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FlexSys™ Flexographic Simulator
In-Line (IL) Press UV Cured Ink
Paper Substrate English UK (METRIC)
Users Workbook
Users Name: ……………………………………………………………………………………….
Company Name: ……………………………………………………………………………………….
Date: ……………………………………………………………………………………….
[email protected] [email protected]
www.sinapsegraphic.com www.flexography.org
SAMPLE FOR DEMONSTRATION
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INTRODUCTION This introductory course is divided into a series of units, with each unit consisting of several parts.
You should go through each unit in turn. Some of the units are text based, requiring you to find
information on the simulator; the other units involve tackling common on-press problems using the
courses and exercises pre-programmed into the system.
For those of you who are more familiar with a flexo press, the first unit will be familiarization with the
use of the simulator – you should get through this quite quickly (around 60 minutes).
For those of you who are less familiar with the press, take some time to familiarize yourself with the
language and terminology used to describe the parts of the press – this will be important in later
operations and training.
In all of the instructions, “click” assumes that you click on the left mouse button (if it is different, this
is clear in the text). Also, assume that to “do” something, you click on the left button. Use the “tick”
boxes to show when you have completed the tasks.
If there are any unanswered questions, please contact your tutor. If you have any queries or
comments on the course, please contact the author at the details below:
OR visit the Sinapse Graphic International Internet site for more information on the use of
simulators in the printing industry at: www.sinapsegraphic.com
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS Sinapse Graphic International wish to acknowledge and recognize the input, development and
testing for the prototype of this training program by Coates Lorrilleux, and in particular their UK
simulator administrators Alison Zdzylowski and Mike Simoni.
AUTHOR FOR CORRESPONDANCE If you have any comments, questions, or queries on the FlexSys™ simulator system in general, or
specifically for the materials included within this Users Workbook, please contact the author:
Dr John Anderson, Flexographic Project Manager, Sinapse Graphic International
[email protected] www.sinapsegraphic.com
[FACE] – Indicates images kindly supplied from the EFTA (UK) Ltd from their FACE multimedia
training CD’s to illustrate several of the points covered, for more details visit www.efta.co.uk
SAMPLE FOR DEMONSTRATION
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CONTENTS
INTRODUCTION............................................................................................................................ 2 ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS............................................................................................................... 2 AUTHOR FOR CORRESPONDANCE........................................................................................... 2 UNIT ONE – INTRODUCTION TO THE SIMULATOR................................................................... 4
TASK 1.1 – EXPLORE THE PRESSROOM............................................................................... 5 TASK 1.2 – HOW TO START THE PRESS AND TAKE A PRINT ............................................. 6 TASK 1.3 – EXPLORING THE COPYDESK .............................................................................. 8 TASK 1.4 – EXPLORING CONTROLS ON THE CENTRAL CONSOLE.................................... 9 TASK 1.5 – EXPLORING THE PRINT UNIT ............................................................................ 10 TASK 1.6 – MORE ON THE IMPRESSION SYSTEM.............................................................. 13 TASK 1.7 – A FIRST LOOK AT THE INKING SYSTEM........................................................... 16 TASK 1.8 – REGISTRATION CONTROLS............................................................................... 17
UNIT TWO – GETTING TO GRIPS WITH SOME COMMON ON-PRESS PROBLEMS. ............ 20 TASK 2.1 – BACKGROUND & GUIDANCE ............................................................................. 20 TASK 2.2 – SELECTING & STARTING PRESET COURSE & EXERCISES........................... 22 TASK 2.3 – MCOU SGI UIL 001E – ADDITIONAL INFORMATION......................................... 24
UNIT THREE – FURTHER PRE-PRINTING CONTROLS AND OPTIONS FOR THE PRESS ... 30 TASK 3.1 – FURTHER INVESTIGATION OF THE CONTROLS AVAILABLE ......................... 30
UNIT FOUR – FURTHER COMMON ON-PRESS PROBLEMS. ................................................. 35 TASK 4.1 – ADDITIONAL EXPLANATION OF THE COMPONENTS AND CONTROLS
CONSIDERED, RELEVANT TO THE NEXT COURSE............................................................ 35 TASK 4.2 – BACKGROUND & GUIDANCE ............................................................................. 37 TASK 4.3 – MCOU SGI UIL 002E – CONTINUING WITH THE EXERCISES.......................... 38
UNIT FIVE – FURTHER ON-PRESS PROBLEMS ...................................................................... 45 TASK 5.1 – ADDITIONAL EXPLANATION OF THE COMPONENTS AND CONTROLS
CONSIDERED, RELEVANT TO THE NEXT COURSE............................................................ 45 UNIT SIX – FURTHER ON-PRESS PROBLEMS ........................................................................ 54
TASK 6.1 – ADDITIONAL EXPLANATION OF THE COMPONENTS AND CONTROLS
CONSIDERED, RELEVANT TO THE NEXT COURSE............................................................ 54 UNIT SEVEN – FURTHER ON-PRESS PROBLEMS.................................................................. 62
TASK 7.1 – ADDITIONAL EXPLANATION OF THE COMPONENTS AND CONTROLS
CONSIDERED, RELEVANT TO THE NEXT COURSE............................................................ 62
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UNIT ONE – INTRODUCTION TO THE SIMULATOR The FlexSys™ Lite simulator is a specific simplified version of the flexographic press on your
desktop; this version considers a generic six-color In-Line (IL) press. The IL press is normally used
with printing narrow web substrates, for products such as labels, envelopes, cartons, flexible
packaging, and other specialized applications.
