Setting Deck Impressions
Purpose:
There are two impression settings discussed in this procedure – anilox-to-plate impression and plate-to-substrate impression. Each setting can be adjusted by very small increments. The process may be fairly automated or it may be more manual and require the operator to use tools such as a feeler gauge. This procedure does not discuss setting doctor blade or ink chamber impression.
Guidelines:
It is recommended to start with the last deck (last color down) and work backwards to the first deck (first color down) so the operator can see adjustments more clearly.
Set Anilox-to-Plate Impression
Adjust anilox impression to ensure uniform ink coverage across the plate without over impressing. You want to achieve a KISS impression.
Set Plate-to-Substrate Impression
Adjust plate impression to ensure uniform ink coverage on the substrate without over impressing. You want to achieve a KISS impression.
Re-Set Anilox-to-Plate Impression
Once the plate-to-substrate impression is correct, fine-tune your anilox impression by backing off until the image starts to fade. Then come back in enough to correct the fade with uniform image quality across the web.
Procedure:
- Load the mounted plate cylinders or sleeves and anilox rolls.
- Lower the plate cylinder making sure the plate cylinder has plenty of clearance from the anilox and impression cylinders so the plate will not be damaged.
- Run the plate cylinder into a KISS impression with the substrate.
- Run the anilox cylinder into a KISS impression with the plate cylinder. If the anilox is turning, do NOT touch the plate to the anilox.
- Slightly, raise (back-off) the impression for both the plate and anilox cylinders. This ensures these cylinders are in close approximation to a KISS impression before setting the impression.
- Start the press to engage the anilox and plate cylinders.
- Set the anilox-to-plate impression.
Adjust anilox impression to ensure uniform ink coverage across the plate without over impressing. You want to achieve a KISS impression. - Set the plate-to-substrate impression.
Adjust plate impression to ensure uniform ink coverage on the substrate without over impressing. You want to achieve a KISS impression. - Reset the anilox-to-plate impression.
Once the plate-to-substrate impression is correct, fine-tune your anilox impression by backing off until the image starts to fade. Then come back in enough to correct the fade with uniform image quality across the web. - Lock down the unit. Move on to the next unit. It is recommended to start with the last color down and work back to the first color down.