Abstract: The invention pertains to a device for processing printed matter, in particular, for punching, perforating, grooving, embossing, imprinting, spot-coating or the like. In order to simplify the attachment of the processing tools required for the additional processing, the invention proposes that a carrier be attached to a rotating or flat working element 8. The processing tools can be attached to this carrier such that they can be easily removed again. The size of the processing tools 3 that, for example, are provided with punching lines 4 can be limited to the processing area. The processing tools can be removed and also easily repositioned at any time. A magnetic attachment proved particularly advantageous. For this purpose, the carrier may be realized in the form of a magnetic foil 6.

Abstract: A support sleeve made of a metallic material, preferably of nickel, is provided at at least one longitudinal end with a chamfer running all around in the inner circumference. This prevents damage to a film-like coating or thin intermediate sleeve, which surrounds the cylinder core to which the sleeve is fitted. A device for chamfering and deburring the longitudinal ends of the sleeve include a supporting body having a cylindrical journal with a diameter only slightly smaller than the internal diameter of the sleeve to be machined, in order to accommodate a longitudinal end of the sleeve and to guide the cut. A cutting holder is machined on the supporting body by means of which holder a cutter can be brought up to the inner circumference of the longitudinal end of the sleeve to be machined, and the supporting body can be rotated relative to the sleeve to be machined and pushed onto the journal.

Abstract: A printing group of a rotary printing press includes at least one forme cylinder and at least one transfer cylinder. The forme cylinder has at least two printing forme end receiving channels. These two channels are spaced circumferentially. At least one of these forme cylinder end receiving channels rolls off against a channel in the transfer cylinder. One of the forme cylinder end receiving channels is at least partially covered by a printing forme carried by the forme cylinder.

Abstract: A characterizing number for a cylinder dressing having an elastic layer is determined. The characterizing number is then usable to select suitable geometries of rollers in a printing press. If the roller geometry is already known, the characterizing number facilitates the selection of a suitable dressing. The characterizing number characterizes the roll-off behavior of a dressing independently of a measuring device used to determine the number or an application in a particular printing group.

Abstract: A transfer cylinder sleeve is provided for an offset printing machine including an inner carrier layer, a compressible layer and a covering layer, where at least one of the layers has a joint or a gap and provided that when a joint or a gap is used in the covering layer, then the transfer cylinder sleeve is applied to a transfer cylinder in register so that the joint in the covering layer rests opposite a tension channel of a plate cylinder during rolling contact of the transfer cylinder with the plate cylinder. Optionally, a non-stretchable layer is provided between the compressible layer and the covering layer, or alternatively, a non-stretchable material is provided in the compressible layer itself.

Abstract: Disclosed is a printing method comprising the steps of mounting an underlay sheet on a plate cylinder of a printing press, and providing, on the underlay sheet, a printing plate material comprising a plastic sheet support, and provided thereon, a hydrophilic layer, an image formation layer and a backing layer, the backing layer being provided on the side of the support opposite the image formation layer, so that the backing layer side surface of the printing plate material contacts the underlay sheet surface, wherein a coefficient of dynamic friction of the backing layer side surface of the printing plate material to the underlay sheet surface is from 0.1 to 0.5.

Abstract: A multipart printing press cylinder. A pair of hubs have an inner bore for mounting on a press shaft. Each hub is made in two parts which may be positioned about the press shaft and attached to each other by, e.g. screws. Each hub has a profile section. A pair of partial shells each include a pair of cylinder frames having a profile matching a hub profile. Manually releasable latches are provided for holding each partial shell on the hubs when the partial shell profiles are mated with the hub profiles. The outer perimeter of each cylinder frame has a radius and contour defining the outer size and shape of a printing press cylinder. A surface material, e.g. sheet aluminum, is formed to fit the frame perimeters and are preferably attached under tension to the frames.

