MÉTODO E MÁQUINA PARA PRODUÇÃO DE RELEVOS, BEM COMO PAINÉIS

Abstract

METHOD AND MACHINE FOR PRODUCING RELIEFS, AS WELL AS PANELS. A method for producing a relief (20) on a substrate (3), the relief (20) comprising a recessed area (21) and a non-recessed area (22), the recessed area (21) being adjacent to the non-recessed area (22) and forming a recess in relation to the non-recessed area (22). The method comprises extending a relief base layer (2) onto the substrate (3), digitally printing with a first volume per area (41) of the printed product onto the outer surface of the extended relief base layer (2) to obtain the recess area (21), the recess area (21) forming the recess relative to the outer surface of the extended relief base layer (2), and digitally printing with a second volume per area (42) of the printed product onto the outer surface of the extended relief base layer (2) at least adjacent to the recess area (21), to obtain the non-recess area (22).

Description

1 / 24 “METHOD AND MACHINE FOR PRODUCING RELIEFS, AS WELL AS PANELS” FIELD OF TECHNIQUE

[001] The present invention relates to a method for producing reliefs formed by recesses, cavities or depressions in a substrate, for example, in the form of embossed engraving or textures. The invention also relates to a machine for producing said reliefs, as well as a panel containing said reliefs.

[002] The invention relates to the manufacture of panels and the decoration industry and, more specifically, panels for floors, walls, furniture, etc. STATE OF THE ART

[003] The use of digital or inkjet technology for producing reliefs formed by recesses in a substrate is widely known today. The relief is obtained by digitally printing a digitized representation of the relief with a liquid printing product in the form of droplets that are deposited or injected onto a relief base layer that is spread on the substrate. Advantageously, digital printing makes it possible to obtain reliefs with much greater definition, precision, or sharpness compared to conventional production methods for reliefs formed by recesses in a substrate, such as embossing or molding.

[004] These are the various known printing techniques for digital printing of reliefs formed by recesses in a substrate. The present invention applies to any digital printing technique based on the deposition or injection of a liquid relief printed product in the form of droplets onto the relief base layer. The relief printed product makes it possible to produce a recess in the relief base layer when deposited or injected into it. Increasing the volume per area of ​​the relief printed product increases the depth of the recess to be formed relative to the outer surface of the relief base layer.

[005] In an early known fingerprinting technique Petition 870260022610, dated 11 / 03 / 2026, page 10 / 63 2 / 24 type to which this present invention relates, a printed embossed product is mixed with the embossed base layer. The embossing is obtained after removing the mixture from the printed product and the embossed base layer, such that the embossing corresponds to the volume of the mixture that was removed. Said mixture can be removed by mechanical means, such as brushing.

[006] A known variant of this printing technique is based on using a UV-curable resin relief base layer. Once the relief base layer is spread on the substrate, the liquid printed product is digitally printed onto the liquid relief base layer, which has not been cured or is only partially cured. The relief base layer cures along with the mixed printed product. This printed product can be configured in such a way that, after curing, the relief base layer merges with the printed product, making it easier to remove the cured mixture relative to the cured base layer, for example, through mechanical means such as brushing. For example, a “trueTextur” inkjet printer, produced by the Italian manufacturer ZEETREE, SRL, can be used to achieve this objective.

[007] Another known variant of this printing technique is based on the use of a solvent-based printed product or one that reacts chemically with the embossing base layer. This technique is widely known in the field of electronic component manufacturing, making it possible to produce smaller recesses that are more suitable for microelectronic applications, as described, for example, in document EP 1327259 B1.

[008] A second widely known digital printing technique of the type to which the present invention relates is based on the simple deposit or injection of the embossed printed product into the liquid embossing base layer, such that the embossing is produced when the embossing base layer material moves as a result of the impact of the printed product droplets on the embossing base layer. This digital embossing printing technique is known as digital embossing. The embosses are obtained Petition 870260022610, dated 11 / 03 / 2026, page 11 / 63 3 / 24 once the embossed base layer solidifies, for example, by curing. Optionally, the printed product can be removed, for example, by evaporation. Depending on the droplet volume and their injection rate into the embossed base layer, it is possible to obtain embossed designs with different depths. This technique is described, for example, in patent document EP 3109056 A1.

[009] The use of different substances for the embossed printed product and the relief base layer, with properties that make it possible to obtain embosses with greater definition or greater depth, for a certain volume and a certain rate for droplet injection, is well known in this digital printing technique. For example, the use of substances with an appropriate surface tension or energy is known, as well as the use of repellents or immiscible agents between the printed product and the relief base layer, which make it possible to reduce or replace the wettability of the printed product in the relief base layer. The use of repellents or immiscible agents in digital printing is well known, for example, from patent document JPH 10264346 A.

[010] Unlike this second digital printing technique for recesses referred to as the digital embossing technique, in the first digital printing technique for recesses mentioned above, the recess obtained corresponds substantially to the material removed from the mixture between the printed product and the embossing base layer, and the recess is not produced by the simple deposition or injection of the printed drops onto the embossing base layer and their subsequent solidification, but instead, in order to produce the recess, it is necessary to remove a mixture between the printed product and the embossing base layer.

