Abstract: An automatic registration device applied to screen printing machines includes a base disposed under the printing table and is arranged with at least three sets of CCD (Charge Coupled Device), a printing table and an automatic registration member. The two sets of CCD are arranged on one side of the base while the other one set of CCD is disposed on the other side. The printing table is for loading and positioning the articles to be printed and is disposed with through holes corresponding to the image capture devices respectively as well as light sources for emitting light upward and the light passing through the insertion hole. The automatic registration member with a screen is arranged over the printing table. The CCD takes images of the article to be printed and the screen at the same time by the through hole. Through the computer, the automatic registration member and the screen move synchronously for accurate positioning to the article to be printed.

Abstract: A registration system for a rotary press including circumferential and sidelay registers designed to interface to the press unit using more direct motion translation. In particular, to go from rotational motion of a motor to linear motion of the adjustment with fewer transitions. Also discussed are measurement systems which measure the adjustments made to the plate cylinder more directly by measuring the linear movement of components acting on the cylinder as opposed to the movement of the motor or power source of the registration system. These systems can provide for more accurate movement to the various elements.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for determining the alignment of printing plate (14) mounted on an imaging drum (12), and applying an image to a printing plate while maintaining registration and alignment between the image and a reference edge (15) of the printing plate include mounting the printing plate on a plate-making machine (10) and then determining the locations of at least two points on the reference edge. The locations of two or more points are used to determine a transformation that is applied to image data to yield transformed image data (27). The transformed image data is used to image the printing plate. A method and apparatus for determining the locations of the points using backlighting avoids errors encountered in illuminating from the top.

Abstract: A plurality of printing blocks are placed on a plate cylinder of a printing machine. Each of these printing blocks is located at one of a plurality of mounting locations which are located adjacent each other in an axial direction of the plate cylinder. Each of these printing blocks is stored in a storage device which includes storage positions that are located adjacent to, and offset from each other at a fixed distance in the axial direction of the plate cylinder, prior to the arrangement of the printing blocks at one of the mounting locations of the plate cylinder. The plate cylinder and/or the storage device are displaced axially relative to each other by the operation of a positioning device.

Abstract: The present invention relates, in general, to a continuous roll-to-roll printing method for manufacturing electronic devices, and, more particularly, to an ultra-precision register control method in a continuous roll-to-roll printing process for manufacturing electronic devices, which compensates for register errors attributable to variations in the speed of upstream printing cylinders by using a feedforward control logic, thus eliminating additional register errors. The ultra-precision register control method in a continuous roll-to-roll printing process for manufacturing electronic devices, register errors, attributable to variations in speed of upstream printing cylinders are compensated for using feedforward control logic.

Abstract: A register control method and printing press capable of preventing wasted paper and improving cost effectiveness by improving detection of a register mark is provided. A position of a register mark printed on a web before starting printing is predicted. A plate cylinder is preset on the basis of the prediction. Then, a predicted value of the register mark position to be used for the next operation is corrected on the basis of the difference between the position of an actual printed register mark and the predicted position. For example, when the predicted value of the register mark is A, an actual position of a register mark is B, and the corrected predicted value of the register mark is A?, correction is carried out on the basis of A?=A+(B?A)×k (where k is a coefficient smaller than one).

Abstract: Simultaneous scanning of multiple checks. In one example embodiment, a method for simultaneous scanning of multiple checks with a flatbed scanner includes several acts. First, a front side of a transparent sleeve is scanned on a flatbed scanner in order to create a first image. The sleeve has multiple pockets with a check positioned in each pocket. The sleeve further has multiple alignment markings on the front side and on a back side of the sleeve. Next, the back side of the sleeve is scanned on the flatbed scanner in order to create a second image. Then, it is determined from the respective positions of the alignment markings on the first image and on the second image that the sleeve was rotated between scans. Finally, one of the first and second images is automatically rotated to match the other image in order to align each front/back check image pair.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for forming optoelectronic devices such as an array of light emitting diodes or photovoltaic cells in one embodiment a roll-to-roll process in which a uniquely configured roller having a raised spiral coating surface is aligned with a plurality of first electrodes disposed on an angle on a substrate for coating a plurality of spaced-apart angled coated strips of optoelectronic materials along the cross-web direction of the substrate.

