Abstract: An offset and screen combination printing method for IMD (In-Mold Decoration) hot press and injection molding application includes the steps of (1) primary offset printing; (2) color pattern offset printing; (3) third offset printing; (4) screen printing; (5) baking; (6) shape rolling; and (7) injection-molding.

Abstract: A method provides reference profile density values for at least one color combination having a plurality of colors produced by a reference device using a reference colorant set, at least one overprint color combination having reference initial percent dot values (IPDVs); providing current profile density values for at least one color combination produced by a current device using a current colorant set, at least one color combination produced by the current colorant set having current IPDVs; quantifying reference theoretical percent dot values (TPDVs) as efficiency attributes using reference colorant set; quantifying current TPDVs as efficiency attributes using the current colorant set; and calculating factors that compensate for at least one difference between image data produced with the reference colorant set and image data to be printed with the current colorant set in response to reference efficiency attributes and current efficiency attributes, factors used to adjust and generate image data.

Abstract: A method of driving a machine related to printing technology, wherein movable elements forming a kinematic chain are coupled with one another via at least one gear mechanism, includes infeeding torque components by a respective motor of at least one group of two motors, respectively located at least at two elements associated with one another. The torque components are of equal amplitude but have opposite directions of rotation, for suppressing disruptive oscillations at least at the one group of two motors. The amplitude of the torque components is proportional to relative rotation of the two elements associated with one another. Rotary encoders are provided to obtain signals for reproducing rotational positions of the elements.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for image formation, that can yield thermally transferred images which are excellent in various fastness properties even under severe service conditions, and an intermediate transfer recording medium for use in the method for image formation. The method for image formation comprises the steps of: providing an intermediate transfer recording medium comprising a substrate film and a transfer portion provided separably on the substrate film; forming an image on the intermediate transfer recording medium in its transfer portion; transferring the transfer portion onto an object; and, thereafter, again transferring the intermediate transfer recording medium in its next transfer portion once or more onto the object with the image formed thereon. In this case, in the intermediate transfer recording medium, a hologram image is set every at least second image plane, and an image can be formed on the transfer portion having the hologram image.

Abstract: An approach is provided for identifying black and white pages in a color document stream. This approach may be utilized in digital printing systems. This approach examines a small portion of the color data for a page to identify whether the color data is indicative of the page being a black and white page or a full color page. This approach also examines the relative sizes of compressed color separations for the pages. Pages that are determined to be black and white pages may be printed in a black and white mode, whereas full color pages may be printed in a full color page mode.

Abstract: A reading time setting section (44) determines a read area for an imaging section (25) on the basis of color chart positional data (id). The imaging section (25) reads an image on printing paper during the reading time and readout image data (rd) is stored in an image data storage section (45). A reference mark detecting section (46) detects the positions of reference marks from the readout image data (rd). A color chart actual position calculation section (47) corrects a tilt of a color chart determined from the positions of the reference marks and calculates an actual position of each of color chart fields (cr). An image data readout section (48) reads out image data on a color chart field corresponding to the calculated actual position. At the same time, image data on a white color field immediately above the color chart field is also read out.

Abstract: A method for placing an image onto an object is described. In a preferred embodiment, the method includes obtaining a first image. At least one region of the image may then be defined. Each defined region may then be manipulated as desired. After manipulating each region, a desired color may be added to each region to produce a second image. The second image may then be transferred onto a desired object.

Abstract: Sheet perfecting apparatus for a satellite-type printing press by which double-side printing is performed with a single satellite-type press and if sheet perfecting is not needed the sheet is printed on one side only. In the course of printing with a plurality of printing units (26) which are provided in satellite-like manner around a common pressure cylinder (10), a plurality of chain gripper conveyors (38, 42) are arranged in parallel and are connected via a perfecting cylinder (40) to invert the sheet of material.

Abstract: A patch measurement device which is capable of accurately detecting the position of a patch in a control strip is provided. In a patch measurement device 27, a data storage section 271 stores printed-image data containing a control strip printed on a printed material. A reference mark detection section 272 detects the positions of cross points P corresponding to reference marks rm contained in the printed-image data. An inter-mark distance calculation section 273 calculates a measured shortest distance with respect to the cross point P. An inter-mark distance correction section 274 calculates magnification correcting coefficients k, by utilizing theoretical shortest distances among the cross points P in deployed position information and the measured shortest distance. Based on the magnification correcting coefficients k and the values of pixels constituting the printed-image data, a patch position detection section 275 finalizes the patch position.

