Apparatus for continuous masking for selective electroplating and method

An apparatus for continuously masking a web, which comprises:

• (a) a web of a conductive material having opposed manor surfaces providing a first width and a length substantially longer than the first width of the web;
• (b) a plate roller having at least one proud area corresponding to a stripe of ink to be coated on one of the manor surfaces of the web;
• (c) an ink source for transferring ink to the plate roller;
• (d) an opposing roller disposed adjacent to the other major surface of the web opposite the plate roller for ensuring contact of the web with the plate roller;
• (e) a radiation source for curing the ink on the web;
• and
• (f) a motive means, wherein the web in an unmasked condition is movable by the motive means to contact the plate roller and the opposing roller to provide at least one stripe of ink on the one major surface of the web and then past the radiation source to cure the ink, and wherein the ink stripe is smeared from the plate roller to the web along the length thereof.