An apparatus and methods of decorating a metallic container are provided. More specifically, the present invention relates to apparatus and methods used to provide a decoration on a predetermined portion of a metallic container body. The decorator includes a sensor that senses decorations on metallic containers. A control system receives information related to the sensed decorations from the sensor and then determines if the decorations at least meet predetermined color, density, thickness, orientation, and consistency targets. The control system can automatically adjust elements of the decorator to correct a deficient decoration. In one embodiment, the control system can automatically adjust ink blades associated with a plurality of inking assemblies of the decorator to adjust the color, density, orientation, positioning, and consistency of decorations transferred to the metallic containers. In another embodiment, the control system can adjust a position of an inking assembly, an ink roller, a plate cylinder, a printing plate, a blanket cylinder, and a transfer blanket of the decorator.

A screen-printing unit in a printing machine comprises a screen cylinder which carries a screen-printing stencil and in which a squeegee is moved, from the inside, into contact with, and away from the screen-printing stencil. The screen cylinder is moved into contact with an impression cylinder, such that a printing position is formed, and is moved away therefrom, such that a gap is formed. The screen cylinder is moved away from the impression cylinder, in a first phase, when the squeegee is in a non-contacting position. In a second phase, at least one sheet of printing material is passed through the printing position when the squeegee continues to be in a non-contacting position and the screen cylinder is at least temporarily in a contacting position. For subsequent sheets of printing material, in a third phase, the screen-printing unit is operated with the squeegee one of permanently and cyclically, such as at least once for each sheet of printing material, in a contacting position.

A screen-printing unit in a printing machine comprises a screen cylinder which carries a screen-printing stencil and in which a squeegee is moved, from the inside, into contact with, and away from the screen-printing stencil. The screen cylinder is moved into contact with an impression cylinder, such that a printing position is formed, and is moved away therefrom, such that a gap is formed. The screen cylinder is moved away from the impression cylinder, in a first phase, when the squeegee is in a non-contacting position. In a second phase, at least one sheet of printing material is passed through the printing position when the squeegee continues to be in a non-contacting position and the screen cylinder is at least temporarily in a contacting position. For subsequent sheets of printing material, in a third phase, the screen-printing unit is operated with the squeegee one of permanently and cyclically, such as at least once for each sheet of printing material, in a contacting position.

A method of operating a sheet-fed printing press includes storing various print jobs and/or associated setting values and process steps in a memory device to set up the printing press upon a job change. A computer implements or suggests settings or process steps of the printing press for a print job based on the job data of a print job and/or as a result of inputs by the operator. Before or immediately after a print job is completed, the computer generates a query requesting inputs that determine if the same print job requires further passes and if so, which passes are required and, based on the information input therein, implements only those settings on the printing press and/or initiates or suggests only those process steps that are necessary for the subsequent pass of the sheets that have already been printed.

A method of operating a sheet-fed printing press includes storing various print jobs and/or associated setting values and process steps in a memory device to set up the printing press upon a job change. A computer implements or suggests settings or process steps of the printing press for a print job based on the job data of a print job and/or as a result of inputs by the operator. Before or immediately after a print job is completed, the computer generates a query requesting inputs that determine if the same print job requires further passes and if so, which passes are required and, based on the information input therein, implements only those settings on the printing press and/or initiates or suggests only those process steps that are necessary for the subsequent pass of the sheets that have already been printed.

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.

An apparatus and methods of decorating a metallic container are provided. More specifically, the present invention relates to apparatus and methods used to provide a decoration on a predetermined portion of a metallic container body. The decorator includes a sensor that senses decorations on metallic containers. A control system receives information related to the sensed decorations from the sensor and then determines if the decorations at least meet predetermined color, density, thickness, orientation, and consistency targets. The control system can automatically adjust elements of the decorator to correct a deficient decoration. In one embodiment, the control system can automatically adjust ink blades associated with a plurality of inking assemblies of the decorator to adjust the color, density, orientation, positioning, and consistency of decorations transferred to the metallic containers. In another embodiment, the control system can adjust a position of an inking assembly, an ink roller, a plate cylinder, a printing plate, a blanket cylinder, and a transfer blanket of the decorator.

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 coating unit is located after a sheet-fed digital printer on a manufacturing line. As a response to a workpiece entering the coating unit from the printer, coating substance is dosed onto a plate cylinder, and said plate cylinder is rotated to transfer said coating substance onto the workpiece, which is then transferred further on the manufacturing line. As a response to a first time limit expiring after transferring the workpiece further without a subsequent workpiece entering the coating unit, the rotation of the plate cylinder is stopped.