Abstract: A device for measuring a surface or elevations of the surface of a rotary body provided as a cylinder, a roller, a sleeve, or a plate for a graphic industry machine, includes a first motor for rotating the rotary body about an axis of rotation and a measuring device including at least one radiation source, at least one area scan camera, and at least one computer used to take contactless measurements on the surface which is permanently sticky and/or compressible and/or porous and therefore difficult to measure. The measuring device uses a virtual reference object saved on the computer to determine the concentricity of the rotary body on the basis of the measurement results. A system including the measuring device and a flexographic printing press is also provided.

Abstract: A method of operating a flexographic printing press having a printing cylinder carrying a sleeve with at least one flexographic printing forme or a flexographic printing cylinder, and an impression cylinder, includes adjusting contact pressure between the printing cylinder or the flexographic printing cylinder and the impression cylinder by motor. The adjustment is made in an automated way as a function of a dot density of the flexographic printing forme, i.e. of a location-dependent density of printing elevations on the flexographic printing forme or data computationally derived therefrom. A cost-efficient way of producing high-quality prints in an industrial flexographic printing process is thus provided. In addition, the method advantageously provides further automation of the printing process. A flexographic printing press, a flexographic printing press system, and a flexographic printing forme or sleeve for a flexographic printing forme are also provided.

Abstract: An Actuating device for a bicycle is provided. The actuating device may include a static element which is positionally fixed in relation to a bicycle frame, a movable element which is movable in relation to the static element, an electromechanical drive which provides drive force for a movement of the movable element. The electromechanical drive has a motor and a gearing driven by the motor. The gearing may include a first gearing wheel and a second gearing wheel which is in engagement with the first gearing wheel.

Abstract: A device for measuring elevations on a surface of a rotary body provided as a cylinder, sleeve, or plate for a graphic industry machine, for instance a flexographic printing plate, includes a first motor rotating the rotary body about an axis of rotation and a measuring device including at least one radiation source, at least one line scan camera, and a computer taking contact-free measurements and combining individual images of the line scan camera to form a joint image. The measuring device preferably includes a reference object such as a wire tautened in an axially parallel direction, a second motor and, if required, a further second motor adjusting the measuring device and/or reference object perpendicular to the axis of rotation. The device provides fast high-precision measurements of elevations such as flexographic printing dots. A system includes the measuring device and a flexographic printing press.

Abstract: A method is disclosed, which method is or at least can be carried out in a flexographic printing press for the purpose of determining a position of mutual contact between a printing roller and at least one counter roller. An average position of mutual contact between the printing roller and the counter roller is calculated, based on every position of mutual contact between the printing roller and the counter roller that is determined for a specific angular position of the printing roller and is used to execute a printing process carried out by the flexographic printing press.

Abstract: A method for the determination of print parameters of a printing machine, particularly a flexographic printing machine, comprises the following steps: First, a print form (12) is provided and mounted on a print cylinder (14). Then, at least one high-resolution image of the surface of the print form (12) is recorded by means of a 3D camera (18). On the basis of the at least one high-resolution image a height profile of the print form (12) is determined and then a simulated print image is calculated on the basis of the height profile and an initial set of print parameters. Finally, optimized print parameters are determined by checking and/or varying the print parameters of the initial set. For this purpose, a simulated print image is calculated again after the print parameters have been varied. In addition, a test stand is specified on which such a method can be carried out.

Abstract: A box making machinery and a corrugated board running register method, include a feeding unit, a processing apparatus which carries out processing on a corrugated board, a running register device which adjusts the processing position of the processing device in a carrying direction of the corrugated board, and a control device which controls the running register device, wherein the control device includes a carrying misalignment amount calculation unit which calculates the carrying misalignment amount of the corrugated board from the feeding unit to a preset predetermined carrying position, and a control unit which adjusts the processing position of the corrugated board to be processed next using the running register device on the basis of the carrying misalignment amount after processing of the corrugated board has finished.

Abstract: Devices are provided for aligning magnetic or magnetizable particles, which particles are contained in a coating that is applied on one side of a substrate, which substrate is in the form of a web or sheet. The device has a magnet cylinder, which is arranged in a transport path of the substrate to be conveyed and, in a region of the outer circumference of the magnet cylinder, the device has a plurality of devices for effecting a magnetic field, or magnet devices for short. Some or all of the magnet devices comprise a magnet which is rotatable by an associated motor. The magnet cylinder is rotatably arranged in frame walls of a frame. At least one transducer for contactless transfer of electrical energy or control signals from the outside is provided in or on the rotating magnet cylinder, which comprises a first transducer part fixed to the frame and a second transducer part fixed to the cylinder during operation.

