Abstract: A manufacturing method for a decorated object is provided. In this manufacturing method, a foil is attached to a medium to obtain the decorated object. The manufacturing method includes: a foil layer forming step of attaching the foil to an adhesive layer formed on the medium, so as to form a foil layer in a manner that the adhesive layer is partly exposed; and an ink layer forming step of applying an ink to the foil layer on which the adhesive layer is partly exposed, so as to form an ink layer in a manner that the ink contacts an exposed part of the adhesive layer.

Abstract: The present invention relates to using soft secondary plates and specialty inks in a printing process. More specifically, the present invention relates to an apparatus and methods of using soft secondary plates made of a rubber comprising a saturated chain of polymethylene or a photopolymer material to decorate an exterior surface of cylindrical metallic containers with high definition graphics and other indicia.

Abstract: In one example, a system for transferring an image from a photoconductor to a print substrate includes a transfer member having a removable blanket wrapped around a rotatable drum and a laser. The blanket has a light absorbing exterior surface to receive a liquid LEP ink image from the photoconductor and to release a layer of molten toner to a print substrate. As the drum rotates, the laser exposes a width of the exterior surface of the blanket carrying a liquid LEP ink image to a beam of coherent light that delivers enough power to transform the liquid LEP ink image into molten toner.

Abstract: This invention relates to a zero alcohol offset printing system, comprises the following parts: Plate cylinder (3), its outer cylindrical surface is covered by printing plate (4); Ink exertion system (1), which comprises ink source (8) and several inking rollers, to exert ink to the printing plate; Dampening liquid exertion system (2), which comprises dampening liquid source (7) and several dampening rollers, to exert dampening liquid to the printing plate; wherein the dampening rollers include a distributor roller (6); wherein the structure of the distributor roller (6) is as follows: it comprises a metal cylinder surrounded by a ceramic layer, and the ceramic layer has texture on its outer surface; wherein the content of alcohol or ether in the dampening liquid is zero.

Abstract: Methods, apparatuses, and computer readable storage media for increasing the weight of a character are described. In one aspect, the method includes receiving a vector character description and an emboldening parameter of an initial character. Vertices of an emboldened representation of the initial character are calculated by moving each vertex of the initial character based on a combination of the emboldening parameter and a stroke width for each vertex associated with the vertex, such that each stroke of the emboldened representation of the initial character is thickened based on the width of the stroke. The emboldened representation of the initial character are formed using the calculated vertices to increase the weight of the initial character.

Abstract: A method of imbedding an image in a stone substrate includes printing an image onto a first surface of the stone substrate with regular inks and/or phosphorescent inks. Optionally, a moist towel is placed over the first surface of the stone substrate and a weight is placed over the moist towel then time is provided for the inks of the image to transfer from the print image into the surface of the stone substrate, sublimating into the stone. If provided, the moist towel and the print image are then removed and the above steps are repeated until the image is imbedded into the stone substrate. Optionally, a mirror image of the image is printed on the opposite side of the stone substrate in a similar manner.

Abstract: A method and systems to control the temperature of a Keyless inker for variable data lithography printing. Inker heating elements are adjustable to control ink feed to individual zones located across the width of an ink roller. Feedforward and feedback control loops adjust the ink supply dynamically based on a pixel count of the image content. The pixel count looks ahead in the video stream to allow time for the adjustment at the inker heating elements to propagate through the inker unit to affect ink output onto the imaging drum surface. Feedback of the achieved ink density on control patches on the imaging drum is also used to command the inker heating elements. Feedback is also used to update the inker propagation delay and dynamic model used to determine how much the inker keys need to be adjusted based on the pixel count stream.

Abstract: A data transfer apparatus comprises drive apparatus to move a received tape along a path in a longitudinal direction of the tape, a transducer head to transfer data to and/or from the tape, a tape lifter to contact the tape; and control apparatus operable, in response to a tape speed related condition or event, to cause relative movement between the tape lifter and the tape into mutual contact, thereby biasing the tape away from surface to surface contact with the transducer head.

