY; CINEMATOGRAPHY; ANALOGOUS TECHNIQUES USING WAVES OTHER THAN OPTICAL WAVES; ELECTROGRAPHY; HOLOGRAPHY
    • G03F—PHOTOMECHANICAL PRODUCTION OF TEXTURED OR PATTERNED SURFACES, e.g. FOR PRINTING, FOR PROCESSING OF SEMICONDUCTOR DEVICES; MATERIALS THEREFOR; ORIGINALS THEREFOR; APPARATUS SPECIALLY ADAPTED THEREFOR
    • G03F7/00—Photomechanical, e.g. photolithographic, production of textured or patterned surfaces, e.g. printing surfaces; Materials therefor, e.g. comprising photoresists; Apparatus specially adapted therefor
    • G03F7/20—Exposure; Apparatus therefor
    • G03F7/24—Curved surfaces

Definitions

  • This invention concerns a method for manufacturing continuos design rollers, consisting of ⁇ cylindrical core with an outside covering of elastomeric material in which method the cylindrical core, which may have an adhesion promotion layer on its surface, is coated with a layer of liquid photopolymer material , which material is cured by UV-radiation in such a way, that after development and drying a relief image of the desired shape is left.
  • liquid photopolymer material which has the property of being crosslinkable by expos ⁇ re to UV-radiation, whereupon the liquid State transforms into the solid State.
  • Elasticity and hardness of the end product are related to the chemical composition and can vary from rubber-like to relatively hard.
  • the product is then still soluble in cert ⁇ in solvente so ⁇ s chlorinated hydrocarbons or other organic solvents.
  • liquid photopolymer substances were coated in the desired thickness onto horizontally rotating cylindrical cores.
  • the thickness of the layer is controlled by means of a glass plate, on the surface of which a film is applied containing the negative pattern in UV-impermeable parts.
  • the film is covered with a very thin, UV-radiation transmitting foil, on which the photopolymer substance does not adhere.
  • Imagewise exposure of the photopolymer through the film is carried out during the coating process
  • Said Application start a method in which a vertical cylindrical member is coated with liquid material by the use of an annular reservoir, being positioned around the cylinder and fitting to the outer surface of the cylinder in such a way that a thin liquid coating is left on the surface, when the reservoir is moved in a controlled way along the cylinder from top to bottom.
  • an annular reservoir being positioned around the cylinder and fitting to the outer surface of the cylinder in such a way that a thin liquid coating is left on the surface, when the reservoir is moved in a controlled way along the cylinder from top to bottom.
  • the cured photopolymeric covering in pattern form is applied to the outside of a cylindrical core in such a way that UV-curing of the liquid photopolymeric material is carried out in at least two steps, comprising a first step in which a homogeneous exposure with UV-radiation is carried out during the process of applying a homogeneous coating of liquid photopolymer in a known manner to the outer surface of a vertically positioned cylindrical core, the exposive being such that a partial curing, preventing flow of the photopolymer is achieved, and a second step in which a pattern-wise exposure to UV-radiation is carried out, using a film, which is the negative of the desired pattern, as a mask, after which the exposed layer is developed and dried in a known way.
  • the first step of the UV-curing process is a homogeneous exposure to UV-light, due to which a viscosity increase of the photopolymer is realized which is such, that flow of the layer after application is prevented.
  • the second step of the UV-curing process can be carried out either in a separate exposure machine or in the coating apparatus itself. In both cases a film having a pattern which is the negative of the desired pattern is wrapped around the coated cylinder after which exposure is carried out in a known way.
  • a relative rotary movement between the cylindrical core and the UV-source during the first exposure step so as to ensure a perfectly homogeneous exposure of the total cylinder surface.
  • the present invention is not restricted to the use of thick-walled printing cylinder cores as are usual in printing industries.
  • Thin-walled, seamless cylinders can also be used, consisting for instance of nickel, which cylinders can be mounted in a known way on cylindrical rigid cores, by means of pneumatical processes.
  • the present invention is also embodied in an apparatus for carrying out the aforedescribed method.
  • This apparatus comprises means for mounting a cylindrical core with its central axis in a vertical position, an annular reservoir being positioned around the cylinder, fitting in a sealing way to the cylinder surface which reservoir can be moved along the cylinder in a controlled way.
  • This known apparatus comprises for the purpose of the present invention an annular UV-radiation source which exposes an area directly above the reservoir while the vertical movement of the source is identical to that of the reservoir, a UV-shield between reservoir and source and means providing a relative rotary movement of the so ⁇ rce with respect to the cylinder.
  • the drawing is a vertical cross-section of the present apparatus.
  • the apparatus consists of a cylindrical core 1 with a vertical upright axis 2.
  • Mo ⁇ nting means 3 and 4 of the core 1 are rotatably installed in bearings in frame part 5.
  • annular reservoir is situated, said reservoir consisting of a wall 6 and a sealing ring 7, co-operating with the outer surface of core 1.
  • an annular UV-so ⁇ rce 8 is moumed in fixed relationship to the reservoir and close to the reservoir.
  • UV-impermeable shield 9 is situated between source 8 and reservoir 6, 7 .
  • the reservoir 6, 7 with source 8 and shield 9 are supported on bearings 10 on Single spindles 11.
  • the spindles are interconnected in the top by means of an
  • the lower end 4 of the core 1 is, via mounting means, 14, connected with a gear box and the drive motor 16.
  • the reservoir 6, 7 can be driven together with shield 9 with uniform speed along the outer surface of core 1.
  • Motor 16 is suited to rotate core 1 slowly during the vertical movement of the reservoir.
  • motor 16 so as to rotate core 1 slowly around its vertical axis, although this is not essential for the envisaged method.
  • UV-radiation of source 8 can only radiate that part of coating, which is situated above shield 9, by which exposure the substance is th ⁇ s partially hardened so that no streaming will occur.
  • the negative film is wrapped tightly around the coating, whereupon the second exposure is carried out.
  • a uniform post-exposure step can be carried out to harden remaining quantities of not exposed photopolymer or insufficiently hardened photopolymer.
  • every type of UV-curing mix whether or not mixed with additives may be chosen, e.g.
  • photoinitiators or mixtures of different photoinitiators can be added in quantities of 0.05-10% by weight with respect to the weight of resin.

