Method for coating three-dimensional object with ultraviolet paint using piezoelectric paint spraying

Abstract

Three-dimensional object painting is an important process in various industries, from photovoltaic module production to automotive and aviation industries. Painting not only provides aesthetic qualities but also protects metal surfaces from corrosion and other environmental effects. The method for precise painting of the three-dimensional object with UV paint using piezoelectric paint spraying is an innovative approach that is a novelty in photovoltaic module production. This method allows for the uniform coating of various three-dimensional object surfaces, regardless of the angle of the paint source in relation to the surface being painted.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present invention relates to a method for precise coating of the three-dimensional objects with ultraviolet (UV) paint using piezoelectric paint spraying technology. It is specifically designed for coating metal alloys used in photovoltaic module manufacturing.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] Various metal alloy painting methods exist, each designed to meet specific industrial requirements and ensure high surface coating quality.

[0003] Several metal painting methods are known, such as those described in patents US20140349026 and WO2017177674. However, these solutions are not suitable for the use in the coating of solar modules.

[0004] Patent US20140349026 is designed for painting of steel, forming a film on a flat steel surface, and is based on heating the steel before and after painting. The surface of steel, unlike metal alloys, has a homogeneous structure, so that the achievement of the uniformity of the painting is only possible by means of temperature treatment of the surface.

[0005] Patent WO2017177674 specifies a UV paint composition for the automotive industry and a method for repairing damaged car bodies by spraying from a distance of 15 to 20 cm. This method is suitable for large surfaces but not for precise painting of small three-dimensional objects. The widely used powder coating method yields uniform results but is inaccurate, because the spraying of the paint is carried out over the entire surface of the object. The refinishing paint can be used for refinishing automobile body paints, repairing car lamps, and in other fields. This method would affect solar module elements by dispersing paint not only on the conductor but also on the solar element. Therefore, such a painting technology cannot be used in the painting process of metal alloys of solar modules.

[0006] Other painting methods, such as electrophoresis, spray painting, galvanization, and anodizing, also play important roles in metal processing, ensuring durability and functionality, but they cannot be used for precision painting of three-dimensional metal alloys in the photovoltaic industry.

[0007] Electrophoresis, also known as electrocoating (ED), uses electric current to attract paint to the surface of the metal, thereby providing a uniform and corrosion-resistant layer.

[0008] Pulverisation, or spraying paint using air pressure, allows for the rapid coating of large surfaces and is often used in the automotive and aerospace industries for its good adhesion and resistance.

[0009] Galvanisation involves the coating of a metal surface with a thin layer of another metal through an electrochemical reaction, giving a corrosion-resistant and aesthetic surface.

[0010] Anodising coats the metal surface with an oxide layer to increase resistance to corrosion and wear and is often used for aluminium and its alloys, providing durability and attractiveness. All the above technologies cannot be used for the precise and uniform machining of bulk metal alloys in the photovoltaic module manufacturing industry.

[0011] The method for coating three-dimensional objects with UV paint using piezoelectric paint spraying is an advanced technology that offers new possibilities in photovoltaic module production. The present invention describes the method for coating metal alloys with ultraviolet (UV) paint, which is used in the manufacturing processes of photovoltaic modules. This method offers new possibilities for producing uniformly coated three-dimensional photovoltaic cell metal alloy contacts, allowing for a uniform solar module colour and resistance to external factors. This invention allows for quick, precise, and efficient coating of various forms and types of metal alloys, forming a uniform layer without the need to change the angle of the paint source in relation to the surface being coated.SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0012] The invention involves a method for coating three-dimensional object using UV paint and piezoelectric paint spraying. This method uses a combination of parameters, such as droplet volume, spray pressure and curing speed, ensuring a uniform distribution of UV paint on the three-dimensional object, forming a film with precise coating on small three-dimensional objects. A method for coating three-dimensional object with ultraviolet (UV) paint using piezoelectric paint spraying includes the steps of: providing a three-dimensional object; spraying the UV paint on the three-dimensional object surface using a spray pressure ranging from 1 bar to 5 bars; depositing droplets on the three-dimensional object surface, wherein drops are each in predetermined volume; and curing the UV paint coating on the three-dimensional object surface, wherein curing time in the range from 50 milliseconds to 300 milliseconds.

