JP2003021916A - Method for developing lithographic printing plate precursor - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To prevent electro-optical components from damaging and contaminating. SOLUTION: A lithographic imaging material comprising a support and a heat sensitive or photosensitive coating is prepared, the coating is imagewise exposed to heat or light to form a latent image consisting of a set of exposed areas in the coating and a set of non-exposed areas in the coating, a processing solution is supplied to the coating to develop the latent image and the processing solution is removed with a suction unit together with substances removed from the exposed areas without removing such substances from the non-exposed areas or together with substances removed from the non-exposed areas without removing such substances from the exposed areas to make a lithographic image.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION (Field of the Invention) The present invention relates to a plate (lith)
photographic printing materials with liquids
About the method. More preferably, the present invention provides a printing plate
Lithographic printing plate material that can be performed while stored in a printing press
The present invention relates to a wet treatment method for food. (Background of the Invention) In a lithographic printing press, a plate (pl
so-called printing originals (printin)
g master) and this is the cylinder of the printing press
Attach to The printing original plate has a flat printing image on its surface.
And apply the ink to the image and then apply the ink
Printing is obtained by transferring the image from the plate to the material receiving the image.
Can be The material receiving the image is typically paper. Normal
In lithographic printing, ink and fountain (f
aqueous solution (also dampeni)
ng liquid)) is lipophilic (or
Hydrophobic, i.e. areas that accept ink and repel water), and
Oleophobic (or hydrophilic, ie accepts water and repels ink
C) lithographic image areas. Iwa
In the loose dry lithographic printing method, the lithographic image is
Receiving area and ink non-adhesive area (ink-abhesiv)
e) (ink repellent area), dry lithographic printing
During printing, only the ink is supplied to the master. [0003] The printing plate is generally called a computer.
From film to film, in which case various
Pre-printing steps such as font selection, scanning, color separation,
Cleaning, trapping, layout, and braiding
The markings are accomplished digitally and each color is selected
Uses imagesetters for graphic arts
Transferred to film. After processing, this film
Is used when exposing a printing material called a plate precursor.
Can be used as an original after processing
A version that can be provided is obtained. Recently, a so-called “computer”
Interest in “two-plate transfer method (CTP)”
I have. The method is also a direct plate transfer method (direct-t
o-plate), so-called imagesetter
Transfer the digital document directly to the plate precursor
You don't have to make rums. A special form of CTP is inside a printing press
The image setter built into the
Is to expose the whole plate attached to the
You. This method is called "This method is computer-to-
It can be called "printer transfer method", and the plate setter
Embedded presses are often called digital presses
It is. For a review on digital printing presses, see Imaging.
  Science & Technology's 1
997 International Conference
ce on DigitalPrinting Tec
hnologies (Non-Impact Pri
nting 13). "Con
`` Pewter-to-printer transfer method '' for example in Europe
Patent-A 770 495, European Patent-A 7
No. 70496, International Patent Publication No. 94001280
EP-A 580 394, and U.S. Pat.
-Patent No. A 774 364
You. [0005] In particular, heat-sensitive plates are not sensitive to heat or infrared rays.
Computer-to-plate version because it is stable against sunlight
Wide range of transfer methods and computer-to-printer transfer methods
Commonly used. Such heat sensitive materials are preferably absorbent.
It consists of compounds that convert the light it collects into heat. According to the image
The heat generated when exposed to
Insolubilization, decomposition, or lamination of thermoplastic polymer
Induces (physical) chemical changes, such as the solidification of
After processing optically, it becomes an image of lithographic printing
Is obtained. Computer-to-plate transfer method often
The thermal plate material used is thermally stripped (ablat).
ion) action. By removing the plate surface
The problem with making paper is that debris that is difficult to remove
Disturbing or integrated imagesetter
May contaminate the exposed optics in the
You. As a result, the stencil by such ablation
Correction is needed to remove debris from the exposed potential
You. [0006] Fountain and in
Plates developed with grease are described in EP-B 770 49
No. 4. This patent specification states that hydrophilic contacts
The image recording layer of the mixture, a compound capable of converting light to heat, and
The printing material consisting of aqueous thermoplastic polymer particles is
The exposed area is exposed and the hydrophobicity that defines the printing plate
It describes a method of changing to the phase. Printing press operation
It starts immediately after exposure without performing any special processing. Because this
Layers are supplied to the cylinder during the printing process.
Because it is developed by the interaction with ten and ink
It is. Therefore, the chemical treatment of these materials requires the user
Is "hidden" and achieved in the first steps of the printing press
You. According to the stripping that such hidden processing is performed
The problem with the missing material is that the working distance of the plate (run le
ngth) is short. Other thermal plates, such as Agfa Term
ostar<sup>TM</sup>Or Kodak Polychrome
  Electra manufactured by Graphics<sup>TM</sup>Is long working
Wet treatment with alkaline liquid, with distance
Must be installed, this is the
Electronic parts of other devices of digital printing presses and light
May damage and contaminate the academic system. Ma
UV sensitive plate has potential for visible and yellow light
Because of its stability, it is very suitable for CTP.
Plus, it's sensitive to the most commonly found ultraviolet light
The loosely sensitized ("PS") version is usually
Used for contact exposure through mask, but very
Gives a longer working distance to the
Benefits, such as fast processing, and, for example, against scratching
Has high resistance. However, such PS plate
Still require alkaline treatment,
When printing as required for the transfer method
Not very suitable for processing. Therefore such a version
After being developed in a dedicated processing unit, it is attached to the printing press
Can be This can be done when attaching the plate and performing alignment.
It is necessary to handle the plate in some way,
Scratches or fingerprints on lithographic images
Or other risk of damage and contamination.
You. Thus, for example, a plate setter or
Optical systems, electronic components or
Has photographic material attached near other fragile components
Damage or contaminate such equipment when
There is a need for a wet process that can be performed without the need.
This type of processing is not suitable for plates that require wet processing.
Paving the way for computer-to-printer transfer
And, on the other hand, long term stability to sunlight
It is characterized by having. (Summary of the Invention) The object of the present invention is to
Risk of damaging or contaminating certain electronic or optical components.
Printing material for lithographic printing, which can be performed with minimum ruggedness
To provide a wet treatment method for The present invention
The object of the present invention is to provide the method of claim 1
Achieved by the preferred embodiments of the invention listed at the end of the description.
