PRINTING METHOD AND APPARATUS

摘要

In printing apparatus, particularly for hot-foil stamping in which foil or other transferable image material is conveyed to a printing position (2A) on a carrier (8), drive means for advancing the carrier at the speed of a printing wheel (2; 102) during printing is arranged to be out of contact with the carrier at other times, e.g. so as not to impede reversal of the carrier between printing operations. Such drive means may comprise segmented rollers (52) or reciprocating roller (62) for periodically deflecting the carrier downstream of the printing position. In an alternative arrangement, a drive roll (250) having a resilient sleeve (270) is used to convey the carrier at a controlled average speed, with the carrier speed modulated by periodically-operating drive segments (252). The drive segments (252) could be replaced by the deflecting roller (62). Pre-heating means (42; 170, 172) extending longitudinally of the carrier path may be provided upstream of the printing position. The pre-heating means may be provided on a print wheel (2) or in a longitudinal web guide (160). Cooling means may be provided downstream of the print position (2A; 102A), e.g. by conduits (56; 188) for directing cooling air at the printing position.