CA1249119A - Method for closing the gap between the ends of gravure printing plates clamped on forme cylinders - Google Patents
Method for closing the gap between the ends of gravure printing plates clamped on forme cylindersInfo
- Publication number
- CA1249119A CA1249119A CA000490134A CA490134A CA1249119A CA 1249119 A CA1249119 A CA 1249119A CA 000490134 A CA000490134 A CA 000490134A CA 490134 A CA490134 A CA 490134A CA 1249119 A CA1249119 A CA 1249119A
- Authority
- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- gap
- cover element
- gravure printing
- pressure
- printing plate
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Expired
Links
- 238000007646 gravure printing Methods 0.000 title claims abstract description 62
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 title claims description 36
- 150000001875 compounds Chemical class 0.000 claims abstract description 38
- 239000000463 material Substances 0.000 claims description 14
- 238000003825 pressing Methods 0.000 claims description 4
- 239000007787 solid Substances 0.000 claims description 3
- 238000007639 printing Methods 0.000 description 11
- 239000004033 plastic Substances 0.000 description 5
- 229920003023 plastic Polymers 0.000 description 5
- 238000007789 sealing Methods 0.000 description 5
- 229910052729 chemical element Inorganic materials 0.000 description 3
- 239000000203 mixture Substances 0.000 description 3
- 229920001169 thermoplastic Polymers 0.000 description 3
- 239000004416 thermosoftening plastic Substances 0.000 description 3
- 239000004925 Acrylic resin Substances 0.000 description 2
- 229920000178 Acrylic resin Polymers 0.000 description 2
- RRHGJUQNOFWUDK-UHFFFAOYSA-N Isoprene Chemical compound CC(=C)C=C RRHGJUQNOFWUDK-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 2
- 239000003822 epoxy resin Substances 0.000 description 2
- 239000007789 gas Substances 0.000 description 2
- 239000007788 liquid Substances 0.000 description 2
- 229920000647 polyepoxide Polymers 0.000 description 2
- 239000011347 resin Substances 0.000 description 2
- 229920005989 resin Polymers 0.000 description 2
- 229920002379 silicone rubber Polymers 0.000 description 2
- 239000004945 silicone rubber Substances 0.000 description 2
- 238000005507 spraying Methods 0.000 description 2
- XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N water Substances O XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 2
- 241001052209 Cylinder Species 0.000 description 1
- 239000004831 Hot glue Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000004677 Nylon Substances 0.000 description 1
- 241001307210 Pene Species 0.000 description 1
- 229920002323 Silicone foam Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 230000001154 acute effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000000654 additive Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000004323 axial length Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000011230 binding agent Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000015572 biosynthetic process Effects 0.000 description 1
- 229920001400 block copolymer Polymers 0.000 description 1
- MTAZNLWOLGHBHU-UHFFFAOYSA-N butadiene-styrene rubber Chemical compound C=CC=C.C=CC1=CC=CC=C1 MTAZNLWOLGHBHU-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 239000003795 chemical substances by application Substances 0.000 description 1
- 229940125773 compound 10 Drugs 0.000 description 1
- 238000007796 conventional method Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000002826 coolant Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000001816 cooling Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000013461 design Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000011161 development Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000018109 developmental process Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000000694 effects Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000013536 elastomeric material Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000000945 filler Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000006260 foam Substances 0.000 description 1
- LNEPOXFFQSENCJ-UHFFFAOYSA-N haloperidol Chemical compound C1CC(O)(C=2C=CC(Cl)=CC=2)CCN1CCCC(=O)C1=CC=C(F)C=C1 LNEPOXFFQSENCJ-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 238000010438 heat treatment Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000002347 injection Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000007924 injection Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000007689 inspection Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000012948 isocyanate Substances 0.000 description 1
- 150000002513 isocyanates Chemical class 0.000 description 1
- ZLVXBBHTMQJRSX-VMGNSXQWSA-N jdtic Chemical compound C1([C@]2(C)CCN(C[C@@H]2C)C[C@H](C(C)C)NC(=O)[C@@H]2NCC3=CC(O)=CC=C3C2)=CC=CC(O)=C1 ZLVXBBHTMQJRSX-VMGNSXQWSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 239000012528 membrane Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000002184 metal Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000000178 monomer Substances 0.000 description 1
- 229920001778 nylon Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 230000035515 penetration Effects 0.000 description 1
- 229920000728 polyester Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 229920001225 polyester resin Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 239000004645 polyester resin Substances 0.000 description 1
- 229920000642 polymer Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 229920000098 polyolefin Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 229920002689 polyvinyl acetate Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 239000011118 polyvinyl acetate Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000012545 processing Methods 0.000 description 1
- 229920002050 silicone resin Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 239000002904 solvent Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000009827 uniform distribution Methods 0.000 description 1
Classifications
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B41—PRINTING; LINING MACHINES; TYPEWRITERS; STAMPS
- B41F—PRINTING MACHINES OR PRESSES
- B41F27/00—Devices for attaching printing elements or formes to supports
- B41F27/12—Devices for attaching printing elements or formes to supports for attaching flexible printing formes
- B41F27/1293—Devices for filling up the cylinder gap; Devices for removing the filler
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B41—PRINTING; LINING MACHINES; TYPEWRITERS; STAMPS
- B41N—PRINTING PLATES OR FOILS; MATERIALS FOR SURFACES USED IN PRINTING MACHINES FOR PRINTING, INKING, DAMPING, OR THE LIKE; PREPARING SUCH SURFACES FOR USE AND CONSERVING THEM
- B41N3/00—Preparing for use and conserving printing surfaces
Abstract
ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE:
A cover element is used to close the axial or radial gaps which result respectively between the end or lateral edge sections of adjacent gravure printing plates when the latter are clamped on forme cylinders of rotary gravure presses. The gap is covered with a cover element in which at least that surface region which lies on the end or edge sections of the gravure printing plate and covers the gap is deformable under pressure and can therefore be matched up with the surface contour in the gap region. The cover element is pressed onto the surface of the gravure printing plate, the resulting gap cavity is filled with a curable filling compound and, when curing of the filling compound is complete, the cover element is removed. It is particularly advantageous to use cover elements which are in the form of hollow bodies and which are filled with a pressure-generating and pressure-transmitting medium. The pressure exerted on the deformable surface of the cover element which lies on the gravure printing plate, and hence also the surface contour of the closed gap, can be controlled via the internal pressure in the cavity of the cover element.
A cover element is used to close the axial or radial gaps which result respectively between the end or lateral edge sections of adjacent gravure printing plates when the latter are clamped on forme cylinders of rotary gravure presses. The gap is covered with a cover element in which at least that surface region which lies on the end or edge sections of the gravure printing plate and covers the gap is deformable under pressure and can therefore be matched up with the surface contour in the gap region. The cover element is pressed onto the surface of the gravure printing plate, the resulting gap cavity is filled with a curable filling compound and, when curing of the filling compound is complete, the cover element is removed. It is particularly advantageous to use cover elements which are in the form of hollow bodies and which are filled with a pressure-generating and pressure-transmitting medium. The pressure exerted on the deformable surface of the cover element which lies on the gravure printing plate, and hence also the surface contour of the closed gap, can be controlled via the internal pressure in the cavity of the cover element.
Description
The present invention relates to a method for closing the axial or radial gaps which occur respec~ively between the end or lateral eclge regions of adjacent gravure printing plates when the latter are clamped on a forme cylinder of a sheet-fed or web-fed rotary gravure press. In this method, the gap to be closed is covered flush with the adjacent surfaces of the gra~ure printing plate by means of a cover elemsnt by placing the latter on the end sections of the gravure printing pla-te and pressing the said element onto the surface of this plate, the resulting gap cavity is filled with a curable filling compound and, ater complete curing of this compound, the oover element is removed.
