WO2002047918A1 - Donor element for adjusting the focus of an imaging laser - Google Patents
Donor element for adjusting the focus of an imaging laser Download PDFInfo
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- WO2002047918A1 WO2002047918A1 PCT/US2001/048929 US0148929W WO0247918A1 WO 2002047918 A1 WO2002047918 A1 WO 2002047918A1 US 0148929 W US0148929 W US 0148929W WO 0247918 A1 WO0247918 A1 WO 0247918A1
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- layer
- light
- thermally imageable
- imaging
- laser
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Classifications
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B41—PRINTING; LINING MACHINES; TYPEWRITERS; STAMPS
- B41M—PRINTING, DUPLICATING, MARKING, OR COPYING PROCESSES; COLOUR PRINTING
- B41M5/00—Duplicating or marking methods; Sheet materials for use therein
- B41M5/26—Thermography ; Marking by high energetic means, e.g. laser otherwise than by burning, and characterised by the material used
- B41M5/40—Thermography ; Marking by high energetic means, e.g. laser otherwise than by burning, and characterised by the material used characterised by the base backcoat, intermediate, or covering layers, e.g. for thermal transfer dye-donor or dye-receiver sheets; Heat, radiation filtering or absorbing means or layers; combined with other image registration layers or compositions; Special originals for reproduction by thermography
- B41M5/42—Intermediate, backcoat, or covering layers
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B23—MACHINE TOOLS; METAL-WORKING NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- B23K—SOLDERING OR UNSOLDERING; WELDING; CLADDING OR PLATING BY SOLDERING OR WELDING; CUTTING BY APPLYING HEAT LOCALLY, e.g. FLAME CUTTING; WORKING BY LASER BEAM
- B23K26/00—Working by laser beam, e.g. welding, cutting or boring
- B23K26/02—Positioning or observing the workpiece, e.g. with respect to the point of impact; Aligning, aiming or focusing the laser beam
- B23K26/04—Automatically aligning, aiming or focusing the laser beam, e.g. using the back-scattered light
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B41—PRINTING; LINING MACHINES; TYPEWRITERS; STAMPS
- B41J—TYPEWRITERS; SELECTIVE PRINTING MECHANISMS, i.e. MECHANISMS PRINTING OTHERWISE THAN FROM A FORME; CORRECTION OF TYPOGRAPHICAL ERRORS
- B41J2/00—Typewriters or selective printing mechanisms characterised by the printing or marking process for which they are designed
- B41J2/435—Typewriters or selective printing mechanisms characterised by the printing or marking process for which they are designed characterised by selective application of radiation to a printing material or impression-transfer material
- B41J2/475—Typewriters or selective printing mechanisms characterised by the printing or marking process for which they are designed characterised by selective application of radiation to a printing material or impression-transfer material for heating selectively by radiation or ultrasonic waves
- B41J2/4753—Typewriters or selective printing mechanisms characterised by the printing or marking process for which they are designed characterised by selective application of radiation to a printing material or impression-transfer material for heating selectively by radiation or ultrasonic waves using thermosensitive substrates, e.g. paper
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B41—PRINTING; LINING MACHINES; TYPEWRITERS; STAMPS
- B41M—PRINTING, DUPLICATING, MARKING, OR COPYING PROCESSES; COLOUR PRINTING
- B41M5/00—Duplicating or marking methods; Sheet materials for use therein
- B41M5/26—Thermography ; Marking by high energetic means, e.g. laser otherwise than by burning, and characterised by the material used
- B41M5/382—Contact thermal transfer or sublimation processes
- B41M5/38207—Contact thermal transfer or sublimation processes characterised by aspects not provided for in groups B41M5/385 - B41M5/395
- B41M5/38221—Apparatus features
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- G—PHYSICS
- G02—OPTICS
- G02B—OPTICAL ELEMENTS, SYSTEMS OR APPARATUS
- G02B5/00—Optical elements other than lenses
- G02B5/20—Filters
- G02B5/201—Filters in the form of arrays
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- G—PHYSICS
- G02—OPTICS
- G02B—OPTICAL ELEMENTS, SYSTEMS OR APPARATUS
- G02B5/00—Optical elements other than lenses
- G02B5/20—Filters
- G02B5/22—Absorbing filters
- G02B5/223—Absorbing filters containing organic substances, e.g. dyes, inks or pigments
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B41—PRINTING; LINING MACHINES; TYPEWRITERS; STAMPS
- B41M—PRINTING, DUPLICATING, MARKING, OR COPYING PROCESSES; COLOUR PRINTING
- B41M5/00—Duplicating or marking methods; Sheet materials for use therein
- B41M5/26—Thermography ; Marking by high energetic means, e.g. laser otherwise than by burning, and characterised by the material used
- B41M5/40—Thermography ; Marking by high energetic means, e.g. laser otherwise than by burning, and characterised by the material used characterised by the base backcoat, intermediate, or covering layers, e.g. for thermal transfer dye-donor or dye-receiver sheets; Heat, radiation filtering or absorbing means or layers; combined with other image registration layers or compositions; Special originals for reproduction by thermography
- B41M5/42—Intermediate, backcoat, or covering layers
- B41M5/426—Intermediate, backcoat, or covering layers characterised by inorganic compounds, e.g. metals, metal salts, metal complexes
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- G—PHYSICS
- G02—OPTICS
- G02F—OPTICAL DEVICES OR ARRANGEMENTS FOR THE CONTROL OF LIGHT BY MODIFICATION OF THE OPTICAL PROPERTIES OF THE MEDIA OF THE ELEMENTS INVOLVED THEREIN; NON-LINEAR OPTICS; FREQUENCY-CHANGING OF LIGHT; OPTICAL LOGIC ELEMENTS; OPTICAL ANALOGUE/DIGITAL CONVERTERS
- G02F1/00—Devices or arrangements for the control of the intensity, colour, phase, polarisation or direction of light arriving from an independent light source, e.g. switching, gating or modulating; Non-linear optics
- G02F1/01—Devices or arrangements for the control of the intensity, colour, phase, polarisation or direction of light arriving from an independent light source, e.g. switching, gating or modulating; Non-linear optics for the control of the intensity, phase, polarisation or colour
- G02F1/13—Devices or arrangements for the control of the intensity, colour, phase, polarisation or direction of light arriving from an independent light source, e.g. switching, gating or modulating; Non-linear optics for the control of the intensity, phase, polarisation or colour based on liquid crystals, e.g. single liquid crystal display cells
- G02F1/133—Constructional arrangements; Operation of liquid crystal cells; Circuit arrangements
- G02F1/1333—Constructional arrangements; Manufacturing methods
- G02F1/1335—Structural association of cells with optical devices, e.g. polarisers or reflectors
- G02F1/133509—Filters, e.g. light shielding masks
- G02F1/133514—Colour filters
- G02F1/133516—Methods for their manufacture, e.g. printing, electro-deposition or photolithography
Definitions
- This invention relates to processes and products for effecting laser- induced thermal transfer imaging. More specifically, the invention relates to a modified thermally imageable element and its use in adjusting the focus of the imaging laser for imaging thermally imageable elements.
