Method and apparatus for loading and unloading flexographic plates for computer-to-plate imaging including separate loading and unloading areas

US8516961B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• Esko-Graphics Imaging GmbH · DE

Inventors

• Jörg Wolterink · Oelixdorf, DE
• Jörg Koberg · Itzehoe, DE

Key dates

• Filing date: Apr 30, 2008
• Grant date: Aug 27, 2013
• Expiry date: Nov 10, 2030

Classification

• Technology area (CPC B): Performing Operations; Transporting
• CPC primary: B65H2701/1928
• WIPO field: Textile and paper machines
• WIPO sector: Mechanical engineering

Abstract

An apparatus for and a method of loading and unloading of plates to and from an imager. The apparatus includes a loading area holding one single or a plurality of plates and an unloading area holding a single plate, the areas arranged vertically. The plate includes ultraviolet curable material. The apparatus includes a control system configured when in operation to control the automated loading and unloading and the apparatus elements therefor. One fully automatic version includes automatic loading from a stack or set of plate magazines and in the case that the plate includes a protective sheet thereon, includes removing the protective sheet from the plate. Some versions also include one or more ultraviolet sources to irradiate the flexographic plates with ultraviolet radiation during the automated loading and/or unloading. The ultraviolet sources are controlled by the same control system.