Abstract: A variable printing machine for printing images different in top-bottom length with a plate and a blanket cylinder changed in diameter, is provided in which the plate and blanket cylinders and an impression cylinder can be brought into a proper state of contact with one another. Each of a plate cylinder shaft 20 and a blanket cylinder shaft 30 has its one axial end portion supported in a cantilever structure from a main frame 1 of the machine. When the plate cylinder sleeve 21 and the blanket cylinder sleeve 31 are each exchanged with one of different diameter, the blanket cylinder shaft 30 and the impression cylinder 4 are moved relative to each other so that the plate cylinder 2 and the blanket cylinder 3 may be brought into a proper state of contact with each other and so are the blanket cylinder 3 and the impression cylinder 4.

Abstract: A printing press includes a plurality of inking systems, which cooperate with at least one impression cylinder, each inking system including a print roller and at least one additional ink-transfer roller, each of which includes a roller body, at the front sides of which a first and a second end shaft journal is disposed. The printing press includes at least one roller-bearing device, in which the print rollers and the ink-transfer rollers can be mounted in roller-bearing positions, and a transfer element, via which at least the print rollers or the ink-transfer rollers can be transported between the roller-bearing positions and the inking systems. At least one roller-bearing position, in which one of the rollers can be set up for a subsequent print job, is provided in the roller-bearing device.

Abstract: An improved screen printing machine is provided. The main body portion and the support table portion of the printer main body are constructed independently of each other, and the main body portion is supported by the support table portion so as to be movable forward. A feed screw is axially immovably and rotatably held by the main body portion so as to be parallel to the front and rear direction, and the feed screw is engaged with the nut provided on the support table portion. An operator rotates the handle attached to the feed screw to move the main body portion forward with respect to the support table portion so that the main body portion is drawn from the support table portion.

Abstract: A coupling device facilitates coupling of an ink transfer roller in an inking unit or printing unit of a printing machine. The ink transfer roller includes at least a roller body to which an end pin is connected, with each end pin of the roller being mounted to rotate in a bearing housing of the inking unit or printing unit via at least one bearing. The end pins of the roller include couplings with which the roller can be coupled and fastened in the inking unit or printing unit, with at least one end pin of the roller being splined to a shaft piece of a drive. The coupling device includes an actuator, with which at least one end pin of the ink transfer roller can be positioned against the shaft piece of the drive.

Abstract: A manually operable proofing apparatus for performing sample test printings comprises a table for supporting a printable substrate, a carriage supported on the table for reciprocal movement along the printing surface, and a proofer assembly comprising an anilox roller for applying a printing material to the substrate. The carriage and the proofer assembly have matable quick-connect elements for selective attachment and detachment of the proofer assembly to, and from the carriage without fasteners or tools. The quick-connect element of the proofer assembly comprises a pair of bearings, and the quick-connect element of the carriage comprises a bracket defining an open receiving area for mated receipt of the bearing elements of the proofer assembly. The bracket of the carriage has a detent for retaining the bearing elements in an operational disposition supporting the anilox roller adjacent the printing surface when the bearing elements are mated within the receiving area.

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

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for printing one multiple-pass print on each packaging container (2), on which the packaging containers are moved in a transport direction past printing stations or printing heads for applying the multiple-pass print. The device is constructed from a plurality of modules (4.1-4.8) in at least a partial area. Each module comprises at least one transport element having an associated drive. The transport elements of the module adjacent to each other form at least one part of the transport path.

Abstract: A cantilever carousel system for efficiently storing multiple print cylinders while providing a common access point for loading and unloading the print cylinders. The cantilever carousel system generally includes an external frame structure defining an internal cavity and a shell connected to the external frame structure to surround the cavity, wherein the shell includes at least one access opening extending therethrough. An internal frame structure is positioned within the cavity and a vertically oriented carousel is supported by the internal frame structure. A drive assembly is mechanically connected to the carousel, wherein the drive assembly circulates the carousel and a plurality of cantilever mandrels are supported by the carousel and circulate with the carousel. A plurality of print cylinders are removably received by the plurality of cantilever mandrels through the access opening.

