Abstract: A system and method for aligning a generally flat, planar object and for facilitating the mounting of the generally flat planar object, such as a printing plate, in near perfect alignment in a cylindrical manner. A printing plate cylinder is covered with stickyback having a release liner. A narrow axial strip of release liner is removed and replaced with a piece of release liner that may be pulled or tugged from beyond the end of the printing cylinder. The printing plate is next rolled into a cylindrical form and held in place on a device which allows registration marks on the printing plate to align the two ends of the printing plate prior to the printing plate ends being temporarily adhered to one another using a piece of tape or similar product. The aligned printing plate is next slid over the printing cylinder which is covered with sticky back.

Abstract: A method of mounting and adjusting a printing plate on a plate cylinder of a multicolor offset printing press is described. The printing plate is clamped between front and rear clamping bars, the rear clamping bar being movable under the application of a tensioning force and occupying, upon clamping of the trailing end of the printing plate, a tension-release position. Tensioning of the printing plate is carried out by initially applying a nominal tensioning force to the rear clamping bar. A print register of the tensioned printing plate is then measured and compared to a target print register to determine a corrected tensioning position of the rear clamping bar corresponding to the target print register. The tension of the printing plate is thereafter released. The correct tensioning position is set as new reference position of the rear clamping bar before or after tensioning again the printing plate.

Abstract: An assembly for axially aligning a print die, the assembly comprising an axle; at least a first expandable force ring receiving the axle; a roll having a circumferential outer surface and a hollow bore receiving the axle and the at least first expandable force ring; loading sleeves connected operatively to the axle for alternatively outwardly compressing the at least first expandable force ring against the roll's hollow bore, for resisting axial movement of the roll with respect to the axle, and for alternatively inwardly decompressing the at least first expandable force ring for permitting such axial movement; and print die mounting magnets fixedly attached to the roll's outer circumferential surface for attaching the print die to the roll.

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 mounting device for a printer which can attach a cylindrical machine plate to the printer more easily and accurately. A machine-plate mounting device 3 is fixedly provided on a machine-plate drive shaft 1 of the printer for mounting a machine plate 2 having a form area 5 provided on a portion of an outer circumferential surface of a machine plate body 4 formed from an elastic material into a cylindrical shape and an engagement portion 6 projecting radially inward from an inner circumference of the machine plate body 5 and extending in an axial direction. The machine-plate mounting device 3 includes a machine-plate cylinder section 12 fixedly provided on the machine-plate drive shaft 1 and having, on its outer circumference, a cylindrical machine-plate mounting surface 14 on which the machine plate 2 is mounted from a front-end side of the machine-plate drive shaft 1.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for arranging a printing plate onto a plate cylinder that has a channel in which a front and a rear clamping device are arranged. The rear clamping device is part of a slide that is arranged to be movable towards the front clamping device along a clamping path. In a first phase of the clamping process, the slide, together with a rear printing plate end that is clamped into the rear clamping device, is moved towards a first channel wall, and the printing plate is thereby clamped. In a second phase of the clamping process, the printing plate is released again, and the at least one slide is moved away from the first channel wall and towards a second channel wall. In a third phase of the clamping process, the slide, together with the rear printing plate end that is clamped into the rear clamping device, is again moved towards the first channel wall, and the printing plate is thereby clamped.

Abstract: A printing plate cylinder for a printing machine has a rotatable cylinder mandrel and a sleeve that is at least partially positionable over the cylinder mandrel. The angular positions of the mandrel and the sleeve are alignable to each other by a male register element which is fixed on one of the two elements to be aligned, and a female register element which is part of the corresponding other element to be aligned. Both the male and female register elements remain in working connection with each other if the elements to be aligned are in the set position relative to each other. At least one of the male and female register elements is controlled by movement of the other element to be aligned.

Abstract: A plate for a magnet cylinder includes a main body, a nonmagnetic portion, and a magnetic piece. The main body is formed of a flexible thin plate-like magnetic material to be magnetically mounted on the outer surface of a magnet cylinder. The nonmagnetic portion is projected from one end of the main body. The magnetic piece magnetically sandwiches the nonmagnetic portion against the outer surface of the magnet cylinder.

Abstract: A method and apparatus of securing and tensioning a printing form in an apparatus having a rotatable drum includes securing a first portion of the printing form to a first means for receiving that is coupled to a surface of the drum, and securing a second portion of the printing form to a second means for receiving that is disposed on a rotatable member that extends over a portion of the drum. The rotatable member is rotated so that the circumferential distance between the first receiving means and the second receiving means is about the same as a length of the printing form. A rotary torque means is coupled to the rotatable member to apply a substantially constant torque on the member and tension the printing form about the surface of the drum. The rotary torque means adjusts torque on the member which adjusts tension on the printing form.

