Abstract: There is described a printing press adapted to carry out printing on a sheet-like or web-like substrate, in particular for the production of security documents such as banknotes, comprising a substrate feeding device for feeding the substrate to be treated, at least a printing unit designed to print a first side and/or a second side of the substrate and a delivery unit for receiving the treated substrate. The printing press in the conveying path for the substrate between the feeding device and the delivery unit further comprises an in-line casting device adapted to apply a layer of material acting as an optical medium on a portion of the second side of the substrate and to replicate and form a micro-optical structure in the layer of material acting as optical medium, wherein the printing unit comprises a first printing group comprising a printing cylinder and being adapted to print at least one printed pattern on the first or second side of the substrate in register with the micro-optical structure.

Abstract: There is described a printing press (100***; 100****) adapted to carry out printing on a sheet-like or web-like substrate (S), in particular for the production of security documents such as banknotes, comprising a printing unit (2*; 2**; 2***; 2****) designed to print a first side (I) and/or a second side (II) of the substrate (S). The printing press (100***; 100****) further comprises an in-line casting device (80; 80*; 80**; 80***) adapted to apply a layer of material acting as an optical medium on a portion of a first side (I, II) of the substrate (S) and to replicate and form a micro-optical structure (L) in the layer of material acting as optical medium.

Abstract: A sheet-fed printing unit has a first impression cylinder and a second impression cylinder, which are arranged directly and interactingly in contact and which each have an axis of rotation. An axial plane contains the axes of rotation. A reference plane is a plane which contains an axis of rotation of a cylinder of this type and has a horizontal surface normal. These two cylinders are arranged such that an intersection angle between the axial plane and the reference plane is a maximum of 15°. A transport path is provided for a transportation of sheets, which transport path has a region for the respective impression cylinder in which there is contact between sheets and a casing surface. This region of the transport path for the respective impression cylinder extends over an angular range of at least 270°. A sheet-fed printing machine has a sheet-fed printing unit of this type.

Abstract: An injection molded product is disclosed and includes a shingle resembling a cedar shingle tile formed from an amorphous or semi-crystalline thermoplastic and having a wood grain direction. The injection molded product also includes streaks in the shingle that are substantially parallel to the wood grain direction and the streaks extend through an interior of the shingle and appear as contrasting streaks on an exterior of the shingle to form a variegated wood grain appearance. The injection molded product further includes an injection molded vestige in the shingle. The injection molded vestige is located adjacent to a perimeter of the shingle and the injection molded vestige comprises a location at which material entered an injection mold through a gate.

Abstract: A method for compensating for disruption torques in driving a jetting cylinder in an inkjet printing machine includes recording print image products for at least one color and at least one complete rotation of the jetting cylinder by using an image sensor and using a computer for a time parallel measurement of a driving torque of the jetting cylinder, generating an average gray value profile above a circumferential coordinate based on the recorded image data by using the computer, transforming the average gray value profile and the measured profile of the driving torque into a frequency range by using a computer-assisted Fourier transform and extracting order components from the frequency range. A periodic compensation torque is calculated based on the extracted order components, and the calculated periodic compensation torque is factored-in when actuating the jetting cylinder of the inkjet printing machine in the course of a printing operation.

Abstract: In an example, a method of controlling voltage applied to a print blanket within a printing device includes printing a print job. During the printing, a null cycle trigger is received. In response to the trigger, a print blanket bias voltage is reduced from a print bias level to a null bias level.

Abstract: A system and method are provided for producing variable pearlescent image elements or portions on image receiving media substrates using a variable digital data offset lithographic architecture which provides for varying lithographic images between cycles of a marking device. Pearlescent inks are provided with a solid particle pearlescent pigment components in a proportion of at least 30% by weight suspended in solution in an ink composition. Pearlescent inks are provided with a solid particle pearlescent pigment components having particle sizes in excess of ten microns suspended in solution in the ink composition. The disclosed systems and methods provide for variable pearlescent image elements or portions to be formed on an image receiving medium substrate separate from, or in combination with, other ink image elements or portions applied using other inks in a single device, and/or in a single pass of the image receiving media substrates through an image forming system.

