JP2009056760A - Scale for control of dampening water and damping water control method - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a dampening water controlling scale which enables even an inexperienced operator to easily judge whether or not a supply amount of dampening water is suitable by visual observation and to provide a dampening water control method. <P>SOLUTION: The dampening water controlling scale P comprises first detection patches PY, PM, PC, and PK and second detection patches RY, RM, RC, and RK. The first detection patches comprise a ten thousand patch of 400 lines in total and 67% in duty ratio (area ratio) indicating the ratio of the area of a scanning part to the total area. Further, the second detection patches comprise a half tone dot patch of 150 lines in total and 96% in the dot percentage for RY1, RM1, RC1, and RK1, 94% for RY2, RM2, RC2, and RK2, 88% for RY3, RM3, RC3, and RK3, 84% for RY4, RM4, RC4, and RK4, and 80% for RY5, RM5, RC5, and RK5. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2009,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a dampening water management scale and a dampening water control method using the dampening water management scale.

  In lithographic printing using fountain solution, it is known that the print quality depends on the supply amount of the fountain solution. For this reason, in general, an experienced operator currently visually checks the printed matter and empirically determines the supply amount of dampening water. In addition, there is a conventional technique in which the dampening water film thickness on the plate surface or the dampening water roller surface is measured, and control is performed to keep this constant.

  On the other hand, the present applicant prints a detection patch whose density changes due to a change in the dampening water together with an image of the printed matter, and controls the amount of dampening water supplied while measuring the density of the detection patch. A water supply method has been proposed (see Patent Document 1).

There is also a request that an operator wants to confirm the suitability of the amount of dampening water supplied by visual confirmation during printing. For this reason, the applicant of the present invention has a first detection patch composed of a single line or a halftone dot having a line number of 200 lines or more and an area ratio of 60% or more, and a line ratio smaller than the first detection patch and having an area ratio of A second detection patch having a line or a halftone dot larger than one detection patch, and the density of the first detection patch and the second detection patch when the supply amount of dampening water is appropriately controlled. Even by an inexperienced operator, it is possible to easily supply dampening water by adjusting the area ratio or the number of lines of the first detection patch and the second detection patch so that the concentrations are substantially the same. A fountain solution management scale capable of determining the suitability of the amount has been proposed (see Patent Document 2).
JP 2002-355950 A JP 2006-256300 A

  According to the dampening water management scale described in Patent Document 2, even an inexperienced operator can easily determine the suitability of the dampening water supply amount visually. However, in the case of an inexperienced operator, if the density of the first detection patch does not match the density of the second detection patch, it is determined whether the supply amount of dampening water is insufficient or excessive. It becomes difficult to judge.

  The present invention has been made to solve the above-described problem, and even an inexperienced operator can easily determine whether dampening water supply is insufficient or excessive easily by visual inspection. It is an object to provide a dampening water management scale and a dampening water control method.

  The invention according to claim 1 is a dampening water management scale for managing the amount of dampening water supplied, from a line or halftone dot having a line number of 200 lines or more and an area ratio of 60% or more. A first detection patch having a number of lines smaller than that of the first detection patch and an area ratio larger than that of the first detection patch. The detection patch is composed of a plurality of detection patches having different area ratios such that the density when the supply amount of dampening water is appropriately controlled is close to the density of the first detection patch, and printing. It is characterized in that the printing direction is arranged in the longitudinal direction in the vicinity of both ends in the direction orthogonal to the printing direction on the plate.

  The invention according to claim 2 is the invention according to claim 1, wherein the concentration of the first detection patch and the plurality of second detection patches when the supply amount of dampening water is appropriately controlled. The area ratio or the number of lines of the first detection patch and the second detection patch was adjusted so that the density with any one of the detection patches was substantially the same.

  The invention according to claim 3 is the invention according to claim 2, wherein the number of lines of the first detection patch is 300 lines or more.

  The invention according to claim 4 is the invention according to claim 2, wherein the number of lines of the second detection patch is less than 200 lines.

  According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the invention according to any one of the second to fourth aspects, the first detection patch is formed of a line, and the second detection patch is formed of a halftone dot.

  The invention according to claim 6 is the invention according to any one of claims 2 to 5, wherein one of the first detection patch and the second detection patch is adjacent to the inside of the other. Arranged.

  According to a seventh aspect of the invention, in the sixth aspect of the invention, the first detection patch and the second detection patch are disposed adjacent to each other for each color of yellow, magenta, cyan, and black. Is done.

  Invention of Claim 8 is the dampening water control method using the dampening-water management scale in any one of Claim 1 thru | or 7, Comprising: Any one of Claim 1 thru | or 7 The printing process for printing the image of the dampening water management scale according to claim 1, and the supply amount of the dampening water by comparing the images of the first detection patch and the second detection patch printed in the printing process A determination step for determining whether or not the water supply is appropriate, and an adjustment step for adjusting the supply amount of the dampening water when the supply amount of the dampening water is determined to be inappropriate in the determination step. Features.