It is known that printing plates for rotary gravure printing can be clamped on a gravure printing forme cylinder magnetically or, preferably, mechanically by means of suitable holding and clamping elements. Where wrap-around plates for gravure printing are used, this use being particularly important, the forme cylinder is generally provided for this purpose wi-th a groove which runs parallel with or obliquely to the forme cylinder a~is and in which the gravure printing plate is hooked with one or both bent over ends and held firmly. Similar clamping cylinders are described, for example, in DE-A-25 45 124, DE-A-26 33 445 and DE-~-30 49 143. The resulting gap between the two ends of the gravure printing platé must be closed in a suitable manner for the printing process, in order to prevent penetration and spraying of printing ink and to ensure satisfac.ory running of the doctor blade. The method generally employed for this purpose to date has comprised in~troducing a curable filling compound, preferably one consisting of a plastic, from the cylinder surface into the gap and, when the filling compound is completely cured, subjecting the gap region between the plate ends to a surf~ce treatment, for example by sanding, so that a continuous uniform surface is formed ,, ~
.
~'. '
It is known that printing plates for rotary gravure printing can be clamped on a gravure printing forme cylinder magnetically or, preferably, mechanically by means of suitable holding and clamping elements. Where wrap-around plates for gravure printing are used, this use being particularly important, the forme cylinder is generally provided for this purpose wi-th a groove which runs parallel with or obliquely to the forme cylinder a~is and in which the gravure printing plate is hooked with one or both bent over ends and held firmly. Similar clamping cylinders are described, for example, in DE-A-25 45 124, DE-A-26 33 445 and DE-~-30 49 143. The resulting gap between the two ends of the gravure printing platé must be closed in a suitable manner for the printing process, in order to prevent penetration and spraying of printing ink and to ensure satisfac.ory running of the doctor blade. The method generally employed for this purpose to date has comprised in~troducing a curable filling compound, preferably one consisting of a plastic, from the cylinder surface into the gap and, when the filling compound is completely cured, subjecting the gap region between the plate ends to a surf~ce treatment, for example by sanding, so that a continuous uniform surface is formed ,, ~
.
~'. '
- 2 - O.Z. OOS0/37314 in the region of the plate ends ~Deutscher Drucker, No.
41/6~ 1975, p 39 es 17 to 22). This is rela~ively labor-intensive and requires manual skill.
DE-A-25 45 618 discloses that the gap of a wrap-around plate clamped magnetically on a gravure forme cylin der can be closed by covering the groove by means of a shaped bar up to the cylinder surface and injecting a rapidLy curing two-component mixture, in particular an epoxy, polyester or acrylic resin mixture into the resulting groove cavity. In this case, the shaped bar has to be worked very exactly to the particular curvature of the surface of the gravure printing cylinder, which is difficult and very expensive~ Special shaped bars are required for each different cylinder i.e. the cylinder size cannot be changed directly~ Moreover, it is very difficult to compensate for fluctuations in the tolerances in the wrap-around plates; however, this is necessary for exact closing of the gap To overcome the disadvantages associated with these conventional methods, U.S. Patent 4,515,375 proposes a method for closing the gap between the ends of a gravure printing pLate clamped on a forme cylinder, in which the gap is covered flush with the adjacent surfaces of the said plate by means of a sheet-like element, in particular a resilient flexible plate, lying on the two end sections of the gravure printing plate, by pressing this shee~-like element onto the surface of the said plate~ the resulting gap cavity is filled with a curable filling material and, when the filling material is completely cured, the cover is removed. This method permits the gap to be closed in a simple manner and with little e~pense, regardless af the particular size of the forme cylinder and any fluctuations in thickness tolerances of the clamped gravure printing plate, since, when pressed to the surface of the gravure printing plate~ the flexible sheet-like element with which the gap cavity is covered adopts a curvature which corres~
ponds exactly to that of the surface of the end sections
41/6~ 1975, p 39 es 17 to 22). This is rela~ively labor-intensive and requires manual skill.
DE-A-25 45 618 discloses that the gap of a wrap-around plate clamped magnetically on a gravure forme cylin der can be closed by covering the groove by means of a shaped bar up to the cylinder surface and injecting a rapidLy curing two-component mixture, in particular an epoxy, polyester or acrylic resin mixture into the resulting groove cavity. In this case, the shaped bar has to be worked very exactly to the particular curvature of the surface of the gravure printing cylinder, which is difficult and very expensive~ Special shaped bars are required for each different cylinder i.e. the cylinder size cannot be changed directly~ Moreover, it is very difficult to compensate for fluctuations in the tolerances in the wrap-around plates; however, this is necessary for exact closing of the gap To overcome the disadvantages associated with these conventional methods, U.S. Patent 4,515,375 proposes a method for closing the gap between the ends of a gravure printing pLate clamped on a forme cylinder, in which the gap is covered flush with the adjacent surfaces of the said plate by means of a sheet-like element, in particular a resilient flexible plate, lying on the two end sections of the gravure printing plate, by pressing this shee~-like element onto the surface of the said plate~ the resulting gap cavity is filled with a curable filling material and, when the filling material is completely cured, the cover is removed. This method permits the gap to be closed in a simple manner and with little e~pense, regardless af the particular size of the forme cylinder and any fluctuations in thickness tolerances of the clamped gravure printing plate, since, when pressed to the surface of the gravure printing plate~ the flexible sheet-like element with which the gap cavity is covered adopts a curvature which corres~
ponds exactly to that of the surface of the end sections
- 3 O.Z. 0050/37314 of the clamped gravure printing plate. However, we have found that when clamping cylinders are usecl in wh;ch one or both of the pointed edges of the groove are in the form of a movable or rotatable clamping jaw for the gravure print~
ing plate, the two pointed edges for hooking in the bent over plate ends frequently do not lie exactly opposite one another but are somewhat mutually d;splacecl in a radial direction. These clamping cyLinders thus do not have an ideal curvature in the region of the groove (over the 1û ent;re length or only a part of the axial length3 but more or less pronounced ledges are found here. In these cases, mechanical after-treatment of the closed gap may be neces-sary even where the method described in U.S. Patent 4~515, 375 has been used. In other cases, it may be desirable to provide the closed gap with a hollo~ channel tcf.
DE-A 25 45 618). Here too~ a special procedure is required for gap closure when the conventional and proposed methods are used~
It was an object of the present invention to im-prove the conventional and proposed methods for closingthe gaps between the end or edge regions of gravure printing plates clamped on forme cylinders of rotary gravure presses in such a way that the resulting method is simple to carry out and universally appl;cable but at the same time ensures a gap closure of high quality.
We have found that this object is achieved, accord-ing to the invention, by a method of the type stated at the outset, wherein a cover element is used in which at least that region of the surface which lies on the end or edge sections of the gravure printing plate and covers the gap can be deformed under pressure and hence adapted to the surface contour in the gap region.