Abstract: There is described a multicolor letterpress printing press, in particular a numbering press, comprising a printing group (50) with at least a first letterpress (e.g. numbering) cylinder (51) and a second letterpress cylinder (52) which are inked by an associated inking system (60, 71, 72, 81, 81 a, 81 b, 82, 82a, 82b). The inking system (60, 71, 72, 81, 81 a, 81 b, 82, 82a, 82b) comprises (i) a first inking device (81) supplying ink to a first chablon cylinder (71), (ii) at least a second inking device (82) supplying ink to a second chablon cylinder (72), and (iii) an ink-collecting cylinder (60) contacting the first and second chablon cylinders (71, 72) and the first and second letterpress cylinders (51, 52). The ink-collecting cylinder (60) collects a first ink pattern (A, D) from the first chablon cylinder (71) and a second ink pattern (B, C) from the second chablon cylinder (72).

Abstract: A method for a production of a lenticular image. The method comprises feeding a lenticular printing substrate having a corrugated side and a printing side into a digital printing press, feeding at least one nontransparent ink to set a substantially nontransparent layer on a printing blanket of the printing press, feeding a plurality of colored inks to set an interlaced color image layer on top of the substantially nontransparent layer on the printing blanket, and printing with the printing blanket onto the printing side.

Abstract: A sheet processing apparatus including a sheet supply device, a first cylinder which includes at least one gripper device, a processing device, a sheet discharge device, and conveyance devices. The conveyance devices include a plurality of gripper devices including at least one reversing gripper device. The conveyance devices also include a second cylinder and reversing swing arm shaft pregripper. The second cylinder grips and conveys one edge of the sheet by one gripper device of the plurality of gripper devices. The reversing swing arm shaft pregripper is supported to be swingable between the first cylinder and the second cylinder, receives by the reversing gripper device the other edge of the sheet conveyed by the second cylinder, and transfers the received other edge of the sheet to the gripper device of the first cylinder by a gripping change.

Abstract: In a printing press including; a blanket cylinder gear driven by a drive motor of the printing press; a blanket cylinder including a notch, the blanket cylinder being rotationally driven by the blanket cylinder gear; a plate cylinder gear rotationally driven by the drive motor of the printing press through the blanket cylinder gear; and a plate cylinder including a notch at a position corresponding to the notch of the blanket cylinder, the plate cylinder being rotationally driven by the plate cylinder gear, a load motor is provided to the plate cylinder or the plate cylinder gear, and a braking force of the load motor is controlled according to load applied to the drive motor of the printing press.

Abstract: A method of printing foil images upon textiles is provided. Advantageously, a digital inkjet printer can be utilized to apply an adhesive for affixing a foil embellishment. The method of printing foil images upon textiles includes applying a pretreatment solution upon a textile. After the pretreatment solution has dried, a white underbase in the form of a fanciful design is printed upon the textile using a digital inkjet printer. A heavy color layer of color ink is then digitally inkjet printed upon the white underbase. Thereafter, the textile is removed from the inkjet printer and positioned upon a heat press table. Foil transfer paper is positioned upon the textile so as to cover the white underbase and heavy color layer. The heat press is activated so as to adhere the foil, but only to those regions where the white underbase and color ink has been printed. Once cool to the touch, the foil is slowly peeled from the textile so as to leave a fanciful foil design.

Abstract: Intaglio printing press systems for recto-verso intaglio printing of sheets, in particular for the production of banknotes and the like securities, wherein first and second intaglio printing presses are operatively-coupled to one another by a sheet processing and transporting system comprising an automated guided vehicle system for automatically transporting sheets from a sheet delivery station of the first intaglio printing press where recto printing is performed to a sheet feeding station of the second intaglio printing press where verso printing is performed.

