One talks of slurring whenever the geometry of the halftone dot changes. The printed image then appears to be displaced. The round halftone dot assumes an oval form. Two kinds of slurring exist – on the one hand, in the

Dot Distortion

direction of printing (circumferential slurring), and on the other hand, transverse to the direction of printing (lateral slurring). These effects lead to a reduction in quality, and reflect the processing conditions within the group comprising the plate, blanket, and printing cylinders, as well as on other material influences.

SOLUTION

• Look at the printing pressure adjustment, and reduce as needed
• Maintain suggested packing thicknesses (control with a cylinder gauge)
• Attach the blankets carefully, and use a torque wrench when stretching
• Insert the blankets in the printing press in the indicated weave direction
• Clean the grippers and adjust them as needed