Flexographic printing machine, method for operating a flexographic printing machine, system and sleeve

Abstract

A method according to the invention for operating a flexographic printing press, comprising a printing cylinder (16) carrying a sleeve (3) with at least one flexographic printing form (5) or a flexographic printing cylinder and an impression cylinder (17), wherein the printing register of the flexographic printing form or the flexographic printing cylinder is adjusted to a further flexographic printing form or to a further flexographic printing cylinder and / or the ink density is adjusted and / or a color inspection is carried out, wherein a sensor (402) is used, is characterized in that, prior to printing, an image (410) of the surface of the sleeve with the at least one flexographic printing form is captured by a camera (400) and the image is subjected to image processing, wherein at least one register mark (310) and / or at least one color measurement field (312) is xy-localized orThe invention enables cost-effective and high-quality printing in industrial flexographic printing. Furthermore, the method according to the invention advantageously enables further automation of the printing process.

Description

invention

[0001] The invention relates to a method having the features of the preamble of claim 1 and a method having the features of the preamble of claim 28.

[0002] The invention further relates to a flexographic printing machine, wherein the flexographic printing machine is operated for printing a substrate with flexographic printing ink according to a method according to the invention, with the features of the preamble of claim 22.

[0003] The invention further relates to a system comprising a flexographic printing machine according to the invention and a measuring device for measuring an image with the features of the preamble of claim 24.

[0004] The invention further relates to a sleeve for use in a method according to the invention or for use in a flexographic printing machine according to the invention or for use in a system according to the invention having the features of the preamble of claim 26. field of technology

[0005] The invention lies in the technical field of the graphic arts industry, and therein particularly in the area of ​​operating a flexographic printing press, i.e., a rotary printing press for printing with flexographic printing plates. Specifically, the invention relates to the subfield of setting, in particular controlling or regulating, the machine with regard to the color register and / or color density and / or color inspection. State of the art

[0006] In so-called flexographic printing, especially in industrial, web-processing flexographic printing, the requirement is to print cost-effectively at high speeds using different flexographic printing forms from print job to print job, while keeping waste low and print quality high.

[0007] Changing print jobs with different printing forms or different print motifs can cause problems: the print motifs may have areas where a lot is printed, areas where little is printed; and areas where there is no printing at all or only minimal printing.

[0008] Flexographic printing plates can be measured before printing, for example, in a measuring station. The as-yet-unpublished German patent DE102019206705 discloses a device for measuring surface elevations of a body of revolution and provides an improvement that, in particular, makes it possible to measure elevations of bodies of revolution, such as flexographic printing dots on a flexographic printing plate, quickly and with high accuracy. The device disclosed in the document for measuring surface elevations of a body of revolution designed as a cylinder, roller, sleeve, or plate of a printing press, e.g., a flexographic printing plate mounted on a sleeve, with a first motor for rotating the body of revolution about an axis of rotation and with a measuring device, is characterized in that the measuring device for non-contact measurement comprises at least one radiation source and at least one area scan camera.

[0009] The further documents cited and described in the aforementioned document, DE3302798A1, DE102014215648A1, EP3251850, DE102006060464A1, WO2010146040A1, WO2008049510A1, and the "smartGPS ®<" system from Bobst described therein, represent further state of the art. The same applies to the "ARun" system from Allstein. Both systems use scanning rollers.

[0010] During a so-called "flying job change" between one job and a subsequent job, which must be completed in a matter of seconds, the registration marks of the flexographic printing plates for the job and the subsequent job may be located in different positions (axially and / or circumferentially). Register sensors then need to be repositioned. Manual repositioning is disadvantageous: it is time-consuming and inaccurate / prone to errors.

[0011] Scanning rollers do not appear suitable for detecting automated registration marks, especially on high-resolution flexographic printing plates with very fine raised areas. Furthermore, there is a risk that such raised areas could be damaged by scanning rollers. Technical task

[0012] It is an object of the present invention to provide an improvement over the prior art, which in particular makes it possible to print cost-efficiently and with high quality in industrial flexographic printing. Inventive solution

[0013] This problem is solved according to the invention by a method according to claim 1, a method according to claim 28, a flexographic printing machine according to claim 22, a system according to claim 24 and a sleeve according to claim 26.

[0014] Advantageous and therefore preferred embodiments of the invention are evident from the dependent claims as well as from the description and the drawings.

[0015] A method according to the invention for operating a flexographic printing press, comprising a printing cylinder carrying a core with at least one flexographic printing form, or a flexographic printing cylinder and an impression cylinder, wherein the printing register of the flexographic printing form or the flexographic printing cylinder is adjusted to a further flexographic printing form or to a further flexographic printing cylinder, and / or the ink density is adjusted, and / or a color inspection is carried out, wherein a sensor is used, is characterized in that, prior to printing, an image of the surface of the core with the at least one flexographic printing form is captured by a camera and the image is subjected to image processing, wherein at least one register mark and / or at least one color measurement field is xy-localized.are; and that, prior to setting, a sensor for detecting the register mark is automatically moved to the y-position of the register mark and detects the register mark; and / or that, prior to setting, a sensor for detecting the color measurement field is automatically moved to the y-position of the color measurement field and detects the color measurement field; and that, prior to printing, at least one image of the surface of several sleeves with several flexographic printing forms is captured by at least one camera for the configuration of a register controller of the flexographic printing press; and that the image is subjected to digital image processing, wherein at least two register marks are xy-localized; and that, using the xy-localized register mark position data, the configuration of the register controller for detecting register marks is automated.

[0016] An (alternatively formulated) method according to the invention for operating a flexographic printing press, with at least two printing cylinders – each carrying a core with at least one flexographic printing form – wherein the printing register of the flexographic printing forms is adjusted relative to each other and wherein a sensor for detecting registration marks is used, is characterized in that, prior to printing, a camera captures an image of the surfaces of the cores and subjects the image to digital image processing, wherein at least two registration marks are xy-localized, and that, prior to adjustment, the sensor is automatically moved to the y-position of the registration marks and detects the registration marks, and that, using the xy-localized registration mark position data, the configuration of the register controller for detecting registration marks is automated.

[0017] A flexographic printing machine according to the invention, comprising at least one flexographic printing unit - comprising a printing cylinder carrying a sleeve with at least one flexographic printing form or a flexographic printing cylinder, an impression cylinder and an anilox roller - wherein the flexographic printing machine is operated for printing a substrate with flexographic printing ink according to one of the preceding methods, is characterized in that the flexographic printing machine comprises at least one actuator for adjusting the y-position of the sensor.

[0018] A system according to the invention, comprising a flexographic printing machine according to the invention and a measuring device for capturing an image of a sleeve, is characterized in that the measuring device captures the image of the sleeve using camera technology.

[0019] A flexographic printing form or sleeve for a flexographic printing form according to the invention, wherein the flexographic printing form or the sleeve is marked with a machine-readable ID, for use in a method according to the invention or for use in a flexographic printing machine according to the invention or for use in a system according to the invention, is characterized in that the machine-readable ID is read out by machine and stored on a computer for retrieval. Advantageous forms and effects of the invention

[0020] The invention advantageously enables cost-efficient and high-quality printing in industrial flexographic printing. Furthermore, the inventive method advantageously allows for further automation of the printing process.

