Abstract: A method for designing a printing plate for mounting on a printing cylinder. An optimal lateral seam path is defined between opposite lateral edges of the plate by applying an energy minimization function. Top and bottom edges of the plate are defined based upon the optimal lateral seam path, preferably with a variable gap therebetween, and the bottom edge is unwrapped from the top edge to define a closed cutting path. The area inside the closed cutting path is wrapped with artwork or portions thereof, and an updated digital graphics file stored. The energy minimization function may include a penalty function, overall seam path length, and seam path amplitude, with weighting factors. For artwork including staggered lanes of step and repeat one-up images, the optimal lateral seam path may extend across each lane through one-up images, steps between adjacent one-up images, or a combination thereof.

Abstract: A method for designing a printing plate for mounting on a printing cylinder. An optimal lateral seam path is defined between opposite lateral edges of the plate by applying an energy minimization function. Top and bottom edges of the plate are defined based upon the optimal lateral seam path, preferably with a variable gap therebetween, and the bottom edge is unwrapped from the top edge to define a closed cutting path. The area inside the closed cutting path is wrapped with artwork or portions thereof, and an updated digital graphics file stored. The energy minimization function may include a penalty function, overall seam path length, and seam path amplitude, with weighting factors. For artwork including staggered lanes of step and repeat one-up images, the optimal lateral seam path may extend across each lane through one-up images, steps between adjacent one-up images, or a combination thereof.

Abstract: Planar substrates are printed, cut, and folded to form three-dimensional cartons. Given graphics intended to appear on a carton surface or panel, printed graphics are laid-out and automatically positioned and manipulated using structural information associated with the cartons. Preferably a single computer-generated graphics file is created for use in printing the various panels and flaps. The graphics design can be overlaid on a computer image of the substrate, and graphic portions can be rotated, scaled, and aligned to properly fit printing areas on what will be panels and flaps (after cutting occurs). A computer generated three-dimensional image of the carton showing graphics printed on the panels and flaps can be manipulated by a graphics artist to confirm accuracy of the graphic file data before actual printing occurs.

Abstract: Planar substrates are printed, cut, and folded to form three-dimensional cartons. Given graphics intended to appear on a carton surface or panel, printed graphics are laid-out and automatically positioned and manipulated using structural information associated with the cartons. Preferably a single computer-generated graphics file is created for use in printing the various panels and flaps. The graphics design can be overlaid on a computer image of the substrate, and graphic portions can be rotated, scaled, and aligned to properly fit printing areas on what will be panels and flaps (after cutting occurs). A computer generated three-dimensional image of the carton showing graphics printed on the panels and flaps can be manipulated by a graphics artist to confirm accuracy of the graphic file data before actual printing occurs.