A Durable Waterless Planographic Plate

A Waterless planographic plate is described which is more durable than commercial planographic plates to this date. The durability is obtained by causing a silicone polymer to form a chemical bond to aluminum oxide as found on litho plates. The method for producing a precise Dimethylsiloxane polymer stencil depends on producing a solvent permeable coating over a developed litho plate. A suitable solvent is used to penetrate the coating thereby dissolving the image and releasing the silicone polymer from exactly those locations. After washing and lacquering the plate is post cured at elevated temperature. The finished plate was tested for contact angles, coefficient of friction, and rub/abrasion tests. It was also printed with Waterless type offset inks. It is possible to produce such plates photographically or by direct digital imaging.