Apparatus and method for application of sticky back material

An automated applicator of a sticky back material, comprising:

• a controller;
• a frame;
• a transport system including a pair of spaced apart sliding tubes and a plurality of clamps, the sliding tubes slidably disposed on the frame, and the clamps slidably disposed on the sliding tubes, wherein the clamps are configured to selectively and releasably grip a sheet of the sticky back material and the sliding tube;
• a cutter configured to cut the sticky back material at predetermined locations;
• a pressure roller configured to apply the sheet of sticky back material to a printing sleeve;
• and
• a mandrel configured to grip the sleeve and selectively rotate the sleeve during application of the sheet of sticky back material.