Abstract: Where printing plate is to be secured to a plate cylinder by means of double-sided adhesive tape, the surface of the printing plate to be secured to the plate cylinder is, prior to bonding, partially pre-treated by means of a low-temperature plasma pencil after cleaning with isopropanol.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device having a two-component drip edge. One side of the drip edge is formed by a material having an attractive behavior with respect to a liquid and the opposite side of the drip edge is formed from a material having a repulsive behavior with respect to the liquid. This design yields an improved drip effect.

Abstract: A system for the replacement of sleeves that can be slipped on arbors of ink transfer rollers of at least printing machine has a storage device, in which the sleeves not being used in current ink transfer can be stored, and a transport device, with which several sleeves can be transported to the printing machine. The system has a transfer device the facilitates the transfer of the sleeves between the storage device and/or the transport device and the arbors of the ink transfer rollers, and/or between the storage device and the transport device.

Abstract: A mandrel for use in a printing apparatus includes a substantially cylindrical mandrel shaft and a locking assembly including a stop ring, a locking ring, and a plurality of deformable rings which are slidably and coaxially mounted on the mandrel shaft. Each deformable ring has a cross-sectional profile in a cross-sectional plane in which the mandrel shaft axis extends, which profile includes a first arm and a second arm which are integrally connected to each other at a first connection point. The first arm and the second arms include an angle which is sharper in the unlocked position than in the locked position of the locking assembly. The first arm has a first-arm-end remote from the first connection point, which defines the outer diameter of the deformable ring. The second arm has a second-arm-end remote from the first connection point, which second-arm-end defines the inner diameter of the deformable ring.

Abstract: The invention is about a convenient way of fixing a sleeve over a mandrel in a press. The sleeve is attached by applying a hydraulic pressure into the mandrel which deforms itself and grips on the sleeve. The pressure is brought by a piston mounted on a screw inside the mandrel, which when tightened increases the pressure and grips the sleeve.

Abstract: A printing system is provided for printing on an object having a curved surface. The printing system comprises: a support assembly for supporting an object having the curved surface to be printed on, said support assembly comprising a gripper configured for holding the object thereon at a predetermined working distance between the curved surface of the object and a printing head unit, said gripper being configured and operable for varying its cross-sectional dimension so as to maintain said working distance for the objects of different dimensions.

Abstract: A can imprinting device includes a blanket wheel having a plurality of blankets. Each blanket has a printing surface and at least two of the printing surfaces having a first part and a second part that each have raised and recessed portions. The first raised portion is configured to form a positive image on a can body of the plurality of can bodies. The first raised portion of at least one of the blankets is different in form from the first raised portion of at least one other of the blankets. The second recessed portion is configured to form a negative image on the can body. The negative image is inverse to the positive image. The first part and the second part are disposed relative to each other such that the negative image aligns with the positive image on the can body.

Abstract: A rotogravure printing machine has a shaft that rotates and a rotogravure cylinder sleeve for rotation with the shaft. An annular end plate connects to the shaft, and the end plate has a contact surface for contact with a mating contact surface at an inner side of the cylinder sleeve.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a method for flexographically printing over a textured surface. The method comprises selecting a substrate for application of a print pattern and advancing the substrate through a flexographic coil paint line in order to apply a primer to at least one side of the substrate. Next a finish coat is flexographically applied to the primed substrate and due to a chemical reaction of the applied finish coat along with supplemental heating, the finish coat forms a textured surface. Next, a print pattern is flexographically applied atop the textured surface.

Abstract: A roller member includes a cored bar, an elastic layer, and a non-conductive member. The elastic layer is disposed on an outer circumferential face of the cored bar. The cored bar has a projecting portion projecting beyond a range in which the elastic layer is disposed, toward an axial end of the cored bar. The non-conductive member is made of a non-conductive material. The non-conductive member is disposed on the projecting portion. The non-conductive member bites into an end face of an axial end of the elastic layer.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes: a photosensitive drum; a process frame from which the photosensitive drum is detachable; an apparatus body from which the process frame is removable; a drum shaft including one end constituting a free end, and another end supported by the apparatus body, and transmitting rotational driving force to the photosensitive drum; and a fixing member configured to stop movement of the photosensitive drum, wherein the one end of the drum shaft is configured to penetrate through and protrude from the photosensitive drum, the photosensitive drum includes a first annular protruding portion, the process frame includes a bearing part, the fixing member includes a second annular protruding portion, the one end of the drum shaft is pivotally supported by the fixing member, and the first annular protruding portion of the photosensitive drum is pivotally supported by the second annular protruding portion of the fixing member.