Abstract: A printer according to the present invention includes a transfer roll and a plurality of the printing rolls. At least one printing roll of the plurality of the printing rolls transfers ink containing a conductive material to the transfer roll. Preferably, the at least one printing roll includes a printing roll configured to transfer ink containing a conductive material to the transfer roll and a printing roll configured to transfer ink containing a conductive material to the transfer roll.

Abstract: A method of transferring a transfer foil having an image forming layer through a transfer gap of a printing press under a foil cycle timing control that is selectively changeable such that it can be turned on, turned off, or is adjustable in its frequency and period of operation as a function of operating parameters of the press.

Abstract: A method of imbedding an image in a stone substrate includes printing an image onto a first surface of the stone substrate with regular inks and/or phosphorescent inks. Optionally, a moist towel is placed over the first surface of the stone substrate and a weight is placed over the moist towel then time is provided for the inks of the image to transfer from the print image into the surface of the stone substrate, sublimating into the stone. If provided, the moist towel and the print image are then removed and the above steps are repeated until the image is imbedded into the stone substrate. Optionally, a mirror image of the image is printed on the opposite side of the stone substrate in a similar manner.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a substance(s) deposition control device for an offset printing system, characterized in that it comprises:—at least one offset plate intended to receive a wetting liquid and a coloured substance in succession,—at least one controlled-deposition means for each offset plate, the deposition means comprising at least one deposition head spraying at least one wetting solution and at least one deposition head spraying a defined coloured substance,—at least one means for cleaning the offset plate, and in that the covering of the offset plate or plates comprises a mesh structure defined by a plurality of hydrophilic and lipophilic individual surfaces capable of receiving a controlled deposition of wetting liquid and/or coloured substance, each of these hydrophilic and lipophilic surfaces being separated from its direct neighbours by at least one hydrophobic and lipophobic peripheral surface.

Abstract: An intermediate transfer member (34) (ITM) transfers ink solids from an image bearing surface to a substrate. The ITM has an outermost surface having an absorptivity of less than or equal to about 5 percent when measured after 36 hours of immersion in Isopar L at 100 degrees Celsius. An imaging liquid developer system (22) deposits the ink solids and an ink solids carrier onto the outermost surface of the ITM, wherein the imaging liquid developer system (22) is configured to supply the ink solids carrier at a reduced thickness or reduced density as compared to more absorptive ITMs.

Abstract: The present invention provides kits and methods for selectively transferring a portion of an image from a substrate (e.g., paper) to a dough (e.g., Silly Putty®) comprising pressing the dough onto an image printed on the substrate. The image comprises transferable ink and non-transferable ink. At least a portion of the image comprising transferable ink transfers from the substrate to the dough and the non-transferable ink does not transfer from the substrate to the dough. The dough can be used to reveal an image that was “hidden” within the visible image printed on the substrate. The present invention also provides methods for making a substrate with an image comprising transferable ink (e.g., cold-set web ink) and non-transferable ink (e.g., sheet-fed offset ink) printed thereon, comprising using a sheet-fed offset press to print the image onto the substrate.

Abstract: The supply of a negative pressure to an opening P(+1) adjacent to an opening P(0) is stopped by switching a suction valve connected to the opening P(+1) from an open state to a closed state while keeping a positive pressure valve connected thereto closed. Then, near the opening P(+1), a force for holding a blanket becomes gradually weaker against a pressure force in a pressurized space. Associated with that, an air component in the pressurized space flows into a space between a portion of the blanket vertically above the opening P(+1) and an upper surface, whereby the blanket portion is lifted from the upper surface and brought into contact with the lower surface of a printing plate. In this way, a contact area is slowly and stably widened while a sudden change of a pressure in the pressurized space SP5 is suppressed.

