TM 5-3610-286-10
1-10.
DESCRIPTION OF MAJOR SYSTEMS (CONT)
The plate cylinder body is cut below the level of the bearers. The
difference between the radius of the bearers and the radius of the cylinder
is called undercut, and is .020 in. (0.50 mm) on this Printing Press. The
undercut accommodates the plate and packing required to bring the plate
surface up to the required printing height.
(2) Blanket Cylinder.
The blanket cylinder looks much like the plate
cylinder, with a heavy metal undercut body with a gap across its length and
bearers on each end.
The gap houses clamps for attaching the blanket and
packing.
The blanket is attached to bars , which are held in place by the
clamps.
The blanket may be tightened at either the lead or the tail edge.
The undercut of this cylinder is .090 in. (2.30 mm). The function of the
blanket cylinder is to transfer the image to be printed from the plate
cylinder to the paper.
The blanket cylinder can be moved to compensate for
the thickness of paper being printed.
(3) Impression Cylinder. The impression cylinder is the surface
against which the paper is squeezed as the blanket cylinder transfers the
image.
The impression cylinder has a gap containing grippers which carry
the paper around the cylinder.
Unlike the plate and blanket cylinders, the
impression cylinder has no undercut and uses no packing.
for
is the driving force
c. Inking Assembly.
The inking assembly has the most demanding role of
all the systems.
Its main functions are: (1) to break down the ink to a
semi-liquid state; (2) to distribute ink from the ink fountain to the
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