Abstract: A method is provided for a rotary press of the type including at least one cylinder for printing and feeding a web to be printed, and a device for driving in rotation the or each printing and feed cylinder. In normal operation, the at least one cylinder is driven by applying thereto a positive drive torque and a positive drive power, and, in the event of the web breaking, the at least one cylinder is braked by the associated drive device. According to one embodiment of the invention, in an emergency shutdown step, the torque or the power applied to the at least one printing and feed cylinder by the associated drive device is limited in such a manner as not to exceed a predetermined torque threshold or power threshold.

Abstract: Method and apparatuses for measuring and regulating the strain of a material web is disclosed. A material web is passed through a first and second non-slip roller pair. The first and second roller pair form a predefined span. In some embodiments, the angular positions of the first and second roller pair are monitored, and the phase angle between the roller pairs is calculated. The phase angle is directly related to the level of strain in the web, and the velocity of the web is controlled to maintain a phase angle which corresponds with the desired strain level. This maintains a constant strain level in the predefined span. In one embodiment, the strain entering a non-slip roll pair is controlled to be zero. The roll pair then introduces a predefined strain to the span entering subsequent processes.

Abstract: The invention relates to methods for web tension adjustment in a processing machine for processing a web of goods, in particular in a shaftless printing press, in which downstream web tension segments are decoupled from an adjustment of the web tension in a first web tension segment defined upstream by a first clamping point and downstream by a second clamping point. To that end, the first clamping point is subjected to a first control instruction, which is generated using a first dynamic element with a non-constant transmission function, and the second clamping point is acted upon by a second control instruction, which is generated using a second dynamic element with a non-constant transmission function. As a result of the provisions of the invention, for decoupling the downstream web tension segments from the web tension adjustment and so forth, it is unnecessary to pilot-control the corresponding downstream clamping points.

Abstract: A method for calculating characterization data of a printing process, is more manageable and less complicated than previously-known methods, in which determining printing tables for CMYK printing systems with special colors or for multicolor systems easily becomes unwieldy and complicated because of necessary colored areas in test elements. A test element supplies actual spectral data. By using subsets of this actual data, tonal value curves or tonal value gain curves, parameters of a model of the printing process for determining spectra of overprinted printing inks and adapted input variables, are determined in a calculating device in accordance with the model, taking into account the tonal value gain, to determine corrected tonal values or their spectra. Then only a few colored areas are needed to calculate characterization data. A test element for determining characterization data of a printing process and an apparatus for carrying out the method are also provided.

Abstract: An object of the invention to provide a screen printing machine allows, during maintenance work for one printing device, the other printing device to continue its screen printing work, and a method for controlling an inside temperature of a screen printing machine. A space surrounded by a base (12) and a cover member (11) is divided into two portions by a partition member (14), and two printing devices (13) are accommodated in two working compartments (15), respectively, which are defined by the base (12), the cover member (11) and the partition member (14), whereby temperature-controlled air is blown into each of the working compartments (15) via an air pipe (71) which branches into two air vents (72) opened to the respective working compartments (15).

Abstract: The invention concerns a method for regulating the concentrations of components of additives in a printing process liquid for maintaining predetermined desired concentrations of components of additives in a printing process liquid, wherein the actual concentrations of components are determined followed by redosing of measured components to a predetermined desired concentration. The method is characterized in that the components to be measured are spectroscopically detected. The invention also concerns a device for regulating the concentrations of components of additives in a printing process liquid comprising a measuring means for measuring the concentrations of at least part of the components in the process liquid, comprising a control loop and a means for redosing at least part of the components, wherein the measuring means comprises at least one spectrometer.

Abstract: Whether all pages have the same print settings is determined before print settings are changed in a print preview, and the setting change is permitted only when all pages have the same print settings. In each layer of XPS data to be processed, whether the print setting information is not added to the element of the layer or whether the print setting information added to the element of the layer is shared by all elements of the layer is determined. A change in the print setting information by the user is accepted if one of the conditions is satisfied. When the print settings are changed, the setting change is not reflected on individual print tickets. The change is reflected on the entire job by adding a print ticket reflected with the setting change on the top element.

