Abstract: An Adhesive Printing Form Attachment Layer comprises a permanently sticky layer, characterized in that the Adhesive Printing Form Attachment Layer is in the shape of a tube, preferably a seamless tube, and the permanently sticky layer forms at least the outer surface of the tube. The Adhesive Printing Form Attachment Layer can be used to adhesively fix a printing plate, preferably a flexographic printing plate, to a printing cylinder during the printing operation. The Adhesive Printing Form Attachment layer provides for easy replacement and easy installation on a printing sleeve or printing cylinder. Also provided are an assembly, comprising an adhesive printing form attachment layer according to the invention mounted on a printing sleeve, and a method of operating a printing machine, the method comprising forming the assembly by pulling the adhesive printing form attachment layer over the printing sleeve.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method and apparatus for securely applying print to a web of continuous polymeric film. The web can first travel in a machine direction on a tensioning roller and onto a folding board whereupon the web is divided into first and second partial widths with a cross-section of the web taking on a U-shape or a V-shape. In between the cross-section of these two partial widths a printer can be placed such that the printer prints onto an inner surface of first partial width. Once the printing is complete, the folding of the web can be completed such that an inner surface of the second partial width is in contact with, covers, and protects the printed matter placed onto the first partial width.

Abstract: A device for imprinting cans comprises a plurality of ink cartridges that supply ink to a plurality of printing plates; the printing plates communicate with transfer blankets fixed to a drum, the transfer blankets move ink from the printing plates and apply it to cans; each transfer blanket includes a different art in low relief which produces an image on cans in addition to the image produced by printing plates; the device is preferably a rotary dry offset printer.

Abstract: A transfer device includes a rotatable image bearer configured to bear a toner image to be transferred to a recording medium, a first rotator, and a second rotator. The second rotator is configured to contact the first rotator via the rotatable image bearer to form a transfer nip in which the recording medium is sandwiched. The second rotator is rotatable with the image bearer. The transfer device satisfies a conditional expression (t1+R)/(t2+R)>0.98, where t1 represents a thickness of a thinnest recording medium, t2 represents a thickness of a thickest recording medium, and R represents a radius of curvature of the transfer nip.

Abstract: An apparatus and methods of decorating a metallic container are provided. More specifically, the present invention relates to apparatus and methods used to provide a decoration or indicia on a predetermined portion of an outer surface of a metallic container body. The decorator includes at least one digital print unit, a transfer blanket, and a support element. The digital print unit transfers a decorating material to the transfer blanket to form a decoration on the transfer blanket. The support element then moves a metallic container into contact with the transfer blanket. In this manner, the decorating material is transferred to an exterior surface portion of the metallic container to decorate the metallic container. In one embodiment, the digital print unit is an electrophotographic system which transfers a toner material to the transfer blanket. In another embodiment, the digital print unit includes an inkjet print head which transfers an ink to the transfer blanket.

Abstract: A process for producing a fluid transfer surface, which process comprises: providing a titanium or titanium alloy surface; subjecting the titanium or titanium alloy surface to surface hardening by interstitial element absorption to provide a hardened surface; and, if required engraving the hardened surface to provide a desired surface topography.

Abstract: A device 1 for imprinting cans 8 comprises a plurality of ink cartridges 2a-2f that supply ink to a plurality of printing plates 3a-3f; the printing plates 2a-2f communicate with transfer blankets 5a-5l fixed to drum 6, the transfer blankets 5a-5l move ink from the printing plates 2a-2f and apply it to cans 8; each transfer blanket 2a-2f includes a different art in low relief (FIG. 15) which produces an image on cans 8 in addition to the image produced by printing plates 2a-2f; the device 1 is preferably a rotary dry offset printer. A method of printing cans comprising forming a relief image in a transfer blanket with a laser is also disclosed.

Abstract: An on-foil object color adjustment device includes a data receiver that obtains non-bonded area data relating to a non-bonded area; and a hardware processor that: calculates a ratio of a size of the non-bonded area to a size of the foil area based on the non-bonded area data obtained by the data receiver; calculates, based on the calculated ratio, a color of the non-bonded area, a color of the foil, and color data of an on-foil object, a first influence degree indicating an influence of the non-bonded area on a color of the on-foil object to be printed in the foil area after the foil-bonding; and adjusts the color data of the on-foil object based on the calculated first influence degree.