  The invention according to claim 9 is a dampening water control method for controlling a dampening water supply amount using a dampening water management scale for managing the dampening water supply amount, wherein Is a first detection patch made up of lines or halftone dots having an area ratio of 60% or more and an area ratio of 60% or more, and a line having a smaller number of lines than the first detection patch and an area ratio larger than the first detection patch. Or a second detection patch comprising a halftone dot, and the second detection patch has a density close to the density of the first detection patch when the supply amount of dampening water is appropriately controlled. And a dampening water management scale that is composed of a plurality of detection patches having different area ratios, and is arranged with the printing direction as the longitudinal direction in the vicinity of both ends of the printing plate in the direction orthogonal to the printing direction. Plate-making process to make a printing plate A test printing process in which printing is performed at an appropriate supply amount of dampening water using the printing plate made in the plate making process, and the first detection patch and the plurality of second detections in the printed matter printed in the test printing process. A combination of the area ratio or the number of lines of the first detection patch and the area ratio or the number of lines of the second detection patch such that the density of the second detection patch of any one of the patches matches is identified. A printing process for printing an image of the first detection patch and the second detection patch having the area ratio or the number of lines certified in the certification process, together with a pattern of the certification process, and an actual printed matter; A determination step of comparing the printed first detection patch image and the second detection patch image to determine the suitability of the dampening water supply amount, and that the dampening water supply amount is inappropriate in the determination step. If judged Further comprising an adjusting step of performing adjustment to increase or decrease the feed rate of dampening water, characterized in.

  According to a tenth aspect of the present invention, in the invention according to the eighth or ninth aspect, an image of the dampening water management scale after printing is captured by the imaging unit, and this image is enlarged and displayed on the display screen. .

  According to the first to tenth aspects of the present invention, by comparing the images of the first detection patch and the second detection patch, the amount of dampening water supplied can be reduced even by an inexperienced operator. It is possible to easily determine visually whether it is insufficient or excessive.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

  First, a configuration of a printing machine that manages the supply amount of dampening water using the present invention will be described. FIG. 1 is a schematic side view of a printing machine that uses the present invention to manage the supply amount of dampening water.

  The printing machine records an image on a printing plate on which images held on the first and second plate cylinders 11 and 12 are not recorded, and then makes the ink supplied to the printing plate first, Printing on four colors is performed by transferring to the printing paper held by the first and second impression cylinders 15 and 16 via the second blanket cylinders 13 and 14.

  The printing press includes a first plate cylinder 11, a second plate cylinder 12, a first blanket cylinder 13 provided in contact with the first plate cylinder 11, and a second plate cylinder 12. A second blanket cylinder 14 provided so as to be able to contact, a first pressure cylinder 15 provided so as to be able to contact the first blanket cylinder 13, and a contact with the second blanket cylinder 14 The second impression cylinder 16 provided in a possible manner, the feed cylinder 17 for passing the printing paper supplied from the paper feeding unit 31 to the first impression cylinder 15, and the print received from the first impression cylinder 15. A transfer cylinder 18 for passing the sheet to the second impression cylinder 16 and a chain 23 for discharging the printing sheet received from the second impression cylinder 16 to the sheet discharge unit 32 are wound around the sprocket 22. The discharge cylinder 19 and the image printed on the printing paper are imaged and the density of the detection patch is measured. Having an imaging unit 60, and a control panel 99 having a display screen 100 of the touch panel type which functions as an input means and display means.

  The first plate cylinder 11 and the second plate cylinder 12 are so-called double cylinders that hold printing plates for two different colors on the outer periphery thereof. The first blanket cylinder 13 and the second blanket cylinder 14 have the same diameter as the first plate cylinder 11 and the second plate cylinder 12, and each has a blanket surface on which images of two colors can be transferred. .

  A first impression cylinder 15 and a second impression cylinder 16 provided so as to be able to contact the first blanket cylinder 13 and the second blanket cylinder 14, respectively, 1. It has a diameter that is ½ of the diameter of the second blanket cylinder 13, 14. The first and second impression cylinders 15 and 16 have grippers (not shown) for holding and conveying the leading edge of the printing paper.

  A sheet feeding cylinder 17 disposed adjacent to the impression cylinder 15 has the same diameter as the first and second impression cylinders 15 and 16. For each rotation, the paper feed cylinder 17 holds and conveys the leading end portion of the printing paper supplied from the paper feed unit 31 by a gripper (not shown). The leading end of the printing paper held by the gripper is held by the gripper of the first pressure drum 15 when the printing paper is transferred from the paper feeding drum 17 to the first pressure drum 15.

  A transfer cylinder 18 disposed between the first impression cylinder 15 and the second impression cylinder 16 includes first and second plate cylinders 11 and 12 and first and second blanket cylinders 13 and 14. It has the same diameter as the diameter. The transfer cylinder 18 holds and conveys the leading end of the printing paper received from the first impression cylinder 15 by a gripper (not shown), and delivers the leading end of the printing paper to the gripper of the second impression cylinder 16.

  A paper discharge cylinder 19 disposed adjacent to the second impression cylinder 16 has the same diameter as that of the first and second plate cylinders 11 and 12 and the first and second blanket cylinders 13 and 14. Have. The paper discharge cylinder 19 has a structure in which a pair of chains 23 are wound around both ends thereof, and a gripper (not shown) is disposed on a connection member (not shown) that connects the pair of chains 23. The leading end portion of the printing paper held by the gripper of the second impression cylinder 16 is held by any of the grippers of the discharge cylinder 19 when the printing paper is transferred from the second impression cylinder 16 to the discharge cylinder 19. The The printing paper is discharged onto the paper discharge unit 32 as the chain 23 moves.

