The machine (1) comprises: a stationary frame structure (2), wherein support elements (8-12) are provided for supporting an article (A) on which an image (I) is to be printed; a thermal transfer assembly (20) which is vertically movable relative to the frame structure (2), above the support elements (8-12), between a raised rest position and a lowered working position, and includes a transfer pad (21) having an active surface (21a) which is heated in operation; and supply and guide devices (23-36) arranged to advance, along a predetermined path extending in part between the active surface (21a) of the transfer pad (21) and the support elements (8-12), a flexible printing ribbon (N) which on a side thereof carries, at predetermined intervals, images (I) formed of a thermally transferable ink. The machine (1) further comprises a position sensor (80) arranged to provide electrical signals indicative of the vertical position of the transfer pad (21), and a control unit (14) arranged to carry out a learning phase wherein the control unit (14) causes a descent run of the thermal transfer assembly (20), until the transfer pad (21) is brought into engagement with an article (A) of a predetermined type positioned on the support elements (8-12), and through the position sensor (80) detects and then stores reference data characterizing such descent run, and a subsequent printing phase, wherein the control unit (14) causes a subsequent descent run of the thermal transfer assembly (20) towards and up to an article (A) of the same type positioned on the support elements (8-12), detecting and comparing with said reference data the corresponding data that characterize the current descent run, and stopping the printing phase when the comparison between these data is indicative of an anomaly in the current descent run.

A printing machine includes: a printing plate attached to a plate cylinder; a blanket configured to transfer ink from the printing plate to a printed material; a blanket wheel configured to rotate the blanket; and at least one of a distance sensor or a temperature sensor. The distance sensor is provided in the blanket wheel and configured to measure a distance of the printing plate to the blanket wheel, and the temperature sensor is provided in the blanket wheel and configured to measure a temperature of the printing plate.

An indicator system is provided for ensuring proper registration of a frame. A plurality of stops for a registration system are electrically coupled to each other. When contact is made with a metal frame, a circuit is created and an indicator coupled to the circuit, such as a light, can be activated to show such contact.

A screen printing safety system is provided. The system includes a screen printing machine, and a plurality of zones in the vicinity of the screen printing machine. Each of the zones includes at least one sensor for sensing encroachment past a predetermined point. The sensors are adapted to stop operation of the screen printing machine when encroachment is sensed in at least one of the plurality of zones.

A screen printing safety system is provided. The system includes a screen printing machine, and a plurality of zones in the vicinity of the screen printing machine. Each of the zones includes at least one sensor for sensing encroachment past a predetermined point. The sensors are adapted to stop operation of the screen printing machine when encroachment is sensed in at least one of the plurality of zones.

A method for defining an evaluation region of a register sensor for detecting register marks on printing substrates in printing substrate processing machines includes connecting the register sensor to a computer. In a first step, the register sensor measures an edge of a printing substrate, starting from the edge, the evaluation region is set to a starting value, and in at least one second step, the evaluation region is set to an increased value until the register sensor detects a first edge of the register mark.

A method for defining an evaluation region of a register sensor for detecting register marks on printing substrates in printing substrate processing machines includes connecting the register sensor to a computer. In a first step, the register sensor measures an edge of a printing substrate, starting from the edge, the evaluation region is set to a starting value, and in at least one second step, the evaluation region is set to an increased value until the register sensor detects a first edge of the register mark.

A method for determining blanket performance in a printing press is provided. The printing press includes a plate cylinder having a printing plate transferring an image to a blanket on a blanket cylinder for printing on a substrate. The method includes determining an acceptable range of nip force (Fp) between a plate cylinder and a blanket cylinder in a printing unit, calculating the nip force (Fp) between the plate cylinder and blanket cylinder and determining blanket performance based on the nip force with respect to the acceptable range of nip force. A printing press is also provided.

A method for determining blanket performance in a printing press is provided. The printing press includes a plate cylinder having a printing plate transferring an image to a blanket on a blanket cylinder for printing on a substrate. The method includes determining an acceptable range of nip force (Fp) between a plate cylinder and a blanket cylinder in a printing unit, calculating the nip force (Fp) between the plate cylinder and blanket cylinder and determining blanket performance based on the nip force with respect to the acceptable range of nip force. A printing press is also provided.

A method for operating webfed printing presses producing printed products, includes providing a reel stand and printing units. A flying web change from first to a second webs takes place with production of a splice, and settings are made on printing units coordinating with passage of the splice through the press. At least two printing units are configured as double printing units for flexographic printing and operated for producing printed products. Each double printing unit includes first and second partial printing units, and first or second partial printing units are activated or deactivated according to passage of the splice through the press, or a switchover occurs from first to second partial printing units of the double printing unit, or vice versa. The flexographic printing press is operable nonstop and automatically during web change. When operating a web-processing rotary printing press for flexographic printing, automation, productivity and print quality increases.