Automatic Ink Presetting Using Centralized Correction Factors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for automatic color presetting on inking units in printing presses are limited by their reliance solely on ink-specific and printing machine-specific setting parameters, leading to high makeready times and waste due to frequent corrections required to match the printed colors with the template, and these settings are not easily transferable between different printing presses.
Innovation Solution
A method where all printing presses in a print shop or group are calibrated uniformly for ink supply settings using machine-dependent parameters, with specific settings stored locally for each unit, allowing for the use of correction factors across different printing standards and colors, enabling centralized registration and application of these factors in a print shop network for accurate color presetting.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If only ink-specific and printing machine-specific setting parameters are used for automatic color presetting, then the presetting process is simplified, but the accuracy of color presetting is limited and frequent corrections are required
Solution Approach 1:
The setting parameters are segmented into three distinct categories: ink-specific parameters, printing machine-specific parameters, and printing unit-specific parameters. This segmentation allows each type of parameter to be optimized independently and applied systematically, improving color presetting accuracy without overwhelming complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The method performs preliminary determination of all three parameter types before the actual presetting process. By pre-determining ink-specific parameters, printing machine-specific parameters, and printing unit-specific parameters in advance, the system eliminates the need for frequent corrections during printing operations
2Manufacturing precision
If frequent corrections are made to match printed colors with template, then color accuracy is improved, but makeready time increases and waste is generated
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs comprehensive preliminary determination of ink-specific parameters, printing machine-specific parameters, and printing unit-specific parameters before printing begins. This advance preparation ensures color accuracy is achieved from the first print, eliminating the need for frequent corrections during makeready
Solution Approach 2:
The method incorporates a feedback mechanism where the printing unit-specific parameters are determined based on actual printing results and compared against the template. This feedback loop allows for precise adjustment of parameters to match the template exactly, achieving high color accuracy without excessive corrections
3Manufacturing precision
If printing unit-specific parameters are determined and stored for each printing press, then color presetting accuracy is improved, but the system complexity and data management burden increase
Solution Approach 1:
The parameter system is segmented into three manageable categories that can be stored and managed separately. Printing unit-specific parameters are kept distinct from ink-specific and machine-specific parameters, allowing for organized data management while maintaining high presetting accuracy
Solution Approach 2:
The method creates a universal framework where the same three-parameter structure (ink-specific, printing machine-specific, and printing unit-specific) can be applied across multiple printing presses. This universal approach standardizes data management while enabling accurate presetting on any press in the network
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This approach reduces the need for frequent corrections and waste by providing standardized calibration across all printing units, ensuring consistent color presetting across all presses, improving efficiency and reducing makeready times by using machine-dependent and medium-specific parameters stored in a centralized database.
Implementation Method 1
The ink metering device of each inking unit includes several ink metering elements and a vibrator roller
Data Source
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AI summary
The intention is to improve a method for automatic ink presetting on inking units in printing units of printing machines. In an inking unit, the intention is to preset ink-metering apparatuses in accordance with a quantity of inking zones before the printing, in such a way that a printed print product comes as close as possible to a print master. For this purpose, printing-means-specific and printing-machine-specific adjustment parameters are determined and the ink-metering elements are preset using the adjustment parameters determined in advance. Furthermore, according to the invention, a value for a presetting correction is determined and is stored in a central memory of a print-shop network.