Abstract: An additive manufacturing method and apparatus is described for the printing of three-dimensional (3D) objects. The approach is based on a composite-based additive manufacturing process, except it uses commercial printing methods to achieve even higher speed and throughput. By using the invention, a prototyping and/or production process may be completed in hours rather than months, and the risks and problems of molds is eliminated. There is substantial improvement in the number and type of geometries that can be produced compared to injection molding, and the range of materials is enlarged as are the material properties. The method involves printing a substrate having at least one sheet using a printing technology, and stacking or folding the at least one sheet to form multiple layers consistent with that formed by a 3D model. The printing step is done using a printing technology such as flexography, lithography, offset, gravure, waterless printing, and silkscreen.

Abstract: A transfer device and a coating machine are disclosed. The transfer device includes a transfer plate and a printing roller. A projection is formed on a first surface of the transfer plate; a first recess corresponding to the projection is formed on the printing roller; and when the transfer plate covers a surface of the printing roller, the projection and the first recess are matched with each other to fix the transfer plate with the printing roller. The transfer plate in the transfer device will not be subjected to extended deformation and sliding even under an action of external force during printing process, so that the production quality can be maximally guaranteed.

Abstract: A pair of metallic beverage container bodies is sequentially decorated in a direct single file queue by a dry offset rotary metallic beverage container decorator. A container body has a common design element, a first unique design element in a first color, and a second unique design element in a second color on its outer surface. The first unique design element is located within a boundary of the second unique design element. A second container body has the common design element, a third unique design element in the first color, and a fourth unique design element in the second color on the outer surface. The third unique design element is unique relative to the first and second design elements. The third unique design element is located within a boundary of the fourth unique design element.

Abstract: A printing unit for making prints from printing plates on plate elements conveyed by a transport system having at least one plate cylinder mounted rotatably and suitable for carrying initially at least one earlier printing plate and then at least one later printing plate, the printing unit includes a primary support suitable for supporting the later printing plate, in a standby configuration, during printing using the earlier printing plate and during the unwinding of the earlier printing plate, and in an engaged configuration, during the winding of the later printing plate onto the plate cylinder, a portion of the later printing plate being attached to the plate cylinder, and a secondary support suitable for supporting the earlier printing plate unwound from the plate cylinder, in which the primary support includes a primary fastening member for fastening the later printing plate in the standby configuration, and a primary fastening mechanism for fastening the later printing plate in the engaged configuratio

Abstract: A broadsheet newspaper printing press is provided including an image carrier carrying three images around in broadsheet newspaper format. The image carrier transfers the three images to a web. The broadsheet newspaper printing press also includes a folder for imparting a longitudinal fold to the web and cutting the web into broadsheet newspaper pages. The folder includes a cylinder cross-folding the broadsheet newspaper pages off center. A web offset broadsheet newspaper printing press also is provided. Methods are also provided.

Abstract: Method for inspecting a direct print on containers with a relief-like surface contour, where the relief-like surface contour is at least partially printed onto, the direct print applied onto the relief-like surface contour is, with an inspection device, inspected in terms of its quality and/or position.

Abstract: A 3 by 2 tabloid printing press includes a plate cylinder having a straight across lock-up and a blanket cylinder contacting the plate cylinder; a blanket cylinder printing a web; and a folder superstructure having at least one slitter for slitting the web into three ribbons and a folder for forming a tabloid newspaper from the three ribbons.

Abstract: Systems and methods for allowing existing rotary printing press units to produce smaller pages at a faster rate of speed without having to replace the press unit. Specifically, the systems and methods relate to retrofitting an existing press unit to produce three pages of material in each full rotation instead of the traditional two pages.

Abstract: Provided are a roller apparatus, a printing method and a method of fabricating an LCD device using the same, which can minimize the number of processes and a printing defect. In the printing method, first patterns are formed on a blanket. The first patterns have different surface energy from that of the blanket, and the blanket is formed around a roller. The roller is rotated and a printing material is dropped to form second patterns on the blanket between the first patterns. The second patterns are transferred from the roller onto a substrate.

Abstract: In one example, a web press includes a web press station and a convertible buffer near the web press station, the convertible buffer being configured to convert to a platform for accessing the web press station. A method for performing web press maintenance is also disclosed.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method for correct phase engagement of mechanically coupled rotatably drivable components in printing material processing machines, include a coupling for mechanically connecting at least two of the rotatably drivable components. The at least two rotatably drivable components are operated at a different rotational speed in a transmission ratio in a mechanically coupled state, and a control computer has access to the transmission ratio for controlling an engagement operation and taking the transmission ratio into consideration during the correct phase engagement.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a blanket for a printing roller which can enhance adhesive force to an printing liquid and a method for fabricating the same. The blanket for a printing roller includes a base film, a buffer portion formed on a backside of the base film, and a printing mold formed on an entire surface of the base film to have methylic resin such that the printing mold has adhesivity to a surface thereof.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a system for transferring images onto substrates (transfer printing) such as textile substrates, particularly T-shirts, cups, magnetic foils, mirrors or other smooth surfaces made of metal, leather, ceramics, wood, Plexiglas, cardboard or plastic. The invention also relates to a corresponding method for transferring images onto substrates, and to a siliconised and corona-treated paper.