Abstract: A method for registering patterns on a web to provide independent scale control in both the lateral and longitudinal directions is provided. The method includes routing the web over a first roller; routing the web over a second roller and stabilizing the web; applying a pattern to the web using process hardware; measuring registration of the pattern and providing an error signal; controlling lateral position error using the error signal; controlling longitudinal position error using the error signal; controlling lateral scale error using the error signal; and controlling longitudinal scale error using the error signal. The method provides independent scale control in both the lateral and longitudinal directions. Independent scale control avoids non-linear distortions otherwise imposed by attempting to accomplish both corrections by stretching the web in both directions.

Abstract: A print monitoring system comprising a printer that generates a printed object that comprises a) a printed area located on a substrate, the printed area having a predetermined width and defining a two-dimensional matrix having a plurality of rows and a plurality of columns; b) print indicia printed on the substrate within the two-dimensional matrix of said printed area such that at least one row of the plurality of rows contains print indicia that are separated by a maximum width; and c) at least one print validation symbol printed on the substrate in a predetermined first validation print area. The system can also comprise an image capture device configured to read at least the at least one validation symbol and a controller in communication with the image capture device that compares the at least one validation symbol to a predetermined at least one validation symbol and makes quality control decisions based on the comparison.

Abstract: A printing plate is produced having at least one edge which has been cut so that it is parallel to a line of delimitation of the type area of the plate. The printing plate is fed to an impression cylinder of a printing press, in an axial direction of the impression cylinder by use of a plate feeding and alignment device. During the process of feeding the printing plate to the impression cylinder, the at least one edge of the plate, which was cut parallel to the type line of determination, is guided against at least one stop.

Abstract: An apparatus in a machine for processing printing material has a register sensor for register measurement between at least two color separations of a printed image printed above one another on a printing material. The register sensor registers optically deviations between two color separations lying one above the other on the printing material and forwards the deviations onto a computer. The apparatus includes register marks to be measured by the apparatus. The apparatus is distinguished in that the register sensor contains at least one photodiode having at least two quadrants, and in that the largely rectangular evaluation areas of the photodiode are aligned obliquely in relation to the edges of the conveyed printing material.

Abstract: A printing machine utilizes several printing couples to produce at least one printed image on a printed material. Compensation for at least one of a longitudinal elongation and a transverse elongation of the printed material is accomplished. An anticipated elongation of the printed material is compensated for by matching of a printed image placement, with respect to length, width or position, with an imaging system generating the printed image placement on a printing form.

Abstract: The method and apparatus for registration of a lithographic plate includes a means for ensuring that the plate is in contact with registration pins on imaging and bending devices and a means for finely adjusting an initial position of the plate with respect to registration pins on the bender to bring the plate in registration with the specified plate lock-up position on the press cylinder. Three separate electrical circuits ensure that the plate is in contact with the registration pins if each separate circuit is able to conduct current between the respective pins and the plate. The fine adjustment is accomplished by rotation of eccentric registration pins until the plate is within tolerance.

Abstract: An object is to provide a printing machine nip checking system and the like that facilitates a nip checking operation. In the invention, a subject roller selecting section 10 is provided that selects a roller of which a nip width is to be checked. When a subject is narrowed, a main gear rotation angle calculating section 11 determines a rotation angle of the selected roller, in addition to a rotation direction. A main gear rotation driving section 13 connected to the main gear rotation angle calculating section 11 rotates a main gear 18 by the calculated desired angle, after the main gear 18 is stopped for a certain amount of time. As a result, an operator can visually recognize a nip on a subject gear without particularly considering the rotation direction and the rotation angle of the main gear 18.

Abstract: In a method for registration correction for a multicolor rotary printing press in an acceleration phase, having at least one registration correction device with correction parameters for operation of constant speed, and having a motion controller for controlling the print roller speed, if the registration correction device is acted upon in the acceleration phase by at least one fixed set of the correction parameters, which differs from the correction parameters at constant speed, and/or in the acceleration phase, a correction profile that is modified compared to constant speed is used, and/or information about the presence of the acceleration phase is supplied by the motion controller to the registration correction device, then it can be attained that in both methods, during the acceleration phase, the corrector continues to remain active, and even in this phase, it compensates for registration deviations.

