Forming integrated roller from core, telescoping sleeve and filler adhesive

Abstract

Molding apparatus for forming a roller, such as a printing roller, and the resulting product are disclosed in which such apparatus includes an elastomeric sleeve and a core, the sleeve telescopically receiving the core and defining therebetween a casting area to receive a settable adhesive. One of the sleeve and core has axially extending grooves on a side facing the other to facilitate substantially even distribution of the liquid adhesive between it and the other member, whereby upon receipt and setting of the adhesive, the sleeve, adhesive and core define an integrated roller of substantially uniformly distributed balance and weight. Preferably, the set adhesive has substantially the same density as the elastomeric sleeve. Optionally, two adhesives may be used, as concentric tubular coatings, one adhesive to coat the core and a second adhesive used in greater amount to coat the sleeve and fill the casting area. The two adhesives are chosen to effect a strong bond between the core and the sleeve, which are of different materials, and between each other such that a strong integrated bond is realized from sleeve-to-core.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.