Abstract: A printing press with at least one gripperless printing unit of a reel-fed printing press, through which a substrate to be printed can be transported in the horizontal direction by a transport device. A dimensionally stable and relatively stiff piece good, which during the transport and printing does not adapt to cylinder contours of the printing units, can be transported through the or each gripperless printing unit by the transport device. The printing press further includes a feeder, which keeps the piece good to be printed ready and via which the piece good to be printed can be circumference register-precisely and page register-precisely placed on the transport device for the subsequent printing in the printing units.

Abstract: In the present invention, the following steps are carried out: a plate drum transfer step (S1) in which a rubber drum (B), a plate drum (P), and an impression drum (I) are caused to separate, and in a state where the impression drum (I), the plate drum (P), and the rubber drum (B) are caused to rotate, ink is transferred to the plate drum (P) from an ink application roller (R) and the ink from the ink application roller (R) is transferred so as to be further layered onto the ink transferred onto the plate drum (P); a blanket drum transfer step (S2) in which when the rubber drum (B) and the plate drum (P) are opposingly brought into contact with each other and ink from the plate drum (P) is transferred to the rubber drum (B), the transfer of ink is begun from the transferred ink that was layered onto the plate drum (P), and ink from the plate drum (P) is transferred so as to be further layered onto the ink transferred onto the rubber drum (B); and a sheet transfer step (S3) in which when the rubber drum (B) an

Abstract: Systems and methods for allowing existing rotary printing press units to produce smaller pages at a faster rate of speed without having to replace the press unit. Specifically, the systems and methods relate to retrofitting an existing press unit to produce three pages of material in each full rotation instead of the traditional two pages.

Abstract: A pattern transcription apparatus comprises a cliché including a concave portion, a convex portion and a printing stopper, the printing stopper formed in the concave portion; and a blanket, on which a resist material layer is coated, rotatable on the cliché, wherein edges of the printing stopper protruding from the printing stopper to have a height greater than a top surface of the convex portion.

Abstract: A liquid transfer method includes the steps of conveying a sheet by holding the sheet by a transport cylinder, and transferring a liquid to one surface of the sheet by a transfer cylinder opposing the transport cylinder and transferring the liquid to the other surface of the sheet by the transport cylinder. The step of transferring includes the step of positioning an edge of a region on one surface of the sheet, downstream in a sheet convey direction, where the liquid is to be transferred, upstream in the sheet convey direction of an edge of a region on the other surface of the sheet, downstream in the sheet convey direction, where the liquid is to be transferred. A liquid transfer apparatus is also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a reverse offset printing method, and more particularly, to a reverse offset printing method in a partial off type capable of accurately transferring a pattern to a cliche to achieve more precise minute printing by separately performing removal for each shear region of a functional ink even though the pattern is minute.

Abstract: To peel off a transfer film varying in easy-to-peel according to the temperature of a recording medium (temperature of an adhesion surface) with a suitable peeling tension and to suppress the occurrence of peeling residues, in a transfer apparatus for nipping a transfer film 46 and recording medium K with a transfer roller 33 and transfer platen 31 to form an image on the recording medium, the temperature of the card K is detected by detecting an environmental temperature outside the apparatus, and the peeling tension (transfer film wind torque) required for peeling off the transfer film 46 from the card K subjected to transfer is changed corresponding to the card temperature. Further, in the case of performing backside transfer subsequently to frontside transfer, since the card temperature is high, the peeling tension in backside transfer is set to be lower than the peeling tension in frontside transfer.

Abstract: Systems and methods for allowing existing rotary printing press units to produce smaller pages at a faster rate of speed without having to replace the press unit. Specifically, the systems and methods relate to retrofitting an existing press unit to produce three pages of material in each full rotation instead of the traditional two pages.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for printing on a printing material web is disclosed. A rotary offset printing machine includes a printing unit with two plate cylinders and a blanket cylinder. The blanket cylinder prints on the printing material web and the two plate cylinders are arranged relative to each other such that respective images from the two plate cylinders are transferred to an identical position on the blanket cylinder during the printing.