The present invention accordingly reLates to a method for closing the gaps between the end or edge regions of gravure printing plates clamped on forme cylinders, wherein the gap is covered flush ~ith the adjacent surface sections of the gravure printing plate by means of a cover ~z~
ing plate, the two pointed edges for hooking in the bent over plate ends frequently do not lie exactly opposite one another but are somewhat mutually d;splacecl in a radial direction. These clamping cyLinders thus do not have an ideal curvature in the region of the groove (over the 1û ent;re length or only a part of the axial length3 but more or less pronounced ledges are found here. In these cases, mechanical after-treatment of the closed gap may be neces-sary even where the method described in U.S. Patent 4~515, 375 has been used. In other cases, it may be desirable to provide the closed gap with a hollo~ channel tcf.
DE-A 25 45 618). Here too~ a special procedure is required for gap closure when the conventional and proposed methods are used~
It was an object of the present invention to im-prove the conventional and proposed methods for closingthe gaps between the end or edge regions of gravure printing plates clamped on forme cylinders of rotary gravure presses in such a way that the resulting method is simple to carry out and universally appl;cable but at the same time ensures a gap closure of high quality.
We have found that this object is achieved, accord-ing to the invention, by a method of the type stated at the outset, wherein a cover element is used in which at least that region of the surface which lies on the end or edge sections of the gravure printing plate and covers the gap can be deformed under pressure and hence adapted to the surface contour in the gap region.
The present invention accordingly reLates to a method for closing the gaps between the end or edge regions of gravure printing plates clamped on forme cylinders, wherein the gap is covered flush ~ith the adjacent surface sections of the gravure printing plate by means of a cover ~z~
- 4 O.Z. OûS0/37314 element by placing the latter on the end or edge sections of the said plate and pressing the said element to the surface of the gravure printing plate, the resulting gap cavity is filled with a curable filling compound and, when S this compound is completely cured, the cover element is removed. In the method according to the invention, a cover eLement is used in which at least that surface reg;on which lies on the end or edge sections of the gravure printing plate and covers the gap can be deformed under pressure and hence adapted to the surface contour in the gap region.
The novel measures make it possible for any gap in the surface region of gravure printing plates cLamped on forme cylinders to be closed thoroughly and permanently in a simple manner without a mechanical after-treatment being required, regardless whether the gap reg;on e~hibits, in the radial and/or axial directions, irregularities in the surface contour and deviations from the ideal cylindri- -cal shape of the forme cylinder. Depending on the character of the cover element employed and the special conditions of the method, it is also possible to match the surface of the gap to the curvature of the surface of the clamped gravure printing plate and to shape it in the form of a channel or in some other desired forM. The novel method can be ap-plied just as advantageously to clamped wrap-around gravure printing plates where there is only one axial gap between the ends of the plate extending over the entire cylinder width, as well as to cylinders on which-a plurality of gravure printing plates are clamped one behind the other and side by side and there are therefore also gaps to be closed in the periphery between the lateral edges of the individual plates.
The cover elements used according to the invention can be of various forms. It is essential that at least the surface or the surface region of the cover element which covers the gap of the clamped gr3vure printing plate can be deformed under pressure and hence adapted to the contour of - S o O.Z. OO5n/3~314 the gap region. Of course, the entire cover element must be sufficiently stable to allow it to be pressed suffici-ently firmly to the surface of the clamped gravure printing plate ;n order to ensure tight closure of the covered gap cavity. Transparent cover elements are particularly advan-~ageous since they substantially facilitate observation during filling of the gap cavity with the ~urable filling compound and during curing of this compound. Where photo-curable filling compounds are used, it is also possibl~ to expose the filling compound to actinic light through the cover element in order to effect curing, without removing the said element.
In an embodiment of the invention, the cover ele-ments can be of solid form, examples of suitable cover ele-ments being extrudates having a circular or rectangularcross-section or other prof;led p;eces which cover the gap between the end or edge regions of the clamped gravure printing plates over a sufficient w;dth and over the entire length and which consist of a material which can be defor~
med under pressure, eg. silicone rubber, foams or the like.
In another, very advantageous embodiment of the invention, suitable cover elements are hollow bodies which contain a pressure-generating and pressure-transmitting medium which may be connected to a pressure source.
Examples of suitable cover elements of this type are hoses, balloons and the like, and multi-sided rigid, eg. box-shaped, elements which cover the gap and in which only tha~ surface which lies on the end or edge sections of the gravure printing plate and covers the gap consists of a material which is deformable under pressure~ for example a rubber-like or elastomeric material or, in particular, a film which can be altered in its stretched state.
~ her expedient and advantageous embodiments o~ the novel method are found in the description below, in which ~he invention is illustrated with reference to illustra-tive examples shown schematically in the drawing.
In the draw;ng~
~ 6 - O.Z. 0050/37314 Figure 1 shows a section of a forme cylinder in the reg;on of the groove, with a cl3mped gravure pr~nting plate, and, in cross-section~ a positioned cover element having a deformable lateral surface;
S Figure 2 shows a forme cylinder as in F;gure 1 but with a sealing element arranged in the groove cavi~y, and a completely deformable cover element.
A gravure printing plate 2 is cla~ped on the forme cylinder 1 of a sheet-fed or web-fed rotary gravure press.
This is achieved, as shown in Figure 1, by virtue of the fact that the two bent over ends 3 of the gravure printing plate 2 are hooked over the pointed edges 4 into the groove S of the forme cyLinder 1. The said groove S runs either parallel or at a slight angle, eg~ about 2~5, to the forme cylinder axis and can, as shown in the example, widen from the cylinder surface towards the center of the cylinder~ so that the bent over ends 3 of the gravure printing plate 2 are hooked into the groove S at an acute angle. However, the lateral surfaces of the groove S may furthermore run parallel to one another either at righ~
; angles or obliquely with respect to the cylinder surface, so that the ends 3 of gravure pr;nting plate 2 may also be bent over at right angles or at another angle. Depend-ing on the design of the forme cylinder 1, it is also pos-Z5 sible for any one end 3 of the gravure printing plate 2 to be hooked into the groove 5. To close the gap 6 for~ed between the ends of the gravure printing plate 2 clamped on the forme cylinder 1, a cover element 8 is placed on the end sections 7 of the said plate 2, the sa;d element 8 lying on the end sections 7 of the gravure printing plate 2 and covering the gap 6 over its entire axial length. During closing of the gap 6, the cover element 8 is pressed onto the surface of the gravure printing plate, for example with the aid of a hold-down apparatus not ~ 35 shown in the drawing.
; ~ Figure 1 illustrates the use of a rigid, box-shaped cover element 8 whose surface 9 which lies on the en~
~Z(,~
7 - O.Z~ OOS0l37314 sections 7 of the gravure printing plate 2 consists of a material which can be deformed under pressure. Materials which are suitable for this purpose are not only, for example, elastic films, such as elastomeric membranes or S the like, but also other films, in particular those made of plastic, which are movably clamped on the box-shaped cover element 8 and can be advantageously altered ;n their stretched state. Depending on their stretched state, the films clamped in this manner can be stretched tautly by means of internal and/or external pressure and can hence be matched up ~ith, and pressed onto, the surface contours in the region of the gap 6, with simultaneous formation of a tight cover flush with the edge regions 7 of the gravure printing plate 2. The cavity 10 of the cover element 8 is filled with a pressure-generating and pressure-trans-mitting medium and advantageously connected to a pressure source 14 via a line 11. Examples of suitable pressure-generating and pressure-transmitting media are liquids such as water, oil or the like, but in particular air or other gases.