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: A printing plate module is disclosed. The module comprises a printing plate support member (3) having means to locate printing plates (4) in a predetermined position thereon and, engagement means (8) on the plate support member for the releasable engagement of the printing plate support member (3) with a printing press during a plate loading operation to locate printing plates (4) located on the plate support member (3) in a predetermined position relative to a plate cylinder (7) of the press. The invention also discloses a printing apparatus and, a method of loading printing plates onto a plate cylinder of a printing unit.

Abstract: A platen roller assembly for a printer includes a platen roller, a retaining clip, a plurality of bearings, and a pulley assembly. The platen roller defines a longitudinal axis. The retaining clip mounts to a support body of the printer and is positioned to retain the platen roller relative to the support body. The plurality of bearings is operably coupled to the platen roller. Each of the bearings permits rotational movement of the platen roller about the longitudinal axis thereof. The pulley assembly is mounted to the support body and is operably associated with one or more of the bearings. The pulley assembly includes a pulley and a belt. The belt is operably coupled to the pulley such that the platen roller rotates in response to rotational movement of the belt. The platen roller may be selectively coupled and uncoupled to/from the support body independent of the pulley assembly.

Abstract: Printers and duplexers are described herein. An example duplexer for a printer includes a waste ink roller movable between a concealed region and a receiving region.

Abstract: A method of assembling (R, V) a print unit (1, 2) belonging to a printing machine, the print unit (1, 2) comprising a frame (9), a print carriage (7), able to be inserted into and attached to the frame (9), and a doctor blade system (14), independent of the print carriage (7) and able to be attached to said frame (9), comprises the steps consisting in: placing the doctor blade system (14) on an empty transport device (16), inserting said transport device with said doctor blade system (14) into said frame (9), attaching said doctor blade system (14) to said frame (9), removing said empty transport device (16) from said frame (9), inserting said print carriage (7) into said frame (9), and attaching said print carriage (7) to said frame (9).

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: A printing assembly includes a cylindrical sleeve having an inner surface and an outer surface. The inner surface defines a first channel and the outer surface defines a port fluidly connected to the first channel. The inner surface is configured for lateral movement along a nonporous surface in response to a first flow of pressurized air being directed into the first channel from the port. The inner surface is also configured to fixedly mate with the nonporous surface in response to removal of the flow.

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

Abstract: A method of operating a printing press comprising installing an anti-marking jacket over a cylinder of the press, wherein the jacket comprises a first structure coupled to a gripper edge of the jacket, a second structure coupled to the jacket about one inch away from the first structure towards a tail edge of the jacket, and a third structure coupled to the tail edge of the jacket, wherein installing the jacket comprises attaching the first structure to a fourth structure coupled to an inner lip of the cylinder at a gripper edge of the cylinder, attaching the second structure to a fifth structure coupled to an outer lip of the cylinder at the gripper edge of the cylinder, and attaching the third structure to a sixth structure. The method further comprises, after installing the jacket over the cylinder, printing a plurality of substrates.

Abstract: In a printing press having a transfer cylinder for transferring a freshly printed substrate, an anti-marking device is provided. The anti-marking device comprises a flexible jacket having a first surface and a second surface, each surface having projections projecting from the surface. When the flexible jacket is installed over the transfer cylinder with the second surface positioned facing towards the transfer cylinder the first surface is positioned to engage the freshly printed substrate as it is transferred over the transfer cylinder, and when the flexible jacket is installed over the transfer cylinder with the first surface positioned facing towards the transfer cylinder the second surface is positioned to engage the freshly printed substrate as it is transferred over the transfer cylinder. The anti-marking device is removably attached to the transfer cylinder.

