Method and apparatus for printing individual flat objects

摘要

The invention relates to a method and an apparatus for printing individual flat objects, e.g. CDs, by means of offset printing. In this process, the surface to be printed on the one hand and the offset impression cylinder, which is to roll along the object to be printed, are adjusted relative to one another to achieve a pressure which is favourable for the transfer of the printing image to the object to be printed in order thus to compensate differences in thickness between the individual objects. Furthermore, provision is made, if required during the adjustment of the impression cylinder and the surface to be printed relative to one another, for the radial position of the transfer surfaces located on the circumference of the impression cylinder to be taken into account. In the event of there being no object in the offset printing station, a substitute object in the form of a web of material can be provided, onto which the printing image intended for the missing object is transferred by the offset impression cylinder. Additionally, it is also possible to adjust the block cylinder relative to the impression cylinder in such a way that adaptation to the radial position of the abovementioned transfer surfaces is possible.