Abstract: The present invention is a method and apparatus for quick and easy rubber sleeve exchanges on chill rolls, such as are used in film extrusion processes. The apparatus includes chill roll or mandrel, a rubber sleeve covering the exterior face of the mandrel, an automated cantilever system, and an air booster. The rubber sleeve is easily removed by tilting the mandrel and inserting a layer of air between the rubber sleeve and the mandrel, thereby allowing the sleeve to slip off the mandrel and allowing for a new rubber sleeve to be placed onto the mandrel.

Abstract: A printing cylinder assembly for a printing machine includes a rotating shaft pivotally supported at one axial end shaft section thereof in a cantilever structure, and a sleeve cylinder removably mounted on the rotating shaft so that the cylinder can be fitted on and extracted from the rotating shaft from the other axial end side of the rotating shaft. The rotating shaft is formed at one axial end side thereof with a sleeve cylinder supporting tapered surface, and the sleeve cylinder is formed at one axial end side of an inner diameter portion thereof with a tapered surface, whereby the tapered surface of the sleeve cylinder can be fitted on and in close contact with the sleeve cylinder supporting tapered surface of the rotating shaft and thereby detachably coupling one axial end portion of the sleeve cylinder with one axial end portion of the rotating shaft.

Abstract: A cladless anilox sleeve mountable on a mandrel suitable for commercial use as an anilox roll in flexographic printing. The anilox sleeve of the present invention basically comprises a cylindrical body of a predetermined axial length, the cylindrical body having inner and outer cylindrical peripheral surfaces and end faces at opposite ends of the cylindrical body extending radially between the inner and outer cylindrical peripheral surfaces. The cylindrical body is formed substantially entirely of non-metallic material and without an exterior metallic cladding thereon. Each end face of the cylindrical body has a circular recess formed therein at a radial spacing from the inner and outer cylindrical peripheral surfaces, and a metal ring is secured in each circular recess to promote maintenance of cylindricality of the cylindrical body. Each metal ring extends axially beyond the respective end face for deterring damaging contact therewith.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are systems methods for using ink comprising organometallics in a flexographic printing process using engraved anilox rolls to transfer ink to an impression roll that prints a pattern on a substrate. A banded anilox roll with more than one geometry and/or volume of cells may be used in these production systems and methods. The pattern printed may comprise a plurality of lines which are each from 1 micrometer-25 micrometers wide and may be part of an electronics application such as a touch screen sensor or an RF antenna that requires microscopic conductive patterns such as touch screen displays or antennas.

Abstract: A printing assembly incorporating a clamping annulus having axial and oppositely axial ends, the clamping annulus's axial and oppositely axial ends having outside diameters, the axial end's outside diameter having an excess dimension defining a guide sleeve receiving space; a tiered clamping sleeve received within the clamping annulus, the tiered clamping sleeve having chamfered axial and oppositely axial ends; axial and oppositely axial jaw faces fitted for sloped engagements with the tiered clamping sleeve's ends; axial and oppositely axial jaws operatively connected to the axial and oppositely axial jaw faces, the axial jaw including an oppositely axially extending guide sleeve; an axle extending through the tiered clamping sleeve; and a screw mounted to the axle, the screw being adapted for pressing the axial and oppositely axial jaw faces against the tiered clamping sleeve's ends, and for radially outwardly wedging the ends toward the clamping annulus's tiered circumferential end.