Figure 2 illustrates schematically the covering of the gap 6 between the end sections 7 of a gravure printing plate Z clamped on a forme cylinder 1, by ~eans of a completely deformable cover element 8. The cover element 8 in this case is a hollow body, for example a hose, whose cavity 1û is filled with a pressure-transmitting medium, for example a liquid such as water or oil, but in particu-lar with air or another gas The cover element 8 is pressed, by means of a suitable pressure element 12 onto the end sections 7 of the clamped gravure printing plate Z so as to cover the gap 6. Examples of very advantageous pressure elements 12 are resilient flexible sheets which are preferably transparen~ and consist of~ for example, plast;c. In th;s case, the pressure w;th ~hich the cover element 8 is pressed to the surface of the clamped gravure printing plate by means of the pressure element 12 is deter-mined decisively by the internal pressure of the pressure-- 8 - O.Z~ On50/37314 transmitting medium in the cavity 10 of the said cover element 8 and by the shape desired for the surface of the closed gap. If desired~ the cavity 10 of the hose-like cover element 8, as shown in Figure 1, can be connected S to a pressure source via a line so that in this case it is also possible to control the internal pressure of the cover element ~ and hence to exercise more substantial control over the matching of the cover element 8 to the surface contours in the region of the gap 6, with adjust ment of the closed gap to get the desired surface in a selective manner.
To close the gap 6, the gap cavity formed after the said gap has been covered with the cover element 8 is filled with a curable filling compound. Suitable filling compounds are the materials which are conventionally used for closing gaps and which, in the cured state, are resis-tant to the printing ink solvents. These include not only conventional thermoplastics but also, advantageously, hot-melt adhesives based on, for example, polyvinyl acetate, 2Q nylon, polyesters or thermoplastics such as polyolefins, styrene/butadiene and/or isoprene block copolymers etc.
Heat curable or, ;n particular, photocurable reac~ive re-sins, eg. epoxy resins, acrylic resins, isocyanate resins, silicone resins, UP resins etc. are also suitablel Other very advantageous filling compounds are free-flowing, solvent-free photopolymerizable mixtures based on photo-polymeri2able monomers, one or more polymeric binders, a photoinitiator and, if required, fillers and further additives. The material for that surface of the cover element 8 which covers the gap 6 is chosen with regard to the curable filling compound used, so that, after curing ; of the filling compound, the cover element 8 can be re-moved easily from the surface of the gravure printing plate 2 and from the cured gap filling. If necessary, the surface of the cover element 8 can be coated with a parting agent, for example siliconized, or a thin separa~-ing film can be placed between the end sections 7 of the _ 9 ~ O.Z. 0050/37314 gravure printing plate 2 and that surface of the cover element 8 which lies on this.
To prevent the curable filling compound from pene~
trating into the interior of the forme cylinder 1, in particular into any clamp;ng apparatuses and elements, the groove cavity 5 is sealed tightly on the inside in a radial direction, ie. towards the center of the cylinder.
This closure of the groove cavity 5 in a radial direction towards the inside can be effected and secured by purely structural features of the forme cylinder 1, as shown diagrammatically in Figure 1. In the case of clamp cylin~
ders in which in general one of the pointed edges 4 is arranged movably via a clamping jaw, and the groove cavity 5 is therefore not closed touards the inside of the cylinder tFigure 2), the said cavity S can be closed in a radial direction towards the inside by using a seal-ing element 13 which is inserted into the groove cavity 5 and extends over its entire length~ This sealing element 13 can be compact or, as shown in the drawing, a hollow Z0 body, preferably having a circular cross-section, for example a hose made of silicone rubber. Where such hollow bodies are used as sealing element 13, these can be con-nected via a further line tnot shown in the drawing) to a pressure source and can therefore be blown up. Conse-quently, both a safe and reliable seal can be obtainedand any shrinkage of filling material which occurs during curing can be compensated. If ~he s-ealing element 13 in the form of a hollow body is provided not only with a feed line but also an outlet line, this element can be connected in a heating medium or coolant cycle under pressure so that, depending on the filling material used, it is furthermore possible to control and influence the flow behavior of the filling ma~erial during filling of the gap 6 andlor the curing of the filling material after the gap 6 has been filled~
The gap cavity covered with the cover element ~ is advantageously filled with the curable filling compound - 10 ~ O.Z. 0050~37314 from the end face of the forme cylinder v;a one or more in~ets arranged in its bearing housings To do this, the free-flowing curable filling compound is injected in~o the gap cavity by means of a metering apparatus. In a very ad~
vantageous version of the method, the said filling compound may also be introduced through a hollow body 13 which lies in the groove cavity S and is provided, along the gap 6, with one or more small openings leading into the cavity of the gap 6. Rapid, uniform distribution of the filling compound is thus ensured, which is important for satisfac~
tory gap closure. For example, it has proven advantageous to introduce the fill;ng compound into the cav;ty of the covered gap 6 through an opening which is located roughly in the middle along the length of the hollow body 13. In this version of the method, any pressure required in the hollow body 13 to produce reliable sealing of the groove cavity S radially toward the center of the cylinder can be generated by means of the filling compound in the hollow body 13. Furthermore, the air present in the gao is expelled through the two ends of the gap, which only come into contact with the filling compound at the end of the injection process.
The pressure under which the surface of the cover element 8 covering ~he gap 6 is pressed onto the end sections 7 of the gravure printing plate 2 is of course greater than the pressure exerted on the cover element 8 from the gap side by injecting the curable filling com-pound. This ensures tha~ the gap 6 is covered flush and tight toward the outside~ Because the surface of the cover element 8 covering the gap 6 is deformable under pressure, th;s surface fits the surface contours in the gap region. In the case of solid çover elements 8, the material of that surface of the cover element which Lies on the end sections of the gravure printing plate is there-fore chosen so that it is deformable under the pressureexerted on the cover element and can be m~tched up with the surface contour in the gap reg;on but ;s not altered 3~
~ O~Z. OOS0/37314 by the opposing pressure exerted by the curable filling compound injected into the gap cavity. Depending on the pressure under which the cover element is pressed onto the gravure printin3 plate, the surface of the gap filled with the filling compound can in this case be varied within certain limits and adapted to the particular shapes des;red. In the case of cover elements ~hich are in the form of hollow bodies and contain a pressure-generating and pressure transm;tting medium, ~he surface of the gap 6 filled with the filling compound is also con~rolLed essent;ally by the internal pressure ~hich exists in the cavity 10 of the cover element 8. Thus, as shown in Figure 1, gap closure can be effected very readily and simply by means of a channel if the pressure in the cavity 10 of the cover element 8 is appropriately hi~h. In this case, the movable, deformable surface 9 of the cover ele-ment 8 is not only pressed f;rmly onto, and flush with, the end sections 7 of the gravure printing plate 2 but also arched slightly outward into the gap 6, so that, after clo~
~20 sure with the curable filling compound~ a slightly concave -~surface results in the gap reyion. Even in cases in which the pointed ed~es 4 of forme cylinder 1 are not located exactly opposite one another, as frequently occurs with clamping cylinders, but are mutually d;splaced, possibly to different extents, in the vertical direction over the length of the forme cylinder axis, the cover elements used in the novel method give a satisfactory gap closure since, when pressed onto the surface~ these cover elements fit the surface contours in the gap region in any desired shape, as can be seen from Figure Z. In this case too, by suitably matching the external pressure on the cover element 8 with the internal pressure of the pressure-generating and pressure-transmitting medium ;n the cavity 10 of the cover element 8, the surface contour of ~he closed gap can be varied in a suitable and desired manner, especially if a cover element 8 is used whose cavity 10 is connected to an external pressure source by means of 1Z - O.Z. OOS0/37314 wh;ch the internal pressure in the cavity 10 can be controlled independently.
