Laser energy writes the image into the ultra-thin
coating. Coating in the image areas becomes non-soluble
in press fountain solution. |
The plate is mounted on press. |
Dampening rollers are engaged, covering the surface of
the plate with fountain solution. |
Coating in the non-image areas dissolves in the fountain
solution. |
The press ink rollers are then engaged, and the plate is
initially covered with ink.
|
The fountain solution plus the ink tack ensure that the
dissolving coating is transferred to the blanket, and so
to teh first few sheets. |
The makeready sheets carry the dissolving coating out of
the press as the job is brought up to color and into
register. |
Within a few sheets, the background is clean and ink is
at density. |
