Method and system for printing on cast film materials with at least one layer of conductive material with ink drying using electron beam irradiation (e-beams)

Description

1 / 20 METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR PRINTING ON FILM MATERIALS BONDED WITH AT LEAST ONE LAYER OF CONDUCTIVE MATERIAL With paint drying using electron beam irradiation (E-beams) DESCRIPTION FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to the technical field concerning printing on bonded materials in the form of a flexible film, obtained from the adhesive coupling of two or more materials in strips to form a flexible film with a plurality of layers, of which at least one layer is made of a conductive material, for example, aluminum, which is interposed between layers of insulating material, such as, for example, plastic materials, such as PET, PE, PP, and so on.

[0002] In particular, the present invention may be useful preferably, but not exclusively for this reason, in printing processes on bonded flexible film materials, with at least one layer of conductive barrier material interposed between at least two layers of insulating material, and which will be used for making packaging articles for food products, such as, for example, doypacks for containing food products that are liquid, creamy, in powder form, and so on. DESCRIPTION OF THE STATE OF THE ART

[0003] Flexible bonded film materials used for making packaging articles, such as containers or bags, intended to contain and package food products, must be made in such a way as to have at least one layer of material with a barrier effect against the passage of light or other external agents that could contaminate the food products, interposed between layers of insulating materials suitable for contact with food products. Petition 870250086226, dated 09 / 24 / 2025, page 89 / 123 2 / 20

[0004] Typically, the materials used to create a barrier effect are conductive, such as aluminum.

[0005] In this regard, a technique commonly used for making bonded flexible film materials includes the mutual coupling, by adhesion using adhesive substances, of strips of insulating material, such as PET (polyethylene terephthalate), PP (polypropylene) or PE (polyethylene) and at least one strip of conductive material, such as aluminum, in such a way as to obtain a multilayer film in which the strip of conductive material is interposed between at least two strips of insulating material.

[0006] A first outer layer of the bonded film material, once the film has been processed to obtain a related packaging article, such as, for example, a bag, will constitute the inner part of the packaging article and is therefore intended to come into contact with the food product, while a second outer layer of the bonded film material will constitute the outer part of the packaging article, visible to the consumer, in which all images and / or information relating to the food product will be located.

[0007] Before carrying out the cutting operations of the bonded film material and the steps of forming the packaging article, it is therefore necessary to print all information and / or images relating to the food products to be packaged on one of the two outer layers of the bonded film material that will constitute the outer part of the packaging article.

[0008] A known technique involves performing a first coupling process, for adhesion by applying adhesive substances, of a first strip of insulating material with a strip of conductive barrier material and subjected to “curing”, that is, left for a time necessary for the applied adhesive substances to harden in order to achieve coupling between the two strips, so as to obtain a first semi-finished film article. Petition 870250086226, dated 09 / 24 / 2025, pp. 90 / 123 3 / 20

[0009] Next, using a second strip of insulating material, the printing operations will be carried out and, subsequently, after the ink used has dried, a second coupling process will be carried out, for adhesion, by applying adhesive substances, of the second strip of printed material with the first semi-finished film article, on the conductive material layer.

[0010] Once the coupling has been carried out, in this case it will also be necessary to wait the time required for the applied adhesive substances to harden in order to obtain the final and finished bonded film material to be used in the manufacture of packaging articles for food products.

[0011] To carry out the operations described above, it will also be necessary to take into account the fact that the various strip materials will have to be unwound from their respective reels and, once the coupling and / or printing operations have been carried out, then rewound onto other corresponding reels.

[0012] It is evident that these methods require considerable time to complete, which impacts productivity, and also require adequate storage spaces both for the reels on which the semi-finished film material is wound, and for the reels on which the insulating material strip is wound, on which the printing operations will be performed, as well as the reels on which the final bonded material will be wound, after the coupling of the insulating material strip, once subjected to the printing process, with the semi-finished film material.

[0013] An attempt to avoid the problems indicated above has been to preliminarily proceed with the complete realization of the finished bonded film material, with at least one layer of conductive material interposed between at least two layers of insulating material and storing it in a relative coil, and using the bonded film material directly in a printing line that was implemented with an ink drying station using electron beam irradiation, known as E-Beams (Electron Petition 870250086226, dated 09 / 24 / 2025, pp. 91 / 123 4 / 20 Beams).

[0014] In this respect, the printing line is made in such a way as to include:

[0015] an initial unwinding station, which is provided with a first reel support shaft to receive a first reel of bonded film material, and which is configured to unwind the bonded film material from the first reel and to advance the bonded film material according to a forward direction;

[0016] a series of printing stations, arranged consecutively to the initial unwinding station and, in succession, to the other stations along the direction of advance of the bonded film material, configured to perform printing processes on an outer layer of the bonded film material during its advance along the direction of advance;

[0017] a drying station (A) by means of electron beam irradiation (EBeam), disposed downstream of the series of printing stations and along the direction of advance, configured to be traversed by the bonded film material and to irradiate the outer layer on which the printing processes were carried out in order to dry the ink printed on it,

[0018] a final winding station, comprising a second reel support axis, disposed downstream of the drying station and configured to wind the bonded film material at the exit of the drying station around the second reel support axis and thus form a second reel of printed bonded film material, therefore also ready to be subjected to successive processing operations, for example, for the production of packaging articles for food products.

