JPS6073848A - Method and device for forming picture - Google Patents

Abstract

(57) [Summary] This bulletin contains application data before electronic filing, so abstract data is not recorded.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION [Industrial Application] The present invention relates to an imaging method and its implementation for forming an image on a substrate having a coating on the surface which can be transformed by a discharge of relatively low current. This relates to equipment used directly for. Specifically, by way of example, the present invention can be inexpensively imaged electronically and subsequently incorporated into traditional lithographic printing processes without the need for traditional printing or photosetting steps. It relates to commonly available methods for use in lithographic printing plates.

[Conventional Techniques ITj] In most of the lithographic printing systems used today, the printing plate of the lithographic stamp e+1 is
An image is formed. In the process, a positive or negative transparency of film produced by photographic techniques yielding the desired image is first prepared, and then the transparency is projected onto or brought into close contact with the photosensitive surface of the plate. exposed to light. In some systems, the plate is exposed directly from the original without the need for an intermediate film transparency (i.e., by reflection),
Ru. However, even in such a system, it is necessary to first prepare and read a "camera-ready" document.

By producing an image medium, i.e., an imaged lithographic printing plate, directly from electronically stored or generated data, the technology as well as the need for a photoconversion step of the elongation Z is eliminated. Attempts have been made to eliminate the need for paper preparation and manuscript preparation. Such systems rely, for example, on a laser beam to engrave the photosensitive plate surface, or remove one or more layers of material R from the surface of a lithographic-type plate, often a special configuration plate. The desired image may be achieved by relying on an electric spark or arc or other energy source, or by using an electrostatic charge.

[Problem that the invention seeks to solve]

These types of lithographic printing plate imaging systems often have significant drawbacks. The most important of these drawbacks are one or more of the following: That is, what are their shortcomings and relative to the equipment required to realize these systems? ! complexity and therefore the high cost and low reliability of the specially made and prepared lithographic printing plates that must be commonly used in such systems or the generality of the resulting printed image. It is of low quality.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to eliminate the need for a process knife that complicates the system configuration, and to use electronically generated and stored image data to create a comparatively inexpensive type of diazonium resin lithographic printing plate. Another object of the present invention is to provide an image forming method and apparatus that can produce extremely high quality images with an effective and inexpensive system.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The process of the present invention eliminates the need for special coatings of plates, or the need for photolithography, "camera-ready" techniques or manuscript preparation, or steps of light conversion. , but rather using electronically generated and stored image data to print on a comparatively inexpensive type of diazonium resin lithographic printing plate in a traditional setup. The above-mentioned disadvantages are overcome by providing an effective and inexpensive system for producing images.Although diazonium resin type plates are generally desired, 71 [polymer or Other plates are also imaged and removed using technique 1?i according to the present invention.

1, a relatively low current discharge is used to generate the latent image. The it3 image is a spark type by causing a 1z1 chemical change in the material that changes the relative solubility of the plate core ring in the area raced by the discharge. development at the plate surface without significant displacement or removal of the coating material, as is commonly done in systems, and without reliance on photo-independent use processes as commonly encountered in laser systems. Is possible.

〔Example〕

FIG. 1 shows the configuration of an embodiment in which the apparatus and process according to the present invention are applied to a traditional offset printing plate to a plate commonly used in lithographic printing.

Roll 10 serves as a support for a traditional lithographic printing plate 20 . Appropriate securing members 12.14 are used to ensure that the printing plate 20 is stuck to the roll 10 during one cycle of the imaging process described below. Means 12.
14 is a row of tip rail bins, such as those used in many offset lithographic presses, for example, to secure and secure the close contact of the lithographic printing plate, which has a row of holes at each end to accommodate the bins. As a means of using
Any means capable of holding one lithographic printing plate in close contact with the surface of the roll 10 may be used.