Is done. According to the method of the invention, the support material and the support
Consists of one or more layers mounted on
Printing material with a heat-sensitive or photosensitive coating
The processing liquid is supplied to the material. This material is exposed according to the picture
If performed, preferably substantially strip the coating
No useful image before the wet development process
Latent image without removing enough material from the coating
Is generated. This latent image can be removed by the processing solution.
Area in the coating to be removed and material removed during the development process.
Consists of other areas that cannot be reached. Treatment liquid is removed from the coating
By suction with one or more substances removed
Is discharged. These substances are exposed or
Removed from the coating anywhere in the unexposed area
It is. The word "removed" or "can be removed"
By supplying the processing solution, the leaves
Is dissolved or suspension containing the substance in the processing solution, dispersion
The removal of substances from the coating by the formation of a liquid or emulsion
Indicates that it can be removed or removed. An advantage of the present invention is that a developing solution is developed from the material.
Use a suction device that collects with the material resulting from the
Mainly achieved by using The suction device is simple
Highly porous material, such as sponge or liquid absorbent cloth
Can be. Is such a porous material a roll
Is supplied from the printer and wound on another roll after contacting the printing material.
Can be Processing liquid supply and its collection by suction are also
This can be performed using the apparatus shown in the accompanying drawings. This
This will be described later in detail. Such devices are often
It is more preferable than using a porous material. Because
Risk of fluffing of fabric and support for lithographic printing materials
The risk of mechanical damage or contamination of the
You. [0011] More specifically, according to the present invention,
Mounted on a platesetter or digital press
For example, the plate precursor for lithographic printing
Wet processing that can be performed while attached to the plate cylinder of the printing press
Law is provided. Damage to nearby electron-optical components
In addition to reducing the risk of
The processing method is to handle the plate after exposure and processing.
No need for fingerprinting or other contamination
So-called densified coatings to protect the developed plate
(Rubber layer) is not required
You. Substances generated from processing solutions and coatings contained therein
Is removed by the suction device and used in the next printing process.
There is no danger of contaminating the ink or fountain used
No. Preferred lithographic printing materials are lithographic printing plate precursors.
Body, which is ink or a fluid that does not accept ink
Pairs of areas with opposite affinity for
Hydrophobic and hydrophilic areas for offset printing, or
Is driographic printing
from lipophilic and oleophobic areas)
Lithographic images can be produced. Such a flat
Plate-printed images can be printed on ink or non-adhesive liquids.
The first layer having affinity is removed from the master, thereby
The opposite parent to the ink or ink non-adhesive liquid
Wet development process in which other compatible layers or support materials appear
Can be obtained after performing. The method of the present invention is exposed
Suitable for removing debris from stripped printing plate precursors
In this case, it is sufficient to use water as the treatment liquid.
You. In a more preferred embodiment, the printing plate precursor is stripped.
It is a precursor that is not stripped. That is, this material is exposed
Substantially strips off one or more layers if
Is not performed. "Practically stripped
The word `` no '' is useful after stripping and removing layers
This means that a flat lithographic image does not occur. Instead
The preferred plate precursor used in the present invention is a wet development process.
Exposed or unexposed areas of the coating by
Yields a useful flat image only after elimination of The method of the present invention is applicable to both heat-sensitive materials and light-sensitive materials.
Exposure step according to the image
Includes the process of exposing to radiation or heat of magnetic waves. Good
Suitable light-sensitive materials are UV-sensitive materials, especially under daylight
However, it is an ultraviolet-sensitive material that can be handled. For similar reasons,
Heat sensitive materials that can be exposed using a heating head or infrared
Very suitable. When performing exposure according to the image,
Scanning devices, especially those that emit ultraviolet and infrared light
Is preferred. UV lamps, especially
Digital by digital
It is possible to use a signal that is dynamically modulated. The processing liquid is used to soak or immerse the exposed printing material.
Can be covered by immersion,
A coating method carried out on a substrate is particularly preferred. Because treatment liquid
Low consumption of, for example, oxidation, absorption of carbon dioxide, etc.
This is because there is little opportunity for the treatment liquid to deteriorate. More special
Stated more specifically, for example, with an apparatus as shown in the accompanying drawings.
To spray or spray the processing liquid.
Can be coated by a roller coating method. Preferred processing
The solution is an alkaline aqueous solution having a pH in the range of 7.5 to 14.
You. Processing can be achieved by chemical and mechanical effects.
Can be. I prefer to combine both effects
No. For example, if the injected processing solution is mechanically collided,
It is easier to remove material from. Other suitable mechanical
Processing includes friction, brushing or sonication
You. Mechanical treatment can reduce the chemical reactivity of the processing solution
Performance, such as lowering the pH or temperature of the processing solution
This is advantageous because of its potential. [0015] In yet another preferred embodiment of the method of the present invention.
According to the above, a film of the processing solution is applied on the coating as described above.
However, in this case, the treatment liquid is not used without using the suction device.
Preferably at least 10 hours to attack the coating
Seconds, more preferably after 20 to 90 seconds,
Use a suction device together with a substance that can remove the processing solution from the coating.
To be removed. After the development step, for example, by a high pressure washer
A washing step using water can be performed, and
Drying process using air or infrared lamps should be performed as needed.
Can be. Before the development process, the layer of the printing material is
Can perform pretreatment such as soaking with other liquids.
Wear. (Preferred embodiment of the present invention) Photographic material The photographic material for lithography is a small material mounted on a support.
At least one kind of image recording layer is included. Preferably support
Only one image-generating layer is mounted on the material
No. The lithographic plate precursor used in the present invention is a negative or
Can work as a positive. Ie exposed area
Or attach an ink receiving layer to each of the
You can come. Preferred embodiment working in positive form
Smell, before the material is accepted and exposed to the ink
Not removed by processing solution, but can be removed when exposed
Layers that may be exposed after treatment.
The underlying hydrophobic layer or support at the area of release
It becomes bare. In a preferred embodiment to work as a negative
In areas where the material was not exposed,
Can be removed by exposure, but cannot be removed when exposed
Change, and therefore the underlying hydrophilic layer or hydrophilic support
Materials are exposed in areas not exposed by the development process
The ink-receiving layer is then placed on the exposed area after processing.
Remains. Extremely non-limiting materials of such materials
In a preferred embodiment, the material is a hydrophilic support
And mounted on it, exposed to hydrophobic state
Contains changing coatings. Such materials are used in printing machines or
Is the image on the support while attached to the platesetter
Create by coating, spraying or spraying the recording layer
be able to. Alternatively, the end user may be
Ready-made photographic material supplied to a printing press or plate
After mounting on the setter, expose and set according to the method of the invention.