Abstract

Le procede de fabrication de rouleaux a dessins sans couture s'effectue sur la surface externe d'un noyau cylindrique positionne verticalement (1), lequel noyau comprend un enrobage exterieur d'un materiau elastomere et, eventuellement, une couche contribuant a l'adhesion; le procede consiste a appliquer un revetement uniforme sur ladite surface avec une couche d'un photopolymere liquide, ladite couche etant exposee uniformement et simultanement a une source (8) de rayons UV, effectuant ainsi une polymerisation partielle de la couche fraichement deposee, ce qui empeche l'affaissement du photopolymere; pendant le procede de revetement, le noyau cylindrique et la source d'exposition de rayons UV (8) effectuent une rotation relative. Ensuite, une seconde etape de polymerisation aux UV est effectuee par exposition a dessin de la couche respective, un masque constituant le negatif du dessin desire, sur quoi la couche exposee est developpee et sechee de maniere a laisser une image en relief ayant la forme desiree.The process for manufacturing rolls with seamless patterns is carried out on the external surface of a vertically positioned cylindrical core (1), which core comprises an outer coating of an elastomeric material and, optionally, a layer contributing to adhesion. ; the method consists in applying a uniform coating on said surface with a layer of a liquid photopolymer, said layer being exposed uniformly and simultaneously to a source (8) of UV rays, thereby effecting a partial polymerization of the freshly deposited layer, which prevents collapse of the photopolymer; during the coating process, the cylindrical core and the source of exposure to UV rays (8) perform a relative rotation. Then, a second step of UV polymerization is carried out by exposure to drawing of the respective layer, a mask constituting the negative of the desired drawing, on which the exposed layer is developed and dried so as to leave a relief image having the desired shape. .

