Abstract: The present invention provides a media handling system for an imaging system, such as an external drum platesetter. Separate input and output trays are provided, thereby allowing pre-staging of a second printing plate while a first printing plate is being imaged. The input tray is positioned over the output tray to reduce the floor space (i.e., footprint) of the imaging system.

Abstract: A printer drum includes a leading edge assembly for holding a first end of a substrate, and a trailing edge assembly for holding a second end of the substrate. The leading edge assembly includes a first plurality of interconnected disks, and the trailing edge assembly includes a second plurality of interconnected disks. The disks of the two assemblies are interleaved such that the disks of the trailing edge assembly are rotatable relative to the disks of the leading edge assembly about the axis of rotation of the drum. A balancing disk is interleaved with the disks. A leading edge clamp interconnects the first plurality of disks, and a trailing edge clamp interconnects the second plurality of disks. A plurality of registration pins of the leading edge clamp selectively engage a substrate held by the clamp.