Abstract: There is described a method for detection of occurrence of printing errors on printed substrates during processing thereof on a printing press comprising the steps of providing multiple sensors on functional components of the printing press to monitor the behavior of the printing press during processing of the printed substrates and performing an in-line analysis of the behavior of the printing press to determine occurrence of a characteristic behavior of the printing press which leads or is likely to lead to occurrence of printing errors on the printed substrates or which leads or is likely to lead to good printing quality of the printed substrates. In-line analysis of the behavior of the printing press preferably includes performing fuzzy pattern classification of the behavior of the printing press. According to one embodiment of the proposed method in-line analysis of the behavior of the printing press is coupled with an in-line optical inspection of the printed substrates.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method for evaluating control marks on printing materials by an optical sensor connected to a computer, which interprets overshooting of a predefined intensity threshold as it registers the printing material being a line of a printed control mark. The apparatus is distinguished by the fact that the control mark is registered by a color measuring instrument and that the intensity threshold of the optical sensor is calculated by the computer in dependence on the measured color value registered by the color measuring instrument.

Abstract: The invention concerns a sample chamber used for monitoring the concentrations of components of additives in a printing process liquid for maintaining predetermined desired concentrations of components of additives in a printing process liquid, wherein the actual concentrations of components are determined followed by redosing of measured components to a predetermined desired concentration.

Abstract: A thermal indicator using indicia formed by opaque ink applied to a thermal imaging material element is described. The ink is substantially the same color as the imaging element background and remains substantially hidden until the imaging element background changes color when heated. Time-temperature exposure indicating labels can be prepared using a printer with direct thermal type and ink jet type print heads.

Abstract: A liquid transfer apparatus includes a supply cylinder and viscosity reducing agent supply unit. The supply cylinder comes into contact with a transfer target body and supplies a transfer liquid to the transfer target body. The viscosity reducing agent supply unit supplies a viscosity reducing agent which reduces a viscosity of the transfer liquid to the supply cylinder after the apparatus emergently stops and before the supply cylinder starts transfer.

Abstract: An approach is provided for balancing a pressure profile of a spreader nip formed by a first roller and a second roller within a print system. A line parallel to a target process direction is determined. One of an inboard side and an outboard side of the spreader nip is loaded with a first variable force. The other one of the inboard side and the outboard side of the spreader nip is loaded with a second variable force. The inboard side and the outboard side of the spreader nip are then separately loaded by a first balancing force and a second balancing force to cause a substrate passing through the spreader nip to track in a direction such that a side edge of the substrate remains parallel to the line parallel to the target process direction.

Abstract: A system for adjusting and monitoring the pressures of the printing rollers of a flexographic printing machine, which comprises at least one reader which is adapted to be placed at the printing rollers of the printing machine. The reader is adapted to detect the contrast of the print on the printing material wrapped around the central drum of the printing machine and is connected to a processing unit which is adapted to determine and control, as a function of the contrast detected by the reader, the position of the printing rollers with respect to the central drum in order to achieve the desired print.

Abstract: A method of operating a web printing press is provided. The method includes storing productivity data, press speeds and paper types of past print jobs run on the web printing press in a database; comparing a paper type of a new print job with the paper types of the past print jobs stored in the database to identify past print jobs with similar or the same paper type as the new print job; selecting a press speed for the new print job based on at least the productivity data of the past print jobs with similar or the same paper type as the new print job; and printing the new print job on the web printing press at the selected press speed.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and an apparatus for regulating the register of a rotary printing press (18), including a register regulator (17), the components (1, 5; 2, 6; 3, 7; 4, 8; 9, 10) of which are connected in a real-time bus system (12) and are chronologically synchronized therein.

Abstract: A method of adjusting a roller (18) in a rotary printing press (10), includes the steps of a) mounting the roller (18) in a preparation rack (24) so as to be rotatably supported therein, b) scanning the peripheral surface of the roller, thereby to detect a topography of the roller surface, c) deriving set data for the adjustment of the roller from the topography, and storing the set data, d) mounting the roller in the printing press (10), and e) adjusting the roller in accordance with the set data.

Abstract: A detecting unit is provided, including a transmitter arranged to emit electromagnetic radiation, having a frequency in the range of 0.1 to 10 THz, towards a paper web moving in a printing unit; a receiver arranged to receive electromagnetic radiation being transmitted through or reflected by the paper web and to create a signal representing the received radiation; and a controller having an input channel for receiving the signal and a calculating unit for determining a measure relating to the properties of the paper web from the signal.