[0021] The invention is described and illustrated for a flexographic printing press or for flexographic printing plates (relief printing). Alternatively, the invention can be used for engraved printing plates or engraved cores (gravure printing). Therefore, instead of the term "flexo-", "gravure-" or "flexo- or gravure-" may be used in this application. Instead of "core with flexographic printing plate", "core with engraved plate" or "engraved core", "laser-engraved core", "laser-engraved continuous core", "continuous printing plate", or "continuous printing core" may be used. Further developments of the invention

[0022] The following describes preferred further developments of the invention (hereinafter referred to as further developments).

[0023] A further development of the method according to the invention can be characterized by the following: that the image is measured without contact. that the x-direction is the circumferential direction of the sleeve and the y-direction is the direction perpendicular to it, i.e., the axial direction of the sleeve. that an x-coordinate and a y-coordinate are assigned during xy-localization. that the x-direction is given as a Cartesian coordinate along the circumference or as an angular coordinate. that a coordinate origin is assigned to the sleeve. that the image encompasses the entire circumferential length and working width of the sleeve. that the register mark is detected at the x-position as the printing cylinder rotates. that the color measurement field is detected at the x-position as the printing cylinder rotates. that the image processing includes a step of computational pattern recognition. that a predefined pattern of a register mark is searched for during computational pattern recognition. that the predefined pattern is a double wedge or a circle with a predefined diameter.that in computer-based pattern recognition, a predefined pattern of a color measurement field is sought. that the predefined pattern is a rectangle with predefined dimensions for length and width. that free areas adjacent to the registration mark or the color measurement field are detected and taken into account in the computer-based pattern recognition. that the registration mark and / or the color measurement field is / are part of a control strip. that in image processing, the control strip is xy-localized. that the flexographic printing press comprises one flexographic printing unit and at least one further flexographic printing unit, wherein the flexographic printing unit comprises the impression cylinder and the impression cylinder, and the further flexographic printing unit comprises another impression cylinder and another impression cylinder, wherein the further impression cylinder carries another sleeve with at least one further flexographic printing form.that the printing unit includes the sensor for detecting the registration mark, and that the subsequent printing unit includes another sensor for detecting the registration mark. that the printing unit includes the sensor for detecting the color measurement area, and that the subsequent printing unit includes another sensor for detecting the color measurement area. that each sensor for detecting the registration mark is designed as a camera. that each sensor for detecting the color measurement area is designed as a densitometer. that the registration mark is an edge in the printed image of the flexographic printing form. that the printing cylinder and the subsequent printing cylinder each have a respective pin at a respective pin position in the x-direction on their respective outer surfaces. that the sleeve and the subsequent sleeve each have a respective groove in the y-direction on their respective inner surfaces for the respective pin.that the sleeve and the subsequent sleeve are each moved against a stop of the printing cylinder or the subsequent printing cylinder in the y-direction. that the stops are positioned in the y-direction. that the sleeve and the subsequent sleeve are each marked with a machine-readable ID. that the ID is designed as a unique identifier for the sleeve. that the identifier comprises multiple characters, in particular digits and / or letters or special characters. that the ID is marked as a one-dimensional code, in particular a barcode, or as a two-dimensional code, in particular a QR code, or as an RFID chip or NFC chip. that the x-coordinates and the y-coordinates of both sleeves or data derived therefrom, together with the respective ID of the sleeves, are transmitted directly to the flexographic printing press.that the x-coordinates and y-coordinates of both cores, or data derived therefrom, along with the respective core IDs, are indirectly transmitted to the flexographic printing press by temporarily storing the x-coordinates and y-coordinates of both cores, or data derived therefrom, along with the respective core IDs, and retrieving them from the flexographic printing press for printing with the cores; that the temporary storage takes place on a central storage device or cloud storage; that the setting occurs after a change of print job; that setting the print register includes controlling or regulating the print register.that the control of the register of several successive printing cylinders in the web transport direction of the flexographic printing press – comprising the printing cylinder, the next printing cylinder, and further printing cylinders with further cores and further flexographic printing plates – is carried out relative to the first printing cylinder in the web transport direction. that the adjustment of the ink density includes controlling or regulating the ink density. that the register mark, the ink measuring field, or another mark is designed as a defect mark for detecting a mounting error of one or more flexographic printing plates on the core or on several cores. that the defect marks of at least two flexographic printing plates for printing different printing colors are printed on top of each other and detected by sensors. that another mark is designed as a defect mark for detecting an xy positioning error of a core on a flexographic printing cylinder.that the xy-position of the error mark is sensorially detected and computationally compared with the xy-position of the register mark, and an xy-positioning error is computationally determined from this. that the error mark is affixed to the sleeve. that the sleeve and the further sleeve each comprise two sleeves, i.e., an inner adaptation sleeve and an outer pressure sleeve, the thickness of the pressure sleeve being less than the thickness of the adaptation sleeve. that the image of the surface of the sleeve with the at least one flexographic printing form is captured by the camera before printing. that the image of the surface of the sleeve with the at least one flexographic printing form is measured by the camera in a measuring device before printing. that the measuring device comprises a receiving cylinder for the sleeve with the flexographic printing form. that the receiving cylinder rotates about an axis of rotation having an axial direction during the measurement.that the measuring device is operated outside the flexographic printing press. that a camera is used to capture the image. that an area scan camera is used to capture the image. that a line scan camera is used to capture the image. that at least one CIS sensor is used to capture the image. that a stationary camera is used to capture the image. that the camera is moved perpendicular to the axial direction before measuring. that the camera is moved in the axial direction during measuring. that a radiation source, in particular a light source, is used when measuring with the camera. that the entire printed image of a flexographic printing plate is captured when capturing the image. that at least one or at least two flexographic printing plates are mounted on a core and captured when capturing the image.that during image capture, light travels from a light source to raised areas of the flexographic printing form and from there to the camera. that at least one mirror is used during image capture. that the mirror is movably arranged. that the mirror is moved perpendicular to the axial direction before measurement. that the mirror is moved in the axial direction during measurement. that during image capture, light travels from a light source to raised areas of the flexographic printing form and from there back to the camera via the mirror. For the configuration of the register controller in the case where several register marks are xy-localized on a core, one of these register marks is selected computationally from the captured data. It can be advantageously provided that a register mark is selected whose y-position essentially corresponds to the y-positions of one or more register marks on other cores.This prevents the use of a register mark not intended for this purpose when configuring the register controller, e.g., a register mark for the die-cutting register instead of the printing register. It also prevents the configuration of the flexographic printing press's register controller from being computationally derived from the acquired data, determining which register mark of the register mark configuration is printed in which printing unit. Furthermore, it ensures that the register controller configuration depends on the print job-dependent sequence of printing inks in the printing press, preferably considering only the printing units or inks used for the print job.

[0024] A further development of the flexographic printing machine according to the invention can be characterized by the following: that cardboard is printed during operation of the flexographic printing press. that paper, films, cardboard, foil, or composite materials are printed during operation of the flexographic printing press. that the core carries at least two flexographic printing plates with identical or different printing motifs. that the two flexographic printing plates are mounted consecutively on the core in the circumferential direction or consecutively in the axial direction.