[0019] In printing processes using conventional bonded material technologies, for example with solvent-based or water-based inks, or possibly UV, the print is always protected by subsequent lamination with protective material, given the low characteristics of Petition 870250086226, dated 09 / 24 / 2025, pp. 92 / 123 5 / 20 mechanical and thermal resistance of traditional paints.

[0020] The traditional process of printing the bonded material is expensive in terms of labor operations, with the customer-requested printing finalizing the product which must necessarily be protected by an additional protective material coupling, leading to the need to allow the bonded material to cure to be suitable for subsequent packaging production steps.

[0021] Using an electron beam irradiation (EBeam) drying process, given the high mechanical and thermal characteristics obtained by E-beam inks printed on bonded material, which are far superior to traditional printing technologies, the final lamination process is therefore superfluous and unnecessary.

[0022] Avoiding a final lamination in the process allows the following advantages: faster order completion, avoids the curing process after printing; reduced inventory for material already ordered by the customer; the production of the glued material is completely independent of the final printing step requested by the customer.

[0023] The use of a drying station using electron beam radiation technology allows for substantially instantaneous drying and polymerization of the ink, and also additionally allows the use of solvent-free or photoinitiator inks, which are especially suitable and appropriate for use in printing on bonded film materials intended for the production of food product packaging.

[0024] Additionally, the fact of directly using a finished and completed bonded film material avoids waiting times that were instead required when the strip of insulating material, once printed, was coupled by adhesion to the semi-finished film material to obtain the final bonded film material.

[0025] However, a disadvantage that has emerged is related Petition 870250086226, dated 09 / 24 / 2025, pp. 93 / 123 6 / 20 to the accumulation of electrostatic charges that are generated due to the irradiation of electron beams in the bonded material due to the presence of the inner conductive material layer.

[0026] This accumulation of electrostatic charges in the glued material generates the formation of an electrical potential along the entire printing line, and the coils of glued material present in the initial unwinding station and the final winding station can act as a kind of armature for a capacitor, causing the possible occurrence of electrical discharges, especially when placed in rotation.

[0027] This can lead to a serious risk of electric shock for the operator responsible for managing the printing line, considering that high levels of electrostatic charge buildup can be reached.

[0028] Additionally, the accumulation of electrostatic charges, with the consequent generation of an electrical potential, can cause the formation of eddy currents with the emergence of corrosion processes in the mechanical parts that make up the printing line, damaging them, as well as the electrical components, such as the electrical control units, leading to the need for their replacement, in addition to causing a possible generation of sparks, with a consequent risk of fire. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0029] The objective of the invention is, therefore, to provide a method and a system for performing printing on bonded film materials with drying by means of electron beam irradiation (EBeam) with the ability to avoid the drawbacks previously described.

[0030] In particular, an objective of the present invention is to provide a method and a system for printing on bonded film materials, for example, intended for the production of packaging articles, such as bags, for food products, with ink drying, printed using electron beam irradiation with the capacity to ensure safety. Petition 870250086226, dated 09 / 24 / 2025, pp. 94 / 123 7 / 20 of the operators and prevent the occurrence of dangerous events or situations as a consequence of the accumulation of electrostatic charges.

[0031] The aforementioned objectives are achieved with a method and a system in accordance with the content of the claims. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0032] The system and method features provided by the present invention for printing on bonded film materials with electron beam irradiation drying will be presented in the following description with reference to the attached Figures tables, in which: Figure 1 is a schematic side view of the invention's system in a printing line of a fully bonded film material; Figure 1A illustrates schematically, and by way of non-limiting example, various possible types of bonded materials to which the invention can be applied; Figure 2 is a larger scale and partially sectioned along a vertical cross-sectional plane of the detail identified with the letter K in Figure 1; Figure 3 is a schematic perspective view of the components in Figure 2; Figures 4 and 5 illustrate, in respective cross-sectional views along the vertical cross-sectional planes, two possible elements of the invention's system; Figure 6 is a perspective view of other special components that may be present in the system of the invention, according to a possible embodiment; Figure 7 is a front view of Figure 6; Figure 8 is a partial vertical cross-sectional view of what is illustrated in Figure 6; Figure 9 is a schematic perspective view of additional and other special components that may be present in the system. Petition 870250086226, dated 09 / 24 / 2025, pp. 95 / 123 8 / 20 invention, in an additional embodiment; Figure 10 is a cross-sectional view along a vertical cross-sectional plane of the components in Figure 9.

[0033] The method of the present invention, for printing on bonded film materials with at least one layer of conductive material with ink drying using electron beam irradiation, comprises providing a bonded film material (F) with at least one layer of conductive material (F1), for example, but not exclusively, made of aluminum, which is interposed between at least two layers of insulating material (F2, F3), made, for example, but not exclusively, of a plastic material, such as PTE, PPE, PE. DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED OPTIONS

[0034] For example, Figure 1A illustrates four possible, though not exclusive, types of bonded film material usable with the method of the invention.

[0035] For example, a first type of bonded material (M1) that can be used with the method of the invention can be made in such a way as to comprise a layer of conductive material (F1) interposed between a first layer of insulating material (F2) and a second layer of insulating material (F3) (first image, from above, of Figure 1A).

[0036] In this case, the two layers of insulating material (F2, F3) constitute the outer layers of the bonded film material (F) which is wound onto a coil (B1).

