Washout processor and washing method

A washout processor that develops an imagewise exposed flexographic printing plate precursor using a washing solution, the washout processor comprising:

• a developing tank that is filled with the washing solution;
• a development unit that performs the development by removing a non-exposed portion of the flexographic printing plate precursor using the washing solution in the developing tank;
• a transporting unit that carries the imagewise exposed flexographic printing plate precursor into the washing solution of the developing tank and that carries out the flexographic printing plate precursor after being developed by the development unit;
• a rinsing unit that supplies a rinsing liquid to the developed flexographic printing plate precursor carried out from the development unit by the transporting unit;
• and
• a flow creation unit that flows the washing solution in at least one region of a first region where the flexographic printing plate precursor is carried into the washing solution of the developing tank or a second region where the flexographic printing plate precursor is carried out from the washing solution of the developing tank, in an intersecting direction to cross a width of the flexographic printing plate precursor with respect to a traveling direction of the flexographic printing plate precursor.

A washing method of developing an imagewise exposed flexographic printing plate precursor using a washing solution, the washing method comprising:

• a developing step of performing the development by removing a non-exposed portion of the flexographic printing plate precursor using the washing solution in a developing tank filled with the washing solution;
• and
• a rinsing step of supplying a rinsing liquid to the developed flexographic printing plate precursor carried out from the developing tank,
• wherein the washing solution is flowed in at least one region of a first region where the flexographic printing plate precursor is carried into the washing solution of the developing tank or a second region where the flexographic printing plate precursor is carried out from the washing solution of the developing tank, in an intersecting direction to cross a width of the flexographic printing plate precursor with respect to a traveling direction of the flexographic printing plate precursor.