Abstract: The present invention relates to a filter unit for filtering waste washout liquid (e.g. containing photopolymer debris) from a plate processor system (e.g. used for photopolymer printing plate manufacture). The unit comprises a filtration chamber for receiving waste washout liquid, and a perforated conveyor for supporting a filter material at the base of the filtration chamber and for conveying filter material to and away from the base of the filtration chamber. The filter unit further comprises an activation unit for activating the conveyor when waste washout liquid reaches a predetermined height within the filtration chamber. A storage tank for storing filtered washout liquid after it has passed through the filter material and perforated base is also provided. Methods of using the filter unit are also disclosed.

Abstract: A method for feeding a photopolymerised elastomeric printing plate, subsequent to exposure and washing out thereof, along a path through a rinsing station, comprises: optionally providing a plate assembly comprising the plate and, supporting the plate, a carrier having a pair of opposed peripheral regions each extending laterally beyond respective opposed lateral edge regions of the plate, providing, transversely of the path, at least one pair of driven rollers (8, 13) defining a nip therebetween through which the plate can pass so as to be forwarded along the path by frictional engagement of the plate or plate assembly with each of the driven rollers within the nip, at least one of which rollers is profiled so as (a) to allow contact of the profiled roller with the opposed lateral edge regions of the plate or, when provided, corresponding opposed peripheral regions of the plate assembly, thereby to allow the said frictional engagement, but (b) to allow freedom from contact of the plate with the or each profi

Abstract: Ae without causing movement or peeling of the relief film and yet may facilitate the re-sticking thereto.

Abstract: Waste washout liquid containing liquid washable photopolymer from a printing plate manufacturing process is subjected to filtration via a centrifugal filter unit. The unit has a collector for the solid material arranged for rotation and disposed so as to allow deposition upon it of solid material during its rotation. The unit is fitted with at least one of a pretreatment unit for coagulating the solid material and a collector removable from the filter unit so as to allow its disposal together with the solid material deposited on it. Usually, the pretreatment unit is a preheater and the collector is a disposable liner within a rotatable chamber.