Abstract: A flexographic printing press is provided which is particularly suited for printing thin, elastic webs. The web is imprinted by a plurality of printing decks which are positioned around a central impression cylinder. A between color dryer is located between each pair of adjacent printing decks and one or more additional dryers are located downstream of the last printing deck for drying the web before it leaves the central impression cylinder. The web does not pass any dryers after it leaves the central impression cylinder.

Abstract: A flexographic printing press is provided which is particularly suited for printing thin, elastic webs. The web is imprinted by a plurality of printing decks which are positioned around a central impression cylinder. A between color dryer is located between each pair of adjacent printing decks and one or more additional dryers are located downstream of the last printing deck for drying the web before it leaves the central impression cylinder. The web does not pass any dryers after it leaves the central impression cylinder.

Abstract: A printing press includes a pair of in-line central impression cylinders which rotate about parallel axes. A web which is printed on the central impression cylinders is advanced from one of the cylinders to the other along a path which is perpendicular to the axes. The web is advanced from an unwind to the first central impression cylinder along a path which is parallel to the axes, and the web is advanced from the second central impression cylinder to a rewind along a path which is parallel to the axis. The web path between the central impression cylinders is relatively short, and the printed side of the web does not contact any rolls except possibly a laydown roll before the second impression cylinder. The central impression cylinders and the plate rolls are driven by different servo motors, and a controller controls the servo motors for adjusting the repeat of the printed images.

Abstract: A robotic apparatus for a printing press transports components between the press and a staging or make-ready area so that components can be prepared for a new press run off-line from the press. The robotic apparatus includes a pair of lifting assemblies which are movable horizontally between the press and a support frame in the make-ready area. Each of the lifting assemblies includes a vertically movable lift mechanism, and each lift mechanism includes a plurality of lifting cups for engaging the ends of the components of the press which are to moved. The lifting cups can be operated independently, so that desired components can be moved from any printing deck to any position on the support frame. The press components which can be moved include a plate cylinder and a carriage assembly. The carriage assembly includes a frame, an anilox roll assembly mounted in the frame, and an ink container mounted on the frame.