Abstract: There is described a printing machine for printing sheets, in particular sheets for the production of securities, banknotes, passports, ID cards and other valuable documents, comprising at least a sheet feeder, a printing unit, a delivery unit with delivery piles for the printed sheets and a sheet transport system for transporting the printed sheets along a transporting path from the printing unit to the delivery piles. The printing machine further comprises a laser perforating unit with at least one laser head disposed along the transporting path of the sheet transport system for perforating the printed sheets, and a first aspiration unit to maintain the printed sheets against an aspiration surface during perforation by said laser perforating unit.

Abstract: There is described an inspection system (10) for inspecting the quality of printed sheets which are transported by a sheet conveyor system comprising at least one sheet gripper system (3a, 3b) including a plurality of spaced-apart gripper bars (32) for holding the printed sheets by a leading edge thereof. The inspection system (10) comprises an optical quality control apparatus for carrying out inspection of a first side of the printed sheets while the printed sheets are being transported by the sheet gripper system (3b). The optical quality control apparatus includes a line camera (11) for scanning the first side of the printed sheets at an inspection location which is situated at a location proximate to a portion of the sheet gripper system (3b) where the gripper bars (32) transporting the printed sheets undergo a change of direction of displacement while the printed sheets are still being scanned by the line camera (11).

Abstract: There is described an inspection system (10) for inspecting the quality of printed sheets which are transported by a sheet conveyor system comprising at least one sheet gripper system (3a, 3b) including a plurality of spaced-apart gripper bars (32) for holding the printed sheets by a leading edge thereof. The inspection system (10) comprises an optical quality control apparatus for carrying out inspection of a first side of the printed sheets while the printed sheets are being transported by the sheet gripper system (3b). The optical quality control apparatus includes a line camera (11) for scanning the first side of the printed sheets at an inspection location which is situated at a location proximate to a portion of the sheet gripper system (3b) where the gripper bars (32) transporting the printed sheets undergo a change of direction of displacement while the printed sheets are still being scanned by the line camera (11).

Abstract: There is described an inspection system (10) for inspecting the quality of printed sheets which are transported by a sheet conveyor system comprising at least one sheet gripper system (3a, 3b) including a plurality of spaced-apart gripper bars (32) for holding the printed sheets by a leading edge thereof. The inspection system (10) comprises an optical quality control apparatus for carrying out inspection of a first side of the printed sheets while the printed sheets are being transported by the sheet gripper system (3b). The optical quality control apparatus includes a line camera (11) for scanning the first side of the printed sheets at an inspection location which is situated at a location proximate to a portion of the sheet gripper system (3b) where the gripper bars (32) transporting the printed sheets undergo a change of direction of displacement while the printed sheets are still being scanned by the line camera (11).

Abstract: There is described a method for applying foil material (200) onto successive sheets (S), especially sheets for the production of securities, such as banknotes. In a first step, individual sheets (S) are transported in succession along a sheet transport path. In a second step, at least one continuous band of foil material (200) is applied onto the individual sheets (S) along a direction substantially parallel to a direction of displacement (A) of the individual sheets, thereby forming a continuous flow of sheets linked to one another by the said at least one continuous band of foil material (200). In a third step, the said at least one continuous band of foil material (200) is cut by means of a laser beam (L) such that the continuous flow of sheets is again separated into individual sheets (S) with portions of foil material (200*) remaining on the sheet.

Abstract: There is described a cylinder body (10) for orienting magnetic flakes contained in an ink or varnish vehicle applied on a sheet-like or web-like substrate, which cylinder body (10) has a plurality of magnetic-field-generating devices (50, 60) disposed on an outer circumference of the cylinder body (10). The cylinder body (10) comprises a plurality of distinct annular supporting rings (40) distributed axially along a common shaft member (20), each annular supporting ring (40) carrying a set of magnetic-field-generating devices (50, 60) which are distributed circumferentially on an outer circumference of the annular supporting rings (40).