And development. More specific of suitable lithographic printing materials
A specific example will be described below. Support material The support for the printing plate precursor is a sheet-like material such as a plate.
Or cylindrical elements, eg printing cylinders for printing presses
It can be a sleeve that can be slid around the doder.
Alternatively, the support may be the printing cylinder itself.
it can. In the latter case, the image recording layer is, for example, as described above.
By spraying during printing, the printing cylinder
Mounted on top. The support is a hydrophilic support
Or it can be a support with a hydrophilic phase
You. Preferably, the support is aluminum or stainless steel
It is a metal support such as stainless steel. Particularly preferred hydrophilic supports are electrochemically
Granulated and anodized aluminum support
You. The anodized aluminum support is
Can be treated to improve hydrophilicity. For example
The aluminum support heats its surface to a high temperature, e.g.
By treatment with sodium silicate in
can do. Alternatively, phosphating
it can. In this case, the surface of the aluminum oxide
Treated with a solution of phosphate that can contain inorganic fluoride
I do. In addition, the surface of aluminum oxide is
It can be washed with a citrate solution. This process is
About 30-50 which can be done in warm or slightly higher
It can be performed at a temperature of ° C. More interesting processing methods
Cleans the surface of aluminum oxide with bicarbonate solution
Is the way. Furthermore, polyvinylphosphonic acid,
Polyvinyl methylphosphonic acid, polyvinyl alcohol
Phosphoric acid ester, polyvinyl sulfonic acid, polyvinyl alcohol
Rubenzenesulfonic acid, sulfuric acid of polyvinyl alcohol
Esters and sulfonated aliphatic alcohols
Of polyvinyl alcohol produced by reaction with
Can be washed with tools. Also one of these or
Can perform further post-processing alone or in combination
Is also clear. More detailed information on these processes
The description is in British Patent-A-1 084 070, German Patent
No. A-4423140, German Patent A-4
No. 417 907, EP-A-659 90
9, EP-A-537 633, Germany
Patent-A-4001 466, European Patent-A
-292 801; EP-A-2917
No. 60, and U.S. Pat. No. 4,458,005.
Have been. According to another embodiment, these supports are
It can also be a flexible support.
The material is provided with a hydrophilic layer, hereafter referred to as the "substrate layer".
You. The flexible layer is, for example, paper, plastic
Aluminum, or thin aluminum and plastic
It is a laminate with Sticks. Plastic sphere
A preferred example of LUM is polyethylene terephthalate fill
System, polyethylene naphthalate, cellulose acetate fill
System, polystyrene film, polycarbonate film
And so on. Plastics film support is opaque
Or it can be transparent. The substrate layer is made of, for example, formaldehyde,
Exchange with curing agents such as lioxal and polyisocyanate
Cross-linked hydrophilic binder or hydrolyzed orthosilicon
Cross-linked hydrophilicity made from tetraalkyl acrylates
Layer. The latter is particularly preferred. Thickness of hydrophilic substrate layer
The thickness is 0.2 to 25 μm, preferably 1 to 10 μm.
You. Hydrophilic bonding suitable for use in the substrate layer
Agents include, for example, hydrophilic (co) polymers, such as vinyl
Cole, acrylamide, methylol acrylamide,
Methylol methacrylamide, acrylic acid, methacryl
Acid, hydroxyethyl acrylate, hydromethacrylate
Xyethyl or maleic anhydride / vinyl ethyl ether
It is a polyester copolymer. These copolymers or copolymers
The hydrophilicity of the body mixture is at least 60%, preferably 8%
Relative to the hydrophilicity of polyvinyl acetate hydrolyzed to 0% by weight
Preferably, they are all the same or higher. The amount of the curing agent, especially tetraalkyl orthosilicate
The amount of the resin is preferably small per part by weight of the hydrophilic binder.
At least 0.2 parts by weight, more preferably 0.5 to 5 layers
Parts, most preferably 1 to 30 parts by weight. The hydrophilic substrate layer also provides the mechanical strength and strength of the layer.
And substances that increase porosity. For this purpose
On the other hand, colloidal silica is used. Used co
Lloyd silica can be any commercially available colloidal silica
Aqueous dispersion of mosquitoes with an average particle size of up to 40 nm, e.g.
0 nm. Also colloid
Particles larger in size than the fumed silica, e.g. Col
loid and Interface Sci. ,
Vol. 26, 1968, pp. 62-69
eber.
F, or titanium dioxide having an average diameter of at least 10 nm
Or other heavy metal oxide particles can be added
You. By mixing these particles, a hydrophilic substrate
The surface of the layer is provided with a uniform and coarse structure consisting of microscopic peaks and valleys.
This serves as a place to store water in the background area.
Eyes. Hydrophilicity suitable for use in accordance with the present invention
A specific example of a substrate layer is disclosed in EP-A-601.
No. 240 British patent 1 419 512, French patent
2300 354, U.S. Pat. No. 3,971,660 and
And U.S. Pat. No. 4,284,705. Film support to which an adhesion improving layer is attached
It is particularly preferred to use a holding material. According to the present invention
Adhesion-improving layers that are particularly suitable for use
Patent A-A-619 524, European Patent A-62
No. 0502 and EP-A-6195.
No. 25 hydrophilic binders and
Contains Lloyd-like silica. In this adhesion improving layer
The amount of silica is 200mg / m^Two~ 750mg / m^Two
Is particularly preferred. Also silica-hydrophilic bonding
The ratio of the agents is preferably 1 m^Two/ G, more preferred
At least 300m^Two/ G, more preferably
Is at least 500m^Two/ G. Heat-sensitive printing material The image forming mechanism of the thermosensitive material
Exposed directly to heat or light, more preferably infrared
One or more of the coatings that can convert wires to heat
What the above compounds start by absorbing light
Can be. Particularly useful compounds that convert light into heat are, for example,
Dye, pigment, carbon black, metal carbide, boride
Materials, nitrides, carbonitrides, oxides having a bronze structure, and
Dispersions of conductive polymers such as polypyrrole, polyaniline
Conducting polymers based on phosphorus or polythiophene
It is a dispersion. Excellent in infrared dyes and carbon black
It is suitable. In a first suitable example of a heat-sensitive printing plate,
The working mechanism of the cover is described in EP 770 494,
-European Patent 770, European Patent 770 495
  497, European Patent 773 112, Europe
No. 774 364 and European Patent 849
  No. 090, preferably hydrophilic.
