Methods and apparatuses for making lithographic plates

Abstract

Alignment systems and methods of alignment for use with lithographic printing plate processing machines are provided. An alignment system in accordance with the present invention includes one or more movable cam surfaces, one or more loading devices, one or more imaging devices, and a control system. The one or more cam surfaces are configured to engage an edge of a printing plate positioned in the alignment system and controllably translate the printing plate to align the printing plate with the alignment system. The one or more loading devices are configured to positively engage an edge of the printing plate against the one or more movable cam surfaces. The one or more imaging devices are configured to view an alignment mark on the printing plate positioned in the alignment system. The control system controls movement of the cam surfaces in response to information comprising the position of an alignment mark as viewed by the one or more imaging devices.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.