- Laser-induced thermal transfer processes are well known in applications such as color proofing, electronic circuits, and lithography. Such laser-induced processes include, for example, dye sublimation, dye transfer, melt transfer, and ablative material transfer.
- Laser-induced processes use a laserable assemblage comprising (a) a thermally imageable element that contains a thermally imageable layer, the exposed areas of which are transferred, and (b) a receiver element having an image receiving layer that is in contact with the thermally imageable layer.
- the laserable assemblage is imagewise exposed by a laser, usually an infrared laser, resulting in transfer of exposed areas of the thermally imageable layer from the thermally imageable element to the receiver element.
- the (imagewise) exposure takes place only in a small, selected region of the laserable assemblage at one time, so that transfer of material from the thermally imageable element to the receiver element can be built up one pixel at a time.
- Computer control produces transfer with high resolution and at high speed.
- the equipment used to image thermally imageable elements is comprised of an imaging laser, and a non-imaging laser, wherein the non- imaging laser has a light detector that is in communication with the imaging laser. Since the imaging and non-imaging lasers have emissions at different wavelengths, problems occur with the proper focus of the imaging laser.
- the invention provides a thermal imaging process that uses modified thermally imageable elements that allow for the adjusting of the focus of an imaging laser in imaging thermally imageable elements.
- the invention greatly modifies the imaging latitude of the thermally imageable element by facilitateing laser focus and imaging from color to color.
- This invention which relates to a process for adjusting the focus of an imaging laser for imaging a thermally imageable element comprises the steps of:
- the light attenuating agent may be selected from the group consisting of an absorber, a diffuser, and mixtures thereof.
- the process may further comprise the steps of:
- Figure 1 illustrates a thermally imageable element (10) useful in the invention having a support (11); a base element having a coatable surface comprising an optional ejection layer or subbing layer (12) an optional heating layer (13); and a thermally imageable colorant-containing layer (14).
- Figure 2 illustrates a receiver element (20), optionally having a roughened surface, useful in the invention having a receiver support (21) and a image receiving layer (22).
- Figures 3 and 4 illustrate the positioning of the thermally imageable element having a light attenuated layer (10), the receiver element (20), and the optional carrier element 71 on drum (70) prior to vacuum drawdown and laser imaging.
- Figure 5 illustrates a non-imaging autofocus probe beam light as it is reflected from the thermally imageable element, the receiver element and the carrier element (71 ) wherein the thermally imageable element does not contain a light attenuated layer.
- Figure 6 illustrates a non-imaging autofocus probe beam light as it is reflected from the thermally imageable element, the receiver element and the carrier element (71), wherein the thermally imageable element contains a light attenuated support, and wherein the light attenuating agent is an absorber.
- Figure 7 illustrates a non-imaging autofocus probe beam light as it is reflected from the thermally imageable element, and the receiver element, wherein the thermally imageable element contains a light attenuated support, and wherein the light attenuating agent is a diffuser.
- DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION Processes and products for laser induced thermal transfer imaging are disclosed wherein thermally imageable elements providing modified imaging characteristics are provided. Before the processes of this invention are described in further detail, several different exemplary laserable assemblages made up of the combination of a receiver element, optionally having a roughened surface and a thermally imageable element will be described. The processes of this invention are fast and are typically conducted using one of these exemplary laserable assemblages.
- an exemplary thermally imageable element useful for thermal imaging in accordance with the processes of this invention comprises a thermally imageable layer, which typically in a proofing application is a colorant-containing layer (14) and a base element having a coatable surface which comprises an optional ejection layer or subbing layer (12) and optionally a heating layer (13).
- a support for the thermally imageable element (11) may also be present.
- the optional heating layer (13) may be present directly on the support (11).
- an overcoat layer may also be provided on the thermally imageable colorant-containing layer (14).
- the thermally imageable element may be simply a laser imageable element for a laser imaging process capable of imaging an imageable element as described herein by non-thermal methods.
- the light attenuated layer may be any layer in the thermally imageable element.
- the light attenuating agent is not present in the final image; i.e. either the light attenuated layer is removed, typically peeled off, prior to the final image being formed or the light attenuating agent is bleached from the final image so it does not impart unwanted color to the final image.
- the light attenuated layer is the support, a release or cushion layer or an ejection or subbing layer.
- the light attenuating agent may be selected from the group consisting of an absorber, a diffuser, and mixtures thereof.
- the absorbers and diffusers should be selected to operate in the same range.
- the wavelength range at which the imaging laser operates. which can be from about 300 nm to about 1500 nm, the absorbers and diffusers can be inoperable in the same range.
- the absorbers and diffusers operate to absorb or diffuse light in the 670 nm region and the ability of these materials to absorb or diffuse light at 830 nm can be poor.
- Some examples of light absorbers include any blue phthalocyanine pigments with significant absorption in about the 670 nm range and minimal absoption at 830nm; such as CI. Pigment Blue 15 or 15-3, and universally absorbing black pigments such as any carbon black.
- Some examples of light diffusers are materials which scatter light or scatter and absorb light.
- white pigments such as titanium dioxide, or combinations (extensions) of white pigments such as: titanium dioxide, barium sulfate, calcium carbonate, oxides, sulfates, carbonates of silicon (i.e. silicon dioxide) and magnesium, etc.
- white pigments would include DuPont's TiPure® grades of titanium dioxide. Carbon black examples include any Monarch®, Regal®, Elftex® or Sterling® carbon blacks from Cabot Corporation, Boston, MA.. Blue pigment examples would be the Sunfast® blue pthalocyanine pigment 15-3 series from Sun Chemical Corporation, Cincinnati, OH.
- dyes or combinations of dyes could also conceivably be employed to affect the imaging properties of the herein described thermal imaging system. To one skilled in the art, combinations of blue, red and green dyes could be substituted for pigments. However, a disadvantage in using dyes is the lack of light fastness and tendency to migrate out of the layer.
- the light attenuating agent when used in a thermoplastic base element it is incorporated by compounding with the thermoplastic composition of the base element.
- the compounding techniques can range from the use of Banbury mixers or two roll mills, melt extrusion via a single/twin screw extrusion equipment or solvent dispersion with high shear mixing. All these compounding techniques could be used; however, the preferred method for its ease and simplicity is melt extrusion.
- the light attenuated layer can be applied by coating techniques.
- the coating composition can comprise a dispersion of the light attenuating agent in a binder.
- a suitable binder can be polymeric and can be the same as the polymers employed in the thermally imageable layer.
- a minor amount of a surfactant can also be employed.
- the binder is a copolymer of methylmethacrylate and n-butylmethacrylate and the surfactant is a fluoropolymer.
- the components of the light attenuated layer are mixed into an aqueous dispersion which is applied as a coating by conventional techniques and dried.
- the light attenuating agent is combined with the binder and other components of the layer composition in an amount effective to absorb or diffuse the light from the non imaging laser.
- the proportion of the polymer used can be the same as that used in the thermally imageable layer.
- the light attenuating agent is used in the light attenuated layer in an amount sufficient to achieve an absorbance ranging from about 0.1 to about 2.0, typically from about 0.3 to about 0.9 even more typically about 0.6.
