Flexo cushion
OwnerMaria Teresa A. Castillo, Jeffrey Knightinventors
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Abstract
A method of improving performance of a relief image printing plate on a printing cylinder which includes mounting a compressible cushion element on a surface of the printing cylinder. The surface of the cushion element that is contactable with the relief image printing plate is a low friction surface that allows a relief image printing plate to slide freely across its surface and settle into position on the printing cylinder. The use of a cushion element having a low friction surface reduces smut and improves registration of the printing plate on the printing cylinder.
Claims22
A method of improving the performance of a relief image printing plate on a printing cylinder, the method comprising the steps of:
- a) mounting a compressible cushion element on a surface of the printing cylinder, wherein the compressible cushion element comprises a compressible layer selected from the group consisting of an elastomer, rubber, foam and combinations of one or more of the foregoing, wherein the cushion element comprises a low friction surface that is contactable with the relief image printing plate, and wherein a coefficient of static friction between the cushion element and the relief image printing plate is less than 0.65;
- and
- b) mounting the relief image printing plate on the low friction surface of the compressible cushion element,
- whereby the low friction surface of the cushion element allows the relief image printing plate to slide across its surface and settle into position on the printing cylinder.
A low-friction compressible cushion element used for cushioning a relief image printing plate on a printing cylinder, the cushion element comprising:
- a) an adhesive layer that is capable of being affixed to a surface of the printing cylinder;
- and
- b) a compressible layer comprising a material selected from the group consisting of an elastomer, rubber, foam and combinations of one or more of the foregoing, and having a low friction surface provided thereon by a method comprising one of:
- (i) incorporating a low friction additive into the compressible layer;
- or
- (ii) providing a top layer on the compressible layer, said top layer comprising a low friction additive.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.