Intermediate Transfer Member

Abstract

For intermediate transfer members formed as flexible elongated belts, the ends of which are bonded together using heat-setting tape to form an endless blanket or belt. A thermosetting tape, kit, and method for joining the ends of an elongated belt to form an intermediate transfer member suitable for use with an indirect printing system. The kit includes an elongated belt and a thermosetting tape. The kit can include a crimping pin. The method includes joining the ends of the elongated belt at a seam using the thermosetting tape. A heater is used within the printing system to heat-set the thermosetting tape onto the free end of the elongated belt to form the intermediate transfer member.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS This patent application claims priority from U.S. Provisional Application No. 62 / 532,400, filed July 14, 2017, U.S. Provisional Application No. 62 / 641,296, filed March 10, 2018, and U.S. Provisional Application No. 62 / 679,839, filed June 3, 2018, all of which are entitled "INTERMEDIATE TRANSFER MEMBER." U.S. Provisional Application Nos. 62 / 532,400, 62 / 641,296, and 62 / 679,839 are all incorporated by reference as if fully set forth herein. [Background technology]

[0002] FIELD AND BACKGROUND OF THEINVENTION The present disclosure relates to intermediate transfer members (ITMs) for use in printing systems in which liquid ink droplets are deposited on a movable intermediate transfer member at an imaging station and transferred from the intermediate transfer member to a print substrate at an impression station. In particular, the present disclosure relates to intermediate transfer members formed as flexible elongated belts, the ends of which are bonded together with a thermosetting tape to form an endless blanket or belt. The present disclosure further relates to systems and apparatus for mounting the thermosetting tape and intermediate transfer members within corresponding printing systems.

[0003] The intermediate transfer member is formed from an elongated flexible belt that is run through the printing system and has free ends that are joined together to form an endless intermediate transfer member belt, the parts and elements used to join the free ends of the belt are referred to herein as seam elements. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The present invention relates in some embodiments to a thermosetting tape for joining ends of an elongated belt to form an intermediate transfer member suitable for use with an indirect printing system.

[0005] The present invention, in some embodiments, relates to a kit for installing an intermediate transfer member in a printing system, the kit including an elongated belt and a thermosetting tape.

[0006] The present invention, in some embodiments, relates to a printing system that includes an elongated belt and an intermediate transfer member formed from a thermoset tape.

[0007] The present invention, in some embodiments, relates to a kit for installing an intermediate transfer member in a printing system, the kit including a thermosetting tape and an adhesive.

[0008] The present invention, in some embodiments, relates to a method for installing an intermediate transfer member in a printing system, the intermediate transfer member including an elongated belt and a thermoset tape joining ends of the elongated belt at a seam.

[0009] The present invention relates in some embodiments to a heater for heat curing a thermosetting tape onto a free end of an elongate belt to form an intermediate transfer member of a printing system, a printing system including such a heater, and a method of using such a heater.

[0010] SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE The present invention, in some embodiments, relates to a kit for installing an endless belt in a printing system, the kit including an elongated belt and an attachment mechanism.

[0011] As described in more detail below, the thermosetting tape according to the present invention includes a substrate layer and a solid silicone rubber layer disposed on the substrate layer. The thermosetting tape is applied onto the first and second free ends of a flexible belt that is guided through a suitable path in a printing system, and then heated to heat-set the solid silicone rubber against the free ends of the flexible belt, thereby converting the flexible belt into an endless belt of an intermediate transfer member. Heat can be applied to the thermosetting tape by a heater to form part of the printing system in which the intermediate transfer member is installed, the heater typically being disposed under the free ends of the belt during heating of the thermosetting tape.

[0012] Thus, according to one embodiment of the first aspect of the present invention there is provided a kit for installing an endless belt in a printing system, the kit comprising: a flexible belt having first and second free ends configured to be guided along a printing system; a thermosetting tape comprising a substrate layer and a solid silicone rubber layer disposed thereon; Including, The thermosetting tape is adapted to be applied over the first and second free ends of the flexible belt and heated to heat set a solid silicone rubber layer of the tape to the first and second free ends of the flexible belt to form a seam joining the first and second free ends, thereby converting the flexible belt into an endless belt.

[0013] In some embodiments of the first aspect of the present invention, the flexible belt has a length in the range of 1 to 20 meters.

[0014] In some embodiments of the first aspect of the present invention, the flexible belt has a length in the range of 5 to 20 meters.

[0015] In some embodiments of the first aspect of the present invention, the flexible belt has a length in the range of 5 to 15 meters.

[0016] In some embodiments of the first aspect of the present invention, the flexible belt has a length in the range of 5 to 12 meters.

[0017] In some embodiments of the first aspect of the present invention, the flexible belt has a length in the range of 7 to 12 meters.

[0018] In some embodiments of the first aspect of the present invention, the flexible belt has a width in the range of 0.1 to 2.0 meters.

[0019] In some embodiments of the first aspect of the present invention, the flexible belt has a width in the range of 0.3 to 2.0 meters.

[0020] In some embodiments of the first aspect of the present invention, the flexible belt has a width in the range of 0.5 to 2.0 meters.

[0021] In some embodiments of the first aspect of the present invention, the flexible belt has a width in the range of 0.75 to 2.0 meters.

[0022] In some embodiments of the first aspect of the present invention, the flexible belt has a width in the range of 0.75 to 1.5 meters.

[0023] In some embodiments of the first aspect of the present invention, the flexible belt has a width in the range of 0.75 to 1.25 meters.

[0024] In some embodiments of the first aspect of the present invention, the flexible belt has a thickness in the range of 50 to 3000 μm.

[0025] In some embodiments of the first aspect of the present invention, the flexible belt has a thickness in the range of 100 to 3000 μm.

[0026] In some embodiments of the first aspect of the present invention, the flexible belt has a thickness in the range of 200 to 3000 μm.

[0027] In some embodiments of the first aspect of the present invention, the flexible belt has a thickness in the range of 200 to 1500 μm.

[0028] In some embodiments of the first aspect of the present invention, the flexible belt has a thickness in the range of 300 to 1000 μm.

[0029] In some embodiments of the first aspect of the present invention, the flexible belt has a thickness in the range of 300 to 800 μm.

[0030] In some embodiments of the first aspect of the present invention, the flexible belt has a thickness in the range of 300 to 700 μm.

[0031] In some embodiments of the first aspect of the present invention, the flexible belt has a thickness in the range of 100 to 600 μm.

[0032] In some embodiments of the first aspect of the present invention, after heat curing of the solid silicone rubber layer, the tape has a tensile strength of at least 8 MPa.

[0033] In some embodiments of the first aspect of the present invention, after heat curing of the solid silicone rubber layer, the tape has a Shore A hardness of at least 45.

[0034] In some embodiments of the first aspect of the present invention, after heat curing of the solid silicone rubber layer, the tape has a Shore A hardness of 80 or less.

[0035] In some embodiments of the first aspect of the present invention, after thermal curing of the solid silicone rubber layer of the thermoset tape, the following properties are true: The tape has a tensile strength of at least 8 MPa. The tape has a Shore A hardness of at least 45; and The strength of the thermosetting tape is directly proportional to the amount of heat applied to the solid silicone rubber layer during curing of the tape.

[0036] In some embodiments of the first aspect of the present invention, after thermal curing of the solid silicone rubber layer, the solid silicone rubber layer has a Shore A hardness in the range of 55-65.

[0037] In some embodiments of the first aspect of the present invention, the solid silicone rubber comprises a thermosetting polymer.

[0038] In some embodiments of the first aspect of the present invention, the thermosetting polymer comprises a platinum catalyzed addition cure solid silicone rubber.

[0039] In some embodiments of the first aspect of the present invention, the solid silicone rubber has a density in the range of 1.1 to 1.2 g / cm^3.

[0040] In some embodiments of the first aspect of the present invention, the solid silicone rubber has a density of 1.15 g / cm^3.

[0041] In some embodiments of the first aspect of the present invention, the solid silicone gum has a shelf life of at least one month.

[0042] In some embodiments of the first aspect of the present invention, the solid silicone gum has a shelf life of at least six months.

[0043] In some embodiments of the first aspect of the present invention, the solid silicone gum has a shelf life of at least one year.

[0044] In some embodiments of the first aspect of the present invention, the pot life of the thermoset tape is equal to the shelf life of the solid silicone rubber.

[0045] In some embodiments of the first aspect of the present invention, the thermosetting tape has a pot life of at least one month.

[0046] In some embodiments of the first aspect of the present invention, the thermosetting tape has a pot life of at least six months.

[0047] In some embodiments of the first aspect of the present invention, the thermosetting tape has a pot life of at least one year.

[0048] In certain embodiments of the first aspect of the present invention, the substrate layer comprises a fiberglass layer.

[0049] In certain embodiments of the first aspect of the present invention, the substrate layer further comprises a silicone coating layer bonded to the fiberglass layer.

[0050] In some embodiments of the first aspect of the present invention, the silicone coating layer has a Shore A hardness in the range of 75-80.

[0051] In some embodiments of the first aspect of the present invention, the substrate layer has a thickness in the range of 110 μm to 170 μm.

[0052] In some embodiments of the first aspect of the present invention, the substrate layer has a thickness of 160 μm.

[0053] In some embodiments of the first aspect of the present invention, the solid silicone rubber layer has a thickness in the range of 20 μm to 120 μm.

[0054] In some embodiments of the first aspect of the present invention, the ratio of the thickness of the solid silicone rubber layer to the thickness of the substrate layer is in the range of 0.10 to 0.75.

[0055] In some embodiments of the first aspect of the present invention, the curable tape has a thickness in the range of 180 μm to 270 μm.

[0056] In some embodiments of the first aspect of the present invention, the ratio of the tape thickness to the belt thickness is in the range of 0.15 to 11.15.

[0057] In some embodiments of the first aspect of the present invention, the length of the thermosetting tape is greater than the width of the flexible belt.

[0058] In some embodiments of the first aspect of the present invention, the length of the thermosetting tape is in the range of 1200 mm to 1300 mm.

[0059] In some embodiments of the first aspect of the present invention, the width of the thermosetting tape is in the range of 20 mm to 30 mm.

[0060] In some embodiments of the first aspect of the present invention, the ratio of the tape width to the belt length is in the range of 0.01 to 0.03.

