Abstract: Starting from a blank gravure form, a filling step and a subsequent imaging step are carried out to produce a printing form. In the filling step, depressions are evenly filled with a UV printing ink by an application device, and the UV printing ink is then solidified by a UV drier. In the imaging step, solidified UV printing ink is removed from the depressions in accordance with the image by thermal ablation. The gravure form screened in accordance with the image is then inked with UV printing ink by an inking system. For reuse, the gravure form undergoes an erasure step that uses UV printing ink.

Abstract: An inking-pad printing press has at least one container (1) for inking a printing plate and a press device for pressing the container against the printing plate. The printing plate (2) and the container are moved in a mutually reciprocating manner by a drive mechanism in order to ink a printing block of the printing plate. During the inking process, the position of the container relative to the longitudinal axis of the printing block and hence to the printed image is varied by a further relative movement. This further relative movement is, for example, an oscillating, rolling, swaying, swinging or thrusting movement.

Abstract: Separate air curtains of low pressure, high flow volume air are discharged onto the leading inking form roller on the feeder side and onto the trailing inking form roller on the delivery side of the plate cylinder to evaporate water entrained with the ink and which has migrated from the printing plate to the inking form rollers as a result of uneven application of water to the plate cylinder. A pair of elongated distribution manifolds are mounted on the press in proximity to the inking form rollers, one manifold directing a curtain of air onto the inking form roller and adjacent vibrator roller on the feeder side, and the other manifold directing a curtain of air onto the inking form roller and adjacent vibrator roller on the delivery side of the plate cylinder.

Abstract: The present invention is a flexographic printing apparatus for printing single images on a continuous web of material using a belt-type printer and for easily and rapidly creating flexible packaging by bringing the printing operation in-line with the bag converting or packaging material machines. In a preferred embodiment, the printing apparatus includes a frame having an impression cylinder and a nip roller rotatably mounted to the frame in close proximity to the impression cylinder such that the nip roller bears on the impression cylinder, a printer mounting attached to the frame and movable laterally relative to the impression cylinder, a belt-type printer mounted on the printer mounting and means for transferring rotation of the impression cylinder to the printer. The frame may be fixed to a post-printing processing machine or may be free-standing for easily moving the invented apparatus to various locations.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for making color filters for liquid crystal display panels. A transfer layer is formed on a collector roll, and a raised pattern corresponding to the desired black matrix pattern is formed on the transfer layer by an embossing means. A plurality of colored ink patterns is formed in the appropriate location within the boundaries formed by the raised pattern, thereby forming the multicolor image that will become the color filter. This multicolored image is then transferred to the substrate. Preferably, the multicolored ink pattern is deposited to a substrate while in a deformable state, flattened during the deposition process, and the deformed, more uniform shape of the printed cells is thereafter retained, preferably by curing during deposition to the substrate.

Abstract: Apparatus for use in a gravure press or other reproduction apparatus, comprising a roller apparatus which is at least partly electrically conductive and at least one electrical transfer device adjacent the surface of the roller and connected to a power source, in use, to enable a charge to be applied to the surface of the roller by each such transfer device, and means for moving the transfer device relative to the surface of the roller, in use, whereby to mitigate the adverse image-patterning effects on gravure printing, or other reproduction, of any spatial discontinuities in the level of charge transfer from the spaced transfer devices onto the roller.

Abstract: A method of producing a substrate for an electron source, the substrate including a plurality of electron emission devices each including a pair of opposing electrodes, the plurality of electron emission devices being arranged on the substrate. The method comprises the steps of preparing an intaglio plate having recessed portions corresponding to a pattern of the electrodes, the depth of the recessed portions being in the range from 4 .mu.m to 15 .mu.m, filling the recessed portions with ink, pressing a blanket against the intaglio plate so that the ink is transferred from the inside of the recessed portions onto the blanket, and bringing the blanket into contact with the substrate so that the ink is transferred from the blanket onto the substrate thereby forming the electrode pattern thereon.

Abstract: A method of printing paper by gravure printing, wherein the paper used is coated with a paper-coating slip containing a binding agent having a butadiene content of at least 74 wt %, based on the binding agent.