Abstract: A multi-layer, expandable sleeve (100) for a printing press cylinder and a method of manufacturing this expandable sleeve are provided. The sleeve has an inner layer (110) with a hard surface inner jacket (112), which defines a longitudinal axis (A) and the cavity for mounting on the cylinder, and an outer layer (130) with a cylindrical outer jacket (132) for carrying an outer shell, a printing plate or a separate outer sleeve, in particular. An intermediate layer (120), manufactured in the form of a lightweight honeycomb having honeycomb cells oriented radially (B) to the longitudinal axis (A), is provided between the inner jacket (112) and the outer jacket (132). The intermediate layer (120) includes at least one honeycomb layer (122-1, 122-2, 122-3, 122-4, 122-5) of fiber composite honeycomb consisting of fiber material embedded in a resin matrix that has been applied coaxially around the longitudinal axis (A).

Abstract: A printing assembly including a clamping annulus having a tiered circumferential end, an axial end and an oppositely axial end, the clamping annulus's axial and oppositely axial ends having outside diameters, the axial end outside diameter having with respect to said oppositely axial end outside diameter an excess dimension defining a guide sleeve receiving space within the clamping annulus; a matching cylinder annularly overlying the clamping annulus; a plurality of magnet recesses, each recess among the plurality of magnet recesses extending radially into the cylinder, and each recess among the plurality of magnet receiving recesses opening radially outwardly from the cylinder's outer surface; and a multiplicity of magnets, each magnet among the multiplicity of magnets being embedded within one of the recesses among the plurality of magnet receiving recesses.

Abstract: An additive manufacturing system for printing a three-dimensional part using electrophotography, the additive manufacturing system including a rotatable photoconductor component, a development station configured to develop layers of a material on a surface of the rotatable photoconductor component, a rotatable transfer medium configured to receive the developed layers from the surface of the rotatable photoconductor component, and a platen configured to receive the developed layers from the rotatable transfer medium in a layer-by-layer manner. The additive manufacturing system also includes a plurality of service loops configured to move portions of the rotatable transfer medium at different line speeds while maintaining a net rotational rate of full rotations of the rotatable transfer medium at a substantially steady state.

Abstract: A bridge sleeve has at each extreme end of the bridge sleeve, a multi-component stabilizer. One component of each stabilizer includes an inner cylindrical contacting surface having a diameter that changes as this respective component of the stabilizer moves axially relative to at least one other component of the respective stabilizer.

Abstract: A plate attachment device and a method for attaching and removing printing plates, wherein the positioning accuracy in the circumferential direction relative to a plate cylinder is increased and attachment and removal of the printing plate is easy, are provided. The plate attachment device 1 is equipped with a plate cylinder 11 secured to the outer periphery of a plate drive shaft 31 and having a cylindrical plate attaching surface 12 to which a printing plate 2 is to be attached from the tip end side of the plate drive shaft 31. The plate attaching surface 12 is provided with a plurality of plate securing members 121 which are formed to be movable to both the outer side and inner side in the radial direction of the plate cylinder 11, abut the printing plate 2 attached to the plate attaching surface 12 and expand in the radial direction so as to adhere and secure the printing plate 2 to the plate attaching surface 12.

Abstract: A shimless separator arbor for slitting a sheet of metal passing through a slitter has a separator adjustment device as a new separator adjustment device for allowing adjustments to the space between separators for the purpose of properly spacing strips of material formed from the sheet of metal to cut at two strips from the sheet, so the at least strips have a smooth edge.

Abstract: A cylindrical printing plate precursor of the present invention comprising a cured resin sheet formed into a cylindrical shape, the cylindrical printing plate precursor comprising an overlap margin part comprising opposite end parts of the cured resin sheet superimposed on one another, each end part of the cured resin sheet in the overlap margin part having a thickness that is smaller than the thickness of the cured resin sheet other than in the overlap margin part, and a joining part, in the overlap margin part, in which a hole providing communication between the opposite end parts of the cured resin sheet is filled with a cured resin, the overlap margin part having a specific width, the joining part having a specific size, and the joining part having a specific cross-sectional area in the plate surface direction.

