Where the Water Really Goes: I. Derivation of a Definitive Model for the Fate of Dampening Water in the Lithographic Printing Process

A novel net water flow rate approach was used to evaluate five different keyless lithographic configurations for which world-wide field results seemed to not always reflect laboratory operational successes. The model predictions did not coincide with published lab and field keyless lithography experience until dampener configuration details were also taken into account. The model predictions did not coincide with published lab and field keyless lithography experience until dampener configuration details were also taken into account. Minimum water input rate requirements can readily be modeled, as well as relative water flow rates at the critical inking-form-roller/printing-plate nips. These results allow predicting before construction which press configurations should have the least ink/water interaction problems.