Importance

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Abstract

Systems and associated methods provide for rewriteable lithographic printing. More specifically, imaging on a printing plate may be erased and the printing plate reimaged for subsequent printing. The printing plate includes a surface coated with a photoswitchable film. An ultraviolet light source is operable to generate an image on the photoswitchable film such that the photoswitchable film is operable to retain the ink on the image for transfer to a tangible medium. A visible light source is then used to erase the image from the photoswitchable film after transfer of the ink to the tangible medium. The photoswitchable film includes a layer of fluorinated azobenzene molecules operable to form the image when exposed to the ultraviolet light and erase the image when exposed to the visible light. The photoswitchable film also includes a bonding layer operable to bond the fluorinated azobenzene molecules to the surface of the lithographic printing plate.

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First Claim