[0025] A further development of the system according to the invention can be characterized by the following: that the measuring device is part of a measuring station which is arranged separately from the flexographic printing press. that the core is marked with a machine-readable ID. that the ID is designed as a unique identifier for the core. that the identifier comprises several characters, in particular digits and / or letters and / or special characters. that the ID is marked as a one-dimensional code, in particular a barcode, or as a two-dimensional code, in particular a QR code, or as an RFID chip or NFC chip. that the system comprises a plurality of anilox rollers of different screens and / or screen rulings, and that when printing with a flexographic printing plate, the flexographic printing press is operated with an anilox roller which is selected computationally from the plurality of anilox rollers using the dot density of the flexographic printing plate or data derived therefrom.that the selected anilox roller has a screen that is finer than the screen of the flexographic printing plate.

[0026] A further development of the flexographic printing form or sleeve for a flexographic printing form according to the invention can be characterized by the following: that the marking with the machine-readable ID is carried out using a marking medium that is different from an RFID chip.

[0027] The features and combinations of features disclosed in the above sections Technical Field, Invention and Further Developments, as well as in the following section Exemplary Embodiments, represent – ​​in any combination with each other – further advantageous developments of the invention. Exemplary embodiments of the invention and figures

[0028] The Figures 1 to 5 The figures show a flexographic printing machine, a measuring station with a measuring device (various designs) and a measuring method.

[0029] The Figure 6 The captured image shows a sleeve with two flexographic printing forms as examples.

[0030] Corresponding features in the figures are marked with the same reference symbols. For clarity, some reference symbols that are repeated in the figures have been omitted.

[0031] Figure 1 Figure 1 shows a cross-section of a rotatable carrier cylinder 1 of a measuring station 2, a sleeve 3 (sleeve) mounted on the carrier cylinder and a printing plate 5 (flexographic printing form) mounted on the sleeve, preferably attached to the sleeve by means of an adhesive tape 4 (or alternatively by means of an adhesive coating of the sleeve) (so-called "mounting"), which is to be measured at least with regard to its topography as a body of revolution 6.

[0032] A motor 7 can be provided in the measuring station to rotate the carrier cylinder during measurement. The measuring station can be part of a so-called "mounter" (in which printing plates are mounted on carrier sleeves) or can be provided separately from a "mounter". The measuring station can be provided separately from a printing press 8 (flexographic printing press) — with at least one printing unit 9 (flexographic printing unit) for the printing plate 5 and a dryer 10 for printing and drying a preferably web-shaped substrate 11 —. The printing plate is preferably a flexographic printing form with a diameter of 106 mm to 340 mm. The dryer is preferably a hot air dryer and / or a UV dryer and / or an electron beam dryer and / or an IR dryer. The sleeve can be slid onto the carrier cylinder laterally.The carrier cylinder may have openings in its outer surface from which compressed air can be expelled to expand the sleeve and create an air cushion when sliding it on. After measurement, the sleeve with the pressure plate can be removed from the measuring device and slid onto a printing cylinder of the printing unit in the printing press. Alternatively, a hydraulic clamping system can be used instead of the pneumatic system.

[0033] Figure 1Figure 39, 39b, 123, 317, 401, and / or 403 also shows a digital computer and / or digital storage device. The measuring device can generate data and transfer it to the computer / storage device. The data can be measured values ​​or derived data generated during the measurement of the sleeve 3 and / or the flexographic printing form(s) 5. The computer / storage device can be part of the measuring device 2 or part of the flexographic printing press 8; or it can be provided separately, e.g., as a central computer / storage device (such as in a printing plant) or cloud-based. The computer / storage device can transfer data to the flexographic printing press, e.g., the measured values ​​or the derived data or further derived data. The further derived data can be generated by a computer-implemented algorithm and / or an AI (Artificial Intelligence; software- and / or hardware-based, self- and machine-learning system).The computer / storage unit can receive data from multiple measuring stations and transfer data to multiple flexographic printing presses. The system, consisting of flexographic printing press(s), measuring station(s), and computer / storage unit, allows for a high degree of automation in printing, even to the point of autonomous printing; this advantageously avoids error-prone data input and / or changes by the operator.

[0034] Calibration of measuring station 2 can be performed using measuring rings 12 on the carrier cylinder 1. Alternatively, a measuring sleeve or the carrier cylinder itself can be used for calibration.

[0035] The following figures show preferred embodiments of devices for non-contact measurement of elevations 13 of the surface 14 of a rotating body 6 designed as a flexographic printing form of the printing press 8 (cf. Figure 2CThe raised areas can be flexographic printing dots (in the grid) or flexographic printing surfaces (in the solid area) of a flexographic printing plate. The following exemplary embodiments describe the measurement of a printing plate 5. Measuring the printing plate enables automatic presetting of the respective optimal working pressure between the cylinders involved in the printing process, e.g., anilox cylinder 15, printing cylinder 16 with printing plate 5, and counter-pressure cylinder 17.

[0036] The Figures 2A to 2C show a preferred embodiment of the device for measuring the topography of a printing plate 5; Figure 2A in cross-section Figure 2B in top view and Figure 2C an enlarged section from Figure 2A . According to this embodiment, the topography is preferably acquired with several devices 18 as part of a 3D radius determination with an optional reference line.

[0037] In this and the following embodiments, "2D" means that a section of the printing plate 5 (e.g. ring-shaped height profile) is scanned and "3D" means that the entire printing plate 5 (e.g. cylindrical height profile, composed of ring-shaped height profiles) is scanned.

[0038] The device comprises several radiation sources 19, in particular light sources 19, preferably LED light sources, at least one reflector 20, e.g., a mirror, and at least one light receiver 21, preferably an area scan camera and particularly preferably a high-speed camera. In the following, light sources are assumed to be the radiation sources by way of example, i.e., visible light is emitted. Alternatively, the radiation source can emit other electromagnetic radiation, e.g., infrared. The light sources are preferably arranged in a row perpendicular to the axis of rotation 22 of the carrier cylinder 1 and generate a light curtain 23, wherein the carrier cylinder 1 with sleeve 3 and pressure plate 5, i.e., the contour, creates a shadow 24. The reflected and then received light 25, i.e., essentially the emitted light 23 without the light 24 shadowed by the topography 13, carries information about the topography 13 to be measured.The reflector 20 can be designed as a reflective foil.

[0039] The light source 19 is planar (area camera). The light source preferably emits visible light. Preferably, the light sources 19 and receivers 21 cover the working width 26, i.e., the extent of the printing plate 5 in the direction of its axis 22 (e.g., 1650 mm). Preferably, n light sources 19 and receivers 21 are provided, where, for example, 2 > n > 69. When using smaller cameras, a higher upper limit than 69 may be required. If the entire working width 26 is covered, the printing plate 5 can be measured during one revolution of the carrier cylinder 1.

[0040] Otherwise, the light sources and light receivers must be moved or clocked in axial direction 27 along the printing plate.

[0041] Preferably, inexpensive but fast-working cameras 21 are used, e.g., black and white cameras. The cameras can capture 5 individual images or a film during the rotation of the printing plate.

