Self-trimming photosensitive layer

Claim 2

A thin photosensitive layer which, upon lamination to a substrate is self-trimmable on the edges thereof by the application of tensile stress to the layer transversely to the edge, comprising (a) addition polymerizable ethylenically unsaturated monomer, (b) an initiating system activated by actinic radiation and (c) a binder comprising a continuous major phase of organic polymer compatible with (a) and (b) and a discontinuous minor phase of randomly dispersed nonfibrous solid particles having a particle size of 0.1 to 25 microns, the layer having an elongation at break between about 2 and about 50%.

Claim 3

The photosensitive layer of claim 1 having an elongation at break between about 5 and 30%.

Claim 4

The photosensitive layer of claim 1 in which the solid particles are polyethylene beads.

Claim 5

A photoresist element comprising a thin photosensitive layer coated upon a strippable support, the photosensitive layer when laminated to a substrate being self-trimmable on the edges of the substrate by the application of tensile stress to the layer transversely to the edge, comprising (a) addition polymerizable ethylenically unsaturated monomer, (b) an initiating system activated by actinic radiation and (c) a binder comprising a continuous major phase of organic polymer compatible with (a) and (b) and a discontinuous minor phase of randomly dispersed nonfibrous solid particles having a particle size of 0.1 to 25 microns, the layer having an elongation at break between about 2 and about 50%.

Claim 6

A photoresist element comprising a thin photosensitive layer coated upon a strippable support, the photosensitive layer when laminated to a substrate being self-trimmable on the edges of the substrate by the application of tensile stress to the layer transversely to the edge, comprising (a) addition polymerizable ethylenically unsaturated monomer, (b) an initiating system activated by actinic radiation and (c) a binder comprising a continuous major phase of organic polymer compatible with (a) and (b) and a discontinuous minor phase of randomly dispersed nonfibrous solid particles having a particle size of 0.1 to 25 microns, the layer having an elongation at break between about 2 and about 50%.

Claim 7

The photoresist element of claim 4 in which the photosensitive layer has an elongation at break between about 5 and 30%.

Claim 8

The photoresist element of claim 4 in which the solid particles are polyethylene beads.

Claim 9

The photoresist element-of claim 6 having a protective cover sheet.

Claim 10

A substrate having laminated to at least one surface thereof a thin photosensitive layer which upon lamination to a substrate is self-trimming on the edges thereof by the application of tensile stress to the layer transversely to the edge, the layer comprising (a) addition polymerizable ethylenically unsaturated monomer, (b) an initiating system activated by actinic radiation and (c) a binder comprising a continuous major phase of organic polymer compatible with (a) and (b) and a discontinuous minor phase of randomly dispersed nonfibrous solid particles having a particle size of 0.1 to 25 microns, the layer having an elongation at break between about 2 and about 50%.

Claim 11

A substrate having laminated to at least one surface thereof a thin photosensitive layer which upon lamination to a substrate is self-trimming on the edges thereof by the application of tensile stress to the layer transversely to the edge, the layer comprising (a) addition polymerizable ethylenically unsaturated monomer, (b) an initiating system activated by actinic radiation and (c) a binder comprising a continuous major phase of organic polymer compatible with (a) and (b) and a discontinuous minor phase of randomly dispersed nonfibrous solid particles having a particle size of 0.1 to 25 microns, the layer having an elongation at break between about 2 and about 50%.

Claim 12

The laminated substrate of claim 8 in which the photosensitive layer has an elongation at break of between about 5 and 30%.

Claim 13

The substrate of claim 8 in which the solid particles are polyethylene beads.

Claim 14

ll. The method of trimming the photosensitive layer evenly along an edge of the laminated substrate of claim 8 comprising applying a tensile stress transversely to the edge of the layer in excess of the tensile breaking strength of the layer.