[0013] In the coating forming method according to present invention each droplet is within a predetermined volume range from 0.05 picoliters to 60 picoliters. The operation of depositing a droplet of ultraviolet paint is performed by piezoelectric spraying. The UV paint is applied using a UV lamp with a power of 500W to 2000W, and a wavelength between 350 nm and 405 nm. The total thickness of the coating is between 100 microns and 150 microns. The paint application process is repeated from one to multiple times, depending on the required thickness of the coating of the three-dimensional object.

[0014] The method is intended for use in photovoltaic module production, ensuring uniform coating of three-dimensional photovoltaic cell metal alloy contacts.DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0015] The method for coating three-dimensional objects with UV paint using piezoelectric paint spraying involves following steps: a) selecting a pre-determined droplet size from 0.05 picoliters to 60.00 picoliters; b) spraying UV paint on the three-dimensional metal alloy surface, wherein spray pressure is from 1 bar to 5 bars; c) curing a metal allow surface coated with UV paint, wherein the curing speed after paint spraying is from 50 milliseconds to 300 milliseconds.

[0016] The coating is performed with UV paint, wherein the method comprises providing three-dimensional object. The painting process involves coating the surface of various shapes of three-dimensional objects, such as strips, bars, conductors, ribbons and others, prepared from any material, such as metal, volumetric metal alloy, plastic, glass, paper and others.

[0017] The droplet volume of the UV paint is selected within a range of 0.05 picoliters to 60.00 picoliters, depending on the surface geometry and required precision.

[0018] The spray pressure is maintained between 1 bar to 5 bars. Adjustments to the spray pressure are made to achieve the optimal droplet size and coverage, ensuring that paint is evenly applied without excessive spread.

[0019] After the paint is applied, the coated surface is cured by exposing coated surface of the three-dimensional object to UV light using a lamp with a power of 500W to 2000W and a wavelength of 350 nm to 405 nm. The curing speed is controlled within a range of 50 milliseconds to 300 milliseconds to achieve rapid hardening and prevent spreading of the paint layer.

[0020] Depending on the combination of parameters, the three-dimensional object surface is coated with UV paint. To ensure that the thickness distribution of the UV paint film on the metal alloy surface is uniform and that no visually noticeable irregular patterns appear, the frequency of paint application should be regulated based on the control of droplet volume, spray pressure, and curing rate after paint spaying step.

[0021] This control ensures uniform paint film thickness and prevents irregular patterns. The curing rate after paint spraying step is particularly important to ensure that the applied paint hardens without spreading, forming a uniform film. The UV paint used should be made from non-toxic and environmentally friendly materials, harden quickly and evenly, and ensure strong adhesion and durability. The paint must also be resistant to long-term UV exposure and comply with international standards such as RoHS, REACH, and EU Ecolabel certifications. In the photovoltaic module manufacturing industry, UV paint must meet specific industrial requirements such as resistance to climatic and chemical factors.

[0022] The precise coating of metal alloys with UV paint using the piezoelectric method is carried out as follows. The three-dimensional object is provided for the coating with UV paint. Pre-determined droplet volume from 0.05 picoliters to 60.00 picoliters based on the three-dimensional object is selected. The droplet volume has a significant influence on the printing results with UV ink. Small droplets provide higher quality, detail, and colour nuances, but can reduce printing speed and efficiency. Larger droplets allow for faster coverage of large areas and increased colour intensity but may result in loss of detail and accuracy of precise covering of surface. Therefore, droplet volume selection depends on the printing process requirements, surface properties, and final result requirements.

[0023] Based on the chosen droplet volume, the spray pressure is selected, which is in the range from 1 to 5 bars. The spray pressure directly affects the size and shape of ink droplets. Higher pressure creates smaller and more concentrated droplets, while lower pressure creates larger droplets. The size of the droplets determines the quality, accuracy and detail of the print.

[0024] Once the UV paint reaches the surface to be covered the surface is exposed to UV light from a UV lamp with a power of 500W to 2000W, with a wavelength in the range from 350 nm to 405 nm within a time interval from 50 ms to 300 ms. Exposure to ultraviolet light causes the cure of the UV paint. The process is repeated from 1 to multiple times to obtain a continuous coating. The total thickness of the coating is between 100 microns and 150 microns. The dye leakage beyond the coated object surface does not exceed from 0.01 cm to 0.1 cm.