Abstract: A method for producing a metal thin film on a substrate includes: a step of applying an ink to a flat blanket; a first transfer step of bringing the first blanket and a letterpress having a predetermined pattern of projections into contact by a pressure compression while the flat blanked and the letterpress being disposed opposite each other, to selectively transfer a portion of the ink on the flat blanket corresponding to the projections to the letterpress; a second transfer step of bringing the flat blanket obtained after the first transfer step and the substrate into contact by pressure compression while the flat blanket and the substrate being disposed opposite each other, to transfer the ink remaining on the flat blanket to the substrate; and a step of subjecting the substrate obtained after the second transfer step to electroless plating to deposit a metal thin film on the substrate.

Abstract: A method for producing a metal thin film on a substrate includes: a step of applying an ink to a flat blanket; a first transfer step of bringing the first blanket and a letterpress having a predetermined pattern of projections into contact by a pressure compression while the flat blanked and the letterpress being disposed opposite each other, to selectively transfer a portion of the ink on the flat blanket corresponding to the projections to the letterpress; a second transfer step of bringing the flat blanket obtained after the first transfer step and the substrate into contact by pressure compression while the flat blanket and the substrate being disposed opposite each other, to transfer the ink remaining on the flat blanket to the substrate; and a step of subjecting the substrate obtained after the second transfer step to electroless plating to deposit a metal thin film on the substrate.

Abstract: A method of imbedding an image in a stone substrate includes printing an image onto a first surface of the stone substrate. Optionally, a moist towel is placed over the first surface of the stone substrate and a weight is placed over the moist towel then time is provided for the inks of the image to transfer from the print image into the surface of the stone substrate, sublimating into the stone. If provided, the moist towel and the print image are then removed and the above steps are repeated until the image is imbedded into the stone substrate.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for printing by transfer onto a print support (10) comprising at least one blanket (30) driven in a sequential relative movement past a magazine (50) conveying the print supports (10), in which device the blanket (30) has a surface area greater than that of the print support (10), the device further comprising digital printing means (20) which print by spraying ink onto this blanket (30) over a variable area equal to that of the print support (10).

Abstract: A print section patterns a coating layer to form a pattern layer on a carrier and then transfers the pattern layer to a substrate. A controller obtains a first carrier thickness by measuring the thickness of the carrier carrying the coating layer and adjusts a gap between the carrier carrying the coating layer and the printing plate based on the first carrier thickness immediately before the coating layer is patterned. The controller also obtains a second carrier thickness by measuring the thickness of the carrier carrying the pattern layer and adjusts a gap between the carrier carrying the pattern layer and the substrate based on the second carrier thickness immediately before the pattern layer is transferred.

Abstract: A patterning method and a method for manufacturing an LCD device using the same are disclosed. The patterning method includes preparing a printing plate having concave and convex portions; coating a pattern material in the concave portion of the printing plate; rolling a printing roller on the printing plate to print the pattern material of the concave portion on the printing roller; and rolling the printing roller on a substrate to print the pattern material of the printing roller on the substrate.

Abstract: A method for printing on a curved surface and a printed curved surface body using the method. The method includes the steps of: applying printing ink having a viscosity of 5-500 PaS, preferably 5-250 PaS, to a protrusion portion of a relief printing master plate 3 which is a flat plate with the protrusion portion 0.1-50 ?m high, preferably 0.

Abstract: The invention relates to a data carrier having at least one printed area produced by intaglio printing and partly covered with a film, and to a method for producing said data carrier.

Abstract: A method of applying a surface decorative layer on a surface of an article by water pressure transfer in which transfer film 316 which has a print pattern 340 comprising a first area 312A having an ink layer and a second area 312B having no ink layer and has a whole outer surface formed thereon has an activating agent 320 applied onto the surface of the transfer film 316 to activate the ink and to collect a surplus portion of the activating agent in a convex form in the second area, whereby a three-dimensional unevenness is imparted onto the surface of the article.

Abstract: A method of printing foil images upon textiles is provided. Advantageously, a digital inkjet printer can be utilized to apply an adhesive for affixing a foil embellishment. The method of printing foil images upon textiles includes applying a pretreatment solution upon a textile. After the pretreatment solution has dried, a white underbase in the form of a fanciful design is printed upon the textile using a digital inkjet printer. A heavy color layer of color ink is then digitally inkjet printed upon the white underbase. Thereafter, the textile is removed from the inkjet printer and positioned upon a heat press table. Foil transfer paper is positioned upon the textile so as to cover the white underbase and heavy color layer. The heat press is activated so as to adhere the foil, but only to those regions where the white underbase and color ink has been printed. Once cool to the touch, the foil is slowly peeled from the textile so as to leave a fanciful foil design.