Abstract: A device and method are described for the easy and rapid loading and unloading of flexographic sleeves from flexographic processing machines. The device includes internal chucks that hold on to the end of a sleeve or sleeve adapter. The chucks are rotatably mounted within a flexographic processing machine to permit sleeve processing. In addition, the chucks may move to accommodate a large range of sleeve or adapter diameters and lengths. The method permits the loading and unloading of sleeves with a minimum amount of sleeve handling and without additional end pieces or adapters.

Abstract: The invention relates to a multi-layer, expandable sleeve (100) for a printing press cylinder, particularly for flexographic printing. The sleeve has an inner layer (110) with a hard surface inner jacket (112), which defines a longitudinal axis (A) and the cavity for mounting on the cylinder, and an outer layer (130) with a cylindrical outer jacket (132) for carrying an outer shell, a printing plate or a separate outer sleeve, in particular. An intermediate layer (120), manufactured in the form of a lightweight honeycomb having honeycomb cells oriented radially (B) to the longitudinal axis (A), is provided between the inner jacket (112) and the outer jacket (132). According to the invention, the intermediate layer (120) comprises at least one honeycomb layer (122-1, 122-2, 122-3, 122-4, 122-5) consisting of shaped cured fiber composite honeycomb made of fiber material embedded in a resin matrix.

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 method of manufacturing a high-resolution flexographic printing plate includes exposing a back side of a flexographic printing plate substrate to a first UV radiation. A top side of the flexographic printing plate substrate is exposed to a second UV radiation through a photomask that includes a patterned design. The flexographic printing plate substrate is developed. The flexographic printing plate substrate is cured. A flexographic printing system includes an ink roll, an anilox roll, a printing plate cylinder, a high-resolution flexographic printing plate disposed on the printing plate cylinder, and an impression cylinder. The flexographic printing plate includes embossing patterns corresponding to a patterned design. The embossing patterns are patterned into the flexographic printing plate using a photomask.

Abstract: The invention pertains to a printing form and a process for preparing the printing form from a curable composition that includes an epoxy resin, less than a stoichiometric amount of at least one amine curing agent, and optionally a catalytic curing agent and/or a latent curing agent. The process includes applying the curable composition to a supporting substrate to form a layer, partially curing the layer at a first temperature, engraving the partially cured layer, and then completing the curing by heating at a second temperature greater than the first temperature. The less than stoichiometric amount of the amine curing agent guarantees that after the first curing step, epoxy functionalities in the curable composition will be available for second curing step. The optional catalytic curing agent or latent curing agent promotes completion of the cure at higher temperature.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method for micro-contact printing on a substrate. A roll having very low drag is supported for rotation by air bearings and has a micro-contact printing stamp mounted to its outer surface. Contact between the substrate and the micro-contact printing stamp drives the roll and repeatedly imprints the pattern onto the web. In convenient embodiments, the roll is a sleeve positioned over a core with the sleeve supported for rotation by a layer of air between the sleeve and the core.

Abstract: A mandrel position analyzer (108) in an imaging device (100) includes a head stock (144) for a first side of the mandrel; a tail stock (104) for a second side of the mandrel; a first encoder (212) attached to the head stock adapted to measure first signals wherein the first signals are generated by movement of the mandrel; a second encoder (208) attached to the tail stock adapted to measure second signals wherein the second signals are generated by movement of the mandrel; an analyzer (224) which compares measured results of the first signals and results of the second signals; and if the measured results do not match generating an abnormal state of the mandrel signal alarm (260).

Abstract: A method for analyzing a mandrel (108) operation in an imaging device (100) includes installing the mandrel into the imaging device; securing the mandrel between a head stock (144) and a tail stock (104); attaching a first encoder (212) to the head stock and a second encoder (208) to the tail stock; rotating the mandrel; reading signals from first encoder; reading signals from second encoder; comparing the first results and the second results; and if the first results do not match with the second results stopping the imaging device.

