MAGNETIC PRINTING DEVICE, MANUFACTURING METHOD AND USE

Description

[0001] The invention relates to the technical field of printing technology. In particular, the invention relates to a printing device, a method for manufacturing a printing device, and a use of a printing device, in particular the use of a printing device in a printing press.

[0002] EP 0 710 508 A1 relates to the production of coatings having three-dimensional optical effects by aligning magnetically orientable, platelet-shaped pigments by aligning the pigments in the still liquid coating by the magnetic field of a previously magnetically configured sheet-like transfer medium.

[0003] Further printing devices are known from US 5 630 877 A, EP 1 787 728 A, US2007 / 172261 1 and US 4 078 031 A.

[0004] In printing technology, processes are known to date that utilize the physical phenomenon or rely on the effect of magnetism to create optical effects on a printed product. In this case, inks or varnishes with magnetically orientable particles that interact with the printing device are known. However, the techniques known to date have the disadvantage of being complex and only very cumbersome, or even impossible, to produce customized printed products based on data specifications.

[0005] The object of the present invention is to provide a solution for easily producing optical effects using magnetic means in the field of printing technology. This object is achieved by the subject matter of the independent patent claims. Further preferred embodiments of the invention are disclosed in the dependent patent claims.

[0006] The object of the invention is achieved with a printing device according to the features of patent claim 1.

[0007] The printing device according to the invention can also be referred to as a "printing form," "cliché," "magnetic form," or "magnetic foil." The printing device or cliché has a printing surface or printing side, which, during intended use, faces the substrate to be printed, and a fastening side that can be fastened to a base, for example, a support, printing roller, or impression cylinder. Any desired cliché size can be provided, for example, with an external dimension of approximately 1000 mm x approximately 675 mm or approximately 1000 mm x approximately 750 mm (mm = millimeters). Any other external dimensions are also possible. Furthermore, it is preferred that the cliché or the manufactured printing device has a material thickness of less than one millimeter, preferably only approximately 0.8 mm, with a tolerance range of approximately ± 0.1 mm. The cliché is preferably flexible.

[0008] Accordingly, a printing device is provided, for example, a printing plate or a printing film, which has at least a first region and at least a second region. The printing device can also be understood as a printing form. The printing device can be referred to as a cliché, printing plate, printing film, or magnetic film.

[0009] A "volume" is understood to be a three-dimensional extension. In this case, an "interface" is understood to be a surface that borders a volume, whereby the surface can be configured as a two-dimensional surface or a three-dimensional surface. Likewise, an area, such as the first and second areas of the printing device, can be a two-dimensional as well as a three-dimensional surface. A three-dimensional surface arises when a flat surface is curved or deformed in some other way. Furthermore, a "printing surface" is understood to be a surface suitable for magnetic printing. In this case, the printing surface itself can have a magnetic region, i.e., the magnetic region is part of the printing surface.Furthermore, it is also possible that the printing surface itself does not have the magnetic region, but the magnetic region only acts on the printing surface, so that, for example, the magnetic region is arranged below the printing surface and the printing surface is formed, for example, by a coating.

[0010] A transition between two areas (magnetic area and non-magnetic area, or magnetic area and magnetic area) forms a boundary line on the printing surface, or at least below the surface of the printing device, in both a two-dimensional and a three-dimensional view. This boundary line is part of a flat boundary layer, which can be flat, i.e., two-dimensional, or three-dimensional, and which, in a three-dimensional view, is formed by the adjoining of two volumes, for example, a magnetic volume and a non-magnetic volume. The boundary line causes a sudden transition between a magnetic area and a non-magnetic area.

[0011] The printing device can be used to create optically appearing three-dimensional contours, with the course of the boundary line on the printing surface between the two areas determining the shape of the contour. The term "area" can be defined as a two-dimensional or three-dimensional geometry that lies arbitrarily in space and is part of the printing surface or at least has an effect on the magnetic printing below the printing surface. In the case of a flat printing surface, which is preferred, the first and second areas are surfaces that form a boundary line at their common interface, which lies on or below the printing surface and can influence magnetically orientable particles of an ink or varnish in the vicinity of the printing surface.

[0012] It can be provided that the magnetic volume is formed by a permanent magnet. In this case, one pole of the permanent magnet can form a first pole of the magnetic volume, and a second pole of the permanent magnet can form a second pole of the magnetic volume. For printing on a substrate, a plurality of magnetic volumes can be used to form boundary lines of any shape.

[0013] A permanent magnet can be understood as a magnetic volume that provides a permanent magnetic effect over time. The use of one or more permanent magnets has the advantage that a permanent magnetic effect can be provided with the printing device. This makes it possible to use or reuse the printing device multiple times, making it reusable. This is because the magnetic effect of a permanent magnet changes little or not over time. In the long term, it provides a magnetic effect at the boundary line formed with non-magnetic material, which can be used for technical purposes.

[0014] Furthermore, in a further embodiment of the printing device, the printing device can be designed as a film or "magnetic film." The film can also have permanent magnets or areas with a permanent magnetic effect.

[0015] In the field of printing technology, a "film" refers to a metal or plastic sheet. A film has the advantage of being thin. It is also advantageous if the film is flexible, allowing it to adapt to a given geometry, such as a cylinder or roller of a printing press. Another advantage is that a film can have any geometry and printing surface size. For example, the printing device can be manufactured as a film with a thickness of approximately 0.8 mm or less. Furthermore, the size of the printing device can be determined according to the specifications of a printing press. Thus, the use of a film can expand the application area of ​​the printing device with respect to any printing press. Furthermore, the film can be applied to a carrier material, such as a carrier material with adhesive or sticky properties, for example, toto enable the film to be attached to a printing roller.

[0016] During a printing process, it can be provided that ink or varnish containing particles or pigments is applied to the substrate, whereby the particles or pigments are magnetically orientable. In this way, it is possible for the magnetically orientable particles to align themselves with respect to the boundary line of the printing device. Due to the emergence of magnetic field lines at the boundary line, the magnetically orientable particles or magnetically orientable pigments have a tendency to also align themselves along the magnetic field lines. It has been discovered that optical effects can be achieved in this way. In intended use during a printing process, the magnetic field acts on ink particles with magnetic properties, so that the magnetically orientable particles or magnetically orientable pigments provide a three-dimensional optical effect on the printed product.Thus, it can be provided that the boundary line defines a printed image that produces three-dimensional optical effects, in that the printing surface interacts with ink particles of a printing ink or printing varnish during intended use. In the present context, the terms "ink" and "varnish" are used interchangeably, since both types of coatings are suitable for containing magnetically orientable particles. The terms "roller" or "printing roller" and "cylinder" or "impression cylinder" are also used interchangeably in the present context, since both types are suitable as substrate-guiding devices for attaching one or more printing devices according to the invention.

