The invention relates to a process and apparatus for forming a photopolymerizable
element useful as a flexographic printing plate having at least one layer of particulate
material. The process includes forming a layer of a molten photopolymerizable material
onto a support; and applying the particulate material onto an exterior surface
of the photopolymerizable layer opposite the support within 48 hours of forming
the layer of photopolymerizable material. The process optionally includes heating
of the surface of the photopolymerizable layer.