Abstract: A cartridge for histological specimen slides includes a generally enclosed body and a slide holder. The body is configured for removable insertion into a specimen slide printer, and includes a slide holder receiving opening and a slide feed opening. The slide holder holds a plurality of specimen slides and is configured to be positioned within and removed from the body through the slide holder receiving opening. When loaded in the body the slide holder positions and presents the slides to the slide feed opening in the body. A memory chip for storing information relating to the slides can be mounted to the holder, and is located adjacent an access opening in the body when the holder is positioned in the body.

Abstract: A thermal indicator using indicia formed by opaque ink applied to a thermal imaging material element is described. The ink is substantially the same color as the imaging element background and remains substantially hidden until the imaging element background changes color when heated. Time-temperature exposure indicating labels can be prepared using a printer with direct thermal type and ink jet type print heads.

Abstract: Method for manufacturing a laminate product comprising at least a laminate layer with a decor sheet, wherein, for forming the laminate layer, at least a decor sheet is formed by providing in a decor application process a decor in the form of a motif on a decor carrier, wherein this decor carrier consists of a continuous material web, wherein the decor is applied by means of one or more digital printers and wherein the global decor during the processing of the material web is controlled in a varying manner, by means of controlling the one or more printers, as a function of varying external data.

Abstract: A method and system to control ink keys for a printing machine is provided. The ink keys are adjustable to control ink feed to individual zones located across the width of an ink roller. Feedforward and feedback control loops adjust the ink supply dynamically based on a pixel count of the image content. The pixel count looks ahead in the video stream to allow time for the adjustment at the inker keys to propagate through the ink train to affect ink output onto the imaging drum. Feedback of the achieved ink density on control patches on the imaging drum is also used to command the inker key motors. Feedback is also used to update the inker propagation delay and dynamic model used to determine how much the inker keys need to be adjusted based on the pixel count stream.

Abstract: A device for measuring and setting the web tension on a printing press with several inking units (Dn) has measuring means (Mm,n) for measuring the web tension and setting means (Fn) for setting the web tension, using which the web tension can be set actively in the case of unsteady web tension conditions. The measuring means (Mm,n) and the setting means (Fn) are disposed in such a manner that the web tension can be measured and set between the print areas of two inking units. A control device is provided, which controls the setting means based on the measured values of the measuring means (Mm,n).

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for bleed control in a packaging layout having a plurality of packaging decoration patterns for making a plurality of packaging boxes. The method includes obtaining bleed lines based on a bleed width from cutting lines of each packaging decoration pattern for each packaging box. The method also includes irradiating light beams toward the packaging layout in four directions substantially perpendicular to each side of the packaging layout to form irradiated bleed line segments. The method further includes calculating a ratio of the projection length of each of irradiated bleed line segments to a respective projection length of a respective bleed line for each packaging decoration pattern in a respective irradiating direction. The method also includes excluding the irradiated bleed line segments for releasing bleed limit if the ratio is less than the threshold, and otherwise releasing bleed limit for the irradiated bleed line facing the four directions.

Abstract: The supply of a negative pressure to an opening P(+1) adjacent to an opening P(0) is stopped by switching a suction valve connected to the opening P(+1) from an open state to a closed state while keeping a positive pressure valve connected thereto closed. Then, near the opening P(+1), a force for holding a blanket becomes gradually weaker against a pressure force in a pressurized space. Associated with that, an air component in the pressurized space flows into a space between a portion of the blanket vertically above the opening P(+1) and an upper surface, whereby the blanket portion is lifted from the upper surface and brought into contact with the lower surface of a printing plate. In this way, a contact area is slowly and stably widened while a sudden change of a pressure in the pressurized space SP5 is suppressed.

Abstract: A method and apparatus herein supply one or more media characteristics of a continuous media material (such as printing media) being supplied to rollers of an apparatus (such as a printing apparatus). The method and apparatus adjust the position of at least one of the rollers/shafts, relative to other rollers/shafts, based on the media characteristics to cause the media material to exhibit a target resonance frequency when being processed through the rollers. The method and apparatus can also identify excitation frequencies of vibrations produced by the apparatus as the apparatus feeds the continuous media material along the rollers and set the target resonance frequency at a value that is different from the excitation frequencies to prevent the apparatus from exciting the continuous media material at or near a resonant frequency of the processing system transporting the continuous media material.