It is desirable that the plate itself have at least a moderate 8I conductivity so as to electrically ground the plate during the image generation process. To simplify the grounding configuration,
The means 12.14 can connect the plate 20 by, for example, electrically grounding the roll 10 and ensuring an electrical connection of both the roll 10 and the conductive plate 20 of the means 12.14. Provide a ground path from the ground. It is noted that other configurations may be used to electrically ground plate 20.

For convenience of positioning the desired latent image on the roll 10,
The roll 10 is rotated 1q by a motor 5, a heald driver, and an r-brake 7. Angle displacement sensor-IJiG also rolls 10
will be installed consecutively. Such a sensor 16 is used to indicate the precise rotational position of the roll 10, and is particularly preferred when patterns are automatically positioned on the plate by electronic means, as will be explained below.

An electrical imaging assembly 30 is disposed on the surface of roll 10 and plate 20. In the embodiment depicted in FIG. 1, the assembly 30 includes (1) a conductive stylus assembly having an electrode or stylus 31 for establishing a discharge within the discharge TifR region between the electrode or stylus 31 and the opposing plate 20; 32, (2) gas supply means 3G for supplying gas to the discharge area, and (3) group 1 between the tip of the stylus 31 and the surface of the opposing plate 20
The ionization promoting means 34 is directed toward the m region. The primary function of the electrical imaging assembly 30 is to form a latent image on the surface of the plate 20 according to instructions between the surface of the plate 20 and the tip of the stylus 31 in accordance with externally supplied pattern information. The purpose of this invention is to set up and interrupt or adjust the discharge within a certain area.

Variation of the discharge intensity, such as by inducing a change in the discharge current and thereby a change in the chemically transformed area on the surface of the plate 20, is also contemplated. The intensity will be varied within a predetermined range by changing the supply current of the underlying discharge l\ or by rapidly starting and ending the discharge according to the desired current level.

The stylus 31 is made of a suitable conductor.

Preferably, the stylus 31 is made of a material that is not extremely prone to wear when used as an electrode during imaging, such as a stylus 31. The radius of the tip is approximately 0.0
0.005 to about 0.0'O'1-in. good results are obtained. Other tip radii outside this range may be advantageous in certain applications. To electrically insulate the stylus 31 and to facilitate handling and positioning of the stylus tip, it is partially encased in a protective sheath of electrical insulation, designated 33 in FIG.

The tip of the stylus 31 has a gap in the range of about 0.001 to about 0.010 inch, although it should be emphasized that larger or smaller gaps are practicable. It is desirable to arrange them in a q1 shape perpendicular to the surface of the C-plate 20. In the following,
The adjacent area between the tip of the stylus 31 and the opposite surface of the plate 20 is covered by the discharge gap. To facilitate the scanning of the stylus 31 across the front surface of the plate 20, the stylus 31 is mounted on the axis of rotation of the roll 10 on a translation stage 38 capable of precisely controlled movement. The data showing the relative position @ of stage 38 is version 20
For convenience of the relative position of the stylus 31 on the surface of the plate, and to maintain accurate reimaging of the plate surface, the stylus 3
It is desirable to provide a pattern data processor with inherent synchronization of the flow of pattern data relative to pattern data.

The gas supply means 3G provides an injection source of a sufficient amount of ionizable gas that is relatively inert with respect to the plate surface when there is no discharge in the discharge gap. In the basic form, nothing is needed other than the open ends of the sections of the hollow dupe. The hollow tube is derived from the desired waste source 11, is located near the discharge gap, and has a bent end towards the discharge gap.Of course, other options may be used if desired or found advantageous. , using more sophisticated means1
Waru. J: sea urchin, shown in detail in Figures 2 and 3;
Stylus 31 is mounted within collar 33.

The collar 33 forms a small gas passageway near and parallel to the axis of the stylus 31 to provide the desired localized placement of gas near the stylus tip. Available relatively inert gases are generally suitable and satisfactory.
M 1%, + m M + - u l+ e + -1
-41-'I-1 () Such a gas has helium and neon as its main components. It appears to suppress the formation process.

