US Patent 7171901 Flexographic printing method

Methods and apparatus are provided for improving the accuracy and streamlining the process of preparing an imaged flexographic printing sleeve. Seam layout details are determined by a controller and transferred to an automated cutting device to cut flexographic precursor sections. The controller can also control a printing device to print indicia on a sleeve substrate for use in aligning the cut precursor sections. The controller can also control a mounting device for the mounting of the cut precursor sections. An imaging engine for imaging a flexographic printing sleeve is equipped with an edge detection system for determining the location of seams between abutting precursor sections.