Abstract: An imaging member, such as a printing cylinder, is composed of a hydrophilic imaging layer formed from a heat-sensitive composition (for example, by spray coating) having a hydrophilic heat-sensitive polymer containing heat-activatable thiosulfate groups, and optionally a photothermal conversion material. Upon application of energy that generates heat, such as from IR irradiation, the polymer is crosslinked and rendered more hydrophobic. The exposed imaging member can be contacted with a lithographic printing ink and a fountain solution and used for printing with or without post-imaging wet processing. This imaging member is particularly useful for direct write imaging using IR lasers or thermal printing heads. In preferred embodiments, the imaging member is an on-press printing cylinder that is prepared, imaged and used on press.

Abstract: In a printing method and system for production of a print image on a carrier material, a print carrier is provided, a surface of which is charged with water vapor at locations corresponding to structures of the print image to be printed. Water vapor is condensed at these locations as a film of water. Ink is applied to the surface, the ink adhering to non-wetted locations and not being accepted by the wetted locations. The ink from the non-wetted locations is printed onto the carrier material.

Abstract: A lithographic printing plate that works according to the silver salt diffusion transfer reversal process is disclosed. The lithographic properties of said plate can be improved by incorporating a hydrophilic amphoteric block copolymer, comprising a non-ionic block of acrylic units with pendant nitrile groups and an acrylamid(in)e block which comprises units with pendant basic and acidic groups. The hydrophilic amphoteric block copolymer is preferentially present in the image receiving layer of the lithographic printing plate. In an alternative embodiment, said block copolymer may be present in a treating solution used for processing said plate or applied onto said plate while printing. The hydrophilicity of the printing plate's surface is improved without deteriorating the ink-acceptance in the printing areas.

Abstract: An imaging member is composed of a hydrophilic imaging layer having a hydrophilic heat-sensitive polymer containing heat-activatable thiosulfate groups, and optionally a photothermal conversion material. Upon application of energy that generates heat, such as from IR irradiation, the polymer is crosslinked and rendered more hydrophobic. The exposed imaging member can be contacted with a lithographic printing ink and a fountain solution and used for printing with or without post-imaging wet processing. This imaging member is particularly useful for direct write imaging using IR lasers or thermal printing heads.

Abstract: There is described a method of preparing water-less lithographic plate which comprises imagewise exposing a lithographic plate coated with a photosensitive composition, processing the exposed plate in an aqueous based developing liquid to remove those areas of the photosensitive composition which are removable by the developing liquid, drying the plate and coating the plate with an ink releasing coating composition which adheres to those areas of the plate from which the photosensitive composition has been removed, but which does not adhere to those areas of the plate from which the photosensitive composition which has not been removed, further treating the plate to cure or fix the ink-releasing composition thus providing ink-receptive areas of the plate which are those areas of the plate from which the photosensitive composition which has not been removed in the developing liquid and ink-releasing areas of the plate which are covered with the cured ink-releasing composition.

Abstract: A method for dampening a printing form for offset printing wherein a quantity of dampener applied to the printing form by transfer rollers is controlled by adjusting the rpm of one of the transfer rollers in accordance with the rotary angle position of a channel or gap of a form cylinder carrying the printing form includes periodically varying the rpm of at least one of the transfer rollers during each revolution of the form cylinder.

Abstract: According to the present invention there is provided a method for making a lithographic printing plate comprising the steps of:(1) image-wise exposing an imaging element having on a support in the order given (i) a uniform ink-repellant layer comprising a hydrophilic binder cross-linked by means of a hydrolysed tetra-alkylorthosilicate and (ii) a photosensitive layer comprising a diazonium salt or a diazo resin;(2) and developing a thus obtained image-wise exposed imaging element by mounting it on a print cylinder of a printing press and supplying an aqueous dampening liquid and/or ink to said photosensitive layer.

Abstract: An imaging member, such as a negative-working printing plate, can be prepared using a heat sensitive imaging layer comprised of a heat-sensitive vinyl polymer and optionally a photothermal conversion material. The heat-sensitive polymer has recurring units containing a cyclic anhydride that decarboxylates upon application of thermal energy (such as from IR irradiation), rendering the polymer more hydrophobic in IR exposed areas. Upon contact with a neutral or acidic pH solution, the polymer is then rendered more hydrophilic in unexposed areas.

