Abstract: A method and a device for measuring the thickness of a fountain solution layer or ink emulsion layer on the surface of a cylinder bearing the print image of an offset printing machine is proposed, in which the absorption of reflected near infrared radiation is measured by the dampening water that is applied during print production. Interferences due to optical reflection are eliminated by means of a gloss trap. A position-controlled regulation of the dampening water allocation is reliably maintained by means of machine synchronization of the measuring unit and receiving unit.

Abstract: A method and a device for measuring the thickness of a fountain solution layer or ink emulsion layer on the surface of a cylinder bearing the print image of an offset printing machine is proposed, in which the absorption of reflected near infrared radiation is measured by the dampening water that is applied during print production. Interferences due to optical reflection are eliminated by means of a gloss trap. A position-controlled regulation of the dampening water allocation is reliably maintained by means of machine synchronization of the measuring unit and receiving unit.