[0017] The printing device according to the invention acts, for example, during a printing process through the substrate to be printed on the ink or varnish application on the front of the substrate without the substrate necessarily coming into contact with the latter, since the magnetic effect of the printing device can exert magnetic forces in the millimeter range. Printing with contact between the printing device and substrate is advantageous, since the weak magnetic effect of the printing device can then be more effective. In this case, direct contact between the printing device and substrate is desired, with the printing surface of the printing device lying flat or at least partially flat on the back of the substrate during printing. This means that the printing device is present on the back of the substrate, which is not printed, and the effects of the printing device appear on the front of the substrate, i.e. on the printing side.

[0018] Overall, the boundary line or a plurality of boundary lines of the printing device according to the invention are used to enable magnetic printing on a substrate using the printing device according to the invention. Connected boundary lines can be formed, for example, as the border of a letter. Separate boundary lines can also be used, for example, to print two parallel lines with two straight boundary lines. The printing device is preferably used to create decorative effects when printing a printed product. An image determines the appearance of the decorative effects.

[0019] In this context, the term "magnetic printing" refers to printing on a substrate without mechanical action to create an image in the form of a pattern, lettering, or similar on the substrate. The printing of the image is based exclusively on a magnetic effect of the printing device, which, when used as intended, interacts with magnetically orientable elements in an ink or varnish applied to the substrate. By specifying the image with its boundary lines, effects are transferred to the substrate to be printed. Thus, an "effect transfer" takes place, which in this context is understood as printing or magnetic printing.

[0020] In this context, "image" refers to a contour or print result on a substrate created by the printing effects of the printing device. The substrate can contain any image, such as lines, shapes, letters, patterns, or similar. "Printed product" refers to the printed substrate containing the image.

[0021] In a preferred embodiment of the printing device according to the invention, it can be provided that the second region is a non-magnetic region.

[0022] Accordingly, a printing device is provided, the printing device having a printing surface with at least one magnetic region and at least one non-magnetic region, one of the magnetic regions and one of the non-magnetic regions at least partially adjoining one another and forming at least one boundary line on the printing surface or beneath the printing surface, and the boundary line running parallel to the printing surface, for example. In this case, the magnetic region is part of a magnetic volume, the magnetic volume having a first magnetic pole and a second magnetic pole. In this case, the first magnetic pole faces the printing surface and the second magnetic pole faces away from the printing surface. Furthermore, the boundary line can be used to create a contour on a substrate to be printed.

[0023] In this embodiment, the transition between a magnetic and a non-magnetic region, or between a magnetic and a non-magnetic volume, is used to create a sudden transition between the two regions. This sudden transition, in the form of an interface in three-dimensional terms or in the form of a boundary line in two-dimensional terms, is used to technically exploit magnetic effects, in particular the course of magnetic field lines, to create optical effects on a printed product. The boundary line can be used to create a magnetic effect on a printed product.

[0024] The boundary line between a magnetic and a non-magnetic area is used to recreate letters, lines, or patterns, for example. The boundary line can therefore take on any shape. In other words, the boundary line is used to describe a substrate to be printed without protruding from the surface of the printing form. The magnetic effect of the boundary line on the substrate to be printed allows the printed product to be magnetically written on or printed on. This utilizes the magnetic effect at the material transition between a magnetic and a non-magnetic material.

[0025] In a further preferred embodiment of the printing device, it can be provided that the second region of the printing surface is a second magnetic region that is part of a second magnetic volume, wherein the second magnetic volume has a first magnetic pole and a second magnetic pole. Furthermore, it can be provided that the two magnetic regions are aligned differently with respect to their magnetic poles.

[0026] Accordingly, the printing device has at least four magnetic poles, two north poles and two south poles each. The orientation of the poles is alternately arranged on the printing surface, so that at least one north pole and at least one south pole face the printing surface and exert their magnetic effect on the magnetically orientable particles.

[0027] In a further embodiment, it can be provided that the printing device has a plurality of magnetic regions, wherein at least two magnetic regions are aligned similarly with respect to their magnetic poles.

[0028] In addition to the plurality of magnetic regions, the printing device can also be provided with a plurality of non-magnetic regions. These can, for example, be arranged between two magnetic regions. Furthermore, it is possible for all magnetic regions of the printing surface to be aligned similarly with respect to their magnetic poles.

[0029] A similar alignment of the magnetic regions means that the existing magnetic poles, with a magnetic north pole and a magnetic south pole, are each arranged in the same direction. For example, it can be provided that all magnetic regions facing the printing surface have the magnetic north pole. Accordingly, the magnetic south pole of each magnetic region can face away from the printing surface. Alternatively, it can be provided that all magnetic regions facing the printing surface have the magnetic south pole. Accordingly, the magnetic north pole of a region can face away from the printing surface.

[0030] As an alternative embodiment, the magnetic poles can also be differently oriented. For example, north pole and south pole volumes can be arranged next to one another within a printing form. The arrangement can be direct, i.e., without any additional non-magnetic volumes in between, with at least one north pole and one south pole arranged next to one another and each facing the substrate. Furthermore, the magnetic poles can also be arranged indirectly, next to one another, facing the substrate, i.e., another non-magnetic volume is arranged between the magnetic poles.

[0031] According to a further embodiment of the printing device, it can be provided that at least one of the regions is formed by a polymer.

[0032] A polymer is any plastic that has no or almost no magnetic properties. One or more non-magnetic regions can be formed from this polymer. Different polymers or polymer blends can also be used for a single printing device. For this purpose, magnetic or magnetizable material can be added to the polymer to form magnetic regions.

[0033] A polymer has the advantage of being able to easily connect two different areas of a printing surface, such as a magnetic and a non-magnetic area, without leaving any gaps. A positive connection between a magnetic volume and a non-magnetic volume, or another magnetic volume, can form a boundary line for magnetic printing with a sharp contour, making it particularly suitable for magnetic printing. Suitable polymers can be epoxy resins, polyethylene, and polyurethane. Furthermore, polymers can also be used to provide the magnetic volume by adding a carrier with magnetic properties to this polymer. In this way, for example, two different polymers can be used to manufacture the printing device. This means that both non-magnetic and magnetizable polymers can be used.

[0034] In an advantageous embodiment of the printing device according to the invention, it can be provided that the printing device has an image with complex structures.

