Interchangeable different printing technologies modules for a web printing assembly

摘要

A highly flexible printing apparatus is provided comprising printing modules (A-F) and cassettes (8) containing different web processing means. Each of the cassettes (8) is adapted to be mounted on a selected printing module (A-F) to cooperate with the module (A-F) during production of printed matters and contains means for a specific web processing technology that will be provided by the selected printing module (A-F) when the cassette (8) has been mounted to it. The different cassettes (8) may contain web processing means of a great variety, such as offset printing means, dry offset printing means, letterpress printing means, serigraphy means, hot foil application means, flexographic means, raised printing means, punching means, means for printing electronically generated images, etc. With the new printing apparatus provided, a printing house will be able to produce printed matters in one single working process on a single printing apparatus as an operator of the printing apparatus is free to configurate the printing apparatus with web processing technologies in a desired order as needed for production of a specific printed matter. For example a cassette (8) intended for offset printing may contain a plate cylinder (9) and a blanket cylinder (10). When mounted on the printing module (A- F) these cylinders cooperate with the impression cylinder (5), the ink roller system (7), the moisture roller system (7), and the other means of the printing module (A-F) to do offset printing.