Thermoplastic polymer dispersed in various binders
It relies on particles being thermally induced to fuse. This
Such materials are available from Agfa-Gevaert, Th.
It is commercially available under the trade name ermolite. The fused polymer particles are printed with hydrophobicity
Defines an area, which is not easily removed in the development process
But the unexposed layer defines a non-print area, which is
It is easily removed during the development process. This hydrophobic thermoplastic
The coalescence temperature of the polymer particles is preferably greater than 35 ° C.
Preferably it is higher than 50 ° C. Fusion is under the influence of heat
Produced by softening or melting of particles. Polymer
There is no particular lower limit for the particle fusion temperature, but this temperature is
Must be sufficiently lower than the temperature at which the polymer particles decompose
Must. Preferably, this fusion temperature is
At least 10 ° C. below the temperature at which Hydrophobic polymerization
Specific examples of body particles include, for example, polyethylene, polychlorinated
Vinyl, poly (methyl) acrylate, poly (meth) acrylate
Ethyl acrylate, polyvinylidene chloride, polyacryloyl
Nitrile, polyvinyl carbazole, polystyrene,
Or these copolymers. Polystyrene is most preferred
Used for The weight average molecular weight of the polymer is 5,000-
It is in the range of 1,000,000 Og / mol. Hydrophobic particles
Has a particle size of 0.01 to 50 μm, preferably 0.05 to 1 μm.
0 μm, most preferably 0.05 to 2 μm. image
Amount of hydrophobic thermoplastic polymer particles contained in the formation layer
Is preferably 20 to 65% by weight, more preferably 2% by weight.
5 to 55% by weight, most preferably 30 to 45% by weight
You. Suitable hydrophilic binders are, for example, synthetic homopolymers
Polymers and copolymers such as polyvinyl alcohol, poly
(Meth) acrylic acid, poly (meth) acrylamide,
Hydroxyethyl poly (meth) acrylate, polyvinyl
Methyl ether, or a natural binder such as gelatin,
Polysaccharides such as dextran, prilan, cell
Loin, gum arabic and alginic acid. In a second suitable embodiment, the coating is
Homopolymers and copolymers of aryldiazosulfonates
Coalescence, which are hydrophilic and treated before exposure
Dissolves in liquid, but becomes less soluble after exposure due to hydrophobicity
No longer. Exposure is performed in the same manner as described above. Alternative
Using a UV laser or UV lamp, for example.
Exposure to ultraviolet light to polymerize aryldiazosulfonate
Can switch body solubility. Such an aryldiazosulfonate
A preferred example of the polymer is an aryldiazosulfonate simple substance.
Monomer or homopolymerize other aryldiazos
Lufonate monomer and / or vinyl monomer, for example
(Meth) acrylic acid or its ester, (meth)
Acrylamide, acrylonitrile, vinyl acetate, chloride
Vinyl, vinylidene chloride, styrene, α-methylstyrene
Compounds that can be produced by copolymerizing
You. Aryldiazosulfurs suitable for use in the present invention
The protonate polymer has the following formula: [0035] Embedded image Where R⁰,¹,^TwoAre independently hydrogen and a
Alkyl, nitrile or halogen such as Cl.
L represents a divalent linking group, n is 0 or 1,
A represents an aryl group, and M represents a cation. L is preferred
Or -X_t-CONR^Three-, -X _t-C00-, -X-
And -X_tA divalent group selected from the group consisting of —CO
Where t represents 0.05 or 1;^ThreeIs water
X represents an alkyl group or an aryl group;
Group, arylene group, alkyleneoxy group, arylene
Oxy group, alkylenethio group, arylenethio group, al
Alkylene amino group, arylene amino group, oxygen, sulfur,
Or an amino group. A is preferably unsubstituted
An aryl group such as a phenyl group, one or more
Aryl group substituted with alkyl group, alkoxy group, ant
A hydroxy group or an amino group. M is preferably
Cations, for example NH_Four ⁺Or metal ions, for example
Al, Cu, Zn, alkaline earth metal or alkali gold
Represents the cation of the genus. Aryl suitable for preparing the above polymer
The diazosulfonate monomer is disclosed in European Patent A3
Nos. 39393, 507008 and -A
No. 771645. A third embodiment of the heat-sensitive printing material is positive and negative.
The novolak layer is activated by light
It depends on solubilization. A known example is Agfa's
Thermostar^TMAnd Kodak Polyc
Electro made by home Graphics^TM
Whose composition and working mechanism are, for example, European
Permission-A 864 420, same-A 908 305
No., European Patent No. A 908 779, and A-90
No. 8784, No.-A908 No. 306, No.-A90
Nos. 8307 and -A 950 517 and -A 9
No. 50 518, No.-A 825 927, No.-A
No. 823327 and International Patent Publication No. 99/217.
No. 25. Photosensitive printing material In addition to the above-described heat-sensitive materials, the method of the present invention provides a photosensitive coating.
Can also be used. A reference to a version sensitive to visible light
Typical examples are, for example, Agfa-Gevaert's L
ithostar^TMFor silver salt diffusion transfer reversal mechanism
Or for example also Agfa-Gevaer
N90 commercially available from t^TMAnd N91^TMAs
Can be used based on a simple photopolymerization reaction.
You. In certain embodiments of the present invention,
UV-sensitive "PS" plate is used. 300 ~
Sensitivity in the range of 450nm (near ultraviolet and blue light regions)
A specific example of such a version having this is EP 10
29 668 A2. Here, "P
Acts as a positive and negative, typically used for the "S" version
The composition will be discussed in more detail. The image layer acting as a positive is preferably o
-Naphthoquinonediazide compound (NQD) and alka
It is made of resin that is soluble in water. Especially suitable are various
O-Naphthoquinone diazide sulf
Acid ester or o-naphthoquinonediadicarboxylic acid
Acid ester and o-naphthoxy of aromatic amine compound
Nondiazidosulfonic acid amide or o-naphthoquino
Diazidocarboxylic acid amide. Two different types of NQDs, one component
System and binary NQDs can be used. Previous
In the case of the above, the sulfonic acid group and the carboxylic acid group
Insoluble in water but soluble or swellable in alkali
Phenolic phenolic resins with phenolic hydroxy groups
Directly attached to the droxy group. Some phenolic arsenic
The droxy group is preferably left unsubstituted
No. Examples of such compounds include phenol, cresol
And resorcinol and pyrogallol. Pheno
It contains a hydroxyl group and is insoluble in water and soluble in alkali.
