US1688646A - Printing-plate matrix and method of making the same - Google Patents

Description

Oct. 23, 1928. 1,688,646

E. E. NOVOTNY PRINTING PLATE MATRIX AND METHOD OF MAKING THE SAME Original Filed Feb. 9, 1926 4 Sheets-Sh t, 1

18 7/ V r) A $177 /777 flm I TTORNEYS Oct. 23, 1928.

E. E. NOVOTNY original Filed 9, 1926 4 Sheets-Sheet 2 Oct. 23, 1928. 7 1,688,646

E. E. NOVOTNY PRINTING PLATE MATRIX AND METHOD OF MAKING THE SAME Original File Fe 1926 4 Sheets-Sheet 5 gil 6.

TTORNE Y.

Oct. 23, 1928.

E. E. NOVOTNY PRINTING PLATE MATRIX AND METHOD OF MAKING THE SAME 4 Sheets-Sheet 4 Original Filed Feb. 9, 1926 [WI/ZWNTOR.

BY "W4 ATTORNEY Patented Oct. 23, 1928.

UNITED STATES EMIL E. NOVOTNY, OF PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA, ASSIGNOB T0 JOHN STbGDELL STOKES, OF SPRING VALLEY FARMS, HUNTINGTON VALLEY POST OI 'FICE, PENN- SYLVAN IA.

PRINTING-PLATE MATRIX AND METHOD or MAKING THE SAME.

Original application filed February 9, 1926, Serial No. 87,111. Divided and thll application filed November 19, 1926.

This invention relates to a printing plate matrix and method of manufacturing the same. In the present instance I describe a method for the production of a printing plate matrix, but I wish it to be understood that it is not limited in its useful application to this particular purpose as I may, for example, produce by the practice of my invention printing plates for use in the printing art.

The present application is a division of my eopending application, Serial No. 87,111, filed February 9, 1 926, for printing plate and method of making the same.

My method of producing a printing plate matrix is directed to the making of a structure which lacks homogeneous qualities. I wish to have a printing plate matrix dissimilar from the usual lead and wax matrices in use at the presenttime. as it is extremely difiicult to reproduce a solid homogeneous metallic matrix from a composite body of type and etchings without damage to the type. I wish to have the sprayed matrix lack homogeneous qualities in order that the matrix may be readily leveled without distortion as there is a tendency for the sprayed metal deposit to assume a concave curve during the spraying operation unless the sprayed coating is cooled in the manner to be described later. Furthermore, a printing plate matrix lacking homogeneous qualities may be readily curved when heated to assume the shape of a curved matrix or mold where it is to be used for the production of curved shells or plates. As, for example, when a matrix which is first made of a solid metal in a flat condition is subsequently curved, considerable distortion takes place and there is a non-uniform elongation resulting in inaccuracies from a dimensional and register standpoint. Furthermore. the dimension in height to paper as reproduced in the matrix may have certain high or low portions and these may readily be brought to the regularities and irregularities required for printing by mealns of suitable leveling or make-ready where the matrix is of a more or less flexible or plastic nature. My aim, also, is to produce a printing plate matrix such as may be made by an inexperienced operator through the use of equipmentaud methods eo-ordinated to pro- 'niatrix, compression of this kind Serial No. 149,451.

duce a product of high finish, great accuracy,

.but lacking the solid homogeneous qualities of either the lead mold or the wax matrix.

This lack of homogeneous qualities permits a graduated or predetermined pressure within certain localized areas as the requirements of the work call for. With a solid homogeneous distortion as there will be a flow mm the high pressure areas as is well understood.