[0061] In some embodiments of the first aspect of the present invention, the kit further comprises a heater adapted to be disposed under the thermosetting tape when the thermosetting tape is applied to the first and second ends of the flexible belt and adapted to provide sufficient heat to heat cure a solid silicone rubber of the thermosetting tape, thereby heat curing the thermosetting tape to form an endless belt.

[0062] In some embodiments of the first aspect of the invention, the heater includes a heating surface having a width greater than the width of the tape to be heat set. In some embodiments of the first aspect of the invention, the heater is designed to provide a greater heat density at the edges of the heating surface than at the center of the heating surface.

[0063] In some embodiments of the first aspect of the invention, the heater comprises a plurality of heating elements, the heating elements being distributed unevenly across the heating surface such that a greater heat density is provided at the edges of the heating surface than at the centre of the heating surface.

[0064] In some embodiments of the first aspect of the present invention, the multiple heating elements are printed onto a ceramic plate.

[0065] In some embodiments of the first aspect of the present invention, the multiple heating elements are printed onto the filament.

[0066] In some embodiments of the first aspect of the present invention, the multiple heating elements are printed onto the mica flakes.

[0067] In some embodiments of the first aspect of the present invention, the multiple heating elements are printed onto a piece of silicon.

[0068] In some embodiments of the first aspect of the invention, the heater is adapted, during operation, to provide a first operating temperature at a centre of the heating surface and a second operating temperature at an edge of the heating surface.

[0069] In some embodiments of the first aspect of the present invention, the first operating temperature is in the range of 140C to 180C.

[0070] In some embodiments of the first aspect of the present invention, the second operating temperature is in the range of 180C to 220C.

[0071] In some embodiments of the first aspect of the present invention, the heater is adapted, during operation, to provide a uniform temperature across the thermosetting tape when the first and second ends of the flexible elongate belt are placed on the heating surface and the thermosetting tape is placed on the first and second ends.

[0072] In some embodiments of the first aspect of the present invention, the uniform temperature is in the range of 130C to 180C.

[0073] In some embodiments of the first aspect of the present invention, during operation of the heater, when the first and second ends of the flexible elongate belt are placed on a heating surface and the thermosetting tape is placed on the first and second ends, the heater is adapted to provide the first and second operating temperatures for a period of up to one minute, thereby thermally curing the solid silicone rubber of the thermosetting tape.

[0074] In some embodiments of the first aspect of the present invention, during operation of the heater, when the first and second ends of the flexible elongate belt are placed on a heating surface and the thermosetting tape is placed on the first and second ends, the heater is adapted to provide the first and second operating temperatures for a period of up to three minutes, thereby thermally curing the solid silicone rubber of the thermosetting tape.

[0075] In some embodiments of the first aspect of the present invention, during operation of the heater, when the first and second ends of the flexible elongate belt are placed on a heating surface and the thermosetting tape is placed on the first and second ends, the heater is adapted to provide the first and second operating temperatures for a period of up to five minutes, thereby thermally curing the solid silicone rubber of the thermosetting tape.

[0076] In some embodiments of the first aspect of the present invention, during operation of the heater, when the first and second ends of the flexible elongate belt are placed on a heating surface and the thermosetting tape is placed on the first and second ends, the heater is adapted to provide the first and second operating temperatures for a period of up to 10 minutes, thereby thermally curing the solid silicone rubber of the thermosetting tape.

[0077] In some embodiments of the first aspect of the present invention, during operation of the heater, when the first and second ends of the flexible elongate belt are placed on a heating surface and the thermosetting tape is placed on the first and second ends, the heater is adapted to provide the first and second operating temperatures for a period of up to 15 minutes, thereby thermally curing the solid silicone rubber of the thermosetting tape.

[0078] In some embodiments of the first aspect of the present invention, during operation of the heater, when the first and second ends of the flexible elongate belt are placed on a heating surface and the thermosetting tape is placed on the first and second ends, the heater is adapted to provide the first and second operating temperatures for a period of up to 20 minutes, thereby thermally curing the solid silicone rubber of the thermosetting tape.

[0079] In certain embodiments of the first aspect of the present invention, the heater is adapted to reach the first and second operating temperatures within a period of up to one minute.

[0080] In certain embodiments of the first aspect of the present invention, the heater is adapted to reach the first and second operating temperatures within a period of up to three minutes.

[0081] In certain embodiments of the first aspect of the present invention, the heater is adapted to reach the first and second operating temperatures within a period of up to five minutes.

[0082] In certain embodiments of the first aspect of the present invention, the heater is adapted to reach the first and second operating temperatures within a period of up to 10 minutes.

[0083] In certain embodiments of the first aspect of the present invention, the heater is formed from a metal selected from the group consisting of aluminum, copper, and brass.

[0084] In some embodiments of the first aspect of the present invention, the heating surface has a thermal conductivity in the range of 2.35 W / cmK to 40 W / cmK.

[0085] In some embodiments of the first aspect of the present invention, the flexible elongate belt has a positioning arrangement removably attached to first and second ends, the positioning arrangement adapted to position the first and second ends of the belt on a heating surface of a heater during thermal curing of the thermosetting tape.

[0086] In some embodiments of the first aspect of the present invention, the positioning arrangement includes at least one magnetic element and the heater includes at least one corresponding magnetic element adapted to magnetically attract the at least one magnetic element of the positioning arrangement during thermal curing of the thermosetting tape.

[0087] In some embodiments of the first aspect of the present invention, the at least one magnetic element comprises a magnetic metal strip removably attached to each of the first and second ends of the flexible elongate belt.

[0088] In certain embodiments of the first aspect of the present invention, the at least one corresponding magnetic element includes at least one samarium cobalt magnet.

[0089] In certain embodiments of the first aspect of the present invention, the positioning arrangement comprises a double-sided adhesive.

[0090] In some embodiments of the first aspect of the present invention, the positioning arrangement includes at least one fixing pin and the heater includes at least one corresponding fixing hole adapted to receive the at least one fixing pin during thermal curing of the thermosetting tape.

[0091] In some embodiments of the first aspect of the present invention, the positioning arrangement includes at least one elongated ridge and the heating surface includes at least one corresponding elongated groove adapted to receive and engage the at least one elongated ridge during thermal curing of the thermosetting tape.

[0092] In certain embodiments of the first aspect of the present invention, the positioning arrangement comprises an electrostatic force generating arrangement.

[0093] In certain embodiments of the first aspect of the present invention, the positioning arrangement is formed of a non-insulating material. In certain embodiments of the first aspect of the present invention, the positioning arrangement has a thermal conductivity of at least 0.8 W / cmK.

[0094] In some embodiments of the first aspect of the present invention, the flexible belt includes a rebate at each of the first and second ends, such that when the rebates are positioned adjacent to one another a channel is formed, the channel being sized and adapted to receive the thermosetting tape therein.

[0095] In some embodiments of the first aspect of the present invention, each of the small hole joints has a depth in the range of 140 μm to 250 μm.

[0096] In some embodiments of the first aspect of the present invention, the strength of the thermoset tape, after it has cured, is directly proportional to the amount of heat applied to the solid silicone rubber layer during curing of the tape.

[0097] In some embodiments of the first aspect of the present invention, after heat curing of the solid silicone rubber layer of the tape, a 20 mm segment of the endless belt comprising the heat cured tape is capable of withstanding a load of at least 200 N at room temperature.

[0098] In some embodiments of the first aspect of the present invention, after heat curing of the solid silicone rubber layer of the tape, a 20 mm segment of the endless belt comprising the heat cured tape is capable of withstanding a load of at least 220 N at room temperature.

[0099] In some embodiments of the first aspect of the present invention, after heat curing of the solid silicone rubber layer of the tape, a 20 mm segment of the endless belt comprising the heat cured tape is capable of withstanding a load of at least 250 N at room temperature.

[0100] In some embodiments of the first aspect of the present invention, after heat curing of the solid silicone rubber layer of the tape, a 20 mm segment of the endless belt comprising the heat cured tape cannot withstand a load of more than 350 N at room temperature.

[0101] In some embodiments of the first aspect of the present invention, after heat curing of the solid silicone rubber layer of the tape, a 20 mm segment of the endless belt comprising the heat cured tape cannot withstand a load of more than 380 N at room temperature.

[0102] In some embodiments of the first aspect of the present invention, after heat curing of the solid silicone rubber layer of the tape, a 20 mm segment of the endless belt comprising the heat cured tape cannot withstand a load of more than 400 N at room temperature.

[0103] In some embodiments of the first aspect of the present invention, after heat curing of the solid silicone rubber layer of the tape, a 20 mm segment of the endless belt comprising the heat cured tape is capable of withstanding a load in the range of 250N to 350N at room temperature.

[0104] In some embodiments of the first aspect of the present invention, after heat curing of the solid silicone rubber layer of the tape, a 20 mm segment of the endless belt comprising the heat cured tape is capable of withstanding a load in the range of 220 N to 380 N at room temperature.

[0105] In some embodiments of the first aspect of the present invention, after heat curing of the solid silicone rubber layer of the tape, a 20 mm segment of the endless belt comprising the heat cured tape is capable of withstanding a load in the range of 200N to 400N at room temperature.

[0106] In some embodiments of the first aspect of the invention, (i) the flexible belt includes a plurality of lateral formations along at least a portion of each lateral edge, and (ii) at least one of the lateral formations on each lateral edge at each one of the free ends of the flexible belt includes an anchoring structure adapted for attachment to an attachment mechanism adapted for attachment of one of the laterally extending formations at the opposing free ends of each lateral edge of the flexible belt.

[0107] In some embodiments of the first aspect of the invention, the kit additionally includes at least two attachment mechanisms, each adapted to engage at least two fastening structures at opposing free ends of each lateral edge of the belt and to attach laterally extending formations associated with the fastening structures engaged by the attachment mechanisms, thereby attaching the opposing free ends of each lateral edge of the flexible belt.

[0108] In some embodiments of the first aspect of the invention, each fastening structure includes a crimp pin hole extending through a corresponding lateral formation in a direction perpendicular to the surface of the belt, and each attachment mechanism includes a crimp pin having a diameter equal to or less than the diameter of the crimp pin hole and adapted to simultaneously engage two crimp pin holes, one at each of the opposing free ends of one of the lateral edges of the belt.

[0109] It is understood that any of the embodiments of the first aspect of the present invention may be combined with each other unless they are inconsistent, and that any or all such combinations (i.e., including those not explicitly recited for the sake of brevity) are expressly contemplated herein as embodiments of the present invention.