Alternatively, suitable resins that can swell include phenolform
Aldehyde resin, cresol formaldehyde resin,
Pyrogallol-acetone resin, and resorcinbenz
Aldehyde resins are included. A typical example is Naphtiki
Non- (1,2) -diazidosulfonic acid and phenol
Formaldehyde resin or cresol-forma
Esters with aldehyde resins, US Pat. No. 3,635,70
No. 9 naphthoquinone- (1,2) -diazide-
(2) -5-sulfonic acid and pyrogallol-acetone tree
Ester with fat, and Japanese Patent Publication No. 55-7
No. 6346, naphthoquinone- (1,2) -diazide
-(2) -5-sulfonic acid and resorcinol-pyrogallo
A co-condensation polymer of an ester with a ru-acetone resin
You. Other useful compounds are described in Japanese Patent Publication
O-Naph chloride at the terminal described in JP-A-50-117503
Toquinonediazidosulfonyl group and esterified arsenic
Polyester having droxy group; Japanese Patent Publication
Of p-hydroxystyrene described in JP-A-50-113305
Homopolymer or o-naphthoquinonediazide chloride
With other copolymerizable monomers esterified with phonyl
And its copolymer; described in US Pat. No. 3,859,099.
Alkyl acrylate-acryloyloxyalkyl car
Bonate-hydroxyalkyl acrylate copolymer and salt
Condensates with o-naphthoquinonediazidosulfonyl chloride;
P-Aminostyre described in U.S. Pat. No. 3,759,711
And a monomer copolymerizable therewith, and o-naphtho
Quinonediazidosulfonic acid or o-naphthoquinonedi
Amides of copolymers of azidocarboxylic acids; and polyhydrides
Roxybenzophenone and o-naphthoquinonediazide chloride
Includes ester compounds with sulfonyl. These compounds are used to form a photosensitive layer.
Can be used alone, but alkali-soluble resin
Are preferably used as a mixture with When NQD is used as a two-component system,
Various low molecular weight NQD sulfonic acid or carboxylic acid derivatives
The body is mainly insoluble in water but soluble in alkali
Dissolves in the swellable resin. This resin is used for NQD
Acts as a polymer binder for the polymer. Preferably, the 4-
Or 5-sulfonyl or carboxyl substituted 1,2
-Naphthoquinonediazide is 1,2-naphthoquinonediazide
With 4- or 5-sulfonic acid or carboxylic acid
Fe having at least two phenolic hydroxy groups
Phenolic compound, preferably at least three phenols
With phenolic compounds having hydrophobic hydroxy groups
It is. Other suitable 1,2-naphthoquinone-2-diadi
U.S. Pat.
No. 4,266,001. Insoluble in water but soluble in alkali, or
Suitable swellable resins are phenolic hydroxy groups,
Resins containing oxime or sulfonamide groups
You. More preferred are resins having hydroxy groups, and
And poly (meth) acrylate hydroxy functionality
The latter is, for example, arsenic (meth) acrylate.
It can be synthesized from droxyethyl. The most preferred is a synthetic novolak resin.
A typical example is phenol-formaldehyde
Resin, cresol-formaldehyde resin and sun
Phenol described in JP-A-55-57841.
Condensed polymer of le-cresol-formaldehyde resin
is there. The “PS” version of the layer acting as a negative
Azonium salt, diazonium resin or aryldiazo
Contains sulfonium homopolymers or copolymers
You. Examples of low molecular weight diazonium salts used in the present invention
Include benzylidenetetrazonium chloride, 3,3 'chloride
-Dimethylbenzidine tetrazonium, 3,3'-chloride
Dimethoxybenzidine tetrazonium, 4,4'-chloride
Diaminodiphenylaminetetrazonium, sulfuric acid 3,
3'-diethylbenzidine tetrazonium, sulfuric acid 4-a
Minodiphenylaminediazonium, 4-aminodichloride
Phenylaminediazonium, 4-piperidinoani sulfate
Phosphorus diazonium, 4-diethylaminoaniline sulfate
Azonium, and diazodiethylamine and formua
Oligomeric condensation products with aldehyde are included. Departure
Some examples of diazo resins that are clearly useful include photosensitive materials
A condensation product of an aromatic diazonium salt of this
Such condensation products are described, for example, in German Patent 1,214,08.
No. 6. Even photosensitive or heat-sensitive layers
Contains bonding agents such as polyvinyl alcohol
Is preferred. When exposed to diazo resin or diazonium
Salt is water-soluble to water-insoluble (diazonium group is broken
Broken), and the light component of this diazo compound
The decomposed product is a polymer binder, that is, a cross-link
Increase the bell, thereby coating in the print pattern
From water-soluble to water-insoluble. Exposed
The unremoved areas remain unchanged, ie remain water-soluble. Development step According to a particular embodiment of the present invention, the exposure
The processing of the treated materials is performed using the equipment described below.
Sprays or sprays and treats the same solution by vacuum suction
With the substance coming out of the coating of the printing material supplied from
Let it. Sprayed or sprayed droplets of the processing solution collide
Gives a mechanical effect to the coating,
Adds solid particles to the processing solution by ultrasonic treatment, etc.
Can be enhanced. Detailed explanation below
2 and 3, the chemical and mechanical properties of the coating
Mechanical simultaneous processing can be achieved. According to another embodiment of the present invention, for example,
If the coating device shown in Fig. 1, 2 or 3 is used,
Thus, the first process can be performed without using vacuum suction.
A film of physical solution is coated on the coating of the printing material. processing
After a suitable time for the liquid to react with the coating,
Spraying or spraying the second processing liquid and performing vacuum suction
Removes substances from the coating of the printing material according to the image
Use this device to: The second processing liquid is the first processing liquid.
It can be the same as the solution. Preferably the second processing
The liquid does not chemically attack the coating, for example, like fresh water,
Used as a carrier to extract material from the coating. According to yet another method of the present invention,
The film of the processing solution is coated on the coating as described above.
Only vacuum suction of the device after the
Without supplying the processing solution, the film with the substance
Remove from coating. After the processing is completed, the developed image is liquid
For example, wash with water. For this liquid, for example, the surface tension of the liquid is adjusted.