Abstract: A free-flowing powder fountain solution concentrate for use in lithographic printing is provided which comprises at least one of a solid ammonium or alkali metal phosphate, a solid polysaccharide, and a preservative The powder concentrate's components have uniformly high water dissolution rate as a blend, producing liquid concentrates in excess of 0.7 lbs/gallon of water for ease of use without the need for constant recirculation during storage. A process for preparing a liquid fountain solution concentrate in excess of 0.7 lbs/gallon of water is also provided whereby a premeasured quantity of the powder concentrate is packaged in a moisture proof package to preserve the powder's free flowability prior to use, and prevent exposure to irritating chemical dust during use.

Abstract: The improvements consist in supplying the wetting system with a water based solution including a determined additive. This solution is subjected, through a mechanism forming a part of this invention, to a process of agitation by which it adsorbs a high oxygen content. As a result of these improvements, the solution which wets the aluminium plate, from which the printing is done, acquires a high free oxygen content, increasing the water-ink interface and improving the quality of the printing.

Abstract: An amine compound-containing, but cyanogen-free, desensitizing solution for offset printing, characterized by containing phytic acid (inositol hexaphosphate) and/or a metal and/or ammonium salts of phytic acid, and at least one selected from the group consisting of amine compounds represented by the following general formulae (1) and (2); a carboxylic acid or carboxylate containing (3); an urea (5) and/or an urethane (6) containing (4); an amide compound represented by (8) and/or an imide compound (9), each containing an amino group (7); and a heterocyclic compound at least one nitrogen atom and having an inorganic/organic value of 0.1 to 4.0 inclusive.

Abstract: A fountain solution for lithographic printing is disclosed, which comprises a butylene oxide adduct of alcohol and a pH buffer.

Abstract: The present invention provides a printing method using a silver salt lithographic printing plate obtained by imagewise exposing a silver salt lithographic printing plate precursor comprising a support and, provided thereon, at least a silver halide emulsion layer and a physical development nuclei layer and then subjecting the exposed printing plate precursor to silver complex diffusion transfer development and using a dampening composition containing a nonionic surface-active agent represented by the following formula ?I!: ##STR1## wherein R represents an alkyl group of 1-9 carbon atoms, and n.sub.1 and n.sub.2 are mol numbers necessary for the polymer having an average molecular weight of 250 or more, and n.sub.1 /n.sub.2 is 0.5-2, and a polymer represented by the following formula ?II!: ##STR2## wherein m is a number which provides a number-average molecular weight of 2000-50000 for the polymer.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a fountain solution for use in offset printing processes. The fountain solution is formed by diluting a fountain solution concentrate with water in a water to fountain solution concentrate ratio of between about 4:1 to about 8:1. The fountain solution concentrate comprises glycerin in an amount between about 2% to about 9% by volume, 2-butoxy-ethanol in an amount between about 4% to about 10% by volume, isopropyl alcohol in an amount between about 8% to about 35% by volume, water in an amount between about 54% to about 65% by volume and at least one compound selected from the group consisting of ethylene glycol and propylene glycol.

Abstract: This invention relates to a desensitizing solution for offset printing which is used for desensitizing an original plate for offset printing. The desensitizing solution of the present invention contains a basic aluminum chloride and/or its derivatives and glucosamine and/or its derivatives. This desensitizing solution can be used in combination with a desensitizing solution for offset printing which consists of phytic acid and its derivatives as the principal components.

Abstract: The present invention provides a concentrated dampening solution for use in a lithographic printing process having a pH between 3 and 6 and comprising a water-soluble organic solvent, a phosphate salt and a transparent pigment in an amount between 1 g/l and 30 g/l, characterized in that said concentrated dampening solution further contains a total concentration of citrate anions between 0.5 mmole and 25 mmole/l.

Abstract: The present invention discloses the use of rubber and surfactant to enhance the durability and resolution of on-press developable lithographic printing plates. The rubber is preferably incorporated into a photoresist as discrete particulate rubber. To ensure a uniform and stable dispersion, the rubber is suspended in the photoresist by means of a surfactant having an HLB approximately between 7.0 and 18.0.