[0110] According to one embodiment of the second aspect of the invention, - an intermediate transfer member (ITM) comprising an endless belt, the endless belt comprising: (i) a thermosetting tape comprising a substrate layer and a solid silicone rubber layer disposed thereon; (ii) a flexible elongate belt having first and second ends, the first and second ends being joined at a seam by a thermosetting tape; an intermediate transfer member (ITM), an imaging station where droplets of ink are applied to the exterior surface of an intermediate transfer member to form an ink image; a drying station for drying the ink image to leave an ink residue film; - A plate station where the residual film is transferred to a sheet or web substrate sheet There is further provided a printing system including:

[0111] In some embodiments of the second aspect of the present invention, the flexible belt has a length in the range of 1 to 20 meters.

[0112] In some embodiments of the second aspect of the present invention, the flexible belt has a length in the range of 5 to 20 meters.

[0113] In some embodiments of the second aspect of the present invention, the flexible belt has a length in the range of 5 to 15 meters.

[0114] In some embodiments of the second aspect of the present invention, the flexible belt has a length in the range of 5 to 12 meters.

[0115] In some embodiments of the second aspect of the present invention, the flexible belt has a length in the range of 7 to 12 meters.

[0116] In some embodiments of the second aspect of the present invention, the flexible belt has a width in the range of 0.1 to 2.0 meters.

[0117] In some embodiments of the second aspect of the present invention, the flexible belt has a width in the range of 0.3 to 2.0 meters.

[0118] In some embodiments of the second aspect of the present invention, the flexible belt has a width in the range of 0.5 to 2.0 meters.

[0119] In some embodiments of the second aspect of the present invention, the flexible belt has a width in the range of 0.75 to 2.0 meters.

[0120] In some embodiments of the second aspect of the present invention, the flexible belt has a width in the range of 0.75 to 1.5 meters.

[0121] In some embodiments of the second aspect of the present invention, the flexible belt has a width in the range of 0.75 to 1.25 meters.

[0122] In some embodiments of the second aspect of the present invention, the flexible belt has a thickness in the range of 50 to 3000 μm.

[0123] In some embodiments of the second aspect of the present invention, the flexible belt has a thickness in the range of 100 to 3000 μm.

[0124] In some embodiments of the second aspect of the present invention, the flexible belt has a thickness in the range of 200 to 3000 μm.

[0125] In some embodiments of the second aspect of the present invention, the flexible belt has a thickness in the range of 200 to 1500 μm.

[0126] In some embodiments of the second aspect of the present invention, the flexible belt has a thickness in the range of 300 to 1000 μm.

[0127] In some embodiments of the second aspect of the present invention, the flexible belt has a thickness in the range of 300 to 800 μm.

[0128] In some embodiments of the second aspect of the present invention, the flexible belt has a thickness in the range of 300 to 700 μm.

[0129] In some embodiments of the second aspect of the present invention, the flexible belt has a thickness in the range of 100 to 600 μm.

[0130] In some embodiments of the second aspect of the present invention, after heat curing of the solid silicone rubber layer, the thermoset tape has a tensile strength of at least 8 MPa.

[0131] In some embodiments of the second aspect of the present invention, after heat curing of the solid silicone rubber layer, the thermoset tape has a Shore A hardness of at least 45.

[0132] In some embodiments of the second aspect of the present invention, after heat curing of the solid silicone rubber layer, the thermoset tape has a Shore A hardness of 80 or less.

[0133] In some embodiments of the second aspect of the present invention, after heat curing of the solid silicone rubber layer, the thermoset tape has a Shore A hardness in the range of 45-80.

[0134] In some embodiments of the second aspect of the present invention, after thermal curing of the solid silicone rubber layer, the solid silicone rubber layer has a Shore A hardness in the range of 55-65.

[0135] In some embodiments of the second aspect of the present invention, after thermal curing of the solid silicone rubber layer of the thermoset tape, the following properties are true: The tape has a tensile strength of at least 8 MPa. The tape has a Shore A hardness of at least 45; and The strength of the thermosetting tape is directly proportional to the amount of heat applied to the solid silicone rubber layer during curing of the tape.

[0136] In some embodiments of the second aspect of the present invention, the solid silicone rubber comprises a thermosetting polymer.

[0137] In some embodiments of the second aspect of the present invention, the thermosetting polymer comprises a platinum catalyzed addition cure solid silicone rubber.

[0138] In some embodiments of the second aspect of the present invention, the solid silicone rubber has a density in the range of 1.1 to 1.2 g / cm^3.

[0139] In some embodiments of the second aspect of the present invention, the solid silicone rubber has a density of 1.15 g / cm^3.

[0140] In some embodiments of the second aspect of the present invention, the solid silicone gum has a shelf life of at least one month.

[0141] In some embodiments of the second aspect of the present invention, the solid silicone gum has a shelf life of at least six months.

[0142] In some embodiments of the second aspect of the present invention, the solid silicone rubber has a shelf life of at least one year.

[0143] In some embodiments of the second aspect of the present invention, the pot life of the thermoset tape is equal to the shelf life of the solid silicone rubber.

[0144] In some embodiments of the second aspect of the present invention, the thermosetting tape has a pot life of at least one month.

[0145] In some embodiments of the second aspect of the present invention, the pot life of the thermosetting tape is at least six months.

[0146] In some embodiments of the second aspect of the present invention, the thermosetting tape has a pot life of at least one year.

[0147] In some embodiments of the second aspect of the present invention, the substrate layer comprises a fiberglass layer.

[0148] In some embodiments of the second aspect of the present invention, the substrate layer further comprises a silicone coating layer bonded to the fiberglass layer.

[0149] In some embodiments of the second aspect of the present invention, the silicone coating layer has a Shore A hardness in the range of 75-80.

[0150] In some embodiments of the second aspect of the present invention, the substrate layer has a thickness in the range of 110 μm to 170 μm.

[0151] In some embodiments of the second aspect of the invention, the substrate layer has a thickness of 160 μm.

[0152] In some embodiments of the second aspect of the present invention, the solid silicone rubber layer has a thickness in the range of 20 μm to 120 μm.

[0153] In some embodiments of the second aspect of the present invention, the ratio of the thickness of the solid silicone rubber layer to the thickness of the substrate layer is in the range of 0.10 to 0.75.

[0154] In some embodiments of the second aspect of the present invention, the thermosetting tape has a thickness in the range of 180 μm to 270 μm.

[0155] In some embodiments of the second aspect of the present invention, the ratio of the tape thickness to the belt thickness is in the range of 0.15 to 11.15.

[0156] In some embodiments of the second aspect of the present invention, the length of the thermosetting tape is greater than the width of the flexible belt.

[0157] In some embodiments of the second aspect of the present invention, the length of the thermosetting tape is in the range of 1200 mm to 1300 mm.

[0158] In some embodiments of the second aspect of the present invention, the width of the thermosetting tape is in the range of 20 mm to 30 mm.

[0159] In some embodiments of the second aspect of the present invention, the ratio of the tape width to the belt length is in the range of 0.01 to 0.03.

[0160] In some embodiments of the second aspect of the present invention, after heat curing of the solid silicone rubber layer, a 20 mm segment of the endless belt comprising the heat cured tape is capable of withstanding a load of at least 200 N at room temperature.

[0161] In some embodiments of the second aspect of the present invention, after heat curing of the solid silicone rubber layer, a 20 mm segment of the endless belt comprising the heat cured tape is capable of withstanding a load of at least 220 N at room temperature.

[0162] In some embodiments of the second aspect of the present invention, after heat curing of the solid silicone rubber layer, a 20 mm segment of the endless belt comprising the heat cured tape is capable of withstanding a load of at least 250 N at room temperature.

[0163] In some embodiments of the second aspect of the present invention, after heat curing of the solid silicone rubber layer, a 20 mm segment of the endless belt comprising the heat cured tape is capable of withstanding a load of up to 350 N at room temperature.

[0164] In some embodiments of the second aspect of the present invention, after heat curing of the solid silicone rubber layer, a 20 mm segment of the endless belt comprising the heat cured tape is capable of withstanding a load of up to 380 N at room temperature.

[0165] In some embodiments of the second aspect of the present invention, after heat curing of the solid silicone rubber layer, a 20 mm segment of the endless belt comprising the heat cured tape is capable of withstanding a load of up to 400 N at room temperature.

[0166] In some embodiments of the second aspect of the present invention, after heat curing of the solid silicone rubber layer, a 20 mm segment of the endless belt comprising the heat cured tape is capable of withstanding a load in the range of 250N to 350N at room temperature.

[0167] In some embodiments of the second aspect of the present invention, after heat curing of the solid silicone rubber layer, a 20 mm segment of the endless belt comprising the heat cured tape is capable of withstanding a load in the range of 220 N to 380 N at room temperature.

[0168] In some embodiments of the second aspect of the present invention, after heat curing of the solid silicone rubber layer, a 20 mm segment of the endless belt comprising the heat cured tape is capable of withstanding a load in the range of 200N to 400N at room temperature.

[0169] In some embodiments of the second aspect of the present invention, the intermediate transfer member is used for indirect inkjet printing in a printing system with an operating temperature in the range of 130° C. to 170° C. for a period of at least two weeks without seam failure.

[0170] In some embodiments of the second aspect of the present invention, the flexible elongate belt includes eyelets at each of the first and second ends, and in the endless belt, the thermosetting tape is contained within channels formed by the eyelets positioned adjacent to one another.

[0171] In some embodiments of the second aspect of the present invention, each of the small holes has a depth in the range of 140 μm to 250 μm.

[0172] In some embodiments of the second aspect of the present invention, the printing system includes a heater disposed beneath the intermediate transfer member and adapted to provide sufficient heat to heat-cure the solid silicone rubber of the thermosetting tape, thereby heat-setting the thermosetting tape against the first and second ends to form an endless belt.

[0173] In some embodiments of the second aspect of the present invention, the heater includes a heating surface having a width that is greater than the width of the tape to be heat set.

[0174] In some embodiments of the second aspect of the invention, the heater forms part of a belt support system of the printing system and is fitted with adjacent rollers adapted to guide the endless belt during operation of the printing system.

[0175] In some embodiments of the second aspect of the invention, the heater is designed to provide a greater heat density at the edges of the heating surface than at the centre of the heating surface.