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: Apparatus for removing printing plates (8) having leading and trailing edges located in a lock-up slot in a plate cylinder (2) of a rotary printing press, from said plate cylinder (2) is disclosed. The apparatus comprises means for extracting the trailing edge from a lock-up slot which is also operable to partially extract the leading edge from a lock up slot. The apparatus further includes an extraction member for engaging, as the printing cylinder rotates, a portion of the leading edge (8a) of the printing plate protruding from the lock up slot (9) following its partial extraction, to complete the removal of the printing plates from the printing cylinder and leave the removed plates, hanging by their leading edge (8a), on the extraction member. A method of loading printing plates onto a plate cylinder (2) is also disclosed.

Abstract: An interchangeable stamping die for releasable securement to a stamp mount used in a stamping process. The interchangeable stamping die includes an ink receiving printing layer having an image surface and an opposed second surface. The interchangeable stamping die also includes a foam layer having a first surface and an opposed second surface that is attached to the second surface of the printing layer. A cling layer has a first surface and an opposed cling surface, and the first surface of the cling layer is attached to the first surface of the foam layer. The cling surface is releasably securable to the stamp mount to secure the stamping die to the stamp mount.

Abstract: A form cylinder of a printing machine includes a plurality of sections in series in an axial direction of the cylinder surface. At least one printing form is arranged in each one of these sections. The form cylinder has at least one channel, also extending in the axial direction of the cylinder. That channel has an opening on the surface of the form cylinder. At least one holding device for each of the sections is arranged in this channel. Each such holding device can be pneumatically actuated in sections. At least one recess, open to the cylinder surface, is formed outside of these sections. A device that is usable to distribute compressed air to the respective sections of the form cylinder is provided in this at least one recess. The device for distributing the compressed air is configured as a plurality of valves. At least one control device is provided outside of the form cylinder and is used to activate the plurality of valves in a non-contact manner.

Abstract: A printing group of a printing press includes at least one form cylinder that has at least one axially extending opening on the external surface of the cylinder. That at least one axially extending opening forms a channel in the cylinder and in which channel several printing form end retaining assemblies are provided. These retaining assemblies are provided in the channel on both sides of a center plane which bisects the form cylinder perpendicularly to its axis of rotation. A first one of these retaining assemblies that adjoins the center plane cooperates with a second retaining assembly, located on the other side of the center plane, to both engage the same printing form, in a first mode of operation. In a second mode of operation, the first retaining assembly cooperates with a third retaining assembly, that is located further away from the center plane, and on the same side thereof as the first retaining assembly, to engage a second printing form.

Abstract: A device for clamping and tensioning an edge of a printing plate on a plate cylinder of a printing press includes a single actuating shaft for releasing clamping and tensioning forces. The actuating shaft has a control cam for releasing the tensioning forces and a control roller for releasing the clamping forces. A printing unit having the device and a printing press having the printing unit are also provided.

Abstract: The invention relates to an automatic handling and transportation device for a printer housing. The device comprises a basic mobile unit movable on a first route and at least one handling unit mounted on the basic mobile unit. The handling unit includes a support for guiding and supporting housings born on a second route parallel to a housing-bearing assembly on a printing machine, able to be aligned with the same and an grasping/holding device, adapted to hold a housing and move it on the second route between a transferral position in which the grasping/holding device interacts with the housing installed on the housing-bearing assembly, and a transportation position in which the housing, held by the grasping/holding device is on the support, and vice-versa.

Abstract: A device for tensioning and angularly adjusting a printing plate mount (4) on a rotary printing cylinder (5) having a duct (11), which is formed in the longitudinal direction (9) of the printing cylinder and in the outer surface thereof and in which the device is mounted. The device comprises a base plate (38) on which a pair of fastening profiles (6, 7) for holding the printing plate mount (4) are movably arranged, a pair of guide pins (14) engaging a pair of shoulders (15) for angularly adjusting one fastening profile (6) when moving the guide pins (14) or the shoulders (15) in the longitudinal direction (9) of the printing cylinder (5). The two fastening profiles (6, 7) are connected to one another through a linkage (19), which converts the angular adjustment of one fastening profile (6) to a longitudinal displacement of the other fastening profile (7).