[0035] Any desired images can be provided using the printing device. This is possible because the printing device according to the invention is easy to manufacture. The images produce a desired printing effect and depict the specified structures on a printed substrate. Any desired images also include complex structures, such as figures or patterns that deviate from the previously common printable basic geometries with simple shapes such as squares, circles, or triangles. For example, a landscape, vehicles, or house structures can be printed using the printing device, which were previously created, for example, in a digital data format. This is particularly easy to do if a data processing system is used to process the raw magnetic foil based on the digital data.The image data is used to define magnetic and non-magnetic areas on the raw magnetic foil, thus defining the contours of the image.

[0036] Furthermore, it can be provided that the printing surface has a curvature during normal use.

[0037] This is possible, for example, if the printing device is thin and flexible, allowing it to adapt to a curvature on the circumference of a printing roller or printing cylinder, for example. This is easily achieved if the printing device is designed as a printing film. Accordingly, the printing device has a radius or bending radius during its intended use. If the printing device is elastically deformable, it can assume a flat shape for storage and, during its intended use, take on the shape of a circumference or partial circumference of a printing roller or printing cylinder and be attached thereto.

[0038] In a further embodiment of the printing device, it can be provided that the printing device has a coating.

[0039] Such a coating can be provided on the underside and / or the top side of the printing device. The "top side" of the printing device refers to the side or surface of the printing device that faces the printed product during its intended use. In other words, the top side of the printing device comprises the printing surface. Accordingly, the "underside" of the printing device refers to the side or surface of the printing device that faces away from the printed product during its intended use. Accordingly, the underside of the printing device can be attached, for example, to a roller or cylinder of a printing press. It can be advantageous for the underside of the printing device to have an adhesive surface in the form of a coating.It can also be provided that, instead of a full-surface coating, an adhesive material is applied partially or selectively to the underside of the printing device in order to attach, glue, or at least fix the printing device to a substrate, such as a printing roller. Furthermore, it can be advantageous for the top side of the printing device to have a layer that serves, for example, as a protective layer.

[0040] A coating on the top side can be formed from one or more material layers that allow the magnetic effect of the magnetic regions beneath the coating to pass through unhindered. Thus, the coating on the top side of the printing device is advantageously magnetically ineffective. Furthermore, the coating on the top side of the printing device can be used as a protective layer that mechanically protects the magnetic and non-magnetic regions directly beneath the protective layer. This has the advantage that even with repeated use of the printing device, the magnetic and non-magnetic regions are not worn or damaged. The coating as a protective layer on the top side of the printing device is advantageously uniformly smooth over the entire surface.

[0041] Furthermore, the invention provides a method for producing a printing device according to the features of claim 8.

[0042] Furthermore, according to one embodiment, a manufacturing method for a printing device can be provided. Here, the method comprises providing a first region, for example a magnetic region, and a second region, for example a non-magnetic region. Furthermore, the method comprises arranging the first region and the second region such that the first region and the second region adjoin one another and form a boundary line, wherein the first region is part of a magnetic volume and the magnetic volume has a first magnetic pole and a second magnetic pole, wherein the first magnetic pole faces the printing surface and the second magnetic pole faces away from the printing surface. Furthermore, a contour can be created on a substrate to be printed using the boundary line.The printing device is intended to be less than one millimeter thick and flexible. In addition, the printing surface is compressible.

[0043] When the printing device is used as intended, the boundary line can be used to create an optical effect or image on a substrate in order to produce a printed product.

[0044] In a further embodiment of the method, provision can be made of a raw magnetic foil, onto which an image is transferred during a processing operation. During the processing of the raw magnetic foil, edges are created at which magnetic field lines form. Furthermore, the method can include encapsulating the raw magnetic foil with a non-magnetic polymer and producing a uniform thickness of the printing device.

[0045] To produce the printing device, a raw magnetic foil is used, which is processed and coated using the manufacturing method according to the invention. The manufacturing process or method according to the invention provides a printing device or a magnetic foil having a layered structure. Within the layered structure, magnetic volumes and non-magnetic volumes, as well as cover layers, can be present.

[0046] Preferably, the magnetic adhesive force of the raw magnetic foil is in the range of about 0.15 N / cm 2 to about 0.7 N / cm 2 , preferably in the range of about 0.3 N / cm 2 to about 0.5 N / cm 2 , preferably 0.4 N / cm 2 . This means that the raw magnetic foil has a relatively weak magnetic force sufficient to achieve magnetic printing. Advantageously, the raw magnetic foil is an anisotropic foil, meaning it is initially unmagnetized and then magnetizable.

[0047] The thickness of the raw magnetic foil ranges from approximately 0.4 mm to 0.6 mm, preferably approximately 0.5 mm. The manufacturing method according to the invention provides printing devices or magnetic foils with a thickness in the range of approximately 0.7 mm to approximately 0.9 mm. Accordingly, a printing device can be produced as a thin magnetic foil. The size (area) of the raw magnetic foil varies and can be adapted to the intended application, such as the printing press, printing process, and print format.

[0048] Particles are preferably used for printing on a printing substrate or a material, for example magnetically alignable pigments or particles in a size of about 8 µm to about 12 µm, preferably about 9 µm to about 11 µm, more preferably about 10 µm.

[0049] The invention utilizes the fact of magnetic attraction, i.e., field lines exit at the north pole of the magnet and enter at the south pole. By processing a raw magnetic foil, an image is transferred to it. Data is used to define shapes that correspond to the subsequent printed effect, such as logos, fonts, elements, etc. The data is preferably provided as digital data in the form of vector data, for example, in PDF format (PDF = portable document format). Creating the data is comparable to that of a die, i.e., it involves contour lines in the form of vector data.

[0050] By processing the raw magnetic foil, it is "destroyed" and this can cause magnetic field lines to form along the edges, which determine the orientation of the iron-containing pigments in the varnish / ink during the printing process.

[0051] Subsequently, the unwanted image elements are removed from the raw magnetic foil. In a final step, the magnetic surfaces are embedded in a polymer layer. For this purpose, the prepared magnetic foil is placed in a casting device. In this device, the magnetic foil, as an intermediate product, is coated with a liquid polymer. The lower areas between the individual magnetic areas are filled, and the magnetic mold is given a uniform height. Once the polymer has cured, the magnetic mold or printing device is ready for printing.

[0052] The resulting magnetic mold is flexible, durable, bendable, compressible, and has a smooth and uniform surface. The thickness of the entire magnetic mold structure is preferably approximately 0.8 mm. This preferred compressibility is advantageous during the printing process, as the printing surface can adapt to the conditions. This means that the printing device is flexible in thickness and can adapt to its printing environment. This adaptation is reversible, so that after a limited period of pressure on the printing device, for example, against a counter-pressure roller, the original thickness of the printing device returns.