[0176] In some embodiments of the second aspect of the invention, the heater comprises a plurality of heating elements, the heating elements being distributed unevenly across the heating surface such that a greater heat density is provided at the edges of the heating surface than at the centre of the heating surface.

[0177] In some embodiments of the second aspect of the present invention, the multiple heating elements are printed onto a ceramic plate.

[0178] In some embodiments of the second aspect of the present invention, the multiple heating elements are printed onto the filament.

[0179] In some embodiments of the second aspect of the present invention, the multiple heating elements are printed onto the mica flakes.

[0180] In some embodiments of the second aspect of the present invention, the multiple heating elements are printed onto a piece of silicon.

[0181] In some embodiments of the second aspect of the invention, the heater is adapted, during operation, to provide a first operating temperature at a centre of the heating surface and a second operating temperature at an edge of the heating surface.

[0182] In some embodiments of the second aspect of the present invention, the first operating temperature is in the range of 140C to 180C.

[0183] In some embodiments of the second aspect of the present invention, the second operating temperature is in the range of 180C to 220C.

[0184] In some embodiments of the second aspect of the invention, the heater is adapted, during operation, to provide a uniform temperature across the thermosetting tape when the first and second ends of the flexible elongate belt are placed on the heating surface and the thermosetting tape is placed on the first and second ends.

[0185] In some embodiments of the second aspect of the present invention, the uniform temperature is in the range of 130C to 180C.

[0186] In some embodiments of the second aspect of the present invention, during operation of the heater, when the first and second ends of the flexible elongate belt are placed on the heating surface and the thermosetting tape is placed on the first and second ends, the heater is adapted to provide the first and second operating temperatures for a period of up to one minute, thereby thermally curing the solid silicone rubber of the thermosetting tape.

[0187] In some embodiments of the second aspect of the present invention, during operation of the heater, when the first and second ends of the flexible elongate belt are placed on a heating surface and the thermosetting tape is placed on the first and second ends, the heater is adapted to provide the first and second operating temperatures for a period of up to three minutes, thereby thermally curing the solid silicone rubber of the thermosetting tape.

[0188] In some embodiments of the second aspect of the present invention, during operation of the heater, when the first and second ends of the flexible elongate belt are placed on a heating surface and the thermosetting tape is placed on the first and second ends, the heater is adapted to provide the first and second operating temperatures for a period of up to five minutes, thereby thermally curing the solid silicone rubber of the thermosetting tape.

[0189] In some embodiments of the second aspect of the present invention, during operation of the heater, when the first and second ends of the flexible elongate belt are placed on a heating surface and the thermosetting tape is placed on the first and second ends, the heater is adapted to provide the first and second operating temperatures for a period of up to 10 minutes, thereby thermally curing the solid silicone rubber of the thermosetting tape.

[0190] In some embodiments of the second aspect of the present invention, during operation of the heater, when the first and second ends of the flexible elongate belt are placed on a heating surface and the thermosetting tape is placed on the first and second ends, the heater is adapted to provide the first and second operating temperatures for a period of up to 15 minutes, thereby thermally curing the solid silicone rubber of the thermosetting tape.

[0191] In some embodiments of the second aspect of the present invention, during operation of the heater, when the first and second ends of the flexible elongate belt are placed on a heating surface and the thermosetting tape is placed on the first and second ends, the heater is adapted to provide the first and second operating temperatures for a period of up to 20 minutes, thereby thermally curing the solid silicone rubber of the thermosetting tape.

[0192] In some embodiments of the second aspect of the invention, the heater is adapted to reach the first and second operating temperatures within a period of up to one minute.

[0193] In some embodiments of the second aspect of the invention, the heater is adapted to reach the first and second operating temperatures within a period of up to three minutes.

[0194] In some embodiments of the second aspect of the invention, the heater is adapted to reach the first and second operating temperatures within a period of up to five minutes.

[0195] In some embodiments of the second aspect of the invention, the heater is adapted to reach the first and second operating temperatures within a period of up to 10 minutes.

[0196] In some embodiments of the second aspect of the present invention, the heater is formed from a metal selected from the group consisting of aluminum, copper, and brass.

[0197] In some embodiments of the second aspect of the present invention, the heating surface has a thermal conductivity in the range of 2.35 W / cmK to 40 W / cmK.

[0198] In some embodiments of the second aspect of the present invention, the flexible elongate belt has a positioning arrangement removably attached to first and second ends, the positioning arrangement adapted to position the first and second ends of the belt over a heating surface of a heater during thermal curing of the thermosetting tape.

[0199] In some embodiments of the second aspect of the present invention, the positioning arrangement includes at least one magnetic element and the heater includes at least one corresponding magnetic element adapted to magnetically attract the at least one magnetic element of the positioning arrangement during thermal curing of the thermosetting tape.

[0200] In some embodiments of the second aspect of the present invention, the at least one magnetic element comprises a magnetic metal strip removably attached to each of the first and second ends of the flexible elongate belt.

[0201] In some embodiments of the second aspect of the present invention, the at least one corresponding magnetic element includes at least one samarium cobalt magnet.

[0202] In certain embodiments of the second aspect of the present invention, the positioning arrangement comprises a double-sided adhesive.

[0203] In some embodiments of the second aspect of the present invention, the positioning arrangement includes at least one fixing pin and the heater includes at least one corresponding fixing hole adapted to receive the at least one fixing pin during thermal curing of the thermosetting tape.

[0204] In some embodiments of the second aspect of the present invention, the positioning arrangement includes at least one elongated ridge and the heater includes at least one corresponding elongated groove adapted to receive and engage the at least one elongated ridge during thermal curing of the thermosetting tape.

[0205] In some embodiments of the second aspect of the present invention, the positioning arrangement comprises an electrostatic force generating arrangement.

[0206] In some embodiments of the second aspect of the present invention, the positioning arrangement is formed of a non-insulating material.

[0207] In certain embodiments of the second aspect of the present invention, the positioning arrangement has a thermal conductivity of at least 0.8 W / cmK.

[0208] In some embodiments of the second aspect of the present invention, the strength of the thermoset tape, after it has cured, is directly proportional to the amount of heat applied to the solid silicone rubber layer during curing of the tape.

[0209] In some embodiments of the second aspect of the present invention, (i) the flexible elongate belt includes a plurality of lateral formations along at least a portion of each lateral edge, (ii) at least one of the lateral formations on each lateral edge at each one of the free ends of the flexible belt includes an anchoring structure adapted for attachment to the attachment mechanism, and (iii) the printing system further includes at least two attachment mechanisms, each of which engages with the at least two anchoring structures at opposing free ends of one of the belt lateral edges to attach laterally extending formations associated with the at least two anchoring structures, thereby attaching opposing free ends of each lateral edge of the flexible belt.

[0210] In some embodiments of the second aspect of the invention, each fastening structure includes a crimp pin hole extending through a corresponding lateral formation in a direction perpendicular to the surface of the belt, and each attachment mechanism includes a crimp pin having a diameter equal to or less than the diameter of the crimp pin hole and simultaneously engaging two crimp pin holes, one at each of the opposing free ends of one of the lateral edges of the belt.

[0211] It is understood that any of the embodiments of the second aspect of the present invention may be combined with each other unless they are inconsistent, and that any or all such combinations (i.e., including those not explicitly recited for the sake of brevity) are expressly contemplated herein as embodiments of the present invention.

[0212] There is also provided, in accordance with one embodiment of the third aspect of the present invention, a method of forming an endless belt from a flexible belt having first and second free ends, the method comprising: When the flexible belt is routed through a belt path of a printing system such that the first and second free ends are positioned over a heater disposed within the printing system, the flexible belt is (i) applying a thermosetting tape, the thermosetting tape including a substrate layer and a solid silicone rubber layer disposed thereon, or a portion thereof, onto first and second free ends of a flexible belt; (ii) heat curing a solid silicone rubber layer of the thermosetting tape against the first and second free ends of the flexible belt to form a seam joining the first and second free ends, thereby converting the flexible belt into an endless belt. This includes performing the following:

[0213] In some embodiments of the third aspect of the invention, the flexible belt includes a lateral formation along a side thereof, and the method further includes loading the flexible belt through the belt path by engaging the formation with a lateral track of the printing system to guide the flexible belt along the printing system.

[0214] In some embodiments of the third aspect of the present invention, the method further includes providing a heater beneath the intermediate transfer member, and thermal curing includes operating the heater to provide sufficient heat for thermal curing.

[0215] In some embodiments of the third aspect of the invention, the method further includes, after applying the thermosetting tape and prior to heat curing, applying an adhesive on and / or around the exposed surface of the thermosetting tape to seal any gaps between the thermosetting tape and the belt.

[0216] According to another embodiment of the third aspect of the present invention, there is additionally provided a method of forming an endless belt from a flexible belt having first and second free ends, the method comprising the steps of: providing a thermosetting tape comprising a substrate layer and a solid silicone rubber layer disposed thereon, or a portion of each thereof; providing a heater adapted to supply sufficient heat to heat cure the solid silicone rubber layer; - routing a flexible belt through a belt path of the printing system such that first and second free ends are positioned above a heater; - applying a thermosetting tape onto first and second free ends of a flexible belt; and using a heater to heat cure a solid silicone rubber layer of the thermosetting tape against the first and second free ends of the flexible belt to form a seam joining the first and second free ends, thereby forming an endless belt from the flexible belt; Includes.

[0217] In some embodiments of the third aspect of the invention, the method further includes, after applying the thermosetting tape and prior to heat curing, applying an adhesive on and / or around the exposed surface of the thermosetting tape to seal any gaps between the thermosetting tape and the belt.

[0218] In some embodiments of the third aspect of the present invention, the flexible belt has a length in the range of 1 to 20 meters.

[0219] In some embodiments of the third aspect of the present invention, the flexible belt has a length in the range of 5 to 20 meters.

[0220] In some embodiments of the third aspect of the present invention, the flexible belt has a length in the range of 5 to 15 meters.

[0221] In some embodiments of the third aspect of the present invention, the flexible belt has a length in the range of 5 to 12 meters.

[0222] In some embodiments of the third aspect of the present invention, the flexible belt has a length in the range of 7 to 12 meters.

[0223] In some embodiments of the third aspect of the present invention, the flexible belt has a width in the range of 0.1 to 2.0 meters.

[0224] In some embodiments of the third aspect of the present invention, the flexible belt has a width in the range of 0.3 to 2.0 meters.