Using the simulator will assist you to learn about the press, its components, and the parameters
that affect good quality print. The use of the FlexSys™ Lite simulator alone will not turn you into a
skilled printer, but it will quickly provide you with an understanding and experience of the essential
points to achieve commercially acceptable prints, in a controlled and accelerated way, while also
assisting your company to reduced waste.
The system is composed of the usual computer, keyboard and mouse, but may also have a second
monitor. If you have a two-monitor system, the monitor on the left shows the press and the controls,
whilst the monitor on the right is where we can see the prints that we are producing. This is called
the “COPYDESK”.
For this version of the FlexSys™ Lite simulator your press option is the IL press, with UV cured
inks, and paper substrate.
To start the simulator, double-click on the “FlexSys™”
Icon.
This introduces the options screen; we will use three of the five options here:
21 3 4 5
Button 1. The red wedge is for the
“Perfect Press” which opens
the simulator with no faults or
problems.
Button 2. The blue wedge is for the
“Preset Training Courses &
Exercises” allowing the
identification and solution of
preset problems.
Button 5. Click the “EXIT” button to exit
the FlexSys™ Lite simulator at
any time.
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Buttons 3 & 4 relate to the configuration of the simulator, and the original companies involved in
developing the FlexSys™ simulator, these are not required at this time, and will not be covered in
any further details.
Now start the simulator by clicking on the “Perfect Press” icon [1] on the red background.
NOTE! The simulator will take a few moments to load all of the required images and software,
please be patient.
The monitor on the left shows you the In-Line pressroom. If you have a 2-screen system the
monitor on the right is called the COPYDESK – this is where you will be able to see the printed
material that you make with the simulator.
[Alternatively, with a 1-screen system, click on the colorful “copydesk” button to open the copy
desk, and the green “return to previous” button to return.]
Now you are ready to start …..
TASK 1.1 – EXPLORE THE PRESSROOM Using the mouse point the arrow at all of the different elements of the press. The name is shown in
a yellow box as you point to each part. Tick the boxes below when you have found each press
component:
1. Pressroom 2. IL Press
3. Air Conditioning Panel 4. Print Panels
5. Ink Panels 6. Unwind Panel
7. Infeed Panel 8. Web Guide Panel
9. Print Fault Guide 10. Copy Desk
11. Dryer / Curing Panel 12. Exit From Press Room
13. Lamination Panel 14. Web Viewer
15. Die Cutting Panel 16. Sheeter Panel
17. View From Outfeed Side 18. Central Console
19. Stacker Panel 20. Waste Removal
21. Rewind Panel 22. Pre-press & Laboratory
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Click on the “View From Outfeed Side”, and check out the press components from this view of the
press. Click on some of the components to have a look – these will be explained later [use the
“green button” to return to the pressroom]. Use the same control in the bottom left hand corner of
the screen to return to the infeed side.