The ionization or dielectric breakdown promoting means 34 may be any suitable means if it is known that the electrical dielectric breakdown of the dregs in the discharge gap is increased. In one embodiment of the present invention, the means 34 include a λυ piece of tungsten wire placed inside a semi-cylindrical electrical shield.
Seal]・Contained roller 1~[Con element < sl+1
It consists of an eiled corotron +Ievice).

The above (7) is marked 1j]1 when a relatively high (in absolute value) negative voltage (1<V 7 of the computer) of a relatively low current (mA orc) is applied, for example from a high voltage source 80. [Such] Rona electrostatic elements are commonly used as ion sources for electrophotographic printing (electrophotographic plates). in the scum by acting as a source or vessel of free electrons or ions that initiates the subsequent secondary ionization process that gives rise to It is believed that the use of said means 34 minimizes certain time lags associated with the discharge of the stylus and the plate. The time lag between the establishment of the discharge (not shown) is dramatically reduced.The voltage required to initiate such a breakdown is reduced by means 3.
It should also be noted that it is reduced by operation 4.

A relatively low-intensity ultraviolet light source directed toward the discharge area and not directly illuminating the plate surface is used in place of the corona.Ionization or breakdown-enhancing means are optionally used; do not have.

The discharge phenomenon utilized in the present invention is considered to be separate and distinct from the arc or spark discharge phenomena described in the literature. Most of the literature discusses discharge phenomena that occur at low or especially low pressures;
In these, a relatively large anode is spaced apart from a relatively large cathode. however,
In the present invention, the discharge occurs at or near atmospheric pressure, and perhaps only 0.001 to 0.01
This occurs between a needle-like stylus and a substantially flat plate with a gap distance of 0 inches or so. Typical time-averaged current values range from about 2X10'Δ to about 2X10' τ. However, under certain conditions, a value higher than this range but lower than the spark discharge dominant region is desired. According to commonly available diazonium resin plates, time average current values in the range of about 2 x 10 Δ to 2 x 10' appear to be preferred. Therefore, 4 found in the literature
Due to the reference in 'l\, it is not possible to directly correlate the values of some of the physical parameters listed here. However, in discharge technology usually J!
I! It is clear that there is no electric arc involved in the phase opening as understood. In general, arcs are classified as high current discharges, involving currents on the order of 1 A or more, rather than relatively low time-averaged currents as discussed herein. (For example, “Qaseous ElectronlC
, s, Vo 1urne I J, Hl r f
The electrical discharge utilized in the present invention is not of sufficient intensity to displace or remove the plate coating in any meaningful or significant way. I think that the. No physical changes were observed on the surface of the basic plate. The nature of the mechanism of metamorphosis that occurs is unknown. It is not known to what extent chemical reactions similar to those that occur in traditional imaging (e.g., photography) processes occur during the imaging process of the present invention, and the extent to which chemical reactions occur during the imaging process of the present invention is not known. It only appears that the subsequent behavior is broadly similar to the traditional imaged version. The electrical discharge is believed to create a directed ionic flux within the coating of the plate. The interaction of these ions with chemical synthesis in the coating appears to cause chemical transformations in the coating that change its relative solubility. "
The term "insoluble printing" is used herein to refer to such plates to be developed and used in a manner equivalent to traditional plates that have been exposed or imaged by traditional (e.g., photographic) methods. On these versions that allow (J such tI
Used to refer to the chemical effect (or any other effect) that an i-electric treatment has.

The current limiting resistor 40 is used to prevent the current between the stylus 31 and the plate surface 20 from becoming excessive.

The excessive current results in a transformation of the discharge phenomenon between the star 31 and the plate 20, from the normal low current discharge used in the present invention to the behavior of the arc current described in the literature. Arose 1q. Excessive current also results in version 2
causing undesirable rearrangement or removal of a substantial portion of the coating on the surface of the
It should be noted that there are 11 negative differential resistance discharges that are desired to be used in bright conditions. This means that an increase (decrease) in the stored average discharge current is accompanied by a decrease (increase) in the voltage measured by the electric current. For example, if a device similar to that shown in FIG. 1 in the current () from 159V to 50μ
An increase up to 90V is observed.