[0025] This method allows for the uniform coating of various three-dimensional object surfaces, regardless of the angle of the paint source in relation to the surface of the object being painted.Example

[0026] The three-dimensional metal alloy ribbon is taken for coating with UV paint. The width of the ribbon is 0.75 mm, and the height is 0.20 mm. The pre-determined droplet volume is 10-20 picoliters. The spray pressure is selected, which is 3 bars. The UV paint is sprayed on the on the top and side surfaces of the three-dimensional metal alloy ribbon. Once the UV paint reaches the surface of three-dimensional metal alloy ribbon to be covered the surface is exposed to UV light with a power of 1000W with a wavelength 365 nm - 395 nm. The paint is cured in 100 milliseconds after spraying the paint on the surface of three-dimensional volumetric metal alloy. For full coverage and uniform surface coating, the process is to be repeated three times, resulting in paint film with the thickness of 150 microns. The dye leakage beyond the coated surface of the three-dimensional volumetric metal alloy is less than 0.01 cm.

Examples

example

Example

[0026]The three-dimensional metal alloy ribbon is taken for coating with UV paint. The width of the ribbon is 0.75 mm, and the height is 0.20 mm. The pre-determined droplet volume is 10-20 picoliters. The spray pressure is selected, which is 3 bars. The UV paint is sprayed on the on the top and side surfaces of the three-dimensional metal alloy ribbon. Once the UV paint reaches the surface of three-dimensional metal alloy ribbon to be covered the surface is exposed to UV light with a power of 1000W with a wavelength 365 nm - 395 nm. The paint is cured in 100 milliseconds after spraying the paint on the surface of three-dimensional volumetric metal alloy. For full coverage and uniform surface coating, the process is to be repeated three times, resulting in paint film with the thickness of 150 microns. The dye leakage beyond the coated surface of the three-dimensional volumetric metal alloy is less than 0.01 cm.

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present invention relates to a method for precise coating of the three-dimensional objects with ultraviolet (UV) paint using piezoelectric paint spraying technology. It is specifically designed for coating metal alloys used in photovoltaic module manufacturing.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] Various metal alloy painting methods exist, each designed to meet specific industrial requirements and ensure high surface coating quality.

[0003] Several metal painting methods are known, such as those described in patents US20140349026 and WO2017177674. However, these solutions are not suitable for the use in the coating of solar modules.

[0004] Patent US20140349026 is designed for painting of steel, forming a film on a flat steel surface, and is based on heating the steel before and after painting. The surface of steel, unlike metal alloys, has a homogeneous structure, so that the achievement of the uniformity of the painting is only possible by means of temperature treatment of the surface.

[0005] Patent WO2017177674 specifies a UV paint composition for the automotive industry and a method for repairing damaged car bodies by spraying from a distance of 15 to 20 cm. This method is suitable for large surfaces but not for precise painting of small three-dimensional objects. The widely used powder coating method yields uniform results but is inaccurate, because the spraying of the paint is carried out over the entire surface of the object. The refinishing paint can be used for refinishing automobile body paints, repairing car lamps, and in other fields. This method would affect solar module elements by dispersing paint not only on the conductor but also on the solar element. Therefore, such a painting technology cannot be used in the painting process of metal alloys of solar modules.

[0006] Other painting methods, such as electrophoresis, spray painting, galvanization, and anodizing, also play important roles in metal processing, ensuring durability and functionality, but they cannot be used for precision painting of three-dimensional metal alloys in the photovoltaic industry.

[0007] Electrophoresis, also known as electrocoating (ED), uses electric current to attract paint to the surface of the metal, thereby providing a uniform and corrosion-resistant layer.

[0008] Pulverisation, or spraying paint using air pressure, allows for the rapid coating of large surfaces and is often used in the automotive and aerospace industries for its good adhesion and resistance.

[0009] Galvanisation involves the coating of a metal surface with a thin layer of another metal through an electrochemical reaction, giving a corrosion-resistant and aesthetic surface.

[0010] Anodising coats the metal surface with an oxide layer to increase resistance to corrosion and wear and is often used for aluminium and its alloys, providing durability and attractiveness. All the above technologies cannot be used for the precise and uniform machining of bulk metal alloys in the photovoltaic module manufacturing industry.

