Method for handling printing plates

A method for handling printing plates, the method comprising:

• placing an exposed printing plate on a bending table of a bending device;
• bending the exposed printing plate in the bending device to form a leading end and a trailing end;
• gripping the exposed and bent printing plate in a gripping bar at one of said leading and trailing ends;
• transferring the gripping bar and the printing plate gripped thereby to a transporting device;
• transporting the gripping bar and the printing plate gripped thereby toward the printing press by means of the transporting device;
• removing the gripping bar and the printing plate gripped thereby from the transporting device;
• and
• transferring the printing plate, while gripped by the gripping bar, from the transporting device to a form cylinder of a printing mechanism.