  A gear attached to the end of the paper feed cylinder 17 is connected to a gear 26 that is arranged concentrically with the driven pulley 25. A belt 29 is wound between a driving pulley 28 and a driven pulley 25 that are rotated by driving the printing motor 27. For this reason, the paper feed cylinder 17 is rotated by driving the drive printing motor 27. On the other hand, the first and second plate cylinders 11 and 12, the first and second blanket cylinders 13 and 14, the first and second impression cylinders 15 and 16, the paper feed cylinder 17, the transfer cylinder 18 and the paper discharge cylinder 19 are connected by the gear attached to the edge part, respectively. For this reason, by driving the drive printing motor 27, the paper feed cylinder 17, the first and second impression cylinders 15, 16, the paper discharge cylinder 19, the first and second blanket cylinders 13, 14, and the first The second plate cylinders 11 and 12 and the transfer cylinder 18 rotate in synchronization with each other.

  Around the first plate cylinder 11, an ink supply device 20a for supplying, for example, black (K) ink to the printing plate, and an ink supply device for supplying, for example, cyan (C) ink to the printing plate 20b and dampening water supply devices 21a and 21b for supplying dampening water to the printing plate are arranged. Further, around the second plate cylinder 12, an ink supply device 20c for supplying, for example, magenta (M) ink to the printing plate, and an ink for supplying, for example, yellow (Y) ink to the printing plate. A supply device 20d and dampening water supply devices 21c and 21d for supplying dampening water to the printing plate are arranged.

  These dampening water supply devices 21 are a dampening water supply unit composed of a water boat for storing dampening water, a water source roller that is rotated by driving a motor (not shown), and a damp water supplied by the water source roller. And two water rollers for transferring water to the surface of the printing plate mounted on the outer periphery of the plate cylinders 11 and 12. In this dampening water supply apparatus, the supply amount of dampening water supplied to the surface of the printing plate can be adjusted by changing the rotation speed of the water source roller.

  Further, around the first plate cylinder 11 or the second plate cylinder 12, a plate feeding section 33 for supplying a printing plate to the outer peripheral portion of the first plate cylinder 11, and a second plate cylinder, respectively. A plate supplying unit 34 for supplying a printing plate to the outer peripheral portion of the first plate cylinder, an image recording device 35 for recording an image on the printing plate mounted on the outer peripheral portion of the first plate cylinder 11 based on image data, An image recording device 36 for recording an image on the printing plate mounted on the outer peripheral portion of the second plate cylinder 12 based on the image data is disposed.

  In the printing machine having the above configuration, the printing plate drawn out from the supply cassette 41 in the plate supply unit 33 is cut into a predetermined size by the cutter 42. Then, the leading end portion of the cut sheet-like printing plate is guided by a guide roller and a guide member (not shown), and is held by a holding claw of the first plate cylinder 11. Then, the first plate cylinder 11 is rotated at a low speed by driving a motor (not shown), the printing plate is wound around the outer peripheral portion of the first plate cylinder 11, and the rear end portion of the printing plate is held by the other holding nail. . In this state, while rotating the first plate cylinder 11 at a low speed, the image recording device 35 irradiates the surface of the printing plate held on the outer periphery of the first plate cylinder 11 with a modulated laser beam, Record.

  Similarly, the printing plate drawn out from the supply cassette 43 in the plate supply unit 34 is cut into a predetermined size by the cutter 44. Then, the leading end portion of the cut sheet-like printing plate is guided by a guide roller and a guide member (not shown), and is held by a holding claw of the second plate cylinder 12. Then, the second plate cylinder 12 is rotated at a low speed by driving a motor (not shown), the printing plate is wound around the outer periphery of the second plate cylinder 12, and the rear end portion of the printing plate is held by the other holding nail. . In this state, while rotating the second plate cylinder 12 at a low speed, the image recording device 36 irradiates the surface of the printing plate held on the outer periphery of the second plate cylinder 12 with a modulated laser beam, Record.

  A printing plate for printing with black ink and a printing plate for printing with cyan ink are mounted on the outer periphery of the first plate cylinder 11. These two printing plates are arranged at positions where they are evenly distributed (that is, separated from each other by 180 degrees), and the image recording device 35 records an image on these printing plates. Similarly, a printing plate for printing with magenta ink and a printing plate for printing with yellow ink are mounted on the outer periphery of the second plate cylinder 12. These two printing plates are also arranged at positions where they are equally distributed, and the image recording device 36 records an image on these printing plates, and the plate making process is completed.

  When the plate making process is completed, a printing process is performed in which printing is performed on printing paper using the printing plates on the first and second plate cylinders 11 and 12. This printing process is performed as follows.

  That is, first, each fountain solution supply device 21 and each ink supply device 20 are brought into contact only with the corresponding printing plates among the printing plates held on the first and second plate cylinders 11 and 12. Accordingly, the dampening water and the ink are supplied to each printing plate from the corresponding dampening water supply device 21 and the corresponding ink supply device 20. The ink supplied to the printing plate is transferred to corresponding areas of the first and second blanket cylinders 13 and 14.

