The original Goss gauge used the measurement taken off the inside of the side frame. We first had to zero out the sidelay to be assured that the cylinder was in the center line of the press. The sidelay design did not always guarantee that the cylinder was at the exact zero position mechanically. Every time we needed to check registration we would have to verify with a dial indicator that the cylinder was at the center position.

One of the deficiencies of this design would be a variation in the cylinders stop point, caused by such problems as mechanical jams and worn thrust bearings. We could not always replicate the original stop point, thus affecting what the numbers on the original pin gauge actually represent.

So we decided to design a gauge that would fit directly on the cylinder. This would allow us to check registration much faster because it would eliminate the stop point variation.

Several objectives had to be met:

• A gauge to set pin registration had to be universal.

• The gauge had to be central and overcome a .125 error.

• The gauge had to be set up so as to allow re-calibration to a different web width.

What emerged was a parallel rail with multi-micrometer positions complete with a compression and clamp, and calibration standards that allow for rapid re-deployment to any given pitch.

Measuring procedures

You first zero out each cylinder and verify that they come to the plate center mark. To accomplish this, we set our mechanical zero with a planner gauge and recorded the distance to side frame. This assured us that the cylinder was in its center position. You then check each level to make sure you are getting at least 0.063 travel in each direction. At this point we would be able to place our gauge directly on the cylinder to make any registration calibrations. The advantage of this is that the pin reading numbers are not affected by the position of the cylinder.

Set the pins as required at each level using the micrometers to account for the fanout on your press. We decided to set the pins on the A and B levels at 0.250 and then move the pins outward on the C and D levels to account for the fanout.

You are now ready to install SNAP plates and run your register tests. Be sure the press is run to at least 50,000 copies per hour so that proper fanout characteristics are recorded. Use a non end-cut roll in the reel tension paster. Set tension to 65 percent. All blankets must in good shape as they can have a substantial effect on how the web is pulled through the press.

We also measure only the position of the low plates. We make sure the plates are mounted correctly and that the top and bottom of the plate pins line up to one another.

In general, the redesigned gauge has helped us to achieve better overall control of our pin register calibration. It allows us to recheck pin positions quickly with an increased level of accuracy.

If you have any questions you can contact Sal Armao or Anthony Carpentier at 201.946.6041 or e-mail Sal at sarmao@nydailynews.com.

Ray Reinertson has worked with press technology for more than 30 years. Please submit questions in the broad area of print production, which could include color management, plateroom and pressroom to his attention at ReinTech Inc. Reinertson also represents Chromaticity Inc. as vice president, newspapers. He can be reached by phone or fax at 616.467.8025 or via e-mail at Rreino@aol.com.

Anthony Carpentier
Tool and dye maker
New York Daily News

Salvatore Armao
Maintenance manager
New York Daily News