The one-color printing process is a versatile technique that allows for the creation of multiple colors in a single print run. This method not only matches but often surpasses the visual appeal and craftsmanship of multi-color printing. It offers convenience, high efficiency, low cost, and consistent quality, making it a popular choice among customers for its unique artistic value. As a result, cross-color printing continues to play an important role in the packaging and decorative printing industry.
When using the TY401 printing press to produce packaging boxes and other printed products, the cross-color printing technique is often employed to achieve the desired design. This process involves applying two or three colors simultaneously on different areas of the same printing plate. By incorporating more color gradients, the visual and artistic impact of the product is significantly enhanced. In the past, lead-cast ink screens were commonly used to separate different inks in the ink fountain, but this approach often led to ink mixing and unsatisfactory results. After installing a custom-made ink-insulating device on the TY401 press, the printing outcome became much more stable and of higher quality. Here's how it works.
Preparation Work
First, drill a screw hole at each end of the ink tank on the TY401 printing press. Then, thread a piece of silk through the holes to install and remove the ink separation device easily.
2. Manufacturing the Ink-Insulation Device
(1) Drill a 40 mm-wide hole into the flat iron part of the TY401 printing press, ensuring that the position aligns with the screw holes on both ends of the ink fountain. In the center of the flat iron, create a 20 mm wide sliding channel to adjust the spacing between the ink-blocking plates based on the width of the print and the cross-color layout.
(2) Cut thick cardboard according to the angle and curvature of the ink fountain. Once the shape is determined, use a 3 mm thick iron plate to cut and arrange several ink-blocking plates for easy access. Fold the upper part of the ink-receiving section horizontally, drill a hole, and then screw it into the sliding groove of the flat iron. This completes the ink-insulating device. During cross-color printing, place the device in the ink fountain, align the screw holes with those on the machine, and secure it with screws. If cross-color printing is not required, simply loosen the screws and remove the device easily.
3. Cross-Color Printing Process
(1) Before starting the cross-color printing, place the ink-blocking plates in the ink fountain. The number of ink pads depends on the number of colors needed. Adjust the amount of ink and the spacing of the ink-insulating plates according to the original layout. Place the corresponding ink in the designated areas of the ink fountain and adjust the printing pressure so that the ink is evenly distributed across the layout, ensuring proper ink transfer.
(2) For better performance, the base plate used in cross-color printing should be made of metal, such as aluminum. Metal plates remain stable during the printing process, providing consistent ink transfer. As the ink rollers rotate, different colored inks are released. Under the influence of the ink rollers, adjacent color borders mix naturally, forming a smooth transition without visible boundaries. This creates a more realistic and visually appealing result on the final product.
(3) To ensure high-quality cross-color prints, all inks must be even and soft, with accurate amounts. The output of each color in the ink fountain should be uniform to avoid uneven cross-color lines that could affect the overall appearance. The contact between the ink rollers and the inking roller height must also be precisely adjusted. This ensures consistent color distribution and natural blending between colors.
(4) Ink has a certain level of fluidity and permeability. When separated by the ink-insulating plate, the adjacent inks are effectively isolated, preventing them from mixing or penetrating each other, which could alter the color tone. It is important to note that once the ink-insulating device is placed, the ink volume adjustment screws should not be moved unless absolutely necessary. If adjustments are required, they should only be made in a downward direction to maintain the arc consistency of the ink-blocking plate and prevent ink mixing. If increasing the ink amount is necessary, it can be done by adjusting the rotation angle of the ink roller instead.
This content is excerpted from the second edition of 2007, Printing and Printing Technology Digital Printing Arts , for more journal content, please follow the journal channel .
Oriented Strand Board,Fireproof Osb Board,Oriented Strand Board For Furniture,Osb For Indoor Furniture
Shandong Yami Import and Export Co., Ltd. , https://www.yamiwood.com