Abstract: The disclosure relates to the technical field of secure identification document, specifically to a method for producing a secure identification document with a color portrait and a secure identification document thereof. The method comprises: etching identity information on the substrate of the data surface of document by laser, and the identity information comprises a black-and-white portrait and text information; printing a color portrait in a blank space of the substrate with color ink to obtain a personalized data surface, and the color portrait is an enlargement of the black-and-white portrait in equal proportion; and printing a transparent protective layer with a transparent varnish on the upper surface of the personalized data surface, wherein the protective layer covers the color portrait.

Abstract: An adjusting method for adjusting an imprint apparatus includes a preparation step of preparing a sample for evaluating a state in which a contact region of a test mold is in contact with an imprint material supplied on a substrate; an evaluation step of evaluating the sample; and an adjustment step of adjusting the imprint apparatus based on a result of evaluation obtained in the evaluation step. The contact region includes a flat region which does not include a pattern, the evaluation in the evaluation step includes a first evaluation, which is an evaluation of a state of the imprint material in the flat region, and the imprint apparatus is adjusted based on a result of the first evaluation in the adjustment step.

Abstract: An identification document including a multilayer laminate having a core layer defining an opening therethrough, and a dynamic window in the opening. The dynamic window includes an optically variable coating on at least a front or a back of the dynamic window. The optically variable coating appears transparent when viewed from the front of the identification document in light transmitted through the dynamic window from the back of the identification document toward the front of the identification document, and appears nontransparent when viewed from the front of the identification document in light reflected from the front of the identification document. Fabricating an identification document with a dynamic window includes forming an opening in a core layer, positioning a dynamic window in the opening, and plate laminating the core layer and the dynamic window between at least one outer layer on each side of the core layer.

Abstract: A template for imprint lithography can include a body. The body can include a base surface and have a recession extending from the base surface lying along a base plane, the recession including a main portion having a tapered sidewall. In a particular embodiment, the recession includes an intermediate portion having an intermediate sidewall. The intermediate sidewall is rounded or at least part of the intermediate sidewall lies at a different angle as compared to an average tapered angle of the main portion. In another aspect, a method of fabricating a semiconductor device can include forming a patterned resist layer having a tapered sidewall over a substrate having device layers; patterning the device layers using the patterned resist layer; and etching portions of at least some of device layers to expose lateral portions of the at least some device layers. The template is well suited for forming 3D memory arrays.

Abstract: There is provided a shuffled playing card, wherein a suit and a rank are printed on one surface of a card base sheet, and a back pattern is printed on another surface, different sheet IDs for one card base sheet or each of a plurality of card base sheets are printed on the card base sheet, one deck or a plurality of decks are formed by individual cards cut by a cutting machine from the card base sheet, the one deck or the plurality of decks are shuffled by a shuffle machine to form a set of shuffled playing cards, different shuffled playing card IDs for each set are assigned to the shuffled playing card as ID codes, and the sheet ID of the playing card constituting the shuffled playing card and the shuffled playing card ID are associated with each other in a database.

Abstract: A cylinder (10) comprising a cylindrical body (11) is provided. A first proportion of the circumferential face (48) of the cylindrical body (11) is of porous and gas-permeable configuration and a second proportion of the circumferential face (48) of the cylindrical body (11) is of gas-impermeable configuration, wherein the porous, gas-permeable first proportion of the circumferential face (48) is in communication with at least one gas supply line and wherein the first proportion of the circumferential face (48) amounts to at least 0.1% and at most 50%. Further, a corresponding adapter sleeve and a corresponding printing forme cylinder are provided.

Abstract: An optically readable chip ID is provided to an imprintable material that is formed as a last level of an integrated circuit (IC) chip using nanoimprint lithography. The nanoimprint lithography process provides an array of indentations into the imprintable material that is typically arranged in a hexadecimal pattern. The hexadecimal pattern includes one or more optically readable characters which combine to encode chip location identification data. The chip location identification data identifies a unique location of the product chip on a wafer prior to dicing.

