Abstract: A method and apparatus for mounting a die, particularly a rigid cutting die, on a die cylinder includes having a bubble along a seal on the die to bridge any gaps between the die and the die cylinder when the die is initially positioned on the die cylinder. This bubble seal enables a vacuum to be applied between the initially positioned die and the die cylinder to pull the die down against and into conformity with the surface of the die cylinder, at the same time flattening the bubble seal. A key at a trailing edge of the die locates in an axial keyway in the die cylinder to circumferentially position the die; a bolt is then inserted at a leading edge of the die to establish axial location. During operation the die is held in position by the vacuum. Beam sensors and light reflectors may be incorporated to sense when a wrong die is present and shut down the apparatus.

Abstract: Apparatus for mounting a flexible printing plate comprises a printing cylinder having a surface upon which the printing plate is mountable, and a connection for applying subatmospheric pressure inside the cylinder. A plurality of valves selectively apply the subatmospheric pressure to the surface from inside the cylinder. These valves have depressable actuating members protrudable above the cylinder surface. Those actuating members contacted by the printing plate when applied to the cylinder surface are depressed thereby to effect application of subatmospheric pressure to beneath the printing plate to draw the plate against the cylinder. Preferably, grooves are provided in the cylinder surface for distribution of the subatmospheric pressure beneath the plate. Advantageously, the printing plate may have a thin, highly flexible and deformable fringe along its trailing edge to seal the surface grooves, at that location.

Abstract: Apparatus for mounting a flexible printing plate comprises a printing cylinder having a surface upon which the printing plate is mountable, and a connection for applying subatmospheric pressure inside the cylinder. A plurality of valves selectively apply the subatmospheric pressure to the surface from inside the cylinder. These valves have depressable actuating members protrudable above the cylinder surface. Those actuating members contacted by the printing plate when applied to the cylinder surface are depressed thereby to effect application of subatmospheric pressure to beneath the printing plate to draw the plate against the cylinder. Preferably, grooves are provided in the cylinder surface for distribution of the subatmospheric pressure beneath the plate. Advantageously, the printing plate may have a thin, highly flexible and deformable fringe along its trailing edge to seal the surface grooves, at that location.