[0225] In some embodiments of the third aspect of the present invention, the flexible belt has a width in the range of 0.5 to 2.0 meters.

[0226] In some embodiments of the third aspect of the present invention, the flexible belt has a width in the range of 0.75 to 2.0 meters.

[0227] In some embodiments of the third aspect of the present invention, the flexible belt has a width in the range of 0.75 to 1.5 meters.

[0228] In some embodiments of the third aspect of the present invention, the flexible belt has a width in the range of 0.75 to 1.25 meters.

[0229] In some embodiments of the third aspect of the present invention, the flexible belt has a thickness in the range of 50 to 3000 μm.

[0230] In some embodiments of the third aspect of the present invention, the flexible belt has a thickness in the range of 100 to 3000 μm.

[0231] In some embodiments of the third aspect of the present invention, the flexible belt has a thickness in the range of 200 to 3000 μm.

[0232] In some embodiments of the third aspect of the present invention, the flexible belt has a thickness in the range of 200 to 1500 μm.

[0233] In some embodiments of the third aspect of the present invention, the flexible belt has a thickness in the range of 300 to 1000 μm.

[0234] In some embodiments of the third aspect of the present invention, the flexible belt has a thickness in the range of 300 to 800 μm.

[0235] In some embodiments of the third aspect of the present invention, the flexible belt has a thickness in the range of 300 to 700 μm.

[0236] In some embodiments of the third aspect of the present invention, the flexible belt has a thickness in the range of 100 to 600 μm.

[0237] In some embodiments of the third aspect of the invention, after heat setting, the tape has a tensile strength of at least 8 MPa.

[0238] In some embodiments of the third aspect of the invention, after heat curing, the tape has a Shore A hardness of at least 45.

[0239] In some embodiments of the third aspect of the present invention, after heat curing of the solid silicone rubber layer, the thermoset tape has a Shore A hardness of 80 or less.

[0240] In some embodiments of the third aspect of the invention, after heat curing, the tape has a Shore A hardness in the range of 45-80.

[0241] In some embodiments of the third aspect of the present invention, after thermal curing of the solid silicone rubber layer, the solid silicone rubber layer has a Shore A hardness in the range of 55-65.

[0242] In some embodiments of the third aspect of the present invention, after thermal curing of the solid silicone rubber layer of the thermoset tape, the following properties are true: The tape has a tensile strength of at least 8 MPa. The tape has a Shore A hardness of at least 45; and The strength of the thermosetting tape is directly proportional to the amount of heat applied to the solid silicone rubber layer during curing of the tape.

[0243] In some embodiments of the third aspect of the present invention, the solid silicone rubber comprises a thermosetting polymer.

[0244] In some embodiments of the third aspect of the present invention, the thermosetting polymer comprises a platinum catalyzed addition cure solid silicone rubber.

[0245] In some embodiments of the third aspect of the present invention, the solid silicone rubber has a density in the range of 1.1 to 1.2 g / cm^3.

[0246] In some embodiments of the third aspect of the present invention, the solid silicone rubber has a density of 1.15 g / cm^3.

[0247] In some embodiments of the third aspect of the present invention, the solid silicone gum has a shelf life of at least one month.

[0248] In some embodiments of the third aspect of the present invention, the solid silicone gum has a shelf life of at least six months.

[0249] In some embodiments of the third aspect of the present invention, the solid silicone rubber has a shelf life of at least one year.

[0250] In some embodiments of the third aspect of the present invention, the pot life of the thermoset tape is equal to the shelf life of the solid silicone rubber.

[0251] In some embodiments of the third aspect of the invention, the thermosetting tape has a pot life of at least one month.

[0252] In some embodiments of the third aspect of the invention, the thermosetting tape has a pot life of at least six months.

[0253] In some embodiments of the third aspect of the present invention, the thermosetting tape has a pot life of at least one year.

[0254] In some embodiments of the third aspect of the present invention, the substrate layer comprises a fiberglass layer.

[0255] In some embodiments of the third aspect of the present invention, the substrate layer further comprises a silicone coating layer bonded to the fiberglass layer.

[0256] In some embodiments of the third aspect of the invention, the silicone coating layer has a Shore A hardness in the range of 75 to 80. In some embodiments of the third aspect of the invention, the substrate layer has a thickness in the range of 110 μm to 170 μm.

[0257] In some embodiments of the third aspect of the invention, the solid silicone rubber layer has a thickness in the range of 20 μm to 120 μm.

[0258] In some embodiments of the third aspect of the present invention, the ratio of the thickness of the solid silicone rubber layer to the thickness of the substrate layer is in the range of 0.10 to 0.75.

[0259] In some embodiments of the third aspect of the present invention, the curable tape has a thickness in the range of 180 μm to 270 μm.

[0260] In some embodiments of the third aspect of the present invention, the ratio of the tape thickness to the belt thickness is in the range of 0.15 to 11.15.

[0261] In some embodiments of the third aspect of the present invention, the length of the thermosetting tape is greater than the width of the flexible belt.

[0262] In some embodiments of the third aspect of the present invention, the length of the thermosetting tape is in the range of 1200 mm to 1300 mm.

[0263] In some embodiments of the third aspect of the present invention, the width of the thermosetting tape is in the range of 20 mm to 30 mm.

[0264] In some embodiments of the third aspect of the present invention, the ratio of the tape width to the belt length is in the range of 0.01 to 0.03.

[0265] In some embodiments of the third aspect of the present invention, the heater comprises a heating surface having a width greater than a width of the thermosetting tape.

[0266] In some embodiments of the third aspect of the invention, the heat curing comprises activating a heater to provide a temperature of at least 130 C uniformly across the thermosetting tape for a period of up to 1 minute.

[0267] In some embodiments of the third aspect of the invention, the heat curing comprises activating a heater to provide a temperature of at least 130 C uniformly across the heat curable tape for a period of up to 3 minutes.

[0268] In some embodiments of the third aspect of the invention, the heat curing comprises activating a heater to provide a temperature of at least 130 C uniformly across the heat curable tape for a period of up to 5 minutes.

[0269] In some embodiments of the third aspect of the invention, the heat curing comprises activating a heater to provide a temperature of at least 130 C uniformly across the heat curable tape for a period of up to 10 minutes.

[0270] In some embodiments of the third aspect of the invention, the heat curing comprises activating a heater to provide a temperature of at least 130 C uniformly across the heat curable tape for a period of up to 15 minutes.

[0271] In some embodiments of the third aspect of the invention, the heat curing comprises activating a heater to provide a temperature of at least 130 C uniformly across the heat curable tape for a period of up to 20 minutes.

[0272] In some embodiments of the third aspect of the invention, heat curing comprises activating a heater to provide a greater heat density at the edges of the heated surface than at the center of the heated surface.

[0273] In some embodiments of the third aspect of the invention, heat curing comprises activating a heater to provide a first operating temperature at a center of a heating surface of the heater and a second operating temperature at an end of the heating surface of the heater.

[0274] In some embodiments of the third aspect of the present invention, the first operating temperature is in the range of 140C to 180C.

[0275] In some embodiments of the third aspect of the present invention, the second operating temperature is in the range of 180C to 220C.

[0276] In some embodiments of the third aspect of the invention, activating the heater includes activating the heater to provide the first and second operating temperatures for a period of up to one minute, thereby thermally curing the solid silicone rubber of the thermosetting tape.

[0277] In some embodiments of the third aspect of the invention, activating the heater includes activating the heater to provide the first and second operating temperatures for a period of up to three minutes, thereby thermally curing the solid silicone rubber of the thermosetting tape.

[0278] In some embodiments of the third aspect of the invention, activating the heater includes activating the heater to provide the first and second operating temperatures for a period of up to five minutes, thereby thermally curing the solid silicone rubber of the thermosetting tape.

[0279] In some embodiments of the third aspect of the invention, operating the heater includes operating the heater to provide the first and second operating temperatures for a period of up to 10 minutes, thereby thermally curing the solid silicone rubber of the thermosetting tape.

[0280] In some embodiments of the third aspect of the invention, operating the heater includes operating the heater to provide the first and second operating temperatures for a period of up to 15 minutes, thereby thermally curing the solid silicone rubber of the thermosetting tape.

[0281] In some embodiments of the third aspect of the invention, operating the heater includes operating the heater to provide the first and second operating temperatures for a period of up to 20 minutes, thereby thermally curing the solid silicone rubber of the thermosetting tape.

[0282] In some embodiments of the third aspect of the invention, operating the heater comprises operating the heater such that a temperature of a heating surface of the heater reaches the first and second operating temperatures within a period of at most one minute.

[0283] In some embodiments of the third aspect of the invention, operating the heater includes operating the heater such that a temperature of a heating surface of the heater reaches the first and second operating temperatures within a period of up to three minutes.

[0284] In some embodiments of the third aspect of the invention, operating the heater comprises operating the heater such that a temperature of a heating surface of the heater reaches the first and second operating temperatures within a period of up to five minutes.

[0285] In some embodiments of the third aspect of the invention, operating the heater comprises operating the heater such that a temperature of a heating surface of the heater reaches the first and second operating temperatures within a period of up to 10 minutes.

[0286] In some embodiments of the third aspect of the invention, the method comprises: - attaching positioning arrangements to the first and second free ends of the flexible belt prior to threading the flexible belt through the belt path; and - prior to application of the thermosetting tape, positioning the first and second free ends in a fixed position relative to the heater using a positioning arrangement; Further includes:

[0287] In certain embodiments of the third aspect of the present invention, the method further comprises removing the positioning arrangement from the flexible belt after heat setting.

[0288] In some embodiments of the third aspect of the invention, the positioning arrangement includes at least one magnetic element, and the positioning includes magnetically engaging the at least one magnetic element with at least one corresponding magnetic element of the heater.

[0289] In certain embodiments of the third aspect of the present invention, the positioning arrangement comprises a double-sided adhesive.

[0290] In certain embodiments of the third aspect of the present invention, the positioning arrangement includes at least one fixation pin, and the positioning includes engaging the at least one fixation pin with a corresponding fixation hole.

[0291] In certain embodiments of the third aspect of the present invention, the positioning arrangement includes at least one elongated ridge, and the positioning includes engaging the at least one elongated ridge with a corresponding groove.

[0292] In some embodiments of the third aspect of the present invention, the positioning arrangement comprises an electrostatic force generating arrangement.