Abstract: In an exchangeable cylinder type rotary press driven by a prime mover, it is made possible to make a print of any top-bottom length as desired, independently of a gear train that transmits power from the prime mover to an exchange cylinder unit.

Abstract: An imaging device can include an imaging drum to support a carrier fluid. A roller can remove a portion of the carrier fluid from the imaging drum. A fluid container can collect the carrier fluid from the roller. A fluid remover on the container can be used to remove the carrier fluid from the roller.

Abstract: A variable cutoff printing press is provided. The printing press includes a first plate cylinder rotating at a constant angular velocity and printing on a web during each revolution about a first plate cylinder axis and a first blanket cylinder rotating at varying angular velocities during each revolution about a first blanket cylinder axis. The first blanket cylinder comes in and out of contact with the first plate cylinder during operation. A method of variable cutoff printing is also provided.

Abstract: A variable cutoff web printing press is provided including a first plate cylinder for printing a first color of first and second images and a second plate cylinder for printing a second color of the first and the second images. The printing press also includes a common blanket cylinder. The first and second plate cylinders contact the common blanket cylinder and transfer the first and second images to the common blanket cylinder. The printing press also includes a first transfer body for receiving the first image from the common blanket cylinder and transferring the first image to a web and a second transfer body for receiving the second image from the common blanket cylinder and transferring the second image to the web. A method of variable cutoff web printing is also provided.

Abstract: A variable cutoff printing press is provided. The variable cutoff printing press includes a first plate cylinder, a second plate cylinder, a continuous belt blanket contacting the first and second plate cylinders and a movable support cylinder supporting the belt blanket. The first and second plate cylinders, the continuous belt blanket and the movable support cylinder form a first print section and the movable support cylinder is movable to change the print length of the first print section. A method of printing images with a printing press is also provided.

Abstract: The invention relates to a gravure printing ink and a method of multi-color gravure printing on flexible substrates with liquid radiation curable inks. Individual colors are transferred via direct contact between engraved gravure cylinder and a substrate. Each color is dried such that the sequentially printed ink layers transfer through the press without distortion of the printed image during multiple web turns around turn bars. Finally the printed substrate is cured by exposing an electron beam unit. The gravure printing ink comprises an admixture of a) a water dispersible pigment; b) a water dispersible, ethylenically unsaturated monomer, ethylenically unsaturated oligomer or ethylenically unsaturated polymer which is polymerizable or crosslinkable by the application of sufficient electron beam radiation; c) a defoaming agent; d) sufficient water to form a dispersion with components a), b) and c), which dispersion has a viscosity of from about 25 cps to about 200 cps.

Abstract: A variable cutoff web printing press is provided including a first plate cylinder for printing a first color of first and second images and a second plate cylinder for printing a second color of the first and the second images. The printing press also includes a common blanket cylinder. The first and second plate cylinders contact the common blanket cylinder and transfer the first and second images to the common blanket cylinder. The printing press also includes a first transfer body for receiving the first image from the common blanket cylinder and transferring the first image to a web and a second transfer body for receiving the second image from the common blanket cylinder and transferring the second image to the web. A method of variable cutoff web printing is also provided.

Abstract: The invention relates to a unit for cold film transfer in a printing press. In order to improve the transfer process, a control device is used to control the film transfer, said control device adjusting the color values and the coating parameters of the transferred films.

Abstract: A method for printing and decorating packaging materials, such as paper, paper board and various flexible polymer films by electron beam exposure of plural layers of curable inks and coatings which do not substantially change viscosity during the printing process. The inks and coating are essentially free of volatile components such as organic solvents, inorganic solvents, water and low molecular weight fractions before, during and after exposure to electron beam irradiation. The method involves applying multiple layers of ink and an optional coating onto a substrate. The ink is an admixture of a colorant, and an unsaturated component such that the inks have a maximum of 10% volatile components. Thereafter these layers are simultaneously exposed with electron beam radiation to cause the ethylenically unsaturated components to polymerize or crosslink such that they become dried.