After long experimentation with eutectic alloys in the form of foil and plastic metal, I have discovered that an alloy such as foundry type, monotype orother similar metals including various alloys, including metals such as lead, tin and antimony, is most useful for my purpose. These alloys when applied to a suitable original by means of a metallic spray properly adjusted form a structure which is not homogeneous, the par ticles of which are combined during the operation of spraying into a more or less open structure. These particles upon striking the surface of a properly prepared original are caused to deposit thereon, without, rebound therefrom, and form small, thin, scalelike portions. These portions are apparently 0xidized on their faces. thus preventing the formation of a solid homogeneous welding action. Furthermore, these alloys evidently throw out some of their heavier or lower melting components while traveling underthe high Velocity of the spray, and theseroduces lower melting components make it possible 1 to subsequently soften the formed matrix sheet so it may be readily leveled, curved or corrected without destroying the face forming portion of the same. Thus these components evidently promote the cementing of the particles, resulting in a relatively flexible structure upon heating to a point well below the melting point of the alloy used.

A printing plate matrix made by my method. wherein an alloy of foundry type metal was used having a melting point of approximately 650 F., was placed over a con;

vex curved turtle heated to a temperature of approximately 400 F., took the curveof this turtle with practically no measurable distortion and fitted the turtle perfectly. Upon cooling, while supported in this manner, the printing plate matrix retained 1ts shape and was immediately available for the productlon of curved shells or for the molding of curved printing plates therein. A solid homogeneous matrix made by casting as in the stereoand strains when curving a printing plate matrix madeof my non-homogeneous metal.

A commercial electrotype and stereotype were substituted for the foundry type metal and a suitable curve could not be obtained without actually softening or melting the entire body of such printing plate matrix. This same metal, however, when sprayed into a nonhomogeneous structure will curve satisfactorily. When leveling to a standard height to paper and providing a suitable level base having the regularities or irregularities re-,

quired and placing such printing plate matrix in suitable position on such base and heating said matrix to the point where plasticity occurs. the matrix will seek its own level without melting and without undue distortion. Of course, a slight amount of pressure is always desirable for both the leveling and curving operations and therefore I preferably provide alight pressure for this purpose.

It is advantageous to provide a suitable cooling means either between subsequent thin applications of sprayed films or preferably immediately following the area being sprayed in order not to unduly soften, distort, or buckle the delicate matrix face. This I provide by means of an air nozzle which follows in the path of the spray nozzle and removes with rapidity a large amount of the heat carried by the sprayed particles and by the heat ed air if it is used. I prefer at times to humidify the air in order that a greater and quicker cooling action may thus be secured.

My non-homogeneous sprayed metallic matrix may be produced without applying pressure to the original matter, which permits of the reproduction of matrices from delicate originals, and as this metallic matrix requires no special treatment to insure electroconductivity, the resulting original therefrom will have all the details such as would be obtained through the use of a lead mold without the technical objections to the high pressure necessary for the production of a solid metallie matrix. For certain metallic originals,

however, it is quite desirable to provide a thin film of wax or Canada balsamto the surface of such originals in order to provide a footing for the sprayed particles while being applied-thereon. This tacky film-is preferably applied in .a very weak solution in order that it be thin and therefore not affect the fidelity of the reproduction and that it may present a smooth polished surface.

The use of alloys, as previously mentioned, is very desirable where a matrix having high plasticity is to be made. It is, however, to e understood that I may make In matrix of any suitable sprayable materia useful for my purpose, or that other metallic alloys or metals may be substituted therefor. For certain cheap advertising plates it does not matter' greatly whether there is a variation in height to paper and therefore I may use for my matrix other suitable metals as, for ex 3 ample, aluminum. A finev metallic spray is, essential for the face forming portions of the printing plate matrix. This is obtained by setting the air and metal outlet nozzles close together. A fine spray, however, can be applied but slowly and for this and other technical reasons it is preferable to have more than one nozzle in order that a fine spray may first be applied and that this may subsequently be followed b a relatively I coarse and more quickly app led body or backing portion. With the adjustable nozzle employed, however, one nozzle may be used for both purposes as by operating upon a batch of originals and applylng a facing coat m0 thereon and subsequently adjusting the nozzle for a coarse spray and applying the backlng section thereon. Likewise, a plurality of finely adjusted spray nozzles may be used, and if desirable a plurality of coarse spray nozzles may also be provided in order to cover a larger area simultaneously.-

The fine spray portions may be composed of different alloys or, for that matter, formed of a tough wearing material such as, for example, aluminum. copper or nickel, and this may subsequently be backed wit-ha fine spray and a coarse spray application or in some instances the fine spray backing' may be omitted.