Additives such as knotting compounds can be included
You. The cleaning liquid should be supplied by the same equipment as the processing liquid.
Can be collected by suction as a processing solution.
Wear. The collected processing liquid and / or cleaning liquid is circulated.
Can be reused for processing and washing of the next printing material.
it can. Processing unit The processing apparatus shown in FIG. 1 supplies a processing liquid to the printing material and reduces the pressure.
The treatment liquid is removed from the coating via the retained suction nozzle.
Of processing equipment that can collect at the same time
This is a good example. The device of FIG.
No. 775, whose purpose is different from that of the present invention.
Has become. This device is especially suitable for drums or cylinders
Designed to handle materials mounted on top
Therefore, it is particularly suitable for processing performed while printing.
The device consists of a rotating drive with printing material on the surface.
Can be moved while scanning in the axial direction of the ram
You. FIGS. 1, 2 and 3 in a very miniaturized configuration
The device shown in is exposed image-wise according to the image
On the same dolly as the laser device used for
be able to. In such embodiments,
Material is developed in a very short time after
It is advantageous for the image layer to produce a (fixed) latent image. The device shown in FIG. 1 has a case having a circular cross section.
And a center line of the case
Located in the case 25 very close to
It includes an atomizer or injector nozzle 24. "injection"
And the term "spray" means that the printing material
Means the flow of the liquid phase that is released for the coating. "Spout
"Mist" is typically in pressurized air or other propellant
Aerosols or droplets contained in In this specification
The term “spray” is typical without propellant
Low supply pressure, e.g. slightly above normal atmospheric pressure
It is also used in the method of coating the processing liquid by supplying at a low pressure.
It is. Suitable values for the spray parameters are
No. A-084830. "Spout
The "radiation" is usually without propellant, preferably for example 50 to 15
It is obtained at a high hydraulic pressure of 0 bar and the feed rate is e.g.
60 ml / sec, more preferably 30-40 ml / sec
is there. The case 25 is preferably cylindrical,
It makes its own elongated suction nozzle 26,
The end has an orifice surrounding an opening 39 having no mechanical members.
It is the edge 29 of the fiss. The suction nozzle 26 has the opening
A chamber 32 containing a portion 39, between the printing material to be developed and
Spaced between the material and the orifice rim 29
A circumferential gap 34 is formed between them. Nozzle 24 is open
In the case chamber 32 at an axial distance from the mouth 39
And discharges the spray or spray 40 of the processing liquid,
A processing area 41 for the material is created. The retainer 27 is
The orifice 28 of the case 25
It is located in the center. The front end of the suction nozzle 26 is printed
The gap 3 is made to have a contour matching the curvature of the material.
4 is made. The retainer 27 is connected to the nozzle 24
A supply passage 30 is provided. The retainer 27 also has a number of peripherals
And an axial through-hole 31 at
A pipe opens and communicates with the chamber 32 of the suction nozzle. A friction device 8 is provided, whereby the chemical and
A more suitable device that can perform both
2 and 3. This device is in February 2001
European patent dated 6-A 01001004.0
This device is originally printed after printing
Remove the ink receiving area from the master, ie, mark the plate from the plate
This is a device for removing printed images.
Of the printing plate precursor
This device is used to make a plate and then use it for printing.
To the purpose opposite to the purpose of the particular method of the invention using
It is a thing. The device of FIGS. 2 and 3 has an elongated housing
1 which is preferably cylindrical and has an open end.
It has a rim 2 surrounding a mouth 3. I like this edge 2
With a cylindrical cross section, flat or concave,
Can fit flat or curved surfaces
Swelling. In a preferred embodiment, edge 2 is inside
It is curved, and the curvature is the table of rolls to be cleaned.
Same as the curvature of the surface. Housing 1, rim 2 and opening
Part 3 is the processing liquid and other substances generated from the coating of the printing material.
Is configured as a suction nozzle that removes the air. In this apparatus, the processing liquid is applied to the processing area on the surface 13.
One at a distance so that they can be released
Or more spray or spray nozzles. place
The treatment liquid is supplied to the nozzle 4 through the supply passage 10,
The passage 10 is provided with a known device for supplying a liquid to the nozzle, for example, a pump.
Connected to pumps, hoses, filters, etc. Other concrete
In this embodiment, the apparatus further includes a propellant supply passage (see FIG.
Not shown), this passage being supplied via passage 10
A spray is made with the treatment liquid. This spraying is performed by a known method,
For example, as used in carburetors of internal combustion engines
Nozzle in a way that allows the flow of propellant to flow with the processing solution
Made in Le 4. Nozzle 4 mixes propellant and treatment liquid
A mixing chamber (not shown) for mixing can be provided.
You. The sprayed or sprayed liquid forms one lump
Which can take any form, hereinafter referred to herein.
This mass is called a "cone" regardless of its particular shape
I will call it. The processing area of each nozzle 4 is sprayed or sprayed
Spread angle of fog cone, the distance between nozzle 4 and surface
Depending on the separation and the angle between the axis of the cone 14 and the surface 13
Has an area that is Specific of these angles and distances
Values are the properties of the coating to be removed from the surface 13 and the type of treatment liquid.
And many parameters such as the composition and shape of surface 13
We must emphasize that we rely on parameters.
Without limiting the scope of the invention, the cone spread angle
Is typically between 5 and 50 °, the nozzle 4 and the opening
The distance to the part 13 is 60-100 mm and the cone 1
The angle between the central axis 14 of 4 and the surface 13 is typically 4
5 to 90 °. The latter angle is the central axis of the housing 1.
Angle between the nozzle 4 and the surface 13 as well as the central axis of the nozzle 4 and c.
It is determined by the angle between the housing 1 and the central axis.
In the preferred embodiment, these angles are shown in FIG.
About 90 ° as shown. In a preferred embodiment,
Spread angle of cone 14, between nozzle 4 and opening 13
The distance between the central axis of the nozzle 4 and the central axis of the housing 1
The angle between can be adjusted by the operator or the device
Can be adjusted by the manufacturer. The distance between the nozzle 4 and the surface 13 is one
The distance between the nozzle 4 and the opening 3 and, on the other hand, the device
Gap left between opening 3 and surface 13 when operating
Is the sum of Preferably this gap is substantially zero
You. That is, the edge 3 for operating the device is in contact with the surface 13.
