A method and apparatus for processing a lithographic printing plate precursor, comprising development with a first gum solution and subsequently with a second gum solution, wherein both gum solutions are provided in a cascade configuration whereby the second gum solution overflows into the first gum solution and the development is combined with mechanical rubbing and/or brushing by one or more flat brushes.

A lithographic printing plate precursor includes: a support; and an image-recording layer on the support, and the image-recording layer contains (meth)acrylic polymer A having a substituent containing two or more silicon atoms in a side chain.

Provided are a washout processor and a method for manufacturing a flexographic printing plate precursor, which have good productivity and work efficiency. A washout processor that develops a flexographic printing plate precursor after imagewise exposure using a developer includes a station for attaching the flexographic printing plate precursor, and a measurement unit that measures at least one of a size or a thickness of the flexographic printing plate precursor and a position of the flexographic printing plate precursor on the station.

An apparatus for treating a relief precursor with a liquid includes a housing, a conveying mechanism for transporting the relief precursor along a support plane in a transport direction through the housing, and a treatment section for treating the relief precursor with a liquid. The treatment section includes a plurality of brushes arranged in the housing for treating the relief precursor, the plurality of brushes including at least a first brush and a second brush downstream of the first brush and having a rotating axis with bristles. A squeeze element squeezes the bristles of the second brush and extends over a radial distance into the bristles of the second brush. The radial distance is at least 15% of the length of the bristles.