The application of tough films to the face may be done by subjecting the sprayed matrix to a subsequent electrolytic deposit. This harder face backed up with a nonhomogeneous metal offers advantages such as are not present in the solid homogeneous metal plate matrices for various technical reasons previously explained. Furthermore, the face section is hard and not so readily damaged through pressure when being leveled or curved whereas the body portion when heated well below its melting point will assume a plastic condition without undue elongation or distortion. This protection of a harderface, whether applied by a spray or alloy, a fine sprayed face section being first applied and this being subsequently backed with a coarse sprayed backing section and an endurance test was made under actual printing conditions on coated stock. These plates have shown a production under fine printing conditions of over three hundred thousand high grade impressions. These tests show conclusively that the plates are capable of standing long runs and that the sprayed metallic surface because of its lack ofhomogeneous qualities wears longer than foun ry type and stands up about as well as a nickelfaced electrotype.

In the accompanying drawings- Fig. 1 shows a cross sectional view of a wax original supported in a suitable pan.

Fig. 2 shows a cross sectional view of a metallic original having a wax coating applied thereon.

Fig. 3 is a perspective view showing the apparatus in position to be employed in spraying against the face of a suitable original.

Fig. 4 is a cross sectional view showing a printing plate matrix made by my method wherein a fine facing spray is first applied and which is subsequently backed with a coarser sprayed body forming sectionapparatus and matrix in position for levcling.

Fig. 7 is a perspective view showing the apparatus used and printing plate matrix in position thereon after having been curved.

In operating my invention I provide, a suitable original as shown in Fig. 1 and indicated as an entirety by M. This original may be formed in any suitable manner as by means of the composition 1 in the pan P, the face forming portion being indicated at 2.

Another form of original used for my purpose is shown in Fig. 2 and is indicated as an entirety by M. At 2, I indicate the face forming portion of such original and the application of the adherent or waxy material is indicated at 3. This waxy material may consist of a weak solution of say beeswax or Canada balsam in a suitable solvent.

Fig. 3 shows the apparatus in'its simplest form, illustrating the method of operation upon the original M which is supported on a suitable movable carriage C traveling upon tracks T. This carriage gives both longitudinal and transverse motion by means of the arms 5 and 6. This provides a suitable means for maintaining a relatively fixed distance between the original M and the metal spray nozzle S.v

' The metal is contained in the furnace or melting pot F which is heated by suitable means as by the electrical heating unit terminating in the leads indicated at 7. When foundry type metal is used this has a melting point of approximately 650 F. and it is preferably heated to a temperature not. to exceed 850 F. The molten metal is controlled by means of a plu valve indicated by the screw and knob terminus thereof at 8. The metal issues from the nozzle S, the nozzle being sufficiently heated by the excess heat carried by the molten metal and is vaporized into a fine spray by the air nozzle A which is made adjustable by means of the adjustment device indicated as an entirety at 9, asupply of heated air being conducted thereto by pipe 10, the heating of the air being accomplished through the use of the heater shown as an entirety at H consisting of coils 11, operating in the zone of a suitable source of heat as at 12. The nozzle S, I find should have an opening not greatly exceeding a diameter of .020"

whereas the nozzle A for the air is considerably larger but preferably should not greatly exceed a diameter of .070.

A suitable cooling means is provided by means of the cold air nozzle .A' connected to the pipe 13, and if at times a small amount of water is useful this is provided by means of the water nozzle W terminating in the pipe 14.

The spraying apparatus in Fig. 3 is suitably hooded as by means of the hood conventionally shown at H terminating in a-suction fan opening indicated at 15 which may be at either the top or the bottom oft-his hooded device, suitable doors being provided at 16. The lower section of this hood H serves to retain any dust particles which may settle and which may'not be removed through the opening 15 by means of the fan and cyclone receptacle (not shown), this cyclone receptacle serving to deposit any metallic particles which may be carried over by the air in a manner already well known.