When the covered gap cavity has been ,illed with the filling compound, the latter is cured. Th;s ;s done in the case of thermoplastics by cooling the polymers introduced ln melt form, and ;n the case of heat-curable react;ve res;ns by supplying heat in a suitable manner~
the heat sources being arranged inside or above the gap cavity. In the case of photocurable reactive res;ns and photopolymer;zable filling compounds, curing is effected by exposure to act;nic light, and the usual sources of actinic light can be used. Since these sources are gen-erally arranged above the gap f;lled ~ith the f;ll;ng compound~ and cur;ng of the latter is carried out in gen-eral wh;le the cover element ;s st;ll ;n posit;on on theend sect;ons of the gravure pr;nt;ng plate and ;s pressed onto this, particularly suitable covering elements where photocurable and photopolymerizable filling compounds are used are those which are transparent to actinic light.
Thus, exposure and curing of the filling compound filling the gap can be effected through the cover element while the tatter is still in position. In these cases, the pressure element (Figure 2) also used for comple~ely de-formable cover elements is also transparent. However, it is in general preferable to use transparent cover elements s;nce this generally also facilitates observation of the filling of the gap with the curable filling compound and hence inspection during closing of the gap. After curing of the filling compound which fills the gap, the cover element is removed from the cylinder surface.
Using the novel method, the gaps which result when gravure prin~ing plates are clamped on forme cylinders can be closed in a simple manner so that, during printing on sheet-fed and in particular web-fed rotary gravure presses, no problems are encountered, particularly w;th regard to the behavior OT the doctor blade, spraying of ink or impressions of the gap. Subsequent mechanical processing ~Z'~9~
- 13 - O~ZO 0050/37314 of the gap closure is unnecessary even in the case of forme cylinders which have not been exactly finished in the region of the groove. Instead~ the novel method per-mits the surface contour of the closed gap to be shaped and formed in the desired manner directly during closing of the gap, without separate operation. ~he resulting gap closure is strong and durable and permits the long print runs requ;red in gravure printing. Another partic-ular advantage of the novel method is that the gaps running 1Q along the circumference of the cylinder, as are formed, for example, when a plurality of gravure printing plates are clamped side by sicle on a cylinder~ can readily be closed.
In the method accord;ng to the invent;on, all con-ventional gravure printing plates which can be clamped on the forme cylinder of a sheet-fed or web-fed rotary gravure press, in particular wrap-around gravure printing plates, can be employed. These include the conventional metal gra-vure printing plates possessing a 8allard skin and, partic-ularly advantageously, the gravure printing plates which 2û possess plastic printing layers and in which a plastic layer is applied on a suitable support, in which plastic layer the ink-receiving depressions (~ells) have been introduced by mechanical engraving or engraving with a laser (cf. for example DE~A-27 52 500 or DE-A-30 28 098) or photomechanically by imagewise exposure and development of a suitable photosensitive recording material ~cf. for example DE-A-Z0 54 833, DE-A-20 61 287, EP-A-70 510 and EP-A 70 511). It is of course also possible for the wells to be introduced into the gravure printing plate only af~er the latter has been clamped on the forme cylinder and after the gap has been closed~ For the purposes of the present invention, gravure printing plates are there fore both printing plates already possessing wells and printing plate blanks in which the wells have not yet been formed~
To remove the gravure printing plates from the forme cylinder when the printing process is complete, the filling - 14 - O.Z. 0050/37314 in the gap be~ween the plate ends can be detached aga;n by mechanical means or by tearing it out by means of a prev;ously inserted wire.
The novel measures make it possible for any gap in the surface region of gravure printing plates cLamped on forme cylinders to be closed thoroughly and permanently in a simple manner without a mechanical after-treatment being required, regardless whether the gap reg;on e~hibits, in the radial and/or axial directions, irregularities in the surface contour and deviations from the ideal cylindri- -cal shape of the forme cylinder. Depending on the character of the cover element employed and the special conditions of the method, it is also possible to match the surface of the gap to the curvature of the surface of the clamped gravure printing plate and to shape it in the form of a channel or in some other desired forM. The novel method can be ap-plied just as advantageously to clamped wrap-around gravure printing plates where there is only one axial gap between the ends of the plate extending over the entire cylinder width, as well as to cylinders on which-a plurality of gravure printing plates are clamped one behind the other and side by side and there are therefore also gaps to be closed in the periphery between the lateral edges of the individual plates.
The cover elements used according to the invention can be of various forms. It is essential that at least the surface or the surface region of the cover element which covers the gap of the clamped gr3vure printing plate can be deformed under pressure and hence adapted to the contour of - S o O.Z. OO5n/3~314 the gap region. Of course, the entire cover element must be sufficiently stable to allow it to be pressed suffici-ently firmly to the surface of the clamped gravure printing plate ;n order to ensure tight closure of the covered gap cavity. Transparent cover elements are particularly advan-~ageous since they substantially facilitate observation during filling of the gap cavity with the ~urable filling compound and during curing of this compound. Where photo-curable filling compounds are used, it is also possibl~ to expose the filling compound to actinic light through the cover element in order to effect curing, without removing the said element.
In an embodiment of the invention, the cover ele-ments can be of solid form, examples of suitable cover ele-ments being extrudates having a circular or rectangularcross-section or other prof;led p;eces which cover the gap between the end or edge regions of the clamped gravure printing plates over a sufficient w;dth and over the entire length and which consist of a material which can be defor~
med under pressure, eg. silicone rubber, foams or the like.
In another, very advantageous embodiment of the invention, suitable cover elements are hollow bodies which contain a pressure-generating and pressure-transmitting medium which may be connected to a pressure source.
Examples of suitable cover elements of this type are hoses, balloons and the like, and multi-sided rigid, eg. box-shaped, elements which cover the gap and in which only tha~ surface which lies on the end or edge sections of the gravure printing plate and covers the gap consists of a material which is deformable under pressure~ for example a rubber-like or elastomeric material or, in particular, a film which can be altered in its stretched state.
~ her expedient and advantageous embodiments o~ the novel method are found in the description below, in which ~he invention is illustrated with reference to illustra-tive examples shown schematically in the drawing.
In the draw;ng~
~ 6 - O.Z. 0050/37314 Figure 1 shows a section of a forme cylinder in the reg;on of the groove, with a cl3mped gravure pr~nting plate, and, in cross-section~ a positioned cover element having a deformable lateral surface;
S Figure 2 shows a forme cylinder as in F;gure 1 but with a sealing element arranged in the groove cavi~y, and a completely deformable cover element.
A gravure printing plate 2 is cla~ped on the forme cylinder 1 of a sheet-fed or web-fed rotary gravure press.
This is achieved, as shown in Figure 1, by virtue of the fact that the two bent over ends 3 of the gravure printing plate 2 are hooked over the pointed edges 4 into the groove S of the forme cyLinder 1. The said groove S runs either parallel or at a slight angle, eg~ about 2~5, to the forme cylinder axis and can, as shown in the example, widen from the cylinder surface towards the center of the cylinder~ so that the bent over ends 3 of the gravure printing plate 2 are hooked into the groove S at an acute angle. However, the lateral surfaces of the groove S may furthermore run parallel to one another either at righ~
; angles or obliquely with respect to the cylinder surface, so that the ends 3 of gravure pr;nting plate 2 may also be bent over at right angles or at another angle. Depend-ing on the design of the forme cylinder 1, it is also pos-Z5 sible for any one end 3 of the gravure printing plate 2 to be hooked into the groove 5. To close the gap 6 for~ed between the ends of the gravure printing plate 2 clamped on the forme cylinder 1, a cover element 8 is placed on the end sections 7 of the said plate 2, the sa;d element 8 lying on the end sections 7 of the gravure printing plate 2 and covering the gap 6 over its entire axial length. During closing of the gap 6, the cover element 8 is pressed onto the surface of the gravure printing plate, for example with the aid of a hold-down apparatus not ~ 35 shown in the drawing.