Abstract: A control apparatus of a web processing system that executes predetermined processing onto a web continuously existing along a movement passage, in which the web processing system includes a rotating body that rotates while being in contact with the web, and the control apparatus controls a rotation speed of the rotating body such that a circumferential speed of the rotating body at a contact surface with the web matches a transport speed of the web.

Abstract: Plate cylinder driving devices of a printing machine are provided with a drive shaft driving the plate cylinder, a drive helical gear fixed to the drive shaft, and an anti-backlash helical gear rotatably connected to the drive shaft and is biased by at least a spring towards a direction for preventing backlash. Both the drive helical gear and the anti-backlash helical gear are engaged with the main gear, and a plate provided with plural holes accommodating rollers is provided between the drive helical gear and the anti-backlash helical gear. Friction between the anti-backlash gear and the drive gear is reduced by a simple mechanism in the plate cylinder driving devices in a printing machine.

Abstract: Techniques herein include systems and methods for dispensing liquids on a substrate with real-time coverage control and removal control. Techniques also encompass quality control of dispense systems. Systems and methods enable visual examination of liquids progressing on a surface of a substrate. This includes capturing and/or examining stroboscopic images of movement of a given liquid on a working surface of a substrate, and then generating feedback data for modifying a corresponding dispense. Dispenses can be modified by increasing/decreasing a dispense rate and increasing/decreasing a rotational velocity of a substrate. Feedback can be generated by automated and/or manual analysis of real time progression as well as post-process analysis of collections of images.

Abstract: In an example, a printing device comprises a component to engage with a surface, a first load sensor, a second load sensor and a controller. The component has a first part which is drivable to engage and disengage with the surface by a first engagement device and a second part which is drivable to engage and disengage with the surface by a second engagement device. The first load sensor is to measure a load on the first engagement device. The second load sensor is to measure a load on the second engagement device. The controller is to receive first load information from the first load sensor and second load information from the second load sensor; and determine whether or not to alter an operational parameter of the printing device, based on the received first load information and the received second load information.

Abstract: For a flexographic printing apparatus, an apparatus (1) and method for mounting a printing plate (2) on a printing cylinder (4) or a printing sleeve including a system for pre-alignment (5, 8) of a printing plate (2) and real-time alignment (5, 8) of the printing plate (2) during mounting.

Abstract: A printing system and method of printing are provided herein. The printing system may generate custom user designs for printing. The designs may be associated with a selected print medium. The print medium may have a particular layout. The printing system may convert the design for printing on other print media without requiring user alteration or input of the design. In another aspect, the printing system may facilitate printing the designs via local printers and/or via professional printers. Accordingly, printing of designs on different print-receptive media items can be accomplished.

Abstract: A cover tape feed device is provided to feed a cover tape onto the surface of a bead core. The cover tape feed device includes a conveyance member that is capable of reciprocating between an advanced position and a retracted position. The conveyance member moves from the retracted position to the advanced position while supporting the cover tape and conveys the cover tape onto the surface of the bead core. The cover tape feed device includes a guide roller for guiding a feed of the cover tape, which is arranged to be rotational at a position farther from the bead core than the conveyance member is from the bead core, and a transmission mechanism that converts movement from the retracted position to the advanced position of the conveyance member into rotation in a tape feeding direction of the guide roller.

Abstract: A web printing press is provided. The web printing press includes at least one printing unit printing images on a web, at least one press component in direct contact with the web, a cutting device for cutting the web into sheets and a controller transmitting a virtual master signal to the at least one printing unit and at least one press component. A sensor senses the at least one press component or directly senses the web downstream of the at least one print unit and generates a sensor signal. A processor receives the sensor signal and the virtual master signal, the processor transmits a modified virtual master signal to the cutting device as a function of the received sensor signal. Methods are also provided.

Abstract: A rotary system capable of maintaining a distance of separation between two rotary machines and inhibiting vibration in an intermediate shaft connecting rotary shafts of the two rotary machines to each other. The rotary system includes a first rotary machine having a first rotary shaft, a second rotary machine having a second rotary shaft, and an intermediate shaft device having an intermediate shaft main body having a first end portion connected to the first rotary shaft and a second end portion connected to the second rotary shaft and rotating about an axis and a plurality of bearing devices slidably supporting the intermediate shaft main body.