[0053] The final fixation of the magnetic form in the printing press depends on the printing process, the type of printing press, and any technical features. With all printing processes, the magnetic form can be glued on and takes effect either directly during the varnish / paint application or immediately afterward.

[0054] In one embodiment of the method, it can be provided that at least one magnetic region is provided by casting a magnetic material, cutting out a magnetic material, punching a magnetic material, printing a magnetic material, in particular 3D printing (three-dimensional printing), and / or by using a magnetic liquid or paste.

[0055] A magnetic "paste" is defined as a material with a higher viscosity than a liquid and a composition containing at least one substance that has magnetic properties and is permanently magnetizable to provide magnetic properties to the printing device. Instead of a raw magnetic foil, a "paste" can be used. An anisotropic paste can be printed, for example, in 3D printing, and then magnetized.

[0056] It is possible to use a pasty mass to produce the printing device, which can be cast, pressed, injected, or 3D printed, for example. The magnetic paste can be produced using a polymer as the base substance. Furthermore, the magnetic paste can exhibit additional properties in addition to its magnetic properties by adding other substances, such as a substance for ultraviolet light stability or a substance for hydrophobic or hydrophilic properties.

[0057] This makes it possible to integrate prefabricated magnetic volumes into the printing device. Alternatively, it is also possible to magnetize an existing material, such as a magnetic paste, as a step during the production of the printing device.

[0058] In a further embodiment of the method, it can be provided that a first shape of the first region and a second shape of the second region are provided by specifying a data structure.

[0059] The geometry of the individual regions is preferably specified digitally in a data structure; in particular, the contour of the boundary line is defined by parameters in the data structure. This makes it possible to digitally program a printing device and then produce the printing device mechanically, or at least partially mechanically, using the programmed data specification.

[0060] Thus, data specifications can be specified in the form of a data structure that is to be printed as a contour or as an image. The contours are specified, for example, in the form of a digital file with a predefined file format under definition of the contours. Vector data, for example, is used here. Structures can be printed as images, particularly very complex structures. A corresponding printing device can be manufactured according to individual specifications, so that images of any design can be printed with the printing device by digitally mapping the boundary lines between the magnetic and non-magnetic areas. Thus, the printing device according to the invention can be used in a variety of ways, for example to print fonts, patterns, logos or other geometric shapes.With the printing device according to the invention, any images can be printed without having to process rigid materials such as permanent magnets.

[0061] In a further embodiment of the method, provision can be made for the creation of a data structure that specifies the image for the printing device.

[0062] In a further embodiment, the method may further comprise transferring the image to the raw magnetic foil using a data processing system.

[0063] The manufacturing process can be carried out entirely or at least partially computer-aided. The image for the printing device is easily available via a digital data structure, allowing the image to be transferred to the raw magnetic foil.

[0064] Furthermore, the invention relates to the use of a printing device for magnetic printing using a layer with magnetically orientable particles that can be applied to a substrate surface. In this case, the printing device acts on this substrate surface by passing through the substrate to be printed.

[0065] The layer used is, for example, a paint or varnish, each of which has magnetic properties, for example, caused by magnetically orientable particles or magnetically orientable pigments, or particles or pigments with magnetic properties that have been mixed into the paint or varnish. The printing device is applied to the substrate accordingly, with the printing device acting through the substrate, so that the printing device is arranged on a first side of the substrate, and the layer with magnetic properties can be applied to a second side, opposite the first side, during a printing process.

[0066] This way, the printing device does not come into contact with the ink or varnish, allowing it to be used multiple times without wear. Changing colors is done by selecting the color, without the need to clean the printing device for a color change.

[0067] In a further embodiment of the use of the printing device, it is provided that the printing device is fastened to a roller of a printing machine and, during a printing process, the substrate contacts the printing device with its substrate back surface, and magnetically orientable particles are aligned on the substrate surface as the front side of the substrate.

[0068] The printing device is particularly suitable for use in a printing press because it is easy to assemble and disassemble. The flexibility of the printing device allows any roller size to be used without requiring any modifications to the printing device.

[0069] A printing press can have at least one roller or cylinder, a feed device for a substrate or printing medium, and an ink feed device or varnish feed device for feeding an ink or varnish, wherein the ink or varnish has magnetically orientable particles. In this case, it can be provided that a printing device having at least one magnetic region is arranged on the roller or cylinder. In this case, a printed product can be produced with the printing press by means of a magnetic effect of the at least one magnetic region of the printing device. Furthermore, it is provided that at least one magnetic region of the printing device acts on the magnetically orientable particles during a printing process of the printing press, and the magnetically orientable particles can be aligned by this effect, and a contour can be created on the substrate to be printed.Furthermore, it can be provided that at least one magnetic region of the printing device acts on the magnetically orientable particles through the substrate to be printed or coated during a printing process with a printing press. Contact is made between the printing device and the back of the substrate to effect magnetic printing on the front side of the substrate. This means that the magnetic effect during printing is generated from the back of the substrate.

[0070] Accordingly, a printing machine can be used which can be equipped with the printing device according to the invention in order to be able to produce a printed product based on a magnetic effect of the printing device, wherein the magnetic particles interact with a magnetic region of the printing device during the printing process.

[0071] In one embodiment of the printing press, it can be provided that the printing press is an offset rotary printing press, a flexo rotary printing press, a screen printing press, a gravure rotary printing press, a sheet-fed offset printing press, a sheet-fed flexo printing press, a sheet-fed gravure printing press or a sheet-fed screen printing press.

[0072] The printing device according to the invention can therefore be used for machine printing in a printing press. The printing device can be used multiple times for printing. In one embodiment of the printing press, the printing device can be arranged on a counter-pressure device, in particular on an impression cylinder and / or on a guide roller and / or a deflection roller.

[0073] A printed product processed by a printing device according to the invention comprises a substrate coated with a layer, wherein the layer comprises magnetically orientable particles. Furthermore, the printed product comprises at least one contour caused by magnetism, wherein the contour on the printed product is caused by aligned, magnetically oriented particles of the layer.

[0074] In this case, the contour can be aligned by at least one boundary line between a first region and a second region of the printing device. Accordingly, the printed product has contours produced by magnetism, with the contours having a three-dimensional appearance.

[0075] The layer can be an ink layer or a varnish layer. The substrates to be printed can be paper, cardboard, plastic, metal, or similar materials, primarily substrates that can be processed mechanically in the printing industry.

