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 printing blanket is provided including a base layer, a print layer, and at least one barrier layer positioned against the print layer which functions to substantially reduce or eliminate the penetration of printing chemicals and other liquids below the print layer of the printing blanket. The barrier layer may comprise a variety of polymers or rubbers. The barrier layer may include fillers or absorbent materials therein to improve the barrier properties of the layer.

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 replaceable sleeve having a working surface is provided which is adapted to be mounted on a carrier. The sleeve includes an inner polymeric layer, a reinforcing layer overlying the inner layer, an intermediate polymeric layer overlying the reinforcing layer, and an outer polymeric layer. The sleeve may include a cushion layer between the intermediate layer and the outer layer. The layers comprising the sleeve are formed around a support and then cured simultaneously in a single step. The resulting sleeve may be used in printing operations or in other applications such as coating, embossing, laminating, calendering and the like.

Abstract: A replaceable sleeve having a working surface is provided which is adapted to be mounted on a carrier. The sleeve includes an inner polymeric layer, a reinforcing layer overlying the inner layer, an intermediate polymeric layer overlying the reinforcing layer, and an outer polymeric layer. The sleeve may include a cushion layer between the intermediate layer and the outer layer. The layers comprising the sleeve are formed around a support and then cured simultaneously in a single step. The resulting sleeve may be used in printing operations or in other applications such as coating, embossing, laminating, calendering and the like.

Abstract: A replaceable sleeve having a working surface is provided which is adapted to be mounted on a carrier. The sleeve includes an inner polymeric layer, a reinforcing layer overlying the inner layer, an intermediate polymeric layer overlying the reinforcing layer, and an outer polymeric layer. The sleeve may include a cushion layer between the intermediate layer and the outer layer. The layers comprising the sleeve are formed around a support and then cured simultaneously in a single step. The resulting sleeve may be used in printing operations or in other applications such as coating, embossing, laminating, calendering and the like.