Abstract: A method controls the color in a printing press, which includes at least one printing station printing a respective color design. The method includes the procedures of determining a control factor to color model, printing a design on a web and acquiring color characteristics corresponding to the printed design on the web. The method further includes the procedures of determining the color quality of the printed color design and determining a required change to at least one control factor when a correction to the color characteristics of the printed design is required. The change to at least one control factor is determined by determining the at least one control factor with respective color related information, which results in a reference color characteristic, according to the control factor to color model. The method returns to the procedure of printing when a correction is not required.

Abstract: A method and a direct-printing machine for printing on containers of different types of materials in a direct-printing process, wherein containers of a first type of material are conveyed by means of a conveyor and printed on, in several layers, with a plurality of printing units by means of direct-printing heads with a first basic ink compatible with the first type of material (102) and, on top of the first basic ink, with at least one colored ink. The first basic ink may be exchanged for a second basic ink, which is compatible with the second type of material, when a change to containers of a second type of material takes place, and the containers of the second type of material may then be printed on, in several layers, with the second basic ink (105) and, on top of the second basic ink, with the at least one colored ink.

Abstract: An inkjet printer is described. The inkjet printer has a gas cushion substrate support having a metal support surface; a print assembly with a dispenser having ejection nozzles facing the support surface; a gas source fluidly coupled to the gas cushion substrate support by a gas conduit; and a thermal control system coupled to the gas conduit.

Abstract: A method for determining blanket performance in a printing press is provided. The printing press includes a plate cylinder having a printing plate transferring an image to a blanket on a blanket cylinder for printing on a substrate. The method includes determining an acceptable range of nip force (Fp) between a plate cylinder and a blanket cylinder in a printing unit, calculating the nip force (Fp) between the plate cylinder and blanket cylinder and determining blanket performance based on the nip force with respect to the acceptable range of nip force. A printing press is also provided.

Abstract: A cap sheet metal (and pivot sheet metal) is configured to be able to move linearly with a cap arm (and an arm stay) via engagement between an engagement hole and a fitting shaft. Furthermore, the cap sheet metal (and the pivot sheet metal) can move pivotally with respect to the cap arm (and the arm stay) using the fitting shaft, which engages with the engagement hole, as a pivotal shaft. Thus, even if, for example, the direction of biasing toward the applying roller deviates or a positional relationship with the applying roller deviates slightly, the liquid holding member moves and pivots in the bias direction depending on the deviation. As a result, the contacting pressure of a contacting portion on the applying roller can be made uniform.

Abstract: The letterpress printing machine includes an impression cylinder (8), at least one inking device (11, 12, 13) with an inking train comprising inking rollers (25, 26, 28) and at least one letterpress form cylinder (14, 15, 16) inked by said at least one inking device (11, 12, 13). The at least one letterpress form cylinder (14, 15, 16) is driven by first drive means (30), whereas the at least one inking device (11, 12, 13) is driven by second drive means (31, 32, 33), the second drive means (31, 32, 33) being mechanically independent from the first drive means (30). A control unit is coupled to the second drive means (31, 32, 33) to adjust a circumferential speed of the inking rollers (25, 26, 28) with respect to a circumferential speed of the letterpress form cylinder (14, 15, 16) so as to adjust deposition of ink by the inking device (11, 12, 13) on the letterpress form cylinder (14, 15, 16).

Abstract: In a method for controlling the temperature of a press which has an applicator roller and a screen roller, the screen roller has its temperature controlled at different temperatures and the applicator roller has its temperature controlled at a constant temperature. In this manner, the choice of the screen roller temperatures can be set individually for each printing unit depending on the optical ink density values which the operator desires.

Abstract: A printing unit contains a dampening unit and an inking unit which includes a screen roller with a circumference and an ink applicator roller with a circumference and a gap having an arc length or curve length, the ink applicator roller resting against the screen roller. The circumference of the screen roller and the circumference of the ink applicator roller and the arc length or curve length of the gap are dimensioned in predetermined proportions relative to each other so as to avoid ghosting.