Description

METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR MANUFACTURING CONTINUOUS DESIGNMETHOD AND APPARATUS FOR MANUFACTURING CONTINUOUS DESIGN
ROLLERS.ROLLERS.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTIONBACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention1. Field of the Invention
This invention concerns a method for mαnufacturing continuoυs design rollers, consisting of α cylindrical core with an outside covering of elastomeric material in which method the cylindrical core, which may have an adhesion promotion layer on its surface, is coated with a layer of liquid photopolymer material, which material is cured by UV-radiation in such a way, that after development and drying a relief image of the desired shape is left.This invention concerns a method for manufacturing continuos design rollers, consisting of α cylindrical core with an outside covering of elastomeric material in which method the cylindrical core, which may have an adhesion promotion layer on its surface, is coated with a layer of liquid photopolymer material , which material is cured by UV-radiation in such a way, that after development and drying a relief image of the desired shape is left.
In the field of this invention liquid photopolymer material is used which has the property of being crosslinkable by exposυre to UV-radiation, whereupon the liquid State transforms into the solid State.In the field of this invention liquid photopolymer material is used which has the property of being crosslinkable by exposυre to UV-radiation, whereupon the liquid State transforms into the solid State.
Elasticity and hardness of the end product are related to the chemical composition and can vary from rubber-like to relatively hard.Elasticity and hardness of the end product are related to the chemical composition and can vary from rubber-like to relatively hard.
The very elastic products find their υse in the flexography, whereas hard products are cpplied in bookprinting.The very elastic products find their υse in the flexography, whereas hard products are cpplied in bookprinting.
In said field use is made of the property that the solubility of such photopolymers in certain solvents is reduced as a result of UV-exposure. Substances which, for example, in non-exposed condition are water developable, loose this property when the polymerization has proceeded so for, that the product is transformed from the liquid into the more or less solid State.In said field use is made of the property that the solubility of such photopolymers in certain solvents is reduced as a result of UV exposure. Substances which, for example, in non-exposed condition are water developable, loose this property when the polymerization has proceeded so for, that the product is transformed from the liquid into the more or less solid State.
The product is then still soluble in certαin solvente so αs chlorinated hydrocarbons or other organic solvents.The product is then still soluble in certαin solvente so αs chlorinated hydrocarbons or other organic solvents.
2. Description of de Prior Art.2. Description of the Prior Art.
So far, liquid photopolymer substances were coated in the desired thickness onto horizontαlly rotating cylindrical cores.So far, liquid photopolymer substances were coated in the desired thickness onto horizontally rotating cylindrical cores.
During said coating the thickness of the layer is controlled by means of a glass plate, on the surface of which a film is applied containing the negative pattern in UV-impermeable parts. The film is covered with a very thin, UV-radiation transmitting foil, on which the photopolymer substance does not adhere.During said coating the thickness of the layer is controlled by means of a glass plate, on the surface of which a film is applied containing the negative pattern in UV-impermeable parts. The film is covered with a very thin, UV-radiation transmitting foil, on which the photopolymer substance does not adhere.
Imagewise exposure of the photopolymer through the film is carried out during the coating process,Imagewise exposure of the photopolymer through the film is carried out during the coating process,
Obviously this process requires very much accuracy of the respective apparatus.Obviously this process requires very much accuracy of the respective apparatus.
Furthermore, the control of the layer thickness is very critical.Furthermore, the control of the layer thickness is very critical.
A known method for application of a liquid coating to a cylinder is described in British Patent 1 455 289, in which method the thickness of the liquid layer is very easily controlled.A known method for application of a liquid coating to a cylinder is described in British Patent 1 455 289, in which method the thickness of the liquid layer is very easily controlled.