Abstract: There is disclosed a method for printing metallic inks wherein a fountain solution and a first imprint ink are concurrently deposited onto a printing plate. A foundation metallic ink is then deposited onto the first imprint ink followed by depositing a second imprint ink is then onto the metallic ink. One or more layers of process ink colors can then be deposited onto the second imprint ink. The fountain solution is adjusted to have a pH of from about 3.7 to about 3.9 and the metallic ink is provided to have a tack of from about 14 to about 16.

Abstract: A method of determining misalignment of color planes within an image forming apparatus. A first pattern is formed with a first color and comprises first and second sections. A second pattern is formed with a second color and positioned within the first and second sections of the first pattern. The alignment of the two color planes is determined by the difference in the amount of color within the first and second sections. The amount of misalignment may further be determined by the ratio of the difference in the amount of color within the sections and the sum of the amount of color within the sections. Perfect alignment of the two color planes results in equal color amounts in each section.

Abstract: A printing machine provided allows even unskilled operators to perform ink and water supply control according to the contents of an image. While a reference image to be printed is segmented into a plurality of regions similar in contents, image data is obtained from printed matter and a color difference between the reference image and a print image is calculated. Ink and water (I/W) supplies are determined based on regional color difference data obtained by summing the color differences for each region. At this time, by adding correction of the regional color difference data based on the characteristics of each region and the contents of the image, and correction of the I/W supplies based on external factors and variables, even unskilled operators can perform rapid I/W supply control based on the contents of the image.

Abstract: A sheet processing device is provided in a sheet-fed printing press. Sheets are conveyed to a sheet transport cylinder and are processed on the sheet transport cylinder. The sheets are each removed twice from the sheet transport cylinder.

Abstract: A method, printer system and printer apparatus for simultaneously printing a first print medium and a second print medium, wherein, on the first print medium first information is printed that is one of: identical information to the second information and information that includes at least some information different from the second information that is printed on the second print medium.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to the register coordination of cylinders of a web-fed rotary printing press which print on a web, wherein a first cylinder printing on one side of the web is driven by a first motor and a second cylinder printing on the same side of the web is driven by a second motor. An angular position of the second cylinder is coordinated with the first cylinder in good register by a controller. In the case of a change in a production condition, at least one controller parameter (kP, kD, kI, kf) of the controller is changed and the controller setting is adapted to the production condition as a result.

Abstract: A multicolor printing method and system including a master making device having plurality of removable ink drums replaceable with each other and a printing device. The plurality of removable ink drums are fed with respective masters to be used for printing, by fixed master feeding devices smaller in number than the removable ink drums. The removable ink drums fed with respective masters are then used by the printing device for printing onto paper. The method and system provides multicolor printing with lower cost, reduced size and accurate registration between the respective masters, as compared to conventional methods and systems.

Abstract: Provided are a method, system, and an article of manufacture for registration calibration of a printer. An application prints reticle patterns on a printed page. An imaging device creates a digital image of the printed reticle patterns. If color registration on the printer is improper, the digital image exhibits interference patterns. The application compares the interference patterns to the reticle patterns, and based on the results of the comparison adjusts the color registration of the printer.

Abstract: A printer or copier and method for its operation includes two printing units in the paper path. The paper path is formed into two adjoining loops or rings and shunts are provided at intersections to selectively redirect the paper to permit single sided or double sided printing, printing in different colors or re-supplying the paper to a printing unit for a second pass. Papers can be turned over by selective control of the shunts and the conveying directions in the paper paths. Spacing of the sheets if controlled and pre-printed sheets may be selectively brought in to the paper flow.

Abstract: An image exposure control apparatus includes a memory and an adjustment section. The memory stores a correction amount for each color in accordance with a stretch amount of a printing paper sheet in multicolor printing operation. The adjustment section adjusts an exposure position of a pixel of an image to be exposed for each color, on the basis of the correction amount read out from said memory means, in exposing the image on a printing plate.

Abstract: A combination printing method for IMD (In-Mold Decoration) hot press and injection molding application includes the steps of (1) offset printing; (2) color pattern offset printing; (3) primary screen printing; (4) primary baking; (5) secondary screen printing; (6) secondary baking; (7) hot pressing; (8) shape rolling; and (9) injection-molding.