PRELIMINARY INFORMATION ABOUT THE FLEXOGRAPHIC PROCESS Familiarize yourself with the basic principles of flexographic printing before you go any further. Find
the “Print Units” and click with the right mouse button. You will be offered images of real presses,
and access to additional training materials, click on any one to open it. Once you have finished with
the file, you must close the file. Click on the “X” in the top right hand corner of this screen to close
the document, when you have finished.
TASK 1.2 – HOW TO START THE PRESS AND TAKE A PRINT Now you are ready to start the press. Click on the central console, (above print unit 6). You are now
on the “Drive Panel” of the press. The first box, highlighted in light blue along the bottom of the
screen, shows you this. For the FlexSys™ Lite press, this is the only panel available to you on the
central console.
For the drive panel identify the following buttons, and write the name of each next to its picture
below:
__________________________
__________________________
__________________________
__________________________
__________________________
__________________________
__________________________
__________________________
__________________________
__________________________
__________________________
__________________________
__________________________
__________________________
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Also identify the following elements on this screen using the mouse in the same way as before:
1. Units To Produce 2. Press Speed
3. Good Counter 4. Power
5. Time 6. Total Counter Good
7. Total Counter 8. Total Counter Setting
9. Production Cost 10. Total Counter Setting + and -
11. Turn Bar 12. Press Room
13. Total Counter Reset 14. Auto Counter Control
1. Find the “Pressroom” button and practice moving between this screen and the pressroom,
through the central console.
2. Start the press by clicking on the “Run” button. Note how it changes color to a solid green
(go). You should also hear the alarm and the press start running.
What speed is the press running at? ______________________________
3. Move the mouse onto the right hand monitor (or select the copydesk button in 1-screen
mode) – treat the two monitors as one big one – just move to the right to move onto the right
hand monitor, and to the left to move back to the left hand monitor again. (To return to the
console/pressroom click on the green button to exit the copy desk).
4. Point at the icon at the top left hand corner of the right hand screen (copydesk).
What does it say at the bottom of the screen? ______________________________
5. This allows you to see what you are producing on the press, so click on this button.
You should be able to see a good print copy: This has a purple background “spot” color, and
a four-color process illustration of some strawberries. The 4 process colors are:
Yellow: Magenta: Cyan: Black:
6. Increase the press speed to 210 meters per minute, using the “rabbit” button to the right of
the speed control, on the drive panel, then get a new print copy.
What happens to the print? ______________________________
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7. Can you explain why the print should change when the speed increased?
_______________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
8. Decrease the press speed back to 100 meters per minute, using the “tortoise” button to the
left of the speed control.
Then get a new print copy, the print should return to normal.
TASK 1.3 – EXPLORING THE COPYDESK Explore the other icons on the left hand edge of the copydesk. Draw a diagram of the icon that lets
you:
Get a new copy:
Go from enlargement to full size:
Enlarge quarter view:
Enlarge sixteenth view:
Get magnifier
Choose strips view:
Show the print copy vs contract proof (standard) in two different formats – comparing the prints:
Vertically (side by side) OR
Horizontally (top to bottom)
Get the diagnostic tools:
Return To Previous Screen: [One-screen mode only]
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Click on the “Diagnostic Tools” icon, and find out what the following tools are:
(Don’t click on them yet!)
__________________________
__________________________
__________________________
__________________________
__________________________
We will explore the diagnostic tools further in the next few tasks. Also note that we can move the view of the print towards the operator and gear side of the print,
and the head and tail, also called the leading edge and trailing edge of the print, using the controls
on the bottom right hand side of the copydesk. Draw these controls in the following boxes:
TASK 1.4 – EXPLORING CONTROLS ON THE CENTRAL CONSOLE Go back to the “Drive Panel” screen on the Central Console (left hand screen).
Look at the 7 boxes along the right hand edge of the screen and fill in their descriptions here:
(Don’t click on them YET):
____________________________________________________
____________________________________________________
____________________________________________________
____________________________________________________
____________________________________________________
____________________________________________________
____________________________________________________
By clicking on these icons, and the other controls on the drive panel, we can get to different sets of
controls for the press, and information about the press set-up, etc.
Try to answer these questions by exploring the different screens yourself:
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How many different adjustments are there for the speed control?
1. What screen ruling in lines per inch is the anilox roll on the yellow unit?
2. What is the number of copies we have printed so far?
3. How many copies does the customer want?
4. What is the repeat length of the print?
5. What does the “Help” [“?”] screen tells us about the print run?
____________________________________________________________________________
Now exit the control console and return to the pressroom ready for the next section.