[0042] The assembly consisting of light sources 19, reflector 20, and light receiver 21 can preferably be moved in a direction 28 perpendicular to the axis 22 of the support cylinder 1 in order to direct the generated light stripe 23 onto the topography 13 to be measured. A motor 29 may be provided for this purpose. Alternatively, the reflector may be designed to be stationary, and only the light source and / or the light receiver may be moved, e.g., by means of a motor.

[0043] Contrary to the illustration, the measurement of the topography 13 is preferably carried out in a vertical direction (e.g., camera "below" and reflector "above") and not in a horizontal direction, since in this case any possible deflection of the support cylinder 1 and the reference object 30 can be disregarded. With this preferred solution, one must consider the Figure 2a Imagine rotated 90° clockwise.

[0044] An optional reference object 30 is a line-like object 30, preferably a taut thread 30 or a taut string 30, e.g., a metal wire or a carbon fiber or a knife (or a knife-like object or an object with a cutting edge) or a beam, which generates a reference line 31 for the majority of light receivers 21. The line-like object preferably extends parallel to the axis of the carrier cylinder 1 and is arranged at a small distance 32, e.g., 2 mm to 10 mm (maximum up to 20 mm), from its lateral surface 33 or the printing plate 5 arranged thereon. The received light 25 also contains evaluable information about the reference object 30, e.g., its location and / or distance to the (preferably etched and therefore deeper than the elevations 13) surface 14 of the printing plate 5. By means of the reference line, the radial distance R of the topography 13 or the surface 14 can be determined.The contour or contour elevations of the reference object 30 are determined, preferably using digital image processing. The distance of the reference object 30 from the axis 22 of the carrier cylinder 1 is known through the arrangement and / or motorized adjustment of the reference object 30 (optionally together with light source 19 and light receiver 21 and, if applicable, reflector 20). Thus, the radial distance of the contour elevations, i.e., the radius R of the pressure points, can be determined computationally. Due to the use of the reference object 30 and the resulting shadowing effect or the presence of a corresponding reference line 31 (in the captured image or from the received light) of each camera 21, precise alignment of the cameras relative to each other, e.g., pixel-accurate alignment, is not strictly necessary. Furthermore, the reference object 30 can be used to calibrate the measuring system.

[0045] The reference object 30 can be coupled to the light source 19 and / or the motor 29 for movement or adjustment in direction 28. Alternatively, the reference object can have its own motor 29b for movement / adjustment.

[0046] For the initial referencing of the device, a measurement is preferably carried out with the ("empty") carrier cylinder or a measuring sleeve arranged on it (measurement of distance between reference object and surface from AS to BS).

[0047] To further initialize the device before the measurement process, the area camera 21 is preferably first moved in direction 28 towards the carrier cylinder 1. The movement is preferably stopped as soon as the camera preferably detects the first protrusion. Then the reference object 30 is preferably also moved in direction 28 to a predetermined distance, e.g. 2 mm, from the carrier cylinder 1.

[0048] The light source 19 and light receiver 21 can alternatively be arranged on opposite sides of the carrier cylinder 1; in this case, the reflector 20 can be omitted.

[0049] Preferably, the light source 19, the reflector 20 (if present according to the embodiment), the light receiver 21 and the optional reference object 30 form a unit 34 that is movable (perpendicular to the axis 22 of the carrier cylinder), in particular a unit that is adjustable or movable by a motor.

[0050] During measurement, the carrier cylinder 1 rotates with the pressure plate 5 located on it, so that preferably all protrusions 13 in the circumferential direction 35 can be detected. From this, depending on the angular position of the carrier cylinder 1, a topographic image and the radius R of individual protrusions 13, e.g. flexographic printing points, to the axis 22 or the diameter D (measured between opposing protrusions) can be determined.

[0051] In the enlarged view of the Figure 2C A section of the topography 13 of the printing plate 5 is shown, and the shadowing 24 of the topography and the shadowing 36 of the reference object 30 are visible. The topographic elevations 13 can range from 2 µm to 20 mm.

[0052] A sensor 37 may also be provided which identifies the sleeve 3 and / or the pressure plate 5 using an identification feature 38 (see Figure 2B ) is captured. This feature can be, for example, a barcode, a 2D code (e.g., QR code or Data Matrix code), an RFID chip, or an NFC chip.

[0053] The signals and / or data generated by the light receivers 21, which include information about the topography 13 of the measured surface 14 and about the reference object 30, are transmitted to a computer 39, preferably via a cable or radio link, and processed there. The computer is connected to the printing press 8. The computer 39 evaluates the information.

[0054] The reference object 30 can be brought into the detection range of the light receiver 21 before measurement in order to calibrate the light receiver. The light receiver 21 detects and transmits the generated calibration signals to the computer 39. The calibration data are stored in the digital memory 40 of the computer 39.

[0055] This makes it possible to store a virtual reference object in computer 39.

[0056] Subsequently, the reference object 30 is removed from the detection range of the light receiver 21 and the topography 39 of the measured surface 14 is further processed together with the virtual reference object.

[0057] The evaluation results are stored in a digital memory 40 of the computer, in a memory 40 of the printing press, or in cloud-based storage. The results are preferably stored and assigned to the respective identification feature 38. When the printing plate 5 (or the sleeve / flexographic printing form) mounted on a core is subsequently used in the printing press 8, the identification feature 38 of the printing plate 5 or of the flexographic printing form (or the core) can be read again. The values ​​stored for identification feature 38 can then be retrieved, for example, for presetting purposes. It may be possible, for instance, for the printing press to obtain the data required for a print job from cloud-based storage.

[0058] The result of the evaluation may preferably include up to four values: The operationally required pressure indentations of the printing cylinder 16, i.e., the cylinder carrying the measured printing plate 5, on both sides 41 or AS (drive side) and 42 or BS (operating side) against the counter-pressure cylinder 17 or substrate transport cylinder 17, and the operationally required pressure indentations of an anilox roller 15 inking the measured printing plate 5 on both sides 41 or AS (drive side) and 42 or BS (operating side) against the printing cylinder 16.

[0059] Furthermore, a device 43 for detecting the point density, e.g., via optical scanning, can be provided, preferably a CIS scanner bar (Contact Image Sensor), a line scan camera, or a laser triangulation device. Alternatively, the device 43 can be a swiveling or movable mirror such that it can be used together with the light sources 19, 21 for measuring the point density. The device is preferably connected to an image processing and / or image evaluation device, which is preferably the computer 39 – or the computer 39 with appropriate programming – or which can be another computer 39b.

[0060] A CIS scanner bar can be arranged parallel to the cylinder's axis. It preferably includes LEDs for illumination and sensors for image capture (similar to a scanner bar in a standard copier). The bar is preferably positioned at a distance of 1 to 2 cm from the surface. The cylinder with the surface to be measured, e.g., the printing plate, rotates beneath the bar, which thereby generates an image of the surface and makes it available for image analysis to determine dot density. The data obtained from capturing the dot density can, for example, also be used to computationally select or recommend an anilox roller from a set of available rollers that is optimal for printing with the captured printing plate.

[0061] The Figures 3A and 3B show a preferred embodiment of the device for measuring the topography of a printing plate 5; Figure 3Ain cross-section and Figure 3B in the top view. According to this embodiment, the topography is preferably recorded with a laser micrometer 44 as part of a 2D diameter determination.

