Investigation of Blanket Feed Characteristics on a Web Offset Press

The question of how tension levels are affected by no-pack blankets for use on newspaper offset printing presses is discussed. The goal of the testing was to measure the tension levels before and after the printing nip (web feed) with various no-pack blankets, to measure the tension levels elsewhere in the press with these blankets, and to evaluate possible methods for controlling tension levels through various press adjustments. Results show considerable variation in web feed characteristics of the no-pack blankets tested.