[0037] A second possible type of bonded material (M2) that can be used with the method of the invention can be made in such a way as to comprise a layer of conductive material (F1) interposed between a first layer of insulating material (F2) and a second layer of insulating material (F3), and an additional layer of conductive material (F4) external to the second layer (or first layer) of insulating material (F3) (second image above Figure 1A). Petition 870250086226, dated 09 / 24 / 2025, pp. 96 / 123 9 / 20

[0038] In this case, the bonded material will have an outer layer made of insulating material and an outer layer made of conductive material.

[0039] A third possible type of bonded material (M3) that can be used with the method of the invention can be made so as to comprise a layer of conductive material (F1) interposed between a first layer of insulating material (F2) and a second layer of insulating material (F3), an additional layer of conductive material (F5) adjacent to the preceding layer and also comprised between the first (F2) and second (F3) layers of insulating material, and a third layer of conductive material (F6) external to the second layer (or first layer) of insulating material (F3) (third image from top to bottom of Figure 1A).

[0040] In this case, the glued material will have both outer layers made of insulating material.

[0041] A fourth possible type of bonded material (M4) that can be used with the method of the invention can be made so as to comprise a layer of conductive material (F1) interposed between a first layer of insulating material (F2) and a second layer of insulating material (F3), a second layer of conductive material (F7) external to the second layer of insulating material (F2) and a third layer of conductive material (F8) external to the second layer of insulating material (F3) (final image, below, of Figure 1A).

[0042] In this case, the bonded material will have both outer layers made of conductive material.

[0043] The method then involves predisposing a print line (LP), which is set up for printing, on the bonded film material (F), positioned at least on a respective outer layer.

[0044] For example, in the case of bonded film materials made as in the first type of bonded material (M1) or as in the third type of bonded material (M3) (first and third images of Figure 1A), the printing will occur on one of the two outer layers of insulating material. Petition 870250086226, dated 09 / 24 / 2025, pp. 97 / 123 10 / 20

[0045] In the two remaining cases, as illustrated in Figure 1A, the second type of bonded material (M2) or the fourth type of bonded material (M4) (second and fourth images of Figure 1A), printing can be performed on an outer layer of insulating material or on an outer layer of conductive material.

[0046] The printing line (LP) is made and configured in such a way as to comprise:

[0047] an initial unwinding station (S1), which is provided with a first reel support shaft (A1) to receive a reel (B1) of the bonded film material (F), wherein the printing line (LP) is set up to unwind the bonded film material (F) from the reel (B1) and to advance the bonded film material (F) according to a feed direction (Z);

[0048] a series of printing stations (P1, P2; P3; P4), which are arranged consecutively to the initial unwinding station (S1) and, in succession to each other, along the advance direction (Z) of the bonded film material (F), and which are configured to perform printing processes on an outer layer of the bonded film material (F) during its advance along the advance direction (Z).

[0049] By “series of printing stations” is meant the number of printing stations sufficient to carry out the requested printing, so that the printing line could also be carried out to be supplied with only one printing station.

[0050] The printing line (LP) is made in such a way as to additionally comprise:

[0051] a drying station (A) using electron beam irradiation (EBeams), located downstream of the series of printing stations (P1, P2, P3, P4), and which is provided with an electron beam emission module (E-Beam module) and configured to be traversed by the bonded film material (F) and to irradiate, with electron beams, the layer Petition 870250086226, dated 09 / 24 / 2025, pp. 98 / 123 11 / 20 external surface on which the printing processes were carried out in order to dry the ink printed on it,

[0052] a final winding station (S2), comprising a second coil support shaft (A2), disposed downstream of the drying station (A) and configured to wind the bonded film material (F) at the exit of the drying station (A) around the second coil support shaft (A2) and thus form a second coil (B2) of printed bonded film material (F).

[0053] The special features of the method of the present invention consist in the fact that it comprises:

[0054] having at least one conductive contact element (1,2) that is shaped in such a way as to comprise at least one part with a cut profile (10, 20);

[0055] provide a ground connection plant (T) connected, on one side to at least one conductive contact element (1, 2), and on the other side to the ground surface;

[0056] then, use at least one part with a cut profile (1; 2) of the conductive contact element (10, 20) to at least partially cut the bonded film material (F) in such a way that at least one part with a cut profile (10; 20) contacts at least one layer of conductive material (F1) of the bonded film material (F).

[0057] According to the method, the part with a cut profile must come into contact with the innermost layer of the conductive material present in the bonded film material.

[0058] In this way, and advantageously, at least one layer of conductive material (F1) is placed directly in contact with the ground connection plant (T) to discharge onto the ground surface any electrostatic charges that may accumulate on the bonded film material (F) after irradiation through the electron beams in the drying station.

[0059] Due to these special characteristics, with the method of Petition 870250086226, dated 09 / 24 / 2025, pp. 99 / 123 12 / 20 invention it is possible, therefore, to avoid the accumulation of electrostatic charges that can generate sparks or be the cause of electrocution or wear in the mechanical and / or electrical components (e.g., electrical control units) of the printing line, as the electrostatic charges are discharged directly to the ground through the ground connection plant (T) which is placed in communication with at least one layer of conductive material (F1) of the bonded film material (F) by means of the incision made by the conductive contact element through at least one part with a cut profile.

