An improved printing press includes a tubular-shaped printing blanket
removably disposed on a blanket cylinder rotatably supported by a frame
and having an outer circumferential surface. The printing blanket is
disposed in rolling engagement with a conventional printing plate disposed
on a plate cylinder having an axially extending gap in which opposite ends
of the printing plate are secured. The printing blanket is removed by
opening a portion of the frame and axially sliding the printing blanket
off of the blanket cylinder. The blanket cylinder has passages which
deliver a stream of air to the outer surface of the blanket cylinder which
expands the inner circumferential surface of the printing blanket so that
the blanket can be axially removed or inserted onto the blanket cylinder.
The printing blanket has a metal inner surface which is tensioned by the
blanket cylinder to retain the printing blanket on the blanket cylinder
during operation of the press. The printing blanket is at least partially
formed of a compressible material.