Abstract: There is described an intaglio printing press (1; 1*) comprising a plate cylinder (8) carrying one or more intaglio printing plates, the plate cylinder (8) receiving ink from an inking system (9, 20, 23; 20*, 23*) having a plurality of chablon cylinders (23; 23*) transferring ink directly or indirectly onto the plate cylinder (8), the intaglio printing press (1; 1*) comprising an adjustment system acting on the chablon cylinders (23; 23*) in order to compensate elongation of the one or more intaglio printing plates. The adjustment system comprises, for each chablon cylinder (23; 23*), an adjustable drive unit, which adjustable drive unit (25) is interposed between the chablon cylinder (23; 23*) acting as a rotating output body of the adjustable drive unit (25) and a driving gear (100) acting as a rotating input body of the adjustable drive unit (25).

Abstract: A device and a method for operating an electromechanical adjustment device having an electric drive device, include a control unit that detects the reaching of a mechanical end stop of the adjustment device and controls and/or regulates the electric drive device. After a mechanical end stop of the adjustment device is reached, a change in the direction of rotation is automatically actuated in the electric drive device for a predefinable period of time or a predefinable traveling distance.

Abstract: In apparatuses for automatically folding items of laundry, items of laundry of different lengths usually are folded in an irregular sequence, resulting in idling and/or delays in particular in the longitudinal-folding station (13). The invention provides for determining the length of each item of laundry (10) upstream of the longitudinal-folding station (13) and for accelerating short items of laundry as they are transported through the longitudinal-folding station (13), whereas larger items of laundry are slowed down in the longitudinal-folding station (13). Following completion of the longitudinal-folding operation, the respectively folded item of laundry is located at the end of the longitudinal-folding station (13) and, immediately following completion of the longitudinal folding, is transported away out of the longitudinal-folding station (13).

Abstract: Variable-format offset printing units are provided in which each of the two supporting members of the intermediate cylinder is connected to the respective supporting member of the impression cylinder by a respective linear actuation device which includes a first element and a second element that are movable relative to each other along a direction of relative movement, wherein the first element of each linear actuation device is hinged to a respective supporting member of the intermediate cylinder and wherein the second element of each linear actuation device is hinged to a respective supporting member of the impression cylinder.

Abstract: Apparatuses and methods for producing an absorbent article are provided. Graphics are printed on a substrate, where consecutive graphics are separated in the machine direction by a first repeat pitch length. The substrate is activated, or incrementally stretched, in a first direction to define a second repeat pitch distance. The second repeat pitch distance is substantially equal to the pitch length of the absorbent article pitch length. The substrate is activated, or incrementally stretched, in the machine direction subsequent to printing to increase the repeat pitch distance. The substrate may be activated in the cross direction to increase the width of the substrate. Only portions of the substrate may undergo activation. The activation may be performed with rollers and/or stamping.

Abstract: A method of preparing cylinders for printing on a web during auto transfer operations is provided. The method includes the steps of printing images on a web with at least one first printing cylinder; accelerating at least one second printing cylinder so that the at least one second printing cylinder has a surface velocity that equals a velocity of the web; adjusting a phasing of the at least one second printing cylinder with respect to the web during the accelerating step and before the surface velocity of the at least one second printing cylinder equals the velocity of the web; moving the at least one first printing cylinder away from the web and moving the at least one second printing cylinder towards the web; and printing images on the web with the at least one second printing cylinder. A printing press configured for auto transfer is also provided.

Abstract: A printing press includes a printing form cylinder, a blanket cylinder, an impression cylinder, an adjusting device for setting a printing pressure between the blanket cylinder and the impression cylinder, a control device for throwing the pressure of the blanket cylinder on and off relative to the impression cylinder and springs for producing bearer ring pressure between bearer rings of the printing form cylinder and bearer rings of the blanket cylinder. The springs are integrated into coupling links and are connected to at least one of the two devices in such a way that, as a result of the actuation of that device, the springs are also adjusted, in order to keep the bearer ring pressure at least substantially constant.

Abstract: A method for setting position register and color register in a sheet-fed printing press having a control computer, which provides for one setting operation, in which both position and color register are set by the control computer. For the purposes of the setting, both the register setting elements in the printing units and the setting elements in the feeder are used. The invention is distinguished by the fact that before carrying out the setting operations, during the calculation of the travels for the register setting elements and setting elements in the feeder, an optimization comprising the travels of the register setting elements and the setting elements in the feeder is carried out in the computer.

