Register Accuracy Check Using Test Print on Printing Cylinder
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Ensuring register accuracy of print images on both sides of a printing material in rotary printing machines is challenging, particularly in high-value or high-quality printing, as existing methods often require external references and are not suitable for low-transparency materials, and deviations can lead to quality reduction.
Innovation Solution
A method where print images from both sides are checked directly by observing the same side of the printing material or captured simultaneously, using an optical system with a camera and digital image processing to evaluate their relative position and congruence, allowing for immediate correction of register accuracy without foreign references.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If existing registration checking methods are used, then registration accuracy can be monitored, but external references are required and the method is not suitable for low-transparency materials
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the copying principle by creating a test print that replicates the actual printing conditions and geometry on the same substrate. Instead of using external references, the test print copies the registration marks and image geometry directly from the printing process, allowing the registration to be checked on the same side of the substrate where the actual print appears. This eliminates the need for external references and makes the method suitable for low-transparency materials.
2Reliability
If registration checking is performed during setup, then quality can be ensured, but production time is lost and waste occurs due to poor registration
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by performing the registration check using a test print before actual production printing begins. The test print is printed on the same substrate and through the same printing process, allowing registration accuracy to be verified in advance. This prevents waste of production time and materials by identifying registration issues before they affect actual product printing.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback by measuring the positions of registration marks on the test print and using this information to determine whether registration accuracy requirements are met. The measurement results provide feedback about the printing process setup, allowing adjustments to be made before production begins, thus ensuring quality without losing production time.
3Ease of operation
If a test print is printed on the same side as the actual print, then registration can be checked directly without external references, but the test print must be integrated into the printing process
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies merging by combining the test print function with the actual printing process. The test print is integrated into the same printing operation that produces the actual print, using the same printing plates, substrate, and printing mechanism. This merging allows direct registration checking without requiring separate external reference systems or additional printing passes.
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
Enables efficient and accurate checking of register accuracy for print images on both sides of printing materials, reducing waste and ensuring high-quality output by allowing for real-time adjustments based on detected deviations, suitable for both transparent and low-transparency materials.
Implementation Method 1
an optical system with a camera is used to check these two printed images directly on the same side of the substrate
Implementation Method 2
suitable for both transparent and low-transparency materials
Implementation Method 3
using an optical system with a camera and digital image processing to evaluate their relative position and congruence
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
AI summary
A method is proposed for checking the maintenance of register of printed images to be printed on two opposite sides of a printing material (07), in which method the first side of the printing material (07) is printed in a rotary printing press by means of a first printing unit cylinder (02), and in which method the second side of the printing material (07) which lies opposite the first side is printed in the printing process by means of a second printing unit cylinder (03) which interacts with the first printing unit cylinder (02), wherein a printed image is printed by the first printing unit cylinder (02) onto the second printing unit cylinder (03), wherein afterwards the printing material (07) is printed in contact with the two interacting printing unit cylinders (02; 03), by the printed image which is printed onto the second printing unit cylinder (03) being printed onto the same side of the printing material (07) together with an identical or a different printed image which is to be printed in each case by the second printing unit cylinder (03) during continuous printing of the rotary printing press, wherein said printed images which are printed together onto the same side of the printing material (07) are subsequently checked with regard to their maintenance of register.