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US 2022/0032608 A1Published application
Print targets and image analysis for feedback control of flexographic printing devices
AssigneeXerox Corporation
InventorsJames P. CALAMITA, Shawn P. UPDEGRAFF, Michael B. MONAHAN
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Abstract
According to aspects of the embodiments, there is provided methods to measure characteristics of line width and density of printed test patterns. By printing the test patterns and capturing with an in-line scanner or optical device, the analytical results of these test patterns can be used as feedback to a control system that adjusts both impression and inking levels without the need of a skilled operator.
Claims20
A computerized method for automatic optimization of inking and impression settings in a flexographic printing system, comprising:
- print test patterns on at least one substrate by applying different inking levels and impression levels, wherein the test patterns are of varying shape, line thickness, orientation and spacing;
- using an imaging system to capture at least one image of the printed test patterns on at least one substrate at each impression/inking combinations;
- analyzing the captured images to determine different factors for the test patterns;
- and
- using a control system to automatically control ink setting and impression setting responsive to the determined different factors, wherein the different factors are line width and density for the printed the test patterns.
2 more elements
A system for flexographic printing, comprising:
- an anilox roller having a patterned surface for transferring ink based on an inking setting to a flexographic printing plate;
- an impression cylinder that is configured to force based on an impression setting at least one substrate into contact with the flexographic printing plate;
- a processor coupled to a storage device having instructions that, when executed by the processor cause the processor to execute a method for automatic optimization of inking setting and impression setting by:
- printing test patterns on the least one substrate by applying different inking levels and impression levels, wherein the test patterns are of varying shape, line thickness, orientation and spacing;
- using an imaging system to capture at least one image of the printed test patterns on at least one substrate at each impression/inking combinations;
- analyzing the captured at least one image to determine different factors for the test patterns;
- and
- using a control system to automatically control ink setting and impression setting responsive to the determined different factors, wherein the different factors are line width and density for the printed the test patterns.
5 more elements
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.