Abstract: Disclosed is a toothbrush comprising an optical machine-readable representation of data, such as a barcode. Also disclosed is an oral care implement comprising a surface and a plurality of protrusions extending at least 1 millimeter from the surface, the protrusions at least partially defining an optical machine-readable representation of data, such as a barcode. Also disclosed is a system, comprising: an oral care implement comprising an optical machine-readable representation of data, such as a barcode; and a device comprising a processor and memory storing computer readable instructions for causing the processor to process an image of the optical machine-readable representation of data to extract the data from the image.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for placing non-destructive marks onto a part via an end effector of a robot. One embodiment is a system comprising an end effector of a robot. The end effector includes an extendable punch that places targets onto a part, and supports that hold a strip of reflective adhesive tape between the punch and the part. Extending the punch cuts out a target from the strip and applies an adhesive side of the target to the part, and retracting the punch leaves a reflective side of the target visible on the part.

Abstract: A structure stamp with a flexible stamp which has a microstructured or nanostructured stamp surface for embossing of an embossing structure which corresponds to the stamp surface on an embossing surface, and a frame for clamping the stamp. Moreover, the invention relates to a device for embossing an embossing pattern on an embossing surface with the following features: a stamp receiver for accommodating and moving a structure stamp, an embossing material receiver for accommodating and placing an embossing material opposite the structure stamp, an embossing element drive for moving an embossing element along the structure stamp.

Abstract: A method and sensor device for recording seismic data. The sensor device includes a top section and a bottom section removably attached to the top section through a connecting plug. The bottom section holds a coupling material that is released into ground upon the bottom section impacting the ground.

Abstract: A stamp for micro-transfer printing includes a body and one or more posts extending from the body. At least one of the posts has a non-planar surface contour on the distal end of the post having a size, shape, or size and shape that accommodates a non-planar contact surface of a micro-transfer printable device.

Abstract: At a distal end of a pipe member 4, a plurality of projections 4n are disposed circumferentially. The projection 4n extends frontward in an axial direction. At a tip end of a leading tube 3, a groove forming section G is disposed. The groove forming section G includes a plurality of grooves 3n circumferentially in an inner peripheral surface. The grooves 3n extend in the axial direction. The projection 4n of the pipe member 4 enters the groove 3n. At the leading tube 3, an inner diameter of a convex part 3p between the grooves 3n and 3n circumferentially arranged and an inner diameter of a pipe part that houses the projection 4n of the pipe member 4 and the stick-like material rearward with respect to this projection 4n of the pipe member are identical size.

Abstract: A method is provided for synthesizing iron hexacyanoferrate (FeHCF). The method forms a first solution of a ferrocyanide source [A4Fe(CN)6.PH2O] material dissolved in a first solvent, where “A” is an alkali metal ion. A second solution is formed of a Fe(II) source dissolved in a second solvent. A reducing agent is added and, optionally, an alkali metal salt. The first and second solutions may be purged with an inert gas. The second solution is combined with the first solution to form a third solution in a low oxygen environment. The third solution is agitated in a low oxygen environment, and AX+1Fe2(CN)6.ZH2O is formed, where X is in the range of 0 to 1. The method isolates the AX+1Fe2(CN)6.ZH2O from the third solution, and dries the AX+1Fe2(CN)6.ZH2O under vacuum at a temperature greater than 60 degrees C.

Abstract: A method is provided for synthesizing sodium iron(II)-hexacyanoferrate(II). A Fe(CN)6 material is mixed with the first solution and either an anti-oxidant or a reducing agent. The Fe(CN)6 material may be either ferrocyanide ([Fe(CN)6]4?) or ferricyanide ([Fe(CN)6]3?). As a result, sodium iron(II)-hexacyanoferrate(II) (Na1+XFe[Fe(CN)6]Z.MH2O is formed, where X is less than or equal to 1, and where M is in a range between 0 and 7. In one aspect, the first solution including includes A ions, such as alkali metal ions, alkaline earth metal ions, or combinations thereof, resulting in the formation of Na1+XAYFe[Fe(CN)6]Z.MH2O, where Y is less than or equal to 1. Also provided are a Na1+XFe[Fe(CN)6]Z.MH2O battery and Na1+XFe[Fe(CN)6]Z.MH2O battery electrode.

Abstract: A literacy instruction system includes a plurality of pieces each having a groove in the top face in the shape of a character, such as a letter, numeral, or geometric shape. A flexible, erasable writing surface is permanently adhered to the top face and covers the groove. The writing surface is configured to receive the tip of a writing instrument and resiliently depress into the groove below, whereby a raised outline in the top face guides the tip to aid in writing the character for which the groove is shaped. In an embodiment, the bottom face of each piece is covered in a magnetic material, and the system is packaged with a magnetic board for holding the character pieces. In another embodiment, the plastic writing surface is transparent. These embodiments enable the character pieces to be manipulated quickly and easily, accelerating the process of learning to write and spell.