[0293] In certain embodiments of the third aspect of the present invention, the positioning arrangement is formed of a non-insulating material.

[0294] In some embodiments of the third aspect of the present invention, the positioning arrangement has a thermal conductivity of at least 2.35 W / cmK to 40 W / cmK.

[0295] In some embodiments of the third aspect of the invention, the method comprises: - forming a small hole in each of the first and second free ends of the flexible belt prior to threading the flexible belt through the belt path; and - placing the flexible belt through the belt path and then positioning the eyelets adjacent to each other to form a channel; Further comprising: Applying the thermosetting tape includes receiving the thermosetting tape within the channel.

[0296] In some embodiments of the third aspect of the present invention, forming the eye patch comprises forming the eye patch having a depth in the range of 140 μm to 250 μm.

[0297] In some embodiments of the third aspect of the invention, the strength of the thermoset tape, after it has cured, is directly proportional to the amount of heat applied to the solid silicone rubber layer during curing of the tape.

[0298] In some embodiments of the third aspect of the present invention, after heat curing of the solid silicone rubber layer, a 20 mm segment of the endless belt including the tape is capable of withstanding a load of at least 200 N at room temperature.

[0299] In some embodiments of the third aspect of the present invention, after heat curing of the solid silicone rubber layer, a 20 mm segment of the endless belt including the tape is capable of withstanding a load of at least 220 N at room temperature.

[0300] In some embodiments of the third aspect of the present invention, after heat curing of the solid silicone rubber layer, a 20 mm segment of the endless belt including the tape is capable of withstanding a load of at least 250 N at room temperature.

[0301] In some embodiments of the third aspect of the present invention, after heat curing of the solid silicone rubber layer, a 20 mm segment of the endless belt including the tape cannot withstand a load of more than 350 N at room temperature.

[0302] In some embodiments of the third aspect of the present invention, after heat curing of the solid silicone rubber layer, a 20 mm segment of the endless belt including the tape cannot withstand a load of more than 380 N at room temperature.

[0303] In some embodiments of the third aspect of the present invention, after heat curing of the solid silicone rubber layer, a 20 mm segment of the endless belt including the tape cannot withstand a load of more than 400 N at room temperature.

[0304] In some embodiments of the third aspect of the present invention, after heat curing of the solid silicone rubber layer, a 20 mm segment of the endless belt including the tape is capable of withstanding a load in the range of 250N to 350N at room temperature.

[0305] In some embodiments of the third aspect of the present invention, after heat curing of the solid silicone rubber layer, a 20 mm segment of the endless belt including the tape is capable of withstanding a load in the range of 220N to 380N at room temperature.

[0306] In some embodiments of the third aspect of the present invention, after heat curing of the solid silicone rubber layer, a 20 mm segment of the endless belt including the tape is capable of withstanding a load in the range of 200N to 400N at room temperature.

[0307] In some embodiments of the third aspect of the present invention, the method further comprises operating the endless belt in the printing system at an operating temperature of 150C for a period of at least two weeks without seam failure after heat curing.

[0308] In some embodiments of the third aspect of the invention, the flexible belt includes a plurality of lateral formations along at least a portion of each lateral edge thereof, and at least one of the lateral formations on each lateral edge at each one of the free ends of the flexible belt includes an anchoring structure adapted for attachment to the attachment mechanism, and the method additionally includes coupling the at least one attachment mechanism to the anchoring structure associated with each lateral formation of each of the first and second free ends, respectively, on each side of the belt, thereby attaching the first and second free ends of the belt to one another.

[0309] In some embodiments of the third aspect of the invention, each fastening structure includes a crimp pin hole extending through the side formation in a direction perpendicular to a surface of the belt, and each attachment mechanism includes a crimp pin including a pair of vertical members, and the coupling step includes: (a) inserting two crimping pins, one for each lateral edge of the belt, through a respective pair of crimping pin holes into the final lateral formation of each of the respective first and second free ends of the belt, thereby holding the first and second free ends of the belt in close proximity to one another; (b) crimping the ends of each vertical member on a crimping pin; Includes.

[0310] According to another embodiment of the third aspect of the present invention there is further provided a method of printing an image on a substrate in a printing system including a printing station and a plate station, the method comprising: forming an endless belt in a printing system according to the method disclosed herein in the third aspect of the present invention; - inkjet printing of an image onto the surface of an endless belt; - rotating the endless belt to move the image from the printing station to the plate station; and -Transferring an image from the surface of an endless belt onto a substrate Includes.

[0311] It is understood that any of the embodiments of the third aspect of the present invention may be combined with each other unless they are inconsistent, and that any or all such combinations (i.e., including those not explicitly recited for the sake of brevity) are expressly contemplated herein as embodiments of the present invention.

[0312] According to an optional embodiment of the fourth aspect of the present invention there is provided a thermosetting tape for joining first and second ends of a flexible belt to form an endless belt for use in a printing system, the thermosetting tape comprising: - Substrate layer, and a solid silicone rubber layer disposed on the substrate layer; Includes.

[0313] In some embodiments of the fourth aspect of the present invention, the ratio of the thickness of the solid silicone rubber layer to the thickness of the substrate layer is in the range of 0.10 to 0.75.

[0314] In some embodiments of the fourth aspect of the invention, after heat curing of the solid silicone rubber layer, the tape has a tensile strength of at least 8 MPa.

[0315] In some embodiments of the fourth aspect of the invention, after heat curing of the solid silicone rubber layer, the tape has a Shore A hardness of at least 45.

[0316] In some embodiments of the fourth aspect of the present invention, after heat curing of the solid silicone rubber layer, the thermoset tape has a Shore A hardness of 80 or less.

[0317] In some embodiments of the fourth aspect of the present invention, after heat curing of the solid silicone rubber layer, the tape has a Shore A hardness in the range of 45-80.

[0318] In some embodiments of the fourth aspect of the present invention, after thermal curing of the solid silicone rubber layer, the solid silicone rubber layer has a Shore A hardness in the range of 55-65.

[0319] In some embodiments of the fourth aspect of the present invention, after thermal curing of the solid silicone rubber layer of the thermoset tape, the following properties are true: The tape has a tensile strength of at least 8 MPa. The tape has a Shore A hardness of at least 45; and The strength of the thermosetting tape is directly proportional to the amount of heat applied to the solid silicone rubber layer during curing of the tape.

[0320] In some embodiments of the fourth aspect of the present invention, the solid silicone rubber layer comprises a thermosetting polymer.

[0321] In some embodiments of the fourth aspect of the present invention, the solid silicone rubber has a density in the range of 1.1 to 1.2 g / cm^3.

[0322] In some embodiments of the fourth aspect of the present invention, the solid silicone rubber has a density of 1.15 g / cm^3.

[0323] In some embodiments of the fourth aspect of the present invention, the solid silicone gum has a shelf life of at least one month.

[0324] In some embodiments of the fourth aspect of the present invention, the solid silicone gum has a shelf life of at least six months.

[0325] In some embodiments of the fourth aspect of the present invention, the solid silicone rubber has a shelf life of at least one year.

[0326] In some embodiments of the fourth aspect of the present invention, the pot life of the thermoset tape is equal to the shelf life of the solid silicone rubber.

[0327] In some embodiments of the fourth aspect of the invention, the thermosetting tape has a pot life of at least one month.

[0328] In some embodiments of the fourth aspect of the invention, the thermosetting tape has a pot life of at least six months.

[0329] In some embodiments of the fourth aspect of the invention, the thermosetting tape has a pot life of at least one year.

[0330] In some embodiments of the fourth aspect of the present invention, the substrate layer comprises a fiberglass layer.

[0331] In some embodiments of the fourth aspect of the present invention, the substrate layer further comprises a silicone coating layer bonded to the fiberglass layer.

[0332] In some embodiments of the fourth aspect of the present invention, the silicone coating layer has a Shore A hardness in the range of 75-80.

[0333] In some embodiments of the fourth aspect of the present invention, the substrate layer has a thickness in the range of 110 μm to 170 μm.

[0334] In some embodiments of the fourth aspect of the invention, the solid silicone rubber layer has a thickness in the range of 20 μm to 120 μm.

[0335] In some embodiments of the fourth aspect of the present invention, the curable tape has a thickness in the range of 180 μm to 270 μm.

[0336] In some embodiments of the fourth aspect of the present invention, the ratio of the thickness of the thermosetting tape to the thickness of the endless belt is in the range of 0.15 to 11.15.

[0337] In some embodiments of the fourth aspect of the present invention, the length of the thermosetting tape is greater than the width of the flexible belt.

[0338] In some embodiments of the fourth aspect of the present invention, the length of the thermosetting tape is in the range of 1200 mm to 1300 mm.

[0339] In some embodiments of the fourth aspect of the present invention, the width of the thermosetting tape is in the range of 20 mm to 30 mm.

[0340] In some embodiments of the fourth aspect of the present invention, the ratio of the width of the tape to the length of the endless belt is in the range of 0.01 to 0.03.

[0341] In some embodiments of the fourth aspect of the invention, the strength of the thermoset tape, after it has cured, is directly proportional to the amount of heat applied to the solid silicone rubber layer during curing of the tape.

[0342] In some embodiments of the fourth aspect of the present invention, after heat curing of the solid silicone rubber layer of the tape onto the flexible belt, a 20 mm segment of the flexible belt including the tape is capable of withstanding a load of at least 200 N at room temperature.

[0343] In some embodiments of the fourth aspect of the present invention, after heat curing of the solid silicone rubber layer of the tape onto the flexible belt, a 20 mm segment of the flexible belt including the tape is capable of withstanding a load of at least 220 N at room temperature.

[0344] In some embodiments of the fourth aspect of the present invention, after heat curing of the solid silicone rubber layer of the tape onto the flexible belt, a 20 mm segment of the flexible belt including the tape is capable of withstanding a load of at least 250 N at room temperature.

[0345] In some embodiments of the fourth aspect of the present invention, after heat curing of the solid silicone rubber layer of the tape onto the flexible belt, a 20 mm segment of the flexible belt including the tape cannot withstand a load of more than 350 N at room temperature.

[0346] In some embodiments of the fourth aspect of the present invention, after heat curing of the solid silicone rubber layer of the tape onto the flexible belt, a 20 mm segment of the flexible belt including the tape cannot withstand a load of more than 380 N at room temperature.