Abstract: Disclosed is a clamping device (02) for fastening a plate (03) to the periphery of a cylinder (01). Said clamping device (02) comprises a first clamping element (04), a pivotally mounted second clamping element (06), a spring part (07), and a bracing element that is embodied as a pivotable spindle (08) and is movable between a clamping position in which the bracing element maintains the plate in a clamped state between the clamping elements and a released position in which the clamping elements release the plate. The spindle (08) is mounted in a groove so as to be displaceable, is fixed in an intermediate space between the spring part (07) and the second clamping element (06), and is pressed against the second clamping element by means of the spring part in the clamping position.

Abstract: A blanket/plate mounting apparatus includes a leading edge holding unit, trailing edge holding unit, and first drive unit. The leading edge holding unit is movably supported by a cylinder and holds the leading edge of a blanket/plate. The trailing edge holding unit is movably supported by the cylinder and holds the trailing edge of the blanket/plate. The first drive unit moves the leading edge holding unit and the trailing edge holding unit that respectively hold the leading edge and trailing edge of the blanket/plate mounted on the circumferential surface of the cylinder, thus tightening the blanket/plate.

Abstract: An image-carrying plate such as a printing plate, an embossing plate, a die-cutting plate or the like for reproducing the image on a suitable media is mounted on a rotatable cylinder or drum by attaching a removable clamp to each end of the plate and removably attaching the plate clamps respectively to clamp carriers which are circumferentially spaced from one another on the cylinder with the plate at least partially wrapped around the outer surface of the cylinder. At least one clamp carrier on the cylinder can be adjusted to move the associated plate clamp so that the plate is pulled taut against the outer surface of the cylinder.

Abstract: A device for processing a printing substrate (22), having at least one processing tool (10), in particular a die plate or a perforating knife, which is accommodated on a rotatable carrier body (14); the carrier body (14) being at least partially provided with a magnetizable coating (16) which, when magnetized, holds the processing tool (10) on the carrier body (14) by the action of magnetic force. The device can be used to advantage in a print finishing machine, a printing press, or in a folding apparatus of a web-fed printing press.

Abstract: A printing group of a rotary printing press includes at least one forme cylinder and at least one transfer cylinder. The forme cylinder has at least two printing forme end receiving channels. These two channels are spaced circumferentially. At least one of these forme cylinder end receiving channels rolls off against a channel in the transfer cylinder. One of the forme cylinder end receiving channels is at least partially covered by a printing forme carried by the forme cylinder.

Abstract: A plate holding apparatus includes a plate holding device and an air cylinder. The plate holding device holds an old plate discharged from a plate cylinder. The air cylinder moves the plate holding device between the first position of holding the discharged old plate and the second position away from the plate cylinder. The plate holding device includes a support member, first and second rotary members, a lever, stopper, and tensile coil spring, and a one-way clutch. The first rotary member is rotatably, axially supported by the support member. The second rotary member is axially supported by the support member to be movable and rotatable. The lever, stopper, and tensile coil spring move the second rotary member to come into contact with and separate from the first rotary member.

Abstract: A printing plate is mounted peripherally of a first plate cylinder or a second plate cylinder by using a forward-end clamping mechanism having a forward-end clamping jaw and an air cylinder for opening and closing the forward-end clamping jaw, and a rear-end clamping mechanism having a rear-end clamping jaw and two air cylinders for opening and closing the rear-end clamping jaw. The forward-end clamping mechanism is used for clamping the forward end of the printing plate. The rear-end clamping mechanism is used for clamping the rear end of the printing plate and straining the printing plate over the periphery of the first or second plate cylinder.

Abstract: With the method according to the invention for producing a printing plate, in particular for flexoprinting, a layer of a curable elastomer is applied to a carrier (15) with a cylindrical surface area (26), subsequently the elastomer layer is cured to an essentially cylindrical endless printing form blank and possibly ground to a cylindrical peripheral form or processed otherwise, and afterwards the printing form blank (33) is separated along a line which is essentially parallel to the axial direction of the carrier and the printing plate produced in such a manner.

Abstract: A device in flexographic machines, for making an adjustment between an inner shaft and an extractable jacket, with the double purpose of supporting the jacket along the entire length of the shaft, and of increasing the stiffness of the jacket. The adapter comprises at each of its end portions a rigid ring, and these end rings are internally connected the one another by a first rigid cylindrical member which is thin and capable of expansion and is intended to rest against the shaft, and they are externally connected the one another by a second rigid cylindrical member intended to receive the jacket; expansion means are provided in order to secure said end rings to the shaft, and openings are provided in said second external member in order to allow blowing compressed air intended to make easier the insertion and the extraction of the jacket.

