A gravure printing unit, which is usable for printing on a substrate, according to a gravure printing method, includes a forme cylinder which comprises, on its circumference, an image-forming pattern of recesses, and an inking unit, by the use of which the pattern of recesses provided on the forme cylinder is inked. The forme cylinder can be partially inked from an inking device via a first inking unit cylinder which has recesses in the region of its outer cylindrical surface that correspond to recesses on the forme cylinder, and via a second inking unit cylinder, which cooperates with the first inking unit cylinder and which comprises ink-transferring elements or raised areas on its circumference. For controlling the transfer of ink, the first inking unit cylinder having the recesses, is configured as being temperature controllable or has a temperature control device in the ink unit supply. Alternatively, a printing pressure between inking units cylinders can be varied during operation. The invention also relates to a method for adjusting or modifying a transfer of ink and for operating the gravure printing unit.

A gravure printing unit, which is usable for printing on a substrate, according to a gravure printing method, includes a forme cylinder which comprises, on its circumference, an image-forming pattern of recesses, and an inking unit, by the use of which the pattern of recesses provided on the forme cylinder is inked. The forme cylinder can be partially inked from an inking device via a first inking unit cylinder which has recesses in the region of its outer cylindrical surface that correspond to recesses on the forme cylinder, and via a second inking unit cylinder, which cooperates with the first inking unit cylinder and which comprises ink-transferring elements or raised areas on its circumference. For controlling the transfer of ink, the first inking unit cylinder having the recesses, is configured as being temperature controllable or has a temperature control device in the ink unit supply. Alternatively, a printing pressure between inking units cylinders can be varied during operation. The invention also relates to a method for adjusting or modifying a transfer of ink and for operating the gravure printing unit.

A printing machine comprises a printing module (28) having a flexographic printing mode and a gravure printing mode, wherein the printing module comprises at least two printing cylinders (34, 36) defining the printing mode of the printing module, and a printing tool handling unit being configured for withdrawing and inserting the at least two printing cylinders (34, 36) from and into the printing module, respectively. The printing tool handling unit comprises a coupling interface and the at least two printing cylinders each comprise a complementary coupling interface such that the printing tool handling unit can at least temporarily be coupled to one or more of the at least two printing cylinders (34, 36) via the respective coupling interfaces.

A printing machine comprises a printing module (28) having a flexographic printing mode and a gravure printing mode, wherein the printing module comprises at least two printing cylinders (34, 36) defining the printing mode of the printing module, and a printing tool handling unit being configured for withdrawing and inserting the at least two printing cylinders (34, 36) from and into the printing module, respectively. The printing tool handling unit comprises a coupling interface and the at least two printing cylinders each comprise a complementary coupling interface such that the printing tool handling unit can at least temporarily be coupled to one or more of the at least two printing cylinders (34, 36) via the respective coupling interfaces.

In some examples, a security element includes a substrate that, on one of its sides, includes at least one security feature extending over a first area, the security feature being configured in the form of a three-dimensional intaglio structure. A first ink group in the security feature includes a plurality of first raised image elements containing intaglio printing ink of the first color, and at least one second ink group in the security feature includes a plurality of raised image elements containing intaglio printing ink of a second color that differs from the first color, and these are provided and arranged offset and spaced apart from one another such that they form an optically variable structure and/or at least some of the mutually adjacent image elements, which differ from one another in the color, occlude and/or expose one another to varying degrees from a varying viewing angles.

In some examples, a security element includes a substrate that, on one of its sides, includes at least one security feature extending over a first area, the security feature being configured in the form of a three-dimensional intaglio structure. A first ink group in the security feature includes a plurality of first raised image elements containing intaglio printing ink of the first color, and at least one second ink group in the security feature includes a plurality of raised image elements containing intaglio printing ink of a second color that differs from the first color, and these are provided and arranged offset and spaced apart from one another such that they form an optically variable structure and/or at least some of the mutually adjacent image elements, which differ from one another in the color, occlude and/or expose one another to varying degrees from a varying viewing angles.

Rotogravure cylinders used for printing on packaging materials based on the transfer of ink onto the packaging material from the printing cylinder surface with a printing technique. The lightweight rotogravure printing cylinders developed are not heavy which prevent the factors which pose an ergonomic risk in terms of occupational health and safety and also cause an increase in logistics costs. For this purpose, the wall thickness of the steel body of the cylinder is decreased.

Rotogravure cylinders used for printing on packaging materials based on the transfer of ink onto the packaging material from the printing cylinder surface with a printing technique. The lightweight rotogravure printing cylinders developed are not heavy which prevent the factors which pose an ergonomic risk in terms of occupational health and safety and also cause an increase in logistics costs. For this purpose, the wall thickness of the steel body of the cylinder is decreased.

A system for printing 7 or more inks on a substrate is disclosed. The system can include: 6 or less rotating rolls disposed in operative relationship with a substrate, wherein each of the rotating rolls can comprise a vascular network configured for transporting at least one of the 7 or more inks in a predetermined path from an interior region to an exterior surface of the rotating roll. The vascular network can have at least one main artery, at least one capillary and a plurality of fluid exits on the exterior surface. At least one capillary is attached to a main artery and is in fluid communication with at least two fluid exits through a substantially radial fluid path to form a tree.

A method for printing 7 or more inks on a substrate. The method can include the steps of: providing a substrate; providing 7 or more inks; and providing a print system, the print system comprising 6 or less rotating rolls. Each of the 6 or less rotating rolls can be disposed in an operative relationship to transport at least one of the 7 or more inks to a vascular network in one of 6 or less rotating rolls. The method includes contacting the substrate with the at least one of the 7 or more inks.