Abstract: A variable cut-off offset press system and method of operation which utilizes a continuous image transfer belt is provided. The offset printing system comprises at least two plate cylinders adapted to have thereon respective printing sleeves. Each of the printing sleeves is adapted to receive colored ink from a respective ink source. An optional coating source may be provided to fully or partially coat the image transfer belt before inking. The system further comprises at least a impression cylinder, wherein the image transfer belt is positioned to contact each of the printing sleeves at respective nips formed between respective ones of the plate cylinders and the at least one impression cylinder. An image belt cleaning station adapted to remove residual ink or coating from the surface of the image transfer belt after image transfer of a multicolored image from the image transfer belt to a substrate is also provided.

Abstract: A variable cut-off offset press system and method of operation which utilizes a continuous image transfer belt is provided. The offset printing system comprises at least two plate cylinders adapted to have thereon respective printing sleeves. Each of the printing sleeves is adapted to receive colored ink from a respective ink source. An optional coating source may be provided to fully or partially coat the image transfer belt before inking. The system further comprises at least a impression cylinder, wherein the image transfer belt is positioned to contact each of the printing sleeves at respective nips formed between respective ones of the plate cylinders and the at least one impression cylinder. An image belt cleaning station adapted to remove residual ink or coating from the surface of the image transfer belt after image transfer of a multicolored image from the image transfer belt to a substrate is also provided.

Abstract: A transport assembly with a driven split rollers and split nip gap includes a support and a first drive roller that is rotatably mounted to the support about a first drive roller axis. The first drive roller is driven by gears, belts or the like for rotating the first drive roller about its axis. A number of nip rollers are adjustably mounted to the support and positioned in spaced apart relation and adjacent to the first drive roller with the first drive roller being in frictional communication with each nip roller with the nip rollers being driven by the first drive roller. A second drive roller is rotatably mounted to the support and is positioned a distance from the each of the first nip rollers to define a split nip gap for receiving and transporting a web therethrough. The nip gap distance between each of the nip rollers is individually adjustable while being directly driven by the first drive roller.