摘要 |
A device as well as method for removing the overcoat without developing an imagewise exposed lithographic printing plate is disclosed. The device comprises a structure for providing water or an aqueous solution and a transfer means for transporting said plate through said structure. The plate comprises a substrate, an ink and/or fountain solution developable photosensitive layer, and an overcoat. The exposed plate is transported through the structure to remove the overcoat by contacting with said water or aqueous solution, preferably under a brushing or rubbing action. The overcoat removal device is preferably connected to a laser imager so that the plate can be imaged on the laser imager and then directly transferred to the overcoat removal device to remove the overcoat. The overcoat-removed plate is further mounted on press to develop with ink and/or fountain solution to remove the non-hardened areas of the photosensitive layer. |