Abstract

A graphic arts die assembly includes a die carrier plate, a die, and a die adjuster. The die is adjustably supported on the die carrier plate. The die presents an outer margin and an engraved surface within the outer margin. The die further presents an adjuster surface that extends transversely relative to the engraved surface. The die adjuster shiftably engages the adjuster surface, with shifting movement of the die adjuster causing relative movement between the die and the die carrier plate.

IPC Classes  ?

• B41F 16/00 - Transfer printing apparatus
• B41N 1/00 - Printing plates or foils; Materials therefor

Abstract

A graphic arts support assembly is operable to be used with a graphic arts plate assembly in a press. The graphic arts support assembly and the plate assembly are configured for removable association with a lift mechanism including a shiftable lift element. The support assembly includes a graphic arts magnetic support structure operable to removably support the graphic arts plate assembly. The magnetic support structure includes a support plate, a magnet fixed relative to the plate, and an alignment element projecting from the support plate. The support assembly is operable to be mounted on the lift mechanism so that the lift element is aligned with a lift opening of the support plate, with the lift element shiftable through the lift opening to locate at least part of the graphic arts plate assembly away from the support plate.

IPC Classes  ?

• B41F 27/02 - Magnetic devices
• B31F 1/07 - Embossing
• B41F 27/00 - Devices for attaching printing elements or formes to supports

Abstract

A graphic arts sleeve includes a cylindrical plate presenting an outermost sleeve surface operable to engage and thereby texture, print, and/or hot foil stamp on a substrate. The cylindrical plate presents an innermost support surface opposite the outermost sleeve surface and operable to engage a mandrel. The cylindrical plate includes an intermediate carrier layer and an overlying engravable layer cladded to and supported by the carrier layer. The cylindrical plate further includes an underlying expansion layer cladded to the carrier layer. The expansion layer has a greater coefficient of thermal expansion than the carrier layer, with heating of at least the expansion layer causing diametrical expansion of the innermost support surface to facilitate mounting or removal of the cylindrical plate relative to the mandrel.

IPC Classes  ?

• B41N 7/06 - Shells for rollers of printing machines for inking rollers

Abstract

A graphic arts sleeve includes a multilayer curved plate and an elongated slide. The plate presents opposed end margins that cooperatively form a longitudinal seam. The plate includes an engravable layer and an inner layer cladded relative to one another, with the inner layer being located radially inward of the engravable layer. The slide extends along the seam and is fixed relative to the plate radially inward of the engravable layer. A filler is located at least partly within the seam to bridge the end margins of the engravable layer. The engravable layer and the filler cooperatively providing an outer sleeve surface, with at least part of the outer sleeve surface being continuous across the seam from one end margin to the other end margin. A method of fabricating the sleeve and a press mandrel for supporting the sleeve, as well as other types of sleeves, are also disclosed.

IPC Classes  ?

• B41N 1/20 - Curved printing plates, especially cylinders made of metal

Abstract

A graphic arts die assembly and chase for use in a graphic arts press are disclosed for use in conjunction with a press. The die assembly includes a die plate formed at least partially of ferromagnetic material and a chase with a plurality of magnet assemblies configured to provide a magnetic coupling force to selectively secure the die plate to the chase. The chase includes an actuatable releasing assembly to exert a disengagement force to separate the magnetic securement between the plates.

IPC Classes  ?

• B31F 1/07 - Embossing

Abstract

A graphic arts die and support plate assembly (10) is provided that is adapted to be mounted as a unit on the chase (50) of a flat bed (52)or rotary graphic arts press (156). The assembly includes a plurality of spaced individual dies (14) fixedly mounted in predetermined relative relationship on a support plate member (12) of the unit (10). Alignment holes (38) in each die (14) that register with orifices (40) in the support plate member (12) are adapted to receive temporary alignment pins thereby assuring correct positioning of the dies (14) with respect to one another on the support plate member (12) until the dies (14) are affixed to the support plate member (12). Makeready and die lock-up time of the press is significantly decreased because all dies (14) of the assembly (10) may be preregistered with a design artwork before mounting of the die (14) and support assembly (10) on the press. A series of graphic arts die units (10) are also provided that are adapted to be mounted as an assembly (110) encompassing more than 180 degrees of the circumference of a rotary press chase (150). The graphic arts die units have die support plate members (512) that may be aligned with indicia on the press chase, and that have notch structure (548) receiving a tool (590) for facilitating alignment and spacing between adjacent die support plate (512) members. Cutouts (316) in the die support plate members (312) permit manual selective shifting of a die (314) relative to the die support plate member (312) therefor using a tool (318) received in a cutout (316)and engageable with the die (314).

IPC Classes  ?

• B26D 7/26 - Means for mounting or adjusting the cutting member; Means for adjusting the stroke of the cutting member
• B26F 1/44 - Cutters therefor; Dies therefor