- the absorbance is a dimensionless figure which is well known in the art of spectroscopy. At an absorbance above about 2.0 the base is likely to be too highly absorbing for the imaging process and below about 0.1 there might not be a sufficient attenuating effect.
- the base element (12) is a thick (400 gauge) coextruded polyethylene terephthalate film.
- the base element may be polyester film, specifically polyethylene terephthalate that has been plasma treated to accept the heating layer such a the Melinex® line of polyester films made by DuPontTeijinFilmsTM a joint venture of DuPont and Teijin Limited.
- a subbing layer or ejection layer is usually not provided on the support.
- Backing layers may optionally be provided on the support. These backing layers may contain fillers to provide a roughened surface on the back side of the base element, i.e. the side opposite from the base element (12).
- the base element itself may contain fillers, such as silica, to provide a roughened surface on the back surface of the base element.
- the base element may be physically roughened to provide a roughened surface on one or both surfaces of the base element said roughening being sufficient to scatter the light emitted from the non- imaging laser.
- Some examples of physical roughening methods include sandblasting, impacting with a metal brush, etc.
- a support it may be the same or different from the base element.
- a light attenuated layer may result from a roughened base element surface or surface layer which can also include a light attenuating agent such as an absorber or diffuser.
- the support is a thick polyethylene terephthalate film.
- the optional ejection layer which is usually flexible, or optional subbing layer, which may be on one side of the base element (12), as shown in Figure 1 , is the layer that provides the force to effect transfer of the thermally imageable colorant-containing layer to the receiver element in the exposed areas. When heated, this layer decomposes into gaseous molecules providing the necessary pressure to propel or eject the exposed areas of the thermally imageable colorant-containing layer onto the receiver element. This is accomplished by using a polymer having a relatively low decomposition temperature (less than about 350°C, typically less than about 325°C, and more typically less than about 280°C). In the case of polymers having more than one decomposition temperature, the first decomposition temperature should be lower than 350°C.
- the ejection layer in order for the ejection layer to have suitably high flexibility and conformability, it should have a tensile modulus that is less than or equal to about 2.5 Gigapascals (GPa), specifically less than about 1.5 GPa, and more specifically less than about 1 Gigapascal (GPa).
- the polymer chosen should also be one that is dimensionally stable. If the laserable assemblage is imaged through the ejection layer, the ejection layer should be capable of transmitting the laser radiation, and not be adversely affected by this radiation.
- suitable polymers for the ejection layer include (a) polycarbonates having low decomposition temperatures (Td), such as polypropylene carbonate; (b) substituted styrene polymers having low decomposition temperatures, such as poly(alpha-methylstyrene); (c) polyacrylate and polymethacrylate esters, such as polymethylmethacrylate and polybutylmethacrylate; (d) cellulosic materials having low decomposition temperatures (Td), such as cellulose acetate butyrate and nitrocellulose; and (e) other polymers such as polyvinyl chloride; poly(chlorovinyl chloride) polyacetals; polyvinylidene chloride; polyurethanes with low Td; polyesters; polyorthoesters; acrylonitrile and substituted acrylonitrile polymers; maleic acid resins; and copolymers of the above.
- Td polycarbonates having low decomposition temperatures
- Td polypropylene carbonate
- polymers having low decomposition temperatures can also be used. Additional examples of polymers having low decomposition temperatures can be found in U.S. Patent 5,156,938. These include polymers which undergo acid-catalyzed decomposition. For these polymers, it is frequently desirable to include one or more hydrogen donors with the polymer.
- Specific examples of polymers for the ejection layer are polyacrylate and polymethacrylate esters, low Td polycarbonates, nitrocellulose, poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC), and chlorinated poly(vinyl chloride) (CPVC). Most specifically are poly(vinyl chloride) and chlorinated poly(vinyl chloride). Other materials can be present as additives in the ejection layer as long as they do not interfere with the essential function of the layer.
- a subbing layer may optionally be applied onto the base element (12) in place of the ejection layer resulting in a thermally imageable element having in order at least one subbing layer on one side of the base element (12), at least one heating layer (13), and at least one thermally imageable colorant-containing layer (14).
- Some suitable subbing layers include polyurethanes, polyvinyl chloride, cellulosic materials, acrylate or methacrylate homopolymers and copolymers, and mixtures thereof.
- Other custom made decomposable polymers may also be useful in the subbing layer.
- Specifically useful as subbing layers for polyester, specifically polyethylene terephthalate are acrylic subbing layers.
- the subbing layer may have a thickness of about 100 to about 1000 A.
- the optional heating layer (13), as shown in Figure 1 is deposited on the flexible ejection or subbing layer.
- the function of the heating layer is to absorb the laser radiation and convert the radiation into heat.
- Materials suitable for the layer can be inorganic or organic and can inherently absorb the laser radiation or include additional laser-radiation absorbing compounds.
- suitable inorganic materials are transition metal elements and metallic elements of Groups IIIA, IVA, VA, VIA, VIIIA, IIB, 1MB, and VB of the Period Table of the Elements (Sargent-Welch Scientific Company (1979)), their alloys with each other, and their alloys with the elements of Groups IA and IIA.
- Tungsten (W) is an example of a Group VIA metal that is suitable and which can be utilized.
- Carbon a Group IVB nonmetallic element
- Specific metals include Al, Cr, Sb, Ti, Bi, Zr, , Ni, In, Zn, and their alloys and oxides. TiO 2 may be employed as the heating layer material.
- the thickness of the heating layer is generally about 10 Angstroms to about 0.1 micrometer, more specifically about 20 to about 60 Angstroms.
- heating layer Although it is typical to have a single heating layer, it is also possible to have more than one heating layer, and the different layers can have the same or different compositions, as long as they all function as described above.
- the total thickness of all the heating layers should be in the range given above.
- the optical density of the heating layer at the wavelength of the non-imaging laser is typically in the order of greater than about 0.1 and less than about 1.0 transmission density.
- the heating layer(s) can be applied using any of the well-known techniques for providing thin metal layers, such as sputtering, chemical vapor deposition, and electron beam.
- Thermally Imageable Layer The thermally imageable layer, which in a color proofing application is typically a thermally imageable colorant-containing layer (14) is formed by applying a thermally imageable composition, typically containing a colorant, to a base element. For other applications, such as electronic circuit applications, the thermally imageable layer may not contain a colorant. For these applications, the thermally imageable element may contain electronically active conductors, insulators, semiconductors, or precursors to these functions.
- the thermally imageable layer is a colorant-containing layer it comprises (i) a polymeric binder which is different from the polymer in the ejection layer, and (ii) a colorant comprising a dye or a pigment dispersion.
- the binder for the colorant-containing layer is a polymeric material having a decomposition temperature that is greater than about 250°C and specifically greater than about 350°C.
- the binder should be film forming and coatable from solution or from a dispersion. Binders having melting points less than about 250°C or plasticized to such an extent that the glass transition temperature is less than about 70°C are typical.
- heat-fusible binders such as waxes should be avoided as the sole binder since such binders may not be as durable, although they are useful as cobinders in decreasing the melting point of the top layer. It is typical that the polymer of the binder does not self-oxidize, decompose or degrade at the temperature achieved during the laser exposure so that the exposed areas of the thermally imageable layer comprising colorant and binder, are transferred intact for improved durability.