The use of a current limiting resistor prevents the discharge current from approaching a vessel characterized by arc-type discharges. Since an increase in the time-averaged current in the discharge gap also tends to increase the width of the image line, changing the value of such a resistor can be used to adjust the width of the line appearing in the n-like image plate. make it possible.

The blocks referenced 50, 55, 60 and 65 collectively process the generation of a latent image on the surface of the plate 20 in a timely manner from electronically stored, generated or transmitted pattern data. Configure electronic circuit elements that process promptly. The illustrated block 60 is approximately 2×104
- at current levels within the range of approximately 2x10'A, 20
It is a voltage source configured to supply a voltage within the range of 0 to 2000V. The illustrated block 65 represents the voltage [60
It is a high speed switch that can switch the voltage generated at the desired fs resolution or frequency required for the printing gauge. Of course, the required switching frequency, as well as other factors, such as the delay between the application of the required voltage and the start of the discharge, will depend, at the desired resolution, on the surface of the plate at the stylus.
- A function of the speed at which it is raced or scanned. Roll circumferential speed of approximately 12 inches, ·'sec, and approximately 100
Imaging small (e.g., 10 >< 15 inches) lithographic printing plates at line 7' inch mark 11 gauge requires a switching frequency in the range of about 15.0 to about 1.5 kHz. It is known that

An example of a circuit to which this is applied is shown in FIG. In Fig. 4, a high voltage is applied between nodes ED, bias pressure is applied between nodes DF, (pulse train) data is applied between nodes AB, bias-to-pulse voltage is applied between nodes CD, and -(, nodes Shifted data from 1 to 1 between GO, amplified shift l-data between nodes HD, and node J
An amplified shift i-ta that has been buffered by J appears between F and F.

That is, the circuit performs MIJfl as follows. Node A
The voltage input in the form of a 4'5V pulse train at -8 is level shifted from ground potential by voltage level shifter 100 with respect to the bias voltage reference between ff points C5D. Therefore, MO8FETQ2 amplifies the output of level shifter 100 related to the bias voltage. As a result, the signal changes from +5V data pulse to +250V
It is on the order of +400 V with reference to the bias voltage of . MOS FET Q2 connects the discharge gap and load resistance RL to tvl OS FET driver Q1
Acts as a voltage follower that decouples the output of

Voltage J-F provides the buffered, amplified, and shifted data output of high speed switch 65. habo650
The voltage V is divided between the current limiting resistor RL and the gap formed between the stylus tip and the plate surface.

According to the circuit shown in FIG. 4, any logic signal of a small voltage (for example, 5V) applied from the pattern generating means is applied to a relatively high voltage DC bias (eg, 250V). can be applied. For example, a conventional coupler C optical coupler such as the Model T L111 manufactured by Texas Instruments Inc. (Dallas, Texas) may be used. The use of such a bias 1 prussic acid makes it possible for the circuit shown in FIG. do.

゛The following should be noted. Although the use of alternating current can be utilized to establish and control the desired discharge,
It is not necessary to do so, and may result in reduced efficiency. This is because the polarity of the discharge is only appropriate for image establishment during a portion of the AC cycle.

The pattern data processor indicated by block 55 includes:
The required switching commands, dictated by the pattern data from block 50, are sent to high speed switch 65 such that the required pattern data is synchronized with the appropriate relative position of the stylus on the front side of plate 20, and thereby also switches the pattern. 1. Means for registering the latent image thus produced on the front surface of the plate 20, with the result that the stylus sweeps over the area of the plate to be scanned, resulting in appropriate initiation and discontinuation of the discharge. I will provide a. Any suitable means may be used to generate or reproduce such instructions. Of course, the pattern data may be generated manually, but in many cases it is generated on magnetic or paper tape, ROM, RAM, etc.
However, electronic generation or reproduction of pattern data or switching commands using analog or digital data storage means such as EP ROI VI, bubble memory, etc. is desirable. The appropriate take from the angular position sensor 16 attached to the roll is determined by the pattern
a series of switching commands for the switching means 65 and the plate 20 moving relative to the stylus 31;
is input to a processor 55 to facilitate the processing necessary to convert it into a translating command for a translating means that produces a properly timed and continuous train of vl voltages to and from the surface of the vl voltage.