[0347] In some embodiments of the fourth aspect of the present invention, after heat curing of the solid silicone rubber layer of the tape onto the flexible belt, a 20 mm segment of the flexible belt including the tape cannot withstand a load of more than 400 N at room temperature.

[0348] In some embodiments of the fourth aspect of the present invention, after heat curing of the solid silicone rubber layer of the tape onto the flexible belt, a 20 mm segment of the flexible belt including the tape is capable of withstanding a load in the range of 250N to 350N at room temperature.

[0349] In some embodiments of the fourth aspect of the present invention, after heat curing of the solid silicone rubber layer of the tape onto the flexible belt, a 20 mm segment of the flexible belt including the tape is capable of withstanding a load in the range of 220N to 380N at room temperature.

[0350] In some embodiments of the fourth aspect of the present invention, after heat curing of the solid silicone rubber layer of the tape onto the flexible belt, a 20 mm segment of the flexible belt including the tape is capable of withstanding a load in the range of 200N to 400N at room temperature.

[0351] It is understood that any of the embodiments of the fourth aspect of the present invention may be combined with each other unless they are inconsistent, and that any or all such combinations (i.e., including those not explicitly recited for the sake of brevity) are expressly contemplated herein as embodiments of the present invention.

[0352] According to one embodiment of the fifth aspect of the present invention, an intermediate transfer member (ITM) comprising an endless belt, the endless belt comprising a flexible elongate belt having first and second ends, the first and second ends being joined at a seam; a heater disposed beneath the intermediate transfer member and adapted to provide sufficient heat to attach a seam to the first and second ends; an imaging station where droplets of ink are applied to the exterior surface of an intermediate transfer member to form an ink image; a drying station for drying the ink image to leave an ink residue film; - A plate station where the residual film is transferred to a sheet or web substrate sheet There is further provided a printing system including:

[0353] In certain embodiments of the fifth aspect of the present invention, the seam comprises a heat-curable adhesive, and the heater is adapted to provide sufficient heat to heat-cure the heat-curable adhesive in the seam.

[0354] In some embodiments of the fifth aspect of the present invention, the heater includes a heating surface having a width that is greater than a width of the seam.

[0355] In some embodiments of the fifth aspect of the invention, the heater forms part of a belt support system of the printing system and is fitted with adjacent rollers adapted to guide the endless belt during operation of the printing system.

[0356] In some embodiments of the fifth aspect of the invention, the heater is designed to provide a greater heat density at the edges of the heating surface than at the centre of the heating surface.

[0357] In some embodiments of the fifth aspect of the invention, the heater comprises a plurality of heating elements, the heating elements being distributed unevenly across the heating surface such that a greater heat density is provided at the edges of the heating surface than at the centre of the heating surface.

[0358] In some embodiments of the fifth aspect of the present invention, the heating element is printed onto a ceramic plate.

[0359] In some embodiments of the fifth aspect of the present invention, the heating element is printed onto the filament.

[0360] In some embodiments of the fifth aspect of the present invention, the heating element is printed onto the mica flakes.

[0361] In some embodiments of the fifth aspect of the present invention, the heating element is printed onto a piece of silicon.

[0362] In some embodiments of the fifth aspect of the invention, the heater is adapted, during operation, to provide a first operating temperature at a centre of the heating surface and a second operating temperature at an edge of the heating surface.

[0363] In some embodiments of the fifth aspect of the present invention, the first operating temperature is in the range of 140C to 180C.

[0364] In some embodiments of the fifth aspect of the present invention, the second operating temperature is in the range of 180C to 220C.

[0365] In some embodiments of the fifth aspect of the invention, during operation of the heater, when the first and second ends of the flexible elongate belt are placed on the heated surface and the seam is placed on the first and second ends, the heater is adapted to provide the first and second operating temperatures for a period of up to one minute, thereby heat-setting the seam.

[0366] In some embodiments of the fifth aspect of the invention, during operation of the heater, when the first and second ends of the flexible elongate belt are placed on the heated surface and the seam is placed on the first and second ends, the heater is adapted to provide the first and second operating temperatures for a period of up to three minutes, thereby heat-setting the seam.

[0367] In some embodiments of the fifth aspect of the invention, during operation of the heater, when the first and second ends of the flexible elongate belt are placed on the heated surface and the seam is placed on the first and second ends, the heater is adapted to provide the first and second operating temperatures for a period of up to five minutes, thereby heat-setting the seam.

[0368] In some embodiments of the fifth aspect of the invention, during operation of the heater, when the first and second ends of the flexible elongate belt are placed on the heated surface and the seam is placed on the first and second ends, the heater is adapted to provide the first and second operating temperatures for a period of up to 10 minutes, thereby heat-setting the seam.

[0369] In some embodiments of the fifth aspect of the invention, during operation of the heater, when the first and second ends of the flexible elongate belt are placed on the heated surface and the seam is placed on the first and second ends, the heater is adapted to provide the first and second operating temperatures for a period of up to 15 minutes, thereby heat-setting the seam.

[0370] In some embodiments of the fifth aspect of the invention, during operation of the heater, when the first and second ends of the flexible elongate belt are placed on a heated surface and a seam is placed on the first and second ends, the heater is adapted to provide the first and second operating temperatures for a period of up to 20 minutes, thereby heat-setting the seam.

[0371] In certain embodiments of the fifth aspect of the invention, the heater is adapted to reach the first and second operating temperatures within a period of up to one minute.

[0372] In certain embodiments of the fifth aspect of the invention, the heater is adapted to reach the first and second operating temperatures within a period of up to three minutes.

[0373] In certain embodiments of the fifth aspect of the invention, the heater is adapted to reach the first and second operating temperatures within a period of up to five minutes.

[0374] In certain embodiments of the fifth aspect of the invention, the heater is adapted to reach the first and second operating temperatures within a period of up to 10 minutes.

[0375] In some embodiments of the fifth aspect of the invention, the heater is adapted, during operation, to provide a uniform temperature across the seam when the first and second ends of the flexible elongate belt are placed on a heated surface and the seam is placed on the first and second ends.

[0376] In some embodiments of the fifth aspect of the present invention, the uniform temperature is in the range of 130C to 180C.

[0377] In certain embodiments of the fifth aspect of the present invention, the heating surface is formed from a metal selected from the group consisting of aluminum, copper, and brass.

[0378] In some embodiments of the fifth aspect of the present invention, the heating surface has a thermal conductivity in the range of 2.35 W / cmK to 40 W / cmK.

[0379] In some embodiments of the fifth aspect of the present invention, the flexible belt has a length in the range of 1 to 20 meters.

[0380] In some embodiments of the fifth aspect of the present invention, the flexible belt has a length in the range of 5 to 20 meters.

[0381] In some embodiments of the fifth aspect of the present invention, the flexible belt has a length in the range of 5 to 15 meters.

[0382] In some embodiments of the fifth aspect of the present invention, the flexible belt has a length in the range of 5 to 12 meters.

[0383] In some embodiments of the fifth aspect of the present invention, the flexible belt has a length in the range of 7 to 12 meters.

[0384] In some embodiments of the fifth aspect of the present invention, the flexible belt has a width in the range of 0.1 to 2.0 meters.

[0385] In some embodiments of the fifth aspect of the present invention, the flexible belt has a width in the range of 0.3 to 2.0 meters.

[0386] In some embodiments of the fifth aspect of the present invention, the flexible belt has a width in the range of 0.5 to 2.0 meters.

[0387] In some embodiments of the fifth aspect of the present invention, the flexible belt has a width in the range of 0.75 to 2.0 meters.

[0388] In some embodiments of the fifth aspect of the present invention, the flexible belt has a width in the range of 0.75 to 1.5 meters.

[0389] In some embodiments of the fifth aspect of the present invention, the flexible belt has a width in the range of 0.75 to 1.25 meters.

[0390] In some embodiments of the fifth aspect of the present invention, the flexible belt has a thickness in the range of 50 to 3000 μm.

[0391] In some embodiments of the fifth aspect of the present invention, the flexible belt has a thickness in the range of 100 to 3000 μm.

[0392] In some embodiments of the fifth aspect of the present invention, the flexible belt has a thickness in the range of 200 to 3000 μm.

[0393] In some embodiments of the fifth aspect of the present invention, the flexible belt has a thickness in the range of 200 to 1500 μm.

[0394] In some embodiments of the fifth aspect of the present invention, the flexible belt has a thickness in the range of 300 to 1000 μm.

[0395] In some embodiments of the fifth aspect of the present invention, the flexible belt has a thickness in the range of 300 to 800 μm.

[0396] In some embodiments of the fifth aspect of the present invention, the flexible belt has a thickness in the range of 300 to 700 μm.

[0397] In some embodiments of the fifth aspect of the present invention, the flexible belt has a thickness in the range of 100 to 600 μm.

[0398] In some embodiments of the fifth aspect of the present invention, the intermediate transfer member is used for indirect inkjet printing in a printing system with an operating temperature in the range of 130° C. to 170° C. for a period of at least two weeks without seam failure.

[0399] In some embodiments of the fifth aspect of the present invention, the flexible elongate belt has a positioning arrangement removably attached to first and second ends, the positioning arrangement adapted to position the first and second ends of the flexible belt over a heater during thermal curing of the thermosetting adhesive.

[0400] In some embodiments of the fifth aspect of the present invention, the positioning arrangement includes at least one magnetic element and the heater includes at least one corresponding magnetic element adapted to magnetically attract the at least one magnetic element of the positioning arrangement during thermal curing of the thermosetting adhesive.

[0401] In some embodiments of the fifth aspect of the present invention, the at least one magnetic element comprises a magnetic metal strip removably attached to each of the first and second ends of the flexible elongate belt.

[0402] In some embodiments of the fifth aspect of the present invention, the at least one corresponding magnetic element comprises at least one samarium cobalt magnet.

[0403] In certain embodiments of the fifth aspect of the present invention, the positioning arrangement comprises a double-sided adhesive.

[0404] In some embodiments of the fifth aspect of the present invention, the positioning arrangement includes at least one fixing pin and the heater includes at least one corresponding fixing hole adapted to receive the at least one fixing pin during thermal curing of the thermosetting adhesive.

[0405] In some embodiments of the fifth aspect of the present invention, the positioning arrangement includes at least one elongated ridge and the heating surface includes at least one corresponding elongated groove adapted to receive and engage the at least one elongated ridge during thermal curing of the thermosetting adhesive.

