Abstract:
A method of producing a reusable gravure printing plate and copies from same is disclosed which allows the use of aqueous developers in connection with a gravure plate molded out of or coated with hydrophobic composition. It has been found that when electrostatic charges are placed on the surface of a charge carrier having hydrophobic properties aqueous liquids formerly incapable of wetting the surface now are retained by reason of the presence of the electrostatic charge pattern. This discovery is employed in conjunction with the gravure imaging process of the present invention. For, example, a gravure dispensing member is coated with a layer of hydrophobic photoconductive composition. The resulting photoconductive gravure member is electrostatically charged in the dark selectively exposed and developed using an aqueous base developer employing well-known xerographic techniques. The developed surface of the plate may then be contacted to a copy sheet to produce a reproduction of the original.