Abstract: In a method of printing on individual self-supporting articles, for example CDs, telephone cards or the like, using multi-color printing, the relative positions of the individual print images which make up a total print image on the article are set by a procedure whereby, after at least one individual print image has been printed on the article, the print image is detected by a camera system. The representation of the actual position of the individual print image relative to the article bearing it is compared in a computer to a representation of the reference position stored therein. In dependence on the result of the comparison, if the actual position deviates from the reference position, the position of the printing mechanism and/or the position of a following article is altered for the printing operation in accordance with the result of the comparison.

Abstract: An apparatus for printing on individual articles comprises a printing cylinder and an impression cylinder. When printing on articles with a cavity for accommodating for example a chip the wall region of the card which delimits the cavity has to be supported for printing on the side opposite the cavity. For that purpose the impression cylinder has a support portion engageable into the cavity when the article passes the impression cylinder. For converting the apparatus between printing procedures of different kinds the support portion is displaceable between an inoperative position and an operative position by displacement of the impression cylinder in the direction of rotation thereof so that in one basic angular position the support portion does not come into contact with the articles passing the impression cylinder during the printing operation and in another basic angular position the support portion engages into the cavity of the article.

Abstract: An apparatus for printing on individual articles has at least two rotatably disposed holders, each of which carries an article. Each of the holders which can comprise first and second holder portions is provided with separate drives for transporting the respective holder and for producing rotational movement thereof so that an article carried by one of the holders can be moved and rotated independently of articles carried by other holders. When printing on articles whose region to be printed upon differs from the shape of a circle or a circular arc, it is also possible for the printing mechanism consisting of a screen printing stencil and a squeegee to be raised or lowered in the printing operation, in dependence on the cross-sectional shape of the region to be printed upon, so that there is no need to alter the position in respect of height of the article during a printing operation.

Abstract: In a process and apparatus for printing on flat individual articles such as cards by means of offset printing, the article, before being moved into a starting position for the printing operation, is firstly aligned relative to the printing cylinder. While the article is maintained in the aligned position by suction force, the article is then transferred on to a holding device and into the starting position for the printing operation. The holding device with article is then moved in a first direction relative to the printing cylinder for transfer of the print image therefrom on to that article. The holding device then moves in a second direction opposite to the first direction. During that movement the article with print image thereon is displaced relative to the holding device on which it is supported, to provide space on the holding device for the article to be printed upon in the following working cycle.

Abstract: In a process and apparatus for printing on flat individual articles such as CDs by means of offset printing, the surface to be printed upon and the offset printing cylinder which is rolled against the article are adjusted relative to each other to produce a pressure effect which is favorable to transfer of the print image on to the article in order to compensate for differences in thickness between the individual articles. When adjusting the printing cylinder and the surface to be printed upon relative to each other, the radial position of transfer surfaces at the periphery of the printing cylinder may, if necessary, be taken into account. In the absence of an article in the printing station, it is possible to provide a replacement article in the form of a web of material, on to which the print image intended for the missing article is transferred from the printing cylinder.

Abstract: Apparatus for aligning bodies supplied in a disordered fashion has a drum defined at the underside by a bottom which comprises at least first and second disks or annular disks arranged one above the other. The outside diameter of a disk or annular disk is smaller than the outside diameter of the disk or annular disk disposed immediately therebeneath. The lowermost disk or annular disk forms the bottom boundary of a generally annular channel whose radially inward boundary is formed by the peripheral portion of the disk or annular disk disposed above the lowermost one, the bottom of the drum thus being of a stepped configuration. The bodies are introduced into the drum and pass outwardly into the channel within which the bodies are then aligned to be transported forwardly in succession therein, and are finally passed out of the drum.