[0062] The device comprises a light source 19, preferably a line-shaped LED light source 19 or a line-shaped laser 19, and a light receiver 21, preferably a line-scan camera 21. The laser and light receiver together form a laser micrometer 44. The light source 19 generates a light curtain 23, and the carrier cylinder 1 with sleeve 3 and pressure plate 5 generates a shadow 24. The line lengths of the light source 19 and the light receiver 21 are preferably larger than the diameter D of the carrier cylinder including the sleeve and pressure plate, in order to allow the topography to be scanned without moving the device 44 perpendicular to the axis 22 of the carrier cylinder. In other words, the cross-section of the carrier cylinder is completely within the light curtain.

[0063] The device 44, consisting of light source 19 and light receiver 21, can be moved parallel to the axis 22 of the carrier cylinder (in direction 27) to cover the entire working width 26. A motor 45 may be provided for this purpose.

[0064] A sensor 37 may be provided which detects the sleeve 3 and / or the pressure plate 5 using an identification feature 38 (see Figure 2B ).

[0065] The signals and / or data generated by the light receivers 21 are transmitted to a computer 39, preferably via a cable or radio link, and processed there. The computer is connected to the printing press 8.

[0066] The light source 19 and the light receiver 21 can alternatively also be arranged on the same side of the carrier cylinder 1; in this case, a reflector 20 is positioned opposite them, similar to the one shown in the diagrams. Figures 2A to 2C arranged.

[0067] According to an alternative embodiment, the topography is preferably acquired using a laser micrometer 44 for 2D diameter measurement, whereby not only a single measurement line 46, but a wider (dashed line) measurement strip 47 consisting of several (dashed line) measurement lines 48 is acquired. In this embodiment, the light source 19 and the light receiver 21 are preferably planar and not merely line-shaped. The light source 19 can comprise several light lines 48, each approximately 0.1 mm wide and spaced approximately 5 mm apart. In this example, the camera is preferably designed as an area camera.

[0068] The Figures 4A and 4B show a preferred embodiment of the device for measuring the topography of a printing plate 5; Figure 4A in cross-section and Figure 4Bin the top view. According to this embodiment, the topography is preferably recorded using a laser micrometer as part of a 2D radius determination.

[0069] The device comprises a light source 19, preferably an LED light source 19, and a light receiver 21, preferably a line-shaped LED light source 21 or a line-shaped laser 21. The light source 19 generates a light curtain 23 and the carrier cylinder 1 with sleeve 3 and pressure plate 5 generates a shadow 24.

[0070] The device consisting of light source 19 and light receiver 21 can preferably be moved in a direction 28 perpendicular to the axis 22 of the support cylinder 1 in order to direct the light curtain 23 onto the topography 13 to be measured. A motor 29 may be provided for this purpose. If the light curtain 23 is wide enough and therefore covers the measuring range, the motor 29 can be omitted.

[0071] The signals and / or data generated by the light receivers 21 are transmitted to a computer 39, preferably via a cable or radio link, and processed there. The computer is connected to the printing press 8. Alternatively, the light source 19 and the light receiver 21 can also be arranged on the same side of the carrier cylinder; in this case, a reflector 20 is positioned opposite them, similar to the one in the Figures 2A to 2C arranged.

[0072] According to an alternative embodiment, the topography 13 is preferably detected with a laser micrometer 44 as part of a 3D radius determination, whereby not only a single measurement line 46, but a wider (shown as a dashed line) measurement strip 47, i.e., several measurement lines 48 simultaneously, are detected. In this embodiment, the light source 19 and the light receiver 21 are planar and not merely line-shaped.

[0073] According to a further alternative embodiment, the topography 13 is preferably detected with a laser micrometer 44 as part of a 3D radius determination, wherein the device consisting of light source 19 and light receiver 21 can preferably be moved in a direction 28 perpendicular to the axis of the support cylinder 1 in order to direct the light curtain 23 onto the topography 13 to be measured. A motor 29 (shown with dashed lines) may be provided for this purpose.

[0074] According to an alternative embodiment, the topography 13 is preferably detected with a laser micrometer 44 as part of a 3D radius determination, combining the two latter alternative embodiments.

[0075] Figure 5Figure 1 shows an exemplary and greatly enlarged topographic measurement result of a printing plate 5 (flexographic printing form) with two printing areas 50 and two non-printing areas 51. The radial measurement results for 360° at an axial location (relative to the axis of the carrier cylinder) are shown. The non-printing areas may have been created, for example, by etching and thus have a smaller radius than the printing areas.

[0076] The illustration also shows an enveloping radius 52 or an envelope 52 of those points of the printing plate 5 with the largest radius, i.e. the highest elevations of the topography 13 at the axial location.

[0077] Point 53 of printing plate 5 is a printing point because, during printing, with normal pressure and infeed settings, it would have sufficient contact between printing plate 5 and the substrate 11 or transport cylinder 17, as well as with the ink-transferring anilox roller. Normal pressure settings produce a so-called "kiss print," where the printing plate just touches the substrate and the flexographic printing points are not significantly compressed.

[0078] Point 54 is a point which, in printing operation with normal pressure settings, would just barely print, as it would just barely be in contact with the substrate.

[0079] The two points 55 are points that would not print, as they would not have contact with the substrate or the anilox roller during printing with normal pressure settings.

[0080] A computer program runs on computer 39, which computationally determines, for example using digital image processing, the radially lowest point 56 and its radial distance 57 to the envelope 52 in the printing area 50. This calculation is performed axially at regular intervals, for example from AS to BS at all measuring points, and the respective maximum of the lowest points (i.e., the maximum lowest value) from AS to the center and from the center to BS is determined. The two maxima, or the computationally determined feed values ​​or settings derived from them, can be selected, for example, as the respective feed / setting on AS and BS during printing; that is, the cylinder spacing between the cylinders involved in printing is reduced by the feed on AS and BS. For this purpose, a motorized threaded spindle can be inserted on AS and on BS.

[0081] Here's a concrete numerical example: On one side, the distance deltaR is 65µm, and on the other, it's 55µm. To ensure that all points 53 to 55 of the printing plate print, a distance of 65µm must be added.

[0082] In all illustrated embodiments and their mentioned alternatives, the manufacturing-related and / or operational (wear-related) concentricity of the sleeve 3 can additionally be measured and, based on the measurement and evaluation results, taken into account during printing to improve the quality of the printed products. A warning can be issued if a predefined concentricity tolerance is exceeded. The measurement can be performed on both smooth and porous sleeves.

[0083] Instead of light sources 19 or light emitters 19 (which emit visible light), radar emitters 19 (with appropriately adapted receivers) can also be used within the scope of the invention.

[0084] In all the illustrated embodiments and their mentioned alternatives, parameters for dynamic pressure adjustment can also be determined and transmitted to the printing press. For example, a known delayed expansion of the deformable and / or compressible printing points 53 to 55 made of polymer material (e.g., pre-measured) and available to the computer 39 can be taken into account. Alternatively, a hardness of the printing plate determined in advance with a durometer can be used. This expansion can depend, in particular, on the prevailing printing speed, or this printing speed dependency can be taken into account. For example, a higher pressure adjustment can be selected at higher printing speeds.