in digital form exactly according to the pattern data.
A series of Fs that sequentially establish and extinguish the discharge.
In addition to simply generating an "on-off" switching command, it is also possible to modulate the discharge by varying the discharge N current over a range of values that lie substantially within the discharge current envelope listed here. It is also intended to be desired. - The range of values determined by the fixed or changing level of the schedule of luck, also using more or less continuous vclfl within the limits of the schedule. In either case, the desired result is that the effective area change J3 resulting in a chemical transformation that forms a latent image in the surface of the plate 20 to be laced and thereby the effective area of the image-forming process caused by the squirrel (1) The purpose of this is to enable changes in resolution or effective printing gauge. Generally speaking, lower time-averaged current values result in the formation of finer grains on the plate surface. Establishment of a lower current discharge. By using the present method for fixed or continuous modulation of the current according to or maintenance, the latent image can include neatly formed dots or dots with a wide range of widths or diameters. For example, a line with a width of about 5 mils or more and uniformity was produced on a regular diazonium plate (see, e.g., Example M). One or more dots with almost any desired diameter, with a dot size limit to one of relatively few options, or uniform, as is done in many traditional laser systems. A set of smaller dots can be generated without the need to form larger "dots".Such possibilities are especially useful when fencing detail or half-one images are desired. This is advantageous for the generation of mI& when

As is clear from the detailed parsimony of example ■, a certain minimum 1 it
A discharge with a current value smaller than I (for example, perhaps on the order of 10 .mu.A) will not form a visible sag on the plate of Example 2. Corrosion by increasing the current level from a low level, e.g. 10 μA, to a level (e.g. maybe 30-40 μA) at which a high quality visible image is obtained when compared to a complete interruption of the discharge. The desired time lag due to measured reduction (i.e., between the application of the required R position between the stylus and the plate and the establishment of the discharge thereby induced) is only possible when a UV light source is used. time) can be reduced.

Insofar as the plate described above is a traditional light-sensitive lithographic printing plate imaged in a traditional manner using a high-intensity light source, the light produced by the low-energy discharge used in the present invention does not substantially contribute to the imaging process.

The light intensity generated based on the discharge used here just meets the traditional ophthalmic I11 standard. 11) The diameter of the visible discharge is larger than the width of the final line produced by the discharge. It appears unnecessary to mask the non-image areas from the light produced by the discharge. Sharp, microscopically defined lines can be observed between the cotton strands and the areas immediately adjacent to those lines (which are 1-laced with the discharge). The experiment described in Example 3 shows that the light of the discharge is the main or fundamental factor for the insolubilization effect observed on traditional diazonium resin plates. This seems to indicate that he is not a contributor.

In accordance with the operation of one embodiment of the present invention, pattern data information generated or stored in data source 5° is provided to pattern data broker 55.

The processor then receives instructions according to data on the rotational position of the roll 10 from the angular displacement sensor 1G. A set of instructions is sent to translation stage 38 to determine the correct placement of the imaging stylus along the axis of roll 1o. The second cellar 1- of the command switches 65 to generate the train of voltage pulses necessary to establish the sequence of discharges applied to image the plate with the desired pattern 1^. sent to. The current sent from the switch 65 passes through a lip resistor RL for limiting the direct current supplied to the stylus 31. -Then, the star r lass is connected to the mark f chromator assembly 31.
or accurately spaced from the plate surface by other means. For most plates imaged using the process described herein, the voltage applied to stylus 31 is electrically positive with respect to the plate. However, in some cases negative polarity of the stylus is desired.

