The present invention is drawn to a wash that will effectively clean printing related equipment such as a printing press, including all of its components, of materials used in the printing process, including printing inks, paper, and fountain solutions.

An image forming apparatus includes: an image former; and a hardware processor that outputs information on a calculation result of a total length, in a paper conveyance directions, of an image part formed at a time of executing a print job by causing the image former to print the information in mirror writing.

An image forming apparatus includes: an image former; and a hardware processor that outputs information on a calculation result of a total length, in a paper conveyance directions, of an image part formed at a time of executing a print job by causing the image former to print the information in mirror writing.

A plate handling system (500, 600) for transporting printing plates between workstations in a process workflow. A plurality of vacuum gripper end effectors (512) configured to grip the printing plates are mounted to a computer-controlled transporter (514) configured to translate in at least three orthogonal directions and to rotate about at least one rotational axis. At least one sensor (560) detects orientation of the plate relative to a staging location and a controller (630) causes the transporter to move based upon programmed instructions in accordance with information provided by the sensor. A mobile preparation table (1000) may be provided in the staging location. A thickness measurement system (1090) may be included in some embodiments.

Provided is an activation device for a printing blanket and a printing method using a printing blanket that enable a surface of an absorber to be constantly kept clean to enable proper activation of a surface of the printing blanket. The activation device for a printing blanket includes a storage tank having a box shape, the absorber mounted on the storage tank, and a liquid stored in the storage tank. The absorber includes layers of absorbing members and absorbs the liquid from an absorber lower part, and an uppermost layer of the absorber is peelable from the absorber.

A system for moving a flexible plate, in particular a printing plate or a printing plate precursor, over a support surface in the direction of a treatment station, such as a washer station. The system includes a support configured for supporting the plate on a support surface thereof, and intended to be located upstream of the treatment station. A movement means includes a plate engagement means configured to contact the plate in such a way that the plate is engaged by adhesion or by friction or a combination thereof, in a movement mode, and that the plate can be slid over the support surface by controlling the movement means in the movement mode. A control means is configured to control the movement means such that the plate is slid over the support in the direction of the treatment station.

An apparatus comprises a plate cleaner assembly. The plate cleaner assembly further comprises a frame, a roller coupled to the frame, a dry cleaning material coupled to the roller, and a spray assembly coupled to the plate cleaner assembly. The plate cleaner assembly further includes a controller coupled thereto. Moreover, the apparatus further comprises a printing plate cylinder and a printing plate coupled to the printing plate cylinder.

A method and apparatus for measurement of density of a photosensitive printing plate (130) having a mask (132) embodying image information corresponding to an image to be printed. A density measurement system includes a first radiation source (112) spaced apart from and adjacent the plate and configured to emit radiation having a first wavelength or range of wavelengths toward the plate. A densitometer (110) spaced apart from and adjacent the plate in a fixed relationship relative to the first radiation source receives and measures an amount of the first radiation transmitted through or reflected by the plate and the mask during relative movement between the plate and the density measurement system. The densitometer readings are processed to provide an output correlating to quality of the mask. The density measurement system may be coupled to an exposure system (120,122,124) for curing the plate.

A method and apparatus for measurement of density of a photosensitive printing plate (130) having a mask (132) embodying image information corresponding to an image to be printed. A density measurement system includes a first radiation source (112) spaced apart from and adjacent the plate and configured to emit radiation having a first wavelength or range of wavelengths toward the plate. A densitometer (110) spaced apart from and adjacent the plate in a fixed relationship relative to the first radiation source receives and measures an amount of the first radiation transmitted through or reflected by the plate and the mask during relative movement between the plate and the density measurement system. The densitometer readings are processed to provide an output correlating to quality of the mask. The density measurement system may be coupled to an exposure system (120,122,124) for curing the plate.

The present invention relates to a water-based or solvent-based washing unit for washing a flexographic plate. The washing unit comprises a containment structure which defines a lower basin and at least two side basins which are supplied with the washing liquid and are arranged so that the water overflowing from the side basins is collected in the lower basin. A brush partially immersed in the liquid bath defined by the basin itself is installed at each basin.