Abstract: The invention relates to a cleaning apparatus (10) for functionally regenerating a brush (20) which can be used for washing a flexographic plate; in particular, the apparatus is configured to regenerate a brush (20) comprising a cylindrical core (5) about which a channel (4) supporting filaments (3) is fixed according to a spiral shape. The apparatus comprises a frame defining a rotation axis (100) for the brush and a motorized assembly, which can be operatively connected to an end of said cylindrical core (5) of the brush (20) to rotate it about the rotation axis (100). The apparatus (10) further comprises a cleaning unit (30) comprising a carriage (31), movable along a rectilinear guide (32) and a tool (33) provided with an end (33A) adapted to penetrate into the spaces defined between the turns of the spiral to detach the polymer and monomer residues hardened in said spaces as a result of the use of said brush for said washing.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a water-based or solvent-based washing unit for washing a flexographic plate. The washing unit comprises a containment structure which defines a lower basin and at least two side basins which are supplied with the washing liquid and are arranged so that the water overflowing from the side basins is collected in the lower basin. A brush partially immersed in the liquid bath defined by the basin itself is installed at each basin.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a feeding assembly (1) for automatically loading a flexographic plate (5) in a treatment station (7). The assembly according to the invention comprises a punching unit of said plate (5), handling means (5) for moving the flexographic plate from a loading surface to said punching unit and from said punching unit to a housing site in which a pin bar (14) which can be connected to said plate (5) is arranged. According to the invention, the handling means are configured to connect the plate (5) to said bar automatically and to move the bar, at the end of such a connection, to a predetermined position in which it can be coupled to a treatment system (77) of said treatment station.

Abstract: The invention relates to an autonomous apparatus for the photo-polymerization of a flexographic printing plate, which plate comprises a main face and a base opposite to said main face. The apparatus comprises an exposure chamber in which at least first photo-polymerization means of said base of said plate are installed. An input section and an output section are defined for letting said plate into/out from the exposure chamber, respectively. The apparatus further comprises moving means configured to drag said plate along a feeding direction. According to the invention, the first photo-polymerization means comprise a row of LEDs aligned according to a direction substantially orthogonal to said feeding direction.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and an apparatus for the photopolymerization and the washing in series of digital printing plates for flexography. The method according to the present invention is characterized in that it implements in series the exposure and washing steps of the printing plate, which is continuously moved. The present invention further concerns an apparatus adapted to implementing said method.