[0085] The printing area of ​​the printing plate 5 or the dot density, i.e. the variable density of the printing dots on the printing plate 5, can also be taken into account (alternatively or additionally to the printing speed): For example, a higher pressure setting can be selected for higher dot densities and / or the dot density can be used when setting the dynamic pressure setting.

[0086] To determine the local point density, the received light 25, i.e., essentially the emitted light 23 without the light 24 shadowed by the topography 13, can be used. It carries information about the topography 13 to be measured and / or its surface point density and / or its elevations.

[0087] Furthermore, a device 43 for detecting or measuring the dot density, i.e., its local values, on the printing form, e.g., a flexographic printing form, can be provided, preferably a CIS scanner bar or a line scan camera. It can be provided, for example, to supply target values ​​for different pressure settings on the AS (drive side of the printing press) and BS (operator side of the printing press) based on the data obtained / calculated from the dot density determination.

[0088] Knowing the dot density of the printing plate 5 and / or the inking anilox roller 15 and / or anilox sleeve 5, the expected ink consumption when printing with the printing plate on a given substrate 11 can be calculated. From the ink consumption, the required drying capacity of the dryers 10 for drying the ink on the substrate can be calculated. Based on the calculated expected ink consumption, a required ink supply can also be calculated.

[0089] In all illustrated embodiments and their mentioned alternatives, a so-called channeling pattern can also be taken into account. A channeling pattern is a disturbance that occurs periodically during the operational rotation of the printing plate 5. This disturbance is caused by a gap or channel in the printed image—usually extending in the axial direction—that spans the width of the page or is at least disturbingly wide. This gap or channel is a disturbingly large area without print points, or by any other axial channel. Such channels or their channeling patterns can impair print quality because the cylinders involved in printing, due to the kiss-print setting, rhythmically approach and repel each other in the recurring area of ​​the channel during rotation. In unfavorable cases, this can lead to unwanted density fluctuations or even print interruptions. An existing channeling pattern can preferably be detected using a CIS measuring device 43 (e.g.,The aforementioned swiveling or movable mirror, in conjunction with the area scan cameras, or the area scan camera itself, can capture and analyze the data, computationally evaluating it and compensating for the required pressure infeed during operation. For example, based on the captured channel impact pattern, it is possible to predict at which speeds or rotational frequencies of a printing press vibrations would occur. These speeds or rotational frequencies are then avoided during production and, for example, exceeded when the machine is started up.

[0090] Each printing plate 5 can exhibit an individual channeling pattern. Channels in the printing form can negatively affect the printing result or even lead to printing failures. To mitigate or even eliminate channeling, the printing plate is examined for channels in the rolling direction. With known resonance frequencies of the printing unit 9, production speeds can be calculated that are particularly unfavorable for a given printing form. These printing speeds should be avoided (so-called "no-go speeds").

[0091] In all illustrated embodiments and their mentioned alternatives, register marks (or multiple register marks, e.g., wedges, double wedges, dots, or crosshairs) on the printing form can also be detected, e.g., using camera 21 or 43 and downstream digital image processing, and their position measured, stored, and kept ready. This enables automatic adjustment of register controllers or their register sensors to the register marks or to axial positions. Errors caused by the otherwise usual manual adjustment of the sensors can thus be advantageously prevented.

[0092] Alternatively, patterns can be captured and used to configure a register controller.

[0093] For automatic configuration or adjustment of the register control, an image of a flexographic printing form (410) is subjected to digital image processing with a camera (400, 21, 43), e.g. with a computer (410), whereby at least one register mark (310, 311) is xy-localized.

[0094] These localized xy data of the registration mark can be stored in a digital memory 317 as an ID or identifier 316 of the sleeve and made available to the flexographic printing press or flexographic printing unit when using the sleeve, specifying the ID.

[0095] The flexographic printing press or printing unit uses the register mark position data (xy localization) to configure the register control. This includes, for example, configuring the register marks for a print job.

[0096] A print job typically involves several printing units with inks or varnishes, each using a flexographic printing plate (410). The position data (xy-localization) of the print marks (310, 311) for, for example, two flexographic printing plates can differ.

[0097] The register control of the printing press receives the position data (xy - localization) of the print mark (310, 311) for each flexographic printing form (410) used with the identifier (316), which allows the configuration of the register marks of the print job to be composed of several flexographic printing forms (410).

[0098] An advantageous method for configuring the register controller is that, prior to printing, an image (410) of the surface of the sleeve with the at least one flexographic printing form is captured by a camera (400) and the image is subjected to image processing, wherein at least one register mark (310) is xy-localized; and that the setting of a register controller for capturing register marks is thereby automated.

[0099] It may also be possible to automatically position a motor-driven register sensor, particularly in the axial direction. It may also be possible to align a predefined zero point of the angular position of a printing cylinder and / or a sleeve mounted on it with an angular value of the actual location of a printed image (e.g., applied manually), particularly in the circumferential direction (of the cylinder / sleeve). From this alignment, an optimal starting value for the angular position of the cylinder / sleeve can be obtained. In this way, print production can be started with reduced register deviation. The same applies to the lateral direction (of the cylinder / sleeve).

[0100] In all illustrated embodiments and their mentioned alternatives, the performance of the dryer 10 of the printing press 8 can also be controlled or regulated. For example, LED dryer segments can be switched off in areas where no printing ink has been transferred to the substrate, thereby enabling advantageous energy savings and an extension of the LEDs' service life.

[0101] Furthermore, the output of the dryer 10, or the output of individual dryer segments, can be advantageously reduced for printing areas on the printing plate with low dot density. This saves energy and / or extends the service life of the dryer or individual segments. The shutdown or reduction can be carried out either in specific areas or in a direction parallel and / or perpendicular to the axial direction of a printing plate or to the lateral direction of the substrate being processed. For example, segments or modules of a dryer can be switched off in areas corresponding to gaps between printing plates (e.g., those spaced apart, especially those applied by hand).

[0102] In all illustrated embodiments and their mentioned alternatives, the respective location (on the pressure plate 5) of measuring fields for pressure inspection systems can also be recorded and made available for further use, e.g. the location setting of the pressure inspection systems.

[0103] In all illustrated embodiments and their mentioned alternatives, an inline color measurement system can also be positioned. To determine the location and thus the position of the inline color measurement, image and / or pattern recognition is performed, based on which the axial position for the measurement system is determined. To allow for a free area for calibration on the substrate, the inline color measurement system can be informed of unused printing areas.

[0104] The following is an exemplary overall process that can be carried out with the device in a suitable embodiment.