Or it is very close to the surface 13. Otherwise
If this is the case, a gap of, for example, several mm in width remains between the device and the surface 13.
Air flows into the suction chamber 9 from outside the device
Can create a barrier to liquid exiting the device
U. If there is a gap between the edge 2 and the surface 13
Makes the friction device 8 protrude from the edge 2 and
Mechanical contact with surface 13 must be maintained
Must. The device has only one jet or spray
In some embodiments, near the center axis of the housing 1
It is preferable to dispose the nozzle 4 at the bottom. Multiple nozzles 4
In another embodiment with
Arranged around the central axis of the housing 1 and the axis of each nozzle 4
Of the nozzle 1 with respect to the axis of the housing 1
So that the processing areas overlap or are the same.
Wear. According to yet another embodiment, the processing of each nozzle 4
Areas do not overlap or only overlap to a small extent
So that all nozzles 4 are together in the processing area
Is substantially larger than the processing area of a single nozzle 4
To do. The spray or spray cone 14 of the nozzle 4 is open.
It intersects with the mouth 3 to form a portion 5 of the opening 3.
This part 5 has an arbitrarily shaped perimeter 6,
Preferably the shape is oblong, oval or round
(The case of a circle is shown in FIG. 3). Processing area is part 5 and real
Have the same shape. Gap between device and surface 13
If no is left, the processing area matches part 5
ing. In embodiments where the treatment area is not circular,
The chisel 4 is mounted in the housing 1 so that it can rotate.
By one rotation about the central axis of the nozzle 3.
A round processing area can be created. The area of the opening 3 which does not coincide with the portion 5
The suction connected to the suction chamber 9 surrounded by the housing 1
We are making a draw orifice. The suction orifice is part
5 is preferably surrounded. The suction chamber 9 is exhausted
The passage is connected to a passage 11 through which a processing liquid is sucked.
Generates the suction needed to effectively drain backwards from
Connected to a device that keeps the inside of the suction chamber 9 at a reduced pressure level
I have. Such devices are commonly known to those skilled in the art.
Vacuum sources such as pumps, hoses, filters, etc.
Can be equipped. The friction device 8 comprises a spray or spray cone 14
A barrier is formed between the suction chamber 9 and the suction chamber 9. More specifically
For example, the friction device 8 extends from the inside of the device toward the opening 3.
And along the periphery 6 of the portion 5 of the opening 3, in which
The processing liquid is sprayed or sprayed. This
In the meantime, the friction device is connected to the part 5 of the opening 3 on the one hand.
On the other hand, it forms a boundary with the suction chamber 9. `` The perimeter
"Along 6" means that the friction device 8 is
Or meaning nearby
No. The friction device 8 can create a perfect boundary,
You can create imperfect boundaries. That is, the friction device 8
Along the entire perimeter 6 or one section or several sections of the perimeter 6
It can be provided along the picture (3 wards in FIG. 3)
Picture). The word “boundary” is used in the processing solution and within it.
Close physics for substances emerging from the coating of the printing material
Should not be understood as a political barrier. Because of the present invention
The advantageous effect is that when operating the device, it collides with the surface 13
The sprayed or sprayed processing liquid is in or between the friction devices 8
After passing through, the effect is drawn into the suction chamber 9 and discharged
Because it is obtained by The friction device 8 is, for example, a processing
Textile cloth or cloth not permeable to liquids, or table
A material capable of rubbing against the surface 13, such as rubber, cotton or the like.
Or made of plastics or covered with these materials
Small or covered friction material
Can be. In a preferred embodiment, the friction device 8 is
It is hair and the processing liquid passes through it and enters the suction chamber.
it can. The imperfect boundary is that the friction device 8
Boundaries that are spaced apart but require additional processing
It may be advantageous for good discharge. The friction device 8 is rotated by its rotation.
To apply a frictional force to the surface 13, for example,
Mounted on the device so that it can rotate on
You. The rotational movement of the friction device 8 is controlled by a known method such as a motor.
Can be driven by In a preferred embodiment
This rotation is the medium supplied to the nozzle 4, for example, processing
Driven by the pressure of the liquid or propellant, this is for example
Driven by one or more fins or pressurized air
Experts in the industry, such as those used for driven drills,
Attaching the shaft 12 with other known devices
Is achieved by The supply passage and the discharge passage are each provided with a supply path.
Preferably connected to pipes and discharge pipes
No. These pipes can be made of hose
You. Supply pipe to supply new processing liquid is consumed
To the inside of the drainage pipe for the drained liquid. Supply pipe
And / or discharge pipe connected to service unit
This unit can be used for new processing solutions.
Used, containing substances from tanks and photographic material coatings
For processing liquid, vacuum pump connected to discharge pipe
High-pressure pump connected to the supply pipe
Drives pumps, filters and the service unit
Includes electronic and mechanical components needed to
Is preferred. This apparatus processes printing material while scanning.
Is preferred. Printing machine drum or printing cylinder
Used to process materials attached to
In this case, the cylinder rotates itself and the rim of the
While maintaining a certain distance close to the
Preferably guided along a line parallel to the axis of the
No. The central axis of the housing 1 is held perpendicular to the printing material.
Is preferred, but other shapes are possible.
You. During the processing operation, the movement of the device axis and the cylinder
The rotation speed is preferably driven by a control unit
This control unit also controls the feed rate of the nozzle head
Service unit that controls the discharge rate from the suction chamber
Can be connected to a computer. Supply pressure and discharge
Adjust both the outlet pressure and the liquid from outside the device through the gap.
To enable efficient processing without intrusion
And preferably substantially immediately after passing through the device.
It is preferable that a dry surface is obtained.
You. (Example) As a control example, alkali treatment was performed.
You need two kinds of commercially available lithographic printing plate materials
It was exposed according to the image and developed in the usual way. Agfa Gevaert Positive Processing
Thermostar P970, a thermal material for science
^TMTo Creo Trendsetter^TM  3244
Using T, set the output to 5.4 watts and 140 rpm
m speed, both of which are Agfa Gevaert
Autolith sold by the company^TMInside the processing unit
Was developed using EP26. The negative of Agfa Gevaert
N61, a UV-sensitive “PS” version for business use, was purchased from CDL
l502i 600E in contact image processor, level 3
Exposure at the intensity of Autolith^TME in the processing unit
Developed using N232 (all Agfa Gev
aert). Both of these materials are used in accordance with the present invention.