; ~ Figure 1 illustrates the use of a rigid, box-shaped cover element 8 whose surface 9 which lies on the en~
~Z(,~
7 - O.Z~ OOS0l37314 sections 7 of the gravure printing plate 2 consists of a material which can be deformed under pressure. Materials which are suitable for this purpose are not only, for example, elastic films, such as elastomeric membranes or S the like, but also other films, in particular those made of plastic, which are movably clamped on the box-shaped cover element 8 and can be advantageously altered ;n their stretched state. Depending on their stretched state, the films clamped in this manner can be stretched tautly by means of internal and/or external pressure and can hence be matched up ~ith, and pressed onto, the surface contours in the region of the gap 6, with simultaneous formation of a tight cover flush with the edge regions 7 of the gravure printing plate 2. The cavity 10 of the cover element 8 is filled with a pressure-generating and pressure-trans-mitting medium and advantageously connected to a pressure source 14 via a line 11. Examples of suitable pressure-generating and pressure-transmitting media are liquids such as water, oil or the like, but in particular air or other gases.
Figure 2 illustrates schematically the covering of the gap 6 between the end sections 7 of a gravure printing plate Z clamped on a forme cylinder 1, by ~eans of a completely deformable cover element 8. The cover element 8 in this case is a hollow body, for example a hose, whose cavity 1û is filled with a pressure-transmitting medium, for example a liquid such as water or oil, but in particu-lar with air or another gas The cover element 8 is pressed, by means of a suitable pressure element 12 onto the end sections 7 of the clamped gravure printing plate Z so as to cover the gap 6. Examples of very advantageous pressure elements 12 are resilient flexible sheets which are preferably transparen~ and consist of~ for example, plast;c. In th;s case, the pressure w;th ~hich the cover element 8 is pressed to the surface of the clamped gravure printing plate by means of the pressure element 12 is deter-mined decisively by the internal pressure of the pressure-- 8 - O.Z~ On50/37314 transmitting medium in the cavity 10 of the said cover element 8 and by the shape desired for the surface of the closed gap. If desired~ the cavity 10 of the hose-like cover element 8, as shown in Figure 1, can be connected S to a pressure source via a line so that in this case it is also possible to control the internal pressure of the cover element ~ and hence to exercise more substantial control over the matching of the cover element 8 to the surface contours in the region of the gap 6, with adjust ment of the closed gap to get the desired surface in a selective manner.
To close the gap 6, the gap cavity formed after the said gap has been covered with the cover element 8 is filled with a curable filling compound. Suitable filling compounds are the materials which are conventionally used for closing gaps and which, in the cured state, are resis-tant to the printing ink solvents. These include not only conventional thermoplastics but also, advantageously, hot-melt adhesives based on, for example, polyvinyl acetate, 2Q nylon, polyesters or thermoplastics such as polyolefins, styrene/butadiene and/or isoprene block copolymers etc.
Heat curable or, ;n particular, photocurable reac~ive re-sins, eg. epoxy resins, acrylic resins, isocyanate resins, silicone resins, UP resins etc. are also suitablel Other very advantageous filling compounds are free-flowing, solvent-free photopolymerizable mixtures based on photo-polymeri2able monomers, one or more polymeric binders, a photoinitiator and, if required, fillers and further additives. The material for that surface of the cover element 8 which covers the gap 6 is chosen with regard to the curable filling compound used, so that, after curing ; of the filling compound, the cover element 8 can be re-moved easily from the surface of the gravure printing plate 2 and from the cured gap filling. If necessary, the surface of the cover element 8 can be coated with a parting agent, for example siliconized, or a thin separa~-ing film can be placed between the end sections 7 of the _ 9 ~ O.Z. 0050/37314 gravure printing plate 2 and that surface of the cover element 8 which lies on this.
To prevent the curable filling compound from pene~
trating into the interior of the forme cylinder 1, in particular into any clamp;ng apparatuses and elements, the groove cavity 5 is sealed tightly on the inside in a radial direction, ie. towards the center of the cylinder.
This closure of the groove cavity 5 in a radial direction towards the inside can be effected and secured by purely structural features of the forme cylinder 1, as shown diagrammatically in Figure 1. In the case of clamp cylin~
ders in which in general one of the pointed edges 4 is arranged movably via a clamping jaw, and the groove cavity 5 is therefore not closed touards the inside of the cylinder tFigure 2), the said cavity S can be closed in a radial direction towards the inside by using a seal-ing element 13 which is inserted into the groove cavity 5 and extends over its entire length~ This sealing element 13 can be compact or, as shown in the drawing, a hollow Z0 body, preferably having a circular cross-section, for example a hose made of silicone rubber. Where such hollow bodies are used as sealing element 13, these can be con-nected via a further line tnot shown in the drawing) to a pressure source and can therefore be blown up. Conse-quently, both a safe and reliable seal can be obtainedand any shrinkage of filling material which occurs during curing can be compensated. If ~he s-ealing element 13 in the form of a hollow body is provided not only with a feed line but also an outlet line, this element can be connected in a heating medium or coolant cycle under pressure so that, depending on the filling material used, it is furthermore possible to control and influence the flow behavior of the filling ma~erial during filling of the gap 6 andlor the curing of the filling material after the gap 6 has been filled~
The gap cavity covered with the cover element ~ is advantageously filled with the curable filling compound - 10 ~ O.Z. 0050~37314 from the end face of the forme cylinder v;a one or more in~ets arranged in its bearing housings To do this, the free-flowing curable filling compound is injected in~o the gap cavity by means of a metering apparatus. In a very ad~
vantageous version of the method, the said filling compound may also be introduced through a hollow body 13 which lies in the groove cavity S and is provided, along the gap 6, with one or more small openings leading into the cavity of the gap 6. Rapid, uniform distribution of the filling compound is thus ensured, which is important for satisfac~
tory gap closure. For example, it has proven advantageous to introduce the fill;ng compound into the cav;ty of the covered gap 6 through an opening which is located roughly in the middle along the length of the hollow body 13. In this version of the method, any pressure required in the hollow body 13 to produce reliable sealing of the groove cavity S radially toward the center of the cylinder can be generated by means of the filling compound in the hollow body 13. Furthermore, the air present in the gao is expelled through the two ends of the gap, which only come into contact with the filling compound at the end of the injection process.