Abstract: A rubber blanket for covering a transfer cylinder of a printing machine is provided. The transfer cylinder includes a cylinder channel for receiving an end of the rubber blanket to secure the rubber blanket to the transfer cylinder. The rubber blanket includes a rigid carrier plate and a plurality of layers that are arranged on the carrier plate. The plurality of layers include a cover layer, a non-expandable layer arranged underneath the cover layer and at least one other layer. A first end portion of the rubber blanket is adapted for insertion into a cylinder channel. The cover layer and the non-expandable layer extend into the first end portion and the at least one other layer does not extend into the first end portion such that when the rubber blanket is secured to a transfer cylinder the cover layer and the non-expandable layer are inserted into the cylinder channel and the at least one other layer is not inserted into the cylinder channel.

Abstract: A rubber cylinder sleeve has a rubber covering with a layer construction which includes, at a distance from the outer surface, compressible layer elements and layer elements which influence the stiffness (S), such as filaments/yarns or fabric structures. The layer elements which influence the stiffness (S), are incorporated uniformly in the circumferential direction but are prestrained to various degrees in a defined manner in the direction of the sleeve axis, so that a stiffness profile is produced across the sleeve width, which profile is symmetrical with respect to the center of the sleeve width.

Abstract: A method for tightening an embossing plate ring on a chuck of a rotary embossing press, wherein the chuck is intended to be connected to a heater for leading the embossing plate ring to a working temperature. Between the chuck and the embossing plate ring is a split transmission ring made of a material having an expansion coefficient which is higher than that of materials used for the chuck and the embossing plate ring to cause the blocking of the embossing plate ring onto the chuck at the working temperature of the embossing plate ring.

Abstract: A flexographic printing plate mounting sheet is provided which improves the printing accuracy by its high level of thickness accuracy and ease of installation in the correct position, which makes it possible to peel a flexographic printing plate off without damaging a foamed substrate, and which maintains appropriate cushioning properties. The foamed substrate of the flexographic printing plate mounting sheet has an adhesive layer on one side and a polyethylene terephthalate film on the other side. The polyethylene terephthalate film has on its remaining side an adhesive layer that is protected by release paper. The foamed substrate and the polyethylene terephthalate film are unitarily formed. The foamed substrate is made of urethane foam having a density of 0.3 to 0.6 g/cm3. The polyethylene terephthalate film is 12 to 50 ?m in thickness.

Abstract: A method of operating a laser drilling system to manufacture gravure printing plates without etching or the use of hazardous chemicals includes activating a laser drilling system, including a picosecond laser, light valves, and a mechanism adapted to rotate a gravure cylinder blank. Operation of the light valves, includes setting the light valves to block and/or allow pulses of laser energy propagating from the laser drilling system that can ablate a linear pattern of cells along a substantially entire length of the gravure cylinder blank. Drilling of cells includes targeting the laser drilling system on the gravure cylinder blank, such that ablation of materials occurs as sub-beams propagate along an optical path to the target area and impinge upon the gravure cylinder blank, wherein specific cells within the target area of the gravure cylinder blank are drilled or not drilled according to settings of the light valves.

Abstract: A printing group of a rotary printing press includes at least one forme cylinder and at least one transfer cylinder. The forme cylinder has at least two printing forme end receiving channels. These two channels are spaced circumferentially. At least one of these forme cylinder end receiving channels rolls off against a channel in the transfer cylinder. One of the forme cylinder end receiving channels is at least partially covered by a printing forme carried by the forme cylinder.

Abstract: A metal backed printing blanket for mounting on a blanket cylinder that includes a gap, the printing blanket having a thin metal base plate with top and bottom surfaces and ends which include leading and trailing edges adapted for engaging the gap in the cylinder; a compressible, elastomeric printing blanket secured to the top surface of the base plate but not the ends and having an upper face adapted for contact transfer of ink to a printable substrate; and a specialized coating applied to the bottom surface to prevent deformation of the printing blanket and to prevent delamination of the printing blanket from a blanket cylinder. The method for making a metal backed printing blanket for mounting on such a cylinder is also disclosed.

Abstract: In order to manufacture a discharging roller which discharges a recording medium from a recording apparatus, there are a first die formed with a first recess extending in an axial direction of a shaft portion of the discharging roller, and a second die formed with a second recess extending in the axial direction. The first die and the second die are combined such that the first recess and the second recess face to form a continuous cavity. Synthetic resin is injected into the cavity to mold a bore portion of the shaft portion.

