Apparatus and methods for manipulating plates

A method for aligning an edge, typically a leading edge of a plate, preferably a printing plate or a printing plate precursor, the method comprising the steps of:

• providing a plate with at least one substantially linear edge, typically a leading edge,
• coupling the plate to a moving means,
• moving the plate over a support surface such that the edge is touching at least two movable elements using said moving means;
• detecting the movement of the at least two movable elements;
• controlling the moving means based on the result of the detecting.

An apparatus for detecting and/or positioning an edge a plate, in particular a printing plate or a printing plate precursor, said apparatus comprising:

• a support configured for supporting the plate in a support surface, and intended to be located upstream of a treatment station;
• at least one pivotable pin arranged to be moved by an edge of the plate, wherein preferably the at least one pivotable pin protrudes through said support surface;
• a detection means configured to detect at least one measure representative for a position of the at least one pivotable pin, wherein preferably the detection means is arranged below the support surface,
• at least one controllable component configured to perform an action on the plate;
• and
• a control means configured to control the at least one controllable component based on the at least one measure.