Abstract: A noncontact web stabilizer is provided in which members located on opposite sides of a web reduce out-of-plane web vibrations. Specifically, a first member is located on one side of a web and a second member is located on the opposite side of the web. Both members are positioned so that the distance between the web and the members decrease in the direction that the web is moving, creating opposing regions of high pressure that force the web toward its nominal running position, thereby reducing out-of-plane web instability.

Abstract: A web print unit includes a first plate cylinder, a first blanket cylinder for contacting the first plate cylinder, a second blanket cylinder, and a second plate cylinder for contacting the second blanket cylinder. A web to be printed passes between the first blanket cylinder and the second blanket cylinder at a blanket to blanket location, the first and second blanket cylinders are capable of being thrown apart. An air source is located on a side of the web and oriented to blow air upstream toward the blanket to blanket location while the blanket cylinders rotate.