TASK 1.5 – EXPLORING THE PRINT UNIT This section will explore the printing unit and its main controls.
In the pressroom find the second “Print Unit” and select it on your screen. You will now see the print
controls on the left-half, and a two dimensional view of the printing unit on the right-half.
Using the mouse point the arrow at all of the different elements of the print unit in the right half of
the screen. The name is shown in a yellow box as you point to each part. Tick the boxes below
when you have found each press component:
1. Anilox Roll 2. Plate Cylinder Panel
3. Dryer / Curing Panel 4. Impression Cyl.
5. Ink Panel 6. Previous Panel
7. Infeed Panel 8. Next Panel
9. Go Back To Pressroom 10. Copy Desk
11. Web Temperature Sensor 12. Idler Roller
13. Print Fault Guide 14. Substrate Before Printing
15. Guard 16. Substrate After Printing
17. Ink Tray 18. Fountain Roll
19. Doctor Blade 20. Register Sensor (Print units 2-6 only)
21. Turn Bar (Print unit 1 only)
22. Chambered Doctor Blade Panel (Print unit 6 only)
Now for the right hand side of the panel, identify the following controls, by filling in the spaces: 1. Press Controls
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2. Unit Selection
3. Unit Settings
4. Component Panel Selection
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This has introduced the main print unit controls.
To make an adjustment to the print unit settings:
A. Select the control panel required from “impression”, “inking” or “doctoring” settings, (see the
above options in “4. Component Panel Selection”), or click on the component in the 2
dimensional images on the right side of the screen, for this example select the “inking”
settings.
B. This opens the specific panel, indicated by the lit green indicator below the button, (4), and
/or the relevant detailed graphic in the right hand side of the screen, (e.g. anilox roll).
C. Now apply the change for the setting to both gear and operating side, click on the button
to reduce the inking distance, [Inking In], increasing the inking applied. Click this 3
times.
D. Go to the copy desk and get a new print copy to view the effect of the changes, and
compare it to the proof. There should be too much magenta applied, this will be most visible
on the control targets to the left of the print copy.
E. Return to the inking panel, and apply 3 units to the “Inking Out” button, returning the print
unit to its original condition.
F. To return to the print unit, click on the “red” button to the top right of the inking panel.
G. Alternatively click on the “green” button at the bottom right to directly return to the print
room.
This completes this section, the print unit controls will be considered in greater detail in the
following section.
5. Register Controls
[Control not available]
[Control not available]
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TASK 1.6 – MORE ON THE IMPRESSION SYSTEM The flexo press relies on the principle that the flexible plate carrying the pre-inked image is forced
into contact with the substrate by the impression roller, and a direct transfer of the image takes
place. The pressures between the plate and the impression roller affect the quality of the print
obtained, and the level of inking, which in turn is affected by the pressure between the anilox/inking
rollers and the plate.
To further clarify this, there are two key points where pressure is used to control the ink transfer
and image quality, these are:
1. Plate to Substrate
2. Anilox/Inking Roller to Plate
We will now take a look at the effect of increasing and decreasing impression pressure on the print
quality.
1. In the pressroom find the print units and go to print unit number 2, the magenta unit.
a. Start the press by clicking on the “Run” button.
b. Go to the copydesk by moving to the right screen (or in one-screen mode by clicking
on the “ copydesk” button).
c. Take a new print copy on the copydesk.
d. Show the “print copy vs. contract proof”, and enlarge the print view using the
“Enlarge quarter view” control, selecting the left edge to include the control strip &
strawberry.
e. Note there should be no difference between the print copy and the contract proof.
2. Now go back to the print unit, and select the “Set Plate Cylinder” control to view the printing
plate cylinder controls and settings. Make sure you are in Print Unit 2 (Magenta) by viewing
Anilox/Inking roller to
Plate contact point [See TASK 1.7]
Plate to Substrate
contact point [See TASK 1.6]
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the unit number and ink color displayed, if not use the “+” and “-” buttons to select the
correct print unit.
a. Now lets begin looking at the effect of incorrect inking and pressures on the print.
b. First increase the impression setting, using the “Impression In” control, on both sides
of the press, by +5 units.
c. Go to the copy desk and collect a new print copy, can you see the difference? (In
one-screen mode then exit the copydesk and return to the print panel).
d. Now exit the print panel (using the “green” button) to return to the pressroom, and go
to the “control console” to view the information available via the “Diagnostics” panel
. Write down what is wrong with the print:
______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
e. Now exit the control console and return to Print Unit 2, the magenta unit (via the
pressroom).
f. Remove the 5 units of impression applied from both sides of the press, using
“Impression Out”.
g. Go to the copy desk and get a new print copy, the problem should have
disappeared.