Abstract: A method of re-registering a press job after disturbing the setup having the steps of recalling phase and compensator positions previously stored for the job; positioning compensators (113-116) to their nominal position; re-phasing the press color cylinders for the job; rerouting a web (117) through the press for the job; determining new phase offsets by running the press for a minimum of one revolution; and comparing a distance offset between adjacent print operations, thereby confirming the distance is zero and the press is back in register for the job.

Abstract: A method of exchanging printing units at a running rotary printing press, wherein a first printing unit is withdrawn from the printing medium, and a second printing unit for printing the same image with the same register is set against the printing medium, includes the steps of applying to the printing cylinder of the second printing unit, prior to start of the printing operation, a register printing block elevated relative to the regular printing block; prior to changeover of the printing units, setting the second printing unit against the printing medium such that register marks print with the register printing block without an image printing with the regular printing block; detecting register marks and adjusting the second printing unit register by reference to the detected register mark; and with the register adjusted, exchanging the printing units by withdrawing the first printing unit and setting the second printing unit.

Abstract: A method for checking a correctness of impositions and correct mutual register of the print pages at a front side and a rear side of different types of printed matters using a check print apparatus comprising two co-operating printers. The method includes preparing impositions in a control unit of the front side and the rear side of a print original to be made, printing a plurality of print pages having a first imposition of the front side of the paper, printing a plurality of print pages having a second imposition on the rear side of the paper with the page in position turned 180°, checking that the first and second impositions of the front and rear sides coincide, correcting the first and second impositions using the control unit when the checking step determines the first and second impositions do not coincide, and preparing a print original with the first and second impositions coinciding.

Abstract: Provided are a method and apparatus for fabricating a panel product including a board, panel or substrate having at least one surface on which a decorative image and alignment marks corresponding to an image data file are applied. The alignment marks and the image data file are then used to align an intermediate product with one or more cutting devices. Once aligned, the original image data file or a transformed version of the image data file is used to control cutters or other tools for removing waste portions of the panel product. The panel product may then be subjected to additional processing, particularly with regard to edge treatments, to obtain a final panel product.

Abstract: In a printed product color misregister amount detection method, a reference register mark including a first color area portion with a predetermined width and a blank portion in contact with the first color area portion is printed in a reference color on a printed product to be printed by a multi-color printing press. A positional shift detection register mark including a second color area portion with a width smaller than that of the first color area portion of the reference register mark is printed in a color other than the reference color to have as a target position a position where the width of the second color area portion falls within the width of the first color area portion of the reference register mark.

Abstract: Punches 44 of punchers 41a to 41d each punch a plate P lying immediately thereunder to form a notch. Then, stopper pins 47 of the punchers 41c and 41d abut with the deepest portion of the notch, such that the plate P is further inserted. The punches 44 of the punchers 41a and 41b each punch the plate P lying immediately thereunder to form a deeper notch. In other words, the puncher 41 is capable of forming notches of different depths along one end face of the plate P, whereby it is possible to realize various methods for positioning the plate P on the recording drum 5 in a suitable manner.

Abstract: An apparatus and method performing a sequence of processing steps on a load supported by a processing plate. The load can include a single sheet on which a plurality of applications are performed or can include a plurality of panels on which respective applications are performed. For each application, at least one coarse target and at least one panel target are used to adjust the programmed coordinates for that application. After the first application of the load is processed using the coarse and panel targets, coarse and panel targets are located for the second application. Using the alignment provided by these targets, the second application is processed. Each subsequent application is similarly aligned and processed.

Abstract: A method for aligning a printing plate, prior to imaging, on a platesetter includes the steps of: determining a leading edge of the printing plate; feeding the printing plate by the leading edge onto punch equipment resident on the platesetter; centering the printing plate on the platesetter along the leading edge; punching one or more notches along the leading edge of the printing plate according to a predetermined punch configuration; securing the leading edge and a trailing edge to a support surface of the platesetter with respect to registration pins located on platesetter; determining a location of a vertical edge of one of the notches, the vertical edge defined as being perpendicular to the leading edge; and determining a location with respect to the vertical edge of the one notch for transferring an image onto the printing plate.

Abstract: An optical system for use with printers and the like, printers incorporating such optical systems, methods for printing substrates and for inspection thereof are provided. The optical system may include one or more image capturing devices, and an image processing device for processing images captured by the image capturing devices to provide image data. The optical system is adapted for providing image data corresponding to at least two capture areas of substantially different dimensions on a common focusing plane or on different focusing planes of the optical system.