Abstract: A printing apparatus includes a magnetic rotatable roller with a smooth even outer surface for aligning magnetic flakes in a carrier, such as an ink vehicle or a paint vehicle to create optically variable images in a high-speed, linear printing operation. Images can provide security features on high-value documents, such as bank notes. Magnetic flakes in the ink are aligned using magnetic portions of the roller, that can be formed by permanent magnets embedded in a non-magnetic roller body, or selectively magnetized portions of a flexible magnetic cover of the roller. In some embodiments, the roller is assembled for a plurality of interchangeable sections, which can include spinning magnets. Selected orientation of the magnetic pigment flakes can achieve a variety of illusive optical effects that are useful for decorative or security applications.

Abstract: An ink form roller in a printing press is provided including a core, a first layer surrounding part of the core, and a second layer surrounding part of the first layer, the second layer having a durometer hardness greater than the first layer. In addition, an ink form roller in a printing press is provided including a core, and a layer surrounding the core, the layer having a hardness between about 25 Shore A durometer and about 40 Shore A durometer, the layer having an outer surface, the outer surface having a surface roughness of about 30 micro-inches or less. Methods are also provided.

Abstract: In a flexographic printing system, the both the process parameters and equipment setup and configuration may play a role in producing the desired printed pattern. One component of the equipment setup is the printer roller assembly which may comprise a roller and a flexoplate as well as tape. The properties of the flexoplate and the tape as well as the relative dimensions of each in the assembly may affect the geometry and quality of the transferred pattern, as well as the ability of the system to produce a pattern on a repeatable, consistent basis.

Abstract: The present invention provides a machine plate for a printer which can be readily and accurately attached to the printer. A machine plate 2 is characterized in that a rectangular sheet 19 of an elastic material is formed into a cylindrical shape with opposite end portions of the sheet 19 superposed on each other and joined together, thereby forming a cylindrical plate body 17; an end portion of the sheet 19 located on the inner side of a joint portion 20 is bent inward, thereby forming an engagement portion 21; and a form area 18 is provided at a predetermined portion of the outer circumferential surface of the machine-plate body 17 excluding the joint portion 20.

Abstract: A sleeve segment for flexography has the shape of a sleeve with a first circular side containing a female registration element and a second circular side containing a male registration element. Also a method for manufacturing a flexographic sleeve segment, segmented sleeves and methods of flexographic printing.

Abstract: A printing press cylinder assembly is provided including a mandrel including an outer surface, a passage formed therein, at least one first conduit formed therein coupled to the passage and the outer surface, and at least one second conduit formed therein coupled to the passage and the outer surface. The printing press cylinder assembly also includes a guide piece located in the passage. The guide piece is movable in the passage between a first position where the guide piece guides air from the passage to the at least one first conduit and a second position where the guide piece guides air from the passage to the at least one second conduit. A method of installing a bridge sleeve and an outer sleeve on a mandrel of a printing cylinder assembly is also provided.

Abstract: Disclosed is a roller stamp with a stamp face roller that configures a stamp face, an inner case that fixes the roller with the ability to rotate, an outer case that fixes the inner case on one end and that configures a handgrip, a cap that tightly seals the roller, and a volatile ink that is impregnated on the stamp face of the roller. The disclosed roller stamp can stamp on even a coated paper that does not allow permeation by an ink solvent.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method and apparatus for thermally developing a photosensitive element. The thermal development method includes heating the photosensitive element to a temperature sufficient to cause a portion of a composition layer in the element to liquefy, soften, or melt; supporting a development medium with a non-rotating surface to provide contact of the development medium with the heated photosensitive element; and providing relative movement between the development medium and the non-rotating surface.

Abstract: A proofing tool including an anilox roll and a transfer roll that are shiftable relative to each other between an engaged position and a disengaged position. The invention further includes a positive rotational linkage between the transfer roll and a drive roll whereby a pitch velocity of the transfer roll and a pitch velocity of the transfer roll are substantially matched.

Abstract: Provided is a printing plate cylinder to which a sleeve printing plate is detachably attached. In the printing plate cylinder, weight reduction and radiation performance can be improved, and generation of rust can be suppressed. The printing plate cylinder (1) includes a shaft portion (3) rotatable about a central axis (O), a tubular portion (5) formed cylindrically, arranged coaxially with the shaft portion (3), and arranged at a distance from an outer circumferential surface (3a) of the shaft portion (3), and a rib (7) fixed integrally to the outer circumferential surface (3a) of the shaft portion (3) and an inner circumferential surface (5b) of the tubular portion (5) and connecting the shaft portion (3) and the tubular portion (5). An air supply channel (31) is formed so as to penetrate from the outer surface of the rib (7) exposed to the outside to the outer circumferential surface (5a) of the tubular portion (5).