Abstract: The present invention provides kits and methods for selectively transferring a portion of an image from a substrate (e.g., paper) to a dough (e.g., Silly Putty®) comprising pressing the dough onto an image printed on the substrate. The image comprises transferable ink and non-transferable ink. At least a portion of the image comprising transferable ink transfers from the substrate to the dough and the non-transferable ink does not transfer from the substrate to the dough. The dough can be used to reveal an image that was “hidden” within the visible image printed on the substrate. The present invention also provides methods for making a substrate with an image comprising transferable ink (e.g., cold-set web ink) and non-transferable ink (e.g., sheet-fed offset ink) printed thereon, comprising using a sheet-fed offset press to print the image onto the substrate.

Abstract: The invention relates to thin film single layers, electronic components such as multilayer capacitors which utilize thin film layers, and to their methods of manufacture. Chemical solution deposition and microcontact printing of dielectric and electrode layers are disclosed. High permittivity BaTiO3 multilayer thin film capacitors are prepared on Ni foil substrates by microcontact printing and by chemical solution deposition. Multilayer capacitors with BaTiO3 dielectric layers and LaNiO3 internal electrodes are prepared, enabling dielectric layer thicknesses of 1 ??m or less. Microcontact printing of precursor solutions of the dielectric and electrode layers is used.

Abstract: A method of printing intersecting lines with angle effect includes transferring ink to a flexo master. The flexo master includes embossing patterns disposed at an adjusted angle relative to an x-y axis. Ink is transferred from the flexo master to a substrate.

Abstract: A multi-station flexographic printing method includes transferring an ink from a first flexo master to a substrate. The first flexo master includes an embossing pattern. The embossing pattern includes lines of a first width or orientation. Ink is transferred from a second flexo master to the substrate. The second flexo master includes an embossing pattern. The embossing pattern includes lines of a second width or orientation. Ink is transferred from a third flexo master to the substrate. The third flexo master includes an embossing pattern. The embossing pattern includes lines of a third width or orientation. Ink is transferred from a fourth flexo master to the substrate. The fourth flexo master includes an embossing pattern. The embossing pattern includes lines of a fourth width or orientation.

Abstract: A method of printing uniform line widths with angle effect includes transferring ink to a flexo master comprising printing patterns disposed at an adjusted angle relative to a directional printing axis and transferring ink from the flexo master to a substrate. A flexographic printing system includes an ink roll, an anilox roll, a plate cylinder, a flexo master, and an impression cylinder. The flexo master is disposed on a plate cylinder. The flexo master includes printing patterns disposed at an adjusted angle relative to a directional printing axis.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a reverse offset printing method, and more particularly, to a reverse offset printing method in a partial off type capable of accurately transferring a pattern to a cliche to achieve more precise minute printing by separately performing removal for each shear region of a functional ink even though the pattern is minute.

Abstract: A blanket tensioning device for an image transfer medium (ITM) cylinder includes two elongated blanket holders. A long dimension of each blanket holder is substantially parallel to a long dimension of the other. At least a part of at least one of the blanket holders is moveable toward or away from the other blanket holder. The device includes at least one spring that, is longitudinally arranged with respect to the long dimension and a transmission for converting a force that is exerted by the spring to a transverse force that is applied to the moveable part. When the device is installed on the cylinder with the long dimension being oriented substantially parallel to an axis of the cylinder, and when a blanket is wrapped around the cylinder with each of opposite ends of the blanket being held by each of the blanket holders substantially parallel to the cylinder axis, the applied transverse force tensions the blanket.

