Importance

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Abstract

An apparatus and method which allows a printing plate to be mounted onto a plate cylinder in a quick and efficient manner. The apparatus includes a lock-up mechanism which is removable from the plate cylinder, and which is preferably slidably received in an axial slot in the plate cylinder. The axial slot may include a mechanism for retaining the lock-up mechanism once it is inserted in the axial slot, and for tensioning the plate on the plate cylinder. The method of the invention includes a first step of removing the lock-up mechanism from the plate cylinder and unlocking the lock-up mechanism. A flat plate has both its ends bent approximately 90.degree., and then the plate is bent into a cylindrical shape. The bent ends of the plate, which after the cylindrical bending are approximately parallel to one another, are then inserted into the lock-up mechanism. The lock-up mechanism is thereafter locked, clamping the ends of the plate into the previously-bent cylindrical shape. Compressed air is forced through outlets on the plate cylinder while the plate/lock-up mechanism unit is inserted onto the plate cylinder. The compressed air causes the plate to slightly expand and also produces an air bearing between the plate cylinder and the plate, thereby easing insertion of the plate on the plate cylinder. The lock-up mechanism is slid into an axial slot on the plate cylinder. Thereafter, the lock-up mechanism is secured to the plate cylinder.

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First Claim