Ever since water was introduced into the printing process, it has caused problems---everything from rust damage on the press to water running into the reelroom, damaging newsprint. One of the biggest water problems is rust buildup on cylinder surfaces, which can lead to a poor-quality product.
In most cases, press operators simply tolerate rust. Seldom do they try to prevent it, except to sand down and oil the rust spots. This is a stop-gap solution at best, and usually the rust returns.
Most single-wide presses have mylar under their plate cylinders and paper under their blanket cylinders. The mylar often holds water against the cylinder, inducing rust.
Dave Atkinson, production manager at The Salina (Kan.) Journal, had a chronic rusting problem on his plate cylinders that he wanted to solve once and for all. First, he resurfaced the cylinders. Then he instituted a program to prevent the rust from returning.
The Journal's press operators now underlay the plates with paper of the correct thickness. They add a light coat of oil to the back of the paper and place it on the back of the plate before plating the press. This not only prevents rust but also brings the plate to the proper height. When the press run is completed, the paper is simply thrown away. Since Atkinson mandated this practice, the rust problem has disappeared.
Frank Balentine is NAA's press manager. E-mail is naanetwork!naa!balef@naaatt.attmail.com ; phone is (703) 648-1216.
©1997 Newspaper Association of America. All rights reserved.