Multi-purpose, modular, infra-red ablatable graphic arts tool

Abstract

A multi-purpose modular infra-red ablatable Graphic Arts tool providing solutions to achieve economy of scale for infrared ablatable Graphics Arts products by a novel modular approach of using common ingredients and by combining functions to produce multipurpose materials with synergistic advantages over the component products from which they have been derived. This is done by combining the properties of a photomask film with those of a printing plate, so that the same material can be used as a film or a plate or can function as both to produce a plate with proofing functions.

I claim:  
     
         1 . A modular graphic tool constructed from selected members of a group of modular components, said group comprising: 
 substrates chosen from the group consisting of polyester and aluminum; and    ablatable coatings chosen from the group consisting of carbon black, UV absorbing dye, amino resin, nitrocellulose resin and cross-linking catalysts, wherein said tool may function as either a film or a plate; and    wherein said tool comprises a substrate and at least one ablatable coating.    
     
     
         2 . The modular graphic tool of  claim 1 , wherein said tool functions as a plate.  
     
     
         3 . The modular graphic tool of  claim 2 , wherein said plate is a wet offset plate.  
     
     
         4 . The modular graphic tool of  claim 2 , wherein said plate is a waterless offset plate.  
     
     
         5 . The modular graphic tool of  claim 1 , wherein said tool functions as a film.  
     
     
         6 . The modular graphic tool of  claim 1 , wherein said tool functions as a plate and a film.  
     
     
         7 . The modular graphic tool of  claim 1 , wherein said substrate and said at least one coating comprise a commonality of ingredients, so as to achieve economy of scale.