A New Type of Self-driven Vibrating Roller and its Effect on Press Performance

A novel patented mechanism for use in self driven oscillating rollers is described. The uniqueness of the basic concept is highlighted through a review of the various types of mechanical drives which have been used over the past 90 years in prior art rollers. The capacity of such rollers to favorably affect press performance is illustrated through the presentation of quantitative results of tests run on a web press printing unit under four conditions: standard roller configuration, oscillating roller in last ink form position, oscillating roller in the dampening position, and oscillating roller in both the dampening position and last ink form positions. Performance characteristics that were measured through the use of a special test form were degree of mechanical ghosting, on press dot gain, ink lay or print mottle, and water feed rate.