Abstract: A color deck of a printing machine is usable to ink a printing cylinder. A roller nip is formed by at least one friction cylinder that is driven by a drive motor for rotary movement. A freewheel clutch is situated between the first friction cylinder and the drive motor for that first friction cylinder.

Abstract: A method for operating a printing machine in a print operating mode and another operating mode, for example a maintenance mode. In the print operating mode, bringing a vibrating roller periodically into contact with a first roller of an inking unit, driving the first roller rotationally by a first motor, driving a second roller of the inking unit rotationally by a second motor, transmitting no torque from the first motor to the second roller through a clutch therebetween, and activating the first motor by a control device causing the first roller to rotate at a rotational speed in a constant ratio to a rotational speed of the second roller. In the other operating mode, driving the first and second rollers rotationally by the first motor and transmitting torque from the first motor to the second roller through the clutch. A printing machine for carrying out the method Is also provided.

Abstract: A wheel assembly for applying ink to a target surface employs a wheel member, first and second adhesive sheets, and at least one inking member. Each adhesive sheet defines an inner adhesive surface and an outer adhesive surface. The inner adhesive surface of the first adhesive sheet secures the first adhesive sheet to the wheel member. In a first mode, the at least one inking member is detachably secured relative to the wheel member by an exposed outer adhesive surface of the second adhesive sheet. In a second mode, the at least one inking member is detachably secured relative to the wheel member by an exposed outer adhesive surface of the first adhesive sheet. The at least one inking member is brought into contact with the target surface to transfer ink on the at least one inking member to the target surface.

Abstract: According to the invention, a rotary printing machine with a printing cylinder and an ink delivery system for supplying the printing cylinder with ink with an ink chamber, which can be connected with an ink source, wherein the ink chamber has an ink discharge opening in the form of a slit, which extends mainly parallel to the printing cylinder axis and is aligned with the printing cylinder such that ink can be discharged into it.

Abstract: The invention describes an inking system of a printing press comprising an impression cylinder for guiding the printing substrate, and at least one ink-transfer roller comprising a cylinder mandrel, on which at least one cylinder sleeve is concentrically displaceable, and bearing blocks, in which the ends of the ink-transfer roller are mounted and which are displaceable independently of each other in the radial direction of the impression cylinder. The ink-transfer roller can be set against the impression cylinder or any other ink-transfer roller, a bearing block being detachable from one end of the ink-transfer roller and displaceable relative to the ink-transfer roller so that the at least one cylinder sleeve can be removed by way of this end. A stop device is provided, with which the cylinder sleeve can be brought into contact, components of the stop device being movable in the axial direction of the print roller.

Abstract: There is provided a roller body made of steel, aluminium or carbon fibre reinforced plastic material, which, in printing units of wet offset machines, are in direct contact to the dampening form roller and which serve the formation of a stable ink-water-emulsion. There is further provided a method for producing such roller bodies. In conformity with the invention the roller body is provided with a porous coating of highly wear-resistant oxide ceramics or of wear-resistant hard metal, wherein pores that are open towards the circumferential surface of the roller body, are formed in the layer matrix of the coating preferably by applying the porous coating by a thermal spray process or an other coating process, and by subsequently grinding the coating to size to thereby open pores in the layer matrix. The surfaces produced in this manner preferably have a stable roughness of 1.0 ?m<Rz<500 ?m, in particular Rz=5 ?m to 25 ?m.

Abstract: A flexographic printing composition which comprises a carrier-swellable particle composition, such as a microgel particle composition, has improved printing performance and printing resolution, especially where the flexographic printing composition is an aqueous printing composition and the carrier is water. The composition is particularly beneficial for flexographic printing of such an aqueous printing ink onto low-energy surface substrates or impermeable substrates, in which the ink has improved adhesion, even in the absence of corona discharge treatment. The use of surfactant in an amount of at least 0.5% by weight of the ink composition enhances printed density and/or reduces mottling in solid printed areas.