[0105] Measurement process: Step 1: Sleeve 3, with or without pressure plate 5, is slid onto the air-pressurized carrier cylinder 1 of the measuring station 2 via the air cushion and locked in place. Step 2: The sleeve is identified with a unique character string 38. This can be done via barcode, 2D code (e.g., QR code or Data Matrix code), RFID code, or NFC. Step 3: Camera 21 and, optionally, the reference object 30 are positioned according to the diameter (of the sleeve with or without pressure plate). Step 4: The topography 13 of the pressure plate is determined with reference to the axis 6 or the center of the axis of the carrier cylinder 22, i.e., the radii of the protrusions / pressure points 53 to 55. The light source 19 and the camera 21 of the measuring device 18 may move axially, and the carrier cylinder rotates (its angular position is known via an encoder).Step 5: Performing an area scan to detect point densities, free pressure points, printing areas, registration marks, and / or measurement fields for inline color measurement. Step 6: Applying a topography algorithm running on a computer 39 and evaluating the areas via the area scan with detection of channel impact patterns and with registration mark field setup or inline color measurement. Step 7: Optional determination of the plate hardness (in Shore units). Step 8: Application of a dust detector and / or a hair detector. Step 9: Saving the measurement results data to a digital memory 40. Step 10: Displaying the measurement results with an indication of dust / hairs or trapped air bubbles and / or displaying limit values, such as runout, eccentricity, and / or crowning. Step 11: Possible measurement repetition or removal of the sleeve to measure another sleeve.

[0106] Setup process: Step 1: Sleeve 3 with printing plate 5 is pushed onto the air-pressurized printing cylinder 16 of the printing press 8 via the air cushion and locked in place. Step 2: The sleeve is identified by its unique character string 38 by the respective printing unit 9 or a sensor therein. This can be done via barcode, 2D code (e.g., QR code or Data Matrix code), RFID code, or NFC. Step 3: The printing unit or printing press retrieves the stored data for the corresponding identified sleeve / printing plate.

[0107] Hiring process: Step 1: Setting the so-called "kiss sprint" (adjusting the pressure or working pressure) for printing cylinder 16 and anilox cylinder 15, e.g., based on topography, concentricity, and substrate data for an optimal print point. Diameter or radius is determined. Diameter or radius is known from measurements. Step 2: Calculation of the pre-register based on register mark data on the printing plate or core reference point. Step 3: Setting the dynamic pressure infeed based on determined dot density values, printed area, and speed, and optionally the substrate. Optional consideration of the plate hardness (in Shore units). Step 4: Setting the optimal web speed, e.g., based on the calculation of determined resonance frequencies of the printing unit to the printing plate through channel punch pattern detection.Step 5: Setting the optimal drying performance (UV or hot air) based on dot density values ​​and printed area, as well as anilox cylinder data (fill volume, etc.), optionally dynamically adjusted to the web speed. Step 6: Calculating ink consumption based on dot density values ​​and printed area, as well as anilox cylinder data (fill volume, etc.). Step 7: Reducing or switching off LED-UV drying sections in areas with low dot density on the printing plate or where drying is not required, in order to save energy and increase the lifespan of the LED lamps. Step 8: Fully automatic adjustment of the register controller based on the acquired register mark data, e.g., mark configuration and automatic axial positioning of the register sensor. Step 9: Setting the measurement position for inline spectral measurement and print inspection of the printed inks, information about location or...Measurement position.

[0108] Figure 6 Figure 410 shows a captured image of a sleeve 300 and, by way of example, two flexographic printing plates 301 and 302. The image is preferably captured or generated by a camera 400, particularly in a measuring station 2. The image can be transmitted to a computer 401. This computer 39 can then... Figure 2a The image can be subjected to computer-based image processing. Information or data can be obtained in this process. This data can be stored in a digital memory 317 with an ID or identifier 316 of the sleeve and made available to the flexographic printing press when the sleeve is used, specifying the ID.

[0109] Shown as examples are a captured area 303 with high dot density and a captured area 304 with low dot density. These areas can be detected and separated using image processing techniques and preferably color-coded. Based on the knowledge of the local dot densities of the entire flexographic printing form 301 (and the other flexographic printing form 302), a preset value for the so-called pressure adjustment can be calculated, i.e., for setting the contact pressure between the flexographic printing cylinder and the impression cylinder (and / or anilox roller) when using the sleeve.

[0110] An example of a captured channel 305 is also shown. Within the area of ​​channel 305, there are no (or essentially no) printing protrusions of the flexographic printing form 301. Channel 305 extends primarily in the axial y-direction and, due to its y-length (and x-width), is critical with regard to potential channel impacts as it passes through the printing gap and thus with regard to potential disruptive vibrations during operation of the flexographic printing press. The gaps 306 and 307, also shown as examples, are not critical in this respect due to their dimensions and / or adjacent printing areas 307a. The same applies to the gap 308 between the two flexographic printing forms 301 and 302, which are mounted at a distance from each other (e.g., glued to the core 300). However, the gap 309 between the front and rear edges of the flexographic printing form 301 can be critical. Critical gaps are detected computationally and preferentially identified as channels.

[0111] Also shown as examples are a registration mark 310 and a registration mark 311, as well as color measurement fields 312 and 313. In the example shown, the marks and fields are arranged in their respective control strips 314 and 315. The marks and fields are preferably also detected by the camera 400 and recognized and separated by image processing. Their determined position data (XY localization) are stored with the cartridge ID 316.

[0112] An example shown is a so-called error mark 318 for detecting a mounting error of one or more flexographic printing plates on the core or cores. Its position data is also stored with the core ID 316.

[0113] Figure 6Figure 410 also shows a sensor 402. The sensor 402 can be a register sensor and / or a spectrometer. It is located in the flexographic printing unit of the flexographic printing press and is directed towards the substrate web 11. The sensor is connected to a computer 403 and is movable in the axial y-direction 405 by means of the motor 404, thus enabling automated positioning. Using the data generated from Figure 410 and making it available to the printing press when using the sleeve 300, the sensor can be positioned along the substrate 11 at the y-position of a mark 310, 311 to be printed and detected, and / or the same or another sensor can be positioned in the field 312, 313, e.g., for color inspection with a spectrometer along the substrate 11. The data generated by the sensor is forwarded to computer 403, which may be identical to computer 401 and / or computer 39. Reference symbol list

[0114] 1 Carrier cylinder 2 Measuring station 3 Sleeve 3aID of the sleeve 4 Adhesive tape 5 Printing plate or flexographic printing form 5aID of the printing plate or flexographic printing form 6 Rotary body or flexographic printing form 7 First motor 8 Printing press or flexographic printing press 9 Printing unit or flexographic printing unit 10 Dryer 11 Substrate 12 Measuring rings 13 Raises / Topography 14 Surface 15 Anilox roller / Anilox cylinder 15aID of the anilox roller / anilox cylinder 16 Printing cylinder 17 Indent cylinder / substrate transport cylinder 18 Measuring device 19 Radiation sources, in particular light sources 20 Reflector or mirror 21 Radiation receiver, in particular light receiver, e.g.Cameras 22 Rotation axis 23 Light curtain / emitted light 24 Shadowing 25 Reflected light 26 Working width 27 Axial direction 28 Direction of movement 29 Second motor 29b Second motor 30 Reference object / line-like object, especially thread / string / knife / beam 31 Reference line 32 Distance 33 Shell area 34 Unit 35 Circumferential direction 36 Shadowing 37 Sensor 38 Identification feature or ID 39 Digital computer 39b Second digital computer 40 Digital memory 41 Drive side (AS) 42 Operator side (BS) 43 Device for capturing point density 44 Laser micrometer 45 Third motor 46 Measuring line 47 Measuring strip 48 Multiple measuring lines 50 Printing area 51 Non-printing area 52 Enveloping radius / Envelope 53 Printing point of the printing plate 54 Just printing point of the printing plate 55 Non-printing point of the printing plate 56 Lowest point 57 Radial distance 58 Marking means 59 Measuring field for measuring Shore hardness 60 Motor 61 Pin 62 Device for capturing the ID . 300 Sleeve 301 Flexographic printing form 302 Additional flexographic printing form 303 High dot density area 304 Low dot density area 305 Channel 306 Gap, non-printing area 307 Gap, non-printing area 307a Printing area 308 Gap between flexographic printing forms 309 Gap 310 Register mark 311 Register mark 312 Color measuring field 313 Color measuring field 314 Control strip 315 Control strip 316 ID 317 Memory 318 Defect mark 400 Camera 401 Computer 402 Sensor 403 Computer 404 Motor 405 Direction of movement 410 Image Radial distance D diameter x direction (circumferential direction) y direction (axial direction)