[0060] The invention method therefore allows for solving the drawbacks present in the prior art inherent in long waiting times and the management of reel storage, in the case where printing operations are carried out by the classic method, as well as preventing the problems existing in printing lines that use the ink drying process by means of electron beam radiation, since any accumulation of electrostatic discharges can be discharged directly onto the ground surface, allowing operators to work with complete safety and significantly reducing the completion times of the printing process.

[0061] The additional advantageous aspects of the invention method are described below.

[0062] In a preferred aspect, the method comprises predisposing at least one conductive contact element (1, 2) in an operating station (S3) located downstream or upstream of the drying station (A), for example, preferably, though not exclusively, as illustrated in Figure 1, between the drying station (A) and the final winding station (S2), and using at least one part with a cut profile (10; 20) of the conductive contact element (1, 2) to at least partially mark the bonded film material (F) during the advancement of the bonded film material (F) through the operating station (S3). Petition 870250086226, dated 09 / 24 / 2025, pp. 100 / 123 13 / 20

[0063] The method preferably comprises predisposing a contrast roll (R) in the operating station (S3) and partially winding the bonded film material (F) around the contrast roll (R) and wherein at least one conductive contact element (1, 2) is predisposed in such a way that at least one part with a cut profile (10, 20) is disposed opposite the contrast roll (R) to mark at least partially the bonded film material (F) during the partial winding thereof around the contrast roll (R).

[0064] In a further preferred aspect, the method of the invention may comprise providing a conductive contact element (1, 2) shaped like a circular cutter (1) with a continuous cutting profile (10) and using the circular cutter (1) with a continuous cutting profile (10) to cut and trim laterally, on both sides, the bonded film material (F) during partial winding thereof around the contrast roll (R), such that the continuous cutting profile (10) of the circular cutter (1) is in contact with at least one layer of conductive material (F1) of the bonded film material (F).

[0065] Based on a possible additional preferred aspect, the method of the invention may comprise predisposing a conductive contact element (1, 2) with a circular cut profile (2) with a discontinuous cut profile (20) and using the circular cutter (2) with a discontinuous cut profile (20) to partially mark the bonded film material (F) during partial winding thereof around the contrast roll (R), such that the discontinuous cut profile (20) of the circular cutter (2) is in contact with at least one layer of conductive material (F1) of the bonded film material (F).

[0066] With the aim of making the discharge to the ground surface of electrostatic charges that may accumulate on the bonded film material and that may propagate along the bonded film material safer and more efficient, the method of the invention may also comprise the following additionally advantageous aspects. Petition 870250086226, dated 09 / 24 / 2025, pages 101 / 123 14 / 20

[0067] The method of the invention may comprise providing at least one second conductive contact element (5, 6) which is shaped so as to comprise at least one sharp portion (50, 60), wherein the at least one second conductive contact element (5, 6) is coupled to the ground connection plant (T) and is coupled to at least the first coil support shaft (A1), at the initial unwinding station (S1), and / or to the second coil support shaft (A2), at the final winding station (S2), such that the at least one sharp portion (50, 60) is facing the coil (B1, B2) of bonded film material (F) so as to penetrate at least partially into the bonded film material (F) so as to come into contact with at least one layer of conductive material (F1).

[0068] In this way, it is possible to create a direct contact with the ground connection plant, and thus have a discharge of electrostatic charges onto the ground surface, including directly onto the coil support shafts.

[0069] Additionally, the presence of at least one second conductive contact element (5, 6), which is coupled directly to the reel support shaft, also allows marking, by means of at least one sharp portion (50, 60), the joints that are made between two portions of bonded film material, when a first portion of the bonded film material has been completely unwound from a relative reel, which is removed from the reel support shaft, and which must be joined and joined to a second portion of bonded film material that is wound onto a relative reel that must be mounted on the reel support shaft to ensure the continuity of the printing process.

[0070] In a preferred aspect, the method of the invention may comprise the use of at least one second conductive contact element (5, 6) shaped in a blade form (5) and wherein at least one sharpened portion (50, 60) comprises a series of sharp serrations (50), wherein the blade (5) is mounted axially on the first coil support axis (A1) and / or axially on the second coil support axis (A2) such that the Petition 870250086226, dated 09 / 24 / 2025, pages 102 / 123 15 / 20 series of sharp serrations (50) projecting radially from the first coil support axis (A1) and / or the second coil support axis (A2) in such a way as to transversely mark the coil (B1, B2) of printed bonded film material (F) with the sharp serrations (50) coming into contact with at least one layer of conductive material (F1) of the bonded film material (F).

[0071] Based on another additional preferred aspect, the method of the invention may comprise the use of at least one second conductive contact element (5, 6) which is shaped like a ring (6) wherein at least one sharp portion (50, 60) comprises a series of wedge-shaped sharp elements (60) projecting from the ring (6), wherein the ring (6) is mounted coaxially on the first coil support axis (A1) and / or coaxially to the second coil support axis (A2), such that the wedge-shaped sharp elements (60) are arranged axially with respect to the first coil support axis (A1) and / or the second coil support axis (A2) and facing the coil (B1, B2) of bonded film material (F) so as to transversely mark the coil (B1, B2) of printed bonded film material (F) with the wedge-shaped sharp elements (60) contacting the at least a layer of conductive material (F1) of the bonded film material (F).