Abstract: A method is provided for synthesizing sodium iron(II)-hexacyanoferrate(II). A Fe(CN)6 material is mixed with the first solution and either an anti-oxidant or a reducing agent. The Fe(CN)6 material may be either ferrocyanide ([Fe(CN)6]4?) or ferricyanide ([Fe(CN)6]3?). As a result, sodium iron(II)-hexacyanoferrate(II) (Na1+XFe[Fe(CN)6]Z.MH2O is formed, where X is less than or equal to 1, and where M is in a range between 0 and 7. In one aspect, the first solution including includes A ions, such as alkali metal ions, alkaline earth metal ions, or combinations thereof, resulting in the formation of Na1+XAYFe[Fe(CN)6]Z.MH2O, where Y is less than or equal to 1. Also provided are a Na1+XFe[Fe(CN)6]Z.MH2O battery and Na1+XFe[Fe(CN)6]Z.MH2O battery electrode.

Abstract: The invention relates to a self-inking stamp (1) comprising a stamp housing (2) in which a reversible stamp unit (20) and a receiving space (6) for an ink pad container (5) are arranged, an actuation part (3) which is mounted on the stamp housing (2), and which can be displaced relative thereto from an upper rest position to a lower printing position, which pivotably supports the stamp unit (20), and a window part (4) which is at least partially transparent, detachably mounted by a clip connection on the actuation part (3) and through which the print card (12) arranged inside the window part (4) is visible. When the window part (4) is mounted on the actuation part (3), two opposing walls cover the actuation part (3) when it is in the upper rest position, and extend downwards over the receiving space (6), and cover the latter, the window part being mounted so that it can be displaced up and down on the actuation part (3).

Abstract: A method for producing electrically conducting, glass fiber-reinforced sleeves for the printing industry by means of UV curing, and also printing sleeves produced by means of this method, where the glass fibers used are coated with electrically conductive nanoparticles.

Abstract: A printing cylinder assembly for a printing machine having a sleeve cylinder which can be simply coupled to and decoupled from a rotating shaft and which can be exchanged easily. The sleeve cylinder is mounted to fit on the rotating shaft so that it can be fitted on, and be extracted from, the rotating shaft, constituting a printing cylinder. The rotating shaft is provided with a cam shaft and a coupling member that constitutes a coupling mechanism. In a coupling and a decoupling state which the coupling mechanism comes into, rotations of the cam shaft cause the coupling member to couple and decouple the sleeve cylinder to and from the rotating shaft when the coupling member is diametrically urged against, and parted from, the inner diametric surface of the sleeve cylinder, respectively.

Abstract: Printers, methods, and apparatus to filter imaging oil are disclosed. An example apparatus to filter imaging oil, includes adjacent electrodes and a switching circuit. The example switching circuit selectively generates an electrostatic field between the adjacent electrodes to cause particles suspended in the imaging oil between the adjacent electrodes to adhere to at least one of the adjacent electrodes, and generates an alternating electric field between the adjacent electrodes to cause the particles to be detached from the adjacent electrodes.

Abstract: A system and method are provided that incorporate a multi-layer plate configuration for a Digital Offset Plate (DOP) including at least a robust top imaging layer and a bottom layer that acts as a reservoir for the releasing oil in a proposed variable digital offset lithographic architecture. The top imaging layer may contain a small amount of oil (<20%) in a range suitable for allowing a small amount of oil to coat the surface and enable release of the ink. A bottom layer may be larger in volume and contain greater quantities (˜20-75%) of oil. Oil from the reservoir layer may diffuse to and through the top layer when the oil in the top surface layer is depleted in a manner that maintains a supply of oil at the surface. The top layer may act as a gate to maintain a steady flow of oil to the surface.

Abstract: A printing form includes a bonding layer, an intermediate layer and a top layer. The top layer includes silicon nitride.

Abstract: An indexing image for craft stamps that is opaque to the eye but transparent to UV light is produced by printing a wavelength-specific solvent-based ink on the stamp substrate. This eliminates the step of printing a separate adhesive-backed indexing image sheet and applying it to the substrate.

