Bearerless web printing press
A web offset printing press for printing a web is provided including a bearerless plate cylinder having a plate cylinder gap for receiving a printing plate; a bearerless blanket cylinder having a blanket cylinder gap for receiving a blanket; a first reference ring located on a plate cylinder axial end; and a second reference ring located on a blanket cylinder axial end.
1 . A web offset printing press for printing a web comprising:
a bearerless plate cylinder having a plate cylinder gap for receiving a printing plate;
a bearerless blanket cylinder having a blanket cylinder gap for receiving a blanket;
a first reference ring located on a plate cylinder axial end; and
a second reference ring located on a blanket cylinder axial end.
2 . The web offset printing press as recited in claim 1 further comprising a gage between the first and second reference rings for recording the squeeze pressure.
3 . The web offset printing press as recited in claim 1 wherein the blanket is rubber.
4 . The web offset printing press as recited in claim 1 wherein the plate cylinder gap is about 0.250 inches wide or less.
5 . The web offset printing press as recited in claim 1 wherein the blanket cylinder gap is about 0.250 inches wide or less.
6 . The web offset printing press as recited in claim 1 wherein the plate cylinder gap is less than or equal to 0.714% of a circumference of the plate cylinder.
7 . The web offset printing press as recited in claim 1 wherein the blanket cylinder gap is less than or equal to 0.714% of a circumference of the blanket cylinder.
8 . The web offset printing press as recited in claim 1 wherein the plate cylinder has a diameter greater than a diameter of the blanket cylinder.
9 . The web offset printing press as recited in claim 1 wherein a circumference of the plate or blanket cylinder is at least 35 inches.
10 . The web offset printing press as recited in claim 9 wherein a circumference of the plate or blanket cylinder is 45.5 inches.
11 . The web offset printing press as recited in claim 1 further comprising pivoting cylinder supports for supporting the plate and blanket cylinders.
12 . The web offset printing press as recited in claim 1 further comprising a motor and gears for driving the plate and blanket cylinders.
13 . A web offset printing press for printing a web comprising:
a plate cylinder having a plate cylinder gap for receiving a printing plate; and
a blanket cylinder having a blanket cylinder gap for receiving a blanket;
wherein the plate cylinder gap and blanket cylinder gap are less than or equal to 0.714% of a circumference of the plate cylinder or blanket cylinder respectively.
14 . The web offset printing press as recited in claim 13 wherein the plate cylinder gap is about 0.250 inches wide or less.
15 . The web offset printing press as recited in claim 13 wherein the blanket cylinder gap is about 0.250 inches wide or less.