[0011] The method for coating three-dimensional objects with UV paint using piezoelectric paint spraying is an advanced technology that offers new possibilities in photovoltaic module production. The present invention describes the method for coating metal alloys with ultraviolet (UV) paint, which is used in the manufacturing processes of photovoltaic modules. This method offers new possibilities for producing uniformly coated three-dimensional photovoltaic cell metal alloy contacts, allowing for a uniform solar module colour and resistance to external factors. This invention allows for quick, precise, and efficient coating of various forms and types of metal alloys, forming a uniform layer without the need to change the angle of the paint source in relation to the surface being coated.SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0012] The invention involves a method for coating three-dimensional object using UV paint and piezoelectric paint spraying. This method uses a combination of parameters, such as droplet volume, spray pressure and curing speed, ensuring a uniform distribution of UV paint on the three-dimensional object, forming a film with precise coating on small three-dimensional objects. A method for coating three-dimensional object with ultraviolet (UV) paint using piezoelectric paint spraying includes the steps of: providing a three-dimensional object; spraying the UV paint on the three-dimensional object surface using a spray pressure ranging from 1 bar to 5 bars; depositing droplets on the three-dimensional object surface, wherein drops are each in predetermined volume; and curing the UV paint coating on the three-dimensional object surface, wherein curing time in the range from 50 milliseconds to 300 milliseconds.

[0013] In the coating forming method according to present invention each droplet is within a predetermined volume range from 0.05 picoliters to 60 picoliters. The operation of depositing a droplet of ultraviolet paint is performed by piezoelectric spraying. The UV paint is applied using a UV lamp with a power of 500W to 2000W, and a wavelength between 350 nm and 405 nm. The total thickness of the coating is between 100 microns and 150 microns. The paint application process is repeated from one to multiple times, depending on the required thickness of the coating of the three-dimensional object.

[0014] The method is intended for use in photovoltaic module production, ensuring uniform coating of three-dimensional photovoltaic cell metal alloy contacts.DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0015] The method for coating three-dimensional objects with UV paint using piezoelectric paint spraying involves following steps: a) selecting a pre-determined droplet size from 0.05 picoliters to 60.00 picoliters; b) spraying UV paint on the three-dimensional metal alloy surface, wherein spray pressure is from 1 bar to 5 bars; c) curing a metal allow surface coated with UV paint, wherein the curing speed after paint spraying is from 50 milliseconds to 300 milliseconds.

[0016] The coating is performed with UV paint, wherein the method comprises providing three-dimensional object. The painting process involves coating the surface of various shapes of three-dimensional objects, such as strips, bars, conductors, ribbons and others, prepared from any material, such as metal, volumetric metal alloy, plastic, glass, paper and others.

[0017] The droplet volume of the UV paint is selected within a range of 0.05 picoliters to 60.00 picoliters, depending on the surface geometry and required precision.

[0018] The spray pressure is maintained between 1 bar to 5 bars. Adjustments to the spray pressure are made to achieve the optimal droplet size and coverage, ensuring that paint is evenly applied without excessive spread.

[0019] After the paint is applied, the coated surface is cured by exposing coated surface of the three-dimensional object to UV light using a lamp with a power of 500W to 2000W and a wavelength of 350 nm to 405 nm. The curing speed is controlled within a range of 50 milliseconds to 300 milliseconds to achieve rapid hardening and prevent spreading of the paint layer.

[0020] Depending on the combination of parameters, the three-dimensional object surface is coated with UV paint. To ensure that the thickness distribution of the UV paint film on the metal alloy surface is uniform and that no visually noticeable irregular patterns appear, the frequency of paint application should be regulated based on the control of droplet volume, spray pressure, and curing rate after paint spaying step.

[0021] This control ensures uniform paint film thickness and prevents irregular patterns. The curing rate after paint spraying step is particularly important to ensure that the applied paint hardens without spreading, forming a uniform film. The UV paint used should be made from non-toxic and environmentally friendly materials, harden quickly and evenly, and ensure strong adhesion and durability. The paint must also be resistant to long-term UV exposure and comply with international standards such as RoHS, REACH, and EU Ecolabel certifications. In the photovoltaic module manufacturing industry, UV paint must meet specific industrial requirements such as resistance to climatic and chemical factors.

[0022] The precise coating of metal alloys with UV paint using the piezoelectric method is carried out as follows. The three-dimensional object is provided for the coating with UV paint. Pre-determined droplet volume from 0.05 picoliters to 60.00 picoliters based on the three-dimensional object is selected. The droplet volume has a significant influence on the printing results with UV ink. Small droplets provide higher quality, detail, and colour nuances, but can reduce printing speed and efficiency. Larger droplets allow for faster coverage of large areas and increased colour intensity but may result in loss of detail and accuracy of precise covering of surface. Therefore, droplet volume selection depends on the printing process requirements, surface properties, and final result requirements.