Abstract: An ink roller (40) for a hand-held labelling device with a jacket-shaped ink receiving roller (42) and an ink roller axis (43), wherein the ink receiving roller (42) is disposed on the ink roller axis (43) in such a fashion that the free ends of the ink roller axis (43) project on both sides past the end faces of the ink receiving roller (42), and a hand-held labelling device having an ink roller (40) of this type. One gripping disk (46) that is spaced apart from the ink receiving roller (42) is thereby provided at each free end of the ink roller axis (43).

Abstract: A color deck of a printing machine is usable to ink a printing cylinder. A roller nip is formed by at least one friction cylinder that is driven by a drive motor for rotary movement. A freewheel clutch is situated between the first friction cylinder and the drive motor for that first friction cylinder.

Abstract: The machine comprises at least a plate cylinder carrying printing plates with engravings corresponding to a specific intaglio structure to be printed, and cooperating with an impression cylinder, a collector cylinder (8) on which the ink in the different colors is deposited by selector cylinders (10), each selector cylinder (10) receiving ink of a given color from a duct roller (11) and each selector cylinder (10) is driven by drive means (20,21,22) in an independent manner.

Abstract: A sheet-fed printing press having an inking unit with ink applicator rolls for supplying ink to a plate cylinder and a damping unit having a damping solution applicator roll for supplying damping solution to the plate cylinder. The ink applicator rolls and damping solution rolls each are movable between thrown on and off positions relative to the plate cylinder. A control device is provided for predetermining a number of de-inking sheets that can be imprinted with an ink image while the ink applicator rolls and damping solution applicator rolls are in a thrown off position without ink being supplied from the inking unit. The control device is carried out as a function of prepress data or inline measured data. The printing press may also include a lacquering unit which is operable in thrown on or off positions during passage of said predetermined number of de-inking sheets.

Abstract: A cylinder of a printing press is mounted using a bearing block. A radial bearing is movable in spaced linear bearings along an adjustment direction of the cylinder. The bearing is embodied as a modular bearing unit which may be a one piece assembly. The linear bearing is included in the modular assembly which permits movement of the bearing block along with the radial bearings.

Abstract: An inking roller for an inking system has, distributed over the surface on a ink-transferring surface (S), circumferential flutes (3). The longitudinal flutes (4) intersect the circumferential flutes (3) and elevated surface areas as said webs (5) and between the circumferential and longitudinal flutes (3, 4).

Abstract: A device is provided for engaging and/or disengaging a roller with or from a first mating roller. The device includes a second mating roller, with which the roller is engaged, and with a basic unit, with which the roller can be moved to or away from the first mating roller in the circumferential direction of the second mating roller. A process for engaging and/or disengaging a roller of a printing press with or from a first mating roller is provided wherein the roller is engaged with a second mating roller and the roller is guided in the circumferential direction of the second mating roller in the state in which it is engaged with the second mating roller.

Abstract: A printing press is comprised of at least one printing cylinder. A displaceable inking unit and a displaceable plate changing device can alternatingly be placed against the printing cylinder or can be moved out of contact with it. The inking unit and the plate changing device are coupled together so that their respective displacements are accomplished by a common drive. The two move in opposite directions with respect to the printing cylinder and may be connected together. Alternatively, each may have its own drive, with the two drives being coupled together by a common controller.

Abstract: An overcoat application apparatus is used to transfer an overcoat material from a donor support to a printed media. The overcoat application apparatus in this case includes a laminate cartridge, a donor supply reel, a donor guide bar, a heated fuser roller, a pressure roller, a peel bar, and a take-up reel. The donor supply reel provides a continuous source of donor plus overcoat material. The donor guide bar guides printed media and the donor plus overcoat into a nip created by forcing the heated fuser roller and pressure roller together. The heated fuser roller is used to transport the printed media and donor through the nip and apply heat to the donor and printed media. The pressure roller is used to apply pressure to the fuser roller in order to produce the mechanical nip. The nip plus the heat causes the overcoat material on the donor to be transferred to the printed media.