Imaging assembly 30 is driven across the surface of plate 20 by translation stage 38 . As part of the image forming assembly, the waste supply means 36 includes a discharge gear 17,
That is, a controlled amount of a relatively inert gas, such as argon or a helium-neon mixture, is introduced into the area between the stylus 31 and the surface of the plate 20. The r-on-on promotion means 34 is also directed toward the region between the stylus 31 and the surface of the plate 20 for the reason described above. The motor 5 is removably but securely mounted and allows the stylus 31, via the bells 1-7, to scan over the entire surface of the plate 20 and to cover all pattern areas on the plate. It is used to rotate the roll 10 at a constant rate so that the sweep is completely exhausted. Under these conditions, for example, by establishing and controlling the desired electrical discharge that impinges on the pattern or imaging areas of a diazonium resin plate, the plate surface in these areas is It acts as a resistor (relatively insoluble) to the developer used to develop the plate. These plates imaged by the discharge process of the present invention are later developed using a traditional development wave 1fi.

The electrical discharges employed in the present invention were used to form on commonly used, conventional lithographic type printing plates under various operating conditions, as determined in the following examples. . The invention has been found to be particularly suitable for use in addition polymer engraving.

Example ■ A device similar to that shown in Figure 1 was used according to the following specifications.

Plate: 3M "R": Addition polymerization type photosensitive plate commercially available from 3 to 1 companies; Take this plate onto a roll (=1 metal plate grounded to the conductive roll by a conductive fixed bottle for There is usually a film crack on the surface of the board.

Stylus: 0.025 inch maximum diameter and approx.
A sharp, tapered iron gate nail with a tip diameter of 001 inches. The tip of the stylus is spaced approximately 0.003 inches from the IJ plate surface. The shaft of the stylus is embedded within a Plasdex sheath which has a groove (located in order to release gas into the discharge area) as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3.

Gas: 1. Fl the structure shown in FIGS. 2 and 3.
A kneading scum consisting of 90% neon of 0% l\thulium was produced at a flow rate of 6o, -' min.

Breakdown Accelerating Means: 1.3 inch long and 0.004 mm centered at approximately 1.5 mm (on the axis of the bisected section of aluminum tubing). , a roller I-ron consisting of a tungsten Y V portion that is on the right side of the radius. A current of 7 kV and 2 mA is passed through the wire A7. The corotron is operatively located approximately 1 inch from the stylus tip and plate surface.

Current limiting resistance (RL): 6.3μΩ, 0.50 High-speed switch: Same as shown in Figure 4.

Pattern data 1: EPROM, electronic devices of traditional design are appropriately combined.

In the apparatus described above, the plate was heated to about 12 inches, /' S e
It was rotated continuously on a roll at a peripheral speed of Cl. The light around II was weakened to prevent "fogging" of the photosensitive plate.

The applied voltage and time average current value during the discharge period were maintained at 650 V and 80 μA, respectively. At this time, the polarity of the voltage on the stylus was positive with respect to the grounded plate roll. The stylus was slowly and automatically traversed along the axis of rotation of the roll at a speed of approximately 0.2 in./min, thereby tracing a closely spaced spiral path on the plate surface. . The desired pattern is approximately 0°0 from the solid area.
It was adopted from a standard lithography identification pattern requiring a minimum point diameter of 0.05 inches. The maximum switching cycle is approximately 2.5kl-
It was 12.

Once a latent image of the desired pattern has been formed on the coated surface of the plate by contact with an electrical discharge, the plate is removed from the roll and continuously developed, i.e., processed with process gum (R Process Gum, 3M).
7f t'4) and then lacquer developer (Reliable Red Lacquer Developer, A I) CI
I Or /” L f j h k e ITI C
Marketed by 0 companies) by! ! ! Filled 1 and strengthened the statue.

