Washout processor and washing method

Abstract

A washout processor and a washing method suppress brush marks and development unevenness. The processor includes a unit that performs development by simultaneously performing circular movement and linear reciprocation of a developing brush on the flexographic printing plate precursor. The circular movement and the linear reciprocation of the developing brush satisfy at least one of conditions (a) or (b). Condition (a) when a stop time when switching between directions of the linear reciprocation of the developing brush is t seconds and a rotation speed of the circular movement of the developing brush is R times per second, t<R is satisfied. Condition (b) when the number of times of linear reciprocation per unit time in the linear reciprocation of the developing brush is f times per second and the rotation speed of the circular movement of the developing brush is R times per second, f<R is satisfied.