[0072] The attached Figures illustrate the system (100) for printing on bonded film materials which is carried out and configured to carry out and drive the method of the invention.

[0073] The system (100) is suitable for performing printing on bonded film materials with at least one layer of conductive material with ink drying using electron beam irradiation, wherein the bonded film material (F) comprises at least one layer of conductive material (F1), for example, but not limited to aluminum, interposed between at least two layers of insulating material (F2, F3), for example, but not exclusively a plastic material, such as PTE, PE, PPE, and disposing the bonded film material wound on a coil (B1). Petition 870250086226, dated 09 / 24 / 2025, pp. 103 / 123 16 / 20

[0074] The types of bonded material usable in the system of the invention may preferably, though not exclusively, be, for example, those described above and illustrated in Figure 1A.

[0075] The system (100) comprises a printing line (LP), for printing the bonded film material (F) positioned at least on a respective outer layer.

[0076] The print line (LP) is made in such a way as to comprise (see for example Figure 1):

[0077] an initial unwinding station (S1), which is provided with a first reel support shaft (A1) to receive a reel (B1) of bonded film material (F), wherein the printing line (LP) is set up to unwind the bonded film material (F) from the reel (B1) and to advance the bonded film material (F) according to a feed direction (Z);

[0078] at least one printing station, preferably a series of printing stations (P1, P2, P3, P4), arranged consecutively to the initial unwinding station (S1) and, in succession to each other, along the advance direction (Z) of the bonded film material (F), configured to perform printing processes on an outer layer of the bonded film material (F) during its advance along the advance direction (Z);

[0079] a drying station (A) using electron beam irradiation (EBeam), located downstream of the series of printing stations (P1, P2, P3, P4), configured to be traversed by the bonded film material (F) and to irradiate the outer layer on which the printing processes were carried out in order to dry the ink printed on it,

[0080] a final winding station (S2), comprising a second coil support shaft (A2), disposed downstream of the drying station (A) and configured to wind the bonded film material (F) at the exit of the drying station (A) around the second coil support shaft (A2) Petition 870250086226, dated 09 / 24 / 2025, pp. 104 / 123 17 / 20 and thus form a second coil (B2) of printed bonded film material (F).

[0081] The peculiarities of the system (100) consist in the fact that it additionally comprises:

[0082] at least one conductive contact element (1, 2) shaped to comprise at least one part with a cut profile (10, 20);

[0083] a ground connection plant (T) connected, on one side, to at least one conductive contact element (1,2), and on the other side to the ground surface.

[0084] In more detail, the conductive contact element (1, 2) is configured and activatable to cut at least partially, using at least one part with a cutting profile (10, 20) the bonded film material (F) in such a way that the part with a cutting profile (10, 20) reaches contact with at least one layer of conductive material (F1) of the bonded film material (F) in such a way that at least one layer of conductive material (F1) is in contact with the ground connection plant (T) to discharge, on the ground surface, electrostatic charges that may have accumulated in the bonded film material (F).

[0085] The system is configured in such a way that the part with a cut profile of the contact element comes into contact with the innermost layer of conductive material present in the bonded film material.

[0086] Based on a possible additional preferred aspect, the system (100) may comprise an operating station (S3) (see in particular Figures 2 and 3) which may be situated upstream or downstream of the drying station (A), for example, preferably, though not exclusively, in Figure 1, between the drying station (A) and the final winding station (S2), wherein at least one conductive contact element (1, 2) is disposed and situated internally to the second operating station (S3) and is configured to be activatable in such a way that at least one part with a cut profile (10, Petition 870250086226, dated 09 / 24 / 2025, pp. 105 / 123 18 / 20 20) of the conductive contact element (1,2) makes contact with and marks at least partially the bonded film material (F) during the advancement of the bonded film material (F) through the operating station (S3).

[0087] In this case, the system (100) preferably comprises a contrast roller (R) disposed in the operating station (S3) and configured to partially wind the bonded film material (F) around it, and wherein at least one conductive contact element (1, 2) is disposed in the operating station (S3) such that at least one part with a cut profile (10, 20) is disposed opposite the contrast roller (R) so as to mark at least partially the bonded film material (F) during the partial winding of the same around the contrast roller (R).

[0088] Based on another advantageous aspect, the system (100) may comprise a conductive contact element (1, 2) which is shaped like a circular cutter (1) with a continuous cutting profile (10) (Figure 5), wherein the circular cutter (1) with a continuous cutting profile (10) is arranged and actuatable to cut and trim laterally, on both sides, the bonded film material (F) during the partial winding of the same around the contrast roll (R), such that the continuous cutting profile (10) of the circular cutter (1) is in contact with at least one layer of conductive material (F1) of the bonded film material (F).

[0089] Furthermore, additionally or alternatively, the system (100) may comprise a conductive contact element (1, 2) which is shaped like a circular cutter (2) with a discontinuous cutting profile (20) (Figure 4), wherein the circular cutter (2) with a discontinuous cutting profile (20) is arranged and activatable to partially mark the bonded film material (F) during the partial winding thereof around the contrast roll (R), such that the discontinuous cutting profile (20) of the circular cutter (2) is in contact with at least one layer of conductive material (F1) of the bonded film material (F).