Abstract: A sheet-fed offset printing press for printing on both sides of sheets has a compact construction and permits a number of color separations to be printed over one another in recto printing or recto and verso printing in a flexible manner and with high print quality. A plurality of printing units, which are disposed behind one another, each include at least one form cylinder, a transfer cylinder, a first impression cylinder and an inking unit having at least one ink applicator roll associated with the form cylinder. A second impression cylinder, which interacts with the transfer cylinder and the first impression cylinder, is provided in at least one printing unit.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for transferring a principal substance applies the principal substance onto a surface and deposits drops of a gating agent onto a first portion of the principal substance applied to the first surface. The depositing of each drop of gating agent is individually controlled. A second portion of the principal substance not covered by the gating agent is transferred from the first surface to a second surface. A printing system adapted to transfer principal substance from a first surface to a second surface is also disclosed.

Abstract: A method and a device for producing and transferring diffractive microstructures to a printing material include applying a fluid to an embossing cylinder and there, during the rotation of the embossing cylinder, solidifying the fluid to such an extent that the fluid is transferred to a printing material in the manner of a film with a solidified microstructure. The embossing cylinder has a cover which is preferably constructed to be either soft as a “flexoshim” or hard as a “nickel shim.” A web-fed or sheet-fed rotary printing press having the device is also provided.

Abstract: A variable cutoff printing press is provided. The variable cutoff printing press includes a plate cylinder, a plate cylinder support removably supporting the plate cylinder, a blanket cylinder, a blanket cylinder support removably supporting the blanket, an impression cylinder, an impression cylinder support and a first actuator for moving the blanket cylinder support toward and away from the plate cylinder support to accommodate different blanket cylinder sizes. The first actuator further moves the impression cylinder support with respect to the plate cylinder support. The variable cutoff printing press also includes a second actuator acting on the impression cylinder support to ensure that the impression cylinder support is moved with the blanket cylinder support by the first actuator and a third actuator for moving the impression cylinder support against the blanket cylinder support to set a desired print load.

Abstract: A variable cutoff printing press includes a plate cylinder, a plate cylinder support removably supporting the plate cylinder, a blanket cylinder, a blanket cylinder support removably supporting the blanket, an impression cylinder and an impression cylinder support. An actuator for moving the blanket cylinder support accommodates different blanket cylinder sizes, the actuator further moving the impression cylinder support so that regardless of blanket cylinder size a gap exists between the blanket cylinder support and the impression cylinder support. An on impression actuator moves the impression cylinder support against the blanket cylinder support to set a desired print load. A method is also provided.

Abstract: A pattern transcription apparatus comprises a cliché including a concave portion, a convex portion and a printing stopper, the printing stopper formed on a bottom surface of the concave portion; and a blanket, on which a resist material layer is coated, rotatable on the cliché, wherein a surface energy density of the blanket is greater than a surface energy density of the printing stopper and is smaller than a surface energy of the cliché.

Abstract: On a printing relief plate, which is produced by a printing relief plate producing apparatus and a printing relief plate producing method, convexities and detecting portions are set to be lower than a solid area of the printing relief plate. In the event that a detecting portion image and a solid area image are printed on a print medium using the printing relief plate by a printing apparatus and by carrying out a printing method, in a printing pressure determining apparatus and a printing pressure determining method, it is determined whether a printing pressure is an appropriate printing pressure or not by comparing an optical density of the detecting portion image and an optical density of the solid area image.

Abstract: An apparatus for adjustably positioning a form roll having a form roll axis against at least two different sized plate cylinders in a variable cutoff printing unit is provided. The apparatus includes a plate cylinder support for interchangeably supporting the at least two different sized plate cylinders, the plate cylinder support including a plate cylinder axis at least two different sized plate cylinder cams. The at least two different sized plate cylinder cams are interchangeably removably connectable to the plate cylinder support and include a smaller plate cylinder cam and a larger plate cylinder cam that are removably connectable to the plate cylinder support as alternatives of each other. The apparatus also includes a form roll hanger for supporting the form roll that is configured for contacting the smaller plate cylinder cam if the smaller plate cylinder cam is coupled to the plate cylinder support to set a smaller distance between the plate cylinder axis and the form roll axis.

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: Embedding data in printed image features on a receiver printed with an offset printing process includes a first offset printing member (240) for forming an image (320) on the first offset printing member. A second offset printing member (260) is roughened in one region (280) of the second offset printing member within a boundary of an image feature on the first offset printing member to embed data (330). Ink is applied to the first offset printing member and transferred from the first offset printing member to the second offset printing member. The ink from the second offset printing member is applied to a receiver (305) and the embedded data is printed within the boundary of the at least one image feature transferred to the receiver.