Abstract: A method of aligning a rubber blanket formed with register cut-outs, relative to a clamping device having register pins, for clamping the rubber blanket onto a cylinder, includes bringing the register cut-outs formed in the rubber cylinder into contact with the register pins of the clamping device when the clamping device has been applied to the cylinder.

Abstract: A printing press comprising a multi-plate plate cylinder for carrying at least a first printing plate and a second printing plate, the plate cylinder having a cylinder body with an outer surface and a lock-up bar having a retracted position and an extended position, the lock-up bar for fastening both of the first and second plates about the outer surface in the retracted position. A tucker bar is located adjacent the lock-up bar, the tucker bar including at least a first segment for tucking and holding the first printing plate on the plate cylinder and a second segment for tucking and holding the second printing plate on the plate cylinder, the first segment being independently movable with respect to the second segment.

Abstract: In order to reliably tension the legs of the carrier plate by means of tongues fastened to spindles, one spindle is designed as a hollow spindle which is mounted in a bore of the cylinder gap of the printing-unit cylinder, and the other spindle is mounted in the hollow spindle.

Abstract: A double sided tape for detachably mounting a flexible printing plate to a flexographic printing press cylinder includes pressure-sensitive adhesive layers on opposed sides of a coextruded multilayer carrier having a core formed of a thermoplastic elastomer containing a uniform distribution of voids and one or more skin layers formed of film-forming thermoplastic polymer. The cellular thermoplastic elastomer is constructed to accommodate compressibility loads imposed during printing and to resist shear and tensile loads imposed during tape removal.

Abstract: Lock-up assemblies clamp a flexible print plate to a circumferential surface of the print plate cylinder. Preferably, the print plate lock-up assemblies are adapted to being received within a gutter of a print plate cylinder and include an elongate support bar assembly, and a jaw assembly supported by the support bar assembly and adapted for positionally clamping a print plate to an exterior circumferential surface of the print plate cylinder. Preferably, the jaw assemblies include a pair of retainer blocks which are spaced from one another along the support bar assembly, and a jaw support plate positioned between the pair of retainer blocks and adapted for movement along the pair of retainer blocks towards and away from the support bar. A pair of mirror-imaged jaw members is positioned upon and supported by said jaw support plate.

Abstract: A printing press comprising a multi-plate plate cylinder for carrying at least a first printing plate and a second printing plate, the plate cylinder having a cylinder body with an outer surface and a lock-up bar having a retracted position and an extended position, the lock-up bar for fastening both of the first and second plates about the outer surface in the retracted position. A tucker bar is located adjacent the lock-up bar, the tucker bar including at least a first segment for tucking and holding the first printing plate on the plate cylinder and a second segment for tucking and holding the second printing plate on the plate cylinder, the first segment being independently movable with respect to the second segment.

Abstract: A printer plate having an integral alignment target and a printing plate mounter having a vacuum cup with an alignment member thereon to permit visual alignment of the alignment target with the vacuum cup alignment member with the vacuum cup connectable to a vacuum source so that a vacuum can draw the printing plate alignment target and the alignment member on the vacuum cup from a state of state of misalignment, if any, into precise mechanical alignment for transfer to a printing cylinder while the vacuum cup supports the printing plate.

Abstract: A printing press includes an L-shaped support arm swingably supported by a main frame such that a distal end thereof can move between lower and upper positions, a support frame swingably supported at the distal end of the support arm such that the other end thereof can move between upper and lower positions, swing arms swingably supported by the main frame such that the distal ends thereof can move between lower and upper positions, gas springs for applying force to the corresponding swing arms to move the distal end portions of the swing arms upward, an engagement pin attached to the support frame, and an engagement member attached to the swing arms and into which the engagement pin is inserted and has an engagement groove formed therein to open upward when the distal ends of the swing arms are situated at the upper position.

Abstract: A lateral registration device for printing plates in a plate cylinder uses axially shiftable insertion strips. These insertion strips have register pins which engage recesses in the beveled ends of flexible printing plates inserted into an insertion slit. The insertion or guide strips are arranged adjacent each other in the circumferential direction of the plate cylinder.