[0090] The system (100) can be made in such a way as to comprise Petition 870250086226, dated 09 / 24 / 2025, pages 106 / 123 19 / 20 only the circular cutter (1) with a continuous cutting profile (10) or only the circular cutter (2) with a discontinuous cutting profile (20), or both.

[0091] The system (100) may also be made so as to comprise at least one second conductive contact element (5, 6) which is shaped so as to comprise at least one sharp portion (50, 60), wherein the at least one second conductive contact element (5, 6) is connected to the ground connection plant (T) and is coupled to at least the first coil support shaft (A1), at the initial unwinding station (S1), and / or to the second coil support shaft (A2), at the final winding station (S2), such that the at least one sharp portion (50, 60) is facing the coil (B1, B2) of bonded film material (F) so as to penetrate at least partially into the bonded film material (F) so as to come into contact with at least one layer of conductive material (F1).

[0092] Based on a preferred aspect (see for example Figures 6, 7, 8), the at least one second conductive contact element (5, 6) may be shaped in a blade shape (5) and the at least one sharp portion (50, 60) comprises a series of sharp serrations (50).

[0093] In this case, the blade (5) is mounted axially on the first coil support axis (A1) and / or axially on the second coil support axis (A2) in such a way that the series of sharp serrations (50) projects radially from the first coil support axis (A1) and / or the second coil support axis (A2) in such a way as to transversely mark the coil (B1, B2) of the printed bonded film material (F) with the sharp serrations (50) coming into contact with at least one layer of conductive material (F1) of the bonded film material (F).

[0094] For connection to the ground connection plant (T), the blade (5) comprises a conductive contact portion (51) which is connected to a part of the coil support shaft (A1, A2) and a drag contact element (52) is provided, which, by means of a rod (53), made of a conductive material, pushed by a spring (54), is kept in contact with the Petition 870250086226, dated 09 / 24 / 2025, pp. 107 / 123 20 / 20 coil support shaft (A1, A2), with the rod (53) being connected to the ground connection plant (T) (see again, for example, Figures 6, 7, 8).

[0095] In a possibly further preferred aspect, the system (100) can be made in such a way that at least one second conductive contact element (5, 6) is shaped in a ring form (6) and in which at least one sharp portion (50, 60) comprises a series of sharp wedge-shaped elements (60) projecting from the ring (6).

[0096] In this case, the ring (6) is mounted coaxially on the first coil support axis (A1) and / or coaxially to the second coil support axis (A2), such that the sharp wedge-shaped elements (60) are arranged axially in relation to the first coil support axis (A1) and / or the second coil support axis (A2) and facing the coil (B1, B2) of bonded film material (F) in such a way as to transversely mark the coil (B1, B2) of printed bonded film material (F) with the sharp wedge-shaped elements (60) coming into contact with at least one layer of conductive material (F1) of the bonded film material (F).

[0097] For connection to the ground connection plant (T), the ring (6), made of a conductive material, is mounted coaxially and in contact with the coil holder shaft (A1, A2), and a drag contact (61) is provided and kept in contact with a part of the coil support shaft (A1, A2) by an arm (62), made of conductive material, pushed by a spring (63), with the arm (62) being connected to the ground connection plant (T) (see, for example, Figure 9).

[0098] The system (100) may also comprise appropriate detection sensors (9), for example located at the unwinding station (S1) and / or the winding station (S2), or at any other position along the printing line (LP), which are configured to detect and identify any electrical leakage charges in order to provide a warning signal, or to intervene to block the printing line. Petition 870250086226, dated 09 / 24 / 2025, pages 108 / 123

Claims

1 / 8 CLAIMS 1. Method for printing on bonded film materials with at least one layer of conductive material with ink drying using electron beam irradiation, comprising: - providing a bonded film material (F) comprising at least one layer of conductive material (F1) interposed between at least two layers of insulating material (F2, F3), and arranging the bonded film material wound onto a coil (B1); - to provide a printing line (LP), for printing the bonded film material (F) on at least one respective outer layer, wherein the printing line (PM) comprises: an initial unwinding station (S1), which is provided with a first reel support shaft (A1) to receive the reel (B1) of bonded film material (F), wherein the printing line (LP) is configured to unwind the bonded film material (F) from the reel (B1) and to advance the bonded film material (F) according to a feed direction (Z);a series of printing stations (P1, P2, P3, P4), arranged consecutively to the initial unwinding station (S1) and, in succession, to the other stations along the advance direction (Z) of the bonded film material (F), configured to perform printing processes on an outer layer of the bonded film material (F) during its advance along the advance direction (Z); a drying station (A) by means of electron beam irradiation (EBeam), arranged downstream of the series of printing stations (P1, P2, P3, P4), configured to be traversed by the bonded film material (F) and to irradiate the outer layer of the same on which the printing processes were performed in order to dry the ink printed on it;a final winding station (S2), comprising a second coil support shaft (A2), disposed downstream of the drying station (A) and configured to wind the bonded film material (F) at the exit of the drying station (A) around the second coil support shaft (A2) and form a second roll (B2) of printed bonded film material (F); the method, characterized by comprising: providing at least one conductive contact element (1, 2) shaped so as to comprise at least one part with a cut profile (10; 20); providing a ground connection plant (T) connected, on one side to at least one conductive contact element (1, 2), and on the other side to the ground surface; use the conductive contact element (1, 2) to mark at least partially the bonded film material (F) by means of at least one part with a cut profile (10;20) such that the part with a cut profile (10, 20) comes into contact with at least one layer of conductive material (F1) of the bonded film material (F) such that at least one layer of conductive material (F1) is in contact with the ground connection plant (T) to discharge, onto the ground surface, electrostatic charges that may have accumulated in the bonded film material (F).; 2. Method according to claim 1, characterized by comprising predisposing at least one conductive contact element (1, 2) in an operating station (S3) located upstream or downstream of the drying station (A), and using at least one part with a cut profile (10; 20) of the conductive contact element (1, 2) to at least partially mark the bonded film material (F) during the advancement of the bonded film material (F) through the operating station (S3).