- Suitable binders include copolymers of styrene - and (meth)acrylate esters, such as styrene/methyl-methacrylate; copolymers of styrene and olefin monomers, such as styrene/ethylene/butylene; copolymers of styrene and acrylonitrile; fluoropolymers; copolymers of (meth)acrylate esters with ethylene and carbon monoxide; polycarbonates having higher decomposition temperatures; (meth)acrylate homopolymers and copolymers; polysulfones; polyurethanes; polyesters.
- the monomers for the above polymers can be substituted or unsubstituted. Mixtures of polymers can also be used.
- Specific polymers for the binder of the colorant-containing layer include, but are not limited to, acrylate homopolymers and copolymers, methacrylate homopolymers and copolymers, (meth)acrylate block copolymers, and (meth)acrylate copolymers containing other comonomer types, such as styrene.
- the binder polymer generally can be used in a concentration of about 15 to about 50% by weight, based on the total weight of the colorant-containing layer, specifically about 30 to about 40% by weight.
- the colorant of the thermally imageable layer may be an image forming pigment which is organic or inorganic.
- suitable inorganic pigments include carbon black and graphite.
- suitable organic pigments include color pigments such as Rubine F6B (C.I. No. Pigment 184); Cromophthal® Yellow 3G (CI. No. Pigment Yellow 93); Hostaperm® Yellow 3G (C.I. No. Pigment Yellow 154); Monastral® Violet R (CI. No. Pigment Violet 19); 2,9-dimethylquinacridone (C.I. No. Pigment Red 122); Indofast® Brilliant Scarlet R6300 (CI. No. Pigment Red 123); Quindo Magenta RV 6803; Monastral® Blue G (CI. No.
- Pigment Blue 15 Monastral® Blue BT 383D (CI. No. Pigment Blue 15); Monastral® Blue G BT 284D (CI. No. Pigment Blue 15); and Monastral® Green GT 751 D (CI. No. Pigment Green 7).
- Combinations of pigments and/or dyes can also be used.
- high transparency pigments that is at least about 80% of light transmits through the pigment
- having small particle size that is about 100 nanometers).
- the concentration of pigment will be chosen to achieve the optical density desired in the final image.
- the amount of pigment will depend on the thickness of the active coating and the absorption of the colorant. Optical densities greater than 0.8 at the wavelength of maximum absorption are typically required. Even higher densities are typical. Optical densities in the 2-3 range or higher are achievable with application of this invention.
- the optical density of the pigmented layer at the wavelength of the non-imaging laser may be in the range from greater than about 0.01 to less than about 5.0 transmission density, more typically in the order of about 0.2 to about 3.0 transmission density. This density may not be controlled in selection of the colorants, but the non-imaging laser must be able to accommodate at least this range of optical properties.
- a dispersant is usually used in combination with the pigment in order to achieve maximum color strength, transparency and gloss.
- the dispersant is generally an organic polymeric compound and is used to separate the fine pigment particles and avoid flocculation and agglomeration of the particles.
- a wide range of dispersants is commercially available.
- a dispersant will be selected according to the characteristics of the pigment surface and other components in the composition as known by those skilled in the art.
- one class of dispersant suitable for practicing the invention is that of the AB dispersants.
- the A segment of the dispersant adsorbs onto the surface of the pigment.
- the B segment extends into the solvent into which the pigment is dispersed.
- the B segment provides a barrier between pigment particles to counteract the attractive forces of the particles, and thus to prevent agglomeration.
- the B segment should have good compatibility with the solvent used.
- the AB dispersants of utility are generally described in US 5,085,698. Conventional pigment dispersing techniques, such as ball milling, sand milling, etc., can be employed. The pigment is present in an amount of from about 15 to about
- the element and process of the invention apply equally to the transfer of other types of materials in different applications.
- the scope of the invention is intended to include any application in which solid material is to be applied to a receptor in a pattern.
- the colorant-containing layer may be coated on the base element from a solution in a suitable solvent, however, it is typical to coat the layer(s) from a dispersion.
- Any suitable solvent can be used as a coating solvent, as long as it does not deleteriously affect the properties of the assemblage, using conventional coating techniques or printing techniques, for example, gravure printing.
- a typical solvent is water.
- the colorant-containing layer may be applied by a coating process accomplished using the WaterProof® Color Versatility Coater sold by DuPont, Wilmington, DE. Coating of the colorant-containing layer can thus be achieved shortly before the exposure step. This also allows for the mixing of various basic colors together to fabricate a wide variety of colors to match the Pantone® color guide currently used as one of the standards in the proofing industry.
- Thermal Amplification additive is typically present in the thermally imageable colorant-containing layer, but may also be present in the ejection layer(s) or subbing layer.
- the function of the thermal amplification additive is to amplify the effect of the heat generated in the heating layer and thus to further increase sensitivity to the laser.
- This additive should be stable at room temperature.
- the additive can be (1) a decomposing compound which decomposes when heated, to form gaseous by-prod ucts(s), (2) an absorbing dye which absorbs the incident laser radiation, or (3) a compound which undergoes a thermally induced unimolecular rearrangement which is exothermic. Combinations of these types of additives may also be used.
- Decomposing compounds of group (1) include those which decompose to form nitrogen, such as diazo alkyls, diazonium salts, and azido (-N3) compounds; ammonium salts; oxides which decompose to form oxygen; carbonates or peroxides.
- diazo compounds such as 4-diazo-N,N' diethyl-aniline fluoroborate (DAFB). Mixtures of any of the foregoing compounds can also be used.
- An absorbing dye of group (2) is typically one that absorbs in the infrared region.
- suitable near infrared absorbing NIR dyes which can be used alone or in combination include poly(substituted) phthalocyanine compounds and metal-containing phthalocyanine compounds; cyanine dyes; squarylium dyes; chalcogenopyryioacrylidene dyes; croconium dyes; metal thiolate dyes; bis(chalcogenopyrylo) polymethine dyes; oxyindolizine dyes; bis(aminoaryl) polymethine dyes; merocyanine dyes; and quinoid dyes.
- Absorbing dyes also of group (2) include the infrared absorbing materials disclosed in U.S. Patent Nos. 4,778,128; 4,942,141; 4,948,778; 4,950,639; 5,019,549; 4,948,776; 4,948,777 and 4,952,552.
- the thermal amplification weight percentage is generally at a level of about 0.95-about 11.5%.
- the percentage can range up to about 25% of the total weight percentage in the colorant-containing layer. These percentages are non- limiting and one of ordinary skill in the art can vary them depending upon the particular composition of the layer.
- the colorant-containing layer generally has a thickness in the range of about 0.1 to about 5 micrometers, typically in the range of about 0.1 to about 1.5 micrometers. Thicknesses greater than about 5 micrometers are generally not useful as they require excessive energy in order to be effectively transferred to the receiver.
- additives can be present as additives in the colorant- containing layer as long as they do not interfere with the essential function of the layer.
- additives include stabilizers, coating aids, plasticizers, flow additives, slip agents, antihalation agents, antistatic agents, surfactants, and others which are known to be used in the formulation of coatings.
- the thermally imageable element may have additional layers.
