The work aims to optimize the deflection deformation of printing cylinder to effectively enhance the support performance and improve the pressure distribution of printing cylinder. The preloaded elastic composite cylindrical roller bearing (PECCRB) was selected as the transmission support component for variable stiffness printing cylinder. Based on the equivalent stiffness model, the stiffness of PECCRB with different filling degree was calculated, and the effect of structural parameters of PECCRB on stiffness was analyzed. Besides, the mechanical model of variable stiffness printing cylinder support system was constructed, and the effect of PECCRB stiffness on the printing pressure of variable stiffness printing cylinder was analyzed by finite element simulation. The results showed that with the increase of the filling degree of the rolling element, the radial stiffness of the PECCRB decreased and the deflection deformation of the variable stiffness printing cylinder increased in varying degree. Considering the fatigue life, the PECCRB with the filling degree of 45% ~ 50% was selected as the elastic support of the printing cylinder. In addition, compared with ordinary cylindrical roller bearings, the maximum deflection of printing cylinder with PECCRB was reduced by 9.5%. On the premise of ensuring the fatigue life, the uniformity of pressure distribution of printing cylinder is effectively improved and the printing quality is enhanced.