By increasing the impression, we are effectively forcing more ink onto the substrate, so
what we see are the symptoms of excess ink, plus the squashing of the image on the
printing plate. By returning the impression back to its original figure, and taking a new
copy, we have resolved this problem. (Check on the “Diagnostics” panel - it
should tell you that there is no print problem).
3. Next we will use some of the tools available on the copy desk to investigate the print more
clearly.
a. Now move to the cyan unit (number 3), and using the “Impression In”, change the
setting on both sides of the press to -10 units.
b. Go to the “Copy desk” and get a new print copy. We will use the magnifier to inspect
the print quality carefully:
c. Click on the magnifier button. (Hint: each button label appears at the bottom of the
screen as you point the arrow at it).
d. Move the pointer over the image area, where the arrow now changes to a square
“Target”:
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e. Move the target over part of the text “Flexographic Image Reproduction..” etc., and
click again. The two screens shown below will appear and you will be able to
compare the print you have produced with the standard.
Draw what you see in the following diagrams:
Close the magnifier using the green rectangle in the left hand box.
4. Next we will measure the density of the ink being printed:
a. Take the densitometer out of the diagnostic toolbox by clicking on the appropriate
icons. [Click on the “diagnostic toolbox” button, followed by the “densitometer”
button].
b. Click the cross hairs on the white background of the paper to calibrate the
densitometer. This must be done first; each time the densitometer tool is selected for
use, but multiple readings can be taken without the need to recalibrate the tool.
c. Click on the square cyan box at the bottom of the test strip, at the left hand side of
the print – the lightest screen ruling (print area).
d. Write down and compare the value you get on the print copy with the value obtained
for the SAME screen on the proof copy.
Print Copy Value: Proof / Standard Value:
How do you explain this?
_______________________________________________________________________________
NOTE! The densitometer box may appear in front of an area you wish to measure, to move the
densitometer box, click and hold the mouse pointer down on the dark bar at the top of the
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window. Move the mouse to drag the box away. When you release the mouse pointer the
box is dropped, and will remain where it was moved. Repeat if necessary.
Decrease the impression back to “0” using “Impression Out” and take a new print copy. Check the
densities on both the print copy and the standard, they should now be equal.
TASK 1.7 – A FIRST LOOK AT THE INKING SYSTEM This section will briefly introduce the inking functions that work in combination with the impression
settings to supply ink to the printed-paper.
Repeating the point previously stated for further clarification, there are two key points where
pressure is used to control the ink transfer and image quality, these are:
1. Plate to Substrate
2. Anilox/Inking Roller to Plate
We will now take a look at the effect of increasing and decreasing inking on the print
quality.
The following actions will illustrate the effect of adjusting the inking settings, record the effects for
your records.
A. From the “Press Room”, go to the “Print Unit” for the “Purple (Unit 5)”.
B. Select the “Anilox Inking Panel” to reveal the anilox roll and its functions in detail.
C. Using the “Inking Out” control for both side of the anilox roll, increase the distance between
the anilox roll and the plate by “8 units”. [+8 units from the original setting]
D. Take a copy from the copy desk and describe what happens to the print.
____________________________________________________________________________
E. Now using the “Inking In” controls for both sides of the anilox roll to decrease the gap
between the anilox roller and the plate by “4 units”. [+4 units from the original setting]
F. Take a copy from the copy desk and describe what happens to the print.
Anilox/Inking roller to
Plate contact point [See TASK 1.7]
Plate to Substrate
contact point [See TASK 1.6]
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____________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________
G. Now using the “Inking In” controls for both sides of the anilox roll to decrease the gap
between the anilox roller and the plate by a further “2 units”. [+2 units from the original setting]