  Then, the printing paper is supplied to the paper feed cylinder 17. This printing paper is delivered from the paper feed cylinder 17 to the first impression cylinder 15. When the first impression cylinder 15 that has received the printing paper continues to rotate, the first impression cylinder 15 has a diameter that is ½ that of the first plate cylinder 11 and the first blanket cylinder 13. On the printing paper held on the outer peripheral portion of one impression cylinder 15, black ink is transferred in the first rotation and cyan ink is transferred in the second rotation.

  If the first impression cylinder 15 rotates twice, the printing paper is transferred from the first impression cylinder 15 via the transfer cylinder 18 to the second impression cylinder. When the second impression cylinder 16 that has received the printing paper continues to rotate, the second impression cylinder 16 has a diameter that is ½ that of the second plate cylinder 12 and the second blanket cylinder 14. On the printing paper held on the outer periphery of the second impression cylinder 16, magenta ink is transferred in the first rotation, and yellow ink is transferred in the second rotation.

  In this way, the leading end portion of the printing paper on which the printing of four colors has been completed is transferred from the second impression cylinder 16 to the discharge cylinder 19. Then, the printing paper on which the printing of the four colors has been completed is conveyed toward the paper discharge unit 28 by the drive of the pair of chains 23 and is discharged.

  When the printing process is completed, the printing plate used for printing is discharged. Then, the first and second blanket cylinders 13 and 14 are cleaned by a blanket cylinder cleaning device (not shown), and the printing process is completed.

  Next, a dampening water control method using the dampening water management scale according to the present invention in the above-described printing machine will be described. FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing a printing paper 200 on which three scales P 1, P 2, and P 3 constituting the dampening water management scale according to the present invention are printed together with the pattern 201.

  The printing paper 200 includes a pair of scales P1 and P2 arranged with the printing direction as a longitudinal direction in the vicinity of both left and right ends in a direction orthogonal to the printing direction (vertical direction in FIG. 2), and a rear end in the printing direction. , A scale P3 arranged with the direction perpendicular to the printing direction as the longitudinal direction is printed. That is, the printing plate on which the printing paper is printed includes scales P1 and P2 arranged with the printing direction as the longitudinal direction in the vicinity of both ends in the direction orthogonal to the printing direction on the printing plate, and the tail edge of the printing plate. On the side, a scale P3 is formed with a direction perpendicular to the printing direction as a longitudinal direction. In addition, the scale P3 is arrange | positioned over area | region R2-R4 of area | region R1-R5 corresponding to each ink key in the ink supply apparatus 20 of a printing press.

  The pair of scales P1 and P2 includes a yellow area 1, a magenta area 2, a cyan area 3, and a black area 4. The scale P3 includes a yellow area 5, a magenta area 6, a cyan area 7, and a black area 8.

  FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram showing scales P1 and P2 constituting the dampening water management scale according to the present invention. 3A shows the yellow area 1, FIG. 3B shows the magenta area 2, FIG. 3C shows the cyan area 3, and FIG. 3D shows the black area. Regions 4 are each shown. The horizontal direction in FIG. 3 corresponds to the printing direction.

  In the yellow area 1 shown in FIG. 3A, five first detection patches PY printed with yellow ink, and five second detection patches RY1, printed with yellow ink, RY2, RY3, RY4, RY5 (referred to collectively as “second detection patch RY”) are arranged. The first detection patches PY are disposed inside the second detection patches RY1, RY2, RY3, RY4, and RY5, respectively.

  In the magenta area 2 shown in FIG. 3B, five first detection patches PM printed with magenta ink, and five second detection patches RM1 printed with magenta ink, RM2, RM3, RM4, and RM5 (referred to collectively as “second detection patch RM”) are arranged. The first detection patches PM are disposed inside the second detection patches RM1, RM2, RM3, RM4, and RM5, respectively.

  In the region 3 for cyan shown in FIG. 3C, five first detection patches PC printed with cyan ink, and five second detection patches RC1 printed with cyan ink, RC2, RC3, RC4, and RC5 (referred to collectively as “second detection patch RC”) are arranged. The first detection patches PC are respectively disposed inside the second detection patches RC1, RC2, RC3, RC4, and RC5.

  In the black region 4 shown in FIG. 3D, five first detection patches PK printed with black ink, and five second detection patches RK1, printed with black ink, RK2, RK3, RK4, and RK5 (referred to collectively as “second detection patch RK”) are arranged. The first detection patches PK are arranged inside the second detection patches RK1, RK2, RK3, RK4, and RK5, respectively.

  The first detection patches PY, PM, PC, and PK have 400 lines (the number of lines that can be drawn per inch and represents the resolution), and the area of the image portion relative to the total area. This is composed of a multiline patch (a patch composed of a multiline) having a duty ratio (area ratio) of 67%. The second detection patches RY, RM, RC, and RK are composed of halftone patches (patches composed of halftone dots) having 150 lines. The dot area ratio (area ratio) is, for example, 96% for RY1, RM1, RC1, RK1, 94% for RY2, RM2, RC2, RK2, 88% for RY3, RM3, RC3, RK3, RY4, RM4, RC4, and RK4 are 84%, and RY5, RM5, RC5, and RK5 are 80%.

  FIG. 4 is an explanatory view showing a scale P3 constituting another dampening water management scale. 4A shows the yellow area 5, FIG. 4B shows the magenta area 6, FIG. 4C shows the cyan area 7, and FIG. 4D shows the black area. Regions 8 are each shown. The horizontal direction in FIG. 4 corresponds to the direction orthogonal to the printing direction.

