GTO-DI Direct to Press Spark Discharge Technology

This paper describes a new direct to plate imaging system using Spark Discharge Imaging. A polyester support layer, which is oleophilic is vapor coated with a metal surface. This metal surface is then coated with a silicon which is oleophobic and capable of repelling the printing ink. When addressed by the electronic signal, a high voltage pulse is sent to a metal stylus which causes an electrical spark to jump through the air from the stylus to the vapor coated layer. The heat generated by the spark causes the metal layer and ink repelling layer to erode. At the location of the spark, the polyester is exposed and allows dryographic offset printing to occur. Descriptions are given of the printing press, the plate, the electrodes and operation of the system. When addressed by the electronic signal, a high voltage pulse is sent to a metal stylus which causes an electrical spark to jump through the air from the stylus to the vapor coated layer. The heat generated by the spark causes the metal layer and ink repelling layer to erode. At the location of the spark, the polyester is exposed and allows dryographic offset printing to occur. Descriptions are given of the printing press, the plate, the electrodes and operation of the system.