Abstract: A method is provided for controlling printed ink horizontal. cross-sectional areas using fluoropolymer templates. The method initially forms a fluoropolymer template overlying a substrate. The fluoropolymer template has a horizontal first cross-sectional dimension. Then, a primary ink is printed overlying the fluoropolymer template having a horizontal second cross-sectional dimension less than the first cross-sectional dimension. In the case of a fluoropolymer line having a template length greater than a template width, where the template width is the first cross-sectional dimension, printing the primary ink entails printing a primary ink line having an ink length greater than an ink width, where the ink width is the second cross-sectional dimension. In one aspect, the method prints a plurality of primary ink layers, each primary ink layer having an ink width less than the template width. Each overlying primary ink layer can be printed prior to solvents in underlying primary ink layers evaporating.

Abstract: A marking system for cutting an aperture for pipe clearance has a pipe and a pipe stamp. A stamp posterior side has a posterior aperture fluidly connected to an interior cavity. A first rubber stamp projection has an annulus that projects out and away from the stamp anterior surface. A second rubber stamp projection is centrally located on the stamp anterior surface having a general shape of an “X”. The pipe stamp slides over an end of the pipe via the posterior aperture. The first rubber stamp projection and the second rubber stamp projection are placed against a surface for applying a mark for cutting an aperture for pipe clearance.

Abstract: A method of adjusting a machine (1) for printing plate elements (12) equipped with at least one rotary impression cylinder (27) includes the steps of measuring a speed of the element (12, 13) passing through the machine (1), generating an operating signal (34) as a function of the measured speed and a tangential speed of the cylinder (27), and adjusting an operating speed of the machine (1) as a function of the signal generated so that the operating speed of the machine (1) is such that the speed of the element (12, 13) is substantially equal to the tangential speed of the cylinder (27).

Abstract: A flexographic printing sleeve or plate is made by a method that includes providing a millable polyurethane, crosslinking the millable polyurethane, and forming a relief by at least laser engraving the crosslinked millable polyurethane. For example, crosslinking may be accomplished by a peroxide-based process or by a vulcanization process using sulfur. A relief in one example is formed by extruding the millable polyurethane, thermally crosslinking the polyurethane after the extrusion step and laser engraving the crosslinked millable polyurethane. A printing article is formed into the shape of a flat printing plate or a continuous in-the-round printing sleeve.

Abstract: Photopolymerizable flexographic printing elements which contain cyclohexanepolycarboxylic esters as plasticizers and also their use for producing flexographic printing forms for printing with UV inks, in particular for UV narrow web printing.

Abstract: A metal-back printing blanket (2) includes a printing layer (4), a metal foil (10), a cover layer (14) which is bonded via an adhesive layer (12) to that surface of the metal foil (10) which faces away from the printing layer (4). The cover layer (14) is made of a nonwoven fabric.

Abstract: The object of the invention is to be able to adjust gloss or impart gloss variation not only for a decoration layer of dark color such as black ink, but also for a decoration layer of light color other than black and the gloss of the ink printed portion is adjusted or the gloss variation where a high gloss pattern part and a low gloss pattern part are adjacent to each other is imparted according to the ratio of blend of ultraviolet ray absorbent and/or ultraviolet ray shielding agent contained in an ink of a print pattern of a transfer film.

Abstract: The invention relates to a litho sheet for electrochemical roughening, consisting of a rolled aluminium alloy, wherein the sheet surface has a topography with a maximum peak height Rp or Sp of not more than 1.4 [mu]m, preferably not more than 1.2 [mu]m, in particular not more than 1.0 [mu]m. The invention also relates to a method which is intended for producing a litho sheet and in the case of which a litho sheet consisting of an aluminium alloy is cold-rolled and in the case of which the litho sheet, following the final cold-rolling pass, is subjected to a degreasing treatment with a pickling step using an aqueous pickling medium.

Abstract: A flexographic printing plate precursor can be imaged and developed to provide a flexographic relief image. This flexographic printing plate precursor includes a radiation curable layer in which a flexographic relief image can be formed. It also includes a transparent release layer disposed on the radiation sensitive layer, which release layer consists essentially of a miscible mixture of a polyamide in an amount of at least 20 and up to and including 80 weight % and a natural or synthetic rubber latex in an amount of at least 20 and up to and including 80 weight %. The transparent release layer has a peel force in relation to an imaged film comprising a mask image of at least 50 and up to and including 200 g/inch. This precursor can be used in optical contact with the imaged film to form a relief image using curing radiation through the mask image.

