A primer roller may include a cylinder having an outer support surface. The outer support surface support surface may have a length in an axial direction and a fixed outer diameter extending along the length. The roller may further comprise, at least at least one elastically deformable annular sleeve having an axial length less than the axial length of the support surface of the cylinder an external diameter greater than the outer diameter of the support surface of the cylinder, and an internal diameter which provides a friction fit on the support surface of the cylinder. The outer surface of the support roller comprises a plurality of fluid outlets. The outlets are distributed about the support surface. Fluid expelled from the fluid outlets enables the sleeve to be slidably positioned relative to the support surface. A priming apparatus and a print press are also disclosed.

An apparatus for replacing printing sleeves which comprises a handling device which can be removably engaged with a printing sleeve and a movement robot for moving the handling device; the handling device comprises a supporting frame and a self-centering grip clamp which is able to translate on command, with respect to the supporting frame, along a movement direction that is substantially parallel to the axis of the supporting rod, between an advanced working position and a retracted working position; the grip clamp has engagement elements which are movable on command between an inactive position and an active position, in which they are radially spaced apart from the axis of the supporting rod, in order to allow their engagement with the internal surface of the printing sleeve.

A system including a non-contact plate sensor and a processor configured to characterize a configuration of a plate based upon information received from the sensor, such as position on a press or plate quality. The processor is configured to initiate a responsive action based upon the characterized configuration. A related method includes setting pressure of a printing plate relative to an ink-receiving substrate and register of a printing plate relative to another printing plate on a press, without generating printed waste. The non-contact plate sensor measures a distance of the printing surface of the plate relative to the sensor in locations along the plate longitudinal axis to characterize a starting configuration of the plate. The plate longitudinal axis is adjusted to correspond with a desired position of the plate for exerting a desired pressure on the substrate, based upon a difference between the measured starting position and the desired position.

A system including a non-contact plate sensor and a processor configured to characterize a configuration of a plate based upon information received from the sensor, such as position on a press or plate quality. The processor is configured to initiate a responsive action based upon the characterized configuration. A related method includes setting pressure of a printing plate relative to an ink-receiving substrate and register of a printing plate relative to another printing plate on a press, without generating printed waste. The non-contact plate sensor measures a distance of the printing surface of the plate relative to the sensor in locations along the plate longitudinal axis to characterize a starting configuration of the plate. The plate longitudinal axis is adjusted to correspond with a desired position of the plate for exerting a desired pressure on the substrate, based upon a difference between the measured starting position and the desired position.