Abstract: This printing tower for an offset rotary printing press comprises four vertically superposed double-sided printing units (10) for printing a continuous web, each printing unit (10) comprising two printing stations each comprising an associated coating form cylinder (12) and transfer cylinder (14), the transfer cylinders (14) of both printing stations (10) being provided for bearing against each other, each printing unit being laid out according to an n configuration or a U configuration. According to one aspect of the invention, a printing unit (8A; 8D) is laid out according to one configuration and the three other printing units (8B, 8C, 8D; 8A; 8B, 8C) are laid out according to the other configuration.

Abstract: A system and method are provided to implement variable data lithographic image forming in devices that are designed to maximize re-use of conventional offset lithographic image forming components, module and architectures. A truly variable data digital lithography scheme has been proposed as a departure from conventional offset lithography schemes. This disclosure introduces a system architecture to overcome limitations based on the architectural differences that make acceptance of the variable data lithographic scheme less practical and less attractive to some manufacturers and users. The disclosed systems and methods propose incorporating novel aspects of the true variable digital printing scheme into conventional offset lithographic modules and architectures. This disclosure describes re-use of conventional offset lithographic modules and/or architectures while making the disclosed systems and methods digital.

Abstract: A printer according to the present invention includes a transfer roll and a plurality of the printing rolls. At least one printing roll of the plurality of the printing rolls transfers ink containing a conductive material to the transfer roll. Preferably, the at least one printing roll includes a printing roll configured to transfer ink containing a conductive material to the transfer roll and a printing roll configured to transfer ink containing a conductive material to the transfer roll.

Abstract: There is provided an image transfer sheet, including: an image receiving layer; a bonding layer; a transparent support; and a substrate, in this order, wherein a peeling strength between the transparent support and the substrate is lower than a peeling strength between the image receiving layer and the bonding layer, and between the bonding layer and the transparent support.

Abstract: A printing unit for a printing press includes a plurality of distributor rollers for carrying out an axial movement. At least one of the distributor rollers is associated with a separate drive motor exclusively for driving the axial movement and is adjustable independently of the movements of the other distributor rollers by using a control device.

Abstract: An underblanket of the blanket of a blanket cylinder of a printing press, particularly of the offset type, consists of a multilayer structure comprising a first layer comprising at least one polyurethane-based material, and at least a second layer comprising at least one polyurethane-based material, which is different from the one forming said first layer, and directly joined with said first layer by exploiting the intrinsic chemical/physical compatibility.

Abstract: The printing machine comprises a central impression cylinder (1) on which a web printable substrate (B) is supported and a plurality of printing stations arranged around the central impression cylinder (1). Each printing station comprises a blanket cylinder (2) of variable diameter, a plate cylinder (3) of variable diameter, and an offset inking unit (4). Said blanket cylinder (2), plate cylinder (3) and offset inking unit (4) are individually movable between respective withdraw positions and respective multiple working positions for different diameters of the blanket and plate cylinders (2, 3). At least one of said printing stations has the axis of the blanket cylinder (2) and the axis of the plate cylinder (3) comprised in an inclined first plane (P1) which does not comprise the axis of the central impression cylinder (1) at any of said multiple working positions for different diameters of the blanket and plate cylinders (2, 3).

Abstract: Systems and methods for allowing existing rotary printing press units to produce smaller pages at a faster rate of speed without having to replace the press unit. Specifically, the systems and methods relate to retrofitting an existing press unit to produce three pages of material in each full rotation instead of the traditional two pages.

Abstract: Provided are a transfer roller 33 that transfers an image formed on a transfer film 46 to a card, peeling member 34b that peels off the transfer film 46 from the card after transferring the image, and transfer roller up-and-down means 61 and peeling member up-and-down means 62 for respectively moving the transfer roller 33 and the peeling member 34b up and down. By this means, the transfer roller 33 and the peeling member 34b are moved up and down respectively at predetermined timing before transfer and after transfer, and it is thereby possible to always perform stable image formation without causing the transfer film to become damaged and/or deformed.

Abstract: In methods for operating a printer a sheet is provided in a printing path leading to a printing area, a receiver is provided having a cross edge to which a printed image is to extend in the printing path for movement with the sheet. The receiver and the sheet are moved through the printing area so that the cross edge is moved through printing area during transfer of a toner to form the print image. The receiver and the sheet are further moved through the printing area with the cross edge of positioned on the sheet to separate a portion of the sheet that is masked from transfer of the print image from an unmasked portion of the sheet and the unmasked portion of the sheet is positioned to receive any portion of the print image that is transferred when the receiver is not in the printing area.