The word "impression cylinder" is a term used in the printing industry to describe a metal cylinder that applies pressure to paper, creating an impression of the printing plate. The word is spelled as /ɪmˈprɛʃən sɪlɪndər/ in IPA phonetic transcription. The stress falls on the second syllable, with the first syllable pronounced as "im." The "s" in "impression" is pronounced as /ʃ/ due to its association with the letter "s" in the word "pressure." The "y" in "cylinder" is pronounced as /ɪ/ to conform with the preceding "i."
The impression cylinder is a mechanical component commonly found in printing presses and machines used for letterpress or offset printing. It is a cylindrical roller that plays a crucial role in the printing process. The primary function of the impression cylinder is to transfer the image from the printing plate or printing blanket onto the paper.
The impression cylinder is strategically positioned between the printing plate/cylinder and the paper. As the paper passes through the press, it makes direct contact with the impression cylinder. This cylinder exerts pressure upon the paper, which results in the transfer of inked image onto the paper's surface. The impression cylinder's surface is often coated or composed of a specialized material to ensure optimal ink transfer and consistency throughout the print run.
Additionally, the impression cylinder is responsible for maintaining the proper registration and alignment of the printed image. It ensures that the desired image is uniformly and accurately reproduced on each sheet of paper. This component must be precisely adjusted to maintain consistent impression pressure and contact with the printing plate, thus preventing blurry or irregular prints.
Considering the central role it plays in the printing process, the impression cylinder's quality and characteristics significantly impact the overall print quality. Proper maintenance, cleaning, and periodic adjustments are essential to avoid issues such as misregistration, ghosting, or uneven ink transfer.
The word "impression" in the term "impression cylinder" comes from the Latin word "impressio", which means "a pressing into or onto". The cylinder part of the term refers to the cylindrical shape of the component being described. Together, "impression cylinder" refers to a cylinder used in printing that presses the paper onto the inked plates or rollers in order to transfer the image onto the paper.