Abstract: Described is the use of a plasticizing-permeation enhancing additive in negative-working, on-press developable lithographic printing plates. Briefly, a plasticizer, which is dispersible or soluble in press fountain and ink solutions and soluble in acrylic monomers and oligomers, are incorporated into a plate's photoresist at concentrations sufficient to enhance said resist's permeability to or diffusion by press solutions. Such additives make the photoresist more permeable to fountain solution prior to crosslinking, while being easily extracted with ink and fountain solution after crosslinking. In certain embodiments, a surfactant is added to facilitate the dispersion of hydrophobic remnants of removed resist material in the fountain solution, and thereby reduce scumming. Lithium salts may also be incorporated into the photoresist to disrupt hydrogen bonding of, for example, urethane acrylate polymers which tend to associate by hydrogen bonding.

Abstract: A method for producing an erasable printing form by making the outer layer of the printing form from a material containing strong micro-dipoles, preferably a ferroelectric material, in particular a ferroelectric ceramic. In wet offset printing, the non-printing areas of the printing form are rendered hydrophilic by a hydrophilizing agent and they are maintained during the entire printing process. Plate cleaners can, for example, be used as the hydrophilizing agents. The printing form can be erased by a nonpolar solvent and can be reused again by rendering the non-printing areas hydrophilic again.

Abstract: Rapid thermosetting, low VOC web offset lithographic inks are prepared in the instant invention from solid resin, drying oil alkyds, bodied drying oil, vegetable oil, fatty acids, multifunctional unsaturated polyester, reducing agents and transition metal salts of organic acids. The aqueous lithographic fountain solution contains hydroperoxides or peroxides which promote free radical polymerization of the ink in contact therewith. The metal salts of organic acids function as crosslinking agents in combination with excess carboxylic acid functionality of the ink. Optionally, the reducing agent and the organic hydroperoxide or peroxide may be interchanged.

Abstract: A desensitizing solution for lithographic platemaking which mainly comprises phytic acid or a salt thereof is disclosed, said desensitizing solution containing a polyether polyamine or a derivative thereof represented by formula (I): ##STR1## wherein k, m, x, and y each represent an integer of 1 or more; and R.sub.1 represents a hydrogen atom or C.sub.n H.sub.2n R.sub.2, wherein n is an integer of 1 or more, and R.sub.2 represents a hydrogen atom, an NR.sub.3 R.sub.4 (wherein R.sub.3 and R.sub.4 each represent a hydrogen atom or an alkyl group), a chlorine atom, a fluorine atom, an iodine atom, a bromine atom, a hydroxyl group, a carboxyl group or a carbamoyl group,or a polyamine derivative represented by formula (II): ##STR2## wherein X represents a halogen atom; p and each represent an integer of from 2 to 6; and r represents an integer of from 3 to 2000. The desensitizing solution exhibits satisfactory desensitizing characteristics without causing environmental pollution.

Abstract: Corrosion inhibiting fount solutions are provided that contain water, an alkanoic acid, a di- or ti- alkanolamine, a benzoic acid, and a carboxylic acid.

Abstract: A method for producing an erasable printing form by making the outer layer of the printing form from a material containing strong micro-dipoles, preferably a ferroelectric material, in particular a ferroelectric ceramic. In wet offset printing, the non-printing areas of the printing form are rendered hydrophilic by a hydrophilizing agent and they are maintained during the entire printing process. Plate cleaners can, for example, be used as the hydrophilizing agents. The printing form can be erased by a nonpolar solvent and can be reused again by rendering the non-printing areas hydrophilic again.

Abstract: The subject invention relates to an improved lithographic dampening solution comprising a diluted dampening solution concentrate having mixed therein a micro-emulsion formulation which spontaneously emulsifies upon mixing with the diluted dampening solution concentrate, the micro-emulsion formulation comprising a mono-, di-, or tripropylene glycol or other glycol having at least 3 carbons; a partially water soluble mono-, di-, or tripropylene glycol C.sub.1 to C.sub.6 alkyl ether; and, a wholly or partially water soluble polymer having an acid value of from about 5 to about 50. The subject invention further relates to a micro-emulsion formulation as previously stated or as stated hereinabove which further contains a nonionic surfactant of HLB 2-10 and a water soluble thickener. The invention further relates to a method for preparing the above-defined improved lithographic dampening solution.