Claims

1. Method for operating a flexographic printing press, comprising a printing cylinder (16) carrying a sleeve (3) with at least one flexographic printing form (5) or comprising a flexographic printing cylinder and an impression cylinder (17), wherein the printing register of the flexographic printing form or flexographic printing cylinder is adjusted to a further flexographic printing form or to a further flexographic printing cylinder and / or the ink density is adjusted and / or an ink inspection is carried out, wherein a sensor (402) is used, characterized by thatBefore printing, an image (410) of the surface of the sleeve with the at least one flexographic printing form is captured by a camera (400) and the image is subjected to image processing, wherein at least one registration mark (310) and / or at least one color measurement field (312) is / are xy-localized; and that before setting, a sensor (402) for capturing the registration mark is automatically moved to the y-position of the registration mark and captures the registration mark, and / or that before setting, a sensor (402) for capturing the color measurement field is automatically moved to the y-position of the color measurement field and captures the color measurement field, and thatprior to printing, at least one image (410) of the surface of several sleeves with several flexographic printing forms is captured by at least one camera (400) for the configuration of a register controller of the flexographic printing machine, and the image is subjected to digital image processing, wherein at least two register marks (310, 311) are xy-localized, and the configuration of the register controller for the capture of register marks is automated using the xy-localized register mark position data.

2. Method according to claim 1, characterized by that The x-direction is the circumferential direction of the sleeve, and the y-direction is the direction of the sleeve perpendicular to it, i.e., the axial direction of the sleeve.

3. Method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by that The image includes the entire circumference and working width of the sleeve.

4. Method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by thatImage processing includes a step in computational pattern recognition.

5. Method according to claim 4, characterized by that In computational pattern recognition, a predefined pattern of a trademark is searched for.

6. Method according to claim 4 or 5, characterized by that In computational pattern recognition, a predefined pattern of a color measurement field is searched for.

7. Method according to claim 5 or 6, characterized by that the registration mark and / or the color measurement field is / are part of a control strip (314).

8. Method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by thatThe flexographic printing machine comprises a flexographic printing unit and at least one further flexographic printing unit, wherein the flexographic printing unit comprises the printing cylinder and the impression cylinder, and the further flexographic printing unit comprises a further printing cylinder and a further impression cylinder, wherein the further printing cylinder carries a further sleeve with at least one further flexographic printing form.

9. Method according to claim 8, characterized by that the pressure cylinder and the further pressure cylinder each comprise a respective pin (61) at a respective pin position in the x-direction on their respective outer surfaces.

10. Method according to claim 9, characterized by that The sleeve and the further sleeve each have a groove on their respective inner surface in the y-direction for the respective pin.

11. Method according to claim 8, 9 or 10, characterized by thatthe sleeve and the subsequent sleeve are each marked with a machine-readable ID (3a, 5a, 38, 316).

12. Method according to claim 11, characterized by that The ID is designed as a unique identifier for the sleeve.

13. Method according to claim 12, characterized by that The identifier includes multiple digits and / or letters and / or special characters.

14. Method according to any one of claims 8 to 13, characterized by that the x-coordinates and y-coordinates of both sleeves or data derived therefrom together with the respective ID of the sleeves are indirectly transmitted to the flexographic printing press by temporarily storing the x-coordinates and y-coordinates of both sleeves or data derived therefrom together with the respective ID of the sleeves and retrieving them from the flexographic printing press for printing with the sleeves.

15. Method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by thatSetting the print register includes controlling or regulating the print register.

16. Method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by that Adjusting the color density involves controlling or regulating the color density.

17. Method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the register mark, color measuring field or another mark (318) is designed as a fault mark (318) for the detection of a mounting fault of one or more flexographic printing forms on the core or on multiple cores.

18. Method according to claim 17, characterized by that A further mark is designed as an error mark for detecting an xy positioning error of a sleeve on a flexographic printing cylinder.

19. Method according to claim 17 or 18, characterized by thatThe xy position of the error mark is sensorially detected and computationally compared with the xy position of the register mark, and an xy positioning error is calculated from this.

20. Method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by that for configuring the register controller in the event that several register marks are xy-located on a sleeve, and one of these register marks is selected computationally from the acquired data.

21. Method according to claim 20, characterized by that The configuration of the register controller of the flexographic printing press is calculated from the recorded data and used to determine which register mark of the register mark configuration is printed in which printing unit.

22. Flexographic printing machine, comprising at least one flexographic printing unit - comprising a printing cylinder or a flexographic printing cylinder carrying a sleeve with at least one flexographic printing form, an impression cylinder and an anilox roller - wherein the flexographic printing machine is operated for printing a substrate with flexographic printing ink according to one of the preceding methods, characterized by that the flexographic printing machine includes at least one actuator (404) for adjusting the y-position of the sensor.

23. Flexographic printing machine according to claim 22, characterized by that The sleeve bears at least two flexographic printing forms with the same or different printing motifs.

24. System comprising a flexographic printing machine according to claim 22 or 23 and a measuring device for capturing an image of a sleeve, characterized by that the measuring device (2, 18, 400) captures the image (410) of the sleeve using camera technology.

25. System according to claim 24, characterized by that the sleeve is marked with a machine-readable ID (3a, 5a, 38, 316).

26. Sleeve for a flexographic printing form, wherein the sleeve is marked with a machine-readable ID, for use in a method according to any one of claims 1 to 21 or for use in a flexographic printing machine according to any one of claims 22 or 23 or for use in a system according to any one of claims 24 or 25, characterized by that The machine-readable ID (3a, 5a, 38, 316) is read automatically and stored on a computer (39, 39b, 317, 401, 403) for retrieval.

27. Sleeve for a flexographic printing form according to claim 26, characterized by that the marking with the machine-readable ID is carried out using a marking agent (58).

28. Method for operating a flexographic printing press, with at least two printing cylinders — each carrying a sleeve with at least one flexographic printing form —, wherein the printing register of the flexographic printing forms is adjusted relative to each other and wherein a sensor is used for detecting registration marks, characterized by that Before printing, a camera captures an image of each sleeve surface, and the image is subjected to digital image processing, whereby at least two register marks are xy-localized, and before setting, the sensor is automatically moved to the y-position of the register marks and the register marks are captured, and using the xy-localized register mark position data, the configuration of the register controller for capturing register marks is automated.

29. Method according to claim 28, characterized bythe respective characterizing feature of one of claims 2, 3, 4, 5, 15, 20 or 21.