Abstract: A rotary pad printing system comprises a compressible pad wheel (105), one or more inkjet or other image applicator heads (400), optional treatment stations (500), a shaft encoder (535), a control unit (540), and an image source (565). The image applicator heads apply an image to the wheel and the treatment stations can supply treatments such as heat, gas, light, overcoats, and undercoats. The image is then transferred to a receiving surface (532). An optional cleaning station (510) cleans the rotary pad prior to application of the next or a continuous image. Each image can be different and can be applied to a moving surface. Since the rotary pad can continuously receive updated image information, the area printed can range from a single pixel to an image of indefinite length. In an alternative embodiment, a domed pad is used. In another alternative embodiment, a flexible belt (1000) is used instead of a rotary wheel. In another alternative embodiment, a segmented pad (2205) is used.

Abstract: A method for forming a conductive pattern on a substrate (208) includes providing an image pattern for imaging on the substrate; imaging the image pattern on the substrate creating imaged areas; spraying functional material (232) on the substrate that diffuse molecules of the functional material into the imaged areas; and applying electro-less copper coating that build conductive material traces on the imaged areas on the substrate.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for printing on a printing material web is disclosed. A rotary offset printing machine includes a printing unit with two plate cylinders and a blanket cylinder. The blanket cylinder prints on the printing material web and the two plate cylinders are arranged relative to each other such that respective images from the two plate cylinders are transferred to an identical position on the blanket cylinder during the printing.

Abstract: The present invention provides device and method for forming a thin film pattern which can maintain an extent of wetting of a printing liquid at a proper state without time dependence. The device for forming a thin film includes a printing liquid supply unit for supplying printing liquid, a cliché having a depressed pattern and a relieved pattern for patterning the printing liquid, a printing roller for having the printing liquid supplied from the printing liquid supply unit thereto coated thereon and being rolled on the cliché and the substrate, and a solvent supply unit for supplying a solvent to the printing liquid before the printing liquid coated on the printing roller is brought into contact with the cliché.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a printing apparatus and method for forming a thin film pattern using the printing apparatus which can form a multi-layered thin film pattern on a substrate.

Abstract: An ink used to form a black matrix on a substrate using an off-set printing device, wherein the off-set printing device includes a stage on which the substrate is placed, a printing roll which is covered by a blanket, and a cliché which includes a concave portion and a convex portion, the ink includes: an organic pigment; a binder; a thermally cross-linkable monomer; a printing solvent that has a boiling point equal to or more than 100 degrees Celsius; a carrier solvent that has a boiling point less than 100 degrees Celsius; and an additive.

Abstract: The disclosure provides a composition for gravure offset printing, including 7-92 parts by weight of a functional material, 1-76 parts by weight of a polymer, 4-13 parts by weight of a solvent, and 1-2.5 parts by weight of an additive, wherein a surface tension of the composition is between 20-40 mN/m. The disclosure further provides a gravure offset printing process, including providing a template containing a gravure pattern, filling the composition in the gravure pattern of the template, transferring the composition from the template onto a blanket, and transferring the composition from the blanket to a substrate, wherein a transfer ratio of the composition from the blanket to the substrate is above 80%.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for transferring a principal substance applies the principal substance onto a surface and deposits drops of a gating agent onto a first portion of the principal substance applied to the first surface. The depositing of each drop of gating agent is individually controlled. A second portion of the principal substance not covered by the gating agent is transferred from the first surface to a second surface. A printing system adapted to transfer principal substance from a first surface to a second surface is also disclosed.

Abstract: A process for controlling the quantity of ink applied to a material being printed includes the stages of: driving an inking roller and a printing roller at first inking and printing speeds, changing the printing speed to a second printing speed, changing the inking speed to a second inking speed on the basis of a speed correction index, measuring a first and a second quantity of ink, calculating the difference in the quantities of ink applied, and altering the speed correction parameter on the basis of the difference in the quantity of ink printed. The process may be applied to offset presses.

Abstract: A method and a device for producing and transferring diffractive microstructures to a printing material include applying a fluid to an embossing cylinder and there, during the rotation of the embossing cylinder, solidifying the fluid to such an extent that the fluid is transferred to a printing material in the manner of a film with a solidified microstructure. The embossing cylinder has a cover which is preferably constructed to be either soft as a “flexoshim” or hard as a “nickel shim.” A web-fed or sheet-fed rotary printing press having the device is also provided.