Abstract: An adjustment of a transfer of printing ink is accomplished by arranging a first roller in an inker unit and by using that first roller to transfer ink to a forme cylinder. A temperature is adjusted on an outer surface of the first roller by the use of a first temperature control unit which includes an adjuster device. The adjuster device also adjusts a temperature to be set on an outer surface of the forme cylinder by the use of a second temperature control unit. These two temperature control units adjust parameters of the printing ink through the controls of the outer surfaces of their associated first roller and forme cylinders. The parameters of the printing ink which are adjusted are preferably the ink's tackiness and its viscosity.

Abstract: The printing cylinder support unit for a printing machine according to the invention comprises a support frame, supporting means mounted on the support frame, and one of a plurality of positioning elements. The supporting means comprise displacement means and at least three support elements for each axial end of a printing cylinder, which support elements are designed each to interact with the positioning element at the location of a support point on the positioning element. The positioning element can be connected to one of a plurality of printing cylinders, the positions of the support points being related to the diameter of the printing cylinder in question. The displacement means are designed to move at least two of the support elements with respect to the support frame so as to receive positioning elements with different support point positions.

Abstract: An inking system of a printing press is utilized for inking a printing cylinder. The inking system is configured as a long roller inking system and includes two distributing cylinders that are disposed serially in a roller train. A first one of these distributing cylinders is mounted, in the roller train, close to the printing cylinder. The other of these distributing cylinders is mounted, again in the roller train, further away from the printing cylinder. The printing cylinder is rotationally force-driven by an angle position controlled drive motor. One of the two distributing cylinders of the inking system is rotationally force-driven by a drive motor that is mechanically independent of the drive for the printing cylinder. The other one of the two distributing cylinders is rotationally driven by frictional engagement with adjacent rollers or cylinders.

Abstract: An apparatus for controlling the amount of fluid to be transferred, contains a first rotating device which has a first fluid-transferring section in its circumferential direction, a second rotating device which has a second fluid-transferring section in its circumferential direction, and a control device for setting the phase position between the first fluid-transferring section and the second fluid-transferring section. The control device is configured for accelerating and retarding a rotation of the first rotating device periodically.

Abstract: A short inking unit for a planographic printing unit that has a compact design and is operable for transferring an ink film to a form cylinder with high uniformity and stability. This short inking unit includes an applicator roll arrangement having a plurality of applicator rolls (5, 6; 5, 6, 15) which each interact with the form cylinder (1) and are offset with respect to one another in the direction of rotation of said form cylinder (1), and a plurality of engraved rolls (7, 8; 7, 8, 13; 17, 7, 8; 17, 7) which are offset with respect to one another in the direction of rotation of the form cylinder (1) and which each have a respective ink supply for applying ink to the engraved roll. The applicator rolls and engraved rolls form a roll train having rolls which roll on one another in pairs with each pair of rolls including one applicator roll (5, 6, 15) and one engraved roll (7, 8, 13, 17) interacting at a roll nip of the roll train.

Abstract: In a method to produce a printing form for rotogravure, in particular for heliorotogravure, a surface of the formis provided with a wear-resistant layer and the surface is provided with cups. Furthermore, a printing form is provided whereby the surface of the printing form comprises a wear-resistant layer in which the cups, with regard to their depth, are at least partially provided therein. The printing form may be used in a printing device for heliorotogravure.

Abstract: An inking system for a printing machine which has a relatively simple design and which is adapted for more stable ink transfer to a plate cylinder. The inking system includes an ink supply roller (15), one or more drivable inking unit rollers (14, 19), an adjustment system for establishing a predetermined nip (19) between the ink supply roller and one of the drivable unit inking rollers (14, 19), and at least one movable calender roller (10) in constant contact with one of the drivable inking unit rollers operable for selectively interrupting the ink transfer.