Abstract: A method of applying a registered pattern to a continuous web of material involves determining a position of a next pattern such that the next pattern is in registration with a previous pattern, adjusting the position to maintain a transverse location relative to the web, and adjusting a rotation of the pattern so that the pattern is substantially aligned with a longitudinal axis of the web. Registration features of the web and registration features of the next pattern are used to determine longitudinal, transverse, and rotational errors between the registered position of the next pattern and the path of the web. The registered position of the next pattern is adjusted along a transverse axis of the web according to a transverse error to maintain the transverse location. A rotation of the registered position is adjusted according to an angle that is determined using the transverse error and a distance from a registration feature to a center of the pattern along a longitudinal axis of the pattern.

Abstract: A centering system for a screen printing apparatus includes a platform for the placement of a plate to be printed, abutment wheels arranged on the platform, longitudinally adjustable servo shafts, beams, and a stationary frame on which the beams are arranged. The wheels are configured to contact the outside edges of the plate and secure the position of the plate for further processing. The longitudinally adjustable servo shafts lie above the platform, and the abutment wheels are mounted on the servo shafts. The beams are arranged above the platform, and the servo shafts are mounted beams.

Abstract: A border can be added to an image using pixels of a graphic piece that can be copied into or around an image. The graphic piece can be repeatedly copied around an image to form a border. A mask file identifies pixels of a graphic piece to merge with pixels of the image. The pixels of the graphic piece are merged or combined with pixels of the image according to the mask so that the image is rendered with a border.

Abstract: A computer-to-plate (CTP) machine is operated using processless printing plates. A plate bender is built directly into the CTP, bending the plate after imaging in order to make it ready for mounting on the printing press, eliminating all intermediate steps. For presses requiring punched holes in addition to the bend in the plate, the required holes are also punched in the CTP machine.

Abstract: A device is used to store blankets or dressings which are to be supplied to a cylinder of a printing machine. A plurality of such blankets or dressings, which are to be applied to the cylinder adjacent each other and axially spaced, are stored next to each other. These blankets or dressings are stored vertically above a supporting surface, in at least two vertically offset planes. The offset planes form a first storage position and the supporting surface forms a second storage position once at least one of the blankets or dressings has been stored in the different planes.

Abstract: A method of economically dye transfer printing small batches of webbing with custom designs includes printing N longitudinally adjacent identical design strips of approximate length L/N with a desired custom design. The design is printed on continuous roll paper with dye transfer ink using a dye transfer printer controlled by a personal computer. The adjacent design strips are simultaneously cut apart using a slitting cutter with parallel disc blades. The slitting cutter is preferably a modified leather slitting cutter with variable speed control and additional alignment guides for precise cutting. The separated design strips of approximate length L/N are assembled into a continuous transfer strip of approximate length L and rolled onto a core. The transfer strip is fed through an aligner with blank webbing and into a heat transfer web rolling machine where heat and pressure are applied to transfer print the design from the transfer strip to the webbing and produce final printed webbing of length L.

Abstract: A method for incorporating graphics into absorbent articles. The method involving: providing a moving substrate to a print cylinder; sensing a line speed reference signal from a line speed target machinery component; rotating the print cylinder at a predetermined speed, based on the line speed reference signal, to thereby print a series of graphics on the moving substrate at a predetermined distance frequency; sensing a phase difference signal from a phase target machinery component; and setting an actual print cylinder phase angle, based on the phase difference signal, to approximate a predetermined phase angle to thereby position the series of graphics on the moving substrate at a series of desired graphics locations. A system for executing the method and garments produced from the method and system are also provided.

Abstract: A method for incorporating graphics into absorbent articles. The method involving: providing a moving substrate to a print cylinder; sensing a line speed reference signal from a line speed target machinery component; rotating the print cylinder at a predetermined speed, based on the line speed reference signal, to thereby print a series of graphics on the moving substrate at a predetermined distance frequency; sensing a phase difference signal from a phase target machinery component; and setting an actual print cylinder phase angle, based on the phase difference signal, to approximate a predetermined phase angle to thereby position the series of graphics on the moving substrate at a series of desired graphics locations. A system for executing the method and garments produced from the method and system are also provided.

