Abstract: A system and method of identifying the match of a printing cylinder and sleeve when the combination thereof has been dressed by laser ablation to achieve a degree of cylindricity. It is desirable to retain the identification of this match for reuse purposes and thereby avoid unnecessary redressing. The identification convention of the invention represents simple encoding, conventional marking means, and readability on sight.

Abstract: A system and method of identifying the match of a printing cylinder and sleeve when the combination thereof has been dressed by laser ablation to achieve a degree of cylindricity. It is desirable to retain the identification of this match for reuse purposes and thereby avoid unnecessary redressing. The identification convention of the invention represents simple encoding, conventional marking means, and readability on sight.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for calibration of laser ablating energy versus ablating depth for a laser ablateable printing plate in relation to materials forming the printing plate, includes a memory for storing data, for each of a plurality of materials, corresponding to correlated different detected depths of each of a plurality of laser ablated areas with ablating energy levels. A first laser ablates a printing image of desired depth in a printing plate formed by a selected one of the materials. A first control device interpolates laser ablating energy levels for the printing image of desired depth in the printing plate formed by the selected material, in accordance with the stored data and the selected material, and controls the laser to laser ablate the printing image in the printing plate of the selected material in accordance with the interpolated laser ablating energy levels.

Abstract: Apparatus for balancing a printing roller having an image producing area thereon, includes a detector for detecting any unbalance of the printing roller during rotation thereof. A computer determines weight adjustments of the printing roller that are required to correct the unbalance, in response to the detection. A laser is controlled by the computer to remove material, in response to the determination, from at least one engraveable plate mounted on the outer surface of the printing roller or from the printing roller itself, in an area outside of the image producing area, in order to balance the printing roller.

Abstract: Apparatus for reducing variations in total indicated run-out and taper in a printing roller, includes a detector which detects variations in total indicated run-out and taper in a surface of the printing roller, and a laser which ablates the surface of the printing roller. A control device controls the laser to ablate the surface in a manner to reduce variations in the total indicated run-out and taper in the printing roller, in response to the detector, while there is relative rotation and lengthwise movement between the printing roller and the laser and detector. Also, a printing plate is mounted on the printing roller, and the control device controls the laser to reduce the total indicated run-out and taper by further ablating a surface of the printing plate. The control device further controls the laser to etch an image into the printing plate.

Abstract: A high speed winding apparatus for winding a continuous web of material onto cylindrical cores to form winding rolls has at least one turret rotatably mounted to a frame. The web is surface wound at a predetermined surface speed on individual winding arms mounted within the turret. The winding rolls are driven through the cores and are urged against a surface winding drum turning at the web surface speed. Cores are changed automatically by cutting and splicing the web segments to a new set of cores. The completed roll is unloaded, and the turret is then rotated 180.degree. with the empty winding arms passing between the web segments.