A processing system and a device manufacturing method that can perform manufacturing of an electronic device without stopping the entire manufacturing system, even when the processing state actually implemented on a sheet substrate by a processing device differs from the target processing state. A processing system for sequentially conveying a long, flexible sheet substrate along a length direction to each of a first through a third processing device to form a predetermined pattern on the sheet substrate, wherein the first through the third processing devices implement a predetermined process relating to the sheet substrate according to setting conditions set to each processing device, and when at least one from among the states of the actual processing implemented on the sheet substrate by each of the first through the third processing devices exhibits a processing error relative to a target processing state, changes other setting conditions, separate from the setting conditions exhibiting the processing error, according to the processing error.

A method and apparatus for processing a lithographic printing plate includes development with an alkaline solution and gumming 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.

A method for processing a heat-sensitive lithographic printing plate material includes the steps of first treating the plate material with an alkaline development solution followed by treating the plate material with an aqueous solution containing a buffer.

A method for processing a lithographic printing plate includes development with an alkaline solution and gumming with a first gum solution and subsequently with a second gum solution, wherein both gum solutions are provided in a cascade configuration in which the second gum solution overflows into the first gum solution and wherein an alkaline silicate-free developer is used.

An apparatus for processing a lithographic printing plate material includes a development unit and a closed loop recirculation system including at least one inlet opening for removing a development solution and at least one inlet opening for injecting the development solution.

A method for processing a lithographic printing plate, comprising includes development with an alkaline solution and gumming 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.

An apparatus for processing a lithographic printing plate material includes a development unit including a development cavity, the cavity including a bottom plate, a cover plate and sidewalls which together define a volume which is closed with the exception of an entry aperture which allows a plate material to enter the cavity and an exit aperture which allows a plate material to leave the cavity; wherein the cover plate is provided with at least one protruding element at the side facing the development unit.

A method for processing a lithographic printing plate material includes treating the plate material with an alkaline development solution, and treating the plate material with an aqueous liquid whereby the aqueous liquid is sprayed to both the front side and the backside of the plate material.

A method for processing a lithographic printing plate includes development with an alkaline solution and gumming with a first gum solution and subsequently with a second gum solution, wherein both gum solutions are provided in a cascade configuration wherein the second gum solution overflows into the first gum solution and wherein the plate material includes an aluminium support having a hydrophilic surface which includes more than 2.0 g/m.sup.2 of aluminum oxide.

A method for processing a lithographic printing plate includes development with an alkaline solution and gumming 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 wherein the gum solution(s) include a nitrate salt.