Abstract: Introduced are a device and a process for setting the printed image of a rotary press by adjusting the relative position of the rollers (3, 7, 8) involved in the ink transfer. In this respect at least one part of these rollers (7, 8) can be moved toward each other both together and also independently of each other by means of their own actuating drives (M1 to M4), so that the rollers (3, 7, 8) involved in the printing process can be set into motion in relation to each other, In addition, there is at least one camera (K) that scans the printed image (10) on the printed material web (17) and that feeds the images shot in succession to an electronic control and regulating unit (13). This control and regulating unit (13) generates signals for the actuating drives of at least one part of the rollers (3, 7, 8) involved in the printing and inking process until or as the printed image is reproduced without area loss.

Abstract: At specific time intervals register commands are fed to a plate cylinder in a printing machine in the circumferential direction and/or the lateral direction and adjust the cylinder by a small amount. All the remaining plate cylinders can be readjusted with the aid of the register control. Alternatively, the same control commands may also be fed to all the plate cylinders involved in printing, in order to carry out a desired continuous or stepwise adjustment of the cylinders in the lateral direction and/or the circumferential direction.

Abstract: A device for detecting register marks includes at least one receiver for scanning register marks along a track disposed in a direction of movement of the register marks, and a device for positioning the receiver transversely with respect to the track, in order to determine an offset of the receiver with respect to the track, at least one positioning mark being disposed upline of the register marks in the direction of movement thereof, the positioning mark having at least one edge extending at an angle to the track, having an extent transverse to the track, which is a multiple of the extent of the register marks, and having a predetermined positional relationship to the track which is transverse to the track.

Abstract: A method is proposed for generating a color profile using the determination of a mapping A′ of a device-independent process space Q(m) of dimension m, m being a natural number, to a device-dependent process space K′(n) of dimension n, n being a natural number, for a first set of specific parameters, which is distinguished by the mapping being represented by a concatenation of mappings, which includes a known mapping A from Q(m) to a device-dependent process space K(n) of dimension n, n being a natural number, for another set of specific process parameters, which differs at least in one element from a first set of specific process parameters; and either of a mapping TK from K(n) to K′(n) or a self-mapping TQ by Q(m).

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for operating a sheet-fed offset press so as to reduce the occurrence of spoilage caused by nonuniform printing. In this method, the timing of start of oscillating motion of oscillating rollers is regulated. Also, the present invention provides an oscillation mechanism for a sheet-fed offset press, in which less failure and wear occur, and a smaller force is required to accomplish a changeover from transmission to stoppage of oscillation and vice versa.

Abstract: A method of avoiding register differences during the operation of a printing machine having a plurality of individual printing units includes counteracting, at least by circumferential register corrections, respective register differences in the individual printing units, determining the register differences for different printing speeds and storing them in a memory, and determining the various register differences at different printing speeds by an automatic register measuring and register control device and, in the event of changes in the printing speed, superimposing the previously determined magnitude of the register correction on the adjusted variable of the automatic register measuring and register control device; and a device for performing the method.

Abstract: The present invention is for a method and associated apparatus whereby low viscosity flexograhic printing inks having a viscosity controlling diluent are used in implementing wet trapping of sequentially applied ink layers by controlling the time between ink layer applications such that sufficient diluent evaporates from an applied layer to increase the first applied layer viscosity sufficiently to wet trap a subsequently applied superposed ink layer.

Abstract: The printer comprises image-forming stations at which developed toner images are formed and electrostatically transferred in register to an endless primary belt. A heat transfer minimizing nip contact is formed between the primary belt and an intermediate belt. The intermediate belt is heated downstream of the nip to heat the image thereon and to transfer the image from the intermediate belt to a substrate.

Abstract: Products are screen printed at a plurality of geographically remote printing facilities with precisely defined and formulated colored inks so that the products produced at each of the facilities are substantially indistinguishable by the naked human eye. Ink formulation cards and a sample product with the precisely defined colors printed on it, are sent to each of the printing facilities. Depending upon the particular environmental conditions in the various printing facilities the formulations for various colors may differ from location to location, in order to get uniform products. Compact discs, plastic bottles, promotional clothing, signage, and like products may all be effectively handled in this manner.

Abstract: Correcting register faults in a multicolor printing machine having a number of items of equipment for the digital production of color separations, wherein correction values are determined and assigned to angular positions of at least one image cylinder and, as a result, taken into account for the control of the production of the color separations on the image cylinder. Correction values are to be made available for the correction of register faults, which, with a fine graduation, make it possible to assign them to angular positions of machine elements in a repeatable way. This is achieved by determining circularity errors of machine elements which have an influence on the register, assigned to their angular positions and, from these, the correction values for the control of the production of the color separations on the at least one image cylinder being determined.