[011] The disadvantage of this second digital embossing technique is that it only generates narrow, shallow, and much less defined recessed areas in the embossed base layer compared to the first printing technique, in which there is no limit to the recess width. Petition 870260022610, dated 11 / 03 / 2026, page 12 / 63 4 / 24

[012] There are other digital printing techniques for embossing in the form of recesses based on adding material around the recess to be formed, in which the material corresponding to the recess is removed or displaced, unlike the printing techniques to which this invention refers. This technique is called 3D printing and is described, for example, in patent document EP 2507063 B1. The disadvantage of the 3D printing technique is that it provides limited mechanical resistance to the embossing base layer, for example, to abrasion, in addition to its relatively high production cost.

[013] Other digital printing techniques for recesses are also known in which, unlike the printing techniques mentioned above, recesses are not produced by removing or displacing material from the embossing base layer or by adding material to the substrate, but rather, the recesses are determined and achieved by digitally printing the printed product onto the embossing base layer as described, for example, in patent document EP 2373494 B1. An example of this printing technique is based on digitally printing a mask against UV curing of the embossing base layer, so that the recess is achieved in the areas immediately below the mask, since complete curing of the mask does not occur there. Another example of these printing techniques is based on digitally printing an agent that conditions the thermal expansion of the embossing base layer in the areas where the recess is to be produced.These digital printing techniques for recesses have the disadvantage that the recesses that can be obtained are less defined than those produced with the type of digital printing technique for recesses to which the present invention relates.

[014] Other printing techniques are disclosed in patent documents EP 3415316 A1 and EP 3415318 A1, as well as in WO 2019 / 135140 A1 and WO 2018 / 015357 A1.

[015] The present invention aims to provide a method for producing reliefs formed by recesses with better definition, Petition 870260022610, dated 11 / 03 / 2026, page 13 / 63 5 / 24 precision or sharpness and recess widths of any size and improved quality in terms of surface finish, avoiding sharp or rough edges to the touch. OBJECT OF THE INVENTION

[016] With the aim of achieving this objective and solving the technical problems discussed so far, as well as providing additional advantages that will be described below, the present invention provides a method for producing a relief formed by recesses in a substrate. The relief comprises a recessed area and a non-recessed area. The recessed area is adjacent to the non-recessed area and forms a recess in relation to the non-recessed area. The relief may comprise a plurality of recessed areas and non-recessed areas.

[017] The method comprises the following steps: - to extend a relief base layer on the substrate; - Digitally print with a first volume per area of ​​liquid embossed product in the form of droplets on the outer surface of the extended embossed base layer to obtain the embossed area, the embossed area forming the embossed area in relation to the outer surface of the extended embossed base layer, - Digitally print with a second volume per area of ​​liquid deburring in the form of droplets on the outer surface of the extended embossed base layer, at least adjacent to the deburring area, to obtain the area without deburring.

[018] In the context of the invention, relief can be understood, for example, as a raised relief engraving or a texture. Recess can be understood, for example, as a depression or cavity. The recess can have a variable depth of recess relative to the outer surface of the extended relief base layer.

[019] Also, the recessed area should be understood as a surface formed by the recess in the base layer of relief obtained from the Petition 870260022610, dated 11 / 03 / 2026, page 14 / 63 6 / 24 digital printing with the first volume per area of ​​printed product recess on the outer surface of the extended embossed base layer. The non-recessed area should be understood as the surface obtained from digital printing with the second volume per area of ​​printed product recess on the outer surface of the embossed base layer adjacent to the corresponding recessed area. The non-recessed area extends at least partially between recessed areas and / or an edge of the embossed base layer, in particular, at least 10%, preferably at least 50%, and more preferably, completely.

[020] Depending on the second volume per printed product area from the recess to the non-recessed area, the surface of the non-recessed area obtained may be substantially smooth in relation to the recess of the adjacent recessed area. The substantially smooth surface of the non-recessed area should also be understood as a frosted surface and / or with a surface roughness substantially reduced in relation to a maximum recess depth of the recess in the recessed area, i.e., in particular, a surface roughness less than or equal to 10% of said maximum recess depth, preferably 5% and even more preferably 1%.

[021] Surprisingly, it was revealed that when printing with drops of the printed product in the non-recessed area adjacent to the recessed area, it is possible to increase the definition or sharpness of the recessed area. Printed drops are confined by adjacent printed drops. Thus, by depositing or injecting the printed product in the recessed area and in the non-recessed area and not only in the recessed area, the printed product of the recessed area can be confined, possibly preventing or reducing coalescence between the drops of the first volume by area and the second volume by area of ​​printed product that are deposited or injected into the adjacent relief base layer.