3. Method according to claim 2, characterized by comprising predisposing a contrast roller (R) in the operating station (S3) and partially winding the bonded film material (F) around the contrast roller (R) and wherein at least one conductive contact element (1, 2) is predisposed in such a way that at least one part with a cut profile (10, 20) is disposed opposite the contrast roller (R) in order to mark at least Petition 870250086226, dated 09 / 24 / 2025, p. 110 / 123 3 / 8 partially the bonded film material (F) during the partial winding thereof around the contrast roller (R).

4. Method according to claim 3, characterized by comprising providing a conductive contact element (1, 2) shaped like a circular cutter (1) with a continuous cutting profile (10) and using the circular cutter (1) with a continuous cutting profile (10) to cut and trim laterally, on both sides, the bonded film material (F) during partial winding thereof around the contrast roll (R), such that the continuous cutting profile (10) of the circular cutter (1) is in contact with at least one layer of conductive material (F1) of the bonded film material (F).

5. Method according to claim 3 or 4, characterized by comprising providing a conductive contact element (1, 2) shaped as a circular cutter profile (2) with a discontinuous cutting profile (20) and using the circular cutter (2) with a discontinuous cutting profile (20) to partially score the bonded film material (F) during partial winding thereof around the contrast roll (R), such that the discontinuous cutting profile (20) of the circular cutter (2) is in contact with at least one layer of conductive material (F1) of the bonded film material (F).

6. Method, according to any of the preceding claims, characterized by comprising providing at least one second conductive contact element (5, 6) which is shaped so as to comprise at least one sharp portion (50, 60), wherein the at least one second conductive contact element (5, 6) is connected to the ground connection plant (T), wherein the at least one second conductive contact element (5, 6) is coupled to at least the first coil support shaft (A1), at the initial unwinding station (S1), and / or to the second coil support shaft (A2), at the final winding station (S2), such that the at least one sharp portion (50, 60) is facing the coil (B1, B2) of bonded film material (F) so as to penetrate at least partially into the bonded film material (F) of such Petition 870250086226, dated 09 / 24 / 2025, p. 111 / 123 4 / 8 mode to come into contact with at least one layer of conductive material (F1).

7. Method according to claim 6, characterized in that at least one second conductive contact element (5, 6) is shaped like a blade (5) and wherein at least one sharp portion (50, 60) comprises a series of sharp serrations (50), wherein the blade (5) is mounted axially on the first coil support axis (A1) and / or axially on the second coil support axis (A2) such that the series of sharp serrations (50) projects radially from the first coil support axis (A1) and / or the second coil support axis (A2) so as to transversely mark the coil (B1, B2) of printed bonded film material (F) with the sharp serrations (50) contacting at least one layer of conductive material (F1) of the bonded film material (F).

8. Method according to claim 6, characterized in that at least one second conductive contact element (5, 6) is shaped like a ring (6) and in that at least one sharp portion (50, 60) comprises a series of wedge-shaped sharp elements (60) projecting from the ring (6), wherein the ring (6) is mounted coaxially on the first coil support axis (A1) and / or mounted coaxially on the second coil support axis (A2), such that the wedge-shaped sharp elements (60) are arranged axially with respect to the first coil support axis (A1) and / or the second coil support axis (A2) and facing the coil (B1, B2) of bonded film material (F) so as to transversely mark the printed coil (B1, B2) of bonded film material (F) with the wedge-shaped sharp elements (60) contacting at least one layer of conductive material. (F1) of the glued film material (F).

