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Modification of Anodised Aluminium Surfaces Using a Picosecond Fibre Laser for Printing Applications

This paper reports on the novel concept of using ultra-fast laser material modification to create a rewriteable lithographic plate. This research, carried out in collaboration with JP Imaging, delivered the world’s first truly rewriteable lithographic plate; the “Miracle Plate”. Aspects of this have been subsequently patented and the outcome is currently being commercialised. The environmental and cost benefits that arise from a rewriteable lithographic plate are globally significant. A normal lithographic plate has to be manufactured from non-recycled aluminium and is a one-use product. The plate described in this paper had printed 2000 copies of four different images.