Abstract: Press component cleansing and desensitizing treatment solutions contain (A) about two percent to about thirty percent by weight of a liquid humectant, (B) about one percent to about twenty-five percent by weight of a buffer which can include a trace amount of phosphoric, lactic or citric acid to stabilize pH, (C) about two point five percent to about twenty-five percent by weight of a liquid constituent selected from the group consisting of ethylene glycol monobutyl ether and propylene glycol n-butyl ether, and (D) about point two percent to about seven point five percent by weight of a non-soluble pulverant solid with a particle size of about three to about five micrometers; and, in such solutions, about one to about twenty-five percent by weight of an amine can be substituted for an alcohol, or about point two percent to about five percent by weight mineral spirits can be substituted in place of alcohols and/or amines, with the balance water; further, about point two percent to about five percent by weight

Abstract: Keyless lithographic printing system with single printing fluid. A lithographic printing press has a blanket cylinder (101) and a plate cylinder (102) with a printing plate (100) mounted thereon, a form roller system (103) having at least one form roller rotationally contacting the plate cylinder (102), a printing fluid supply system for supplying a controlled composition of printing fluid to the form roller system (103). A reservoir system (110, 124, 126, 107, 128) is provided for containing the printing fluid, the printing fluid being a predetermined composition of dampening water and ink. A pickup roller (106) removes the printing fluid from the reservoir system, the pickup roller (106) having an oleophilic and hydrophobic surface. A drum roller (104) transfers the printing fluid to the form roller system (103), the drum roller (104) having an oleophilic and hydrophobic surface and interfacing with the form roller system (103).

Abstract: An amine functional water reducible resin and an ink composition incorporating an amine functional water reducible resin which is water insoluble under certain pH conditions and selectively water washable under certain other pH conditions. The method aspect of the present invention relates to a method of making, using and recovering the ink composition and a method of making the water reducible resin.

Abstract: A scratch remover and desensitizer composition which is especially useful in treating scratches in non-image areas of lithographic printing plates and desensitizing such scratched areas so they will not accept ink is comprised of an alkali metal silicate, a tribasic phosphate salt, an organic solvent, a nonionic surfactant and water.

Abstract: An ink composition incorporating a water reducible resin which is water insoluble under certain conditions and selectively water washable under certain other conditions. The method aspect of the present invention relates to a method of making, using and recovering the ink composition.

Abstract: Improvements in fountain solutions which enable continued use of existing planographic printing equipment and printing materials while taking into consideration environmental concerns. Formulation methods for such fountain solutions are disclosed which provide for substantially decreasing the amount of alcohol while continuing printing operations with existing printing inks. Such transitional fountain solutions are compatible with existing types of planographic printing plates and do not require the changing of fountain solution when changing the type of printing plate to be used in a printing press. An amine, such as N-methylpyrrolodine, is selected in combination with an alcohol so as to substantially decrease the alcohol content of the fountain solution; buffers, humectants, and emulsifying and coupling agents are disclosed with percentage ranges for selection to provide for continued quality printing with existing equipment and materials.

Abstract: Low temperature flash-point alcohols are supplanted in fountain solutions for use in offset planographic printing by a high temperature flash-point amine which enables continued use of existing printing plates and printing materials while taking into consideration environmental concerns. An amine, such as N-methyl pyrrolidine, is selected and combined in an aqueous solution of a buffer such as monopotassium phosphate, a humectant such as glycerin, and an emulsifying and coupling agent such as ethylene glycol monobutyl ether. A desensitizing agent such as gum arabic is preferably added; and an inert food coloring can be added, with the balance water.

Abstract: A fountain solution and a fountain solution concentrate for use in offset printing are disclosed. The ready-to-use solution comprises 0.001 to 0.08% by weight of at least one alkanol or alkenol or of an alkanediol or alkenediol having 5 to 15 carbon atoms, which has been converted with ethylene oxide and/or propylene oxide into polyether structures having 3 to 12 ethylene oxide units and/or propylene oxide units.

Abstract: A dampening-solution concentrate consisting essentially of 1-15% by weight of buffer substances; 2-20% by weight of an additive, consisting of at least one of the substances: water-soluble polysaccharides, polyglycols and polyhydric alcohols; 2-10% by weight of preserving agent; 0.01-5% by weight of non-ionic, low foam tenside, consisting of at least one of the substances: tertiary acetylene glycol, ethyleneoxide/propylene-oxide tenside, fatty-alcohol ethoxylates, weight of a compound of the formula C.sub.4 H.sub.9 --O[--CH.sub.2 --CH.sub.2 --O].sub.n --H, where n is an integer from 1 to 10 or a mixture of these components; 0.1-10% by weight of 2-ethyl-1, 3-hexane diol; and 25-90% by weight of water; and a dampening solution formed therewith, as well as a method of use thereof.