Abstract: A printing unit cylinder and a sleeve for a printing unit cylinder is disclosed. The printing unit cylinder has an axial end section on the operator's side and a lateral surface having a plurality of openings through which compressed air can be passed so that a sleeve thereby widened can be pulled onto the lateral surface and pulled off of it over the axial end section. A noise reduction structure is provided on the axial end section for reducing the noises generated by compressed air emerging between the sleeve and the lateral surface. The noise reduction structure is equipped to support an inside circumferential surface of the sleeve on the axial end section over at least a portion of its circumference, so that vibrational excitation of the sleeve based on the escaping compressed air is prevented.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method and apparatus for thermally developing a photosensitive element. The thermal development method includes heating the photosensitive element to a temperature sufficient to cause a portion of a composition layer in the element to liquefy, soften, or melt; supporting a development medium with a non-rotating surface to provide contact of the development medium with the heated photosensitive element; and providing relative movement between the development medium and the non-rotating surface.

Abstract: The invention is a method and apparatus for forming a relief structure by thermally developing a photosensitive element containing a composition layer capable of being partially liquefied. During thermal development, the photosensitive element is supported on a base member having an exterior surface that is textured. The textures for the exterior surface include a particular surface roughness and/or patterns.

Abstract: An imaging drum has an outer surface configured for receiving an ink image from a print head and transferring the image at a transfer nip. The imaging drum has a central channel extending through the drum along a central longitudinal axis. An inner drum surface faces the channel and includes surface alterations that increase or decrease at least one of surface emissivities and heat absorption to mitigate thermal influences on the imaging drum and control temperature variability along the imaging drum.

Abstract: A plate cylinder includes a rotational shaft and at least one printing plate configured to be attached to the shaft. The rotational shaft may include an inner cylindrical body being made of a first material, an intermediate sleeve being made of a second material, and an outer sleeve being made of a third material. The Young's modulus of the second material may be substantially less than the Young's modulus of the first and third material.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a security thread or stripe for the incorporation into or onto a value-document or currency substrate, as well as a method and means of making such thread or stripe. The thread or stripe comprises a plastic foil which carries a hardened coating comprising oriented magnetic or magnetizable pigment particles, the orientation of said pigment particles representing graphic information. Preferred are optically variable magnetic or magnetizable pigment particles. Said hardened coating may also be comprised between a first and a second plastic foil. Said graphic information is a repetitive seamless pattern of suitable repetition length, which is produced using a magnetic orienting cylinder having a corresponding repetitive seamless magnetic field pattern. A magnetic orienting cylinder and a process for process for producing such magnetic orienting cylinder are also disclosed.

Abstract: A device for heating at least one tool that is disposed on the circumference of a rotating cylinder, for example on the circumference of an embossing cylinder. The embossing tool is produced from a magnetizable material and it is fixed to a carrier sleeve that is produced from a non-magnetizable material.

Abstract: In a printing blanket, a manufacturing method of the printing blanket, a blanket cylinder, and a printing press, a printing unit is configured to include a plate cylinder to which a plate is attached, and a blanket cylinder that has a blanket attached thereto, rotates synchronously with the plate cylinder, and can transfer an ink image transferred from the plate cylinder onto a web, a circumference of the blanket cylinder is set to be twice as large as a circumference of the plate cylinder, and a notch and a concave portion along an axial direction are provided on a surface of the blanket at a uniform interval to correspond to a notch of the plate cylinder.

Abstract: A method of forming a nip with a skewed transfix roll includes positioning a first axis of rotation of a transfix roll at a skewed angle with respect to a second axis of rotation of an image drum, forming a nip with the skewed transfix roll and the image drum, and operating the printer with the nip formed with the skewed transfix roll.