Abstract: A printing unit of a printing press is composed of at least two frame parts, the position of at least one of which, relative to the other, can be changed. Cooperating ones of these frame parts are placed against each other along a common joining surface, in a first operational position. These frame parts are separated from each other in a second operational position. An interstice, that is partly defined by these frame parts, is formed between the separated frame parts in the printing unit. At least one of the cooperating frame parts is supported so that it is movable along an adjustment path. At least one sensor is provided and is usable to monitor the interstice. The sensor has orientation characteristics or a sensory range along the joining surface. A control unit is provided and is connected to the at least one sensor.

Abstract: A plate inserting apparatus includes a plate cylinder, press roller, and braking unit. A plate is to be mounted on the outer surface of the plate cylinder. The press roller is rotatably supported to oppose the outer surface of the plate cylinder, and inserts the leading edge bent portion of the plate, supplied to the plate cylinder upon rotation of the plate cylinder, into a groove portion formed in the outer surface of the plate cylinder. The braking unit is arranged in a plate storing portion for storing the plate supplied to the plate cylinder, and brakes the plate with the leading edge bent portion inserted in the groove portion of the plate cylinder.

Abstract: A printing plate handling device for holding a printing plate (11) adjacent to one edge (12) of the plate, especially adjacent to a bent-over leading edge or a bent-over trailing edge of the printing plate, with a mechanism for holding the printing plate (11) in a flat, frictionally-engaged manner along a surface area of the printing plate adjacent to one edge (12) of the printing plate.

Abstract: In a printing press having a transfer cylinder for transferring a freshly printed substrate, a method of preparing the printing press for printing is provided. The method comprises placing a first edge of a flexible jacket over one of a hook type attachment structure or a loop type attachment structure coupled to a first edge of the transfer cylinder and pressing the flexible jacket into contact with the hook type attachment structure or the loop type attachment structure, wherein the pressing is performed by surface contact between the flexible jacket and a loop type material attached to a tool.

Abstract: A system for changing sleeves that can be pushed onto ink transfer roller cores of a printing machine includes at least one magazine, at least one travel device, and a drive. The magazine includes at least one sleeve mounting device that is movable relative to a frame of the magazine. The travel device is connectable to the magazine so that the magazine is movable in the vertical and/or horizontal direction. The drive, which is a component of the travel device, provides a drive force or drive torque to move the sleeve mounting device relative to the frame of the magazine.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method for changing printing plates in sheet-fed rotary printing presses include a plurality of printing units and plate cylinders being coupled to one another mechanically in the printing units during a printing operation. At the beginning of a plate change, the plate cylinders are coupled to one another mechanically and are driven jointly by a main drive motor. After an old printing plate has been conveyed out, each plate cylinder is decoupled from the common mechanical connection and is driven by a separate drive motor.

Abstract: A plate inserting apparatus includes a plate cylinder, press roller, and braking unit. A plate is to be mounted on the outer surface of the plate cylinder. The press roller is rotatably supported to oppose the outer surface of the plate cylinder. When the leading edge bent portion of the plate to be supplied to the plate cylinder abuts against the press roller and the distal end of the leading edge bent portion abuts against the outer surface of the plate cylinder, the press roller inserts the leading edge bent portion of the plate into a groove portion formed in the plate cylinder upon rotation (with a pressing force) of the plate cylinder. The braking unit keeps braking the plate at least since the leading edge bent portion of the plate abuts against the outer surface of the press roller and until the leading edge bent portion is completely inserted in the groove portion of the plate cylinder.

Abstract: A printing sleeve (10) has a first printing sleeve portion (10A) with a first and a second end. At least one of the ends of the first printing sleeve portion has a plurality of projections (16) and notches (18). A second printing sleeve portion (10B) has a first and second end, and least one of the ends has a plurality of projections and notches. The plurality of projections and notches of the first printing sleeve portion interlocks with the plurality of projections and notches of the second printing sleeve portion.