After mounting the exposed material on the drum,
Control with the device shown in Figure 1 equipped with a commercially available nozzle
Process by coating with the same developer used in the example.
I understood. 100 m / min in the axial direction of the drum rotating the device
At the same time, and at the same time, it is
Kept at a distance. During that time, activate the suction nozzle to
And the material from the coating dissolved therein was collected. under
The treatment liquid is applied in two different ways using the parameters described above.
Upset: For "low pressure": -The nozzle is Spr, Brussels, Belgium
Quickjet QW made by Ying Systems
A. The flow rate of the treatment liquid is 15 ml / min,
Supply at a pressure slightly higher than atmospheric pressure ("spray mode"). The distance between the nozzle and the surface of the plate is 30
mm. -Quickjet QWA other nose
Water for 40 seconds after the QWA nozzle
Then, the printing plate was washed. QWA nozzle operates at 60 bar
15 liters / m^TwoThe water
Consumed. In the case of "high pressure": -The nozzle is Spr, Brussels, Belgium
Quickjet QW made by Ying Systems
A. The axial movement speed of the nozzle is 0.8 m
/ Min. The flow rate of the treatment liquid is 4 ml / min, 30 bar
Used at the pressure of the oil ("injection mode"). The distance between the nozzle and the plate is 5 mm. The same QWA nozzle for the second time after development
At a flow rate of 5 l / m^TwoSupplied at 30 bar
The surface was washed with water. Finally, the plate is dried using pressurized air at room temperature.
I let it. The six plates thus obtained (two methods
X three treatments) separately from Heidelberg GT
046 printing machine, Hostman Stein
berg K + E 800 Skinnex ink and
And Combifix 4% as fountain
For each plate using 10% aqueous solution of isopropanol
The printing operation to take 5000 copies was started. The printing quality of the plate is 10%, 40% and 7%.
By measuring the 0% screen surface dot gain,
Was evaluated. Toning (ink acceptability of non-image areas)
Also evaluate and look at the general eyes of the quality of the printed copy
An inspection was also performed. When the processing method of the present invention is used, ordinary processing
A plate of comparable quality, very close to the
Was. The main features and embodiments of the present invention are as follows.
is there. 1. Support materials and heat-sensitive or light-sensitive
Printing material with a water-resistant coating, -Exposing the coating to heat or light according to the image;
A set of exposed areas and a set of exposed areas in the coating
Create a latent image in the coating consisting of the missing area, Supplying a processing solution to the coating to develop the latent image and absorb
The processing solution is removed from the exposed area by a pulling device.
Along with the material that was removed,
Or (ii) exposure to
Exposure, along with material removed from areas not
Of such materials without removing them from
To create a lithographic image. 2. The suction device is porous so that it can absorb the processing liquid
2. The method according to claim 1, which is a material. 3. The development process Having a rim (29) surrounding the opening (39) at one end;
Elongated housing (25), -To spray or spray the processing liquid onto the printing material;
The housing is spaced from the opening (39).
Placed spray or spray nozzle (24), Supplying the processing liquid to the spray or spray nozzle (24);
Connected to the spray or spray nozzle (24) to
Supply passage (30), -Suction surrounding the spraying or spraying nozzle (24).
Room (32), − Keep the suction chamber under reduced pressure and remove the processing solution from the printing material.
Discharge chamber (31) connected to the suction chamber (32)
2. The method according to claim 1, wherein the method is performed using an apparatus having
Law. 4. The development process -A narrow edge having an edge (2) surrounding the opening (3) at one end;
Long housing (1), A part having one perimeter (6) of the opening (3).
Injecting or spraying the processing liquid onto the printing material via (5)
Into the housing from the opening (3)
A jet or spray nozzle (4), spaced apart from Supplying the treatment liquid to the spraying or spraying nozzle (4);
Connected to the spray or spray nozzle (4) for
Supply passage (10), A friction device (8) for mechanically treating the layer;
The friction device is rotatably mounted and
Extending from the interior of the jing (1) toward the opening (3),
Disposed along the field (6), the friction devices (8) and
And the housing (1) defines a suction chamber (9).
Friction device (8), -Keeping the suction chamber (9) under reduced pressure and between the friction devices (8);
Connected to the suction chamber (9) for removing the processing liquid from
The above, which is performed using an apparatus having a discharge chamber (11)
The method of claim 1. 5. When exposing according to the image, the coating is substantially
5. The method according to any one of the above items 1 to 4, which is not stripped off. 6. The treatment liquid is an alkaline aqueous solution
A method according to any one of claims 1 to 5. 7. Washing to supply water or aqueous liquid to the image
7. The method according to any one of the above items 1 to 6, further comprising a cleaning step. 8. Exposure and development process before lithographic printing plate
The machine is mounted on a platesetter or printing press
8. The method according to any one of the above items 1 to 7, which is performed in between. 9. The support has a hydrophilic surface
Or a hydrophilic layer is applied, and the coating is
The above is hydrophobic or imparts hydrophobicity by exposure
Item 9. The method according to items 1 to 8.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an apparatus suitable for performing a developing step in the method of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a side view of another apparatus suitable for performing a developing step in the method of the present invention. FIG. 3 is an end view of the device shown in FIG. 2; [Description of Signs] 24 Nozzle 25 Case 27 Cage 29 Edge 31 Through-hole 32 Chamber 39 Opening 40 Spray

   ────────────────────────────────────────────────── ─── Continuation of front page    (72) Inventor Giyoan Bellmershille             Belgian Be 2640 Malt Cell Septes             Trat 27 Agfa-Gevert Nah             Inside the Mulose Fuennaut shop F-term (reference) 2H096 AA07 GA21                 2H114 AA04 AA22 AA23 AA24 BA01                       BA05 DA50 DA51 DA53 EA02                       GA05 GA09 GA27 GA35 GA38

Claims (1)

Claims: 1. Making a printing material comprising a support and a heat- or light-sensitive coating, exposing the coating to heat or light according to an image, a set of exposures in the coating. Creating a latent image in the coating consisting of the exposed area and a set of unexposed areas in the coating, supplying a processing liquid to the coating to develop the latent image, and removing the processing liquid by a suction device. i) removing such material without removing the material from the unexposed areas, together with the material removed from the exposed areas, or (ii) removing the material with the material removed from the unexposed areas. A method for producing a lithographic image, characterized in that such material is removed without removing such material from an area.