Said Application discloses a method in which a vertical cylindrical member is coated with liquid material by the use of an annular reservoir, being positioned around the cylinder and fitting to the outer surface of the cylinder in such a way that a thin liquid coating is left on the surface, when the reservoir is moved in a controlled way along the cylinder from top to bottom. By control of the vertical movement the layer thickness on the cylinder surface is governed.Said Application start a method in which a vertical cylindrical member is coated with liquid material by the use of an annular reservoir, being positioned around the cylinder and fitting to the outer surface of the cylinder in such a way that a thin liquid coating is left on the surface, when the reservoir is moved in a controlled way along the cylinder from top to bottom. By control of the vertical movement the layer thickness on the cylinder surface is governed.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTIONSUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
It is a principal object of the present invention to provide a method which is less critical with regard to accuracy in the coating stage, whereas the coating thickness is very easily controlled.It is a principal object of the present invention to provide a method which is less critical with regard to accuracy in the coating stage, whereas the coating thickness is very easily controlled.
According to the invention this is attained in that the cured photopolymeric covering in pattern form is applied to the outside of a cylindrical core in such a way that UV-cυring of the liquid photopolymeric material is carried out in at least two steps, comprising a first step in which a homogeneous exposure with UV-radiation is carried out during the process of applying a homogeneous coating of liquid photopolymer in a known manner to the outer surface of a vertically positioned cylindrical core, the exposυre being such that a partial curing, preventing flow of the photopolymer is achieved, and a second step in which a pattern-wise exposure to UV-radiation is carried out, using a film, which is the negative of the desired pattern, as a mask, after which the exposed layer is developed and dried in a known way.According to the invention this is attained in that the cured photopolymeric covering in pattern form is applied to the outside of a cylindrical core in such a way that UV-curing of the liquid photopolymeric material is carried out in at least two steps, comprising a first step in which a homogeneous exposure with UV-radiation is carried out during the process of applying a homogeneous coating of liquid photopolymer in a known manner to the outer surface of a vertically positioned cylindrical core, the exposive being such that a partial curing, preventing flow of the photopolymer is achieved, and a second step in which a pattern-wise exposure to UV-radiation is carried out, using a film, which is the negative of the desired pattern, as a mask, after which the exposed layer is developed and dried in a known way.
The first step of the UV-curing process is a homogeneous exposure to UV-light, due to which a viscosity increase of the photopolymer is realized which is such, that flow of the layer after application is prevented.The first step of the UV-curing process is a homogeneous exposure to UV-light, due to which a viscosity increase of the photopolymer is realized which is such, that flow of the layer after application is prevented.
The second step of the UV-curing process can be carried out either in a separate exposure machine or in the coating apparatus itself. In both cases a film having a pattern which is the negative of the desired pattern is wrapped around the coated cylinder after which exposure is carried out in a known way.The second step of the UV-curing process can be carried out either in a separate exposure machine or in the coating apparatus itself. In both cases a film having a pattern which is the negative of the desired pattern is wrapped around the coated cylinder after which exposure is carried out in a known way.
Preferably there is provided a relative rotary movement between the cylindrical core and the UV-source during the first exposure step, so as to ensure a perfectly homogeneous exposure of the total cylinder surface.Preferably there is provided a relative rotary movement between the cylindrical core and the UV-source during the first exposure step, so as to ensure a perfectly homogeneous exposure of the total cylinder surface.