Abstract: The printing machine for variable format offset includes a printing roller or drum, and at least one printing group including a guide system fixed in relation with the printing roller or drum, a first carriage displaceable along the guide system and configured for supporting a rubber-wrapped blanket roller or sleeve of variable size, a second carriage displaceable along the guide system and configured for supporting a plate roller or sleeve of variable size, and a third carriage displaceable along the guide system carrying an offset inking head. The head has devices for approximating the third carriage to the plate roller, identifying and fixing its working position in relation with the plate sleeve and fitting ink-supplying roller or rollers to the plate roller.

Abstract: An assembly for axially aligning a print die, the assembly comprising an axle; at least a first expandable force ring receiving the axle; a roll having a circumferential outer surface and a hollow bore receiving the axle and the at least first expandable force ring; loading sleeves connected operatively to the axle for alternatively outwardly compressing the at least first expandable force ring against the roll's hollow bore, for resisting axial movement of the roll with respect to the axle, and for alternatively inwardly decompressing the at least first expandable force ring for permitting such axial movement; and print die mounting magnets fixedly attached to the roll's outer circumferential surface for attaching the print die to the roll.

Abstract: A press includes a blanket cylinder, an impression cylinder, and a roller. The impression cylinder rollingly engages the blanket cylinder to form a nip and includes at least one gripper configured to selectively secure an end of a media sheet relative to the impression cylinder. The roller is selectively engageable against the impression cylinder to apply to pressure to the secured media sheet prior to its passage through the nip.

Abstract: A compact printing unit includes a plate cylinder, an impression cylinder, and an ink applicator roller in a printing press, in particular a label printing press. In the printing unit, the plate cylinder is disengageable from cylinders contacting the plate cylinder for the purpose of format variation. The plate cylinder is pivotable about the impression cylinder about a pivot axis which is parallel to the axis of rotation of the impression cylinder and a distance between the axes of rotation of the plate cylinder and the impression cylinder is variable. A printing press and a method of producing labels or self-adhesive labels in a printing press are also provided.

Abstract: A printing press includes at least one exchangeable cylinder (10, 12) that is rotatably supported in a machine frame, a movable bearing member (18) forming part of a bearing (44) for the exchangeable cylinder (12), and a sensor head (26, 28, 30) that is capable of receiving signals from a signalling device (22, 24, 32) that is mounted on one of the cylinders (10, 12) of the printing press, and the sensor head (26, 28, 30) is mounted on the movable bearing member (18) and is arranged to receive the signals from a signalling device (22, 24, 32) at least when the bearing member (18) is in a predetermined position.

Abstract: A method for calibrating a rotary printing press, in which a bearing structure for a printing cylinder is adjusted relative to another component of the printing press, and positions of the bearing structure are measured, including the steps of mounting a calibration tool on a mandrel that is supported in the bearing structure, the calibration tool having at least one contact sensitive switch, moving the bearing structure until the at least one switch contacts the other component, and upon detection of a signal from the at least one switch, storing a measured position of the bearing structure as a reference position.

Abstract: A method of file preparation, ripping and plate making for high end graphics printed on cylindrical products utilizing Dry Offset printing presses. While utilizing two inverse angle techniques and one fixed angle on the Black, with virtually unlimited color pluralities, encompassing a majority of all open areas of the common printing blanket without any ink overlap. The nesting of the halftone dots at even coarse line screen rulings eliminating a dot rosette pattern and creating a continuous tone appearance. Print contrast is increased to that of offset printing quality and ink contamination over the course of the run length is virtually eliminated. This current invention also increases the ability to print white with colors as opposed to needing white coating done in advanced to transparent plastics and metallic surfaces.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and a machine for aligning at least two flexographic printing plates on at least one printing cylinder. The method comprises the steps of capturing an image relating to a first plate, capturing the image relating to a portion of a second plate, reprocessing the image captured from the first plate so as to obtain a portion thereof corresponding to the image relating to the portion of the second plate, concurrently displaying said reprocessed image and the image captured from the second plate and aligning said two images.

Abstract: A method and a system for producing a printing form for a printing process on a printing press, produces a first printing form based on first image data and prints a printing image on a printing substrate with the printing form. Printing presses without inking zones do not permit regulation of quantitative ink supply with inking zones screws. To permit a printer to manipulate ink density on a printing substrate even after exposure of a first printing plate within a printing press without inking zones, correction values are generated in the vicinity of the printing press in regions on the basis of at least a printing image printed on the printing substrate. The correction values are then used for correcting printing originals on which printing is based and/or screened image data and at least one second printing form is produced on the basis of at least the correction values.

