Multiple printing plate mounting system

A method for mounting multiple printing plates, the method comprising the steps of:

• providing multiple printing plate mounting system including a base having a mandrel for supporting a printing sleeve configured to receive a plurality of flexible printing plates thereon, the mandrel having a central axis, a front table movably coupled to the base and having a plurality of vacuum zones, a back table movably coupled to the base and having a plurality of vacuum zones, a filler table movably coupled to the base and having a plurality of vacuum zones, the filler table selectively disposed between the front table and the back table in order to provide support to the plurality flexible printing plates during the alignment thereof, and a control system in communication with the front table, the back table, and the filler table, the control system configured to cause a movement of at least one of the front table, the back table, and the filler table for selective, individual, and independent alignment of each of the plurality of flexible printing plates relative to the central axis of the mandrel, wherein the plurality of flexible printing plates includes a first printing plate and a second printing plate, and the plurality of vacuum zones includes a first vacuum zone and a second vacuum zone;
• mounting the printing sleeve on the mandrel;
• disposing the first printing plate in the first vacuum zone, and the second printing plate in the second vacuum zone, across all of the front table, the filler table, and the back table;
• applying, by the control system, vacuum suction in the first vacuum zone;
• moving at least one of the front table, the filler table, and the back table with the vacuum suction applied in the first vacuum zone to align the first printing plate;
• unapplying, by the control system, the vacuum suction in the first vacuum zone;
• applying, by the control system, the vacuum suction in the second vacuum zone;
• moving at least one of the front table, the filler table, and the back table with the vacuum suction applied in the second vacuum zone to align the second printing plate;
• and
• mounting the plurality of printing plates including the first printing plate and the second printing plate simultaneously, upon being aligned, onto the printing sleeve.