Abstract: This apparatus is small, compact, and light-weight, relatively inexpensive in terms of manufacturing cost, and will substantially improve the quality of a stamped image, also used for repetitive printing on individual sheets of card stock or any flat printable surface, in the same pre-determined location, set be the user, which provides maximum flexibility in arrangement and adjustment to permit the apparatus to be used with various sizes of stamps, and various types of card stock and to be used to make a consistent inked impression at virtually any location on selected card stock.

Abstract: A method for producing a control area to prevent scumming of a printing form that can be used for offset printing with dampening solutions, includes producing the control area separately from the printing form and joining the control area to the printing form thereafter. A cut-out is introduced into the printing form and the control area is inserted into the cut-out. A control area and a printing form having a control area are also provided.

Abstract: A flexographic printing sleeve or plate is made by a method that includes providing a millable polyurethane, crosslinking the millable polyurethane, and forming a relief by at least laser engraving the crosslinked millable polyurethane. For example, crosslinking may be accomplished by a peroxide-based process or by a vulcanization process using sulfur. A relief in one example is formed by extruding the millable polyurethane, thermally crosslinking the polyurethane after the extrusion step and laser engraving the crosslinked millable polyurethane. A printing article is formed into the shape of a flat printing plate or a continuous in-the-round printing sleeve.

Abstract: This invention pertains to a process for making flexographic printing forms, particularly relief printing forms, from two or more photosensitive elements welded to one another at their edges, wherein the welding is accomplished by microwave energy. This invention also relates to sealing edges of a cylindrically-shaped photosensitive element. Using microwave energy provides a smooth surface upon welding with a near disappearance of the weld-lines.

Abstract: A stamp for transferring a pattern to a substrate in the presence of a third medium, includes a permeable hydrophilic matrix for guiding excess third medium away from the surface of the stamp.

Abstract: An auto alignment pad printer for transferring print to an associated object includes a frame, a fixture for supporting the associated object and a cliché operably mounted to the frame. The cliché includes at least one etched region and is adapted to receive ink in the etched region. An ink cup is configured to deposit ink into the etched region. A pad applicator includes a pad support having at least one pad thereon. The pad is adapted to move into and out of contact with the etched region to receive ink from the etched region and to contact an object to transfer the received ink to the object. A pad applicator alignment assembly includes a first set of cooperating projections and receivers mounted to the pad applicator and to the cliché and/or the frame near to the cliché, and a second set of cooperating projections and receivers mounted to the pad applicator and to the fixture for supporting the object.

Abstract: An imaging method provides a flexographic printing member used to transfer ink from an image area to a receiver element. This flexographic printing member has a relief image including an image area that is composed of an elastomeric composition that has an elastomeric topmost surface and a relief image floor. The relief image has a plurality of dots within a sub-area of the elastomeric topmost surface wherein each dot has a minimum receiver element contact area. A fraction less than 1 of the plurality of dots, known as (b) dots, have a topmost surface that is undercut below the elastomeric topmost surface. The (b) dots are undercut below the elastomeric topmost surface in a predetermined number and arrangement so that the (b) dots are still able to transfer ink to the receiver element. Each of the remainder of the plurality of dots in the sub-area, known as (a) dots, has a topmost surface that is essentially coincident with the elastomeric topmost surface.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for applying an antibacterial coating onto a substrate (12) having one or more layers of print (28). In a printing press (10), one or more layers of print (28) are applied to a substrate (12) in a printing step. A finishing composition 36 is applied over the layers of ink (28) by a finishing (stage 16) in a finishing step to form a continuous outer protective layer. The finishing composition (36) is applied to the substrate (12) by a roller (30). The printing step and the finishing step are performed simultaneously. The finishing composition (36) comprises an antibacterial additive.

Abstract: A printing form includes a bonding layer, an intermediate layer and a top layer. The top layer includes silicon nitride.