Abstract: A process is disclosed for producing an ink knife for the ink duct roller of a printing machine from an at least about 2 mm thick metal plate. Parallel slits are formed which extend from the working edge of the ink knife over part of the plate width and form lamellas of color zone width. Parallel transverse and blind-ended grooves which start at the working edge are first cut into the metal plate at intervals which correspond to the width of the color zones. Afterwards, a continuation rating groove that extends parallel to the working edge is cut in the area of the blind ends of the transverse grooves, preferably on at least one side of the metal plate. Finally the metal plate is completely cut through in the area of the transverse grooves, preferably by means of laser beams, forming a narrow slit at intervals which correspond to the width of the color zones.

Abstract: A method for making color filters for liquid crystal display panels. A raised pattern corresponding to the desired black matrix pattern is formed on a substrate, e.g., by an embossing means. A plurality of colored ink patterns is formed in the appropriate location within the boundaries formed by the raised pattern, thereby forming the multicolor image that will become the color filter.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for pad printing inked images onto injection-molded pieces, while they are still in the mold, using a robotics device and an ink transfer mechanism.

Abstract: A device, apparatus and a method for containing a liquid within a liquid reservoir using a magnet and applying the liquid to a depression in a plate that is responsive to a magnet are disclosed. In particular there is provided a device for applying a liquid to a depression in a plate that is responsive to a magnet. The plate has a smooth flat surface. The device includes a reservoir for holding the liquid. The reservoir includes a wall which has an inner perimeter, an outer perimeter, a top surface and a bottom surface. The bottom surface of the wall is adapted to closely contact the smooth flat surface of the plate. The device also includes at least one ring magnet adjacent the outer perimeter of the wall of the reservoir.

Abstract: A cup holder for rotating a doctoring ink cup includes a housing with a cup receiving chamber and a bumper extending into the chamber. The bumper contacts the ink cup to rotate it within the chamber during inking of a gravure plate. It is the relative motion of the plate and the ink cup during inking of the plate which causes the bumper to contact the ink cup. A second bumper extends into the cup receiving chamber. A method of inking a gravure plate includes inking the plate by relative motion between an ink cup and the plate, and rotating the ink cup during inking such that an edge of the ink cup in contact with the plate rotates with respect to the plate. The rotation is caused by the relative motion.

Abstract: The invention relates to a rotary glazing machine, in particular for ceramic tiles, which comprises a mobile rest plane for tiles on which the tiles are translated in a predetermined direction, and a rotary glazing apparatus situated superiorly to the rest plane.

Abstract: A process of forming an overcoat on a printed image to provide improved stability comprising:a) applying an image layer on a substrate using a liquid ink to form an imaged element;b) either charging the imaged element to a given polarity or applying a voltage across the surface of the element which is attracted to a conductive surface behind the element;c) applying colorless, charged particles to the element which causes them to be electrostatically attracted to the surface of the image layer; andd) heat-fusing the particles to obtain a protective overcoat over the entire surface of the image layer.

Abstract: A process and an apparatus for electrostatic substance transfer are proposed. A substance (4, 4') is taken from a substance container (9) by a substance transfer roller (1) and transferred onto a printing form cylinder (2). In order to improve the substance transfer, the printing form cylinder (2) is subjected to local negative charging by means of a spray electrode (6) near to the region in which the substance transfer takes place. The substance (4) is subsequently transferred from the printing form cylinder (2) onto a medium (7) which is pressed against the printing form cylinder (2) by a back-pressure cylinder (3).

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are disclosed for imprinting a catalyst and/or adsorbent composition on a flat or corrugated substrate. The coated substrate is useful in pollutant treating devices to remove pollutants from a gas.

Abstract: A tampon printing process which uses a printing plate having at least one printing form at its surface, wherein the printing form is filled with printing medium at time intervals and the printing medium is subsequently transferred from the printing form onto a support by means of a tampon.

Abstract: A process and rotary printing machine for indirect rotogravure printing without intermediate drying, wherein the printing ink with a viscosity in the range of 80 to 1000 mPa s is supplied to the rotogravure form cylinder by a chamber doctor. Additionally, the transfer cylinder carries a covering with a closed surface, low surface roughness, low wettability and high radial compressibility.