Abstract: An optical instrument for determining properties of the imaging and non-imaging areas of offset printing plates is disclosed. A laser light source (30) directs a laser beam (35) at the surface layer (50) of an offset printing plate (60). A specularly reflected beam (45) is detected by a light detector (40). Additionally. scattered light (55) is detected by a light detector (50). The detectors (40, 50) produce light intensity signals for the reflected and scattered light, respectively. A data processor (70) processes the intensity signals to determine various properties relating to the dampening solution and ink present on the non-imaging and imaging areas of the printing plate, respectively. These properties include the thickness of dampening solution in non-imaging areas, the image density in imaging areas of a moving printing plate, and the occurrence of scumming in non-imaging areas of a printing plate.

Abstract: A cardboard sheet printing apparatus including: a rotating body that freely rotates inside an ink circulation passage through which ink flows, and a rotation-imparting assembly which is magnetically coupled with the rotating body outside the ink circulation passage and imparts rotation to the rotating body. When the rotating body is caused to rotate by the rotation-imparting assembly, the variation in the load current value that occurs upon changes in the viscosity of the ink that contacts the rotating body is detected; and this variation is compared with load current values that correspond to respective changes in the ink viscosity value stored in memory beforehand and is converted into an ink viscosity value and then displayed, so that the viscosity of the ink is adjusted based upon the calculated results.

Abstract: An ink metering system for a roller train in a printing machine which in the illustrated embodiment includes a fountain roller and a downstream train of rollers communicating with a plate or form cylinder of the printing press. One or more plating devices (12) are provided which each have a plate-like element (19) adjustably positionable with respect to a respective roller for leveling ink on the surface of the roller before or after passage through a contact zone with an adjacent roller in which ink is pulled off and separated between the rollers. The plating devices are relatively simple in construction and operation and provide stable ink guidance on the roller surfaces that noticeably improves print quality.

Abstract: A printing unit for a rotary printing press utilizes form cylinders, blanket cylinders and ink cylinders and transfer rollers. Intermediate support rings are provided on these cylinders or rollers.

Abstract: A printing unit is comprised of at least three rotating members, such as an impression cylinder, a forme cylinder that cooperates with the impression cylinder in a printing position, and a roller that cooperates with the forme cylinder. The two cylinders and the roller may have a zero rotational speed or a production rotational speed. At least two of the rotating members also have a set-up rotational speed that is different from the zero rotational speed and the production rotational speed of these rotating members.

Abstract: A control system for regulating the composition of an emulsion ink made from an oil-based ink and a water-based fountain solution using a mixing and dispersing apparatus includes a liquid level sensor, means responsive to the liquid level sensor for maintaining a proper liquid level in the mixing and dispersing apparatus, and means for producing an emulsion ink with a water content value which is within a predetermined range from a desired water content value. The producing means includes a feedforward controller and a feedback controller for regulating water-based fountain solution input rate to the mixing and dispersing apparatus.

Abstract: An inking apparatus controller includes an oscillating roller rotatable in a circumferential direction and reciprocatable along an axial direction thereof; an oscillation-width adjustment mechanism for adjusting an oscillation width of the oscillating roller; an oscillation-width adjustment unit for operating the oscillation-width adjustment mechanism; and a control unit for controlling operation of the oscillation-width adjustment unit such that the oscillation width of the oscillating roller assumes a designated value and for controlling operation of the oscillation-width adjustment means such that during cleaning work, the oscillating roller oscillates over an oscillation width which is set in a memory in advance.

Abstract: A roller structure in a printing press includes a dampening form roller, gear, belt, belt roller, clutch member, nut, movable element, and snap rings. The dampening form roller is supported rotatably and adapted to come into contact with a plate cylinder and oscillating roller, having different peripheral surface speeds, at their outer surfaces. The gear, belt, and belt roller transmit rotation of one of the plate cylinder and oscillating roller to the dampening form roller. The clutch member, nut, movable element, and snap rings connect/disconnect the gear, belt, and belt roller. When the gear, belt, and belt roller are disconnected by the clutch member, nut, movable element, and snap rings, the dampening form roller is rotatably driven by the other one of the plate cylinder and oscillating roller.

