The Effect of Blanket Packing Configurations on Image Reproduction in Lithographic Printing

Different packing configurations of the offset blanket in lithographic printing can affect the quality of the printed dots on the substrate. An experimental investigation has been performed to investigate the extent to which different configurations affect parameters, such as slur. Results showed small differences in both solid density and tonal reproduction for two blanket packing configurations with the densities for which the plate was packed below the bearer having higher densities than when the plate was packed to the same level as the bearer. This was observed for both low and high speeds. Assessment of dot slur showed that rounder dots were printed when the plate was packed below the bearer. This was attributed to the presence of microslip for the case where the plate was packed to the same level as the bearer, which resulted in both compressive and tensile shear forces as the plate passed through the nip.