[022] One embodiment of the invention provides that the embossed printed product is mixed with the embossed base layer. Petition 870260022610, dated 11 / 03 / 2026, page 15 / 63 7 / 24 to form the recessed area. In this case, the method involves removing a mixture of the printed product and the embossed base layer, so that the recess in the recessed area corresponds to the volume occupied by the mixture that was removed from the embossed base layer. The mixture can be removed, for example, by mechanical means such as brushing, suction, blowing, blasting with pressurized material (water, earth or any other element), by evaporation, for example, with hot air or IR radiation, or by chemical means.

[023] Another embodiment of the invention provides that the embossed printed product is deposited or injected into the liquid embossing base layer using the digital printing embossing technique. According to this embodiment, the volume per area of ​​the printed product, in particular drop volume and / or drop injection rate, can be modified to obtain different recess depths.

[024] Preferably, the digital printing according to the invention is performed on the liquid embossing base layer. This also facilitates mixing the liquid printed product and the embossing base layer. In this perspective, the invention provides that the embossing base layer is solidified, fixed and / or cured during and / or after digital printing (with the first volume per area and / or with the second volume per area of ​​printed product). The embossing base layer can be solidified, fixed and / or cured, for example, by heat, electromagnetic radiation and / or light, in particular, UV or IR.

[025] Preferably, the embossing base layer is cured, especially through UV curing. The liquid embossing base layer may not be cured or may be partially cured during digital printing, in particular, also with the first volume per area and / or with the second volume per area of ​​the printed product. In this context, the term curing includes the concept of polymerization.

[026] Curing resins, such as radical, acrylic or polyurethane resins, as well as mixtures thereof, may be used in the curing of Petition 870260022610, dated 11 / 03 / 2026, page 16 / 63 8 / 24 liquid relief base coat. Curing monomers or oligomers, as well as their mixtures, can be used as recessed printed products mixed with the liquid base coat.

[027] The printed product for the first volume per area may be made of the same material or a different material than the printed product for the second volume per area. It is also foreseen that different materials for printed products for different points on the embossing base layer may be used during printing.

[028] The said printed product can be configured so that, after curing, the embossed base layer together with the printed product removes the cured mixture in relation to the cured base layer to form the embossing, and in particular, the recessed area, becomes easier. In particular, the printed product can be configured to provide incomplete curing or inhibition of curing of the mixture between the printed product and the base layer.

[029] Alternatively, the embossing base layer can be solid, in particular, porous, to facilitate the mixing of the printed product with the embossing base layer. In this case, a solvent for the embossing base layer, for example, can be used as printed product.

[030] Digital printing with the second volume per printed product area can be performed simultaneously, before or after digital printing with the first volume per area. Preferably, it is performed simultaneously, more preferably before, so that the confinement of the droplets from the first printed product volume can be favored by means of the droplets from the second printed product volume. The order of magnitude of the digital printing injection and feeding times is considered to be much less than the dispersion or penetration time of the printed product droplets into the embossed base layer, especially by single-pass digital printing, which provides equally effective results regardless of when a print is performed with the first volume and with the second volume. From this perspective, however, the said digital printing is more preferably used. Petition 870260022610, dated 11 / 03 / 2026, page 17 / 63 9 / 24 can be performed immediately and consecutively.

[031] Digital printing with the second volume per area is also provided as being performed on the extended relief base layer where digital printing is performed with the first volume per area, i.e., not only on the non-recessed area of ​​the outer surface of said extended relief base layer. Advantageously, depth gradients in the contours of the recessed area can be softened, while improving the definition of the recessed areas and the quality of textures, provided that the printed product can be injected along the entire relief base layer in a uniform manner for the recessed area and for the non-recessed area.

[032] With regard to the quantity of the second volume per printed product area that is injected, it must be large enough to produce an effect of improving the definition of the confinement recess area of ​​the first volume per printed product area, and small enough not to produce excessive recesses or wear, or perforate the embossed base layer. From this perspective, a second volume per area is preferably greater than or equal to 5% of a maximum first volume per area in the recess area, more preferably 30%, even more preferably 50%. Furthermore, a second volume per area is preferably less than or equal to said maximum first volume per area, more preferably 70%, even more preferably 50%, of said maximum first volume per area.

[033] With regard to droplet volume (in particular, droplet level or droplet size), it is provided that, preferably, a droplet volume for the second volume per area is less than or equal to 70% of a maximum droplet volume for the first volume per area, more preferably less than or equal to 50%, even more preferably 30%. Advantageously, this reduces the volume of printed product in adjacent non-recessed areas without affecting the droplet confinement effect of the first volume of printed product in the recessed area.

[034] Additionally, the second volume by area and, Petition 870260022610, dated 11 / 03 / 2026, page 18 / 63 Optionally, the droplet volume for this second volume per area is also expected to be uniform across the relief base layer, i.e., for the area without recess and / or for the recessed area. This results in a uniform finish in the area without recess. It is also expected that the first volume per area will be uniform across the relief base layer, corresponding to a constant depth in the recessed area.