Abstract: An image recorder and a method of recording an image on a printing plate are provided. A punch unit for forming punched holes and the like for use in a printing apparatus in the printing plate positions the printing plate by bringing a pair of reference pins into contact with an edge of the printing plate, and punches the printing plate. Next, the printing plate is transferred to a recording drum in the image recorder for image recording. The recording drum is provided with positioning pins mounted upright in substantially the same location as the reference pins of the punch unit. Thus, a portion of the edge of the printing plate which made contact with the reference pins of the punch unit is also brought into contact with the positioning pins of the recording drum. Therefore, the positional relationship between the punches holes for printing and the recorded image is held constant without being affected by an undulation or swell on the edge of the printing plate.

Abstract: Positioning of a printing plate in an image recorder is performed by the same method used for punching positioning holes for printing press in the printing plate. Specifically, the positioning for image recording is performed with reference to an edge of the printing plate on the same side as the edge of the printing plate used as a reference for punching the positioning holes for printing press. When the positioning for punching the positioning holes for printing press is performed with reference to the central position of the printing plate, the central position of the printing plate is detected based on a measured width of the printing plate, and the positioning for image recording is carried out with reference to the central position. Consequently, an image recorded on the printing plate by the image recorder and the positioning holes for printing press in the printing plate always have the same positional relationship.

Abstract: A method for evaluating planographic printing plates according to the present invention includes: a step (A) of exposing a planographic printing plate precursor by irradiating a thin-line image of a one-pixel line and at least one thin-line image selected from two- to eight-pixel lines by incrementally altering the plate-surface energy; developing the exposed plate precursor with a standard developer; and identifying an exposure intensity (hereinafter, “thin-line sensitivity”) that respectively provides the images thus formed, with the same density; a step (B) of preparing another planographic printing plate precursor under the same conditions as in the step (A) and identifying the thin-line sensitivity, except that the planographic printing plate precursor is developed with a test developer; a step (C) of comparing the thin-line sensitivities respectively obtained in the steps (A) and (B); and a step (D) of adjusting plate-making conditions when the results of the comparison in the step (C) show a difference

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for positioning an element with respect to at least two reference points (4a, 4c), in which said device acts upon a working point on the element to be positioned and comprises a positioning arm attached to a fixed hinging point with respect to said reference points (4a, 4c), comprising two mutually hinged parts (6a, 6b) allowing a movement of said element to each reference point (4a, 4c). The invention related further to a device for positioning at least one offset plate on a positioning table of a pre-press equipment, comprising means to move the offset plate in a plane parallel to the positioning table to at least one reference point (4a) on the positioning table, in which said means acts upon a working point situated in the supporting plane of the offset plate on the positioning table.

Abstract: A scanning head for use in a register mark detection apparatus for detecting register marks on a web during relative movement between the web and the scanning head. The scanning head comprises an optical sensor and a first optical mask spaced from the optical sensor and having an aperture therethrough to define the viewing footprint of the optical sensor. In some embodiments, the scanning head also includes a second optical mask in series with the first optical mask. The scanning head is versatile and capable of operating with high sensitivity and accuracy even with low contrast media, including with embossed or relief marks, or for fold-line registration or with translucent media.

Abstract: A short-circuit detection probe comprising a probe body having a housing and a cover, the housing defining an internal cavity having a profile, a probe pin comprising an upper part and a lower part, mounted within the internal cavity, the upper part comprising an electrically wired upper end and the lower part comprising a lower end connected to a magnet, a push springs wound around the upper part of the probe pin, a stoppage means mounted at the bottom of the push spring and a return spring wound around the lower part of the probe pin, wherein the internal cavity profile comprises a stoppage step for accommodating the stoppage means at its lowermost position.

Abstract: A printing press can securely supply a printing plate while bringing a printing plate into alignment with a plate cylinder in an axial direction of the plate cylinder, as well as omitting the necessity to return the plate registration of the plate cylinder to the original point. The printing press includes a printing plate guide plate that is pivotally movably mounted in an opening of a body cover that covers the plate cylinder, a sucker for holding a printing plate by suction so as to pull the same towards the printing plate guide plate. The sucker is disposed so as to be movable towards a clamping gripper disposed on the plate cylinder and in a direction parallel to an axis of the plate cylinder.