[0076] Furthermore, according to one embodiment, a method for producing a printed product can be provided. The method comprises providing information that describes an image of the printed product and storing the data in a production machine for a printing device. Furthermore, the method comprises providing at least a first region, for example a magnetic region, and a second region, for example a further magnetic region or a non-magnetic region. The geometry of the regions is provided, for example, based on a data structure. Furthermore, mounting the printing device in a printing machine is provided. Furthermore, the proposed method comprises feeding a substrate to the printing device and feeding varnish with magnetically orientable particles.Furthermore, an application of the lacquer to the substrate and an action of a printing surface of the printing device on the substrate are provided, wherein the printing surface has at least one magnetic region and at least one non-magnetic region and a boundary line between the magnetic region and the non-magnetic region acts on the substrate.

[0077] Overall, a magnetic effect is technically used to create three-dimensional optical effects on substrates during magnetic printing. The optical effects are created by magnetically orientable particles on the printed product. Furthermore, a printing device can be manufactured according to specifications, individually adapted to an image or print motif. The printing device can be sized to fit a printing press or a roller of the printing press and can be easily mounted and dismounted. The printing device can be reused multiple times after disassembly. Overall, the proposed solution is less complex and straightforward to use. Furthermore, the proposed printing device has a simple structure.

[0078] The printing device according to the invention can be customized, particularly according to common data formats in the printing industry. The printing device has a thickness of less than one millimeter. Furthermore, the printing device can be used to create decorative effects, which can be provided in the form of digital data according to individual specifications.

[0079] The invention, as well as further features, objects, advantages, and possible applications thereof, will be explained in more detail below with reference to a description of preferred embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the drawings, the same reference numerals designate the same or corresponding elements. In the drawings: Fig. 1 a first embodiment of a printing device according to the invention in perspective view; Fig. 2 the printing device of the Fig. 1 in a top view; Fig. 3 a schematic representation of a magnetic volume; Fig. 4 the magnetic volume of the Fig. 2 with example magnetic field lines; Fig. 5 a second embodiment of a printing device according to the invention in sectional view; Fig. 6 a third embodiment of a printing device according to the invention in sectional view; Fig. 7 a fourth embodiment of a printing device according to the invention in sectional view; Fig. 8 a fifth embodiment of a printing device according to the invention in perspective view; Fig. 9 a printed product produced with the printing device of the Fig. 8 was printed; Fig. 10 an embodiment of a printing machine for producing a printed product according to the invention using the printing device according to the invention; Fig. 11 a detailed view of the printing press Fig. 10 in a first state; and Fig. 12 a detailed view of the printing press Fig. 10 in a second state.

[0080] Fig. 1 shows a first embodiment of a printing device 10 according to the invention in a perspective three-dimensional view. In Fig. 1 To illustrate the three-dimensionality, a coordinate system is drawn with the axes x, y and z, each of which denotes a dimension of the printing device 10. The printing device 10 has a three-dimensional magnetic volume 20 with a first magnetic pole 21 and a second magnetic pole 22. In this exemplary embodiment, the magnetic volume 20 is designed as a cuboid-shaped volume and has flat surfaces on six outer sides of the volume 20. Furthermore, the first magnetic pole 21 and the second magnetic pole 22 abut one another flatly and form a flat two-dimensional interface, wherein a boundary line 23 of the interface in Fig. 1 which is partially located inside the printing device 10. In the present embodiment, the first magnetic pole 21 is the magnetic north pole of the magnetic volume 20 and the second magnetic pole 22 is the magnetic south pole of the magnetic volume 20. However, in further embodiments, the poles can also be reversed, so that the first magnetic pole 21 is the magnetic south pole and the second magnetic pole 22 is the north pole. In both cases, one of the magnetic poles forms a printing surface 11, while the other magnetic pole faces away from the printing surface 11.

[0081] The printing surface 11 has a magnetic region 24, which is formed by one of the magnetic poles or by a magnetic pole. The printing surface 11 is used for magnetic printing and, in its intended use, faces a substrate to be printed. The magnetic region 24 is formed by the first magnetic pole 21 of the magnetic volume 20. It is also possible for the magnetic pole to be covered by an additional layer, and thus the printing surface 11 only acts indirectly on a substrate, since it then does not come into contact with the substrate surface. In such a case, this magnetic region 24 is fully effective, even if the magnetic pole 21 lies beneath an outer surface of the printing device 10, for example, if a layer is formed between the printing surface 11 and the surface of the printing device 10. In the embodiments of the Fig. 5 bis 8 this is the case, ie the magnetic volume 20 is at least partially or completely within the printing device 10. In the embodiment of the Fig. 1 the magnetic volume with its printing surface 11 forms an outer surface of the printing device 10.

[0082] Accordingly, the magnetic region 24, which is formed by a magnetic pole 21 of the magnetic volume 20, can act directly on the printing surface 11. In such a case, the magnetic pole 21 forms the printing surface 11.

[0083] Fig. 1 further shows two non-magnetic regions 25, each adjacent to the magnetic region 24. In the present case, each of the magnetic regions 25 forms an edge region of the printing device 10.

[0084] Fig. 2 shows the printing device 10 of the Fig. 1 in a plan view, ie in the coordinates z and y from Fig. 1 , in which the non-magnetic regions 25 partially surround the magnetic region 24, in particular the magnetic volume borders on two non-magnetic volumes. Here, the printing surface 11 is shown in a plan view, wherein the Fig. 2 visible magnetic area 24 and the two non-magnetic areas 25 are identical to the printing surface 11.

[0085] At the transition between the magnetic region 24 and the non-magnetic region 25, a boundary surface 27 is formed inside the printing device 10. Boundary lines 28 are formed at the boundary surface 27, which delimit the boundary surface 27, wherein one of the boundary lines 28 faces the printing surface 11 and runs parallel to the printing surface 11. This Fig. 2 The boundary lines 28 shown as examples are used to magnetically print a substrate. In one embodiment of the printing device 10 according to the invention, as shown in Fig. 1 As shown, the substrate comes into contact with the printing surface 11 of the printing device 10 during magnetic printing. Indirect contact is also possible by providing a further layer between the printing surface 11 and the magnetic volume, for example a protective layer, which in the embodiments of the Fig. 5 bis Fig. 7 is shown.

