Abstract: A printing sleeve for a rotogravure or flexo printing roll is provided that as a base sleeve with a slightly conical or tapered geometry adapted to be mounted over the printing roll which also has a slightly conical or tapered geometry. The printing sleeve also comprises a layer of compressible material mounted to the base sleeve, a layer of foamed spacer material, and an outer tube mounted over the layer of foamed spacer material. Further, an engravable layer is typically applied to the exterior of the outer tube.

Abstract: A printing sleeve for a rotogravure or flexo printing roll is provided that as a slightly conical or tapered geometry wherein the inner diameter at one end is slightly smaller than the inner diameter at a second end. Similarly, the printing roll is provided with a slightly conical geometry or tapered diameter as well wherein the outside diameter at one end is slightly smaller than the outside diameter at the other end. The larger end of the printing sleeve is mounted over the smaller end of the printing roll and the sleeve is pushed forward either manually or mechanically until the larger end of the printing sleeve is disposed over the larger end of the printing roll. A key/slot combination may be provided on the inside surface of the printing sleeve and outside surface of the printing roll to ensure proper alignment. An apparatus also is provided for mounting a printing sleeve over a printing roll which includes two support bearings for mounting the opposing ends of the printing roll or printing axle.