Abstract: A computer network is used to manage and monitor operation of a box-finishing machine which prints information on and cuts or creases corrugated boards to be formed into boxes. The equipment used on the machine is provided with radio frequency information tags detected by an electronic reader which transmits the identification to a computer so that it can be determined by an operator that sufficient equipment is in storage and staging areas for use on the machine. Several computer terminals are provided at different areas throughout a plant so that access is easily provided to different personnel.

Abstract: A method for presetting motor phase in a web printing press includes providing a mark on a printing form, the mark being a function of a desired preset phase for a motor driving the printing form during printing. The mark is read using a sensor, the sensor having a sensor output. The phase of the motor is preset as a function of the sensor output. A printing form and web printing press are also provided.

Abstract: Tension of a web in a rotary printing press is regulated. The web passes through at least two printing groups in the printing press. A change in the extension of the web during the print run is determined based on a phase shift between a first phase position of a printing group and a second phase positioned measured after a last printing group. The change in phase position is compensated for by a change in the web tension prior to the first printing group.

Abstract: A method for issuing a label, including feeding a first label sheet including a support and a thermosensitive adhesive layer located overlying one side of the support, wherein the first label sheet has a timing mark on the thermosensitive adhesive layer; detecting the timing mark; and cutting or semi-cutting the first label sheet to produce a second label sheet, wherein the timing mark is present at a position other than corners of the second label sheet, and wherein a ratio of an area of the timing mark to an area of the second label sheet is from 0.5 to 35%.

Abstract: In a printing sheet conveying direction, registration adjustment patterns can be printed in a large area on a printing sheet and can be read. Specifically, along a first feeding path, printing heads print registration adjustment patterns in a first area on a printing sheet, and a sensor measures the densities of the patterns on the printing sheet after it has been reversely fed. A printing sheet can be reversely fed along a horizontal second feeding path without contacting the PE sensor lever. In this state, the printing sheet is fed in the forward direction so that a second area for printing registration adjustment patterns is adjacent to the area A, and the printing heads sequentially print registration adjustment patterns. The printing sheet is then reversely conveyed a predetermined distance and the densities of the patterns are measured.

Abstract: Method for high definition printing to be dip transferred to a three-dimensional article comprises four color process printing a digital image from a digital image file onto a water soluble polymer film with solvent based ink to form a printed water soluble film and dip transfer printing the solvent based ink image through transcription on the surface of the article. The method is suitable for printing three-dimensional articles of a variety of shapes with high definition, photographic-quality images. The method is particularly suitable for decorating articles with complex images such as camouflage patterns.

Abstract: The process is based on printing, in an electronic printing machine, the various bodies of text of the pages with symmetrical distribution with respect to the center of symmetry of the sheet being printed and likewise symmetrically with respect to one or both axes of symmetry of the initial sheet which pass through the center of symmetry thereof and which are parallel with its outer edges, the extent of the body of text varying for each page in accordance with the dimensions provided therefor and the sheet receiving the print subsequently being reversed in order to print the bodies of text corresponding to the reverse faces of the printed sheets.

Abstract: A register device for insertion into a channel of a printing unit cylinder. The device includes a rod defining an axial direction and a pin support movable in the axial direction by the rod, the rod being movable with respect to the pin support in a direction perpendicular to the axial direction. A register pin is attached to the pin support. Also provided is a register device with a pin support, a register pin and shims for altering the position of the register pin on the pin support.

Abstract: A plate inserting apparatus includes a loader, a first regulating member, a second regulating member, and support plates, oscillating rollers, air cylinders, a shaft, and bars. The loader holds a new plate inserted in a lateral direction and feeds the new plate to a plate cylinder. The first regulating member regulates a position of one side edge of the new plate inserted in the loader. The second regulating member regulates a position of the other side edge of the new plate inserted in the loader, thus positioning the new plate in a widthwise direction in cooperation with the first regulating member. The support plates, oscillating rollers, air cylinders, shaft, and bars move the new plate inserted in the loader in a direction substantially perpendicular to a plate surface, thus accommodating the new plate between the first and second regulating members.

Abstract: In an external drum imaging system, a plate locating mechanism and method for operation of same are provided for automatically locating printing plates of various sizes in a staging position so as to be mounted on a predetermined position on external drum of the imaging system. The predetermined position in a particular embodiment is substantially center-justified on the external drum to help prevent artifacts in the recorded image.