[035] With regard to the frosting or surface finish of the non-recessed area produced by the second volume per area of ​​printed product, preferably the second volume per area and, optionally, the drop volume for said second volume per area, is such that it produces a surface roughness of the relief base layer in the non-recessed area less than or equal to 20 µm, more preferably 10 µm, even more preferably 5 µm, and / or, preferably, produces a gloss at 60° greater than or equal to 10 GU, more preferably 20 GU, even more preferably 50 GU. These surface roughness and gloss at 60° values ​​are considered, in particular, as being measured immediately after the mixture is removed.

[036] It is also foreseen that the relief will be carried out in register with an image printed on the substrate, visible through the relief base layer. To achieve this, the relief base layer can be transparent or translucent.

[037] The extension of the relief base layer on the substrate can be done, for example, by means of a roller, in particular by means of a reverse roller, or in a conventional way. Extending the relief base layer by means of a roller makes it possible to obtain a large thickness of the relief base layer, corresponding to large weights. Therefore, it is possible to provide recesses with a corresponding depth.

[038] Preferably, the relief base layer extending over the substrate has a thickness greater than or equal to 20 pm, more preferably 30 pm, even more preferably 50 pm and / or, Petition 870260022610, dated 11 / 03 / 2026, page 19 / 63 11 / 24 preferably, less than or equal to 3:00 pm, more preferably 2:00 pm, and even more preferably 1:00 pm.

[039] Thus, for example, according to the invention, it is possible to obtain reliefs with a depth of up to 100-300 pm, for the recessed area. Additionally, the greater recess depths that can be obtained make it possible to provide an effect of achieving better definition of the corresponding recessed areas, with surface roughness of the non-recessed area from, for example, 1-5 pm to 10-20 pm.

[040] According to the invention, the method also comprises digitizing the relief representation, which defines the recessed area and the non-recessed area, the recessed area, for example, with a recess depth value associated with the depth of the recessed area (i.e., in relation to the outer surface of the relief base layer once extended, on which the digital impression occurs to form the recessed area), by point of the relief representation. In particular, it is possible to assign a variable volume by printed product area by point of the relief representation to obtain, for example, a recess with a variable depth in the recessed area. In the context of the invention, the term point of the relief representation includes the concept of pixel.

[041] As regards the relief representation, it is foreseen that this may be, in particular, a relief image. The relief image may be, for example, a black and white or grayscale image, such that the area without indentation is defined as white, an area of ​​indentation with a maximum indentation depth value is defined as black, and an area of ​​indentation, with indentation depth values ​​that are less than the said maximum indentation depth value, is gray with a variable color scheme ranging from white to black as the indentation depth value increases.

[042] According to aspect, the invention relates to a machine for producing a relief on a substrate comprising a system Petition 870260022610, dated 11 / 03 / 2026, p. 20 / 63 A 12 / 24 computer that stores a computer program configured to perform a method as described above when the computer program is run by the computer system.

[043] According to another additional aspect, the invention also relates to a panel comprising a substrate with a relief on the substrate, wherein the relief is produced according to a method or machine as described above. The relief may extend over the entire front surface of the panel. DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[044] The advantages, features and additional application possibilities of the present invention are derived from the following description in relation to the exemplary embodiments represented in the drawings.

[045] The invention is explained in more detail below by means of an example and with reference to the accompanying drawings. The drawings show:

[046] Figure 1 shows a schematic view of one embodiment of a method for producing reliefs on substrates, as well as a production machine for carrying out such a method.

[047] Figure 2 shows a schematic view of an embodiment of a panel with a relief on a substrate, which is obtained according to the embodiment of Figure 1.

[048] Figures 3a and 3b schematically show an interpretation of the operations of the invention.

[049] Figure 4 shows a relief representation used in an exemplary embodiment of the invention.

[050] Figure 5 shows relief representations processed from the relief representation in Figure 4 for the exemplary modality.

[051] Figure 6 shows photographs of relief samples obtained according to the exemplary modality.

[052] Figures 7 to 10 show detailed photographs of reliefs obtained according to the exemplary modality. Petition 870260022610, dated 11 / 03 / 2026, page 21 / 63 13 / 24 DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[053] Figure 1 schematically represents an embodiment of the method for producing a relief (20) on a substrate (3) to form a panel (1), as well as a machine (10) for carrying out said method according to the invention.

[054] As shown in Figure 1, the method comprises digitizing a relief representation (30), which is performed using a computer system (16). The computer system (16) stores a computer program (17) configured to perform the method by executing the computer program (17). The digitization of a relief representation (30) is performed, in particular, by receiving, recording, processing, generating, etc., the relief representation (30) and / or relief representations processed in the computer system (16).

[055] A relief representation (30) defines the recessed area (21) and the non-recessed area (22) of the relief (20) can be produced, i.e., by delimiting these areas and assigning a recess depth value in the recessed area (21) relative to the non-recessed area (22). An example of the relief representation (30) is the image shown in Figure 4, where the recessed area (21) is defined in black, while the non-recessed area (22) is defined as white. In this case, the depth value of the recessed area (21) is constant.

