Abstract: An ink proofing system may include a hand holdable support member, an anilox roll coupled to the support member and an impression roll coupled to the support member. A photopolymer printing plate with an etched outer surface can be coupled to the outer circumferential surface of the impression roll. An adjustment device coupled to the support member can be provided to set a fixed nip between the printing plate and the ink-receiving substrate.

Abstract: An ink fountain apparatus, method of method of adjusting printing characteristics in flexographic printing and a printing press system are disclosed. The apparatus may include a side plate, a roller disposed adjacent a first end of the plate, a back plate disposed adjacent a second opposing end of the side plate and a throttle disposed between the roller and the back plate. The throttle is mounted to the side plate and includes a back surface facing towards the back plate and a front surface facing towards the roller. The front surface includes a curved portion forming a tapering gap between the roller and the front surface of the throttle. A position controller is coupled to the throttle to selectively move the curved portion towards and away from the roller to adjust the volume of ink being transferred to the outer surface of the roller.

Abstract: A hand holdable ink proofing tool including an anilox roll and an ink transfer roll, supporting a resilient printing plate. A metering roll adjacent the anilox roll is shiftable to be in contact with the anilox roll and to force ink into cells of the anilox roll; and a leading edge doctor blade is positioned to shear excess ink from a surface of the anilox roll.

Abstract: A hand holdable ink proofing tool including an anilox roll and an ink transfer roll, supporting a resilient printing plate. A metering roll adjacent the anilox roll is shiftable to be in contact with the anilox roll and to force ink into cells of the anilox roll; and a leading edge doctor blade is positioned to shear excess ink from a surface of the anilox roll.

Abstract: An ink fountain apparatus, method of method of adjusting printing characteristics in flexographic printing and a printing press system are disclosed. The apparatus may include a side plate, a roller disposed adjacent a first end of the plate, a back plate disposed adjacent a second opposing end of the side plate and a throttle disposed between the roller and the back plate. The throttle is mounted to the side plate and includes a back surface facing towards the back plate and a front surface facing towards the roller. The front surface includes a curved portion forming a tapering gap between the roller and the front surface of the throttle. A position controller is coupled to the throttle to selectively move the curved portion towards and away from the roller to adjust the volume of ink being transferred to the outer surface of the roller.

Abstract: A method of predicting the performance of a printing press for a printing job includes preparing a first printing plate and securing the printing plate to a proofing device then adjusting the proofing device to optimize ink transfer from an anilox roll to the printing plate and from the printing plate to a substrate. An operator then prepares a printing proof on the substrate and evaluates the printing proof to predict the performance of a second printing plate on the printing press. The invention may also include a plate for printing that includes a printing press portion that is dimensioned to be secured to a printing press and a proofing portion that is dimensioned to be secured to a proofing tool that are separable.

Abstract: A proofing tool including an anilox roll and a transfer roll that are shiftable relative to each other between an engaged position and a disengaged position. The invention further includes a positive rotational linkage between the transfer roll and a drive roll whereby a pitch velocity of the transfer roll and a pitch velocity of the transfer roll are substantially matched.