It has appeared to be very beneficial to apply a homogeneous post exposure with UV-radiation to the developed and dried printing cylinder in order to ensure a total curing of the exposed portions.It has appeared to be very beneficial to apply a homogeneous post exposure with UV-radiation to the developed and dried printing cylinder in order to ensure a total curing of the exposed portions.
The present invention is not restricted to the use of thick-walled printing cylinder cores as are usual in printing industries.The present invention is not restricted to the use of thick-walled printing cylinder cores as are usual in printing industries.
Thin-walled, seamless cylinders can also be used, consisting for instance of nickel, which cylinders can be mounted in a known way on cylindrical rigid cores, by means of pneumatical processes.Thin-walled, seamless cylinders can also be used, consisting for instance of nickel, which cylinders can be mounted in a known way on cylindrical rigid cores, by means of pneumatical processes.
The present invention is also embodied in an apparatus for carrying out the aforedescribed method. This apparatus comprises means for mounting a cylindrical core with its central axis in a vertical position, an annular reservoir being positioned around the cylinder, fitting in a sealing way to the cylinder surface which reservoir can be moved along the cylinder in a controlled way.The present invention is also embodied in an apparatus for carrying out the aforedescribed method. This apparatus comprises means for mounting a cylindrical core with its central axis in a vertical position, an annular reservoir being positioned around the cylinder, fitting in a sealing way to the cylinder surface which reservoir can be moved along the cylinder in a controlled way.
This known apparatus comprises for the purpose of the present invention an annular UV-radiation source which exposes an area directly above the reservoir while the vertical movement of the source is identical to that of the reservoir, a UV-shield between reservoir and source and means providing a relative rotary movement of the soυrce with respect to the cylinder.This known apparatus comprises for the purpose of the present invention an annular UV-radiation source which exposes an area directly above the reservoir while the vertical movement of the source is identical to that of the reservoir, a UV-shield between reservoir and source and means providing a relative rotary movement of the soυrce with respect to the cylinder.
It has αppeared to be benificial to give α rotation to the cylinder to be coated, whilst the source is being kept stationary.It has αppeared to be benificial to give α rotation to the cylinder to be coated, while the source is being kept stationary.
DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGDESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING
The drawing is a vertical cross-section of the present apparatus.The drawing is a vertical cross-section of the present apparatus.
DESCRIPTION OF A PREFERRED EMBODIMENTDESCRIPTION OF A PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
The apparatus consists of a cylindrical core 1 with a vertical upright axis 2.The apparatus consists of a cylindrical core 1 with a vertical upright axis 2.
Moυnting means 3 and 4 of the core 1 are rotatably installed in bearings in frame part 5. Around cylinder 1 an annular reservoir is situated, said reservoir consisting of a wall 6 and a sealing ring 7, co-operating with the outer surface of core 1.Moυnting means 3 and 4 of the core 1 are rotatably installed in bearings in frame part 5. Around cylinder 1 an annular reservoir is situated, said reservoir consisting of a wall 6 and a sealing ring 7, co-operating with the outer surface of core 1.
Above reservoir 6, 7, an annular UV-soυrce 8 is moυnted in fixed relationship to the reservoir and close to the reservoir.Above reservoir 6, 7, an annular UV-soυrce 8 is moumed in fixed relationship to the reservoir and close to the reservoir.
Between source 8 and reservoir 6, 7 a UV-impermeable shield 9 is situated.Between source 8 and reservoir 6, 7 a UV-impermeable shield 9 is situated.
The reservoir 6, 7 with source 8 and shield 9 are sυpported on bearings 10 on Single spindles 11. The spindles are interconnected in the top by means of anThe reservoir 6, 7 with source 8 and shield 9 are supported on bearings 10 on Single spindles 11. The spindles are interconnected in the top by means of an
12 endless chain or the like, to give the same rotational direction while one of the two spindles 11 is connected to a drive motor 13.12 endless chain or the like, to give the same rotational direction while one of the two spindles 11 is connected to a drive motor 13.
