Kimikazu Nagase

Title: Kimikazu Nagase: Innovator in Planographic Printing Technology

Introduction

Kimikazu Nagase, based in Shiga, Japan, is a noteworthy inventor with six registered patents to his name. His innovative work primarily focuses on advancements in planographic printing technologies, particularly in developing waterless printing plate precursors that improve the efficiency and quality of printing processes.

Latest Patents

Among his notable inventions are two key patents that demonstrate his ingenuity in planographic printing:

1. **Directly Imageable Waterless Planographic Printing Plate Precursor** - This invention features a unique structure comprising a heat insulating layer, a heat-sensitive layer, and an ink repellent layer arranged sequentially on a substrate. Notably, the heat insulating layer has a transmittance for light within the 400 to 650 nm wavelength range of at most 15%. This design enhances the accuracy of dot area ratio measurements on the printing plate using a densitometer.

2. **Directly Imageable Planographic Printing Plate and Production Method Thereof** - This patent outlines a planographic printing plate characterized by high image productivity and ease of monitoring. It consists of a substrate, a thermo-sensitive layer, and an ink-repelling layer. The thermo-sensitive layer includes a dye that absorbs light between 400 nm and 700 nm, ensuring that the difference in reflected absorption between printing and non-printing areas falls between 0.3 and 2.0 at the dye's maximum wavelength.

Career Highlights

Kimikazu Nagase is associated with Toray Industries, Inc., a renowned company recognized for its dedication to innovation and quality in the materials sector. His contributions to the field of printing technology significantly enhance the capabilities of modern printing processes, reflecting his commitment to research and development.

Collaborations

During his career, Nagase has collaborated with esteemed colleagues, including Kazuki Goto and Mitsuru Suezawa. These partnerships have further enriched his work, leading to significant advancements in the printing industry.

Conclusion

Kimikazu Nagase stands out as an influential figure in the realm of planographic printing, with a proven track record of innovation reflected in his six patents. His work not only advances the technology used in printing but also offers practical solutions that benefit various sectors within the industry.