PRINTING PLATES OR FOILS (photosensitive material G03); MATERIALS FOR SURFACES USED IN PRINTING MACHINES FOR PRINTING, INKING, DAMPING, OR THE LIKE; PREPARING SUCH SURFACES FOR USE AND CONSERVING THEM

Description

B41N encompasses printing plates, foils, and specialized surface materials used in printing machinery, covering lithographic stones, metallic plates, photopolymer surfaces, and rubber rollers designed for printing, inking, damping, or related functions. This class includes methods for preparing these surfaces (such as graining, coating, or chemical treatment) and their conservation or maintenance to preserve functionality. The scope extends to materials selection, composition specifications, and surface modification techniques that enhance performance in offset, relief, or intaglio printing processes. Adjacent classes address printing machinery design itself (B41F) and typewriter mechanisms (B41K), whereas B41N focuses specifically on the substrate and interface components.