Abstract: A flexible plate is gripped and secured to a plate cylinder in a rotary printing press by spaced-apart tines extending from an operating shaft rotatably mounted within a bore in the cylinder. The leading and trailing legs of the flexible plate are inserted in a channel in the cylinder, and then rotation of the shaft to a plate-securing position causes the tines to penetrate the trailing leg and hold the plate.

Abstract: A detachable handle for inkpads is described which is capable of temporarily placing a handle on an inkpad to aid the grasping and lifting of the inkpad for the purpose of applying ink to a surface without transferring ink to the fingers. The invention is comprised of a solid handle (1a) having a hook or loop fastener attached to one surface (1b), and a cooperating hook and loop fastener base (1c) which will be affixed by the user to the underside of an inkpad.

Abstract: A lithographic printing device has a plurality of plate cylinders for respective colors. A plurality of packing sheets are respectively attached to the plate cylinders, each packing sheet having a series of protruded pieces aligned in a circumferential direction of the respective plate cylinder. A plurality of press plates respectively provided on the packing sheets, each press plate having engaging holes into which the protruded pieces of the respective packing sheet are inserted. Each series of protruded pieces satisfies the following relation: 2D≦P≦4.06×103×D/W, where P is a pitch of the series of protruded pieces, D is a diameter of each protruded piece, and W is a width of the press plate.

Abstract: In the present invention, a blanket cylinder for a printing press is made up of a shaft roller and a cylindrical blanket capable of being attached and detached freely to and from the shaft roller. The cylindrical blanket comprises an elastic layer formed integrally with a cylindrical sleeve by winding and bonding a sheet-form elastic member on and to the outer peripheral surface of the sleeve, the elastic layer having a gap extending in the axial direction formed between both ends in the circumferential direction of the sheet-form elastic member; and a separation preventive member for preventing both ends in the circumferential direction of the sheet-form elastic member from being separated from the sleeve, the separation preventive member being embedded in the gap so as to be thinner than the thickness of the sheet-form elastic member to form a groove in the outer peripheral surface of the elastic layer.

Abstract: A universal edge strip is secured to both leading and trailing edges of a flexographic carrier sheet. A universal edge strip assembly includes the universal edge strip and a retaining clip. The universal edge strip includes a first pair of parallel walls connected to a center web which define a first deep slot or channel. The universal edge strip also includes a second pair of walls connected to the same center web which defines a second J-shaped shallow slot or channel. The first slot receives the carrier sheet which is secured to the universal edge strip by conventional means. One of the walls adjacent the second shallow slot includes a projection or J-shape which defines a throat adjacent the opposite wall. A U-shaped retaining clip is received within the second shallow slot in the universal edge strip at one end of the carrier sheet and is hooked to an undercut lip on the flexographic printing cylinder. As noted, both leading and trailing edges of the carrier sheet include a universal edge strip.

Abstract: A retainer for holding a printing plate to the cylindrical surface of a vacuum drum has a curved surface which conforms to and seals against the cylindrical surface of the drum. The retainer is held in place by pressure differential. An edge portion of a printing plate is received below a lip which extends along the retainer. The retainer is light in weight and therefore does not significantly unbalance the drum even if it is not always in the same position on the drum. The retainer is also inexpensive to manufacture and less likely than prior art clamps to cause damage if it fails.

Abstract: A device for fastening a machine plate in an offset press is disclosed. The machine plate fastening device may be gripped by a plate lock-up device on the offset press. The device has a plate and a leaf spring, the plate having fastening pins and the leaf spring holding the machine plate on the pins. The leaf spring has holes corresponding to the fastening pins. Also disclosed is a joint plate which can be attached to fix the fastening device at an appropriate angle on the offset press.

Abstract: A printing method for performing a lithographic printing in multiple colors by use of a flexible plate material. In particular, a series of engaging holes, while being aligned in the transporting direction of the plate material, are formed for every color in the plate material, and a series of protruded pieces to be inserted into the engaging holes of the plate material, while being aligned in the circumferential direction of each plate cylinder, are formed on the outer peripheral surface of each of the plate cylinders provided for the respective colors, so as to satisfy the following relation: 2D≦P≦4.06×103×D/W where Pmm: pitch of the series of engaging holes (protruded pieces) Dmm: diameter of each protruded piece Wmm: width of the printing plate. The plate material is attached to the plate cylinder by applying the engaging holes of the plate material to the protruded pieces of each plate cylinder, and printing is carried out.