Abstract: A method is presented for automatically controlling the spacing between printer drums. The printer includes at least two print drums (920.1, 920.2) whose parallel rotation leads to image transfer, either between the drums or onto a printed surface. First the pressure a signal indicative of the pressure between the two print drums is obtained by a measurement unit (930), and then the gap between the drums is automatically adjusted in accordance with the indicator signal by a gap adjuster (940).

Abstract: A rotary printing press is disclosed. The press includes at least one plate-free printing unit for printing a substrate web with a static print image for print copies of a print job and at least one plate-free printing unit, in particular an inkjet printing unit for printing the substrate web with a dynamic print image. The/each plate-free printing unit can be shifted from a printing position in which the substrate web can be printed by the same printing unit, into a service position in which no substrate web can be printed by the same printing unit. A device which is assigned to the service position is printable by at least one plate-free printing unit that is shifted into the service position, such that the printing parameters of the same can be verified and adapted to subsequent printing of the substrate web in the printing position.

Abstract: A method of file preparation, ripping and plate making for high end graphics printed on cylindrical products utilizing Dry Offset printing presses. While utilizing two inverse angle techniques and one fixed angle on the Black, with virtually unlimited color pluralities, encompassing a majority of all open areas of the common printing blanket without any ink overlap. The nesting of the halftone dots at even coarse line screen rulings eliminating a dot rosette pattern and creating a continuous tone appearance. Print contrast is increased to that of offset printing quality and ink contamination over the course of the run length is virtually eliminated. This current invention also increases the ability to print white with colors as opposed to needing white coating done in advanced to transparent plastics and metallic surfaces.

Abstract: An ink film thickness distribution forming method in an ink supply apparatus including an ink fountain. A plurality of ink fountain keys are arranged in the ink fountain. Ink is supplied to an ink fountain roller in accordance with the opening ratios of the plurality of ink fountain keys. Ink is transferred to an ink ductor roller from the ink fountain roller. Ink from the ink doctor roller is transferred to an ink roller group including at least one ink form roller. A throw-off operation of the ink form roller positioned at an end of the ink roller group is performed after the end of a print job. The ink roller group is divided into a plurality of roller subgroups after the end of the print job. The ink in at least one of roller subgroups is removed. An ink film thickness distribution forming apparatus is also disclosed.

Abstract: A method of using an inkjet printer to print an input digital image containing at least one color channel having a plurality of rows and columns of pixels sampled at a first resolution, each pixel having a code value, includes partitioning the input digital image into a set of spatially non-overlapping blocks; computing an average code value for each block responsive to the pixels in the input digital image that correspond to the block; computing an image quality score for each block responsive to the average code value for that block; determining a print mode in response to the image quality scores for the set of blocks; and printing the image on the inkjet printer using the print mode.

Abstract: Even when vector data contains resolution dependent data, the vector data is generated at a resolution of quality without deterioration even if the vector data is output from any device on a network. When spooling the vector data, an MFP 1, receiving PDL data containing resolution information on a data processing resolution from a PC 2, analyzes the resolution information, and determines a processing resolution used at a time when an image forming device executes resolution dependent processing. After that, when the resolution dependent processing is necessary to generate the vector data, the MFP 1 executes the resolution dependent processing in accordance with the determined processing resolution.

Abstract: In a method for compensating an oscillation which has a frequency spectrum with a number of discrete frequency components in a printing press, at least one counter torque is introduced into the printing press in order to compensate for at least one discrete frequency component of the oscillation. A first group of one or more frequency components are compensated for by introducing one or more previously determined counter torques, and a second group of one or more frequency components is compensated for by introducing specific counter torques as a function of a measurement, carried out during the operation of the printing press, of at least one signal which contains at least the one or the plurality of frequency components.