On the developing plate, the area in contact with the discharge behaved similarly to the area on the plate which was photographically imaged with conventional form-C1, ie actinic radiation. The 100 editions obtained are 1! It showed visually significant detail with a clear area and a width of approximately 8 mils, with no background. The plate was then placed on a lithographic reproducing machine of conventional design. The selected ink is MultilithSF ink standard black (
SF-10-ClAMMu t i Or'al)
(commercially available from h i C8) was used. The wetting agent was 3M [)p l l catorFou diluted as directed.
tat nConcentrate (commercially available from 3M Company). The selected paper is 20 bond tsubo-
It was a white strength paper (- (City P paper by International Paper Co.) having a .

The first printed paper had a very clear and detailed image corresponding to the area of contact with the discharge of the plate, and a uniform solid area, well-shaped spots of the desired size and no background. Ta. Regular adjustments and repressing were performed until 20,000 copies had been printed. The printing on the last sheet was almost indistinguishable from the first.

EXAMPLE ■ A plate identical to that in the example was rotated on the apparatus except that a pair of styli were used that were approximately 2 mils apart from each other and both were approximately 3 mils from the plate surface. A single 2N, 1Ω resistor was placed in series with each stylus. Approximately 1000 VQ'ffi pressure was applied to the stylus and resistor pair, producing a strong visible claw between the tips of the stylus, but no visible discharge toward the plate. The plate was developed as in Example I (but also exposed to actinic radiation as usual). No images were recognized on the plate. This indicates that the visible glow discharge is insufficient to form an image on the plate.

Example ■ The version of Example 1 is made in the same manner as in the first row except that the resistance value of the current limiting resistor RL is varied over a range that allows monitoring of the current flowing into the discharge region. An image was formed and the image was developed. (The quality of the line and the width of the line (the width of the line based on the specified opening and closing parallel lines are shown below.

RL Measuring Current Image H (MΩ) (μA) 0.22410 Unclear, line width varying from 18 to 75 mils 0.4 1110 Blurry, line width varying from 15 to 35 mils, 1.0 434 Very , sharp, approximately 14 mils uniform line width 5,0 84 Very bright, approximately 9 mils uniform line width 10.0 41 Very S bright, approximately 6 mils uniform line width 15.0 28 Good, approx. 4 mil line width 22.0 21 Blurred, approx. 3 mil a width 44.0 9.5 No visible image Example 1v The plate used was based on LKK "Wipe-Q" sensitizer and KK゛Wipe-0'' sensitizer pa'yri (both
Anchor/Lithkernco (commercially available)
The procedure in Example ■ was followed except that it was an engraving. One plate was developed using the vendor's developer and following the vendor's instructions. is good,
Hundreds of stamps using contrast plates! 19.

Example V version as CitiplateCustomlO (Cit
Examples ■
I followed the steps. The polarity of the stylus was negative. The plate was developed using the vendor's developer according to the vendor's instructions. The 19 images on the plate are of good shape, excellent contrast and resolution! He had a degree. 'We printed several hundred sheets using this plate and obtained excellent printed images.

Example vl The procedure of Example V was followed except that the stylus polarity was positive and process gum was used as part of the development process. Similar results to Example V were obtained for 1q.

Example V [Ko da k P O L I MΔ
The procedure of the example was repeated in 11, except that Tic S (7711 polymer board, commercially available from 1-Man Kotaku Co., Ltd.) was used. The plate was developed using a developer specified by the vendor (according to the vendor's instructions).The stain on the plate was in good shape and the contrast was not eroded.

Example ■ AgfaGevaer tcOPYRAPID as version
Diffusion transfer plate (Agra Q e V a e r j
The procedure of Example ① was followed except that a commercially available product (commercially available from Co., Ltd.) was used. Using conventional imaging techniques, the images were not exposed to light throughout the imaging process. An image was formed on the plate using the present invention, and an image was developed using the vendor's specified developing agent and according to the vendor's instructions.The image on the plate was well-shaped and elegant. It had high contrast image quality.

〔Effect of the invention〕

The present invention eliminates the need for processes that complicate system configuration and uses electronically generated and stored data (on a relatively inexpensive type of diazonium resin lithographic printing plate). (Yo, high quality, effective and cheap 11Tf
Is the image formation method generated by the i ld-system and its support IF? It is possible to make a fortune.

