Abstract: An intermediate transfer member (ITM) for use in a printing system to transport an ink image from an image forming station to an impression station for transfer of the ink image from the ITM onto a printing substrate, wherein the ITM is an endless flexible belt of substantially uniform width which, during use, passes over drive and guide rollers and is guided through at least the image forming station by means of guide channels that receive formations provided on both lateral edges of the belt, wherein the formations on a first edge differ from the formations on the second edge by being configured for providing the elasticity desired to maintain the belt taut when the belt is guided through their respective lateral channels.

Abstract: A digital printing system is disclosed having two independently operable printing towers arranged in series such that a substrate sheet passes sequentially through both printing towers, and in which a perfecting mechanism is provided between the two towers to reverse each substrate sheet during transfer from the first printing tower to the second printing tower, the perfecting mechanism being selectively operable to enable the second tower to print either on the same side of each substrate sheet as the first tower or on the opposite side of each substrate sheet. As well as allowing a duplex mode, the system provides a higher speed simplex mode during which different separations of the same image are printed by the two towers.

Abstract: A flexible belt is disclosed for use in a printing system. The belt comprises an endless strip which, in use, travels along a continuous path. Formations are provided along the sides of the strip which are capable of engaging with lateral tracks to place the belt under lateral tension, the lateral tracks further serving to constrain the belt to follow the continuous path.

Abstract: A printing system for printing on a substrate, comprises a movable intermediate transfer member in the form of a flexible, substantially inextensible, belt guided to follow a closed path, an image forming station for depositing droplets of a liquid ink onto an outer surface of the belt to form an ink image, a drying station for drying the ink image on the belt to leave an ink residue film on the outer surface of the belt, first and second impression stations spaced from one another in the direction of movement of the belt, each impression station comprising an impression cylinder for supporting and transporting the substrate and a pressure cylinder carrying a compressible blanket for urging the belt against the substrate supported on the impression cylinder, and a transport system for transporting the substrate from the first impression station to the second impression station.

Abstract: A printing system for printing on a substrate, comprises a movable intermediate transfer member in the form of a flexible, substantially inextensible, belt guided to follow a closed path, an image forming station for depositing droplets of a liquid ink onto an outer surface of the belt to form an ink image, a drying station for drying the ink image on the belt to leave an ink residue film on the outer surface of the belt, first and second impression stations spaced from one another in the direction of movement of the belt, each impression station comprising an impression cylinder for supporting and transporting the substrate and a pressure cylinder carrying a compressible blanket for urging the belt against the substrate supported on the impression cylinder, and a transport system for transporting the substrate from the first impression station to the second impression station .

Abstract: An intermediate transfer member (ITM) for use in a printing system to transport an ink image from an image forming station to an impression station for transfer of the ink image from the ITM onto a printing substrate, wherein the ITM is an endless flexible belt of substantially uniform width which, during use, passes over drive and guide rollers and is guided through at least the image forming station by means of guide channels that receive formations provided on both lateral edges of the belt, wherein the formations on a first edge differ from the formations on the second edge by being configured for providing the elasticity desired to maintain the belt taut when the belt is guided through their respective lateral channels.

Abstract: A printing system is disclosed which comprises an image forming station 12 at which an ink that includes an organic polymeric resin and a coloring agent is applied to an outer surface of an intermediate transfer member 10 to form an ink image, a drying station 14 for drying the ink image to leave a residue film of resin and coloring agent; and an impression station 16 at which the residue film is transferred to a substrate. The intermediate transfer member 10 comprises a thin flexible substantially inextensible belt and the impression station 16 comprises an impression cylinder 20 and a pressure cylinder 18 having a compressible outer surface for urging the belt against the impression cylinder to cause the residue film resting on the outer surface of the belt 10 to be transferred onto a substrate passing between the belt 10 and the impression cylinder 20 during engagement with the pressure cylinder.

Abstract: A flexible belt is disclosed for use in a printing system. The belt comprises an endless strip which, in use, travels along a continuous path. Formations are provided along the sides of the strip which are capable of engaging with lateral tracks to place the belt under lateral tension, the lateral tracks further serving to constrain the belt to follow the continuous path.

Abstract: A digital printing system is disclosed having two independently operable printing towers arranged in series such that a substrate sheet passes sequentially through both printing towers, and in which a perfecting mechanism is provided between the two towers to reverse each substrate sheet during transfer from the first printing tower to the second printing tower, the perfecting mechanism being selectively operable to enable the second tower to print either on the same side of each substrate sheet as the first tower or on the opposite side of each substrate sheet. As well as allowing a duplex mode, the system provides a higher speed simplex mode during which different separations of the same image are printed by the two towers.

Abstract: A printing system is disclosed which comprises an image forming station 12 at which an ink that includes an organic polymeric resin and a coloring agent is applied to an outer surface of an intermediate transfer member 10 to form an ink image, a drying station 14 for drying the ink image to leave a residue film of resin and coloring agent; and an impression station 16 at which the residue film is transferred to a substrate. The intermediate transfer member 10 comprises a thin flexible substantially inextensible belt and the impression station 16 comprises an impression cylinder 20 and a pressure cylinder 18 having a compressible outer surface for urging the belt against the impression cylinder to cause the residue film resting on the outer surface of the belt 10 to be transferred onto a substrate passing between the belt 10 and the impression cylinder 20 during engagement with the pressure cylinder.