The pressure under which the surface of the cover element 8 covering ~he gap 6 is pressed onto the end sections 7 of the gravure printing plate 2 is of course greater than the pressure exerted on the cover element 8 from the gap side by injecting the curable filling com-pound. This ensures tha~ the gap 6 is covered flush and tight toward the outside~ Because the surface of the cover element 8 covering the gap 6 is deformable under pressure, th;s surface fits the surface contours in the gap region. In the case of solid çover elements 8, the material of that surface of the cover element which Lies on the end sections of the gravure printing plate is there-fore chosen so that it is deformable under the pressureexerted on the cover element and can be m~tched up with the surface contour in the gap reg;on but ;s not altered 3~
~ O~Z. OOS0/37314 by the opposing pressure exerted by the curable filling compound injected into the gap cavity. Depending on the pressure under which the cover element is pressed onto the gravure printin3 plate, the surface of the gap filled with the filling compound can in this case be varied within certain limits and adapted to the particular shapes des;red. In the case of cover elements ~hich are in the form of hollow bodies and contain a pressure-generating and pressure transm;tting medium, ~he surface of the gap 6 filled with the filling compound is also con~rolLed essent;ally by the internal pressure ~hich exists in the cavity 10 of the cover element 8. Thus, as shown in Figure 1, gap closure can be effected very readily and simply by means of a channel if the pressure in the cavity 10 of the cover element 8 is appropriately hi~h. In this case, the movable, deformable surface 9 of the cover ele-ment 8 is not only pressed f;rmly onto, and flush with, the end sections 7 of the gravure printing plate 2 but also arched slightly outward into the gap 6, so that, after clo~
~20 sure with the curable filling compound~ a slightly concave -~surface results in the gap reyion. Even in cases in which the pointed ed~es 4 of forme cylinder 1 are not located exactly opposite one another, as frequently occurs with clamping cylinders, but are mutually d;splaced, possibly to different extents, in the vertical direction over the length of the forme cylinder axis, the cover elements used in the novel method give a satisfactory gap closure since, when pressed onto the surface~ these cover elements fit the surface contours in the gap region in any desired shape, as can be seen from Figure Z. In this case too, by suitably matching the external pressure on the cover element 8 with the internal pressure of the pressure-generating and pressure-transmitting medium ;n the cavity 10 of the cover element 8, the surface contour of ~he closed gap can be varied in a suitable and desired manner, especially if a cover element 8 is used whose cavity 10 is connected to an external pressure source by means of 1Z - O.Z. OOS0/37314 wh;ch the internal pressure in the cavity 10 can be controlled independently.
When the covered gap cavity has been ,illed with the filling compound, the latter is cured. Th;s ;s done in the case of thermoplastics by cooling the polymers introduced ln melt form, and ;n the case of heat-curable react;ve res;ns by supplying heat in a suitable manner~
the heat sources being arranged inside or above the gap cavity. In the case of photocurable reactive res;ns and photopolymer;zable filling compounds, curing is effected by exposure to act;nic light, and the usual sources of actinic light can be used. Since these sources are gen-erally arranged above the gap f;lled ~ith the f;ll;ng compound~ and cur;ng of the latter is carried out in gen-eral wh;le the cover element ;s st;ll ;n posit;on on theend sect;ons of the gravure pr;nt;ng plate and ;s pressed onto this, particularly suitable covering elements where photocurable and photopolymerizable filling compounds are used are those which are transparent to actinic light.
Thus, exposure and curing of the filling compound filling the gap can be effected through the cover element while the tatter is still in position. In these cases, the pressure element (Figure 2) also used for comple~ely de-formable cover elements is also transparent. However, it is in general preferable to use transparent cover elements s;nce this generally also facilitates observation of the filling of the gap with the curable filling compound and hence inspection during closing of the gap. After curing of the filling compound which fills the gap, the cover element is removed from the cylinder surface.
Using the novel method, the gaps which result when gravure prin~ing plates are clamped on forme cylinders can be closed in a simple manner so that, during printing on sheet-fed and in particular web-fed rotary gravure presses, no problems are encountered, particularly w;th regard to the behavior OT the doctor blade, spraying of ink or impressions of the gap. Subsequent mechanical processing ~Z'~9~
- 13 - O~ZO 0050/37314 of the gap closure is unnecessary even in the case of forme cylinders which have not been exactly finished in the region of the groove. Instead~ the novel method per-mits the surface contour of the closed gap to be shaped and formed in the desired manner directly during closing of the gap, without separate operation. ~he resulting gap closure is strong and durable and permits the long print runs requ;red in gravure printing. Another partic-ular advantage of the novel method is that the gaps running 1Q along the circumference of the cylinder, as are formed, for example, when a plurality of gravure printing plates are clamped side by sicle on a cylinder~ can readily be closed.
In the method accord;ng to the invent;on, all con-ventional gravure printing plates which can be clamped on the forme cylinder of a sheet-fed or web-fed rotary gravure press, in particular wrap-around gravure printing plates, can be employed. These include the conventional metal gra-vure printing plates possessing a 8allard skin and, partic-ularly advantageously, the gravure printing plates which 2û possess plastic printing layers and in which a plastic layer is applied on a suitable support, in which plastic layer the ink-receiving depressions (~ells) have been introduced by mechanical engraving or engraving with a laser (cf. for example DE~A-27 52 500 or DE-A-30 28 098) or photomechanically by imagewise exposure and development of a suitable photosensitive recording material ~cf. for example DE-A-Z0 54 833, DE-A-20 61 287, EP-A-70 510 and EP-A 70 511). It is of course also possible for the wells to be introduced into the gravure printing plate only af~er the latter has been clamped on the forme cylinder and after the gap has been closed~ For the purposes of the present invention, gravure printing plates are there fore both printing plates already possessing wells and printing plate blanks in which the wells have not yet been formed~
To remove the gravure printing plates from the forme cylinder when the printing process is complete, the filling - 14 - O.Z. 0050/37314 in the gap be~ween the plate ends can be detached aga;n by mechanical means or by tearing it out by means of a prev;ously inserted wire.
Claims (8)
1. A method for closing the gaps between the end or edge regions of gravure printing plates clamped on forme cylinders, wherein the gap is covered flush with the adjacent surface sections of the gravure printing plate by means of a cover element by placing the latter on the end or edge sections of the said plate and pressing the said element to the surface of the gravure printing plate, the resulting gap cavity is filled with a curable filling compound and, when this compound is completely cured, the cover element is removed, in which method a cover element is used in which at least that surface region which lies on the end or edge sections of the gravure printing plate and covers the gap can be deformed under pressure and hence adapted to the surface contour in the gap region.
2. A method as claimed in claim 1, wherein a cover element in the form of a hollow body is used, whose cavity is filled with a pressure-generating and pressure-transmitting medium.
3. A method as claimed in claim 2, wherein the pressure in the interior of the cover element is controll-able via an external pressure source connected to the cavity of the cover element.
4. A method as claimed in claim 1, wherein the cover element is completely deformable under pressure.
5. A method as claimed in claim 4, wherein the cover element is hose-shaped or profile-shaped.
6. A method as claimed in claim 1, wherein the cover element is solid and wherein the part of the surface thereof lying on the end or edge sections of the gravure printing plates and covering the gap, consists of a material deformable under pressure and adaptable to surface contours in the gap region.