Abstract: A sheet-fed offset printing press prints multiple colors on both sides of sheets, preferably on sheets of paper. A first row of in-line printing units print a first side of the sheet, before the sheets are turned in a reversing device, which is followed by a second row of in-line printing units for printing the other side of the sheets. The second row of in-line printing units is followed by one or more varnishing units that are arranged in such a way or include varnishing blanket cylinders that are arranged in such a way that the front sides and the back sides of the passing sheets are varnished.

Abstract: A sheet-fed offset printing press for printing multiple colors on both sides of sheets, preferably on sheets of paper, includes a first row of in-line printing units for printing a first side of the sheet, followed by a reversing device, followed by a second row of in-line printing units for printing the other side of the sheets, and followed by one or more varnishing units that are disposed in such a way, or include varnishing blanket cylinders that are disposed in such a way, that the front sides and the back sides of the passing sheets are varnished. A further reversing device is inserted between two varnishing units. A method of printing multiple colors on both sides of sheets is also provided.

Abstract: A web-fed rotary printing machine has at least one printing unit and at least one turning bar that is usable to redirect a travel direction of a web that is to be conveyed. The turning bar has an effective length, for redirecting the web. A projection of this effective length corresponds with the width of the incoming web which is of at least four adjacently arranged printed pages in newspaper format.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an image receiver element comprising a single low density layer, wherein the single low density layer comprises non-crosslinked aliphatic polyester containing non-interconnected void space, and wherein the single low density layer does not absorb more than 3 weight % moisture at 80% RH and 21.3° C. as compared to the weight % moisture of said single low density layer at 20% RH and 21.3° C. The invention relates to a method of forming such an image receiver element, a printing system comprising an imaging material and the image receiver element, and a method of printing comprising obtaining an imaging material comprising a colorant layer; obtaining the image receiver element; superposing the colorant layer with the receiver element; and transferring colorant from the imaging material to the image receiver element.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides embodiments of processes and apparatuses for printing series of different graphics on substrates used in the manufacture of absorbent articles. Such printed substrates can be used, for example, in the manufacture of printed diaper components, such as backsheets, topsheets, landing zones, fasteners, ears, absorbent cores, and acquisition layers. Embodiments of the apparatuses and methods disclosed herein utilize flexographic printing to provide for a sequential manufacture of a series of n absorbent articles having different graphics printed thereon, wherein n can be a number of 2 or greater. In addition, an absorbent product may be produced by placing one or more, or a portion, of the series of n absorbent articles in a package.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method for evaluating control marks on printing materials by an optical sensor connected to a computer, which interprets overshooting of a predefined intensity threshold as it registers the printing material being a line of a printed control mark. The apparatus is distinguished by the fact that the control mark is registered by a color measuring instrument and that the intensity threshold of the optical sensor is calculated by the computer in dependence on the measured color value registered by the color measuring instrument.

Abstract: A variable cutoff printing press is provided. The printing press includes a plate cylinder including a first center axis, a plate take-up cylinder including a second center axis and a removable plate having a first length traveling around the plate cylinder and the plate take-up cylinder. The first center axis and the second center axis are separated by a center distance, the center distance being variable so the plate can be removed and replaced with a second plate having a second length. A method of variable cutoff printing is also provided.

