Abstract

An apparatus (1) for removing ink from an ink-covered side of a printed band (10) of flexible material, the apparatus (1) comprises - a band infeed (3); - a band outfeed (5); - a number of guide rollers (20) and at least one smear unit (30) defining a band path (4) from the band infeed (3) to the band outfeed (5), - at least one liquid application section (40) upstream to the at least one smear unit (30), the at least one liquid application section (40) comprising one or more liquid ap- plicators (41) for providing a liquid to an ink-covered side (12); - at least one scraper (50) downstream to the at least one smear unit (30), the least one scraper (50) adapted for engaging the ink-covered side (12) during use for removal of ink; wherein the at least one smear unit (30) comprising a smear surface (32) for smearing ink and liquid together, and the band path (4) is such that the band (10), during use, at least engages a circle arc (34) of the smear unit (30), the circle arc being at least 15 degrees, and wherein the smear surface (32) of the at least one smear unit (30) being configured, during use, to displace with a displacement velocity different than a band velocity.

IPC Classes  ?

• B41J 15/04 - Supporting, feeding, or guiding devicesMountings for web rolls or spindles
• B41J 29/17 - Cleaning arrangements

Abstract

Aspects of the present disclosure are directed to a cleaning apparatus for cleaning printing plates. In some embodiments, the cleaning apparatus may comprise a laser arrangement including a pulsed laser for generating laser pulses with pulse duration in the picosecond range. The cleaning apparatus may further comprise laser guidance means for guiding the laser pulses onto a path on a printing plate. Other aspects of the present disclosure are directed to a method including the steps of generating laser pulses with pulse duration in the picosecond range and guiding the laser pulses onto a path on the printing plate.

IPC Classes  ?

• B41F 35/04 - Cleaning arrangements or devices for inking rollers
• B08B 7/00 - Cleaning by methods not provided for in a single other subclass or a single group in this subclass
• B41F 5/24 - Rotary letterpress machines for flexographic printing
• B41F 35/00 - Cleaning arrangements or devices
• B41F 35/02 - Cleaning arrangements or devices for forme cylinders
• B23K 26/352 - Working by laser beam, e.g. welding, cutting or boring for surface treatment
• B23K 26/0622 - Shaping the laser beam, e.g. by masks or multi-focusing by direct control of the laser beam by shaping pulses
• B23K 26/08 - Devices involving relative movement between laser beam and workpiece

Abstract

An object of the invention is achieved by a cleaning apparatus for cleaning printing plates. The cleaning apparatus may comprise a laser arrangement, which may comprise a pulsed laser for generating laser pulses with pulse duration in the picosecond range. The cleaning apparatus may further comprise laser guidance means for guiding the laser pulses onto a path on a printing plate. The method may comprise one or more acts of generating laser pulses with pulse duration in the picosecond range and an act of guiding the laser pulses onto a path on the printing plate.

IPC Classes  ?

• B23K 26/08 - Devices involving relative movement between laser beam and workpiece
• B08B 7/00 - Cleaning by methods not provided for in a single other subclass or a single group in this subclass
• B41F 35/00 - Cleaning arrangements or devices
• B23K 26/352 - Working by laser beam, e.g. welding, cutting or boring for surface treatment
• B23K 26/0622 - Shaping the laser beam, e.g. by masks or multi-focusing by direct control of the laser beam by shaping pulses

Abstract

A method for cleaning of plate-shaped clichés (2) comprising the following method actions: - feeding plate-shaped clichés (2) into and through a first cleaning chamber (4); - flushing cleaning fluid to at least the print side of the plate-shaped cliché (2), when the latter is worked over by cleaning brushes (16); - feeding the plate-shaped clichés into and through another cleaning chamber (6) for subsequent flushing over and drying the plate-shaped clichés (2); - applying hot air from a hot air blower (26) to at least said print side of the plate-shaped clichés (2); comprising the further action - feeding the plate-shaped clichés (2) into and through a high-pressure cleaning chamber (8) situated between said first cleaning chamber (2) and said other cleaning chamber (6); - flushing in said high-pressure cleaning chamber (8) a high-pressure cleaning fluid at a range of 30 –120 bar to at least said print side of the plate-shaped clichés (2). By rather simple method and means it hereby become possible to obtain sufficient cleaning of plate-shaped clichés by which the printing side in advance has been laser cut with the desired printing pattern whereby sufficient removing of the resulting metal dust can be effectively flushed of and removed from the front side of the plate-shaped clichés by an effective and safe continuously cleaning process.

IPC Classes  ?

• B41F 35/00 - Cleaning arrangements or devices
• B41N 3/00 - Preparing for use or conserving printing surfaces
• B08B 3/02 - Cleaning by the force of jets or sprays

Goods & Services

Chemicals used in industry. Washing and cleaning machines and parts therefor, for use in the graphics industry.

Goods & Services

Washing and cleaning machines for cleaning printing presses and removable printing press parts for use in the graphics industry; replacement parts for washing and cleaning machines, namely, washing and cleaning machines for cleaning printing presses and removable printing press parts for use in the graphics industry

Goods & Services

Chemicals used in industry, including cleaning agents and preparations. Washing and cleaning machines and parts therefor, for use in the graphics industry. Treatment of materials.