[056] The method comprises extending a relief base layer (2) by means of a roller application unit (11) of the liquid relief base layer material (2). Then, using a digital printer (12), digital printing is performed on the relief base layer (2) with a first volume per area (41) of liquid printed product in the form of drops per point of the relief representation (30). Furthermore, in this case, with the same digital printer (12), digital printing is performed with a second volume per area (42) of liquid printed product in the form of drops per point of the relief representation (30). Digital printing comprises depositing or Petition 870260022610, dated 11 / 03 / 2026, page 22 / 63 14 / 24 injection of the printed liquid product into the embossed base layer (2).

[057] According to a variant of the embodiment described above, digital printing with the second volume per area (42) of printed product is performed on the entire outer surface of the relief base layer (2), i.e., for the recessed area (21) and for the non-recessed area (22). However, it is also foreseen that digital printing with the second volume of printed product may be performed only on the non-recessed area (22) adjacent to or together with the recessed area (21), for example, arranged enclosing, bordering, around or in a contour of the recessed area (21), in particular, in at least one contour subarea of ​​the recessed area (21). In contrast, digital printing with the first volume per area (41) of printed product is performed for the recessed area (21), and said volume may vary according to the depth value of the recess to be obtained.

[058] The printed product deposited or injected onto the embossing base layer (2) is mixed with the embossing base layer material (2), penetrating the embossing base layer (2). In the embodiment described above, the embossing base layer (2) is made of a UV-curing resin material, while the injectable printed product to be mixed with the embossing base layer (2) is configured to facilitate, after the curing of the embossing base layer (2) together with the printed product, the removal of the cured mixture (40) relative to the cured embossing base layer (2) to form the embossing, in particular, the recessed area (21). When curing the printed product together with the embossing base layer (2), a mixture (40) easily removable relative to the unmixed embossing base layer material (2) is produced.

[059] Following the embodiment description, as shown in Figure 1, after digital printing, the embossed base layer (2) is cured by applying UV radiation to the embossed base layer (2) together with the printed product mixed in. This UV radiation application is carried out by a UV curing unit (13).

[060] As shown in Figure 1, the mixture (40) of the product Petition 870260022610, dated 11 / 03 / 2026, page 23 / 63 15 / 24 printed and the relief base layer (2) are removed after curing, so that the resulting recess area (21) corresponds to the volume occupied by the mixture (40) that was removed from the relief base layer (2), i.e., the volume in the recess area (21). The mixture (40) can be removed, for example, with a brushing unit (14) on the outer surface of the relief base layer (2).

[061] In the embodiment described above, the substrate (3) or panel (1) on which the relief (20) is extended is moved by a transport unit (18), for example, a conveyor belt, as it moves forward through successive stations of the method described above.

[062] The computer system (16) performs the actuated method different units of the production machine (10) through a data communication (15) between the computer system (16) and the different units (11, 12, 13, 14).

[063] With regard to the form of the substrate (3) to which the method is applied according to the invention, it is preferably provided as a panel (1); however, there are no limitations on applying the production method of the invention to any form of substrate (3), for example, panel profiles (1). Furthermore, preferably, the outer surface of the extended relief base layer (2) is provided to be substantially straight, so that the area without recess (22) is substantially straight; however, there are also no limitations as to the surface on which the reliefs (20) formed by recesses according to the invention may be curved, for example, wavy, or with any other shape, such as being provided with protrusions, swellings or recesses, depressions or cavities in which the recesses according to the invention may be obtained.

[064] Any material can be used as substrate material (3). For example, application to panels (1) made of wood or wood-derived materials, such as wood material, chipboard, HDF, MDF or plywood, is foreseen. The use of synthetic materials, for example, is Petition 870260022610, dated 11 / 03 / 2026, p. 24 / 63 16 / 24 also provided for, especially for synthetic floors, MMLF (“Multilayer Modular Flooring”). Examples of synthetic material applications include LVT (“Luxury Vinyl Tiles”), SPC (“Stone Plastic Composites”), WPC (“Wood Plastic Composite”), or PE or PVC panels (1) or profiles, etc. Other material applications provided for include fiber cement, aluminum or steel panels (1) or profiles, etc.

[065] Returning to the description of the production method, it is also foreseen that other stages or stations of the corresponding production machine (10) will be included as explained below, also for a preferred embodiment in which the substrate (3) is a panel (1).

[066] Starting with the substrate (3), once the outer surface thereof has been prepared and cleaned, a first layer which can be cured can be applied to the substrate (3). This primer layer facilitates the application of an image base layer, which is applied over the primer layer and can also be cured. An image which is digitally printed with visible ink, which can also be cured, is applied over the image base layer. A protective layer for the printed image, which can also be cured, can subsequently be applied. Curing can be performed by UV curing.

[067] The embossing base layer (2) can be applied to this set of layers, as well as the subsequent steps of the method according to the invention described above. Once the mixture (40) of the printed product and the embossing base layer (2) has been removed, a surface finish layer can be applied to the assembly, which can also be cured, for example by UV curing.