[0023] Based on the chosen droplet volume, the spray pressure is selected, which is in the range from 1 to 5 bars. The spray pressure directly affects the size and shape of ink droplets. Higher pressure creates smaller and more concentrated droplets, while lower pressure creates larger droplets. The size of the droplets determines the quality, accuracy and detail of the print.

[0024] Once the UV paint reaches the surface to be covered the surface is exposed to UV light from a UV lamp with a power of 500W to 2000W, with a wavelength in the range from 350 nm to 405 nm within a time interval from 50 ms to 300 ms. Exposure to ultraviolet light causes the cure of the UV paint. The process is repeated from 1 to multiple times to obtain a continuous coating. The total thickness of the coating is between 100 microns and 150 microns. The dye leakage beyond the coated object surface does not exceed from 0.01 cm to 0.1 cm.

[0025] This method allows for the uniform coating of various three-dimensional object surfaces, regardless of the angle of the paint source in relation to the surface of the object being painted.Example

[0026] The three-dimensional metal alloy ribbon is taken for coating with UV paint. The width of the ribbon is 0.75 mm, and the height is 0.20 mm. The pre-determined droplet volume is 10-20 picoliters. The spray pressure is selected, which is 3 bars. The UV paint is sprayed on the on the top and side surfaces of the three-dimensional metal alloy ribbon. Once the UV paint reaches the surface of three-dimensional metal alloy ribbon to be covered the surface is exposed to UV light with a power of 1000W with a wavelength 365 nm - 395 nm. The paint is cured in 100 milliseconds after spraying the paint on the surface of three-dimensional volumetric metal alloy. For full coverage and uniform surface coating, the process is to be repeated three times, resulting in paint film with the thickness of 150 microns. The dye leakage beyond the coated surface of the three-dimensional volumetric metal alloy is less than 0.01 cm.

Examples

example

Example

[0026]The three-dimensional metal alloy ribbon is taken for coating with UV paint. The width of the ribbon is 0.75 mm, and the height is 0.20 mm. The pre-determined droplet volume is 10-20 picoliters. The spray pressure is selected, which is 3 bars. The UV paint is sprayed on the on the top and side surfaces of the three-dimensional metal alloy ribbon. Once the UV paint reaches the surface of three-dimensional metal alloy ribbon to be covered the surface is exposed to UV light with a power of 1000W with a wavelength 365 nm - 395 nm. The paint is cured in 100 milliseconds after spraying the paint on the surface of three-dimensional volumetric metal alloy. For full coverage and uniform surface coating, the process is to be repeated three times, resulting in paint film with the thickness of 150 microns. The dye leakage beyond the coated surface of the three-dimensional volumetric metal alloy is less than 0.01 cm.

Claims

1. A method for coating of the three-dimensional object with ultraviolet (UV) paint using piezoelectric paint spraying, characterized in that the method comprises: a) providing a three-dimensional object; b) spraying the UV paint on the three-dimensional object surface using a spray pressure ranging from 1 bar to 5 bars; c) depositing droplets on the three-dimensional object surface, wherein each droplet is within a predetermined volume range; d) curing the UV paint coating on the three-dimensional object surface with a curing time in the range from 50 milliseconds to 300 milliseconds.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein each droplet is within a predetermined volume in the range from 0.05 picoliters to 60 picoliters,3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the depositing of the droplet of ultraviolet paint on the surface of three-dimensional object is performed by piezoelectric spraying.

4. The method according to any of claims 1 - 3, wherein the three-dimensional object is volumetric metal alloy.

5. The method according to any of claims 1-4, wherein the total thickness of the coating is between 100 microns and 150 microns.

6. The method according to any of claims 1-5, wherein the paint application process is repeated from one to multiple times, depending on the required thickness of the coating of the three-dimensional object.

7. The method according to any of claims 1-6, wherein the UV paint is applied using a UV lamp with a power of 500W to 2000W, and a wavelength between 350 nm and 405 nm.

8. The method according to any of claims 1-7, wherein the method is intended for use in photovoltaic module production, ensuring uniform coating of three-dimensional photovoltaic cell metal alloy contacts.

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