Printing machine with an electrochemically changeable printing form, and method of operation

A printing machine for performing flat-bed printing having a printing form with hydrophobic and hydrophilic areas thereon corresponding to an image to be printed, and a device for electrochemically converting, respective areas thereof for producing a printing copy from the hydrophobic into the hydrophilic state, comprising a fluid applicator for applying a hydrophobic fluid to the entire surface of the printing form, a current-conducting arrangement for applying current to the hydrophobic fluid and a control device for controlling the current-conduction arrangement for selectively forming appropriate current paths and for electrochemically removing the hydrophobic fluid from areas of the printing-form surface corresponding to the hydrophilic areas required for the image to be printed, the current-conduction arrangement including an electrode arrangement, an electrolyte and at least one electric voltage source, the electrodes of said electrode arrangement forming a capillary structure in vicinity of the surface of the printing form.