- an antihalation layer may be used on the side of the flexible ejection layer opposite the colorant-containing layer.
- Materials which can be used as antihalation agents are well known in the art.
- Other anchoring or subbing layers can be present on either side of the flexible ejection layer and are also well known in the art.
- a material functioning as a heat absorber and a colorant is present in a single layer, termed the top layer.
- the top layer has a dual function of being both a heating layer and a colorant-containing layer. The characteristics of the top layer are the same as those given for the colorant-containing layer.
- a typical material functioning as a heat absorber and colorant is carbon black.
- An overcoat layer may also be present above the thermally imageable colorant-containing layer.
- the bleach agent for bleaching the light attenuating agent which may be present in the thermally imageable colorant-containing layer may be present in the overcoat layer. If the light attenuating agent is present in the overcoat layer, the light attenuating agent will have to be brought into contact with the overcoat layer prior to formation of the final element from a different source.
- thermally imageable elements may comprise alternate colorant-containing layer or layers on a support. Additional layers may be present depending of the specific process used for imagewise exposure and transfer of the formed images. Some suitable thermally imageable elements are disclosed in US 5,773,188, US 5,622,795, US 5,593,808, US 5,156,938, US 5,256,506, US 5, 171 ,650 and US 5,681 ,681. Receiver Element
- the receiver element (20), shown in Figure 2 is the part of the laserable assemblage, to which the exposed areas of the thermally imageable layer, typically comprising a polymeric binder and a pigment, are transferred.
- the exposed areas of the thermally imageable layer will not be removed from the thermally imageable element in the absence of a receiver element. That is, exposure of the thermally imageable element alone to laser radiation does not cause material to be removed, or transferred.
- the exposed areas of the thermally imageable layer are removed from the thermally imageable element only when it is exposed to laser radiation and the thermally imageable element is in contact with or adjacent to the receiver element. In one embodiment, the thermally imageable element actually touches the surface of the image receiving layer of the receiver element.
- the receiver element (20) may be non-photosensitive or photosensitive.
- the non-photosensitive receiver element usually comprises a receiver support (21) and an image receiving layer (22).
- the receiver support (21) comprises a dimensionally stable sheet material.
- the assemblage can be imaged through the receiver support if that support is transparent.
- transparent films for receiver supports include, for example polyethylene terephthalate, polyether sulfone, a polyimide, a poly(vinyl alcohol-co-acetal), polyethylene, or a cellulose ester, such as cellulose acetate.
- opaque support materials include, for example, polyethylene terephthalate filled with a white pigment such as titanium dioxide, ivory paper, or synthetic paper, such as Tyvek® spunbonded polyolefin made by E:l.
- Paper supports are typical for proofing applications, while a polyester support, such as poly(ethylene terephthalate) is typical for a medical hardcopy and color filter array applications. Roughened supports may also be used in the receiver element.
- the image receiving layer (22) may comprise one or more layers wherein optionally the outermost layer is comprised of a material capable of being micro-roughened.
- materials that are useful include a polycarbonate; a polyurethane; a polyester; polyvinyl chloride; styrene/acrylonitrile copolymer; poly(caprolactone); poly(vinylacetate), vinylacetate copolymers with ethylene and/or vinyl chloride; (meth)acrylate homopolymers (such as butyl-methacrylate) and copolymers; and mixtures thereof.
- the outermost image receiving layer is a crystalline polymer or poly(vinylacetate) layer.
- the crystalline image receiving layer polymers typically have melting points in the range of about 50 to about 64°C, more typically about 56 to about 64°C, and most typically about 58 to about 62°C Blends made from 5-40% Capa® 650 (melt range 58-60°C) and Tone® P-300 (melt range 58-62°C), both polycaprolactones, are particularly useful as the outermost layer in this invention.
- 100% of CAPA 650 or Tone P-300 is used.
- thermoplastic polymers such as polyvinyl acetate, have higher melting points (softening point ranges of about 100 to about 180°C).
- Useful receiver elements are also disclosed in US Patent 5,534,387 wherein an outermost layer optionally capable of being micro-roughened, for example, a polycaprolactone or poly(vinylacetate) layer is present on the ethylene/vinyi acetate copolymer layer disclosed therein.
- the ethylene/vinyl acetate copolymer layer thickness can range from about 0.5 to about 5 mils and the polycaprolactone layer thickness from about 2 to about 100 mg/dm 2 .
- the ethylene/vinyl acetate copolymer comprising more ethylene than vinyl acetate.
- One preferred example is the WaterProof® Transfer Sheet sold by
- This image receiving layer can be present in any amount effective for the intended purpose. In general, good results have been obtained at coating weights in the range of about 5 to about 150 mg/dm 2 , typically about 20 to about 60 mg/dm 2 .
- the image receiving layer or layers described above may optionally include one or more other layers between the receiver support and the image receiving layer.
- a useful additional layer between the image receiving layer and the support is a release layer.
- the receiver support alone or the combination of receiver support and release layer is referred to as a first temporary carrier.
- the release layer can provide the desired adhesion balance to the receiver support so that the image-receiving layer adheres to the receiver support during exposure and separation from the thermally imageable element, but promotes the separation of the image receiving layer from the receiver support in subsequent steps.
- materials suitable for use as the release layer include polyamides, silicones, vinyl chloride polymers and copolymers, vinyl acetate polymers and copolymers and plasticized polyvinyl alcohols.
- the release layer can have a thickness in the range of about 1 to about 50 microns.
- a cushion layer which is a deformable layer may also be present in the receiver element, typically between the release layer and the receiver support. The cushion layer may be present to increase the contact between the receiver element and the thermally imageable element when assembled. Additionally, the cushion layer aids in the optional micro- roughening process by providing a deformable base under pressure and optional heat. Furthermore, the cushion layer provides excellent lamination properties in the final image transfer to a paper or other substrate.
- Suitable materials for use as the cushion layer include copolymers of styrene and olefin monomers; such as, styrene/ethylene/butylene/styrene, styrene/butylene/styrene block copolymers, ethylene-vinylacetate and other elastomers useful as binders in flexographic plate applications.
- the cushion layer may have a thickness range from about 0.5 to about 5 mils (or higher).
- Micro-roughening may be accomplished by any suitable method.
- One specific example is by bringing it in contact with a roughened sheet typically under pressure and heat.
- the pressures used may range from about 800 +/- about 400 psi.
- heat may be applied up to about 80 to about 88°C (175 to 190°F) more typically about 54.4°C (130°F) for polycaprolactone polymers and about 94°C (200°F) for poly(vinylacetate) polymers, to obtain a uniform micro-roughened surface across the image receiving layer.
- heated or chilled roughened rolls may be used to achieve the micro-roughening.
- the means used for micro-roughening of the image receiving layer has a uniform roughness across its surface.
- the means used for micro-roughening has an average roughness (Ra) of about 1 ⁇ and surface irregularities having a plurality of peaks, at least about 20 of the peaks having a height of at least about 200 nm and a diameter of about 100 pixels over a surface area of about 458 ⁇ by about 602 ⁇ .
