Modeling and analysis of the ink splitting factors influence on ink filling in offset printing

Abstract

Currently, offset printing technology is used to manufacture a wide range of printing products. Given the trends to reduced print circulation, the issue of increasing the competitiveness of printing equipment by reducing the cost of ink and paper in printing press setup remains relevant, which is most effectively achieved by improving the accuracy of its pre-adjustment. The technical condition of printing equipment, the properties of ink and paper, climatic conditions in the production room, and other factors affect the distribution of ink flows in the inking and printing system (IPS). Obviously, the change in the ink splitting factors, which occurs under the influence of these aspects, will affect the accuracy of the pre-adjustment. The purpose of this study is to model and research the effect of ink splitting factors in the contact zones of rollers and cylinders on the process of its distribution and transmission in the IPS and its ink filling and to obtain information about the weight of ink splitting factors on the accuracy of the previous adjustment. To solve this problem, computer technology has been developed using the methods of automatic control theory, methods of mathematical modeling, theory of discrete systems, and MATLAB-Simulink interactive environment. A mathematical model of offset IPS was developed to implement the research technology, which describes the operation modes of all its components. The IPS simulator of the offset machine is constructed, which reproduces the technology of printing process. Simulation modeling and analysis of the ink splitting factors that influence the process of ink distribution and transmission in the IPS are carried out. The need to determine the reliable value of the ink splitting factors in the contact zones of the rollers and cylinders is substantiated. Computer technology makes it possible to determine the ink amount accumulating in the IPS during printing process and the ink thickness and volume on the surfaces of the imprints.