  In the yellow area 5 shown in FIG. 4A, five first detection patches PY printed with yellow ink, and five second detection patches RY1, printed with yellow ink, RY2, RY3, RY4, RY5 are arranged. The first detection patches PY are disposed inside the second detection patches RY1, RY2, RY3, RY4, and RY5, respectively.

  In the magenta area 6 shown in FIG. 4B, five first detection patches PM printed with magenta ink, and five second detection patches RM1 printed with magenta ink, RM2, RM3, RM4, and RM5 are arranged. The first detection patches PM are disposed inside the second detection patches RM1, RM2, RM3, RM4, and RM5, respectively.

  In the cyan area 7 shown in FIG. 4 (c), five first detection patches PC printed with cyan ink and five second detection patches RC1, printed with cyan ink, RC2, RC3, RC4 and RC5 are arranged. The first detection patches PC are respectively disposed inside the second detection patches RC1, RC2, RC3, RC4, and RC5.

  In the black region 8 shown in FIG. 4 (d), five first detection patches PK printed with black ink, and five second detection patches RK1, printed with black ink, RK2, RK3, RK4, and RK5 are arranged. The first detection patches PK are arranged inside the second detection patches RK1, RK2, RK3, RK4, and RK5, respectively.

  The first detection patches PY, PM, PC, and PK have 400 lines (the number of lines that can be drawn per inch and represents the resolution), and the area of the image portion relative to the total area. This is composed of a multiline patch (a patch composed of a multiline) having a duty ratio (area ratio) of 67%. The second detection patches RY, RM, RC, and RK are composed of halftone patches (patches composed of halftone dots) having 150 lines. The dot area ratio (area ratio) is, for example, 82% for RY1, RM1, RC1, RK1, 81% for RY2, RM2, RC2, RK2, 80% for RY3, RM3, RC3, RK3, RY4, RM4, RC4, and RK4 are 79%, and RY5, RM5, RC5, and RK5 are 78%.

  In the above description, the halftone dot area ratio of the second detection patches RY, RM, RC, and RK is described as the same for each color for convenience of explanation, but this halftone dot area ratio is actually Is different for each color.

  The scales P1, P2, and P3 constituting these dampening water management scales are used for visually determining whether the dampening water supply amount is insufficient or excessive. That is, the first detection patch PY and the second detection patch RY are visually compared to determine whether the supply amount of dampening water in the yellow printing plate is insufficient or excessive, and the first detection patch. By comparing the PM and the second detection patch RM visually, it is determined whether the amount of dampening water supplied to the magenta printing plate is insufficient or excessive, and the first detection patch PC and the second detection patch are determined. The RC is visually compared to determine whether the supply amount of dampening water of the cyan printing plate is insufficient or excessive, and the first detection patch PK and the second detection patch RK are visually compared. Thus, it is determined whether the supply amount of dampening water of the black printing plate is insufficient or excessive.

  By visually comparing the first detection patches PY, PM, PC, PK and the second detection patches RY, RM, RC, RK, it is possible to determine whether the supply amount of dampening water is insufficient or excessive. The reason is as follows.

  That is, the first detection patches PY, PM, PC, and PK having a high number of lines have a large density change with respect to a change in the amount of dampening water supplied, whereas the second detection patches RY, RM, RC and RK have small changes in concentration relative to changes in the amount of dampening water supplied. Therefore, the halftone dot area ratio (area ratio) of the second detection patches RY, RM, RC, and RK is set to be larger than the duty ratio (area ratio) of the first detection patches PY, PM, PC, and PK. The first detection patch PY, PM, PC, PK and the first detection patch RY, RM, RC, RK have substantially the same concentration when the water amount is appropriate. By setting the duty ratio (area ratio) of the detection patches PY, PM, PC, and PK and the dot area ratio (area ratio) of the second detection patches RY, RM, RC, and RK, the first detection patch PY, PM, PC, PK and the second detection patches RY, RM, RC, RK can be visually compared to determine whether the supply amount of dampening water is insufficient or excessive.

  Note that the dampening water management scale described in Patent Document 2 described above is arranged on the tail edge side of the printing plate with the direction perpendicular to the printing direction as the longitudinal direction, whereas the scale P1 according to the present invention is used. , P2 are arranged with the printing direction as the longitudinal direction in the vicinity of both ends in the direction orthogonal to the printing direction on the printing plate. This is due to the following reason.

  That is, the first reason is that the ratio of the density change to the change in the supply amount of dampening water near both ends in the direction orthogonal to the printing direction in the printing plate is in the direction orthogonal to the printing direction in the printing plate. This is because it is larger than the vicinity of the central portion. For this reason, by disposing scales P1 and P2 near both ends in the direction orthogonal to the printing direction on the printing plate, without arranging scales for each region corresponding to each ink key as in Patent Document 2, It becomes possible to appropriately control the amount of dampening water supplied.

  The second reason is the problem of the area occupied by the scale. That is, since the dampening water management scale according to the present invention employs a plurality of detection patches having different area ratios as the second detection patch, the exclusive area on the printing plate or printing paper increases. . For this reason, when a scale is arranged for each region corresponding to each ink key as in Patent Document 2, a large area for the scale is required on the tail edge side of the printing plate, and the area of the pattern is reduced. Problems arise. For this reason, in the present invention, the scales P1 and P2 according to the present invention are arranged in a space near both ends in the direction orthogonal to the printing direction on the printing plate.