9. System (100) for printing on bonded film materials with at least one layer of conductive material with ink drying using electron beam irradiation, wherein the bonded film material (F) comprises at least one layer of conductive material (F1) interposed between Petition 870250086226, dated 09 / 24 / 2025, page. 112 / 123 5 / 8 at least two layers of insulating material (F2, F3), and disposing of the bonded film material wound onto a reel (B1), and wherein the system (100) is configured to perform the method as defined in any one of claims 1 to 8, and comprises: - a printing line (LP), for printing the bonded film material (F) at least onto a respective outer layer, wherein the printing line (LP) comprises: an initial unwinding station (S1), which is provided from a first reel support shaft (A1) to receive a reel (B1) of the bonded film material (F),wherein the printing line (LP) is configured to unwind the bonded film material (F) from the reel (B1) and to advance the bonded film material (F) according to a forward direction (Z); a series of printing stations (P1, P2, P3, P4), arranged consecutively to the initial unwinding station (S1) and, in succession, to the other stations along the forward direction (Z) of the bonded film material (F), configured to perform printing processes on an outer layer of the bonded film material (F) during its advancement along the forward direction (Z); a drying station (A) by means of electron beam irradiation (EBeam), arranged downstream of the series of printing stations (P1, P2, P3, P4), configured to be traversed by the bonded film material (F) and to irradiate the outer layer on which the printing processes were performed in order to dry the ink printed on it; a final winding station (S2),comprising a second coil support axis (A2), disposed downstream of the drying station (A) and configured to wind the bonded film material (F) at the exit of the drying station (A) around the second coil support axis (A2) and thus form a second coil (B2) of printed bonded film material (F); the system, characterized by comprising: Petition 870250086226, dated 24 / 09 / 2025, page 113 / 123 6 / 8 at least one conductive contact element (1, 2) shaped so as to comprise at least one part with a cut profile (10; 20); a ground connection plant (T) connected, on one side to at least one conductive contact element (1, 2), and on the other side to the ground surface; wherein the conductive contact element (1, 2) is configured and activatable to mark at least partially the bonded film material (F) by means of at least one part with a cut profile (10; 20) such that the part with a cut profile (10,20) come into contact with at least one layer of conductive material (F1) of the bonded film material (F) so that at least one layer of conductive material (F1) is in contact with the ground connection plant (T) to discharge, onto the ground surface, electrostatic charges that may have accumulated in the bonded film material (F).

10. System (100), according to claim 9, characterized by comprising an operating station (S3) located upstream or downstream of the drying station (A), wherein at least one conductive contact element (1, 2) is disposed and located internally to the second operating station (S3) and is configured to be activatable in such a way that at least one part with a cut profile (10; 20) of the conductive contact element (1, 2) contacts and marks at least partially the bonded film material (F) during the advancement of the bonded film material (F) through the operating station (S3).

11. System (100), according to claim 10, characterized by comprising a contrast roller (R) disposed in the operating station (S3) and configured to partially wind the bonded film material (F) around itself, wherein at least one conductive contact element (1, 2) is disposed in the operating station (S3) such that at least one part with a cutting profile (10, 20) is disposed opposite the contrast roller (R) in order to at least partially mark the bonded film material (F) during the partial winding thereof around the contrast roller (R).

12. System (100), according to claim 11, characterized Petition 870250086226, dated 09 / 24 / 2025, page 114 / 123 7 / 8 by comprising using a conductive contact element (1,2) shaped like a circular cutter (1) with a continuous cutting profile (10), wherein the circular cutter (1) with a continuous cutting profile (10) is arranged and activatable to cut and trim laterally, on both sides, the bonded film material (F) during the partial winding thereof around the contrast roll (R), such that the continuous cutting profile (10) of the circular cutter (1) is in contact with at least one layer of conductive material (F1) of the bonded film material (F).

13. System (100), according to claim 11 or 12, characterized by comprising using a conductive contact element (1, 2) shaped like a circular cutter (2) with a discontinuous cutting profile (20), wherein the circular cutter (2) with a discontinuous cutting profile (20) is arranged and activatable to partially mark the bonded film material (F) during the partial winding thereof around the contrast roll (R), such that the discontinuous cutting profile (20) of the circular cutter (2) is in contact with at least one layer of conductive material (F1) of the bonded film material (F).

14. System (100), according to any of the preceding claims, characterized by comprising at least one second conductive contact element (5, 6) which is shaped so as to comprise at least one sharp portion (50, 60), wherein the at least one second conductive contact element (5, 6) is connected to the ground connection plant (T), wherein the at least one second conductive contact element (5, 6) is coupled to at least the first coil support shaft (A1), at the initial unwinding station (S1), and / or to the second coil support shaft (A2), at the final winding station (S2), such that the at least one sharp portion (50, 60) is facing the coil (B1, B2) of bonded film material (F) so as to penetrate at least partially into the bonded film material (F) so as to come into contact with at least one layer of conductive material (F1). Petition 870250086226, dated 09 / 24 / 2025, pages 115 / 123 8 / 8 15. System (100), according to claim 14, characterized in that at least one second conductive contact element (5, 6) is shaped like a blade (5) and in that at least one sharp portion (50, 60) comprises a series of sharp serrations (50), wherein the blade (5) is mounted axially on the first coil support axis (A1) and / or axially on the second coil support axis (A2) such that the series of sharp serrations (50) projects radially from the first coil support axis (A1) and / or the second coil support axis (A2) so as to transversely mark the coil (B1, B2) of printed bonded film material (F) with the sharp serrations (50) that contact at least one layer of conductive material (F1) of the bonded film material (F).

16. System (100), according to claim 14, characterized in that at least one second conductive contact element (5, 6) is shaped like a ring (6) and wherein at least one sharp portion (50, 60) comprises a series of wedge-shaped sharp elements (60) projecting from the ring (6), wherein the ring (6) is mounted coaxially on the first support axis of the coil (A1) and / or mounted coaxially on the second support axis of the coil (A2), such that the wedge-shaped sharp elements (60) are arranged axially with respect to the first support axis of the coil (A1) and / or the second support axis of the coil (A2) and facing the coil (B1, B2) of bonded film material (F) so as to transversely mark the coil (B1, B2) of printed bonded film material (F) with the wedge-shaped sharp elements (60) that contact the at least a layer of conductive material (F1) of the bonded film material (F).Petition 870250086226, dated 09 / 24 / 2025, pp. 116 / 123.

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