[068] The layers in the image base layer with the printed image, in particular the relief base layer (2), can be transparent or translucent, so that the image can be seen on the substrate (3) forming the top of the relief (20). The relief (20) and the printed image can be made in synchrony, i.e., in registration with each other, of Petition 870260022610, dated 11 / 03 / 2026, page 25 / 63 17 / 24 so that, for example, a design effect can be provided, in which the relief (20) and the image are associated or linked to each other, for example, overlapping when viewed from above the substrate (3). In particular, it is then possible to simulate a real design such as a wood texture. The image can comprise a pattern, a color, a shape, and so on. Alternatively or additionally, it is also provided that a printed image can be made on the relief (20), in particular, in synchrony, i.e., in register between the image and the relief (20).

[069] With regard to the first volume per area (41) of printed product and the second volume per area (42) of printed product, it may vary depending, for example, on the level, volume or size of the injected drop, the number of points per area of ​​injections or printed resolution (e.g., measured in dpi, meaning dots per inch). The greater the volume of printed product injected at each printing point, the greater the depth of its penetration within the relief base layer (2) into which the drop is injected, and therefore the greater the depth of the recesses.

[070] From this perspective, a parameter associated with the volume per area of ​​printed product that can be injected into the embossing base layer (2) can be defined, added to a digital printing method and / or digital printer (12) to obtain embossing (20). A value of 100% is assigned to the maximum volume per area of ​​printed product that can be obtained by means of a certain method and / or digital printer (12). An input percentage of 0% indicates that no printed product is applied. The higher the input percentage or the volume per area of ​​printed product, the greater the depth of embossing that can be obtained.

[071] Preferably, the percentage of entry corresponding to the second volume by area (42) of printed product is relatively low when compared to the percentage of entry corresponding to the first volume by area (41) of printed product. In this way, the area without recess (22) is not substantially recessed, perforated or Petition 870260022610, dated 11 / 03 / 2026, page 26 / 63 18 / 24 used, providing a recessed area (21) with improved definition and therefore reliefs (20) with very high quality.

[072] Figure 2 shows a substrate (3) in the form of a panel (1). A relief (20) formed by recesses and a relief base layer (2) is applied to the substrate (3). The relief (20) is formed by recessed areas (21) and non-recessed areas (22). For clarity, the figure shows the substrate (3) with the mixture (40) of relief base layer material (2) and printed product on the relief base layer (2), before the mixture (40) is removed to obtain the recesses corresponding to the volume occupied by the mixture (40). Both the drops of the first volume per area (41) of printed product (for recessed areas (21)) and the drops of the second volume per area (42) of printed product (for non-recessed areas (22)) were deposited on the relief base layer (2).

[073] Figures 3a and 3b seek to represent an interpretation of the operating principle of the invention (Figure 3b) in comparison with the state of the art (Figure 3a). By injecting the printed product into the entire relief (20) and not just into recessed areas, it is possible to confine, hold or anchor the mixture (40) formed in the relief base layer (2), possibly preventing or reducing coalescence with the drops of the first volume per area (41) and the second volume per area (42) of printed product that are deposited or injected into the relief base layer (2). When the drops of printed product are not injected into the area adjacent to the recessed areas (21) (Figure 3a), the printed product may expand around it in a greater and more uncontrolled manner than if the printed product were injected adjacent to or around it to favor confinement. EXEMPLARY MODALITY

[074] The digital printing of the printed product was carried out with a digital printer (12) with two print heads, at a resolution of 360 dpi and three drop levels (injected drop volume): 14 pl, 28 pl and 43 pl.

[075] A “trueTexture” inkjet printer, made by the Italian factory Petition 870260022610, dated 11 / 03 / 2026, page 27 / 63 19 / 24 ZEETREE, SRL, was used as the printed product.

[076] The volume per area of ​​printed product can vary, for example, by selecting the number of digital printer nozzles (12) per area, the drop level per nozzle, as well as the number of passes or number of printheads per single-pass digital printer (12) to deposit the printed product onto the embossing base layer (2).

[077] In this exemplary embodiment, a pass was made with the said digital printer (12). The printing was carried out at a speed of 25 m / min on a substrate (3) of SPC (“Stone Plastic Composite”) of 1000x200x4 (common dimensions for floor slats).

[078] The maximum volume per printed product area for the exemplary embodiment corresponds to an injection with a maximum resolution of 360 dpi x 360 dpi and a maximum drop level of 43 pl in a single pass with both printheads, i.e., a volume per printed product area of ​​17.276 ml / m2. This maximum volume per printed product area corresponds to a 100% input percentage.

[079] The percentage of printed product entry for digital printing varies between 0% and 100%, so that the higher the percentage of entry, the greater the depth of its penetration within the relief base layer (2) in which the printed product is injected and, therefore, the depth of the recess is obtained.

[080] A UV curing resin, which can be obtained from the KLUMPP factory under reference 161-000-00430 (“UV sealer”), was used as a material for the relief base layer (2). The resin was spread on the substrate (3) by means of a roller, with a relief base layer thickness (2) of approximately 100 µm, corresponding to a weight of approximately 100 gr / m2.