  Hereinafter, a dampening water control method for determining the suitability of the supply amount of dampening water using the dampening water management scale P according to the present invention will be described.

  In order to determine the suitability of the fountain solution, the first detection patch PY, PM, PC, PK and the second detection patch RY, RM, RC, RK, together with the pattern 201, are applied to the printing plate during plate making. Form. That is, on the black printing plate, the first detection patch PK and the second detection patch RK are formed using the image recording device 35 shown in FIG. Similarly, the first detection patch PC and the second detection patch RC are formed on the cyan printing plate using the image recording device 35. Further, the first detection patch PM and the second detection patch RM are formed on the printing plate of magenta color using the image recording device 36 shown in FIG. Similarly, the first detection patch PY and the second detection patch RY are formed on the yellow printing plate using the image recording device 36.

  At this time, the first detection patches PY, PM, PC, and PK are multi-line patches having 400 lines and a duty ratio of 67%. On the other hand, the second detection patches RY, RM, RC, and RK have a number of lines of 150, and a plurality of meshes whose dot area ratio changes by 1% in a range of 60% to 90%, for example. A point patch is formed.

  Next, test printing is performed using the printing plate after plate making. And the printed matter when the supply amount of dampening water becomes appropriate is confirmed visually.

  FIG. 5 is a graph schematically showing the relationship between the supply amount (printing water amount) of dampening water at the time of printing and the density of each detection patch on the scales P1 and P2 shown in FIG.

  In this figure, the vertical axis indicates the density of the detection patch, and the horizontal axis indicates the amount of printing water. 0 on the horizontal axis indicates an appropriate amount of printing water. Further, for example, the thick line indicates a change in the density of the first detection patch PM, and the thin line indicates a change in the density of the second detection patch RM. The thin lines are the densities when the halftone dot area ratios of the second detection patches RM1, RM2, RM3, RM4, and RM5 are 96%, 92%, 88%, 84%, and 80%, respectively, from the top. Shows changes.

  As described above, the first detection patch PM having a high number of lines has a large density change with respect to the change in the amount of dampening water supplied, whereas the second detection patches RM1, RM2, RM3, and RM4 have a low number of lines. , RM5 has a small concentration change with respect to the change in the amount of dampening water supplied. In the case of this graph, the concentration of the first detection patch PM when the concentration of the second detection patch RM3 having a halftone dot area ratio of 88% appropriately controls the supply amount of dampening water. Is almost the same. Further, when the supply amount of dampening water is slightly large, the concentration of the second detection patch RM4 or RM5 is substantially the same as the concentration of the first detection patch PM, and the supply amount of dampening water is slightly small. The density of the second detection patch RM1 or RM2 is substantially the same as the density of the first detection patch PM.

  FIG. 6 is a graph schematically showing the relationship between the supply amount (printing water amount) of dampening water at the time of printing and the density of each detection patch on the scale P3 shown in FIG.

  For example, the thick line indicates a change in the density of the first detection patch PM, and the thin line indicates a change in the density of the second detection patch RM. The thin lines are the densities when the halftone dot area ratios of the second detection patches RM1, RM2, RM3, RM4, and RM5 are 82%, 81%, 80%, 79%, and 78%, respectively, from the top. Shows changes. In the case of this graph, the concentration of the second detection patch RM3 having a halftone dot area ratio of 80% is substantially the same as the concentration of the first detection patch PM when the supply amount of dampening water is appropriately controlled. It will be the same. Further, when the supply amount of dampening water is slightly large, the concentration of the second detection patch RM4 or RM5 is substantially the same as the concentration of the first detection patch PM, and the supply amount of dampening water is slightly small. The density of the second detection patch RM1 or RM2 is substantially the same as the density of the first detection patch PM.

  Therefore, when printing is performed with an appropriate supply amount of dampening water by this test printing, the density of any of the second detection patches RM1, RM2, RM3, RM4, and RM5 is equal to that of the first detection patch PM. The duty ratio of the first detection patch is equal to the density, and the density of the other second detection patches RM1, RM2, RM3, RM4, and RM5 is close to the density of the first detection patch PM. Combinations with the dot area ratios of the plurality of second detection patches RM1, RM2, RM3, RM4, and RM5 having different area ratios can be identified.

  For this reason, such a first detection patch PM and a plurality of second detection patches RM1, RM2, RM3, RM4, and RM5 having different area ratios are created at the time of plate making and printed together with a pattern at the time of printing. Thus, even by an inexperienced operator, a dampening solution can be obtained by visually comparing the images of the first detection patches PM and the concentrations of the second detection patches RM1, RM2, RM3, RM4, and RM5. It is possible to easily determine visually whether the supply amount is insufficient or excessive. This is the same for the other colors.