Abstract: A compact printing unit includes a plate cylinder, an impression cylinder, and an ink applicator roller in a printing press, in particular a label printing press. In the printing unit, the plate cylinder is disengageable from cylinders contacting the plate cylinder for the purpose of format variation. The plate cylinder is pivotable about the impression cylinder about a pivot axis which is parallel to the axis of rotation of the impression cylinder and a distance between the axes of rotation of the plate cylinder and the impression cylinder is variable. A printing press and a method of producing labels or self-adhesive labels in a printing press are 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 printing press system includes a first machine line of a printing press, which is embodied as a newspaper printing press, and is provided with at least one first printing unit having printing group cylinders of a first maximum effective printing width. A second printing press, which is equipped with at least one second printing unit with printing group cylinders that have a second maximum effective printing width, is part of the first machine line. A dryer is located in alignment with the second printing unit. A former structure, having an effective width that is defined by the width of one, or of several formers disposed next to each other, and perpendicular to the feeding direction of the web to be folded, is also provided in the printing press system. At least one turning device is usable to transfer a web or a printed web, which has been printed in the first printing unit, to the former station.

Abstract: A web-fed rotary printing unit having a plurality of printing mechanisms is provided. Each printing mechanism includes a form cylinder (1, 5, 16-18, 27-30), a transfer cylinder (2, 6, 3, 7, 12-15, 22-25) and an impression cylinder (3, 7, 11, 26). The component costs associated with the drive motors can be reduced by providing a drive motor (4, 8, 9, 21, 41, 42, 55) that has a drive connection to the other cylinders via the impression cylinder.

Abstract: A printing unit consists of at least two printing groups, which are placed vertically above each other, in a printing machine. Each of the printing groups includes a printing cylinder, an inking unit with at least one inking roller, a dampening unit with several dampening rollers arranged in a line, and a transfer cylinder that cooperates with the printing cylinder. The inking cylinder and the dampening roller, in an operational state in which they are adjacent the printing cylinder, form an obtuse opening angle with the printing cylinder. The rollers of the dampening unit are arranged with at least the first and last rollers in the roller train arranged inside an acute angle depending from the transfer cylinder. A horizontal line extending from the transfer cylinder defines an opening angle of less than 45° with the rollers of the dampening unit. A printing forme is fed to the printing cylinder through an obtuse angle between the dampening roller and the inking roller.

Abstract: An offset rotary printing machine which includes a first printing cylinder and a second printing cylinder in which printing is performed on a web at a nip between the pair of printing cylinders, the second printing cylinder contacting the first printing cylinder and being shifted downstream from the first printing cylinder. The printing machine includes an angle adjustment mechanism for adjusting an angle of a plane connecting center axes of the pair of printing cylinders which is inclined to a plane perpendicular to the moving direction of the web, and a controller for controlling the angle adjustment mechanism, based on parameters interrelating to a delamination occurrence probability that is caused as printing is performed by the downstream second printing cylinder.

Abstract: A method is disclosed, whereby low viscosity flexograhic printing inks used in implementing wet trapping of sequentially applied ink layers are partially cured to increase the first applied layer viscosity sufficiently to wet trap a subsequently applied superposed ink layer.

Abstract: A dot code is printed on a sheet of paper by using a first printing plate and a first ink. Immediately thereafter, a code coat is formed by printing to cover the dot code, by using a second printing plate and a second ink having a property of not affecting the operation of reading the code.

Abstract: A method for driving a satellite offset press, and a satellite offset press which, with little expenditure, permits multicolor printing in one pass. A satellite offset press, in which form cylinders and associated transfer cylinders are driven synchronously, while in each case segments located in the circumferential direction of the form cylinders and of the transfer cylinders and also of the transfer cylinders and of an impression cylinder interacting with the latter roll on one another in accurate register with a sheet held thereon, following each full revolution. The speed of the impression cylinder is reduced and increased again, so that the transfer cylinders lead by at least one segment length in the circumferential direction.

Abstract: A tubular printing blanket having an axial center has a carrier sleeve layer having a uniform thickness, a compressible layer, a reinforcing layer over the compressible layer, and a print layer disposed over the reinforcing layer. At least one of the reinforcing layer and the compressible layers has a non-uniform thickness so as to be thicker in the axial center. An outer surface of the print layer is convex.

