Patent ID: 6022152
Filing Date: 2000-02-08
Classification: G03D,G03F

Abstract:
A printing plate processor for processing a printing plate having a substrate, a hydrophilic layer over the substrate and a processable ink-receiving layer over the hydrophilic layer, comprising:a) a structure for receiving processing fluid;b) a roller partially submerged in the processing fluid;c) means for rotating the roller so that processing fluid coats the roller and is carried by surface tension around the roller; andd) means for providing relative movement between the printing plate and the structure so that the printing plate is positioned into a processing region with the rotating roller but spaced from the roller a distance selected so that there is turbulence of the processing fluid in the processing region where the turbulent fluid engages the ink-receiving layer and such turbulence causes portions of the ink-receiving layer to be removed by the processing fluid carried on the roller.