- the roughening means should impart to the surface of the image receiving layer an average roughness (Ra) of less than about 1 ⁇ , typically less than about 0.95 ⁇ , and more typically less than about 0.5 ⁇ , and surface irregularities having a plurality of peaks, at least about 40 of the peaks, typically at least about 50 of the peaks, and still more typically at least about 60 of the peaks, having a height of at least about 200 nm arid a diameter of about 100 pixels over a surface area of about 458 ⁇ by about 602 ⁇
- Ra average roughness
- the outermost surface of the receiver element may further comprise a gloss reading of about 5 to about 35 gloss units, typically about 20 to about 30 gloss units, at an 85° angle.
- a GARDCO 20/60/85 degree NOVO-GLOSS meter manufactured by The Paul Gardner Company may be used to take measurements.
- the glossmeter should be placed in the same orientation for all readings across the transverse direction orientation.
- the topography of the surface of the image receiving layer may be important in obtaining a high quality final image with substantially no micro-dropouts.
- the receiver element is typically an intermediate element in the process of the invention because the laser imaging step is normally followed by one or more transfer steps by which the exposed areas of the thermally imageable layer are transferred to the permanent substrate.
- the permanent substrate for receiving the colorant-containing image can be chosen from almost any sheet material desired.
- a paper substrate is used, typically the same paper on which the image will ultimately be printed. Most any paper stock can be used.
- LOE paper An example of a paper substrate is LOE paper. However, almost any paper stock can be used. Other materials which can be used as the permanent substrate include cloth, wood, glass, china, most polymeric films, synthetic papers, thin metal sheets or foils, etc. Almost any material which will adhere to the thermoplastic polymer layer, can be used as the permanent substrate.
- the process for adjusting the energy of an imaging laser for imaging a thermally imageable element comprises the steps of:
- thermoly imageable element comprises a light attenuated layer having a front surface and a back surface
- the imaging unit has a non-imaging laser and an imaging laser, the non-imaging laser having a light detector which is in communication with the imaging laser.
- the non-imaging laser emits in about the 300 nm to about the 1500 nm region.
- the non-imaging laser is not used to image the thermally imageable element, and is therefore constantly operational prior to and during imaging for focussing the imaging laser thereby adjusting the energy to the imaging laser for the imaging step.
- the non-imaging laser may emit in the 670 nm region and the imaging laser may emit in about the 750 to 850 nm region.
- An example of a non-imaging laser is the Toshiba (Japan) 10mW, 670 nm visible light laser diode.
- Suitable imaging lasers may be obtained from Spectra Diode Laboratries, San Jose, CA or Sanyo Electric Co., Osaka, JP. These may be used as part of a laser-spatial light modulator system such as that disclosed in US 5,517,359, or electrically modulated directly as disclosed in US 4,743,091.
- Some typically used light detectors, also known as position sensitive detectors include monolithic Silicon detectors comprising 2, 4, or a similar number of elements arrayed such that the portion of reflected beam on each segment can be measured, and the relative position of a feature such as the center of the beam can be determined.
- Suitable light detectors may be obtained from United
- the position of the beam could be determined from a sensor having greater than 4 elements, such as a CCD or CMOS sensor having 1024 to 10,000,000 elements, as used in television image inspection systems.
- a sensor having greater than 4 elements such as a CCD or CMOS sensor having 1024 to 10,000,000 elements, as used in television image inspection systems.
- An example is the KAF-0400 from Eastman Kodak Co., Rochester, NY.
- One example of an imaging unit is that disclosed in US 6,137,580.
- the optional carrier element (71), the receiver element (20) having the light attenuated layer, and the thermally imageable element (10) are positioned over a drum (70) which is part of an imaging Unit.
- an imaging unit is the CREO Spectrum Trendsetter which utilizes a loading cassette.
- the optional carrier element may have a series of holes along the edges of the element as shown to assist in the drawing of a vacuum prior to the imaging step.
- the thermally imageable element (10), and the receiver element (20) may be loaded into the cassette in this order with an interleaving sheet present between each of the specified elements. At least one additional thermally imageable element (10), may also be loaded into the cassette.
- the probe beam light (40) from the non-imaging laser is emitted in the direction of the sandwich formed by the optional carrier element (71), the receiver element (20) and the thermally imageable element (10).
- the thermally imageable element does not comprise a light attenuated layer
- the light reflected off the back surface of the thermally imageable element and seen by light detector (50) is depicted by (41)
- the light reflected off the receiver element is depicted as (42)
- the light reflected off the carrier element is depicted as (43).
- each of these reflections may be comprised of individual reflections produced at each interface where the optical properties change, and each reflection will have wavelength dependant amplitude and phase.
- (51) represents multiple reflected spots from the thermally imageable element (10), the receiver element (20) and the optional carrier element (71) onto the light detector (50).
- the thermally imageable element comprises a light attenuated layer, wherein the light attenuating agent is an absorber, the light reflected off the receiver element (42) and the carrier element depicted as (43) is substantially reduced.
- the thermally imageable element comprises a light attenuated layer, wherein the light attenuating agent is a diffuser, the light reaching the light attenuating layer in the thermally imageable element is diffused as depicted by (44a) through (44e).
- the multiple reflected spots (51) could comprise 10 or more individual beams for the optical sandwich depicted in Figure 3.
- the light detector typically a position sensitive detector and its associated electronics and optional processing computer determinesthe position of the plane onto which to focus the imaging laser light based on these varying signals from the reflected light as the sandwich moves under the imaging system which includes the imaging laser. This determination of the optimum focus position is then communicated to the imaging laser.
- the focus position is the distance in microns that the imaging laser beam travels into the thermally imageable element (color donor structure). The distance is measured starting from the outermost surface of the thermally imageable element and ending at the point where the beam reaches either the surface of the metal layer (if present) or the surface of the thermally imageable layer which is closest to the laser. The distance is measured empirically by imaging equipment software.
- This distance may not correspond exactly to the thicknesses of the layers of the thermally imageable element as measured by conventional means such as a micrometer, because the laser beam does not travel perpendicular to the thermally imageable element.
- the imaging laser is then actuated to focus the imaging laser in order to expose the thermally imageable element to an amount of light energy sufficient for imaging the thermally imageable element, the focus of light energy being determined by the amount of light reflected from the light attenuated layer of the thermally imageable element and the receiver element and communicated to the imaging laser by the light detector.
- the reflected non-imaging beams is spurious or otherwise makes determination of the position of the media sandwich erroneous or indeterminate, focusing errors of the imaging beam can occur. Elimination or reduction of reflected light from the interfaces beyond the light attenuated layer have been found to improve the accuracy of determining the proper focusing position for the imaging laser.
- the first step in the process of the invention is imagewise exposing the laserable assemblage to laser radiation.
- the exposure step is typically effected with an imaging laser at a laser fluence of about 600 mJ/cm 2 or less, most typically about 250 to about 440 mJ/cm 2 .
- the laserable assemblage comprises the thermally imageable element and the receiver element.
- the assemblage is normally prepared following removal of a coversheet(s), if present, by placing the thermally imageable element in contact with the receiver element such that the thermally imageable layer actually touches the image receiving layer on the receiver element. Vacuum and/or pressure can be used to hold the two elements together.
- the thermally imageable and receiver elements can be held together by fusion of layers at the periphery.