[0086] The printing device 10 according to the invention can be used manually or in a printing machine. In both cases, a lacquer with magnetically orientable particles is applied to the substrate over the entire surface or at least partially over the entire surface. In the present embodiment of the Fig. 1 und 2 Two lines result as a print result or image on the substrate to be printed, corresponding to the contour of the two boundary lines 28 of the printing device 10. Thus, a contour is magnetically printed on the substrate, which remains permanently on the substrate. The use of magnetically orientable particles in the applied varnish results in optically three-dimensional effects on the substrate. In the present embodiment of the Fig. 2 a monochrome image with a three-dimensional contour with two parallel lines is created corresponding to the course of the two boundary lines 28. The optically three-dimensional effect is caused by the effect of the boundary line 28. The applied magnetically orientable particles align themselves according to the course of the boundary line 28, so that at these points the particles have a different orientation than at the magnetic surface 24 and the non-magnetic surface 25. This means that the surface 24 and the surface 25 produce the same optical appearance on the image and only the boundary line 28 produces a three-dimensional contour, whereby the printed product shows no roughness on the substrate surface and is uniformly smooth over its entire surface.

[0087] In an alternative embodiment with regard to Fig. 3 und Fig. 4 The magnetic pole 21 can be formed below the printing surface 11 inside the printing device 10. The position of the magnetic volume 20 can depend on additional optional coatings of the printing device 10. For example, a coating can be arranged on the magnetic region 24 to mechanically protect the printing device 10.

[0088] To clarify the technical effect used when printing a printed product with the printing device 10 according to the invention, Fig. 3 und Fig. 4 the magnetic volume 20 of the embodiment of the printing device according to Fig. 1 shown. Edge effects of the magnetic region 24 are used on the surface of the magnetic volume 20 to print contours on a printed product. For this purpose, a material is applied to the printed product, for example, a varnish with magnetically orientable particles, which aligns itself particularly at the edge regions of the magnetic region 24.

[0089] As in Fig. 4 As shown schematically, the particularly strong edge effects of the magnetic field line 26 are used to align magnetic particles or pigments on a printed product present in the immediate vicinity. This alignment of the magnetic particles or pigments creates a visual three-dimensional effect on the printed product without the printed product becoming uneven or rough on its printed surface due to the printing process.

[0090] Fig. 5 shows a second embodiment of a printing device 10 according to the invention in cross section, in which a magnetic volume 20 forms a partial region of a printing surface 11. The printing surface 11 has a magnetic region 24, which is formed by a first pole 21 of the magnetic volume 20. Furthermore, the magnetic region 24 has a second magnetic pole 22, which borders the first magnetic pole. The printing surface 11 of the printing device 10 has a non-magnetic region 25, which is formed, for example, from a polymer. The magnetic region 24 and the non-magnetic region 25 border one another and each form a boundary line 28. The boundary line 28 lies below the printing surface 11 and acts on the printing surface 11 through a protective layer 13. The protective layer 13 can serve, for example, to mechanically protect the printing surface 11.Furthermore, the printing device 10 has a carrier layer 12. The carrier layer 12 can serve, for example, as a base and be used to fix several regions 24, 25 in their position relative to one another. The boundary line 28 is used in the intended use of the printing device 10 to create an optical effect on a printed product, in particular to magnetically align magnetically orientable particles in a varnish or ink. The carrier layer 12 and the protective layer 13 are each optional.

[0091] In the embodiment of the Fig. 5 two boundary lines 28 are formed, caused by a first transition from the magnetic region 24 to the non-magnetic region 25 and by a second transition from the non-magnetic region 25 to a second magnetic region 24.

[0092] Fig. 6 shows a third embodiment of a printing device 10 according to the invention, wherein the printing device 10 has two non-magnetic regions 25 which are separated from each other by a magnetic region 24. The magnetic poles of the two magnetic regions 24 are aligned similarly. This means that in the present embodiment, for example, the magnetic north poles face the printing surface 11 and the magnetic south poles face away from the printing surface 11. Here, the printing device of the Fig. 6 an optional carrier layer 12 and an optional protective layer 13, as in Fig. 5 shown.

[0093] In the embodiment of the Fig. 6 are also as in Fig. 5 two boundary lines 28 are formed. Fig. 6 a first boundary line 28 is formed by a transition from the first non-magnetic region 25 to the magnetic region 24. Furthermore, in Fig. 6 a second boundary line 28 is formed by a transition from the magnetic region 24 to the second non-magnetic region 25. Here, the printing device 10 of the Fig. 6 an optional carrier layer 12 and an optional protective layer 13.

[0094] In principle, the designs of the Fig. 5 und Fig. 6 The same image or print image is created in each case, since the course of the boundary lines 28 is important for the image. For example, if the formed boundary lines 28 in the sectional view of the Fig. 5 und Fig. 6 straight lines, as in Fig. 1 shown, the pressure devices 10 of the Fig. 5 und Fig. 6 Two straight lines are printed as a magnetic contour. This is possible if the two versions of the Fig. 5 und Fig. 6 have geometrically identical boundary lines 28, which, however, were caused in different ways by the arrangement of the magnetic and non-magnetic regions 24, 25.

[0095] Fig. 7 shows a further embodiment of a printing device 10 according to the invention in a sectional view. Here, both a first region is a magnetic region 24 and a second region is a magnetic region 24. Furthermore, the printing device 10 has a third magnetic region 24. The magnetic regions 24 each have magnetic poles 21, 22, with one of the poles of each region 24 facing the printing surface 11 and one of the poles of each region 24 facing away from the printing surface 11. Furthermore, two of the magnetic regions 24 border on one another and each form a boundary line 28. Two adjacent magnetic regions 24 differ in terms of the orientation of the magnetic poles 21, 22. Thus, the magnetic north pole and the magnetic south pole alternately face the printing surface 11.A lower layer 12 and an upper layer 13 are optional, as in the other embodiments, since the effect of the printing device 10 is not influenced by these layers 12, 13.

[0096] Furthermore, it is possible that the illustrated and described embodiments can be combined within the scope of the present invention. For example, it is possible that the printing device 10 according to Fig. 7 also has non-magnetic regions 25. These can, for example, be located between the magnetic regions 24. In this way, magnetic regions 24 and non-magnetic regions 25 can alternately adjoin one another, with the orientation of the magnetic poles 21, 22 with respect to the printing surface 11 also changing alternately.

[0097] Within the scope of the present invention, it is also possible according to a further embodiment that the side surfaces 27 of the magnetic poles 21, 22 are not aligned at a right angle or almost at a right angle with respect to the printing surface 11, for example in Fig. 1 the rectangular or nearly rectangular case is shown. Instead, the side surfaces 27 can be arranged inclined with respect to the pressure surface 11. In this way, magnetic volumes 20 can be arranged similarly to Fig. 3 which, however, are shown in side view or sectional view Fig. 4 a trapezoidal shape, a diamond shape, a triangular shape, or similar geometries with inclined side edges. Thus, inclined side surfaces 27 are possible, which can form any angle to each other. These shapes affect magnetic printing, since their geometry can change the magnetic effect on the printing surface 11.

