| abstract |
A method for preparation of a printing plate by an electrophotographic process comprising providing a peelable transfer layer (T) containing a resin (A) capable of being removed upon a chemical reaction treatment on an electrophotographic light-sensitive element, forming a toner image on the transfer layer by an electrophotographic process, providing an adhesive layer (M) containing a thermoplastic resin (B) only on the toner image, transferring the toner image together with the transfer layer (T) and the adhesive layer (M) from the electrophotographic light-sensitive element to a primary receptor, transferring the toner image together with the transfer layer (T) and the adhesive layer (M) from the primary receptor to a receiving material having a surface capable of providing a hydrophilic surface suitable for lithographic printing at the time of printing, and then removing the transfer layer (T) in the non-image portion on the receiving material by the chemical reaction treatment. According to the method of the present invention, printing plates which produce prints of good image qualities having a lage proportion of image areas can be continuously obtained in a stable manner for a long period of time even when a thickness of the transfer layer is reduced or the transfer is conducted under conditions of low temperature, low pressure and high speed irrespective of the kind of toner employed. |