  When it is determined whether the dampening water supply amount is insufficient or excessive, the operator rotates the water source roller of the dampening water supply device 21 that supplies dampening water to the printing plate of the color plate to be adjusted. Increase or decrease the number as appropriate. That is, when it is determined that the dampening water supply amount is insufficient (when the concentration of the second detection patch RM1 or RM2 matches the concentration of the first detection patch PM), the rotation speed of the water source roller is set. Increase. On the contrary, when it is determined that the dampening water supply amount is excessive (when the concentration of the second detection patch RM4 or RM5 coincides with the concentration of the first detection patch PM), the rotational speed of the water source roller is set. Decrease. By adjusting the rotation speed of the water source roller in this way, the dampening water is adjusted so that the density of the second detection patch RM3 matches the density of the first detection patch PM. The ink supply amount may be adjusted in accordance with the adjustment of the dampening water supply amount.

  By the way, the film thickness distribution amount of the fountain solution may not be uniform in the printing paper width direction. That is, a relatively large amount of dampening water may be supplied at the central position in the print paper width direction where the pattern is formed, and a relatively small amount of dampening water may be supplied at the end position in the print width direction, which is the paper edge.

  On the other hand, the scales P1 and P2 have halftone dot area ratios of the detection patches PM and RM based on the amount of dampening water supplied at the positions in the print width direction (that is, the end positions in the print width direction) where these scales are formed. Is set.

  When determining the amount of dampening water, it is desirable to consider the non-uniformity of the dampening water distribution. For example, even if the second detection patch RM3 has the same density as the first detection patch PM on the scales P1 and P2, it means that the dampening water has become appropriate at the end position of the printing paper. There is a possibility that dampening water is excessive at the central position (= picture position) of the paper width. Accordingly, in this case, the dampening water may be adjusted so that the concentration of the second detection patch RM1 or RM2 matches the first detection patch PM.

  Note that the density of the first detection patch PM and the density of the second detection patches RM1, RM2, RM3, RM4, and RM5 are visually compared, or instead of being visually compared, an enlarged display is displayed on the display screen 100. Then, these may be compared.

  That is, until an appropriate printed material called an OK sheet can be printed, as described above, the operator may remove the printed material from the printing machine and visually observe the image. However, after the OK sheet is printed, When normal printing is performed, skill is required to remove the printing paper from the printing machine, and the printed matter is easily damaged. In such a case, the image of the first detection patch PM and the images of the second detection patches RM1, RM2, RM3, RM4, and RM5 are enlarged and displayed on the display unit 100. You may make it do.

  FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram showing a state in which the scales P1, P2, and P3 are enlarged and displayed on the display unit 100. FIG.

  In this state, the enlarged display images P1L and P2L of the scales P1 and P2 are displayed together with the images of the scales P1 and P2, and the enlarged display image P3L of the scale P3 is displayed alone. In such a state, the density of the first detection patch PM and the density of the second detection patches RM1, RM2, RM3, RM4, and RM5 may be visually compared on the display screen 100.

  At this time, with respect to yellow, which is difficult to compare visually, after the scale image is decomposed into RGB, blue having a complementary color relationship may be used to increase the contrast and facilitate comparison. . At this time, image processing that facilitates visual recognition may be performed by compressing or expanding the luminance range. Furthermore, by taking a histogram of the luminance distribution of the scale image data, the suitability of the dampening water supply amount may be determined, and the determination result may be displayed with an icon or the like.

  In the embodiment described above, the number of lines is fixed to 400 lines and 150 lines, but the density may be adjusted by changing the number of lines. That is, when the number of lines is relatively small, the concentration decreases as the amount of dampening water supplied increases, and the relationship between the amount of dampening water supplied and the concentration is linear, but the number of lines is relatively small. When it is large, there is a region where the concentration increases due to an increase in the fountain solution, and the relationship between the supply amount of the fountain solution and the concentration may be substantially U-shaped. For this reason, instead of adjusting the area ratio, the number of lines may be adjusted. In this case, as the second detection patches RY, RM, RC, and RK, test printing can be performed by forming a plurality of halftone patches whose number of lines sequentially changes in the range of, for example, 125 lines to 175 lines. That's fine.

  In the above-described embodiment, the detection patch made of a line is used as the first detection patch PY, PM, PC, PK to manage the supply amount of the dampening water, but the detection patch made of a halftone dot is used. It may be adopted.

  In the above-described embodiment, detection patches made up of halftone dots are employed as the second detection patches RY, RM, RC, and RK. This is for the purpose of preventing the density from being difficult to confirm when the detection patch consisting of all the lines is used and the number of lines decreases and the lines become conspicuous at the time of visual confirmation. However, detection patches made up of lines may be used as the second detection patches RY, RM, RC, and RK.

  Further, the number of lines of the first detection patches PY, PM, PC, and PK described above is preferably 200 lines or more and particularly preferably 300 lines or more in order to increase the density change with respect to the change in the printing water amount. . The duty ratio (area ratio) at that time is preferably 60% or more. Here, if the duty ratio is set to a low value of less than 60%, the change in the density with respect to the printing water amount becomes U-shaped in the graph shape shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, which is not preferable. On the other hand, the number of lines of the second detection patches RY, RM, RC, and RK described above is preferably less than 200 lines, more preferably 175 lines or less. This is because in the second detection patches RY, RM, RC, and RK, the change in density with respect to the change in the amount of printing water is reduced. When such a combination of detection patches is used, it is possible to appropriately determine whether or not the supply amount of the dampening water is appropriate by comparing the density by visual observation.

