Patent ID: 6016188
Filing Date: 2000-01-18
Classification: G03B

Abstract:
A machine for making printing plates having a plate feed section (A), an exposure section (B), a plate discharge section (C), and a development section (D) serially arranged along a machine body (K) to form a drawing corresponding to a drawing image signal output from a computer on surfaces of plates (P); wherein:said plate feed section (A) comprises a stocker case (1) for storing a plurality of form plates (P) and a transfer unit (3) positioned above said stocker case (1) comprising a sucker (2) which is movable up and down and a guide rail (4) for guiding said sucker to transfer said plates (P) held by said sucker (2) along said guide rail (4) in a longitudinal direction of the machine body (K);said exposure section (B) comprises: at least two rotatable exposure barrels (6a, 6b) on which said form plates (P) are wound, said exposure barrels being arranged at intervals in the longitudinal direction of the machine body (K), laterally adjacent the plate feed section (A), and being oriented with their rotation axes in the longitudinal direction; a laser-beam scanning head (8) for forming drawings on said form plates (P) wound on said exposure barrels (6a, 6b); and first tables (10a, 10b) respectively provided on sides toward the plate feed section (A) of said exposure barrels (6a, 6b) to hold said plates (P) and push them to said exposure barrels (6a, 6b); andsaid plate discharge section (C) comprises a conveyor system (14) laterally adjacent the exposure section (B), but on a side thereof remote from the plate feed section (A), to transfer exposed plates (P) sent from said exposure barrels (6a) and (6b) in the longitudinal direction of the machine body (K);wherein plates (P) are transferred from said stocker case (1) to said first tables (10a, 10b) by said transfer unit (3) and exposed plates (P) are transferred from said exposure barrels (6a, 6b) to said development section (D) by said conveyor system (14).