Abstract: There is described a method for applying foil material onto successive sheets, especially sheets of securities. In a first step, individual sheets are transported in succession along a sheet transport path. In a second step, at least one continuous band of foil material is applied onto the individual sheets along a direction substantially parallel to a direction of displacement of the individual sheets, thereby forming a continuous flow of sheets linked to one another by the said at least one continuous band of foil material. In a third step, the said at least one continuous band of foil material is cut such that the continuous flow of sheets is again separated into individual sheets with portions of foil material remaining on the sheet. The cutting is performed at positions located on the sheets such that said portions of foil material remaining on the sheets do not extend beyond leading and trailing edges of the sheets. There is also described an installation for carrying out the above method.

Abstract: There is described a method for applying foil material (200) onto successive sheets (S), especially sheets of securities. In a first step, individual sheets (S) are transported in succession along a sheet transport path. In a second step, at least one continuous band of foil material (200) is applied onto the individual sheets (S) along a direction substantially parallel to a direction of displacement of the individual sheets, thereby forming a continuous flow of sheets linked to one another by the said at least one continuous band of foil material (200). In a third step, the said at least one continuous band of foil material (200) is cut by means of a laser beam such that the continuous flow of sheets is again separated into individual sheets (S) with portions of foil material (200*) remaining on the sheet. The cutting is performed at positions located on the sheets (S) such that said portions of foil material (200*) remaining on the sheets do not extend beyond leading and trailing edges of the sheets (S).

Abstract: There is described a cylinder body (10) for orienting magnetic flakes contained in an ink or varnish vehicle applied on a sheet-like or web-like substrate, which cylinder body (10) has a plurality of magnetic-field-generating devices (50, 60) disposed on an outer circumference of the cylinder body (10). The cylinder body (10) comprises a plurality of distinct annular supporting rings (40) distributed axially along a common shaft member (20), each annular supporting ring (40) carrying a set of magnetic-field-generating devices (50, 60) which are distributed circumferentially on an outer circumference of the annular supporting rings (40).

Abstract: There is described a cylinder body (10) for orienting magnetic flakes contained in an ink or varnish vehicle applied on a sheet-like or web-like substrate, which cylinder body (10) has a plurality of magnetic-field-generating devices (50, 60) disposed on an outer circumference of the cylinder body (10). The cylinder body (10) comprises a plurality of distinct annular supporting rings (40) distributed axially along a common shaft member (20), each annular supporting ring (40) carrying a set of magnetic-field-generating devices (50, 60) which are distributed circumferentially on an outer circumference of the annular supporting rings (40).

Abstract: There is described a method for applying foil material (200) onto successive sheets (S), especially sheets for the production of securities, such as banknotes. In a first step, individual sheets (S) are transported in succession along a sheet transport path. In a second step, at least one continuous band of foil material (200) is applied onto the individual sheets (S) along a direction substantially parallel to a direction of displacement (A) of the individual sheets, thereby forming a continuous flow of sheets linked to one another by the said at least one continuous band of foil material (200). In a third step, the said at least one continuous band of foil material (200) is cut by means of a laser beam (L) such that the continuous flow of sheets is again separated into individual sheets (S) with portions of foil material (200*) remaining on the sheet.

Abstract: There is described an inspection system (10) for inspecting the quality of printed sheets which are transported by a sheet conveyor system comprising at least one sheet gripper system (3a, 3b) including a plurality of spaced-apart gripper bars (32) for holding the printed sheets by a leading edge thereof. The inspection system (10) comprises an optical quality control apparatus for carrying out inspection of a first side of the printed sheets while the printed sheets are being transported by the sheet gripper system (3b). The optical quality control apparatus includes a line camera (11) for scanning the first side of the printed sheets at an inspection location which is situated at a location proximate to a portion of the sheet gripper system (3b) where the gripper bars (32) transporting the printed sheets undergo a change of direction of displacement while the printed sheets are still being scanned by the line camera (11).

Abstract: A cylinder for stamping planar substrates, such as sheets of paper comprises at least a pit with clamping means for holding a stamping medium on said cylinder, said medium comprising at least a row of stamps distributed along the medium. The medium is formed by a stamping plate or by stamping strips and said cylinder further comprises at least a supporting piece forming a bridge over said pit.

