Apparatus and methods for manipulating plates

A system for moving a flexible plate, in particular a printing plate or a printing plate precursor, over a support surface in the direction of a treatment station, such as a washer station, said system comprising:

• a support configured for supporting the plate on a support surface thereof, and intended to be located upstream of the treatment station;
• an articulated operating arm extending substantially parallel to the support surface and comprising at least a first segment and a second segment;
• said first segment having
• a first end which is rotatably connected to said second segment around a first rotation axis which is substantially perpendicular to the support surface, and
• a second end provided with a plate engagement means configured to contact the plate in such a way that a movement of the operating arm causes a sliding of the plate over the support surface;
• said second segment being rotatable around a second rotation axis which is substantially perpendicular to the support surface;
• a control means configured to control the plate engagement means, and to control the rotation of the first and second segment of the articulated operating arm, such that the plate is slid over the support in the direction of the treatment station.