7. A method as claimed in claim 6, wherein the cover element is box-shaped.
8. A method as claimed in claim 1, wherein said cover element is transparent.
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| DEP3433046.1 | 1984-09-08 | ||
| DE19843433046 DE3433046A1 (en) | 1984-09-08 | 1984-09-08 | METHOD FOR CLOSING THE GAP BETWEEN THE ENDS OF PRINTING PLATES CLAMPED ON FORM CYLINDERS |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA1249119A true CA1249119A (en) | 1989-01-24 |
Family
ID=6244940
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA000490134A Expired CA1249119A (en) | 1984-09-08 | 1985-09-06 | Method for closing the gap between the ends of gravure printing plates clamped on forme cylinders |
Country Status (8)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| US (1) | US4635549A (en) |
| EP (1) | EP0174568B1 (en) |
| JP (1) | JPS6172552A (en) |
| AT (1) | ATE53791T1 (en) |
| CA (1) | CA1249119A (en) |
| DE (2) | DE3433046A1 (en) |
| DK (1) | DK164810C (en) |
| ES (1) | ES296936Y (en) |
Families Citing this family (12)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| DE8703987U1 (en) * | 1987-03-17 | 1987-06-11 | M.A.N.- Roland Druckmaschinen Ag, 6050 Offenbach, De | |
| DE3710146A1 (en) * | 1987-03-31 | 1988-10-13 | Basf Ag | METHOD FOR CLOSING AND / OR SEALING OPENINGS, CAVES OR SPACES IN PRINTING PLATES APPLIED ON FORM CYLINDERS |
| DE3727115A1 (en) * | 1987-08-14 | 1989-02-23 | Basf Ag | DEVICE FOR CLOSING THE GAP BETWEEN THE ENDS OF A PRINTING PLATE CLAMPED ON A FORM CYLINDER |
| DE3736180A1 (en) * | 1987-10-26 | 1989-05-03 | Basf Ag | METHOD FOR CLOSING AND / OR SEALING OPENINGS, CAVES OR SPACES IN PRINTING PLATES APPLIED ON FORM CYLINDERS |
| US4988140A (en) * | 1989-12-08 | 1991-01-29 | Prince Corporation | Visor with an electrically controlled vanity mirror cover |
| US5410961A (en) | 1992-12-30 | 1995-05-02 | Fit Group, Inc. | Fountain assembly |
| DE19652521C1 (en) * | 1996-12-17 | 1998-03-26 | Wifag Maschf | Channel-cover for offset printing press cylinder |
| DE19654103A1 (en) * | 1996-12-23 | 1998-06-25 | Du Pont Deutschland | Process for gluing edges of photopolymerizable printing plates or photopolymer printing plates for flexographic printing |
| DE19906726B4 (en) * | 1998-03-14 | 2007-08-23 | Heidelberger Druckmaschinen Ag | Cleaning device in a printing machine |
| FR2879184B1 (en) * | 2004-12-15 | 2007-03-09 | Commissariat Energie Atomique | DEVICE AND METHOD FOR HERMETICALLY CLOSING A CAVITY OF AN ELECTRONIC COMPOUND. |
| CN100417521C (en) * | 2005-02-23 | 2008-09-10 | 吴广顺 | Inclined open technology of single sheet paper gravure machie printing plate rotary drum and flat sheet type gravure technology |
| US20140020583A1 (en) * | 2012-07-17 | 2014-01-23 | Avi Barazani | Adaptable impression drum |
Family Cites Families (4)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| DE2545618A1 (en) * | 1975-10-11 | 1977-04-21 | Frankenthal Ag Albert | Gravure printing forme cylinder with magnetically mounted plate - whose plate engaging grooves are filled with epoxy, polyester or acrylic resin |
| DE3300678A1 (en) * | 1983-01-11 | 1984-07-19 | Frankenthal Ag Albert | CYLINDERS FOR PRINTING MACHINES |
| DK159251C (en) * | 1983-03-12 | 1991-02-18 | Basf Ag | PROCEDURE FOR CLOSING THE SPACE BETWEEN A END OF THE PRESSURE PRESSURE CYLINDER OPENING THE END OF THE PRESSURE PRESSURE Cylinder, AND THE FITTING OF THE DEPTH PRESSURE DEVICE |
| JPH0324898A (en) * | 1989-06-22 | 1991-02-01 | Canon Inc | Audio output device |
-
1984
- 1984-09-08 DE DE19843433046 patent/DE3433046A1/en not_active Withdrawn
-
1985
- 1985-08-30 AT AT85110932T patent/ATE53791T1/en active
- 1985-08-30 DE DE8585110932T patent/DE3577416D1/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
- 1985-08-30 EP EP85110932A patent/EP0174568B1/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
- 1985-09-05 US US06/772,661 patent/US4635549A/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
- 1985-09-06 ES ES1985296936U patent/ES296936Y/en not_active Expired
- 1985-09-06 JP JP60196150A patent/JPS6172552A/en active Pending
- 1985-09-06 DK DK406685A patent/DK164810C/en not_active IP Right Cessation
- 1985-09-06 CA CA000490134A patent/CA1249119A/en not_active Expired
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| US4635549A (en) | 1987-01-13 |
| ES296936Y (en) | 1988-11-16 |
| DK164810C (en) | 1993-01-11 |
| EP0174568A3 (en) | 1987-08-19 |
| DK406685D0 (en) | 1985-09-06 |
| JPS6172552A (en) | 1986-04-14 |
| EP0174568B1 (en) | 1990-05-02 |
| DK406685A (en) | 1986-03-09 |
| ES296936U (en) | 1988-02-16 |
| EP0174568A2 (en) | 1986-03-19 |
| DE3577416D1 (en) | 1990-06-07 |
| ATE53791T1 (en) | 1990-06-15 |
| DK164810B (en) | 1992-08-24 |
| DE3433046A1 (en) | 1986-03-20 |
Similar Documents
| Publication | Publication Date | Title |
|---|---|---|
| CA1249119A (en) | Method for closing the gap between the ends of gravure printing plates clamped on forme cylinders | |
| CA1221269A (en) | Process and arrangement for sealing the gap between the ends of a gravure printing plate mounted on a printing cylinder | |
| EP0043623A1 (en) | Cylindrical sleeve for use in a printing operation as well as method for manufacturing such a sleeve | |
| CA1299915C (en) | Separated ink fountain for a flexographic printing machine | |
| CA2127416A1 (en) | Method and apparatus for applying radiation curable inks in a flexographic printing system | |
| EP0175189B1 (en) | Light-handenable seating mass, especially for filling the split between the ends of printing plates stretched on a forme cylinder | |
| CA1113786A (en) | Impression cylinders for flexible printing plates for use in rotary gravure printing machines | |
| EP1449648A2 (en) | Method of making a flexographic printing plate by lithographic transfer of an energy-curable composition | |
| CN113815298B (en) | Screen printing plate for screen printing | |
| EP0199520A2 (en) | Gravure printing press and method of manufacturing the same | |
| US4828641A (en) | Joining the cut edges of photopolymerized flexographic printing plates | |
| US912092A (en) | Process of making printing-plates. | |
| US5117752A (en) | Ultrasonic ink seal for use in multicolor printing press | |
| EP1228864B1 (en) | Method for making a printing plate | |
| US4569286A (en) | Apparatus for closing the gap between the ends of a gravure printing plate clamped on a forme cylinder | |
| RU2240922C2 (en) | Paint application plate for a rotary printing press | |
| DK277186A (en) | PROCEDURE AND DEVICE FOR DETERMINING PRESSURE PLATES ON THE PLATE CYLINDER IN A PRESSURE PRINTING MACHINE | |
| CN113524876A (en) | Method for manufacturing screen printing plate required by screen printing | |
| US4470945A (en) | Method and apparatus for applying an electron beam drilling backer to a metal sheet | |
| JPS61137768A (en) | Intaglio printing method | |
| US3630149A (en) | Lithographic printing process | |
| JPS61287747A (en) | Gravure printer | |
| EP0096275B1 (en) | Gravure printing plate to be clamped on a clamping cylinder, and process for its production | |
| US4315886A (en) | Flexible printing plate and attachments therefor | |
| CA1235272A (en) | Method and apparatus for applying a polymer layer to a metal sheet |
Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| MKEX | Expiry |