The lower end 4 of the core 1 is, via mounting means, 14, connected with a gear box and the drive motor 16.The lower end 4 of the core 1 is, via mounting means, 14, connected with a gear box and the drive motor 16.
By energising motor 13, the reservoir 6, 7 can be driven together with shield 9 with uniform speed along the outer surface of core 1. Motor 16 is suited to rotate core 1 slowly during the vertical movement of the reservoir.By energizing motor 13, the reservoir 6, 7 can be driven together with shield 9 with uniform speed along the outer surface of core 1. Motor 16 is suited to rotate core 1 slowly during the vertical movement of the reservoir.
The method according to the present invention is carried out as follows:The method according to the present invention is carried out as follows:
By means of motor 13 reservoir 6, 7 is placed in the upper position whereupon said reservoir is filled with liquid photopolymer.By means of motor 13 reservoir 6, 7 is placed in the upper position whereupon said reservoir is filled with liquid photopolymer.
Motor 13 is then started for the downward movement of reservoir 6, 7 while source 8 is put on.Motor 13 is then started for the downward movement of reservoir 6, 7 while source 8 is put on.
It is beneficial to also energise motor 16 so as to rotate core 1 slowly around its vertical axis, although this is not essential for the envisaged method.It is beneficial to also energize motor 16 so as to rotate core 1 slowly around its vertical axis, although this is not essential for the envisaged method.
During the downward movement of reservoir 6, 7 a coating layer of photopolymer adheres to the outer surface of core 1.During the downward movement of reservoir 6, 7 a coating layer of photopolymer adheres to the outer surface of core 1.
UV-radiation of source 8 can only radiate that part of coating, which is situated above shield 9, by which exposure the substance is thυs partially hardened so that no streaming will occur.UV-radiation of source 8 can only radiate that part of coating, which is situated above shield 9, by which exposure the substance is thυs partially hardened so that no streaming will occur.
When the reservoir has reached the bottom end 4 motors 13 and 16 are stopped, after which core 1 is removed from the machine, for instance by removing the upper part of frame 5.When the reservoir has reached the bottom end 4 motors 13 and 16 are stopped, after which core 1 is removed from the machine, for instance by removing the upper part of frame 5.
Subsequently, the negative film is wrapped tightly around the coating, whereupon the second exposure is carried out.Subsequently, the negative film is wrapped tightly around the coating, whereupon the second exposure is carried out.
Those parts of the coating which correspond to the pattern to be printed will be further hardened by this treatment.Those parts of the coating which correspond to the pattern to be printed will be further hardened by this treatment.
After this second exposure the only pre-exposed parts of the coating will be removed by washing with a suitable solvent.After this second exposure the only pre-exposed parts of the coating will be removed by washing with a suitable solvent.
If necessary a uniform post-exposure step can be carried out to harden remaining quantities of not exposed photopolymer or insufficiently hardened photopolymer.If necessary a uniform post-exposure step can be carried out to harden remaining quantities of not exposed photopolymer or insufficiently hardened photopolymer.
As an example of photopolymerisable substances every type of UV-curing mixtυre whether or not mixed with additives may be chosen, e.g.As an example of photopolymerizable substances every type of UV-curing mix whether or not mixed with additives may be chosen, e.g.
1) unsatυrated epoxy resins;1) unsatuated epoxy resins;
2) unsatυrated polyester resins;2) unsaturated polyester resins;
3) unsatυrated alkyd resins;3) unsatuated alkyd resins;
4) υnsatυrated acryl resins;4) υnsatυrated acrylic resins;
5) unsaturated υrethan resins;5) unsaturated urethane resins;
6) polybυtadiene resins.6) polybutadiene resins.
Mixtures of unsaturated polymers and UV-cυring mixtures of unsaturated polymers with monomeric compounds can also be used.Mixtures of unsaturated polymers and UV-ring mixtures of unsaturated polymers with monomeric compounds can also be used.
Furthermore, if necessary, photoinitiators or mixtures of different photoinitiators can be added in quantities of 0,05-10% by weight with respect to the weight of resin. Furthermore, if necessary, photoinitiators or mixtures of different photoinitiators can be added in quantities of 0.05-10% by weight with respect to the weight of resin.