Abstract: An inking unit includes a first smoothing roller, an ink feed unit constructed as an ink droplet generator for applying a metered quantity of ink to the first smoothing roller, by one of an indirect and a direct path, respectively, the indirect path being via at least one additional roller interposing the ink feed unit and the first smoothing roller, and the direct path being directly to the first smoothing roller, and further including a second smoothing roller operatively connected to the first smoothing roller for distributing the application of ink, each of the first and the second smoothing rollers having a hard smoothing surface with a hardness of one of at least 80 Shore A and at least 30 Shore D, respectively, for forming a uniform film of ink; and an offset printing machine including the inking unit.

Abstract: A flexographic rotary platen printing press for printing indicia on a web of flexible material moving along a longitudinal axis. The flexographic rotary platen printing press includes a print drum assembly that is affixed to a trolley that is moveable in a linear direction across the web generally transverse to the direction of the web movement. When the web is stopped, the print drum is caused to roll across the web that is sandwiched between the print drum and a flat, planar platen to print indicia onto the web in a line contact. A linear drive system causes the movement of the print drum assembly. The speed of the transverse movement is electronically coordinated to the speed of the rotation of the print drum as it moves across the web to carry out the printing operation.

Abstract: A control system for regulating the composition of an emulsion ink made from an oil-based ink and a water-based fountain solution using a mixing and dispersing apparatus includes a liquid level sensor, means responsive to the liquid level sensor for maintaining a proper liquid level in the mixing and dispersing apparatus, and means for producing an emulsion ink with a water content value which is within a predetermined range from a desired water content value. The producing means includes a feedforward controller and a feedback controller for regulating water-based fountain solution input rate to the mixing and dispersing apparatus.

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: 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: An apparatus for supporting the shaft journals of a printing cylinder, that can be dipped into a dye vat, of a rotary roller printing machine, preferably a Rotogravure Rotary Roller Printing Machine, on support rolls for the purpose of exchanging the printing cylinder. In order to be able to exchange the printing cylinder in a simple and fast manner, the support rolls are arranged on horizontally movable beams via which the support rolls can be shifted between the bearings of the printing cylinder and an extended position in which there is provided a device that lifts and inserts the printing cylinder.

Abstract: A mounting system is disclosed for removably mounting rollers and cylinders in a machine for quick and easy removal and replacement by other rollers and cylinders. The mounting system provides for rapid separation of the journal from the roller or cylinder so that only the roller or cylinder is removed, and the mounting system has particular applicability with respect to ink rolls in printing machines.

Abstract: The present invention includes an inking or other solution unit having a first roll, a second roll, the second roll having a lower surface speed than the first roll, and an elastic belt running over the first roll and the second roll in a fixed length path during operation. The present invention also includes a method for inking or providing another solution to a printing cylinder comprising the steps of rotating a first roll at a first surface speed, rotating a second roll at a second surface speed, the first surface speed being greater than the second surface speed, moving an elastic belt over the first and second rolls, a path of the elastic belt maintaining a fixed length, and contacting the elastic belt with ink or another solution.

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 pump inker unit is used to supply inks of different color to an inking unit of a rotary printing press. An ink supply unit is supported for movement with respect to the inking unit of the press. Several pump inker units, each with their own color of ink can be quickly interchanged so that the ink ductor roller of the inking unit will receive different colors of ink from different movably mounted ink supply units.

Abstract: A flexographic preview printer for duplicating conditions of a contemplated press run. The preview printer includes an inking unit and a printing unit. The inking unit has an ink roller and an anilox roller with a doctor blade for precision metering of the ink on the anilox roller. The printing unit includes a plate roller and a drive roller. The nip between the plate roller and the drive roller is adjustable. There are first and second motors and first and second gear trains. The first motor and gear train drives the inking unit at a set slow speed through a throw-out clutch. The second motor and gear train drives the printing unit at a speed that is higher than the speed at which the first motor rotates the inking unit. The second gear train is meshed with the first gear train through a throw-in clutch. The second gear train drives the first gear train through the throw-in clutch when the second motor is activated while the first gear train is disengaged from the first motor by the throw-out clutch.