Abstract: An assembly for an offset printing machine having a blanket unit comprising a blanket and a blanket support plate, the front edge and rear edge of the support plate being bent over and extending beyond the front edge and rear edge of the blanket, and a cylinder having an aperture for receiving the front edge and rear edge of the support plate, the cylinder comprising a device for fixing the blanket unit to the cylinder, the fixing device comprising at least one hook for tensioning the blanket unit.

Abstract: A sleeve-shaped printing element for mounting on a carrying cylinder in a printing unit of a web-processing rotary printing machine. The element includes a structure formed of material permitting radial expansion of the sleeve-shaped printing element, the carrying cylinder has an elongated axial extent and being formed with ducts for discharging an expansion medium. The ducts open on a circumferential surface of the carrying cylinder, and the expansion medium is pressurizable by a pressure source. The sleeve-shaped printing element is formed with an inner diameter increasing from one end to the other end of the printing element, and is formed with an at least approximately constant wall thickness; and a combination of the printing element and the carrying cylinder.

Abstract: A mounting cylinder (1) for mounting cylindrical embossing tools for embossing rolls for embossing diffraction gratings or holograms includes a mounting shell (3) for mounting the embossing tool and a fixing device for fixing the mounting shell (3) on a shaft (2) and a tempering device for tempering the mounting shell. According to one variant, the embossing tool is expanded by compressed air in order to be slipped onto the mounting shell or removed therefrom, a compressed air channel system (8) with radial compressed air discharge openings (11) extending axially and/or tangentially within the mounting shell (3). According to another variant, the mounting shell is expanded mechanically in order to fix a embossing tool slipped over the mounting shell and simultaneously fix the mounting shell (3) on the shaft (2).

Abstract: A printing blanket is constructed by electrostatically spraying one or more solvated elastomers onto a sleeve structure. A printing blanket can therefore having a sleeve and at least one layer, said layer comprising first and second compositions that are distinct from one another, wherein the boundary between the compositions is a gradient extending at least 0.002 inches. Another aspect of the invention relates to a method of electrostatically spraying elastomeric material onto printing blankets.

Abstract: A multiple-image-carrying cylinder has a cylinder section having at least part of a first image to be printed, a shell axially movable with respect to the cylinder section, the shell having at least part of a second image to be printed, and a ring located between the shell and the cylinder section and axially movable with respect to the shell and the cylinder section, the ring capable of having another part of the first image when connected to the cylinder section and capable of having another part of the second image when connected to the shell.

Abstract: A printing unit including a rigid cylinder rotatable about an axis of rotation, a plurality of inflatable bladders disposed on a circumferential surface of the cylinder, and a first fluid supply regulation unit configured to supply a first fluid to a first set of inflatable bladders of the plurality of inflatable bladders and to regulate a first fluid pressure inside the first set inflatable bladders. In addition, a method for mounting a sleeve-shaped printing sock onto a blanket cylinder of an offset printing press, in which a set of inflatable bladders disposed at an outer region of the blanket cylinder are at least partially deflated. The sleeve-shaped printing sock is slid over one end of the blanket cylinder so that the printing sock at least partially surrounds a circumference of the blanket cylinder. The set of inflatable bladders are then inflated so that the printing sock fits tightly around the circumference of the blanket cylinder.

Abstract: In order to manufacture a cylinder of a rotary printing machine cost-effectively, its cylinder body is assembled from a cylinder casing and a first and second side part located at the ends of the cylinder casing, one and the same first and second side part being capable of being completed in order to produce different cylinders casings of different outside diameters.

Abstract: A form cylinder is provided with a circumferential surface which is convexly curved in the axial direction, such that the convex profile, determined by calculation, of the circumferential surface varies in such a way that the diameter of the form cylinder is largest in the axial center and smallest at the lateral edges.