[0098] Although magnetic effects may also occur in the non-magnetic region 25 due to the magnetic effect of the magnetic volume 20, these are attributed to the magnetic volume or the magnetic region near the printing surface 11 of the printing device 10. The non-magnetic region 25 comprises a non-magnetic material, so that at least one side surface 27 is formed between the magnetic volume and the non-magnetic volume. The side surface 27 is in the embodiment of the Fig. 1 arranged perpendicularly or at right angles or nearly at right angles to the printing surface 11. At the geometric locations where the interface 27 delimits the two-dimensional magnetic region 24, a boundary line 28 is formed, which is technically used for "magnetic printing" of the present invention.

[0099] Fig. 8 shows a fifth embodiment of a printing device 10 according to the invention in perspective view. With this embodiment, the letter "T" is to be magnetically printed. For this purpose, the printing device 10 has a magnetic volume 20 that corresponds to the shape of the letter "T". Adjacent to this shape of the letter is a non-magnetic volume at lateral boundary surfaces 27. Thus, instead of the cuboid shape of the Fig. 1 a different design of the magnetic volume is used.

[0100] Fig. 9 shows a printed product 30 which is produced with the printing device of Fig. 8 was printed. Just as in Fig. 9 The top view of the printing device 10 is shown Fig. 8 For this purpose, reference numbers 30, 31 and 32 of the Fig. 9 to be replaced by reference numbers 10, 11 and 28.

[0101] To provide a printed product 30 according to Fig. 9 A substrate 31 was fed to the printing device 10, so that the substrate 31 is placed on the printing device 10, at least briefly, either directly or through an intermediate layer. The substrate 31 can be, for example, paper, cardboard, plastic, or metal film. By applying a layer of ink or varnish containing magnetically orientable particles while the printing device 10 is acting on the substrate 31, a contour 32 of the letter "T" is magnetically printed at the interface between the magnetic region 24 and the non-magnetic region 25 of the printing device 10. The magnetically orientable particles create a three-dimensional optical effect at the boundary lines 28, so that the contour 32 of the letter "T" is perceived three-dimensionally by a viewer. The printed surface of the substrate 31 is smooth, without the magnetically aligned particles being perceptible haptically.The size of the individual magnetically orientable particles is so small that individual particles are not visually perceptible. Rather, a collection of magnetically orientated particles is perceptible as a three-dimensional optical effect.

[0102] It is within the scope of the present invention that any number of letters, numbers, characters and geometric shapes are magnetically printed with a single printing device 10, so that the printing device 10 has corresponding boundary lines 28 which reflect this image design.

[0103] Fig. 10 shows an embodiment of a section of a printing press 40, in particular a sheet-fed offset printing press, which, in one working section, applies a printing layer as ink 33 or varnish 33 with magnetically orientable particles to a substrate 31. The illustrated section of the printing press 40 can also be referred to as a printing unit, which in the present embodiment is designed in the form of a flexographic printing unit, also referred to as a flexographic printing unit.

[0104] In the example of Fig. 10 The printing press 40 or the flexographic printing unit has an anilox roller 41, a varnish form cylinder 42, and an impression cylinder 43. Furthermore, the printing press 40 has an ink supply device 44 that provides ink 33 with magnetically orientable particles or varnish 33 with magnetically orientable particles. The ink 33 or varnish 33 is applied to the substrate 31, ie, to the printing medium 31, in order to provide a printed product after application of the ink 33 or varnish 33.

[0105] The directions of the rollers and cylinders are accordingly in Fig. 10 marked with arrows. Furthermore, a horizontal arrow indicates the conveying direction of the substrate 31, which is conveyed through the printing machine 40 over several printing stations.

[0106] Here, the printing station shown on the printing machine 40 in Fig. 10 For example, a final processing of the substrate 31 is carried out by applying the ink 33 with magnetically orientable particles or the varnish 33 with magnetically orientable particles as the last layer. This can be, for example, a flexographic coating unit of a sheet-fed offset press, with which the substrate 31 is printed.

[0107] During a printing process, the ink supply device 44 or a chambered doctor blade supplies the ink 33 with magnetically orientable particles or the varnish 33 with magnetically orientable particles. This ink 33 or varnish 33 is transferred via the anilox roller 41 to the varnish form cylinder 42, which supplies the ink or varnish 33 as a layer 34 to the substrate 31. The substrate 31 can be, for example, paper, cardboard, or film.

[0108] Fig. 10 shows a section of a printing process. In previous printing stations of the printing machine 40, for example, the substrate 31 was already printed with ink or varnish, and in a final step of the printing process, the ink 33 with magnetically orientable particles or the varnish 33 with magnetically orientable particles is applied as the final layer. For example, in the previous work steps within the printing machine 40, the substrate 31 was printed with a uniform, arbitrary color, so that a contour 32 or an image 32 can subsequently be magnetically printed onto this background.

[0109] For magnetic printing, in this embodiment, the Fig. 10 a printing device 10 according to the invention is fastened to the impression cylinder 43 so that the printing device 10 is moved at the rotational speed of the impression cylinder 43. The printing device 10 is designed as a film and is glued to the impression cylinder 43, in particular to a part of the circumference of the impression cylinder 43. The printing device 10 has a curvature with a radius of curvature, wherein the radius of curvature of the printing device 10 corresponds to the radius of the impression cylinder 43. Furthermore, it is also possible to use several printing devices 10 within the printing press 40, for example by attaching a plurality of the printing devices 10 according to the invention. It is also possible for the printing device 10 according to the invention to cover the entire circumference of the impression cylinder 43 so that when the impression cylinder 43 rotates, several supplied substrates 31 can be magnetically printed.

