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 comprised of fluoropolymer to engage the freshly printed substrate as it is transferred over the transfer cylinder, the anti-marking device removably attached with free play to the transfer cylinder. In an embodiment, a base cover is installed on the transfer cylinder between the anti-marking device and the transfer cylinder.
Abstract:
A flexible jacket covering (10) for a printing press transfer cylinder (22) having a low density selvage (38) for attaching one edge of the jacket to a hook and loop attachment strip (34) on the transfer cylinder (22). The covering (10) is cut from fabric woven on a shuttleless loom. The fabric has a reduced density selvage (38) formed by reducing the density of warp threads (48) in the selvage is no more than the warp thread (14) density in the body of the covering fabric and preferably to about half the warp thread (14) density in the body of the fabric.
Abstract:
A flexible jacket covering (10) for a printing press transfer cylinder (22) having a low density selvage (38) for attaching one edge of the jacket to a hook and loop attachment strip (34) on the transfer cylinder (22). The covering (10) is cut from fabric woven on a shuttleless loom. The fabric has a reduced density selvage (38) formed by reducing the density of warp threads (48) in the selvage is no more than the warp thread (14) density in the body of the covering fabric and preferably to about half the warp thread (14) density in the body of the fabric.
Abstract:
A system for curing printing plates (10) with controlled radiant energy- sources. A conveyor (12) moves a printing plate through a chamber (14) having energy radiators above and below the conveyor. Power to the radiators is controlled for each radiator or to groups of radiators defining radiation zones. Curing time may be controlled by adjusting power to the radiators and adjusting the conveyor speed. Sensors (24a, 24b) detect a plate as it enters and exits the chamber. Heat sensors (26) may detect chamber, or plate temperatures. A color sensor (28) may detect plate color as an indicator of degree of curing. A computer system (16) stores curing scenarios and uses the sensor signals and operator inputs to control power to the radiators and conveyor speed to provide uniform curing of the plate.
Abstract:
The invention is a simple, inexpensive, wash-free integrated cover for a printing transfer cylinder, comprising a flexible jacket covering permanently attached to a cylinder base cover. The invention provides advantages over T-Y paper and non-tack film in that dampening solution, washing, and cleaning causes failure in both over time, whereas dampening solution is beneficial to the present invention as such is retained in the flexible jacket cover and helps to prevent ink buildup and marking. The flexible jacket covering is moveable relative to the cylinder base cover, thereby further reducing ink buildup and marking. The integrated cover is disposable, which reduces periodic maintenance and cleaning of the transfer cylinder coverings and provides for fresh, clean substrate support surfaces upon each new installation. The flexible jacket covering and cylinder base cover are integrated into a single, convenient unit, thereby speeding and simplifying installation.
Abstract:
A removable flexible jacket for use in a printing press having a transfer cylinder for transferring a freshly printed substrate. The removable flexible jacket comprises a film sheet, a plurality of beads coupled to the film sheet by a bonding material, wherein the beads are of different sizes, and a coating partially covering the beads, wherein a cusp of at least some of the larger beads is substantially free of the coating.
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 unit having a transfer cylinder for transferring a freshly printed substrate, a flexible jacket having at least one horizontally disposed first means for visual alignment is disclosed and a cylinder base cover having at least one horizontally disposed second means for visual alignment is disclosed, wherein the first means for visual alignment and the second means for visual alignment are used in combination during at least one of attaching the flexible jacket to the transfer cylinder over the cylinder base cover and adjusting the free play of the flexible jacket, wherein the flexible jacket is movable relative to the cylinder base cover.
Abstract:
A system for curing printing plates with controlled radiant energy sources. A conveyor moves a printing plate through a chamber having energy radiators above and below the conveyor. Power to the radiators is controlled for each radiator or to groups of radiators defining radiation zones. Curing time may be controlled by adjusting power to the radiators and adjusting the conveyor speed. Sensors detect a plate as it enters and exits the chamber. Heat sensors may detect chamber or plate temperatures. A color sensor may detect plate color as an indicator of degree of curing. A computer system stores curing scenarios and uses the sensor signals and operator inputs to control power to the radiators and conveyor speed to provide uniform curing of the plate.
Abstract:
A lightweight portable compact flexographic universal printer coater adaptable to printing units on the same press or other presses of the same nominal printing width. The printer coater has a frame which comprises an anilox roller, a means to rotate the anilox roller at or near the surface speed of the rotating printing surface, a liquid film supply for replenishing the liquid film on the surface of the anilox roller, and a positioner device to place the printer coater between the on and off-impression positions. The printer coater is portably liftable into and out of position from the printing press frame and easily transportable to any printing unit of a multiple unit rotary offset lithographic printing press or other rotary offset lithographic presses of the same nominal printing width.