Abstract: A gravure printing press assembly composed of an impression roller having a core portion, a support shaft for the core portion which is rotatable with respect to the core portion, and an outer conductive layer disposed about the core portion and a high-voltage contact assembly for applying a high voltage to the impression roller. The high-voltage contact assembly comprises a first assembly having a brush support member and a plurality of brushes associated with the brush support member, the brushes being held by the brush support member at a plurality of positions circumferentially disposed with respect to a central axis passing through the support shaft; a second assembly having a conductive contact ring disposed adjacent the brushes and being rotatable relative to the first assembly; and means for allowing relative movement between the first assembly and the second assembly in a direction parallel to the central axis of the support shaft.

Abstract: A method is provided for using a pad printing device to decorate a base surface with an image. Initially the form of the image is printed on the base surface using a base coat material which has a sufficiently high adhesion with the base surface. An ink image is then printed in registry with the base coat image using an ink which has a sufficiently high adhesion to the base coat material. The image is then printed in registry with the ink image using a top coat material which has a sufficiently high adhesion to the ink. Because each layer of material has a sufficiently high adhesion to the adjacent material, the resulting decorative label has a high adhesion to the base surface.

Abstract: The invention relates to methods and apparatus useful for making color filters for liquid crystal display panels. A multicolored ink pattern is deposited to a substrate while in a deformable state, flattened during the deposition process, and the deformed, more uniform shape of the printed dot is thereafter retained, preferably by curing during deposition. The transfer layer is preferably formed on a collector roll. A plurality of colored ink patterns is then transferred to the collector roll, preferably from a single pattern roll having multiple patterns thereon, to form the multicolor image that will become the color filter. This multicolored image is then transferred to the substrate.

Abstract: Ink cups of pad printing machines are produced by insert molding a flanged plastic cup body directly on a hard doctor knife blade ring of carbide whereby the mounting portion of the blade ring is embedded and mold-bonded with the cup flange. The resulting cup is included in a pad printing machine that includes an annular hold-down ring that engages directly and uniformly on the cup flange.

Abstract: A printable sheet having a high printing quality and a high handling resistance. At least one of the sides of the sheet is treated with a composition which comprises at least one filler and at least one elastomeric binder. The elastomeric binder is selected from the group consisting of aqueous dispersions of polyurethane, acrylate copolymers, optionally carboxylated styrene-butadiene copolymers, and polymers of which one of the monomers is acrylonitrile, isoprene, or neoprene, or mixtures thereof. The sheet can be used for manufacturing protected documents.

Abstract: Reprintable impression cylinder for a printing press, the impression cylinder having an outer cylindrical surface wettable, during printing, with a heated printing ink which is transferrable to printing material or stock, includes two superimposed layers formed on the outer cylindrical surface of the impression cylinder, including an outer layer of relatively lower heat capacity and an inner layer of relatively higher heat capacity.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for making color filters for liquid crystal display panels. A transfer layer is formed on a collector roll, and a raised pattern corresponding to the desired black matrix pattern is formed on the transfer layer by an embossing means. A plurality of colored ink patterns is formed in the appropriate location within the boundaries formed by the raised pattern, thereby forming the multicolor image that will become the color filter. This multicolored image is then transferred to the substrate. Preferably, the inks are deposited into the black matrix pattern using typographic imaging pins which are smaller than the cells of the black matrix pattern.

Abstract: The wear on printing forms in a printing machine is monitored in that the inking values at certain locations on the printed product are measured. At least two measurement locations are defined on the print image. The first measurement location has a defined tonal value above an upper tonal value, and the second measurement location has a tonal value below a lower tonal value. The printed product is scanned as it leaves the printing unit. The measured inking values at the measurement locations are compared with the setpoint values as defined by the tonal values at the defined locations. If the lower tone signal is below the setpoint signal while the upper tone signal corresponds or exceeds the setpoint inking values, the control unit deduces that the printing plate may be worn. The printed product count may be used as auxiliary information in the wear determination.

Abstract: An anti-counterfeit latent image formation object for bills, bank notes, security papers, credit cards, passports, valuable printing matters, and the like including a main body, a plurality of projections and/or recesses formed on the main body in such a manner as to exhibit various kinds of patterns, in which the various kinds of patterns include straight image lines forming a pattern, a relief pattern, or a combination of the pattern and the relief pattern; a plurality of straight lines printed on at least one surface of the main body at predetermined intervals, the straight lines being printed in a different color from that of the main body itself. The patterns consisting of letters, figures, etc. can be visually recognized only when the anti-counterfeit latent image formation object is viewed from an adequate angle. A method for making the anti-counterfeit latent image formation object is also disclosed.