Abstract: The invention relates to a system for replacement of sleeves (6, 6a) (6, 6a) that can be slipped on arbors (5, 5a) of ink transfer rollers (4) of at least one printing machine (1), with a storage device, in which the sleeves (6, 6a) (6, 6a), which are not used in the current ink transfer, can be stored, and/or with transport devices (8, 9), with which several sleeves (6, 6a) (6, 6a) can be transported to the printing machine (1). The inventive step lies in the means for the transfer of the sleeves (10-19, 21), with which the sleeves (6, 6a) can be transported between the storage device and/or the transport devices (8,9) and the arbors (5, 5a) of the ink transfer rollers (4) in at least one printing machine (1) and/or between the storage device and the transport devices (8, 9).

Abstract: A printing plate module is disclosed. The module comprises a printing plate support member (3) having means (5) to locate printing plates (4) in a predetermined position thereon and, engagement means (8) on the plate support member for the releasab a engagement of the printing plate support member (3) with a printing press during a plate loading operation to locate printing plates (4) located on the plate support member (3) in a predetermined position relative to a plate cylinder (7) of the press. The invention also discloses a printing apparatus and, a method of loading printing plates onto a plate cylinder of a printing unit.

Abstract: The invention discloses a varnish coating device that utilizes an ordinary conventional digital stencil printing apparatus, such that anyone can easily apply a uniform film of a viscous coating onto a predetermined area of, for instance, covers and surfaces of printed products. The invention functions as a varnish coating device, in place of a drum unit, when a varnish coating unit is mounted on a mounting section of a printing apparatus main body. The varnish coating unit has: a coating roller that coats the surface of printed paper with a transparent varnish liquid and feeds out the paper; a supply device having a doctor roller that forms a liquid pool on the coating roller and that supplies varnish liquid to form a coating in a predetermined thickness over a predetermined area of the surface of the coating roller; a cradle that detachably supports a varnish container; and a pumping device.

Abstract: A rotary screen printing press, which includes a rotary screen cylinder for coating ink on a sheet transported by transport means, and a plate or form replacing work space whose upper side is closed, with respect to which a transport direction of the sheet is restrained by other device and a liquid coating unit including the rotary screen cylinder, which is open in at least one of directions orthogonal to the transport direction of the sheet, and where an operator performs work of replacing a screen printing form, comprises a plate or form rest provided below the rotary screen cylinder and supported to be movable to a first position within the liquid coating unit and a second position within the form replacing work space.

Abstract: A method for changing printing plates in rotary printing presses, including a plurality of printing units each having a plate cylinder and a dedicated drive for driving the plate cylinder independently of an associated blanket cylinder in a respective printing unit, includes moving the respective blanket cylinder at a somewhat higher circumferential speed than the associated plate cylinder while conveying one or more printing plates out of the printing unit, at least in one operating mode, during a plate changing operation. A printing press and a controller are also provided.

Abstract: Printing plates are prepared at installation positions on one of a plurality of plate cylinders disposed in a printing machine. A plurality of flat printing plates, which are provided for a printing process to be carried out by the printing machine itself, and which printing plates are themselves bendable, at least along their length, are provided at the outlet of a plate line which is spatially separated from the printing machine and which comprises at least one plate exposure device. Each of the printing plates is temporarily stored in a specific shelf of a mobile collection container that has a plurality of such shelves. The printing plates which are stored in the same mobile collection containers are prepared for installation positions of the same plate cylinder.

Abstract: A printing machine, in particular a label printing machine or a sheet-fed offset printing press, includes printing units accommodated in a machine support structure that is made at least partially, and preferably entirely, of rock. The rock may be a natural rock, in particular granite, or an artificial rock, in particular concrete.

