Apparatus and method for treating a relief plate precursor with improved liquid evacuation

A method for treating a relief plate precursor with a liquid, comprising:

• providing a transport bar with a coupling portion configured to couple the transport bar to a transport system, and with at least one penetration element, preferably a plurality of penetration elements, configured to couple the transport bar to a relief plate precursor;
• coupling the relief plate precursor to the at least one penetration element of the transport bar;
• coupling the coupling portion of the transport bar to the transport system;
• controlling the transport system such that the transport bar with the coupled relief plate precursor is moved through a treatment compartment where the relief plate precursor is treated with a liquid;
• and
• evacuating liquid over the transport bar towards a liquid evacuation part whilst the transport bar is moving through the treatment compartment, such that the liquid is evacuated before it can reach the transport system.