Eastman Kodak has been granted a patent for a method to fabricate flexographic printing plates. The method involves defining a repeating tile with various feature shapes in pseudo-random locations, which is used to create a pattern of raised features corresponding to image patterns for uniform printing regions. GlobalData’s report on Eastman Kodak gives a 360-degree view of the company including its patenting strategy. Buy the report here.
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According to GlobalData’s company profile on Eastman Kodak, was a key innovation area identified from patents. Eastman Kodak's grant share as of July 2024 was 72%. Grant share is based on the ratio of number of grants to total number of patents.
Method for creating flexographic printing plates with varied features
The patent US12044970B2 outlines a method for fabricating a flexographic printing plate designed to print image patterns with uniform regions. The process begins with receiving an image pattern and determining a repeating tile that will form a pattern of raised features in the flexographic plate. This involves defining a tile size of at least 100 square pixels and selecting a variety of feature shapes, which are arranged in pseudo-random locations within the tile. The method includes a systematic approach to ensure that the average depth of the raised features meets specified criteria, utilizing a model of the plate formation process to iteratively adjust the number of feature shapes until the desired depth is achieved. The method also allows for the identification of uniform image regions through automated analysis of the image pattern.
Additionally, the claims detail various aspects of the method, including the size and arrangement of feature shapes, the use of blue-noise patterns for feature placement, and the application of the flexographic printing plate in actual printing processes. The ink transfer mechanisms, such as anilox rollers or slot-die systems, are specified, along with the requirement that the anilox cell size exceeds the average spacing of the raised features. The method also addresses the formation of border regions around uniform image areas, which may feature different patterns or solid borders. Overall, the patent presents a comprehensive approach to enhancing the precision and quality of flexographic printing plates through innovative design and fabrication techniques.
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GlobalData Patent Analytics tracks bibliographic data, legal events data, point in time patent ownerships, and backward and forward citations from global patenting offices. Textual analysis and official patent classifications are used to group patents into key thematic areas and link them to specific companies across the world’s largest industries.