Abstract: A device in flexographic machines, for making an adjustment between an inner shaft and an extractable jacket, with the double purpose of supporting the jacket along the entire length of the shaft, and of increasing the stiffness of the jacket. The adapter comprises at each of its end portions a rigid ring, and these end rings are internally connected the one another by a first rigid cylindrical member which is thin and capable of expansion and is intended to rest against the shaft, and they are externally connected the one another by a second rigid cylindrical member intended to receive the jacket; expansion means are provided in order to secure said end rings to the shaft, and openings are provided in said second external member in order to allow blowing compressed air intended to make easier the insertion and the extraction of the jacket.

Abstract: Variable-format web-fed offset printing machine having printing-unit cylinders comprising core cylinders to which compressed air can be applied and onto which intermediate sleeves can be pushed axially and shrunk on radially. Each intermediate sleeve includes a carrier layer whose inner face rests on the core cylinder, a compressible intermediate layer, a transition layer, and a variable-thickness bridging layer, which ends with a covering layer to which a further surface like a printing plate or a rubber blanket can be fitted.

Abstract: A cylinder of a rotary printing machine has at least two axially extending cylinder channels on its peripheral surface. These two cylinder channels are offset circumferentially at an angle which is determined depending on the inherent bending frequency vibration fvib of the cylinder.

Abstract: A mounting cylinder (1) for mounting cylindrical embossing tools for embossing rolls for embossing diffraction gratings or holograms includes a mounting shell (3) for mounting the embossing tool and a fixing device for fixing the mounting shell (3) on a shaft (2) and a tempering device for tempering the mounting shell. According to one variant, the embossing tool is expanded by compressed air in order to be slipped onto the mounting shell or removed therefrom, a compressed air channel system (8) with radial compressed air discharge openings (11) extending axially and/or tangentially within the mounting shell (3). According to another variant, the mounting shell is expanded mechanically in order to fix a embossing tool slipped over the mounting shell and simultaneously fix the mounting shell (3) on the shaft (2).

Abstract: A printing unit of an offset printing press includes a first plate cylinder, a first blanket cylinder for selectively contacting the first plate cylinder, a first inker for inking the first plate cylinder, a second plate cylinder, a second blanket cylinder for selectively contacting the second plate cylinder, and a second inker for inking the second plate cylinder. A first inker drive gear connects to the first inker for driving the first inker, and a motor uniquely associated with the printing unit is configured to drive the first inker drive gear. In addition, a gear train engaging the first inker drive gear is driven by the first inker drive gear so as to drive the first plate cylinder, the first blanket cylinder, the second blanket cylinder, the second plate cylinder and the second inker.

Abstract: A form roller for use in an offset lithographic printing press comprises a stationary shaft and an eccentric roller supported on the shaft for rotation around the shaft and for oscillation along the length of the shaft. One or more cams are mounted on the shaft for controlling the operation of the rollers therealong. The exterior surface of the roller comprises an impregnated elastomeric material.

Abstract: A flexographic printing plate mounting sheet is provided which improves the printing accuracy by its high level of thickness accuracy and ease of installation in the correct position, which makes it possible to peel a flexographic printing plate off without damaging a foamed substrate, and which maintains appropriate cushioning properties. The foamed substrate of the flexographic printing plate mounting sheet has an adhesive layer on one side and a polyethylene terephthalate film on the other side. The polyethylene terephthalate film has on its remaining side an adhesive layer that is protected by release paper. The foamed substrate and the polyethylene terephthalate film are unitarily formed. The foamed substrate is made of urethane foam having a density of 0.3 to 0.6 g/cm3. The polyethylene terephthalate film is 12 to 50 &mgr;m in thickness.

Abstract: A rubber cylinder sleeve for an offset printing press includes an inner carrier sleeve that has a circumferential and an axial direction. The carrier is expandable outwardly by an application of compressed air from the interior. The rubber cylinder sleeve also includes a single rubber layer having an inner surface disposed on the inner carrier sleeve and an outer surface for contacting the printing plate. The single rubber layer includes a plurality of compressible elements for increasing the compressibility of the single rubber layer and a plurality of filaments for increasing the stiffness of the single rubber layer. The compressible elements and the filaments are disposed at a distance from the outer surface.