- the thermally imageable and receiver elements can be taped together and taped to the imaging apparatus, or a pin/clamping system can be used.
- the thermally imageable element can be laminated to the receiver element to afford a laserable assemblage.
- the laserable assemblage can be conveniently mounted on a drum to facilitate laser imaging. Those skilled in the art will recognize that other engine architectures such as flatbed, internal drum, capstan drive, etc. can also be used with this invention.
- the laser is typically one emitting in the infrared, near- infrared or visible region. Particularly advantageous are diode lasers emitting in the region of about 750 to about 870 nm which offer a substantial advantage in terms of their small size, low cost, stability, reliability, ruggedness and ease of modulation. Diode lasers emitting in the range of about 780 to about 850 nm are most typical. Such lasers are available from, for example, Spectra Diode Laboratories (San Jose, CA).
- One preferred device used for applying an image to the image receiving layer is the Creo Spectrum Trendsetter 3244F, which utilizes lasers emitting near 830 nm.
- This device utilizes a Spatial Light Modulator to split and modulate the 5-50 Watt output from the -830 nm laser diode array.
- Associated optics focus this light onto the imageable elements. This produces 0.1 to 30 Watts of imaging light on the donor element, focused to an array of 50 to 240 individual beams, each with 10-200 mW of light in approximately 10 x 10 to 2 x 10 micron spots. Similar exposure can be obtained with individual lasers per spot, such as disclosed in US 4,743,091. In this case each laser emits 50-300 mW of electrically modulated light at 780-870 nm.
- Other options include fibre coupled lasers emitting 500-3000 mW and each individually modulated and focused on the media.
- Such a laser can be obtained from Opto Power in Arlington, AZ.
- Optical imaging systems can be constructed based on any of these laser options. In each system, focus of the imaging laser can be determined manually or automatically.
- a common autofocus approach utilizes a separate non-imaging laser incident on the desired imaging plane and reflected into a sensor. There are many approaches to the design of this autofocus system, but they can be incorporated into imaging systems based on any exposure laser source. The exposure may take place through the optional ejection layer or subbing layer and/or the heating layer of the thermally imageable element.
- the optional ejection layer or subbing layer or the receiver element having a roughened surface must be substantially transparent to the laser radiation.
- the heating layer absorbs the laser radiation and assists in the transfer of the thermally imageable material, e.g. the colorant alone or together with the binder.
- the ejection layer or subbing layer of the thermally imageable element will be a film that is transparent to infrared radiation and the exposure is conveniently carried out through the ejection or subbing layer.
- these layers may contain laser absorbing dyes which aid in material transfer to the image receiving element.
- the laserable assemblage is exposed imagewise so that the exposed areas of the thermally imageable layer are transferred to the receiver element in a pattern.
- the pattern itself can be, for example, in the form of dots or line work generated by a computer, in a form obtained by scanning artwork to be copied, in the form of a digitized image taken from original artwork, or a combination of any of these forms which can be electronically combined on a computer prior to laser exposure.
- the laser beam and the laserable assemblage are in constant motion with respect to each other, such that each minute area of the assemblage, i.e., "pixel" is individually addressed by the laser. This is generally accomplished by mounting the laserable assemblage on a rotatable drum.
- a flat bed recorder can also be used.
- the next step in the process of the invention is separating the thermally imageable element from the receiver element. Usually this is done by simply peeling the two elements apart. This generally requires very little peel force, and is accomplished by simply separating the thermally imageable support from the receiver element. This can be done using any conventional separation technique and can be manual or automatic without operator intervention. Separation results in a laser generated image, such as a color image, typically a halftone dot image, comprising the transferred exposed areas of the thermally imageable layer, being revealed on the image receiving layer of the receiver element.
- a laser generated image such as a color image, typically a halftone dot image
- the image formed by the exposure and separation steps is a laser generated halftone dot color image formed on a crystalline polymer layer, the crystalline polymer layer being located on a first temporary carrier which may or may not have a layer present directly on it prior to application of the crystalline polymer layer, wherein either the first temporary carrier or the optional layer that may be present directly on it comprise the light attenuating agent.
- the so revealed image on the image receiving layer may then be transferred directly to a permanent substrate or it may be transferred to an intermediate element such as an image rigidification element, and then to a permanent substrate.
- the image rigidification element comprises a support having a release surface and a thermoplastic polymer layer.
- thermoplastic polymer layer of the image rigidification element resulting in the thermoplastic polymer layer of the rigidification element and the image receiving layer of the receiver element encasing the image.
- a WaterProof® Laminator manufactured by DuPont is preferably used to accomplish the lamination.
- other conventional means may be used to accomplish contact of the image carrying receiver element with the thermoplastic polymer layer of the rigidification element. It is important that the adhesion of the rigidfication element support having a release surface to the thermoplastic polymer layer be less than the adhesion between any other layers in the sandwich.
- the novel assemblage or sandwich is highly useful, e.g., as an improved image proofing system.
- the support having a release surface may then removed, typically by peeling off, to reveal the thermoplastic film.
- the image on the receiver element may then be transferred to the permanent substrate by contacting the permanent substrate with, typically laminating it to, the revealed thermoplastic polymer layer of the sandwich.
- a WaterProof® Laminator manufactured by DuPont, is typically used to accomplish the lamination.
- Another embodiment includes the additional step of removing, typically by peeling off, the receiver support resulting in the assemblage or sandwich comprising the permanent substrate, the thermoplastic layer, the image, and the image receiving layer.
- these assemblages represent a printing proof comprising a laser generated halftone dot color thermal image formed on a crystalline polymer layer, and a thermoplastic polymer layer laminated on one surface to said crystalline polymer layer and laminated on the other surface to the permanent substrate, whereby the color image is encased between the crystalline polymer layer and the thermoplastic polymer layer.
- the receiver element can be an intermediate element onto which a multicolor image is built up.
- a thermally imageable element having a thermally imageable layer comprising a first pigment is exposed and separated as described above.
- the receiver element has an image formed with the first pigment, which is typically a laser generated halftone dot color thermal image.
- a second thermally imageable element having a thermally imageable colorant-containing layer different from that of the first thermally imageable element forms a laserable assemblage with the receiver element having the colorant containing image of the first pigment and is imagewise exposed and separated as described above.
- the steps of (a) forming the laserable assemblage with a thermally imageable element having a different pigment than that used before and the previously imaged receiver element, (b) exposing, and (c) separating are sequentially repeated as often as necessary in order to build the multi-colorant- containing image of a color proof on the receiver element.
- the image on the receiver therefore changes as the image is built up, and the transmission of this image at the wavelength of the non-imaging laser changes as the process is repeated.
- Light passing through this image and reflected into the light detector typically a position sensitive light detector, causes imaging errors, which are greatly reduced by the light attenuated layer in the receiver.
- the rigidification element may then be brought into contact with, typically laminated to, the multiple colorant-containing images on the image receiving element with the last colorant-containing image in contact with the thermoplastic polymer layer. The process is then completed as described above.