Abstract: A system for engraving flexographic printing plates, is presented. A flexographic plate (104) is mounted on an imaging drum 404. Printable areas (204, 304) on the flexographic plate are engraved by an imaging source (408) configured to engrave fine detail information. Non-printable areas (208) are engraved on the flexographic plate by a second imaging source (412, coarse imaging source) capable to engrave substantially deeper (208, 520) than the depth of engraving used for the printable areas. Synchronizing (424) between the fine imaging source and the coarse imaging source, by directing the fine and coarse sources operate simultaneously, whereby the fine source images on the printable areas and the coarse source images the non-printable areas. In addition the fine source engraves the printable data areas (704) and non-printable support areas (708) underneath the printable areas. The non-printable support areas are engraved to be substantially wider than the printable data areas.

Abstract: An imprint template configured to imprint an imprintable medium by an imprint lithography process is disclosed, the imprint template having a pattern with a pattern density corresponding to a volume of imprintable medium used to substantially fill pattern features per unit area of a contact face of the imprint template, wherein adjacent regions of the pattern on the imprint template contact face, each of which will provide different functionality once imprinted onto a substrate, have substantially the same pattern density, have differences in pattern density which are minimized, or differences in pattern density which are maintained below a maximum.

Abstract: Provided are a high-resolution laser exposure method and a product manufactured with use of the laser exposure method, the laser exposure method being capable of performing high-resolution laser plate-making in gravure plate-making, offset plate-making, flexo plate-making, and the like, and being usable in laser exposure of a circuit pattern in an electronic component such as a printed circuit board, a liquid crystal display, and a plasma display, or in special printing for prevention of forgery of banknotes and the like. The laser exposure method, which uses a laser exposure apparatus, includes: scanning laser beams to form a laser spot array having a predetermined length on a photosensitive film; and exposing the photosensitive film coated on a plate surface to light, to thereby form a photosensitized part and a non-photosensitized part.

Abstract: A photopolymer plate manufacturing process utilizes a modified substrate and mask to generate pre-cut and interchangeable single and multi-part stamp dies. Using a modified substrate and mask, a conventional photopolymer plate can be manufactured with a plurality of independent pattern or stamp areas that are readily removable and replaceable on the substrate and do not require cutting. The resulting material is also securable to a plastic stamp or the like without an adhesive, thereby facilitating a stamp with exchangeable patterns. Additionally, with a further modified mask, the stamp dies can be manufactured in two or more separable pieces, which can then be selectively interchanged among multiple stamp dies. An alignment tool facilitates installation of the stamp dies on the stamp mechanism.

Abstract: A first printhead that prints on one side of the paper, a second printhead that prints on the other side of the paper, and a cutter are disposed to the paper conveyance path with a specific gap therebetween approaching the paper exit for the paper, and a conveyance unit that conveys the paper through the conveyance path in a device that prints duplex receipts. Based on reception of a transaction end statement, the printer prints part of the transaction information by the first printhead; prints the remaining part of the transaction information by the second printhead; prints store information, the length of which fits between the cutter and the first printhead, by the first printhead after printing the transaction information; and then cuts the paper by the cutter at a position between the area where the transaction information was printed and the area where the store information was printed.

Abstract: A method for transferring a pattern from an elastic stamp to a substrate in the presence of a third medium is described. A proximity contact is achieved between the stamp and the substrate. A layer of the third medium between the stamp and the substrate is controlled to a predetermined thickness. Stamps for carrying out this method are also described.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for printing is provided. The method includes preparing a hollow printing pad having a transfer surface, the printing pad being configured so that when the transfer surface is pushed, the gas in the hollow part is released to the outside of the printing pad; transferring ink or paint in recesses formed on the surface of a printing plate to the transfer surface of the printing pad by applying the ink or paint onto the surface of the printing plate and by pressing the transfer surface of the printing pad against the surface of the printing plate; and transferring the ink or paint to the object to be printed by pressing the transfer surface of the printing pad against the object to be printed until at least the hemispherical portion of the object to be printed is wrapped by the transfer surface of the printing pad.

Abstract: Provided is an endless printing belt which is capable of reducing ink leakage from a back surface, reducing a loss of ink due to volatilization in the case of applying volatile ink, ensuring a smooth feeding action of the printing belt to achieve accurate positioning of a printing portion, and enhancing belt strength so as to suppress deformation of the belt. In an endless printing belt mainly made of thermoplastic resin provided with interconnected cells, a surface of the belt constitutes a surface for a printing surface, a side surface is rendered ink-impermeable, and a back surface of the belt includes an ink-impermeable portion and an ink-permeable portion.