Abstract: A system and method for reducing and/or eliminating the printed layer-over-layer registration error.

Abstract: A lateral register correcting device includes, a first adjusting unit that comprises a plurality of the pressing members arranged in a central area in the width direction of the web, a second adjusting unit that comprises one or more of the pressing members arranged in an outer area in the width direction of the web than the first adjusting unit, and an adjusting system that can adjust a pressure amount in the central area in the width direction of the web and a pressure amount in the outer area in the width direction of the web to different values through the first and second adjusting units. The pressing members are pressure rollers in a disc shape, and the pressure rollers of the second adjusting unit have an outer diameter set larger than that of the pressure rollers of the first adjusting unit.

Abstract: An apparatus in a machine for processing printing material has a register sensor for register measurement between at least two color separations of a printed image printed above one another on a printing material. The register sensor registers optically deviations between the two color separations and forwards the deviations onto a computer. The register sensor contains at least one photodiode having at least two quadrants. The largely rectangular evaluation areas of the photodiode are aligned obliquely in relation to the edges of the conveyed printing material. A register mark to be detected by the register sensor has a plurality of wedge-shaped colored areas pointing in a peripheral direction of the printing material, one of the wedge-shaped colored areas being a reference color used as a reference variable and others of the wedge-shaped colored areas being register colors to be controlled.

Abstract: A printing machine with at least one inking unit which has at least two cylinders which are set against each other during the printing operation and can be rotated by at least one drive. The printing machine is provided with sensors for recording parameters of the rotary motion of the cylinders such as the torque and speed. A setting mechanism is provided for setting the at least two cylinders against each other in radial direction. The control unit is configured to trigger the setting mechanism to set the at least two cylinders against each other. The at least two cylinders are brought to different circumferential velocities and set against each other. The relative position of the two cylinders is recorded or maintained when at least one parameter of the rotary motion of the at least two cylinders exceeds a threshold value.

Abstract: The present invention provides a printing press. The printing press includes a frame, a plate cylinder, a plate cylinder support supporting the plate cylinder, a blanket cylinder for receiving an image from the plate cylinder, a blanket cylinder support supporting the blanket cylinder, an impression cylinder for supporting a printing substrate between the blanket cylinder and the impression cylinder, an actuator connected to and controlling a position of the plate cylinder support or the blanket cylinder support and a controller providing the actuator with a position setpoint, the actuator receiving position feedback signals to maintain the position setpoint during a printing operation. The present invention also provides a method for operating a printing press.

Abstract: Printing groups are each comprised of at least two cooperating cylinders, each of which is mounted in a bearing unit that radially displaces its associated cylinder. At least one of these bearing units is provided with an actuator which is controlled, or regulated by a control unit. An inking unit, which encompasses at least one ink application roller, is provided for each printing group. At least one of the cylinders of the printing group, and an ink application roller of the associated inking unit can optionally be placed against each other. A dampening unit, comprising at least one dampening fluid application roller, is also provided. At least one of the cylinders of the printing group and a dampening fluid application roller of the dampening unit are also optionally placed against each other. The at least one actuator for the bearing unit is remotely controlled and is embodied either as a hydraulic actuator or as a pneumatic actuator.

Abstract: A printing press and a method for controlling a printing press include rotatably mounted cylinders. At least two adjacent cylinders roll on one another through bearer rings. At least one of the adjacent cylinders can be rotated actively relative to at least one of the bearer rings by a setting device.

Abstract: A printing unit of a printing press is comprised of at least two frame parts, the position of at least one of which, relative to the other, can be changed. Cooperating ones of these frame parts are placed against each other along a common joining surface, in a first operational position. These frame parts are separated from each other in a second operational position. An interstice, that is partly defined by these frame parts, is formed between the separated frame parts in the printing unit. At least one of the cooperating frame parts is supported so that it is movable along an adjustment path. At least one sensor is provided and is usable to monitor the interstice. The sensor has orientation characteristics or a sensory range along the joining surface. An aperture width of a first angular aperture of the orientation characteristics or of the sensory range is smaller than a respective aperture width of a second or third angular aperture of the orientation characteristic or sensory range.