- FSA Zonyi® FSA fluoro surfactant 25% solids in water and isopropanol, [CAS No. 57534-45-7]
- FSD Zonyl® FSD fluoro surfactant 43% active ingredient in water (DuPont, Wilmington, DE)
- PEG 6800 Polyethylene glycol 6800 [CAS No. 25322-68-3], 100%, Scientific Polymer Products, Inc., Ontario, NY)
- Zinpol® 20 Zinpol® 20 Polyethylene wax emulsion, 35% in water
- Melinex® 573 4 mil clear PET base (DuPontTeijinFilmsTM, a joint venture of E.I. du Pont de Nemours & Company)
- Dye is CAS # 12217-80-0 1 H- Naphth[2,3-f]isoindole-1 ,3,5, 10(2H)-tetrone, 4,11- diamino-2-(3-methoxypropyl)- (9CI) (CA INDEX NAME)
- EXAMPLE 1 Preparation of the Thermally Imageable Compositions: This example shows the preparation of a 670 nm absorbing coatable composition and a thermally imageable element.
- the thermally imageable element comprises a 4 mil polyester backing (Melinex® 573) sputtered with about 70 A of chromium, sufficient to produce about 60% transmission of light, by CP Films (Martinsville, VA).
- the metal thickness was monitored in situ using a quartz crystal and after deposition by measuring reflection and transmission of the films.
- This metalized base - was then coated with the Magenta formula depicted in Table 1 using production equipment.
- This example shows that using a 4 mil polyester Melinex® 6442 base with a 670 nm absorber (30S330) as part of the base composition allows the single and overprint focus positions to match each other.
- a magenta formulation equivalent to that described in Table 1 was coated onto both a non-absorbing metalized Melinex® 573 base and a 670 nm absorbing metalized Melinex® 6442 base at the coating weights listed in Table 4.
- the solution was metered by a pump and coated on to a web of metalized Melinex® base moving past a slot die applicator then transported into a forced hot air dryer.
- the coated web was wound on to a core then cut into sheets of a size compatible with the Creo 3244 Spectrum Trendsetter.
- the magenta coatings were then imaged onto a receiver using the Creo 3244 Spectrum Trendsetter producing laser generated magenta color thermal digital halftone proofs.
- Focus position variations reported in the data of Tables 4 and 5 were considered to result from variations in colorant layer thickness and aging because several months passed between when the tests were run. Focus position data used in these examples was collected from the computer diagnostic port of the Creo 3244 Spectrum Trendsetter.
- Metalized clear base Melinex® 573 has .29 absorbance at 670 nm.
- This example shows that using a 4 mil polyester Melinex® 6442 base containing a 670 nm absorber (30S330) results in the focus positions for yellow, cyan, and magenta to be close to each other or the same.
- the yellow, cyan, and magenta donor coatings described in Table 1 were applied to both non-absorbing metalized Melinex® 573 and 670 nm absorbing metalized Melinex® 6442 at the coating weights listed in Table 5.
- the colorant-containing coatings were then imaged onto a receiver using the Creo 3244 Spectrum Trendsetter producing laser generated magenta color thermal digital halftone proofs for the single colors.
- magenta clear 14.03 .29 80 magenta absorbing 13.87 .84 120 cyan clear 12.6 .73 80 cyan absorbing 12.53 1.28 125 yellow clear 8.87 .289 60 yellow absorbing 8.77 .29 120
- Metalized clear base element Melinex® 573 has .28 absorbance at 670 nm.
- Metalized 670 nm absorbing base element has .80-.88 absorbance at 670nm.
Abstract
Description
Claims
Priority Applications (7)
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DE60118960T DE60118960T2 (en) | 2000-12-15 | 2001-12-14 | DONOR ELEMENT FOR ADJUSTING THE FOCUS OF A PICTURE GENERATING LASER |
AU2002232631A AU2002232631B2 (en) | 2000-12-15 | 2001-12-14 | Donor element for adjusting the focus of an imaging laser |
AU3263102A AU3263102A (en) | 2000-12-15 | 2001-12-14 | Donor element for adjusting the focus of an imaging laser |
US10/433,869 US6958202B2 (en) | 2000-12-15 | 2001-12-14 | Donor element for adjusting the focus of an imaging laser |
JP2002549474A JP2004520963A (en) | 2000-12-15 | 2001-12-14 | Donor element for adjusting the focus of an imaging laser |
EP01992163A EP1341676B1 (en) | 2000-12-15 | 2001-12-14 | Donor element for adjusting the focus of an imaging laser |
US10/172,100 US6645681B2 (en) | 2000-12-15 | 2002-06-14 | Color filter |
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US25624200P | 2000-12-15 | 2000-12-15 | |
US60/256,242 | 2000-12-15 |
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US7033677B2 (en) * | 2001-02-26 | 2006-04-25 | Trespaphan Gmbh | Laser-markable laminate |
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US7898666B2 (en) * | 2007-08-03 | 2011-03-01 | Xerox Corporation | Method and apparatus for robust detection of the density of a pigmented layer |
US11017656B2 (en) | 2011-06-27 | 2021-05-25 | Invue Security Products Inc. | Programmable security system and method for protecting merchandise |
CN112996198B (en) * | 2021-02-26 | 2023-07-18 | 光控特斯联(重庆)信息技术有限公司 | Community intelligent lighting control method and system based on edge calculation |
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- 2001-12-14 AU AU2002230991A patent/AU2002230991B2/en not_active Ceased
- 2001-12-14 AU AU3263102A patent/AU3263102A/en active Pending
- 2001-12-14 EP EP01992163A patent/EP1341676B1/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
- 2001-12-14 JP JP2002549474A patent/JP2004520963A/en active Pending
- 2001-12-14 DE DE60110459T patent/DE60110459T2/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
- 2001-12-14 AU AU2002232631A patent/AU2002232631B2/en not_active Ceased
- 2001-12-14 US US10/415,400 patent/US6890691B2/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
- 2001-12-14 WO PCT/US2001/048930 patent/WO2002047919A1/en active IP Right Grant
- 2001-12-14 DE DE60118960T patent/DE60118960T2/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
- 2001-12-14 WO PCT/US2001/048929 patent/WO2002047918A1/en active IP Right Grant
- 2001-12-14 JP JP2002549475A patent/JP2004515390A/en active Pending
- 2001-12-14 AU AU3099102A patent/AU3099102A/en active Pending
- 2001-12-14 EP EP01991251A patent/EP1341675B1/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
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Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
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EP1341675A1 (en) | 2003-09-10 |
WO2002047919A1 (en) | 2002-06-20 |
AU2002232631B2 (en) | 2007-06-07 |
JP2004520963A (en) | 2004-07-15 |
US20040033427A1 (en) | 2004-02-19 |
US6890691B2 (en) | 2005-05-10 |
DE60118960D1 (en) | 2006-05-24 |
EP1341675B1 (en) | 2005-04-27 |
DE60110459T2 (en) | 2006-01-26 |
JP2004515390A (en) | 2004-05-27 |
DE60110459D1 (en) | 2005-06-02 |
EP1341676B1 (en) | 2006-04-19 |
AU2002230991B2 (en) | 2007-06-07 |
EP1341676A1 (en) | 2003-09-10 |
AU3099102A (en) | 2002-06-24 |
AU3263102A (en) | 2002-06-24 |
DE60118960T2 (en) | 2007-01-04 |
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