Abstract: A method and computer program product for controlling application of ink in a printing press include predefining a setpoint color value in a device-independent color space. An ink metering element is activated with an ink application value, producing an ink layer thickness, on printing material, associated with the setpoint color value. An actual color value from the ink layer thickness on the printing material is determined, measured or colorimetrically measured in the device-independent color space. Activation with a changed ink application value based on deviation of the actual color value from the setpoint color value, produces an ink layer thickness differing from the produced ink layer thickness. A necessary ink layer thickness change is calculated based on changes in the color values in the device-independent color space upon a change in the ink layer thickness at the point of the actual color value, to determine the changed ink application value.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and a machine for aligning at least two flexographic printing plates on at least one printing cylinder. The method comprises the steps of capturing an image relating to a first plate, capturing the image relating to a portion of a second plate, reprocessing the image captured from the first plate so as to obtain a portion thereof corresponding to the image relating to the portion of the second plate, concurrently displaying said reprocessed image and the image captured from the second plate and aligning said two images.

Abstract: A method for controlling an amount of dampening solution in a printing unit of a printing press using a computer and a measuring device, includes setting an amount of dampening solution in the printing unit based on data of a current print job, reducing the amount of dampening solution towards a smearing threshold with the computer, recording color measurement values with the measuring device in at least one full tone area with low area coverage and in at least one halftone area with high area coverage on a printing material of the current print job, and stopping the reduction of the amount of dampening solution with the computer when a dot gain of the halftone in areas with high area coverage increases significantly and a density of the full tone in areas with low area coverage increases significantly.

Abstract: A device and method for printing surfaces of material panels, especially wood panels, with a multi-color image. The printing device includes a collision prevention system, a sensor arranged on the printing unit identifying objects that may appear on the surface of the material panel, the identification of an object causing the means for moving the printing unit to have an immediate braking reaction and/or causing the printing unit to move upwards, out of the way, by means of lifting means. The sensor, arranged in the printing direction at a distance from the printing unit, as a wire, thread or contact plate, identifies the object by contact by vibrations or contact pressure.

Abstract: A method for starting up a web-fed printing press is disclosed. In an embodiment, the method includes: a) a first start-up sequence is executed while using predetermined preset parameters that are specific to the printing press and/or the print job for the color register adjustment, cut-off compensator control and the ink density control; b) the web-fed printing press is subsequently stopped, where copies printed during the first start-up sequence are evaluated with respect to the color register, the cut-off compensator and the ink density, and where the preset parameters are adjusted as a function of this evaluation while the printing press is stopped; c) following this, a second start-up sequence is executed, where the preset parameters that are adjusted during the standstill are not used for printing until defined printing press speeds are reached and/or exceeded.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for conditioning a dampening solution of a wet offset printing machine, include keeping constant or changing the hardness of the dampening solution added to a container during processing of a print job. The hardness of the dampening solution is determined by measuring the conductivity of the dampening solution and is converted into a hardness value according to a determined formula-based or table-based relationship between the hardness and the conductivity of the dampening solution. The change of the hardness of the dampening solution is compensated for during printing by replacing used or withdrawn dampening solution with dampening solution that has a lower or higher hardness, wherein the amount and/or the degree of hardness of the supplied dampening solution having lower or higher hardness is determined from the conductivity measurements and the formula-based or table-based relationship.

Abstract: A method of selecting images from a plurality of images previously stored by a user in a memory location of a service provider and ordering services to be provided utilizing the images includes establishing a service account for the user with the service provider to permit the user to have access to ordered services, receiving and storing a plurality of images along with a designated date in the memory location, and displaying image designators for at least a subset of the images for viewing by the user. The method also includes the user selecting at least one image to be utilized after viewing the displayed images, and selecting a service, receiving payment for the selected service for the selected image based upon a payment schedule that depends upon the designated date associated with the selected image, and providing the selected service using the selected image.

Abstract: A method for controlling a printing process is disclosed. The method includes printing a printing material by a printing unit on a basis of data of a prepress stage. A printed result on the printing material is compared with a desired value and a correction value is derived from the comparison. The data of the prepress stage is corrected with the correction value.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process and equipment (1) for creating prints on non-woven-fabric and, particularly, relates to a process and to equipment (1) which allows the creation of color prints on non-woven fabrics at high speed while at the same time maintaining optimal print quality on wet or dry product, either in-line with production or off-line. The NWF may be printed over only a small percentage with respect to its surface (2-3%) up to a coverage of 100% of its surface, depending on the use of the NWF itself, i.e.: personal hygiene, domestic hygiene, matting, non-woven fabric for clothing, table-cloths, handkerchiefs, curtains (furnishings), bags, containers for items.