H. Take a copy from the copy desk and describe what happens to the print.
____________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________
I. Now using the “Inking In” controls for both sides of the anilox roll to decrease the gap
between the anilox roller and the plate by a further “5 units”. [-3 units from the original setting]
J. Take a copy from the copy desk and describe what happens to the print.
____________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________
K. Now using the “Inking Out” controls for both sides of the anilox roll to increase the gap
between the anilox roller and the plate by “3 units”. [Back to the original setting]
L. Take a copy from the copy desk and describe what happens to the print.
____________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________
The important point to note is the loss of detail in the background – when the inking gap is too small
[so the contact pressure between the anilox roll and plate is too high] – “Over-Inking” can cause
“Flooding” of the print – this looks similar to the previous problems of “Over-Impression” which we
looked at in the previous task. So it is important that you learn to distinguish between the two.
Spend a little time checking the difference between over-impression and over-inking on the same
color, and make a note of how you might distinguish between them. Discuss this with your tutor, to
clarify.
Set all of the impression and inking controls back to “0” and pull a new print copy, to ensure that the
print is back to normal before continuing.
TASK 1.8 – REGISTRATION CONTROLS To complete our exploration of the main functions and controls, let us look at the “Register
Controls” on the “Print Unit”.
1. From the “Print Room” go to the “Magenta” print unit, “Unit 2”.
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2. The register controls can be found for each print unit at the bottom left of the print panel.
3. The following controls are available on the “FlexSys™ Lite” flexographic simulators, write in
the name for each of the functions below.
4. Note! 2 of the buttons are unavailable in the “FlexSys™ Lite” flexographic simulators.
5. The maximum adjustment available is 8 units in any direction.
6. Move the register “-5 Units” in the “Lateral” direction [across the printed web].
7. Take a copy from the copy desk and describe what happens to the print.
____________________________________________________________________________
To assist you in seeing the changes view the print copy against the contract proof, and
using the magnifier to magnify one of the cross-hairs on the edge of the printed area.
Note! The magnifier image on the right will always be correct, and for the “FlexSys™ Lite”
flexographic simulators the register moves to correct a mis-register fault should always be
made to make the print copy match this.
8. Move the register “8 Units” in the “Circumferential” direction [in the direction of the printed web].
9. Take a copy from the copy desk and describe what happens to the print.
____________________________________________________________________________
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Again use the magnifier, draw what you see in the following diagrams:
Close the magnifier using the green rectangle in the left hand box.
10. Now move the register settings for the “Lateral” and “Circumferential” directions on the
magenta unit back to “0” to reset register.
11. Take a copy from the copy desk and describe what happens to the print.
____________________________________________________________________________
Stop the press and return to the pressroom.
Quit the simulator by clicking on one of the “Exit From Pressroom” signs above the doors in the
illustration.
Make a note of anything you do not fully understand which you wish to discuss with your tutor:
_______________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
END OF UNIT ONE You have now mastered the use of the generic controls on the simulator and the most important diagnostic tools – the magnifier and the densitometer.
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UNIT TWO – GETTING TO GRIPS WITH SOME COMMON ON-PRESS
PROBLEMS.
OBJECTIVE: This unit is intended to reinforce what you have already learned and to build on your
knowledge of the inking, impression, and register control systems.
TASK 2.1 – BACKGROUND & GUIDANCE This section will consider the first series of 10 exercises, each addressing the issues of register or
impression pressure for the inking or plate.
Within this set of exercises the first 8 exercises there is a single problem to be solved for each, with
the last two exercises having 2 problems to solve.
NOTE! The impression or inking settings for the
rollers are all parallel and even for these exercises,
and so any adjustments to these settings should be
made equally to both sides of the rollers, most
easily using the buttons to adjust both sides at the
same time.
In each of the exercises, the maximum adjustment required is “+ or - 8 units”. Any adjustments
beyond this level will not assist in solving the exercises.
Where impression or inking settings are concerned, the simulator considers these in terms of
distance, or contact gap. This means that if you reduce the setting from 20 to 18, or 0 to –2, you
have decreased the gap by 2 units, and so you actually increased the contact pressure accordingly.
NOTE! If you significantly increase the contact pressure, by decreasing the gap, when it is not
required, you risk damaging the rollers, plate, gears, etc., making the situation worse not better. So
care should be applied making such changes, with small changes and regular checks of the print
copy best.
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