Abstract: A method of driving a machine related to printing technology, wherein movable elements forming a kinematic chain are coupled with one another via at least one gear mechanism, includes infeeding torque components by a respective motor of at least one group of two motors, respectively located at least at two elements associated with one another. The torque components are of equal amplitude but have opposite directions of rotation, for suppressing disruptive oscillations at least at the one group of two motors. The amplitude of the torque components is proportional to relative rotation of the two elements associated with one another. Rotary encoders are provided to obtain signals for reproducing rotational positions of the elements.

Abstract: A method for two-sided printing of a sheet of printing material having a front side and a rear side, in a sheet-fed rotary printing press, wherein the front side is cleaned before being printed, includes also cleaning the rear side of the sheet before printing thereon; and a sheet-fed rotary printing press for performing the method.

Abstract: A method for sensing a register discrepancy (r) in a multi-color printed item, the position of at least one register mark (1, 1′) that is associated with one color being sensed with respect to the position of at least one register mark (2, 2′) that is associated with at least one further color, and any density register discrepancy (r) using a measurement window being ascertained from discrepancies in the actual relative position (3) with respect to the reference relative position (4). The invention, furthermore, concerns an apparatus, a register control system, and register marks (1, 1′, 2, 2′).

Abstract: A multi-color printing press comprising a first print form cylinder; second print form cylinder; at least one first inking unit for inking the first and second print form cylinders; third print form cylinder; fourth print from cylinder; at least one second inking unit for inking the third and fourth print form cylinders with an ink color different from the at least one first hiking unit; a common blanket cylinder, the first and third print form cylinders contacting the common blanket cylinder during a first mode of operation and the second and fourth print form cylinders contacting the common blanket cylinder during a second mode of operation.

Abstract: The present invention aims at providing a printing system and technique correctly reflecting supplied color information, and a technique of managing color information in a centralized manner thereby facilitating maintenance of data. The printing system has a color information database DB in which color information is registered, and the color information has respective items of “color name”, “ink name”, “printing order”, “screen angle”, “process colorization instruction”, “pseudo color” and “ink type”. In print processing, it acquires a color name specified as the color of a prescribed area in digital data subjected to printing, and retrieves and extracts color information corresponding thereto from the color information registered in the color information database DB. Then, it performs raster image processing and performs print processing on the basis of the extracted color information.

Abstract: A method for releasing printing material from a cylinder in a device for processing the printing material includes directing waves into a wedge-shaped space located between the printing material and the cylinder; and a device for performing the method.

Abstract: Multicolor prints are produced on a sheet in a printing machine. More than four colors can be applied to the sheet during its passage through the printing machine. Three printing units and an application unit are associated either directly with a printing cylinder of the printing machine or with a transfer drum which is associated with the printing cylinder. Seven colors, or six colors and a varnish coating can be applied to the sheet by the printing machine.

Abstract: A multicolor lithographic printing press utilizes a blanket member having a release surface with a transfer rate approaching 100%. This facilitates a press design utilizing a single blanket member to transfer multiple colors of ink onto a recording medium.

Abstract: An apparatus for controlling ink supply by varying the opening degree of an ink fountain key according to a measured density of a printed matter includes a control means for determining a reference correction value of the opening degree of the ink fountain key according to a density difference between a target density of the printed matter or a reference density and a measured density, and determining a correction value by multiplying the reference correction value by a coefficient having a value of more than 1. The control means controls the ink fountain key according to the correction value of the opening degree of the ink fountain key until the number of sheets printed from the start of the printing exceeds a predetermined number, and controls the ink fountain key according to the reference correction value after the number of sheets printed exceeds the predetermined number.

Abstract: A method of adjusting dampening-solution feed of an offset printing press by a control device includes determining a required dampening-solution demand for a first calibration printing form with a known minimum percent area coverage and for a second calibration printing form with a known maximum percent area coverage at a calibration speed, and storing the dampening-solution demand in the control device as interpolation reference points; determining a percent area coverage lying between the maximum and the minimum percent area coverage of the calibration printing forms of a printing form to be used for a forthcoming print job, and passing the determined percent area coverage on to the control device; determining by the control device the dampening-solution demand required for the forthcoming print job with the printing form provided for the purpose at the calibration speed, by interpolating between the interpolation reference points; determining a printing-speed dependent characteristic curve of the dampening

Abstract: Printing material is transported through the multicolor printing machine with a cyclically operating feeding arrangement. At least one surface of the printing material is successively imprinted with a printed image. The printed image is recorded in a image pickup and an image signal of each printed image is generated. The image signal generated from a plurality of printed images is transmitted to a control device. The control device processes the electric image signals to obtain information relating to rhythmic vibrations in the machine causing register deviations. The cause of the vibrations is determined and counter-measures are initiated for minimizing or eliminating the rhythmic vibrations.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for imaging surfaces in printing presses, whereby the surfaces to be imaged contains image information of the preceding printing job.