Abstract: The invention relates to methods and apparatus useful for making color filters for liquid crystal display panels. A multicolored ink pattern is deposited to a substrate while in a deformable state, flattened during the deposition process, and the deformed, more uniform shape of the printed dot is thereafter retained, preferably by curing during deposition. The transfer layer is preferably formed on a collector roll. A plurality of colored ink patterns is then transferred to the collector roll, preferably from a single pattern roll having multiple patterns thereon, to form the multicolor image that will become the color filter. This multicolored image is then transferred to the substrate.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for making contoured planarizing or protective layers for color filters for liquid crystal display panels. A transfer layer is formed on a collector device having a contoured surface. A plurality of colored ink patterns is formed on the transfer layer thereby forming the multicolor image that will become the color filter. This multicolored image is then transferred to the substrate so that the transfer layer in effect becomes a top protective layer or planarizing layer. The contoured surface on the collector device is imparted to the planarizing layer.

Abstract: A color filter for an AMLCD panel has a pattern of multi-color dots, each dot having red, green, and blue components in a black matrix. Each component is the cured product of a color pigment dispersed in a radiation-curable ink. The ink may be an ink curable by a cationic mechanism, a free-radical ink, or a hybrid, free-radical/cationic ink. The filter is produced by successively applying patterns of colored inks to a transfer roll, collecting the patterns on a collector roll to form an array of multi-color dots that is transferred to the substrate, and irradiating the array of dots to at least partially cure the inks.

Abstract: To provide a laser plate making apparatus having a simple construction capable of reducing generation of Moire. The slant line R1 formed of the starting position of the formed arbitrary recess 7 which is formed on the press plate 5a or the like in the main scanning direction F is formed so as not to be coincident with the slant line R2 formed of the starting position in the main scanning direction F of the recess 7 which is located at the next position in the sub scanning direction A. Therefore, when a multicolor printing is carried out by using the press plate 5Pa thus formed or the like, manifestation of Moire is reduced. Particularly, when the line R3 connecting the predetermined point within the arbitrary recess 7 to the point located at the position corresponding to the predetermined point in the recess 7 which is located at adjacent position in the sub scanning direction A, is set to a constant angle .phi. different from the irradiation angle .theta. of the laser beam, the Moire is further reduced.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for printing a multi-color ink pattern on a substrate surface which comprises arranging a series of patterned surfaces with each patterned surface having a pattern that is unique to one of the colors and that corresponds to the pattern of that color in the multi-color pattern, supplying to each patterned surface a radiation-curable ink formulation, having an appropriate colorant to form an ink pattern thereon, transferring individually the color pattern from each patterned surface to a collector roll, increasing the cohesiveness of the ink sufficiently to permit complete transfer of the pattern, forming a composite of the color patterns on a collector roll, and transferring the composite pattern in its entirety to the substrate surface.

Abstract: A thin-film forming apparatus which includes a printing device having an intaglio roll having a plurality of ink cells, an ink supply which includes a doctor blade and which fills ink into the ink cells, a printing roll with an elastic plate, to which the ink of the intaglio roll is transferred wound round the barrel surface thereof, and a printing table which fixes a to-be-printed material to which the ink of the printing roll is transferred, wherein the apparatus includes a articulated robot, and an implementation device for the printing preparatory works which is mounted to the arm of the articulated robot and which performs at least one operation among the mounting/dismounting operation of the elastic plate to/from the printing roll, the operation to wipe and/or dry the ink on the barrel surface of the intaglio roll, and the operation to wipe and/or dry the ink on the doctor blade.

Abstract: A method and a device for printing disc-shaped registration carriers, whereby a print built up of several colors is provided on the registration carrier. Use is made of a printing cylinder, which is moved over a few printing plates, which have been moistened with various colors of ink, whereby the printing cylinder is subsequently rolled over the registration carrier. The device comprises a plurality of processing stations for registration carriers, as well as a transport device by which the disc-shaped registration carriers can be moved from one processing station to the other processing station. One or more processing stations comprise a printing device disposed therein.

