METHOD OF CONVERTING A RECORDING ELEMENT

A method of converting a recording element is provided. The method includes providing an imaged recording element having a convertible layer, the convertible layer comprising polymeric particles and a polymeric binder, the polymeric particles having a glass transition temperature Tg1, and the polymeric binder having a glass transition temperature Tg2; heating the convertible layer to a temperature Tp, Tp being greater than Tg1 and Tg2; and converting the heated convertible layer of the recording element by advancing the recording element through a pair of rollers, the first roller of the pair of rollers being maintained at a first temperature T1 and the second roller of the pair of rollers being maintained at a second temperature T2, T1 and T2 being less than Tp, the convertible layer of the recording element becoming a converted layer after advancing through the pair of rollers, wherein the converted layer has an exit temperature Tf, Tf being less than Tp.