It is a side surface schematic diagram of a printing machine which manages supply_amount | feed_rate of dampening water using this invention. 3 is a schematic diagram showing a printing paper 200 on which three scales P1, P2, and P3 constituting a dampening water management scale according to the present invention are printed together with a pattern 201. FIG. It is explanatory drawing which shows the scales P1 and P2 which comprise the dampening water management scale which concerns on this invention. It is explanatory drawing which shows the scale P3 which comprises the dampening water management scale. It is a graph which shows typically the relation between the supply amount (printing water amount) of dampening water at the time of printing, and the density of each detection patch in scales P1 and P2. It is a graph which shows typically the relation between the supply amount (printing water amount) of dampening water at the time of printing, and the density of each detection patch in scale P3. It is explanatory drawing which shows the state which expanded and displayed the scales P1, P2, and P3 on the display part 100. FIG.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 11 1st printing cylinder 12 2nd printing cylinder 13 1st blanket cylinder 14 2nd blanket cylinder 15 1st impression cylinder 16 2nd impression cylinder 17 Paper feed cylinder 18 Transfer cylinder 19 Paper discharge cylinder 20 Ink supply Device 21 Dampening water supply device 22 Sprocket 23 Chain 27 Printing motor 31 Paper feed unit 32 Paper discharge unit 33 Plate feeding unit 34 Plate feeding unit 35 Image recording device 36 Image recording device 60 Imaging unit 99 Control panel 100 Display screen 200 Printing Paper 201 Pattern P1 Scale P2 Scale P3 Scale PY First detection patch RY Second detection patch PM First detection patch RM Second detection patch PC First detection patch RC Second detection patch PK First detection Patch RK Second detection patch

Claims (10)

A dampening water management scale for managing the amount of dampening water supplied,
A first detection patch composed of a single line or a halftone dot having a line number of 200 lines or more and an area ratio of 60% or more, and an area ratio smaller than the first detection patch and larger than the first detection patch. A second detection patch consisting of a line or a halftone dot,
The second detection patch is composed of a plurality of detection patches having different area ratios such that the density when the supply amount of dampening water is appropriately controlled is close to the density of the first detection patch. And
A dampening water management scale characterized by being arranged with the printing direction as a longitudinal direction in the vicinity of both ends in a direction orthogonal to the printing direction in the printing plate. In the dampening water management scale according to claim 1,
When the supply amount of dampening water is appropriately controlled, the density of the first detection patch and the density of any one of the plurality of second detection patches are substantially the same. And a dampening water management scale in which the area ratio or the number of lines of the first detection patch and the second detection patch is adjusted. In the dampening water management scale according to claim 2,
A dampening water management scale in which the number of lines of the first detection patch is 300 or more. In the dampening water management scale according to claim 2,
A dampening water management scale in which the number of lines of the second detection patch is less than 200 lines. In the dampening water management scale according to any one of claims 2 to 4,
The first detection patch is a fountain solution management scale comprising a line, and the second detection patch is a halftone dot. In the dampening water management scale according to any one of claims 2 to 5,
A dampening water management scale in which one of the first detection patch and the second detection patch is disposed adjacent to the inside of the other. The dampening water management scale according to claim 6,
The first detection patch and the second detection patch are dampening water management scales disposed adjacent to each other of yellow, magenta, cyan, and black. A dampening water control method using the dampening water management scale according to any one of claims 1 to 7,
A printing process for printing an image of the dampening water management scale according to any one of claims 1 to 7,
A determination step of comparing the images of the first detection patch printed in the printing step and the second detection patch to determine whether the amount of dampening water supplied is appropriate;
An adjustment step of performing an adjustment to increase or decrease the supply amount of dampening water when it is determined that the supply amount of dampening water is inappropriate in the determination step;
A dampening water control method characterized by comprising: A dampening water control method for controlling dampening water supply using a dampening water management scale for managing dampening water supply,
A first detection patch composed of a single line or a halftone dot having a line number of 200 lines or more and an area ratio of 60% or more, and an area ratio smaller than the first detection patch and larger than the first detection patch. A second detection patch comprising a line or a halftone dot, and the second detection patch has a density close to the density of the first detection patch when the supply amount of dampening water is appropriately controlled. The fountain solution management scale is composed of a plurality of detection patches having different area ratios, and is arranged with the printing direction as the longitudinal direction in the vicinity of both ends of the printing plate in the direction orthogonal to the printing direction. A plate making process for making a printing plate comprising:
Using the printing plate made in the plate making process, a test printing process for printing with an appropriate supply amount of dampening water,
The area of the first detection patch such that the density of the second detection patch of any of the plurality of second detection patches matches the first detection patch in the printed matter printed in the test printing step. A certification step of authorizing a combination of the ratio or number of lines and the area ratio or number of lines of the second detection patch;
A printing process for printing an image of the first detection patch and the second detection patch having the area ratio or the number of lines certified in the certification process, together with the pattern of the actual printed matter;
A determination step of comparing the images of the first detection patch and the second detection patch printed in the printing step to determine the suitability of the amount of dampening water supplied;
An adjustment step of performing an adjustment to increase or decrease the supply amount of dampening water when it is determined that the supply amount of dampening water is inappropriate in the determination step;
A dampening water control method characterized by comprising: In the dampening water control method of Claim 8 or Claim 9,
A dampening solution control method in which an image of a dampening solution management scale after printing is captured by an imaging unit, and this image is enlarged and displayed on a display screen.

Images