Abstract: A method is provided for using a pad printing device to decorate a base surface with an image. Initially the form of the image is printed on the base surface using a base coat material which has a sufficiently high adhesion with the base surface. An ink image is then printed in registry with the base coat image using an ink which has a sufficiently high adhesion to the base coat material. The image is then printed in registry with the ink image using a top coat material which has a sufficiently high adhesion to the ink. Because each layer of material has a sufficiently high adhesion to the adjacent material, the resulting decorative label has a high adhesion to the base surface.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for direct production of photopolymeric printing plates. The method comprises forming a positive and/or negative image on a substrate by ink-jet printing with a photopolymeric ink composition, optionally preheated. The apparatus for carrying out the method of the invention comprises a rotatable drum adapted for retaining on its inner or outer surface the substrate to be printed; a carriage, displaceable axially in respect of the drum; a container for a photopolymeric ink composition; at least one nozzle communicating with the carriage for ejecting the photopolymeric ink composition; and a UV source located so as to expose the printed surface of the substrate to UV radiation.

Abstract: The invention relates to a flat gasket material and to a process for the production thereof and of a flat gasket therefrom. In the process according to the invention the flat gasket material is preferably constituted by an indeterminate length sheet or web of a carrier material, which is printed on one or two sides with a sealing layer. The finished printed sheet or web of indeterminate length is subsequently punched out to the desired flat gasket shape. The sealing layer is a geometrical structure that is the same on both sides of the sheet and congruent.

Abstract: A gravure roll and associated coating methods are disclosed that produces a uniform coating gradient on a substrate. The gravure roll comprising a series of cells arranged in circumferential line density sections in which the line densities progressively increase from section to section, and in which the cell volumes progressively decrease within each section, and in which the cell volumes at the end of one section are substantially the same as the cell volumes at the beginning of the next adjacent section.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for producing a substrate for a thin film magnetic data storage disc, the process including the steps of:- (a) providing a substrate; (b) printing a masking pattern of ink dots onto at least a portion of the surface of the substrate by an offset printing process in which the ink to form the masking pattern is transferred from a printing plate to the substrate by an offset printing member and wherein on transfer from the printing plate to the offset member the ink fragments into the ink dots; and (c) etching the unmasked surface of the substrate thereby to texture the substrate surface. The present invention also relates to a substrate for a thin film magnetic data storage disc, the substrate having a roughened surface composed of peaks separated by valleys produced by preferential area etching, the peaks being grouped into a plurality of substantially circular sub-arrays with the sub-arrays forming a regular pattern.

Abstract: An apparatus for printing a fibrous web with a decorative pattern, comprising a printing roll having a cavity forming a shaped ink transfer zone to print a principal pattern on the fibrous web through rolling contact therewith, and an array of small recesses in a spaced apart relationship surrounding the cavity and having the ability to trap dirt particles adhering to the printing roll which are being trained over its relief surface by a doctor blade scraping excess ink therefrom. The array of recesses provides a cleaning action by continuously dislodging dirt particles collecting underneath the leading edge of the doctor blade and preventing the dirt particles from agglomerating into large flocs which may interfere with the operation of the doctor blade. The array of recesses also defines an ink transfer zone printing on the fibrous web a relatively faint background pattern upon which the principal pattern is visually eminent.

Abstract: The invention comprises a mobile rest plane for tiles on which operates a matrix cylinder provided with an elastically deformable peripheral part having a smooth external skin made of an elastomer material, on which a matrix, in the form of microscopic cavities, is cut. A doctor, arranged in order to be in contact with the skin, has the task of scraping away excess glaze and any impurities deposited on the skin as well as the task of remixing the glaze such as at least partially to replenish the cavities with freshened glaze. The matrix cylinder is positioned on the rest plane such as to roll thereon without dragging on a tile upper surface as the tile transits on the rest plane.

Abstract: An enclosed ink cup for a pad-type printing machine including a hollow structure defining a reservoir region that is closed around the sides and top, is open only at the bottom, and has a lower edge for sealably contacting an engraved printing plate so as to contain ink within the structure over the plate, and a vacuum port in the structure that communicates with the top of the region for applying a vacuum to the region above the ink to promote sealable contact between the lower edge and the plate.