Claims

What is claimed is: What is claimed is:
1. Method for manufacturing continuous design rollers consisting of α cylindrical core with an outside covering of elastomeric material in which method the cylindrical core, which may have an adhesion promotion layer on its surface, is coated with a layer of liquid photopolymer material which material is cured by UV-radiation in such a way, that after development and drying a relief image of the desired shape is left, characterized in that, UV-curing of the liquid photopolymeric material is carried out in at least two steps comprising a first step in which a homogeneous exposure with UV-radiation is carried out during the process of applying a homogeneous coating of liquid photopolymer to the outer surface of a vertically positioned cylindrical core (1), the exposure being such that a partial curing preventing a flow of the photopolymer is achieved, and a second step in which a patternwise exposure to UV-radiation is carried out using a film, which is the negative of the desired pattern, as a mask, after which the exposed layer is developed and dried.1. Method for manufacturing continuous design rollers consisting of α cylindrical core with an outside covering of elastomeric material in which method the cylindrical core, which may have an adhesion promotion layer on its surface, is coated with a layer of liquid photopolymer material which material is cured by UV-radiation in such a way, that after development and drying a relief image of the desired shape is left, characterized in that, UV-curing of the liquid photopolymeric material is carried out in at least two steps comprising a first step in which a homogeneous exposure with UV-radiation is carried out during the process of applying a homogeneous coating of liquid photopolymer to the outer surface of a vertically positioned cylindrical core (1), the exposure being such that a partial curing preventing a flow of the photopolymer is achieved, and a second step in which a patternwise exposure to UV-radiation is carried out using a film, which is the negative of the desired patte rn, as a mask, after which the exposed layer is developed and dried.
2. Method according to claim 1, characterized in that, during the coating process the cylindrical core (1) and the UV-exposυre source (8) are rotated relatively with respect to each other.2. Method according to claim 1, characterized in that, during the coating process the cylindrical core (1) and the UV-exposυre source (8) are rotated relatively with respect to each other.
3. Method according to claims 1 and 2, characterized in that, after developing and drying, the photopolymer layer is subjected to a homogeneous post-exposure with UV-radiation.3. Method according to claims 1 and 2, characterized in that, after developing and drying, the photopolymer layer is subjected to a homogeneous post-exposure with UV-radiation.
4. Method according to Claims 1-3, characterized in that, the photopolymeric covering is applied to a cylin dric core (1) made of thin-walled seamless material. 4. Method according to Claims 1-3, characterized in that, the photopolymeric covering is applied to a cylin dric core (1) made of thin-walled seamless material.
5. Method according to claim 4, characterized in that, the photopolymer coating is applied to a thin nickel sleeve (1).5. Method according to claim 4, characterized in that, the photopolymer coating is applied to a thin nickel sleeve (1).
6. Apparatus for carrying out the method as described in any one or more of the foregoing Claims comprising mounting means for a cylindrical core, its central axis being in a vertical position and an annular reservoir being positioned around the cylinder and fitting in a sealing way to the cylinder surface, which reservoir can be moved along the cylinder in a controlled way, the apparatus being characterized in that, it comprises an annular UV-radiation source (8) which exposes an area directly above the reservoir (6, 7), while the vertical movement of the source is identical to that of the reservoir, a UV-impermeable shield (9) being present between reservoir and source, and means (13, 16) to provide for a relative rotary movement of the soυrce (8) with respect to the cylinder (1). 6. Apparatus for carrying out the method as described in any one or more of the foregoing Claims comprising mounting means for a cylindrical core, its central axis being in a vertical position and an annular reservoir being positioned around the cylinder and fitting in a sealing way to the cylinder surface, which reservoir can be moved along the cylinder in a controlled way, the apparatus being characterized in that, it comprises an annular UV-radiation source (8) which exposes an area directly above the reservoir (6, 7), while the vertical movement of the source is identical to that of the reservoir, a UV-impermeable shield (9) being present between reservoir and source, and means (13, 16) to provide for a relative rotary movement of the soυrce (8) with respect to the cylinder (1).
EP80902115A 1979-11-14 1980-11-04 Method and apparatus for manufacturing continuous design rollers Withdrawn EP0047737A1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
NL7908327 1979-11-14
NL7908327A NL7908327A (en) 1979-11-14 1979-11-14 METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR MANUFACTURING A PATTERNED PRINTING ROLLER

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP0047737A1 true EP0047737A1 (en) 1982-03-24

Family

ID=19834171

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP80902115A Withdrawn EP0047737A1 (en) 1979-11-14 1980-11-04 Method and apparatus for manufacturing continuous design rollers

Country Status (7)

Country Link
EP (1) EP0047737A1 (en)
JP (1) JPS56501542A (en)
DK (1) DK311381A (en)
IT (1) IT1133787B (en)
NL (1) NL7908327A (en)
NO (1) NO812396L (en)
WO (1) WO1981001474A1 (en)

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US5287435A (en) * 1987-06-02 1994-02-15 Cubital Ltd. Three dimensional modeling
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WO1992005033A1 (en) * 1990-04-14 1992-04-02 Toyo Ink Manufacturing Co., Ltd. Device for making cylinder for gravure printing and method of smoothing said cylinder
EP0785474A1 (en) * 1996-01-16 1997-07-23 Schablonentechnik Kufstein Aktiengesellschaft Process and apparatus for the fabrication of flexographic printing plates
FR2772152B1 (en) * 1997-12-04 2000-02-18 Duchenaud Uniflexo FORM FOR FLEXOGRAPHIC PRINTING AND MANUFACTURING METHOD THEREOF
WO2005005147A1 (en) 2003-07-09 2005-01-20 Asahi Kasei Chemicals Corporation Method and device for manufacturing relief printing plate terminal for seamless printing
US7279254B2 (en) 2005-05-16 2007-10-09 Eastman Kodak Company Method of making an article bearing a relief image using a removable film

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NO812396L (en) 1981-07-13
NL7908327A (en) 1981-06-16
DK311381A (en) 1981-07-13
IT1133787B (en) 1986-07-09
JPS56501542A (en) 1981-10-22
WO1981001474A1 (en) 1981-05-28
IT8025877A0 (en) 1980-11-11

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