Abstract: A lightweight, low-cost bridge mandrel applicable to the Flexographic printing process is adapted for mounting on the outer surface of a shaft or roller. The mandrel preferably includes a thin-walled, cylindrical metal tube having an inner surface, an outer surface, and two ends defining a length. An end cap is disposed at each end of the tube, each with a central bore to receive the shaft or roller. A polymeric layer is bonded directly or indirectly to the metal tube, thereby defining a precise, desired final diameter upon which to mount a printing sleeve. The metal tube is preferably steel, though aluminum and various metal or composite alloys may alternatively be used.

Abstract: A gapless printing system includes a cylinder assembly and a printing sleeve. The cylinder assembly includes a compressible layer located between an inner shell and an outer shell. A support carrier is coupled to the inner shell about each of the first and second end portions and is adapted such that the cylinder assembly is mountable in a printing press. A printing sleeve is removably attachable to the cylinder assembly by installing the printing sleeve over the outer shell such that when the printing sleeve is mounted on the cylinder assembly, lateral and rotational motion of the printing sleeve with respect to the cylinder assembly is prevented.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for storing rubber-covered cylinder sleeves for offset printing for rotary printing machines permits an identified rubber-covered cylinder sleeve to be found easily. The apparatus is equipped with an electronic memory device into which, for each rubber-covered cylinder sleeve, characteristic data can be entered and stored. As the rubber-covered cylinder sleeve is introduced into a storage, the characteristic data from the rubber-covered cylinder sleeve are read into the memory device, and the rubber-covered cylinder sleeve can be removed from the storage apparatus in accordance with predefined data.

Abstract: A device for handling sleeves (20) for cylinders of printing presses, wherein a carrying tube (26) is provided, on which a mounting device (28), engaging these sleeve (20), is disposed for mounting the sleeve in a position, which is aligned coaxially with the carrying tube.

Abstract: An apparatus for mounting a printing sleeve on a press cylinder includes an inherently stiff annular holding element having an inner shape which is matched to the outer shape of the sleeve, and mutually facing ends defining a slit having a width. At least one clamp urges the ends toward each other to form a butt joint, so that the holding element can clamp the sleeve with a clamping force which is limited by the width of the slit. A device is provided for expanding the holding element so that the clamping force on the sleeve can be released.

Abstract: A web-fed, multicolor, offset printing press having a plurality of printing units for printing different-color images on a continuous web of paper. Each printing unit includes a three-part plate cylinder rotatably supported between a pair of confronting framing walls. The plate cylinder is split into three parts which each have two newspaper pages width. The three parts of the plate cylinder are each capable of adjustable displacement both laterally and circumferentially of the plate cylinder for registration. Lateral and circumferential adjustments for the three parts of the plate cylinder are all mounted outside the framing walls.

Abstract: The present invention provides a cylindrical printing blanket comprising a seamless sleeve and a sheet-like blanket having a fabric layer, a compressive layer and a surface printing layer, said sheet-like blanket being bonded onto the outer surface of said seamless sleeve. The blanket is made by cutting a long sheet-like blanket that has the fabric layer, the compressive layer and the surface printing layer and is bonded to the outer surface of the seamless sleeve, thus the operation can be done with good workability.

Abstract: Variable-format web-fed offset printing machine having printing-unit cylinders comprising core cylinders to which compressed air can be applied and onto which intermediate sleeves can be pushed axially and shrunk on radially. Each intermediate sleeve includes a carrier layer whose inner face rests on the core cylinder, a compressible intermediate layer, a transition layer, and a variable-thickness bridging layer, which ends with a covering layer to which a further surface like a printing plate or a rubber blanket can be fitted.

Abstract: A thin wall external drum for an external drum imaging system includes a cylindrical portion having a hollow tube and a pair of end plates mounted to opposing sides of the hollow tube, wherein the hollow tube has the wall thickness less than or equal to about 1.5 percent of the outside diameter of the external drum.