In Fig. 4 I show the completed matrix indicated as an entirety by P. This printing plate matrix consists of a facing of finer sprayed particles indicated at 17 ,forming the highly polished face 18 and the coarser sprayed or less homogeneous particles indicated at 19. The back portion of such matrix has been shaved as indicated at 20.

Fig. 5 indicates a printing plate matrix very similar to that shown in Fig. 4 wherein the printing plate matrix again is indicated as an entirety by P. The printing face forming section is indicated at 18 consisting of sprayed matrices.

a tougher metal which may be either applied as a spray or 'which may be appl1ed subsequently as an electrolytic coating. Thls may be followed optionally with the finer sprayed facing section 17 and the coarser sprayed backing section 19, the back thereof being again shoWn at 20.

In Fig. 6 I show the levellng apparatus indicated as an entirety by L supported on a suitable stand or base. This leveling device L consists of a level surface plate section S which is heated'asconventionally shown by the gas cock at 21. As stated previously, this base is so heated that the printing plate matrix will quickly assume a temperature of approximately 400 to 500 F., the matrix lying upon its back against the polished surface plate S" and proper pressure is applied by means of the screw 22 operating against the platen 23. A suitable resilient blanket (not shown) is preferably placed against the face of the printing plate matrix and the, lower section of the pressure platen 23, in order that a light ressure may be applied and that any irregu iarities may be taken up in this blanket. A suitable cooling means is provided by means of the inlet hole 24 and outlet hole 25, for the admission of cooling water in order that the matrix may be quickly cooled by circulating cooling water in a properly cored cooling plate.

In Fig: 7 I show an apparatus in conventional form for the purpose of curving my This apparatus is indicated as an entirety by B which is supported on a suitable base. This curving apparatus consists essentially of a heating base indicated as an entirety as S, having curved base section 18 suitably heated as conventionally shown by the gas cock 21. Suitable cooling facilities are again provided as for the leveling apparatus by means of the openings to the cored out section of the base S wherein 24 indicates the inlet for cooling water and 25 is an outlet opening. The matrix is placed with its face in the desired position between the platens 18 and 23 and is heated until the desired temperature is reached. This for foundry type metal will be between 400 and 500 F. It will be found that the matrix has assumed its curved form and that a slight pressure from platen 23 will cause the matrix to assulne the curve provided for by the concave section 23 andthe convex platen section 18. For some purposes a resilient blanket (not shown) may be interposed between the face of the matrix 18 and the convex platill) on 18 in order that irregularities may be taken up.

It will, of course, be understood that instead of producing the usual type of relievo plate matrices by this process, I may produce intaglio plate matrices by the use of suitable originals or by means of the ordi nary expedients such as, for example, inversion. The process is also-useful for the reproduction of printing plates and matrices of the ordinary solid tint type, in which case either or both surfaces may be considered as the Workingface. While I have herein shown and described certain preferred embodiments of my invention, I wish it to be understood that I do not confine myself to all of the precise details herein set forth, as modifications and variations may be made without departing from the spirit of the invention or exceeding the scope of the appended claims. Although I .have stated in the preceding portion of the specification that the air nozzle A-is furnished with a supply of heated air by being conducted through pipe 10 and through heater coils 11, it should be understood that in certain conditions it may be possible to. dispense with the heating of this air, in which case the source of heat 12 maybe merely omitted. This is true of certain metals. or alloys capable of absorbing a larger amount of heat or having a higher melting point, and in this case a fair grade of sprayed work I may be produced without the use of the hot dry air. The dimensions of the nozzles S and 5 A should be suitable to take'care of the type of metal used. Where the dimensions given are for type founders metal, other alloys or metals may require certain variations in these dimensions. However, it will be found preferable in all cases to have the nozzle A of larger diameter than the nozzle S.

lVhat I claim is 1. A printing plate matrix having a type forming face of smooth non-homogeneous sprayed metallic particles. l

2. A printing plate matrix having a type forming face of smooth non-homogeneous l sprayed particles and a metallic support or body for the face portion.

