Abstract: A method includes exposing a plate on a support surface of an imager using one or more laser beams, the exposing while there is a metallic screen structure located on the support surface between the plate and the support surface such that the amount of back-reflected radiation is reduced compared to the plate being placed directly on the support structure with no screen between the plate and support surface. An apparatus includes the combination of a base material having the support surface and the metallic screen structure thereon.

Abstract: A method for fastening plates onto an imaging cylinder, and an apparatus that includes one or more clamping devices. Each clamping device includes a clamping bar and an air hose that when inflalted lifts the clamping bar so that one end of a plate can be placed between the surface of the clyinder. The imaging clyinder includes magnetized elements on or close to the surface. A metal bar is placed on the plate near the magnetized element to hold the plate that is already clamped at one end. The apparatus is operative to fasten flexible plates, metal back plates and non metal back plates onto an imaging cylinder. Embodiments of the apparatus can work with plates of different material, thickness and format onto an image cylinder.

Abstract: A method includes exposing a plate on a support surface of an imager using one or more laser beams, the exposing while there is a metallic screen structure located on the support surface between the plate and the support surface such that the amount of back-reflected radiation is reduced compared to the plate being placed directly on the support structure with no screen between the plate and support surface. An apparatus includes the combination of a base material having the support surface and the metallic screen structure thereon.