Abstract: There are provided a machine plate fastening means for an offset printing machine, which is placed on the upper clamp plate of a PS plate lock-up device fitted in the cut-off part of a plate cylinder used for an offset printing machine so that it is attachable to or detachable from the clamp plate by the use of at least two bolts; with the fastening means comprising (i) a lower plate having the back part which is attached to the PS plate lock-up device with the bolts, the middle part over which a machine plate is fastened by putting fastening pins in the fastening holes punched therein and the front part for introducing the insertion of the machine plate, (ii) one or more of a leaf spring for pressing the machine plate, which is inserted and fastened by the fastening pins at the fastening holes, so as to prevent the machine plate from slipping off the fastening pins and (iii) an upper plate laid on the lower plate directly or via a spacer so that it is united to the back part of the lower plate; wherein the f

Abstract: The present invention is a printing head for a decorator cylinder assembly and comprises an interior member having a shaft bore and an outer side wall. The shaft bore has a tapered interior side wall. The printing head further comprises an exterior member having an inner side wall and a decorator side wall. The exterior member at least partially encompasses the interior member. The outer side wall of the interior member at least partially abuts the inner side wall of the exterior member, and the exterior member is adjustably connected about the interior member. The exterior member is at least partially axially adjustable about the interior cylinder, and is at least partially rotatably adjustable about the interior cylinder. The printing head further comprises a face plate/adjustment member adjustably connected to the interior member and the exterior member.

Abstract: In order to prevent a stamp plate or a stencil plate from falling off or shifting on. a stamp unit, and to simplify operations for exchanging the stamp plate (stencil plate) during stamping operations or stencil-producing operations, a support body is formed with rail portions. The rail portions are C-shaped in cross section. Holding pawl portions are formed along lengthwise edges of the rail portions. The stamp plate is held in a recess of a backside reinforcement. When the stamp plate held in this manner is inserted in a space between the pair of rail portions, the holding pawl portions hold the lengthwise edge surfaces of a stamp surface of the stamp plate, and also the rail portions support the backside reinforcement so the stamp plate will not fall off.

Abstract: The invention includes a self-aligning die platen assembly for use with a cooperating die platen assembly to form a die set. The self-aligning die platen assembly comprises a die shoe and a platen having a working face for operational cooperation with a corresponding working face of the cooperating die platen assembly. The platen is mounted in the die shoe and has a freely rockable condition therein which permits the platen to be moved into an aligned operational position in which its working face conforms to the corresponding working face of the cooperating die platen when the assemblies are closed. The die platen assembly also includes a locking element for securely maintaining the self-aligning platen in the operational position. A preferred locking device includes a low temperature melting alloy.

Abstract: A device for drawing a printing plate onto a plate cylinder of a printing machine is disclosed. In order to precisely position the folding strip relative to the printing cylinder during the drawing-on procedure, the folding strip of the device is provided with two pairs of adjustable stops. When inserting the printing plate into the clamping rail, a pair of adjustable clamping stops position the folding strip relative to the plate cylinder so that the leading edge of the printing plate is precisely aligned with the clamping rail. On the other hand, when inserting the printing plate into the tension rail, a pair of tensioning stops position the folding rail relative to the plate cylinder so that the trailing edge of the printing plate is bent to the precise angle necessary for its introduction into the tension rail.

Abstract: There is provided a construction which comprises: a printing plate receiving means that is arranged at a position remote from the periphery of a plate cylinder for supporting a printing plate lock-up hook portion in parallel to the axis of the plate cylinder and as capable of displacement in parallel to that axis; a receiving position determining means for positioning at a predetermined position of the printing plate receiving means the printing plate lock-up hook portion mounted thereon; and a stop position determining means for stopping the printing plate receiving means at a predetermined position relative to a side end surface of the plate cylinder. The invention enables a printing plate being locked up to be positioned with an extremely high precision, yet in a short period of time, corresponding to the position where it is to be locked up, relative to an axially displaced plate cylinder.

Abstract: A method and for mounting a flat printing plate on a cantilevered plate cylinder of a printing press, particularly in a lithographic web-fed rotary printing press. The printing plate is bent into an essentially cylindrical shape and inserted into a hollow tube. The tube and plate are slid from the side over a mandrel mounted on the plate cylinder. The mandrel expands the printing plate to a condition where the mandrel has an outer diameter which is smaller than the inner diameter of the tube and which is larger than the outer diameter of the plate cylinder. The tube and printing plate are slid down the length of the plate cylinder, and the ends of the plate are then locked using a lock-up device. The tube is then removed from the plate cylinder. Air bearings may be used on the mandrel or the plate cylinder, and the mandrel may be expandable.