Abstract: The invention describes a device for coupling of an ink transfer roller in an inking unit or printing unit of a printing machine, in which the roller consists of at least a roller body to which an end pin is connected and in which each pin of the roller is mounted to rotate in a bearing housing of the inking unit or printing unit via at least one bearing. The end pins of the roller include couplings with which the roller can be coupled and fastened in the inking unit or printing unit, at least one end pin of the roller being splined to a shaft piece of the drive. The device for coupling of an ink transfer roller includes an actuator for splined connection of the ink transfer roller to the shaft piece of the drive, with which the at least one end pin of the ink transfer roller can be positioned against the shaft piece of the drive.

Abstract: A device such as a row of wheels, a row of pressurized air blasts, or guide fingers is attached directly to a UV LED lamp that is mounted into a sheet-fed printing press for curing UV inks and coatings. The device will enable the UV LED lamp to be placed closer to the sheet than previously possible by preventing the trailing edge of the sheet from dragging across the UV LED lamp as the sheet passes by the lamp.

Abstract: The device with a housing and several rollers, circular-cylindrical drums and the like, the axles of which are parallel and which are mounted between two walls, in particular for forming a strip, which can be formed at elevated temperatures, as it passes through on the surface of a rotating drum, is characterized in that one of the walls can be pivoted open in order to expose the rollers, drums and the like and one of the walls is fastened by way of one or more hinges to a component which can be displaced parallel to the axles, and in that a locking element is provided on the other side, which locking element acts on the wall, fixes or releases the latter and is likewise attached to a component which can be displaced parallel to the axles.

Abstract: A printing unit has at least two lateral frame parts. The distance between which can be changed, relative to each other, in a horizontal direction. Each frame part receives a printing group or parts of such a printing group. At least one of the lateral frame parts is displaceably supported for movement between a functional position, in which the lateral frame parts meet and are affixed relative to one another, and an open position in which the lateral frame parts are positioned at a distance from each other. The support of the at least one movable lateral frame part has at least one sliding surface which is made using a composite plastic that is composed of multiple materials.

Abstract: A cylindrical body supporting device includes a pair of holders for respectively supporting both end sides in an axial direction of a rotary screen cylinder, and a pair of first eccentric bearings for rotatably supporting the pair of holders. The cylindrical body supporting device also includes an adjusting screw, a spur gear, a spline gear, lateral motors and the like collectively used for moving the pair of holders through the pair of first eccentric bearings, and a control device for activating the lateral motors to allow the pair of holders to approach and recede along the axial direction and thereby to support and release the cylindrical body and for activating the lateral motors to synchronously move the pair of holders in an identical amount in the same direction along the axial direction and thereby to move the cylindrical body in the axial direction.

Abstract: A printing module provided with a frame (12), an impression roller (13), a plate cylinder assembly (22), an anilox roller and a doctor roller, wherein the printing module comprises two receiving units disposed on opposite sides of the plate cylinder, which are connected with the frame, while fixation means are provided for fixating the plate cylinder assembly in the receiving units, the fixation means (26, 27) being situated substantially under the plate cylinder assembly (22), the fixation means preferably comprising two rods (46,46?) which, at an upwardly directed end, are provided with a hook (47,47?), the two hooks, on opposite sides of the plate cylinder, engaging a stationary shaft of the plate cylinder assembly, while on the rods a pull force is exerted for pressing the plate cylinder assembly into the receiving units.

Abstract: Device for the substitution of a cliché-jacket from a cliché cylinder in a printing machine or the like wherein said cylinder (1) is connected to a motor (3) driving it into rotation about its longitudinal axis and is provided with radial holes connected with an air inlet (7), the latter being apt to be connected with a compressed air supply (6) by means of a delivery means (8), device characterized in that it comprises automatic means sensing the position of said air inlet (7) relative to said delivery means (8) and automatic means for positioning said air inlet (7) and said delivery means in a reciprocal coupling position, said automatic sensing and positioning means being connected to a programmable electronic unit (E) which, when said air inlet (7) and said delivery means (8) are coaxial, drives said coupling and switches on an on-off valve (60) which, on a side, is connected to said compressed air supply (6) and, on the other side, is connected to said delivery means (8).

