OFFSET PRESS SYSTEM FOR PRINTING WITH A VARIABLE REPEAT LENGTH AND METHOD OF OPERATION

摘要

A variable cut-off offset press system (10) and method of operation which utilizes a continuous image transfer belt (12) is provided. The offset printing system comprises at least two plate cylinders (16) adapted to have thereon respective printing sleeves (22). Each of the printing sleeves is adapted to receive colored ink from a respective ink source (18). An optional coating source (64) may be provided to fully or partially coat the image transfer belt before inking. The system further comprises at least a impression cylinder, wherein the image transfer belt is positioned to contact each of the printing sleeves at respective nips (52a-d) formed between respective ones of the plate cylinders and the at least one impression cylinder. An image belt cleaning station (56) adapted to remove residual ink or coating from the surface of the image transfer belt after image transfer of a multicolored image from the image transfer belt to a substrate is also provided.