Abstract: A carrying sleeve, for painting and transfer forms of a metal material, the initial form of which is a rectangular thin-walled flat sheet. The sheet is bent into the desired hollow cylindrical form and the edges of the sheet which point toward one another are permanently connected together. The sleeve surface is processed in order to form a homogeneous continuous outer surface, so that continuous printing can be carried out.

Abstract: A rotary lead-through assembly supplies an operating fluid to a rotor of a machine for processing printing material. An operating cylinder includes an expansion chamber and a piston having a piston outlet opening. The piston is mounted so as to be displaceable towards the rotor for coupling a rotor inlet opening and the piston outlet opening with one another. A pressure generator is connected both to the expansion chamber and to the rotor, when the openings are coupled with one another. A threshold value valve is disposed between the expansion chamber and the piston outlet opening. The valve is automatically openable when a given threshold value of an excess pressure of the operating fluid is exceeded. A machine for processing printing material is also provided.

Abstract: A personal identification and tracking system comprising an impression means for providing a predetermined image upon an impressionable medium and an activation unit for moving the impression means between a first position, where said impression unit is in contact with the impressionable medium, and a second position whereby said impression unit is out of contact with said impressionable medium. The system is particularly adaptable to snow, sand or mud.

Abstract: The present invention provides a cylindrical printing blanket comprising a seamless sleeve and a sheet-like blanket having a fabric layer, a compressive layer and a surface printing layer, said sheet-like blanket being bonded onto the outer surface of said seamless sleeve. The blanket is made by cutting a long sheet-like blanket that has the fabric layer, the compressive layer and the surface printing layer and is bonded to the outer surface of the seamless sleeve, thus the operation can be done with good workability.

Abstract: A device for manufacturing a printing blanket includes a base sleeve, a liquid applicator applying a radiation-curing polymer to the base sleeve, and a radiation source curing the radiation-curing polymer. A method for forming a tubular printing blanket includes placing a radiation-curable polymer over a base so as to form a layer of a printing blanket, and curing the radiation-curable polymer using a radiation source.

Abstract: A transfer cylinder sleeve is provided for an offset printing machine including an inner carrier layer, a compressible layer and a covering layer, where at least one of the layers has a joint or a gap and provided that when a joint or a gap is used in the covering layer, then the transfer cylinder sleeve is applied to a transfer cylinder in register so that the joint in the covering layer rests opposite a tension channel of a plate cylinder during rolling contact of the transfer cylinder with the plate cylinder. Optionally, a non-stretchable layer is provided between the compressible layer and the covering layer, or alternatively, a non-stretchable material is provided in the compressible layer itself.

Abstract: A forme cylinder is provided with a circumferential surface which is convexly curved in the axial direction, such that the convex profile, determined by calculation, of the circumferential surface varies in such a way that the diameter of the forme cylinder is largest in the axial center and smallest at the lateral edges.

Abstract: An apparatus for mounting a printing sleeve on a press cylinder includes an inherently stiff annular holding element having an inner shape which is matched to the outer shape of the sleeve, and mutually facing ends defining a slit having a width. At least one clamp urges the ends toward each other to form a butt joint, so that the holding element can clamp the sleeve with a clamping force which is limited by the width of the slit. A device is provided for expanding the holding element so that the clamping force on the sleeve can be released.

Abstract: A device in flexographic machines, for making an adjustment between an inner shaft and an extractable jacket, with the double purpose of supporting the jacket along the entire length of the shaft, and of increasing the stiffness of the jacket. The adapter comprises at each of its end portions a rigid ring, and these end rings are internally connected the one another by a first rigid cylindrical member which is thin and capable of expansion and is intended to rest against the shaft, and they are externally connected the one another by a second rigid cylindrical member intended to receive the jacket; expansion means are provided in order to secure said end rings to the shaft, and openings are provided in said second external member in order to allow blowing compressed air intended to make easier the insertion and the extraction of the jacket.

Abstract: The invention relates to a cylinder in a rotary press, in particular, for interacting with a form cylinder for a gravure press. According to the invention, the cylinder is improved with regard to its variable adaptability by the provision of a linear drive located at the end of the cylinder between the fixed support and rotating outer surface.