Abstract: A method for determining setting errors in a sheet-fed printing press includes recording a geometry of a printed sheet running through the printing press with an imaging system and comparing the recorded geometry with intended geometries for evaluation. An imaging system oriented substantially perpendicular to a sheet surface at least partly registers visible contours of sheet edges and conclusions are drawn, from measured deviations of the sheet edges in relation to intended contours, as to at least one of the following setting errors of the printing press: a faulty sheet transfer because of an incorrect setting of a gripper bar transporting the sheet, a lifting of the sheet off an impression cylinder because of an incorrect setting of blown air for sheet guidance, or an incorrect radius of the impression cylinder, for example because of incorrectly chosen underlays/cylinder covers.

Abstract: A method of operating a sheet-fed printing press includes storing various print jobs and/or associated setting values and process steps in a memory device to set up the printing press upon a job change. A computer implements or suggests settings or process steps of the printing press for a print job based on the job data of a print job and/or as a result of inputs by the operator. Before or immediately after a print job is completed, the computer generates a query requesting inputs that determine if the same print job requires further passes and if so, which passes are required and, based on the information input therein, implements only those settings on the printing press and/or initiates or suggests only those process steps that are necessary for the subsequent pass of the sheets that have already been printed.

Abstract: A synchronous control method and apparatus for a rotary stencil printing press individually drive a rotary screen cylinder by a dedicated drive motor, can set how many rotations have been made before arrival of a sheet at a screen printing unit when synchronous control of the drive motor with respect to a prime motor of a sheet-fed offset printing press is started, and stop the rotation of the rotary screen cylinder until the start of the synchronous control.

Abstract: A method for controlling the inking in a printing press includes compensation of an ink requirement in an inking unit and/or compensation of a dampening solution requirement in a dampening unit of the printing press in the event of a change in the printing speed. The printing speed profile or machine state prevailing before the instant of the change in the printing speed is taken into consideration in the compensation of the metering of ink or dampening solution.

Abstract: Color separations of a printing image are aligned on a printing material perpendicular to the transport direction of the printing material. A front edge and a rear edge of a register mark are detected. Their distances and, at least in some regions, their widths along the traveled distance of the transport belt between the detection of the front edge and of the rear edge of the register mark are determined. Misalignments of the imaging devices used for the color separations are determined and corrected using these distances and widths.

Abstract: When a user sets, from a user interface window using a bookbinding application, instructions of dividing a document into a plurality of parts and stapling each part of the document, a printer driver generates one job in which the staple attribute of a binder corresponding to each part is set to “ON” or “OFF”, and issues the job for a printer. With this operation, the user can perform staple designation to an arbitrary part of the document, and can realize a plurality of staple processes in one print job.

Abstract: An area coverage, which is carried out by a volume of printing ink transferred to a print stock by an inking unit of a printing press, can be adjusted. An ink feed to the inking unit can be disengaged in zones or can be interrupted in the inking and upon reaching of a final phase of a printing process which was previously carried out by the printing press. The volume of printing ink remaining on the print stock after such a disengagement or interruption in the ink feed in the inking unit in the final phase of the printing process previously carried out by the printing press, is transferred to the print stock until the area coverage made by the volume of printing ink transferred to the print stock equals a specified target value of area coverage for an impression of a subsequent printing process. A corresponding method is also provided for execution in a printing press that has a plurality of printing units.

Abstract: A stencil printer includes a frame, a stencil coupled to the frame, a substrate support coupled to the frame to support a substrate in a print position, and a print head, coupled to the frame, to deposit and print viscous material over the stencil. The print head includes a squeegee assembly having at least one squeegee blade and a squeegee blade movement mechanism configured to move the squeegee blade from a raised position in which the squeegee blade is spaced from stencil and a lowered position in which the squeegee blade engages and applies a force on the stencil. The print head further has a device to detect a first reference point associated with a first force of the squeegee blade against the stencil and a second reference point associated with a second force of the squeegee blade against the stencil when moving the squeegee blade to the lowered position in which the squeegee blade engages and applies a force on the stencil.