Abstract: A method for creating a structured surface or a safety or decorative feature based thereon in a process of the printing industry wherein a liquid, preferably ink or varnish, and particles, preferably pearlescent pigments or a material having a similar effect are applied to a substrate. The liquid is provided with a surface structure and is characterized by a creation of a random surface structure, in particular a structure of mountains and valleys, of the liquid and by the creation of a random particle distribution, preferably a random particle orientation, by blowing a gas such as air onto the unhardened liquid which may be heated if desired. The surface that is thus created has a unique structure that is discernible by the human eye or detectable by camera and may, for instance, have a light/dark change.

Abstract: A process for screened application of fluids to substrates includes i) providing a substrate being unscreened at least in a portion or a coating of the substrate unscreened at least in the portion, having a screened first image of a first fluid applied to the substrate in the portion, or ii) a substrate being screened at least in the portion or a coating of the substrate screened at least in the portion, having a first image of a first fluid with a different screen applied to the substrate in the portion (preferably with an offset printing form in i) and ii)). An unscreened second image of a second fluid (preferably transparent varnish) is applied to the substrate, covering the first image, in the portion (preferably with flexographic printing form). Formation of the second fluid on the substrate in the portion is substantially determined with the screen of the first image.

Abstract: A method for producing a pseudo-stochastic master surface for producing a cover or jacket of a cylinder for contacting printing material, includes providing the master surface with a pseudo-stochastic distribution of microsurfaces. The master surface is produced on the basis of a digital master in a jacket preliminary stage and serves for a preferably galvanic production of a microstructured cover, in which structure elevations correlate with the microsurfaces. The pseudo-stochastic distribution helps to avoid disruptive discernible effects, for example the moiré effect and helps to construct the microstructuring in a targeted manner. A master surface, a method for producing a cylinder cover, a cylinder cover, a machine for processing printing material, a method for producing printed products and a method for microstamping printed products, are also provided.

Abstract: A security feature is produced on a flat substrate, e.g. on paper or board. Particles—forming a cryptographic random pattern—are applied, preferably scattered on, to the substrate or incorporated into the substrate. Flexible pieces of wire or fiber, in particular thin pieces of copper wire, are applied to or incorporated into the substrate in a feature area corresponding to the security feature. The security feature can be provided with a protective layer, e.g. a laminate. A security feature produced in accordance with the invention can be detected simply and faultlessly and evaluated cryptographically. Furthermore, it cannot be imitated, or can be imitated only uneconomically, with known printing processes.

Abstract: A configuration for detecting a physical parameter at a stack of sheets resting on top of each other obtains signals from inside a stack in a wireless manner. At least one sensor that responds to changes in the parameter, is disposed between two sheets in the stack and is connected to a stationary evaluation unit. The sensor and the evaluation unit are connected by a wireless connection.

Abstract: A printing unit of a printing material processing machine, preferably a sheetfed offset printing press, includes a form cylinder and an impression cylinder. The form cylinder has a printing form for applying printed information to the printing material and the impression cylinder has a microstructured surface, preferably a cover, contacting the printing material. A surface of the impression cylinder contacting the printing material is provided with micro-embossed structures for applying embossed information to the printing material. The printing material is printed and embossed simultaneously. A security feature and/or a change in gloss can be implemented on the printed product through the use of the embossed, preferably micro-embossed, information.

Abstract: A method for the production of a steganographic image on a printing material includes bringing the printing material into contact with a transfer film after an adhesive raster corresponding to the steganographic image was previously applied to the printing material and/or the transfer film.

Abstract: A method for producing a security feature on a printing form includes providing an imaging device, particularly a laser device, having a feed, and varying the feed of the imaging device to produce the security feature on the printing form. The variation of the feed can be carried out periodically or randomly, for example, and produces a light-dark pattern as a visual impression. The security feature can only be reproduced with knowledge of the feed variation. An apparatus for carrying out the method, an imaging device, a printing machine including the apparatus, and a printing form and printed product produced thereby are also provided.

Abstract: A method for clearing a re-imageable printing form, includes treating the printing form with a fluid clearing medium; a device for performing the method; and a printing machine including the device.

Abstract: A printing machine includes a printing form, an optical imaging unit for directly imaging the printing form, and an inking unit for inking the printing form, the printing form having a surface formed of a material with wetting properties reversibly changeable between a state with a very small contact angle and a state with a relatively large contact angle, the state with a small contact angle being achievable by action of light having a wavelength shorter than a material-specific wavelength, and a cleaning device for cleaning the surface of the printing form; and a printing process performed with the printing machine.

Abstract: A device for engraving intaglio cylinders and similar printing forms having an engraving tool which, together with a sensing member sensing the surface of the printing form to be engraved, is mounted in a holder movable relative to the surface of the printing form. The sensing member is a distance measuring member which contactlessly measures the distance from the surface of the printing form. On the basis of the distance measured from the distance-measuring member, the holder is adjusted relative to the surface of the printing form by an adjusting element, for maintaining a predetermined tool distance between the engraving tool and the surface to be engraved.