(57) A direct-to-plate method of lithographic printing is disclosed wherein a printing
press is used that is coupled to a coating apparatus and to a cleaning apparatus;
wherein the coating apparatus applies an image-recording layer on a substrate so as
to obtain a printing plate, which is mechanically transferred to the printing press;
and wherein, after the print job, the printing plate is mechanically transferred to
the cleaning apparatus wherein the substrate is recycled, so that the recycled substrated
can be reused in a next cycle of coating, printing and cleaning. The off-press coating
and the off-press cleaning step provide a fully automated printing method wherein
the press down-time is minimized. The method comprises also an off-press or an on-press
exposure step.
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