[081] The image shown in Figure 4, in which the recessed area (21) is defined as black and the area without recess (22) is defined as white, was used as an example of a relief representation (30). According to Petition 870260022610, dated 11 / 03 / 2026, page 28 / 63 20 / 24 this relief representation (30), the depth value of the depression for the depression area (21) is constant.

[082] According to this relief representation (30), for the recessed area (21) the relief base layer (2) was printed uniformly with a first volume per constant area (41) of printed product, corresponding to 100% input percentage. Furthermore, for the non-recessed area (22), the relief base layer (2) was printed uniformly with a second volume per constant area (42) of printed product, which is smaller than the first volume per area (41) of printed product. In this exemplary embodiment, the second volume per area (42) of printed product was extended along the entire relief base layer (2) for the non-recessed area (22).

[083] For this relief representation (30), different samples were obtained by varying the second volume per area (42) of printed product, respectively, for different input percentages: 5% (0.864 ml / m2), 15% (2.591 ml / m2), 30% (5.183 ml / m2) and 50% (8.638 ml / m2).

[084] Additionally, the relief representation (30) of Figure 4, corresponding to a fine stroke texture (I), was modified by gradually increasing the width of the texture strokes to obtain a relief representation (30) corresponding to a medium stroke texture (II) and a thick stroke texture (III).

[085] Additionally, for the fine line (I) relief representation (30), the medium line (II) relief representation (30) and the thick line (III) relief representation, different samples were also obtained by varying the second volume per area (42) of printed product, respectively, for different input percentages, 5% (0.864 ml / m2), 15% (2.591 ml / m2), 30% (5.183 ml / m2) and 50% (8.638 ml / m2).

[086] The processed relief representations of Figure 5 were generated for the digital printing of the recessed areas (21) and the non-recessed areas (22) with the corresponding input percentages for the Petition 870260022610, dated 11 / 03 / 2026, page 29 / 63 21 / 24 respective relief representations (30) of fine line (I), medium line (II) and thick line (III). These processed relief representations are images that define the percentage of printed product input using a grayscale ranging from white, which corresponds to 0% input, to black, which corresponds to 100% input.

[087] The processed relief representations are shown in Figure 5 arranged in a matrix, where the rows correspond to the percentage of input corresponding to the second volume per area (42) of printed product, for 0%, where nothing is printed in the areas without recess (22) (adjacent to the recess areas), 5%, 15%, 30% and 50%. The columns of the matrix correspond to the width of the recess areas, in the example of the lines forming the relief (20), which are thin (I), medium (II) and thick (III).

[088] The processed relief representations are processed by a computer program (17) of the computer system (16) for the digital printer (12) to determine the injection, the volume per area of ​​printed product, the number of drops per area, the drop level, etc.

[089] Samples with the printed product deposited or injected in the relief base layer (2) were cured by means of UV lamps applying a total energy of 200 mJ / cm2, with a wavelength between 230410 nm and a peak power of 600 mW / cm2 to initiate the curing reaction.

[090] After the samples cured, the mixture (40) between the printed product and the relief base layer (2) was removed by brushing, thus obtaining the reliefs (20) or textures formed by recesses corresponding to the recess areas.

[091] The results obtained from the samples are described below.

[092] Figure 6 shows photographs of supplied samples, which correspond to the relief representations processed in Figure 5. After obtaining the relief (20), a black powder filling pigment was applied to the recesses to appreciate it in the photographs, being the base layer Petition 870260022610, dated 11 / 03 / 2026, page 30 / 63 22 / 24 of the relief (2) transparent and applied over a substrate (3) with a white surface.

[093] As shown in the photographs in Figure 6, if only the recessed area (21) is printed, i.e., for 0% entry into the area without recess (22), the relief (20) is barely perceptible and poorly defined for a fine texture (I), i.e., a narrow stroke. On the other hand, for thick textures (III) with wider strokes, the relief (20) is irregular, rough to the touch and with sharp edges.

[094] Surprisingly, when the bottom area or non-recessed area (22) is injected with an increasing input percentage up to 50%, it is possible to obtain a better definition of the relief (20), as well as a smoothness or progressive transition between the recessed area (21) and the non-recessed area (22), resulting in a higher quality for the relief (20) or texture. Thus, for example, a relief (20) with a 50% input and a thin stroke (I) is well defined and visible when compared to a relief (20) with a 0% input and a thin stroke (I) where the relief (20) is poorly appreciated. On the other hand, a relief (20) with a 50% input and a thick stroke (III) is much more defined and not rough to the touch, unlike the relief (20) with a 0% input and a thick stroke (III).

[095] Figures 7 to 10 show photographs showing the reliefs (20) with contrast and details, without the black pigment of Figure 6. Figure 7 shows the relief (20) with 0% indentation and fine line (I). Figure 8 shows the relief (20) with 0% indentation and thick line (III). Figure 9 shows the relief (20) with 50% indentation and thin line (I). Figure 10 shows the relief (20) with 50% indentation and thick line (III).

