Systems and methods for implementing digital offset lithographic printing techniques

Abstract

A system and method are provided to implement variable data lithographic image forming in devices that are designed to maximize re-use of conventional offset lithographic image forming components, module and architectures. A truly variable data digital lithography scheme has been proposed as a departure from conventional offset lithography schemes. This disclosure introduces a system architecture to overcome limitations based on the architectural differences that make acceptance of the variable data lithographic scheme less practical and less attractive to some manufacturers and users. The disclosed systems and methods propose incorporating novel aspects of the true variable digital printing scheme into conventional offset lithographic modules and architectures. This disclosure describes re-use of conventional offset lithographic modules and / or architectures while making the disclosed systems and methods digital.

Description

technical field [0001] The present disclosure is directed to providing systems and methods that maximize the reuse of conventional lithographic offset printing modules, as well as the architecture for applying the provided digital marking methods and the provided variable digital offset printing architecture. Background technique [0002] Conventional lithographic and offset lithographic printing techniques use permanently patterned plates and are therefore generally considered useful only when printing large numbers of copies of the same image in long runs (such as magazines, newspapers, etc.). It is generally considered that these conventional processes are not easy to generate and print new patterns from one page to the next, because according to known methods, in order to change the image, the plate, including the printing cylinder, needs to be removed and replaced. For these reasons, conventional lithographic techniques cannot accommodate true high-speed variable data p...

AI Technical Summary

Problems solved by technology

Therefore, such surfaces may require the use of additional and costly subsystems, such as, for example, surface energy conditioning subsystems including corona discharge devices, which themselves entail wear or damage to the plate or strip surface

Another disadvantage encountered in attempting to modify conventional lithographic systems for variable printing is that the proposed systems cannot provide high transfer efficiencies such as greater than 90% to reduce ink waste and associated costs

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