FIELD: physics.
SUBSTANCE: in one version, a light-curable printing plate workpiece comprises a base layer on which there is at least one light-curable layer, a barrier layer placed on at least one light-curable layer and a laser-removable masking layer on top of the barrier layer, wherein the method includes steps of: a) rendering at least one light-curable layer via selective laser ablation of the laser-removable masking layer in order to form an image, b) exposing the printing plate workpiece through the barrier layer and the masking layer to one or more actinic radiation sources for selective crosslinking and curing of portions of at least one light-curable layer, wherein at least one light-curable layer is crosslinked and cured on portions which are not coated by the masking layer, thereby forming a prominent structure, and c) developing the printing plate workpiece in order to remove the barrier layer, the masking layer subjected to laser ablation and uncured portions of the light-curable layer and developing the prominent structure, where the step of developing the printing plate workpiece includes steps of: i) softening non-crosslinked portions of at least one light-curable layer by heating at least one light-curable layer to a temperature where the non-crosslinked portions of at least one light-curable layer soften, while cured portions of at the least one light-curable layer remain solid, and ii) removing the non-crosslinked portions of the light-curable layer by bringing the printing element into contact with an absorbent material which is capable of absorbing a non-crosslinked photopolymer, through which the prominent structure is developed. The barrier layer has an oxygen diffusion coefficient less than 6.9×10-9 m2/s and optical transparency of at least 50%.
EFFECT: forming a prominent structure having a plurality of prominent points.
32 cl, 4 dwg