Abstract: There is described a method for applying foil material onto successive sheets, especially sheets of securities. In a first step, individual sheets are transported in succession along a sheet transport path. In a second step, at least one continuous band of foil material is applied onto the individual sheets along a direction substantially parallel to a direction of displacement of the individual sheets, thereby forming a continuous flow of sheets linked to one another by the said at least one continuous band of foil material. In a third step, the said at least one continuous band of foil material is cut such that the continuous flow of sheets is again separated into individual sheets with portions of foil material remaining on the sheet. The cutting is performed at positions located on the sheets such that said portions of foil material remaining on the sheets do not extend beyond leading and trailing edges of the sheets. There is also described an installation for carrying out the above method.

Abstract: There is described a method for applying foil material (200) onto successive sheets (S), especially sheets of securities. In a first step, individual sheets (S) are transported in succession along a sheet transport path. In a second step, at least one continuous band of foil material (200) is applied onto the individual sheets (S) along a direction substantially parallel to a direction of displacement of the individual sheets, thereby forming a continuous flow of sheets linked to one another by the said at least one continuous band of foil material (200). In a third step, the said at least one continuous band of foil material (200) is cut such that the continuous flow of sheets is again separated into individual sheets (S) with portions of foil material (200*) remaining on the sheet. The cutting is performed at positions located on the sheets (S) such that said portions of foil material (200*) remaining on the sheets do not extend beyond leading and trailing edges of the sheets (S).

Abstract: There is described a method for applying foil material (200) onto successive sheets (S), especially sheets of securities. In a first step, individual sheets (S) are transported in succession along a sheet transport path. In a second step, at least one continuous band of foil material (200) is applied onto the individual sheets (S) along a direction substantially parallel to a direction of displacement of the individual sheets, thereby forming a continuous flow of sheets linked to one another by the said at least one continuous band of foil material (200). In a third step, the said at least one continuous band of foil material (200) is cut by means of a laser beam such that the continuous flow of sheets is again separated into individual sheets (S) with portions of foil material (200*) remaining on the sheet. The cutting is performed at positions located on the sheets (S) such that said portions of foil material (200*) remaining on the sheets do not extend beyond leading and trailing edges of the sheets (S).

Abstract: There is described a cylinder body (10) for orienting magnetic flakes contained in an ink or varnish vehicle applied on a sheet-like or web-like substrate, which cylinder body (10) has a plurality of magnetic-field-generating devices (50, 60) disposed on an outer circumference of the cylinder body (10). The cylinder body (10) comprises a plurality of distinct annular supporting rings (40) distributed axially along a common shaft member (20), each annular supporting ring (40) carrying a set of magnetic-field-generating devices (50, 60) which are distributed circumferentially on an outer circumference of the annular supporting rings (40).

Abstract: There is described a method for applying foil material (200) onto successive sheets (S), especially sheets of securities. In a first step, individual sheets (S) are transported in succession along a sheet transport path. In a second step, at least one continuous band of foil material (200) is applied onto the individual sheets (S) along a direction substantially parallel to a direction of displacement of the individual sheets, thereby forming a continuous flow of sheets linked to one another by the said at least one continuous band of foil material (200). In a third step, the said at least one continuous band of foil material (200) is cut such that the continuous flow of sheets is again separated into individual sheets (S) with portions of foil material (200*) remaining on the sheet. The cutting is performed at positions located on the sheets (S) such that said portions of foil material (200*) remaining on the sheets do not extend beyond leading and trailing edges of the sheets (S).

Abstract: A cylinder for stamping planar substrates, such as sheets of paper comprises at least a pit with clamping means for holding a stamping medium on said cylinder, said medium comprising at least a row of stamps distributed along the medium. The medium is formed by a stamping plate or by stamping strips and said cylinder further comprises at least a supporting piece forming a bridge over said pit.

Abstract: The invention relates to devices for aligning sheets (1), which are overlapped with an offset and supplied to the device by a stream feeder and which can be transferred to a device (63) that is located downstream, after alignment of the front edge and one lateral edge of the sheets. At least pant of a sheet can be brought to rest on the periphery of an alignment cylinder (62), which is used to align the front edge of the sheet by means of front lay marks located on the periphery of said cylinder. At least one recess is provided on the periphery of the alignment cylinder, which, by the application of a negative pressure to said recess allows at least part of the sheet to be fixed by friction on the periphery of the alignment cylinder, in such a way that in the contact zone, drive forces from said cylinder can be transferred by friction to the sheet. A measuring device (64) determines the offset of a lateral edge of the sheet in relation to a predetermined set alignment.