Abstract: Prevention of damages on the printing surface of plastic gravure plate is the object. Radius of the plate cylinder 14, impression cylinder 11, and transfer drum 2 located between units are identical. The plate cylinders 14, 24 and the impression cylinders 11, 21 are arranged so that the lines L1 and L2 are parallel to each other. The grippers 12, 22 are arranged so that the gripper 22 of the impression cylinder 21 is at the point P.sub.21 when the gripper 12 of the impression cylinder 11 is at the point P.sub.11. Thus, a paper sheet transferred from the impression cylinder 11 to the transfer drum 2 at the nearest point P.sub.1 is transferred by the rotation of the transfer drum 2 at the nearest point P.sub.2 by the rotation of the transfer drum 2. Since the phases of the plate cylinders 14 and 24 are in agreement, the doctor blade is stopped at the same relative location for all the units.

Abstract: In a printing sheet making and printing system applicable to for example an electronic gravure printing system a printing sheet is sheathed in a printing sheet jacket to prevent the adhesion of dust and the occurrence of scratching on its surface and the feeding and ejection of the printing sheet to and from the cylinders of a printing sheet making machine and a printing machine is completely automated so that an operator can run the system without ever directly touching the printing sheet. A printing sheet, a printing sheet jacket, and devices for pulling the jacket and the printing sheet into a printing sheet making machine or a printing machine and removing the printing sheet from the jacket and winding and clamping it onto a cylinder for engraving of the printing sheet or printing with it and returning it to the jacket and ejecting the jacket and the printing sheet inside it from the machine after the engraving or printing all in a completely automated fashion are disclosed.

Abstract: A method for laying down a continuous, predetermined pattern of granular material upon a moving substrate includes moving the substrate past at least two stations, each station including a rotating drum with a drum wall defining a limited retention region under vacuum, and a plurality of through-apertures arranged in an element of the desired pattern. Granular material applied to the surface of the drum is held by vacuum in the desired pattern. After removal of excess granular material, the vacuum is discontinued causing the granular material to disengage from the drum surface and pass, by force of gravity, onto the surface of the substrate in the form of the predetermined element of the desired predetermined pattern. An apparatus for laying down a continuous, predetermined pattern of granular material upon a moving substrate is also described.

Abstract: A process is provided for printing fabric, including fabric used in the making ties and other clothing articles. The process includes the step of stabilizing the fabric so that it can be subjected to printing processes without the degree of fabric deformation that would otherwise take place. A backing sheet of kraft paper or other suitable material is used to stabilize the fabric. In one embodiment, the fabric is stabilized so that it can be pulled through a lithographic printing apparatus. Alternatively, the stabilized fabric can be subjected to screen printing processes. The invention is also directed to the stabilized fabric.

Abstract: In a pad transfer printing process a doctor blade is in the form of a downwardly and rearwardly curving strip of spring steel whose lower free edge rides on the working surface of the cliche, thus wiping off excess ink prior to transferring ink from the cliche to the pad. The free edge is polished, and a downward force is applied whereby the strip is resiliently deformed by contact between the free edge and the working surface.

Abstract: A synthetic resin decorative material including an antistatic layer containing an electrically conductive film formed on a surface thereof without changing the color, design and pattern of the decorative material. The synthetic resin may be a synthetic resin decorative sheet/plate. The antistatic function of the antistatic layer is improved such that occurrence of cracks in the antistatic layer can be prevented when the decorative material having the antistatic layer is thermally molded. To prepare the decorative material, a transfer sheet is pressed while being heated onto a surface of a synthetic resin decorative base material including a synthetic resin sheet or plate. To prepare the transfer sheet, electrically conductive paint containing an electrically conductive matter formed by coating inorganic fine powder having a refractive index of 1.4 to 1.7 with an electrically conductive tin oxide is applied onto a 1 to 5 .mu.

Abstract: A method for carrying out pad transfer printing is disclosed in which process parameters for a desired print cycle are input to a controller. The method includes the steps of independently driving a gravure printing plate between an inking position and an ink transfer position, and independently driving an ink transfer pad between an ink receiving position and an ink transfer position, both in accordance with the input process parameters. The process parameters may include the velocities or lengths of movement of the gravure printing plate and ink transfer pad, and the dwell periods between movements of these components. The process parameters may be adjusted automatically in accordance with differences between the estimated and actual times required to move the printing plate and transfer pad along their paths of movement.