A method of controlling the clamping of a plate in a printing press includes clamping a plate in a first clamping device provided on a carriage, transporting the plate to a plate cylinder in a first direction by way of the carriage, and clamping the plate in a second clamping device provided on the plate cylinder. Then the carriage is driven backward in a second direction while the plate remains clamped in the first clamping device. If the plate is properly clamped in the plate cylinder clamps, the carriage is estopped from moving in the second direction. A control unit determines, based on the reaction of the carriage, whether or not the plate is securely clamped in the second clamping device.

A method for mounting one or more printing plate segments on a carrier sheet. The method comprises importing a file into a computer associated with a mounting unit. For each printing plate segment, the file includes a printing plate segment identifier, information regarding alignment of registration marks relative to the carrier sheet; and image data corresponding to a characteristic pattern associated with each printing plate segment. A composite image depicting the image data corresponding to the characteristic patterns is then displayed on a display in the predetermined arrangement of one or more printing plate segment locations and orientations. A mounting unit and a printing system and computer readable media programmed with instructions for performing the method are also described.

A device for measuring elevations of a surface of a rotary body embodied as a cylinder, roller, sleeve, plate or flexographic printing plate for graphic industry machines includes a first motor for rotating the rotary body about an axis of rotation and a measuring device for contactless measurement which is part of or integrated into a mounter for printing plates. The measuring device allows the printing forme to be measured and analyzed to check mounting quality and to detect diameter differences. The measuring device preferably further includes a reference object, such as a wire tautened in an axially parallel direction, a second motor and, if desired, a further second motor for adjusting the measuring device and/or the reference object in a direction perpendicular to the axis of rotation. The device provides a fast way of measuring the elevations, such as flexographic print dots, with great accuracy.

A printing plate (10) having at least one optical marker (12, 14) for detecting a position of the printing plate (10) is described. The optical marker (12, 14) comprises an optically detectable structure (18) being positioned within a periphery (20) of the marker (12, 14). Furthermore, a method for detecting a position of a printing plate (10) is presented. Additionally, a control unit (38) for a system (36) for detecting a position of a printing plate (10) and a system (36) for detecting a position of a printing plate (10) are explained. Moreover, a computer program comprising computer readable program code means for causing steps of the method is defined.

For a flexographic printing apparatus, an apparatus (1) and method for mounting a printing plate (2) on a printing cylinder (4) or a printing sleeve including a system for pre-alignment (5, 8) of a printing plate (2) and real-time alignment (5, 8) of the printing plate (2) during mounting.

A printing unit has a printing form cylinder. A plate changer is arranged in a manner which is allocated to the printing form cylinder. The plate changer has a bearing surface on which a printing form, which is arranged or is to be arranged on the printing form cylinder, can be laid. That bearing surface is arranged such that it can be moved to and fro between at least two defined positions longitudinally with respect to the rotational axis of the printing form cylinder. The printing form is arranged and registered on the bearing surface of the plate changer. At least two edges of a carrier for the relevant printing form, which are arranged at a right angle with respect to each other, are brought into physical contact with register pins which are arranged on the bearing surface of the plate changer. A first edge of the carrier of the relevant printing form is arranged to bear against a first register pin and a second edge, orthogonal with respect to the first edge, of the carrier of the relevant printing form, is arranged to bear against a second register pin. The printing unit is preferably arranged as a device for printing hollow bodies.

A printing unit has a printing forme cylinder. A plate changer is arranged in a manner which is allocated to the printing forme cylinder. The plate changer has a bearing surface on which a printing forme, which is arranged or is to be arranged on the printing forme cylinder, can be laid. That bearing surface is arranged such that it can be moved to and fro between at least two defined positions longitudinally with respect to the rotational axis of the printing forme cylinder. The printing forme is arranged and registered on the bearing surface of the plate changer. At least two edges of a carrier for the relevant printing forme, which are arranged at a right angle with respect to each other, are brought into physical contact with register pins which are arranged on the bearing surface of the plate changer. A first edge of the carrier of the relevant printing forme is arranged to bear against a first register pin and a second edge, orthogonal with respect to the first edge, of the carrier of the relevant printing forme, is arranged to bear against a second register pin. The printing unit is preferably arranged as a device for printing hollow bodies.

A device for measuring elevated areas of the surface of a rotary body in the form of a cylinder, a roller, a sleeve or a plate of a printing press, for example a flexographic printing plate, includes a first motor for rotating the rotary body about a rotational axis and a measuring unit for contactless measurement. The measuring unit for contactless measurement includes at least one radiation source and at least one area scan camera. The measuring unit for contactless measurement preferably includes a reference object, for example a wire tensioned in an axially parallel manner, a second motor and optionally a further second motor, for adjusting the measuring unit and/or the reference object perpendicularly to the rotational axis. The device makes it possible to measure elevated areas, for example flexographic print dots, quickly and with high precision. A system having the device is also provided.