Abstract: A fountain solution is described which possesses utility for use in printing, and which, in particular, is operable to wet the non-printing areas of a printing plate. The fountain solution of the subject invention includes, a poly alkoxylated polyether; a compatible surfactant; a hydroxypropylene cellulose gum; a polymerized, ethylene wax; and a sufficient amount of water. The fountain solution is thereafter supplied to a conventional printing press and is utilized in a conventional manner.

Abstract: A universal aqueous fountain solution, for use in planographic printing, which comprises in prescribed proportions a humectant, a buffer ethylene glycol N-butyl ether, a glycol ether and an amine replacement for the alcohol previously used in fountain solutions.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a universal chemical system for offset printing comprising a plate coating, a fountain concentrate solution, an alcohol replacement solution, a roller coating, and a plate wash. The system uses the same types of chemicals throughout to achieve a system compatible throughout. The plate coating comprises deionized water, citric acid, sodium phosphate dibasic, gum arabic, magnesium nitrate solution, glycerine, and propyl alcohol. The fountain concentrate solution contains water, citric acid, sodium citrate, sodium phosphate dibasic, sodium benzoate, gum arabic, glycerine, ethyl hexandiol, and erio green B supra. The alcohol replacement solution contains deionized water, diethylene glycol, propasol P, glycerine, and dowanol PM. The roller coating contains deionized water, citric acid, disodium phosphate, gum arabic, glycerine, and propyl alcohol. The plate wash contains water, citric acid, dowanol EB, dowanol PM, maphos 8135, phosphoric acid, and erio glaucine a supra.

Abstract: An additive for a lithographic dampening solution is disclosed, which comprises:(a) a compound represented by the following formula (A): ##STR1## wherein R represents a methyl group, an ethyl group, an n-propyl group or an isopropyl group, and n represents an integer of 1 to 4; and(b) an alcohol having an HLB of 7.0 to 15.0 which is selected from the group consisting of primary or tertiary alkoxyalcohols having an alkoxy group containing from 1 to 6 carbon atoms, primary or tertiary alkanols, saturated straight-chain polyhydric alcohols containing from 2 to 6 carbon atoms and diethylene glycol monoalkyl ethers. A dampening solution for lithographic printing comprising water and the additive is also disclosed.

Abstract: A moistening agent and method for its use in offset printing plates is described. The agent contains a low molecular weight cationic protein as a water soluble, major component.

Abstract: A concentrated dampening water composition for lithographic printing comprises a) 0.1 to 10% by weight of a hydrophilic polymeric compound having a film-forming ability; b) 0.01 to 15%, by weight of a pH buffering agent; c) 5 to 80% by weight of a water-miscible organic solvent having a boiling point of not less than 140.degree. C. and whose 1% by weight aqueous solution has a surface tension of not more than 60 dynes/cm; d), 0.05 to 10% by weight of a compound, for instance, represented by the following general formula (III); and e) 30 to 80% by weight of water:R.sup.8 --Z.sup.1 (R.sup.9)(R.sup.10)--R.sup.7.X.sup.1 (III)wherein R.sup.7 to R.sup.10 each represents a C.sub.1-12 alkyl, cyclic alkyl, hydroxyalkyl, benzyl or substituted or unsubstituted phenyl group; Z.sup.1 represents N, P or B; X.sup.1 represents an anion or cation selected from the group consisting of halogen, nitrate, sulfate, phosphate, hydroxyl, PF.sub.6.sup.-, BF.sub.4.sup.-, Li.sup.+, Na.sup.+, K.sup.+ and NH.sub.4.sup.+.

Abstract: A cleansing solution for cleaning components of a planographic printing press to include the printing plate, which includes a solution of a humectant, a buffer, a glycol ether and an organic solvent to which anhydrous aluminum silicate and gum arabic have been added.

Abstract: The improved automatic dampening water replenisher has two flow sensors that respectively measure the flow rates of stock solution and diluent water which are to be mixed to prepare dampening water with which the tank of dampening water is to be replenished, and this enables the concentration of dampening water in its tank to be maintained within a predetermined range at all times. If desired, the apparatus (the replenisher) may be equipped either with components for computing, displaying and storing the total flows of stock solution and diluent water or with an emergency alarm generator which issues an alarm indicating the occurrence of aberrations in the concentration of dampening water in its tank. This offers the advantage that normal operation of the apparatus can be resumed as soon as power failure is remedied, or the suspension of water supply and other troubles can be readily identified and corrected to avoid unwanted variations in the concentration of the dampening water.