Abstract: A driving apparatus in a printing press includes a plate cylinder driven by a printing press motor, an inking device drive-coupled to the plate cylinder, and a driving connecting/disconnecting mechanism. The mechanism connects and disconnects transmission of driving from the plate cylinder to the inking device, and includes first and second gears which are engageable with each other, supported rotatably, and constantly drive-coupled to one and the remaining one, respectively, of the plate cylinder and inking device. The second gear has a second engaging portion engageable with a plurality of first engaging portions of the first gear which have the same shape and are equidistantly arranged in a rotational direction of the first gear. When the first and second engaging portions engage, the plate cylinder and inking device are drive-coupled; when they are disengaged, they are disconnected.

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 group of an offset rotary printing machine includes at least one forme cylinder, one transfer cylinder and at least one inking system. Two of these printing groups are arranged opposite to each other. The arrangement of the printing group in relation to each other can be arranged in an axial direction which is parallel to the axes of rotation of the cylinders.

Abstract: The invention relates to a printing machine by intaglio engraving comprising a rack (01; 11; 14) with a stationary part (01) and a moving part (11; 14). A plate cylinder (07) is rotationally mounted inside the stationary part, and an Orlof-type cylinder (12) is mounted inside the moving part. The moving part is mounted on a rail (04) in a suspended manner.

Abstract: Keyless inking and dampening systems and methods are disclosed which employ application, subtractive and dampening roller systems to control the ink/dampening fluid film on the form roller. A clean-up roller removes residual ink from non-image areas on the printing plate.

Abstract: A photosensitive device has a cylinder, a photosensitive sheet slidably wrapping outer surface of the cylinder, and a feeding roller in the cylinder. The feeding roller feeds the photosensitive sheet to the outer surface of the cylinder sequentially. The photosensitive device also has a winding roller in the cylinder. The winding roller rolls the photosensitive sheet sequentially from the outer surface of the cylinder. The photosensitive device also has an adjusting member for adjusting contact force emerged between the cylinder and the photosensitive sheet.

Abstract: A drive mechanism is provided for a printing unit. The printing unit has an axially movable forme cylinder and a second cylinder that cooperates with the forme cylinder. The forme cylinder can be driven by a drive motor through a spur tooth gear. The second cylinder is driven by the forme cylinder through a drive connection between the two.

Abstract: An apparatus for integrally and conveniently adjusting printing pressures of blanket cylinders in a satellite-type printing press is provided. Printing pressure is adjusted all together by rotating eccentric bearing means (26) of a plurality of blanket cylinders (18) by wheel (34) which is fixed to primary axis (28), penetrating through the center of common pressure cylinder (10).

Abstract: A printing press performs offset color printing. A blanket cylinder having four image segments selectively contacts a plate cylinder having four image segments and an impression cylinder having five image segments for carrying print media. A pair of eccentric bushings for independently controlling the impression cylinder engages same to blanket cylinder. A print media feed system and a delivery system are located on the same side of the press and cooperate with each other via a means for moving feed and delivery trays in a generally vertical direction. Print media are gripped only once and travel in the same direction until let go by the impression cylinder. An image forming system forms four images on a plate cylinder to be inked by four respective inking units oriented therearound. All four plate image sections can be inked during one rotation of the plate cylinder. Four inking units including a minimal number of rollers for inking the plate image sections.

Abstract: A printer includes a cylinder pair that consists of a forme cylinder and a transfer cylinder. A satellite or steel cylinder forms a print position as it cooperates with the transfer cylinder of the cylinder pair. The form cylinder and the transfer cylinder are a fixed coupling driver assembly which is driven by a common drive motor. The drive assembly of the cylinder pair and a drive system for the satellite or steel cylinder can be selectively mechanically coupled with each other by use of a coupling.

Abstract: A device and method for synchronizing at least two printing-unit groups (2, 3) which represent a sheet-fed printing machine (1). Between the two printing-unit groups (2, 3) there is provided a transfer unit (10) being operable by means of a separately controllable drive (12). The present invention is used in sheet-fed printing machines assembled in serial arrangement.