Method of and apparatus for punching and bending a lithographic plate

摘要

Apparatus for bending a lithographic plate having an image thereon, comprising an inspection system for (a) inspecting a plate held on a table at an inspection station, (b) determining the extent to which the plate needs to be adjusted relative to a predetermined reference position, and (c) generating a signal indicative of any such adjustment. A first positioning mechanism responsive to the signal automatically moves the table to position a plate on the table for a bending operation. The apparatus also includes a bending mechanism for bending a plate on the table when the plate is positioned for a bending operation, and a control system for selectively operating said apparatus in either an inspection mode of operation in which the inspection system and the first positioning mechanism are operable to inspect the plate on the table and then to move the table to position the plate for said bending operation, or in an inspection bypass mode of operation in which a second positioning mechanism is adapted to position the plate for a bending operation without prior inspection of the plate.