Abstract: A printing press having inboard cantilevered cylinder supports is disclosed. The press includes a frame with a drive side spaced from a non-drive side, and the press includes a cylinder defining an having an axis and having a drive end and a non-drive end. The drive end includes a drive aperture extending axially into the cylinder and a splined insert mounted within the drive aperture, while the non-drive end includes a non-drive aperture extending axially into the cylinder. A drive shaft is rotatably mounted to the drive side of the frame and is arranged for connection to a power source. The drive shaft includes a spline sized to engage the splined insert and is arranged to a portion of the cylinder, while a mandrel carried by the non-drive side of the frame extends into the non-drive aperture and is arranged to support another portion of the cylinder.

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 method of assembling (R, V) a print unit (1, 2) belonging to a printing machine, the print unit (1, 2) comprising a frame (9), a print carriage (7), able to be inserted into and attached to the frame (9), and a doctor blade system (14), independent of the print carriage (7) and able to be attached to said frame (9), comprises the steps consisting in: placing the doctor blade system (14) on an empty transport device (16), inserting said transport device with said doctor blade system (14) into said frame (9), attaching said doctor blade system (14) to said frame (9), removing said empty transport device (16) from said frame (9), inserting said print carriage (7) into said frame (9), and attaching said print carriage (7) to said frame (9).

Abstract: A stencil printer of the present invention includes a printer body, a print drum rotatably mounted on the printer body, a press roller for pressing a sheet against the circumferential surface of the print drum, and a moving device for selectively moving the press roller into or out of contact with the outer circumference of the print drum. The press roller and moving device are capable of being pulled out from the printer body integrally with each other.

Abstract: A plurality of longitudinal channels for supplying pressure medium are arranged within a carrier having a closed profile. A plurality of operating cylinders have pressure spaces which are flow-connected to the channels for moving the pressure rollers inward and outward in order to press coverings onto a printing unit cylinder.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for placing and removing a doctor blade in a printing screen cylinder mounted on a printing machine having a support mounted on the frame of the machine in the continuation of the cylinder, and a track mounted on the support and designed to allow a slider to move parallel only to the axis of the cylinder between a first limit position situated outside of the cylinder and a second limit position situated inside the cylinder facing the working position of the doctor blade.

Abstract: An embossing assembly for sheet material includes at least two embossing rollers, the ends of which are rotatably mounted in the side panels of an embossing machine. Each of the side panels is divided into a fixed portion and at least one movable portion. The ends of the embossing rollers are mounted in supports which are removably fixed in seats formed in the fixed portions of the side panels or in the movable portions of the side panels of the machine. In this manner, when the movable portions of side panels are moved with respect to the fixed portions of side panels, a space is cleared for removal of at least a portion of the embossing roller supports.

Abstract: A cylinder for a printing unit of a printing machine includes a hollow support shaft with first and second tensioning elements arranged thereon at a distance to each other. A replaceable printing sleeve is positioned on the support shaft. First and second force transfer elements respectively cooperate with the first and the second tensioning element for clamping down and releasing the printing sleeve. An operating mechanism is arranged on the inside of the hollow support shaft and is operatively connected to the two force transfer elements. The operating mechanism includes at least one energy-storage element for tightening and releasing the two tensioning elements.

Abstract: A press cylinder having at least one drivable device and having a generator assigned to the press cylinder for generating electrical energy for actuating the drivable device is disclosed. A generator housing of the generator is permanently connected to the press cylinder and rotates with the press cylinder. A generator rotor belonging to the generator and enclosed by the generator housing rotates relative to the generator housing, and it being possible for the generator rotor to be driven by an electric motor.

Abstract: A combined lithographic/flexographic printing process having a plurality of successive printing stations for printing color images on a substrate in a continuous in-line process. One of the stations prints a first color image using the flexographic process and at least one of the successive printing stations prints a second color image over the first color image using an offset lithographic process in the continuous in-line process.