[0110] In Fig. 11 und Fig. 12 a temporal state of the printing machine 40 is shown schematically Fig. 10 for magnetic printing of the substrate 31. Fig. 10 shows a temporal state of the printing press 40 in which the substrate 31 has already been fed to the varnish forme cylinder 42 and the impression cylinder 43. The substrate 31 is located between the varnish printing cylinder 42 and the impression cylinder 43 and, in this position, comes into contact with the supplied ink 33 or the supplied varnish 33 on the varnish forme cylinder 42. The printing device 10 acts on the substrate 31 as the substrate 31 is passed between the two cylinders 42, 43. The substrate 31 has a printing side facing the varnish printing cylinder 42. On the reverse side of the printing side, the substrate 31 has an action side facing the impression cylinder 43. The ink 33 or the varnish 33 is fed to the substrate 31 on the printing side. On the acting side of the substrate 31, an embodiment of the printing device 10 according to the invention acts on the substrate 31. This means that the printing device 10 is not supplied with the ink 33 orthe varnish 33 comes into contact, but merely acts magnetically on the ink 33 or the varnish 33 with magnetically orientable particles on the printing side of the substrate 31. Consequently, the printing device 10 acts through the substrate and exerts its effect on the printing side of the substrate, where the ink 33 or the varnish 33 is influenced by the printing device 10 in order to align magnetically orientable particles of the ink 33 or the varnish 33, wherein one alignment takes place at the boundary lines of the printing device 10 or approximately in the region of the boundary lines 28. The course of the boundary line 28 does not need to lie on the printing surface 11 of the printing device 10, since a boundary line 28 also exerts a magnetic effect below the printing surface 11. Overall, when the printing surface 11 of the printing device 10 acts on the substrate 31, the desired image with a contour is created on the substrate 31.For this purpose, the contour is advantageously specified by data specifications during the manufacture of the printing device 10 in order to be able to manufacture a printing device mechanically or at least partially mechanically. Thus, a printing device 10 can be used multiple times for one and the same contour.

[0111] Fig. 11 und Fig. 12 each schematically show a temporal state of the printing machine 40 with a substrate to be printed ( Fig. 11 ) or with a printed substrate 31 ( Fig. 12 ) as a printed product 30 after a printing process. After the printing process, the printed product 30 has a print contour or image, which was created by oriented particles 35 of the applied ink 33 or varnish 33. These aligned particles 35 produce an optical three-dimensional effect that can be visually perceived by a viewer.

[0112] As an alternative to the Fig. 10 bis 12In addition to the schematically illustrated part of a printing press 40 with a flexographic printing unit, other types of printing presses can also be used to implement the inventive technology. For example, in gravure printing, the inventive printing device can be mounted on an impression roller. Furthermore, in rotary printing processes, the inventive printing device can be mounted on a deflection roller. List of reference symbols

[0113] 10Printing device 11Printing surface 12Carrier layer 13Protective layer 20Magnetic volume 21First magnetic pole 22Second magnetic pole 23Boundary line between magnetic poles 24Magnetic region 25Non-magnetic region 26Magnetic field line 27Interface between a first region and a second region 28Boundary line between a first region and a second region 29Non-magnetic volume 30Printed product 31Printing medium or substrate 32Contour or print contour with a three-dimensional effect 33Ink with magnetically orientable particles 34Layer, such as a varnish film or an ink film 35Magnetic oriented particles or magnetically aligned particles 40Printing press, in particular as an embodiment with a flexographic printing unit 41Anilox roller 42Varnish forme cylinder 43Impression cylinder 44Ink supply device

Claims

1. Printing device (10) comprising a printing surface (11) having a first region and a second region, wherein the first region and the second region are at least partially adjacent to each other and form at least one boundary line (28), wherein the first region is a first magnetic region (24) and is part of a first magnetic volume (20), wherein the magnetic volume (20) comprises a first magnetic pole (21) and a second magnetic pole (22), wherein the first magnetic pole (21) faces the printing surface (11) and the second magnetic pole (22) faces away from the printing surface (11), and wherein the boundary line (28) can be used to produce a contour (32) on a substrate (31) to be printed, wherein the printing device (10) comprises a thickness of less than one millimeter, wherein the printing device (10) is flexible and wherein the printing surface (11) is compressible and wherein the printing device (10) can be arranged on a counter-pressure device of a printing machine (40) in the intended use.

2. Printing device (10) according to claim 1, wherein the second region is a non-magnetic region (25).

3. Printing device (10) according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the printing device (10) comprises an image with complex structures.

4. Printing device (10) according to at least one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the printing device (10) comprises a plurality of magnetic regions (24), wherein at least two magnetic regions (24) are aligned in the same way with respect to their magnetic poles (21, 22).

5. Printing device (10) according to at least one of claims 1 to 4, wherein at least one of the regions is formed by a polymer.

6. Printing device (10) according to at least one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the printing surface (11) comprises a curvature in the intended use.

7. Printing device (10) according to at least one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the printing device (10) comprises a coating (16).

8. Method of manufacturing a printing device (10) comprising providing a printing surface (11) having a first region and a second region, and arranging the first region and the second region such that the first region and the second region (25) are adjacent to each other and form a boundary line (28), wherein the first region is part of a magnetic volume (20) and the magnetic volume (20) comprises a first magnetic pole (21) and a second magnetic pole (22), wherein the first magnetic pole (21) faces the printing surface (11) and the second magnetic pole (22) faces away from the printing surface (11), wherein a contour (32) can be produced using the boundary line (28) on a substrate (31) to be printed, wherein the printing device (10) comprises a thickness of less than one millimeter and is flexible and wherein the printing surface (11) is compressible and wherein the printing device (10) can be arranged on a counter-pressure device of a printing machine (40) in the intended use.

9. Method according to claim 8, wherein at least one magnetic region (24) is provided by casting a magnetic material, cutting out a magnetic material, by punching, by printing, in particular three-dimensional printing, and / or by using a magnetic paste.

10. Method according to claim 8 or claim 9, wherein a first shaping of the first region and a second shaping of the second region are provided by specifying a data structure.

11. Method according to at least one of claims 8 to 10, comprising providing a raw magnetic foil to which an image is transferred to the raw magnetic foil in a processing operation, wherein edges are formed during the processing operation of the raw magnetic foil at which magnetic field lines are formed, casting the raw magnetic foil with a non-magnetic polymer and manurfacturing a uniform thickness of the printing device (10).

12. Method according to claim 11, further comprising creating a data structure which specifies the image for the printing device (10).

13. Method according to claim 11 or claim 12, further comprising transferring the image onto the raw magnetic foil with a data processing system.

14. Use of a printing device (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 7 for magnetic printing using a layer (34) with magnetically orientable particles which can be applied to a substrate surface of a substrate (31) and wherein the printing device (10) acts on the substrate surface by the printing device (10) acting through the substrate (31) to be printed.

15. Use of a printing device (10) according to claim 14, wherein the printing device (10) is fastened on a roller (43) of a printing machine (40) and during a printing process the substrate (31) contacts the printing device (10) with its substrate rear side in an area-like manner, and wherein magnetically orientable particles (35) are aligned on the substrate surface as front side of the substrate (31).