Abstract: The invention describes a printing press (1) comprising at least one impression cylinder (2), which comprises a first and a second front side and to which at least two inking systems (6a . . . 6j) each having a print roller are assigned, it being possible to set the print rollers against the impression cylinder and drive each print roller by means of a drive. A first inking system is assigned to the first half of the impression cylinder and a second inking system is assigned to the second half. The drive of the print roller of the first inking system disposed in the first half is arranged on the first front side of the impression cylinder, and the drive of the print roller of the second inking system disposed in the second half is arranged on the first front side of the impression cylinder.

Abstract: A register in a printing machine is controlled and adjusted by providing at least one printing unit provided with at least two printing groups in the printing machine. Each printing group comprises a cylinder pair consisting of at least a forme cylinder and a transfer cylinder. The forme cylinder of the first printing group is phase shifted at a first amount for the register adjustment in a circumferential direction. The transfer cylinder of the first printing group is phase shifted in a second amount in the circumferential direction. The amount of the phase shift of the forme cylinder is different from the amount of phase shift of the transfer cylinder. The two amounts of the phase shifts are not equal to zero.

Abstract: A printing unit including: a frame; a first print station (6) having a first blanket cylinder (10) and a first plate cylinder (12); an impression cylinder (14); and a first spacer device (100) designed to move the cylinders relative to each other between a printing configuration in which the plate cylinder (12) is in contact with the associated blanket cylinder (10) and a non-printing configuration in which the plate cylinder (12) is moved away from the blanket cylinder (10) and the blanket cylinder (10) is moved away from the impression cylinder (14). The printing unit also includes a second spacer device (200) designed to regulate the distance between the cylindrical surfaces of the first blanket cylinder (10) and the impression cylinder (14), said second spacer device (200) including means for moving the impression cylinder (14) radially relative to the first blanket cylinder (10) and relative to the frame.

Abstract: A stack angle compensation arrangement is disclosed. This arrangement is for use with a skewing adjustment system in an offset printing press unit that is configured and disposed for receiving plate and blanket cylinders of various diameters. The arrangement keeps the rotation axis of the skewing adjustment system in line with a reference plane, which reference plane is defined by the rotation axis of a plate cylinder (before skewing) and the rotation axis of a blanket cylinder, when the stack angle changes. A method of automatically compensating a change in the stack angle in an offset printing press unit having a skewing adjustment system is also presented.

Abstract: A printing unit of a printing machine is configured having at least two frame parts, a spacing between which can be modified. Several forme cylinders and several transfer cylinders, which cooperate to print a web, are located on each of the at least two frame parts. The distance between the two frame parts is less when the printing unit is closed than it is when the printing unit is open. The printing unit includes at least two web guiding elements. A first tangent is established by a transfer cylinder of a stationary one of the frame parts. A second tangent is established by the at least two web guiding elements. The first tangent and the second tangent are spaced from each other at a distance.

Abstract: A platen support mechanism that movably supports a platen unit to which a platen is attached has a platen positioning mechanism that positions the platen unit in a specific posture at four locations, bosses that protrude from both sides at the front in the front-back direction of the printer, and shaft ends that protrude from both sides at the back in the front-back direction of the printer. The platen unit is thereby positioned in a specific posture at the closed position regardless of play in the platen support mechanism. As a result, the platen is positioned to the printing position in a specific posture with a constant gap to the nozzle surface of the print head.

Abstract: A printing press includes a printing form cylinder, a blanket cylinder, an impression cylinder, an adjusting device for setting a printing pressure between the blanket cylinder and the impression cylinder, a control device for throwing the pressure of the blanket cylinder on and off relative to the impression cylinder and springs for producing bearer ring pressure between bearer rings of the printing form cylinder and bearer rings of the blanket cylinder. The springs are integrated into coupling links and are connected to at least one of the two devices in such a way that, as a result of the actuation of that device, the springs are also adjusted, in order to keep the bearer ring pressure at least substantially constant.

Abstract: A method of preparing cylinders for printing on a web during auto transfer operations is provided. The method includes the steps of printing images on a web with at least one first printing cylinder; accelerating at least one second printing cylinder so that the at least one second printing cylinder has a surface velocity that equals a velocity of the web; adjusting a phasing of the at least one second printing cylinder with respect to the web during the accelerating step and before the surface velocity of the at least one second printing cylinder equals the velocity of the web; moving the at least one first printing cylinder away from the web and moving the at least one second printing cylinder towards the web; and printing images on the web with the at least one second printing cylinder. A printing press configured for auto transfer is also provided.