Abstract: A dampening water composition for lithographic printing plate comprises a hydrophilic polymer having a film-forming ability, a pH-buffering substance and at least one compound selected from the group consisting of benzimidazole and derivatives thereof. The dampening water composition can effectively suppress the corrosion of copper or copper alloy-plated rolls of a printing press as well as cast iron or nickel-plated cast iron parts thereof without impairing printing effects and printability.

Abstract: An additive for lithographic printing fountain solutions to replace isopropyl or ethyl alcohols is defined that comprises a volatile material that lowers the surface tension of the fountain solution. The volatility of the material with respect to water causes an aggressive spreading that is associated with performance similar to the alcohols currently in use.

Abstract: Disclosed is a dampening solution composition for lithographic printing. The solution has a dynamic surface tension ranging from 20 to 50 dyne/cm at 15.degree. C. at most 1.times.10.sup.-1 seconds after a new surface of the solution is formed on the surface of a printing plate; a viscosity ranging from 1.05 to 5.0 cSt at 15.degree. C.; and an emulsification ratio when mixed with ink which is higher by 2 to 30% than that of pure water mixed with ink.

Abstract: A dampening system has a pan for containing dampening fluid, and transfer and metering rollers for bringing dampening fluid up out of the pan. A transition roller contacts one of the transfer and metering rollers. The transition roller is movable between first and second position. In the first position, the transition is off of the plate cylinder and dampening fluid is applied to the plate cylinder by ink form rollers. In the second position, the transition roller is on the plate cylinder. Another version of the dampening system has a bridge roller between the transition roller and a ink form roller, which bridge roller is movable between the third and fourth positions. In the third position, the bridge roller is on the transition roller. In the fourth position, the bridge roller is off of the transition roller. The dampening system can dampen the plate cylinder without the use of alcohol. The transition roller is rotated by a separate motor so that its speed is controlled independently of the other rollers.

Abstract: The present invention provides a processing composition which is used for lithographic printing plate where silver image is used as ink receptive area for enhancing ink receptivity of the silver image. This composition contains an organic compound having two or more mercapto groups or thion groups and, in combination therewith, an aromatic sulfonic acid formalin condensate, an anionic surfactant having a polyoxyethylene group, an aromatic carboxylic acid, a hydrosulfite compound, a water-soluble polymer having a carboxyl group and having a number-average molecular weight of about 20,000 or less, a hydroxyaryl fatty acid, or an organic disulfide compound. If this composition additionally contains an oxidizing agent, it can further improve printing endurance of the printing plate.

Abstract: A dampening system for a lithographic printing press is provided in which the source of water is separate from the dampener rollers and all the dampener rollers have surfaces that possess both oleophilic and hydrophobic properties.

Abstract: A method of determining dampening-medium feed in an offset printing machine includes inking a printing plate of the printing machine so that tinting of areas of the printing plate which are normally ink-free during a production-run process occurs, and feeding a defined quantity of dampening medium and increasing dampening-medium feed, respectively, while detecting a process of ink taking from the tinted areas, which is applicable as a measurement for the dampening-medium feed being adjusted; and a device for performing the method.

Abstract: During start-up or run-on of a printing machine, a printed image is transferred from a printing cylinder (2, 24, 34) on a control or test cylinder (5, 26, 35) which has a surface representative of the surface of a substrate (6, 25, 33) on which printing, later on, is to be effected, for example a white ceramic surface of roughness comparable to that of paper. The image transferred on the control or test cylinder is optically tested while the cylinder rotates over a first partial circumferential range (7, 27, 36), and data derived, either by human observation or by electro-optical sensors (8, 28, 37) to permit readjustment of operating systems of the printing machine in accordance with desired operating parameters, such as register, inking density, ink/damping fluid relationship in offset processes or the like.

Abstract: A printing method and apparatus which use a sleeve-shaped printing form attached to a rotating body. The sleeve-shaped form conveniently permits the printing operation to be performed continuously and on both sides of the print career simultaneously. The sleeves preferably exhibit a number of process-specific functional layers. Exemplary layers are: (1) a supporting metal sleeve, (2) an intermediate metal layer for carrying the ink, and (3) a surface metal layer for carrying the water. Copper is an exemplary intermediate layer, and chromium is used as the surface metal layer.