Abstract: A process for producing any photoluminescent printed polychromatic image (8), and the image obtained thereby. At least one set of at least three monochromatic filtered images (6a, 6b, 6c) is prepared from any original polychromatic image (1) visible in visible light which is filtered with a spectral pass-band below or equal to 15 nm, according to at least three wavelengths of fundamental colors equal to the wavelengths of the luminescent pigments used, with the corresponding monochromatic filtered images (6a, 6b, 6c), in order to print separately, one above the other, three monochromatic printed images (8a, 8b, 8c). The invention concerns the image obtained, a protective device and a document carrying such an image.

Abstract: An offset printer capable of contacting a plurality of ink rollers of a predetermined ink supply unit with a predetermined plate segment on a plate cylinder, and capable of out of contacting the ink rollers from a remaining plate segment on the plate cylinder. Roller support arms each supporting each ink roller are pivotally movably supported on a frame, and each support arm is moved by each, cam members pivotally movably supported on the frame. Each cam member is in contact with a center cam provided coaxially with and rotatable together with the plate cylinder, so that the ink rollers are successively moved. An interlocking mechanism including a lever is further provided. The lever moves concurrently the cam members to concurrently move the ink rollers.

Abstract: A method for enhancing the color density of printed paper comprising a print enhancing fluid. The print enhancing fluid is applied to the paper prior to ink application in order to enhance the color density of the image printed on the paper. Utilization of the print enhancing fluid of this invention also provides improved printing press hygiene and printing process efficiency especially when printing paper products having high color density images.

Abstract: A multi-color printing press comprising a first print form cylinder; second print form cylinder; at least one first inking unit for inking the first and second print form cylinders; third print form cylinder; fourth print from cylinder; at least one second inking unit for inking the third and fourth print form cylinders with an ink color different from the at least one first inking unit; a common blanket cylinder, the first and third print form cylinders contacting the common blanket cylinder during a first mode of operation and the second and fourth print form cylinders contacting the common blanket cylinder during a second mode of operation.

Abstract: An apparatus is described for the densitometric measurement of printed products such as sheets printed by sheet-fed offset printing machines, having a densitometer measuring head. The head moves along a measurement strip comprising a number of measurement fields and generates signals that are converted into ink density values in a downstream evaluation unit, which is assigned to ink metering zones. The evaluation unit comprising a computer that contains stored information about the arrangement of the measurement fields of the printed colors in each metering zone. The ink density values from one measurement field are compared with the ink density values from neighboring measurement fields of the same color and type in accordance with the known structure of the measurement strip. The invention provides for the simple and fail-safe arrangement of the measurement-field colors in the individual ink metering zones.

Abstract: A multicolor printing method using a plurality of ink drums each being loaded with a respective master and a system therefore are disclosed. A plurality of removable ink drums replaceable with each other are fed with respective masters by fixed master feeding devices smaller in number than ink drums via the replacement of the drums and are used for printing. The method and system of the present invention are low cost and enhance downsizing and accurate registration between the masters.

Abstract: A method for controlling color on press during printing utilizing spectral measurements is disclosed. When a color-difference is exceeded the measured spectral reflectance values of a test area are compared with the corresponding target reflectance values from which a spectral reflectance difference is established. A linear equation is used to relate the spectral reflectance difference to solid ink density or ink layer thickness differences for ink regulation utilizing an on-line empirically established correction matrix such that the spectral reflectance difference is minimized. The control method is applicable to both process and non-process colors.

Abstract: A process for printing an image (IC) on a lenticular lens material (12) with a printing press (10). A separate film negative (B, C, Y, M) is prepared for each color used in printing the image. One of the negatives (B) is selected and each of the other negatives, and the lens material, is registered with the selected negative. Each of negatives is adjusted to the selected negative so all of the negatives and the lens material are in registry with each other. Separate printing plates (18) are prepared from each of the negatives. The plates are mounted on the press at respective printing stations and the lens material is run through the press with each of the plates being used to print on the material. The plates are adjusted, as necessary, to align the plates and register the color dot patterns printed by each plate to the color printed by the plate made from the selected negative.