Abstract: A variable cutoff printing press includes a plate cylinder, a plate cylinder support removably supporting the plate cylinder, a blanket cylinder, a blanket cylinder support removably supporting the blanket, an impression cylinder and an impression cylinder support. An actuator for moving the blanket cylinder support accommodates different blanket cylinder sizes, the actuator further moving the impression cylinder support so that regardless of blanket cylinder size a gap exists between the blanket cylinder support and the impression cylinder support. An on impression actuator moves the impression cylinder support against the blanket cylinder support to set a desired print load. A method is also provided.

Abstract: On a printing relief plate, which is produced by a printing relief plate producing apparatus and a printing relief plate producing method, convexities and detecting portions are set to be lower than a solid area of the printing relief plate. In the event that a detecting portion image and a solid area image are printed on a print medium using the printing relief plate by a printing apparatus and by carrying out a printing method, in a printing pressure determining apparatus and a printing pressure determining method, it is determined whether a printing pressure is an appropriate printing pressure or not by comparing an optical density of the detecting portion image and an optical density of the solid area image.

Abstract: Embedding data in printed image features on a receiver printed with an offset printing process includes a first offset printing member (240) for forming an image (320) on the first offset printing member. A second offset printing member (260) is roughened in one region (280) of the second offset printing member within a boundary of an image feature on the first offset printing member to embed data (330). Ink is applied to the first offset printing member and transferred from the first offset printing member to the second offset printing member. The ink from the second offset printing member is applied to a receiver (305) and the embedded data is printed within the boundary of the at least one image feature transferred to the receiver.

Abstract: An approach is provided for applying a release agent to a substrate having a first surface and a second surface. The approach involves causing, at least in part, a release agent supply device to supply release agent to a release agent applicator. The approach also involves causing, at least in part, a release agent metering device configured to control an amount of release agent applied to a roller configured to apply release agent to the first surface of the substrate. The roller is configured to accommodate the substrate under a tension over at least a portion of a circumference of the roller such that a pressure is exerted between the roller and the first surface of the substrate.

Abstract: A system and method are provided to implement variable data lithographic image forming in devices that are designed to maximize re-use of conventional offset lithographic image forming components, module and architectures. A truly variable data digital lithography scheme has been proposed as a departure from conventional offset lithography schemes. This disclosure introduces a system architecture to overcome limitations based on the architectural differences that make acceptance of the variable data lithographic scheme less practical and less attractive to some manufacturers and users. The disclosed systems and methods propose incorporating novel aspects of the true variable digital printing scheme into conventional offset lithographic modules and architectures. This disclosure describes re-use of conventional offset lithographic modules and/or architectures while making the disclosed systems and methods digital.

Abstract: An offset printing method includes creating halftone dots corresponding to a printed image and formed of printing ink, on a surface of a transfer cylinder and transferring the halftone dots to a printing substrate while the transfer cylinder rotates about its longitudinal axis. A halftone value in a printed image on the printing substrate is adjusted to a desired value by modifying a halftone dot size. The offset printing method improves the quality of the printed image by increasing the halftone dot size by a desired amount by providing a relative offset between a device that creates the halftone dots and the surface of the transfer cylinder.

Abstract: A removable flexible jacket for use in a printing press having a transfer cylinder for transferring a freshly printed substrate. The removable flexible jacket comprises a film sheet, a plurality of beads coupled to the film sheet by a bonding material, wherein the beads are of different sizes, and a coating partially covering the beads, wherein a cusp of at least some of the larger beads is substantially free of the coating.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a fountain solution concentrate for offset printing comprising tert.-amyl alcohol. The present invention also refers to a fountain solution obtained by the addition of water to the fountain solution concentrate. Another aspect of the present invention is a method for offset printing wherein a fountain solution according to the present invention is applied to the image plate to desensitize the non-image areas of the image plate and the printed media obtainable thereby.