3. 'A printing plate matrix having a type forming face of smooth non-homogeneous sprayed particles and a body portion or support also comprising sprayed non-homogeneous metallic particles.

4. A printing plate matrix having a type forming face of smooth, non-homogeneous sprayed particles supporting a working face l of a hard, tough metal and being supported by a backing portion of metallic alloy.

5. A printing plate matrix comprising a type forming face of a hard, tough metal supported bya backing portion of non-homogeneous sprayed metallic particles.

6. A printing plate matrix having a print-' ing face of non-homogeneous, sine-stir. porous, sprayed metal and abacking or body portion of coarser metallic particles.

7; A printing plate matrix having aworking face of a hard air-resisting metal, a support therefor of finely sprayed metallic particles, and a suitable backing therefor.

8. The herein described method of making a printing platematrix which consists in providing a suitable original and subjecting the same to a spray of metallic particles to produce a relatively thin, smooth but porous metallic deposit, cooling said deposit before each subsequent application of sprayed metal until a body of suitable thickness is produced, and then separating the matrix from the original.

9. The herein described method of making a printing plate matrix which consists in providing a suitable original and supporting the same in the zone of a metallic spray at a predetermined distance from the spray nozzle, moving said original to expose a fresh surface to the action of the spray while uniformly maintaining the predetermined distance between the spray nozzle and original while applying a substantially uniform film of smooth non-homogeneous sprayed metal, and applying successive films in this manner until a printing plate matrix of suitable thickness is formed, separating the matrix so produced and leveling the same.

10. The herein described method of making a printing plate matrix which consists in providing a suitable original having applied thereto a wax-like or adherent surface and exposing the same to the action of a metallic spray to reproduce a non-homogeneous matrix face having the regularities and irregu-* larities of the original and then separating the matrix from said original.

11. The herein described method of making a printing plate matrix which consists in exposing a suitable original in the zone of a fine metallc spray to reproduce a line, closely formed but non-homogeneous printing plate forming surface and subsequently exposing the back of said matrix to the action of a relatively coarse metallic spray to obtain a more plastic, flexible andporousbody portion.

12. The herein described method of making a printing plate matrix which consists in exposing a suitable original in the zone. of a fine metallic spray to reproduce a non-homogeneous hard, tough, wear-resisting working face and subsequently applying to the back of said type forming face a relatively less tough body or backing portion.

metallic spray to form a type forming face and a suitable body portion therefor and subsequently depositing a tough Wear-resisting metallic film on the type forming face of said matrix.

14. The herein described method of making a printing plate matrix which consists in ex posing a suitable original in the zone of a metallic spray, said spray being composed of an alloy of metals and reproducing the typeforming and non-type-forming surfaces in the original in the form of a matrix having a non-homogeneous metallic face and having a body portion of great flexibility when heated below the melting point of the alloy used.

1 5. The herein described method of making a printing plate matrix which consists in exposing a suitable original in the zone of a metallic spray, oxidizing the metallic particles as they are projected against the original and subsequently against previously deposited sprayed metal to form a matrix of great flexibility and plasticity when subquently heated.

16. The herein described method of making a printing plate matrix which consists in exposing a suitable original in the zone of a metallic spray projected by the aid of preheated air to prevent the chilling of the particles and to remove any free moisture from the compressed air, and forming thereby the face and body portion of said printing plate matrix.

17. The herein described method of maleing a printing plate matrix which consists in exposing a portion of a suitable original in the zone of a metallic spray, applying a thin metallic coating while moving the metal coated original toward the zone of a cool air nozzle to quickly cool the metallic tilm previously applied.

Signed at Philadelphia, in the county of Philadelphia and State of Pennsylvania this 5th day of November A. D. 1926.

EMIL E. NOVOTN Y.

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