[Brief explanation of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the configuration of an apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 2 is a configuration diagram showing a part of the configuration in FIG. 1 in detail, and FIG. 1 [Cross-sectional view along the
FIG. 2 is a circuit configuration diagram showing a part of the diagram in detail. Director of the Patent Office b zhi ′? A. Gakuden 1. 11 indications Special MIIIυ59-125008 No. 2 Name of the invention 1 Family formation force method, t. T.: 1 person Milliken Research Co., Ltd. 4th generation employee September 25, 1980

Claims (10)

[Claims] (1) In order to generate a desired latent image on the substrate surface, there is a layer in a cleansing state on the surface, which is developed in a printing process and later by a traditional lithographic type development process. It undergoes a relatively soluble change when a low current discharge is applied to IY to form a latent image on it.
In the method of 1q-C1, in the presence of a relatively inert gas, a bonding area is formed by a low current discharge of the corresponding layer, and the discharge is caused by a bonding area of the area being bonded by the discharge. A one-image forming method in which the above layer is provided with sufficient energy density to induce a change in relative solubility to the traditional lithographic type of printing agent. (2) Forming a desired latent image on the surface of a conductive substrate in a cleansing state, having a photosensitive agent on the surface, and later printing the layer in a traditional lithographic type A low current h! is used to form a latent image on the developing process. Is there no i8W when the electric current is applied? having a swept area of the layer corresponding to the image by a low current discharge in the presence of a relatively inert scum, the discharge being similar to that of a traditional lithographic type. An image forming method in which only the area within the layer is swept by the electric discharge at an energy density sufficient to insolubilize C1 by fit All. (3) A desired latent image is formed on a lithographic type printing plate using a water-soluble printing plate containing a diasonium resin in a non-image forming state using a traditional design C1. In a further method, in an area of the layer corresponding to the desired latent image and in the presence of a relatively inert gas, the purifying agent is rendered water-insoluble in the coating in the area. a method of producing an image having the coupling in a low current discharge of sufficient energy to avoid the effect of producing the desired latent image; (4) A method of forming a latent 41 on a printing plate in a cleansing state, the layer having a cleansing state coating in which a non-dissolving effect is produced by a low current discharge, the image forming method comprising the following steps: . a) placing an electrode in close proximity to the coated surface of said plate, thereby forming a discharge tube; b) directing a relatively inert gas into said gap; C) in said discharge gap said A low current discharge is initiated between the electrode and the plate surface. and d) maintaining the time-averaged current flowing through the discharge gap at a value sufficient to avoid a dissolution effect on the coating bonded by the discharge. (5) The value of the time-average current flowing through the discharge gap is approximately 2
5. The method of claim 4, wherein the imaging method is between X10-' and about 2X10'. (6) The electrode scans the plate surface by relative movement between the electrode and the plate surface, and the time-averaged current is applied to a predetermined value only while the electrode is at a position facing the plate surface where the non-dissolving effect is desired. 81. The image forming method according to claim 4, wherein the image forming method is maintained at a constant value. 7. An image according to claim 4, wherein the current is limited to a maximum value inadequate to remove the coating so as to sufficiently expose the plate coated with coach ink. Formation method. (8) between a voltage source, electrode means connected to said voltage source, switching means coupled to said voltage source for controlling the voltage across said electrode means, and said electrode means and said substrate surface; gas supply means for directing a suitable gas to the area;
current limiting means for limiting the current flowing through said electrode to a value of less than 2×10 −3 A; moving means for positioning said coachinked substrate surface opposite and in close proximity to said north pole means; An image forming apparatus comprising support means for causing relative movement between the electrode means and the surface of the substrate, and forming and covering a latent image on the substrate in a cleansing state. (9) The switching means includes pattern data generation means for generating switching commands.
The image forming apparatus described in Section 1. (10) The image forming apparatus of claim 8, wherein the electrode means is located closer than about 0.01 inch from the substrate surface.