[096] In summary, it was found that if the areas adjacent to the recessed areas are printed, as well as the recessed areas where the recess is to be generated, the textures are more defined and appreciable for fine strokes, i.e., narrower strokes, in the recessed areas. Even if the thickness were increased, for example, to further improve the definition. Petition 870260022610, dated 11 / 03 / 2026, p. 31 / 63 23 / 24 of the reliefs (20), softer reliefs are obtained (20).

[097] It was also found that injecting the printed product into the relief base layer (2) up to a maximum entry percentage, for example, 50%, after curing and removal of the mixture (40) produced, generates recesses that are barely perceptible to the touch or that cannot be seen with the naked eye, even though a certain dulling can be observed.

[098] As explained above, it is possible to achieve a more precise and defined relief (20), texture or high-relief engraving of greater quality by means of the present invention.

[099] LIST OF REFERENCES Panel Base layer of relief Substrate Embossing production machine Roller application unit Digital printer Control unit Brushing unit Data communication Computer system Computer program Transport unit Relief Recessed area Area without recess Representation of the relief Mixture Petition 870260022610, dated 11 / 03 / 2026, page 32 / 63 24 / 24 First volume of printed product Second volume of printed product Fine texture II Medium texture III Thick texture Petition 870260022610, dated 11 / 03 / 2026, page 33 / 63

Claims

1 / 3 CLAIMS 1. Method for producing a relief (20) on a substrate (3), wherein the relief (20) comprises a recessed area (21) and a non-recessed area (22), the recessed area (21) being adjacent to the non-recessed area (22) and forming a recess relative to the non-recessed area (22), comprising: - extending a relief base layer (2) on the substrate (3), - digitally printing onto the relief base layer (2), the relief base layer (2) being liquid with a first volume per area (41) of liquid recessed printed product in the form of droplets on the outer surface of the extended relief base layer (2) to obtain the recessed area (21), wherein the recessed area (21) forms the recess relative to the outer surface of the extended relief base layer (2), characterized in that: - digitally printing onto the relief base layer (2), the relief base layer (2) being liquid,with a second volume per area (42) of liquid printing product in the form of drops on the outer surface of the extended relief base layer (2), at least adjacent to the recess area (21), to obtain the non-recess area (22), with a drop volume for the second volume per area (42) less than or equal to 70% of the maximum drop volume for the first volume per area (41).

2. Method for producing a relief (20) on a substrate (3), according to claim 1, characterized in that it comprises removing a mixture (40) of printing product and relief base layer (2), so that the recess corresponds to the volume occupied by the mixture (40) removed in the relief base layer (2).

3. Method for producing a relief (20) on a substrate (3), according to claim 1, characterized in that the rebate is obtained by digital relief engraving.

4. Method for producing a relief (20) on a substrate, according to Petition 870260022610, dated 11 / 03 / 2026, page 34 / 63 2 / 3 with any of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the relief base layer (2) is cured together with the printing product (41,42).

5. Method for producing a relief (20) on a substrate (3), according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the fingerprinting with the second volume per area (42) is performed simultaneously with or after the fingerprinting with the first volume per area (41).

6. Method for producing a relief (20) on a substrate (3) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the fingerprint with the second volume per area (42) is also performed on the extended relief base layer (2) on which the fingerprint is performed with the first volume per area (41).

7. Method for producing a relief (20) on a substrate (3), according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the second volume per area (42) is greater than or equal to 5% of a first maximum volume per area (41) for the recessed area (21), preferably 30%, more preferably 50% and / or less than or equal to said first maximum volume per area (41), preferably 70%, more preferably 50%, of said first maximum volume per area (41).

8. Method for producing a relief (20) on a substrate (3), according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the droplet volume for the second volume per area (42) is less than or equal to 50%, preferably 30%.

9. Method for producing a relief (20) on a substrate (3), according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the second volume per area (42) and, optionally, the drop volume for said second volume per area (42), is uniform throughout the relief base layer (2).

10. Method for producing a relief (20) on a substrate (3), of Petition 870260022610, of 11 / 03 / 2026, page 35 / 63 3 / 3 according to any of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the area without recess (22) obtained has a surface roughness less than or equal to 20 microns, preferably 10 microns, more preferably 5 microns, and / or a gloss at 60° greater than or equal to 10 GU, preferably 20 GU, more preferably 50 GU.

11. Method for producing a relief (20) on a substrate (3), according to any one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that the relief (20) is made in register with an image printed on the substrate (3), visible through the relief base layer (2).

12. Method for producing a relief (20) on a substrate (3), according to any one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that the extended relief base layer (2) has a thickness greater than or equal to 20 pm, preferably 30 pm, more preferably 50 pm, and / or less than or equal to 300 pm, preferably 200 pm, more preferably 100 pm.

13. Machine (10) for producing a relief (20) on a substrate (3), characterized in that it comprises a computer system (16) that stores a computer program (17) configured to perform a method as defined in any of claims 1 to 12, when the computer program (17) is executed by the computer system (16). Petition 870260022610, dated 11 / 03 / 2026, pp. 36 / 63

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