[0406] In some embodiments of the fifth aspect of the present invention, the positioning arrangement comprises an electrostatic force generating arrangement.

[0407] In certain embodiments of the fifth aspect of the present invention, the positioning arrangement is formed of a non-insulating material. In certain embodiments of the fifth aspect of the present invention, the positioning arrangement has a thermal conductivity of at least 0.8 W / cmK.

[0408] In some embodiments of the fifth aspect of the invention, (i) the endless belt includes a plurality of lateral formations along at least a portion of each lateral edge, (ii) at least one of the lateral formations on each lateral edge at each one of the free ends of the flexible belt includes an fastening structure, and (iii) the at least two attachment mechanisms each engage at least two fastening structures associated with the laterally extending formations at each one of the opposing free ends of the lateral edges of the belt to attach the laterally extending formations associated with the at least two fastening structures to one another, thereby attaching the opposing free ends on each lateral edge of the flexible belt.

[0409] In some embodiments of the fifth aspect of the invention, the fastening structure includes a crimp pin hole extending through the laterally extending formation in a direction perpendicular to the surface of the belt, and each attachment mechanism includes a crimp pin having a diameter equal to or less than the diameter of the crimp pin hole and simultaneously engaging two crimp pin holes, one at each of the free ends of one of the lateral edges of the belt.

[0410] According to a further embodiment of the fifth aspect of the present invention there is also provided a method of forming an endless belt for a printing system according to the fifth aspect of the present invention, the method comprising the steps of: - routing a flexible elongated belt through a belt path of a printing system such that first and second ends of the flexible elongated belt are positioned adjacent to one another over a heater; - gluing a seam onto the first and second free ends of the flexible belt; and - using a heater to attach a seam to the first and second free ends of the flexible belt to join the first and second free ends, thereby converting the flexible belt into an endless belt. Includes.

[0411] According to another embodiment of the fifth aspect of the present invention there is also provided a method of forming an endless belt for a printing system of the fifth aspect of the present invention, the method comprising the steps of: - attaching positioning arrangements to first and second free ends of the flexible belt; - routing a flexible elongated belt through a belt path of a printing system such that first and second ends of the flexible elongated belt are positioned adjacent to one another over a heater; - positioning the first and second free ends in a fixed position relative to the heater using a positioning arrangement; - gluing a seam onto the first and second free ends of the flexible belt; and - using a heater to attach a seam to the first and second free ends of the flexible belt to join the first and second free ends, thereby converting the flexible belt into an endless belt. Includes.

[0412] In certain embodiments of the fifth aspect of the invention, the method further comprises removing the positioning arrangement from the flexible belt after attachment.

[0413] In some embodiments of the fifth aspect of the invention, the method further includes forming eyelets in each of the first and second free ends of the flexible belt prior to running the flexible belt through the belt path, and positioning the eyelets adjacent to one another to form a channel after running the flexible belt through the belt path, and applying the seam includes placing the seam in the channel.

[0414] In some embodiments of the fifth aspect of the present invention, forming the eye patch comprises forming the eye patch having a depth in the range of 140 μm to 250 μm.

[0415] In some embodiments of the fifth aspect of the invention, the attaching includes activating the heater to provide a greater heat density at the ends of the heater than at the center of the heater.

[0416] In some embodiments of the fifth aspect of the invention, the attaching includes activating the heater to provide a first operating temperature at a center of the heater and a second operating temperature at an end of the heater.

[0417] In some embodiments of the fifth aspect of the present invention, the first operating temperature is in the range of 140C to 180C.

[0418] In some embodiments of the fifth aspect of the present invention, the second operating temperature is in the range of 180C to 220C.

[0419] In some embodiments of the fifth aspect of the invention, the flexible belt includes a plurality of lateral formations along at least a portion of each lateral edge thereof, and at least one of the lateral formations on each lateral edge at each one of the free ends of the flexible belt includes an anchoring structure, and the method additionally includes coupling at least one attachment mechanism to the anchoring structure associated with each lateral formation of each of the first and second free ends, respectively, on each side of the belt, thereby attaching the first and second free ends of the belt to one another.

[0420] In some embodiments of the fifth aspect of the invention, each fastening structure includes a crimp pin hole extending through the side formation in a direction perpendicular to a surface of the belt, and each attachment mechanism includes a crimp pin including a pair of vertical members, and the coupling comprises: a. inserting two crimping pins, one for each side edge of the belt, through a respective pair of crimping pin holes into the final lateral formation of each of the respective first and second free ends of the belt, thereby holding the first and second free ends of the belt in close proximity to one another; and b. Crimping the ends of each vertical member on a crimping pin. Includes.

[0421] According to another embodiment of the fifth aspect of the present invention there is further provided a method of printing an image on a substrate in a printing system including a printing station and a plate station, the method comprising: - forming an endless belt in a printing system according to the method of the fifth aspect of the invention; - inkjet printing of an image onto the surface of an endless belt; - rotating the endless belt to move the image from the printing station to the plate station; and -Transferring an image from the surface of an endless belt onto a substrate Includes.

[0422] It is understood that any of the embodiments of the fifth aspect of the present invention may be combined with each other unless they are inconsistent, and that any or all such combinations (i.e., including those not explicitly recited for the sake of brevity) are expressly contemplated herein as embodiments of the present invention.

[0423] According to one embodiment of the sixth aspect of the present invention there is further provided a kit for installing an endless belt in a printing system, the kit comprising: a thermosetting tape comprising a substrate layer and a solid silicone rubber layer disposed thereon; -glue Including, a thermosetting tape adapted to be applied over the first and second free ends of the flexible belt and heated to heat set a solid silicone rubber layer of the tape to the first and second free ends of the flexible belt to form a seam joining the first and second free ends, thereby converting the flexible belt into an endless belt; The adhesive is adapted to fill and seal a gap between the thermosetting tape and at least a portion of the flexible belt when the thermosetting tape is cured.

[0424] In some embodiments of the sixth aspect of the present invention, when the thermosetting tape is applied onto the first and second free ends of the flexible belt, the adhesive is adapted to be applied on and around the exposed surface of the thermosetting tape.

[0425] In some embodiments of the sixth aspect of the invention, the adhesive comprises a two-part adhesive, the two parts being adapted to be mixed prior to its application to the thermosetting tape.

[0426] In some embodiments of the sixth aspect of the present invention, after heat curing of the solid silicone rubber layer, the tape has a tensile strength of at least 8 MPa.

[0427] In some embodiments of the sixth aspect of the present invention, after heat curing of the solid silicone rubber layer, the tape has a Shore A hardness of at least 45.

[0428] In some embodiments of the sixth aspect of the present invention, after heat curing of the solid silicone rubber layer, the thermoset tape has a Shore A hardness of 80 or less.

[0429] In some embodiments of the sixth aspect of the present invention, after heat curing of the solid silicone rubber layer, the tape has a Shore A hardness in the range of 45-80.

[0430] In some embodiments of the sixth aspect of the present invention, after thermal curing of the solid silicone rubber layer, the solid silicone rubber layer has a Shore A hardness in the range of 55-65.

[0431] In some embodiments of the sixth aspect of the present invention, after thermal curing of the solid silicone rubber layer of the thermoset tape, the following properties are true: The tape has a tensile strength of at least 8 MPa. The tape has a Shore A hardness of at least 45; and The strength of the thermosetting tape is directly proportional to the amount of heat applied to the solid silicone rubber layer during curing of the tape.

[0432] In some embodiments of the sixth aspect of the present invention, the solid silicone rubber comprises a thermosetting polymer.

[0433] In some embodiments of the sixth aspect of the present invention, the thermosetting polymer comprises a platinum catalyzed addition cure solid silicone rubber.

[0434] In some embodiments of the sixth aspect of the present invention, the solid silicone rubber has a density in the range of 1.1 to 1.2 g / cm^3.

[0435] In some embodiments of the sixth aspect of the present invention, the solid silicone rubber has a density of 1.15 g / cm^3.

[0436] In some embodiments of the sixth aspect of the present invention, the solid silicone gum has a shelf life of at least one month.

[0437] In some embodiments of the sixth aspect of the present invention, the solid silicone gum has a shelf life of at least six months.

[0438] In some embodiments of the sixth aspect of the present invention, the solid silicone gum has a shelf life of at least one year.

[0439] In some embodiments of the sixth aspect of the present invention, the pot life of the thermoset tape is equal to the shelf life of the solid silicone rubber.

[0440] In some embodiments of the sixth aspect of the present invention, the thermosetting tape has a pot life of at least one month.

[0441] In some embodiments of the sixth aspect of the present invention, the pot life of the thermosetting tape is at least six months.

[0442] In some embodiments of the sixth aspect of the present invention, the pot life of the thermosetting tape is at least one year.

[0443] In some embodiments of the sixth aspect of the present invention, the substrate layer comprises a fiberglass layer.

[0444] In some embodiments of the sixth aspect of the present invention, the substrate layer further comprises a silicone coating layer bonded to the fiberglass layer.

[0445] In some embodiments of the sixth aspect of the present invention, the silicone coating layer has a Shore A hardness in the range of 75-80.

[0446] In some embodiments of the sixth aspect of the present invention, the substrate layer has a thickness in the range of 110 μm to 170 μm.

[0447] In some embodiments of the sixth aspect of the present invention, the solid silicone rubber layer has a thickness in the range of 20 μm to 120 μm.

[0448] In some embodiments of the sixth aspect of the present invention, the ratio of the thickness of the solid silicone rubber layer to the thickness of the substrate layer is in the range of 0.10 to 0.75.

[0449] In some embodiments of the sixth aspect of the present invention, the curable tape has a thickness in the range of 180 μm to 270 μm.

[0450] In some embodiments of the sixth aspect of the present invention, the length of the thermosetting tape is in the range of 1200 mm to 1300 mm.

[0451] In some embodiments of the sixth aspect of the present invention, the width of the thermosetting tape is in the range of 20 mm to 30 mm.

[0452] In some embodiments of the sixth aspect of the present invention, the kit further includes a flexible belt having first and second free ends, the flexible belt configured to be guided along the printing system.

[0453] In some embodiments of the sixth aspect of the present invention, the flexible belt has a length in the range of 1 to 20 meters.

[0454] In some embodiments of the sixth aspect of the present invention, the flexible belt has a length in the range of 5 to 20 meters.

[0455] In some embodiments of the sixth aspect of the present invention, the flexible belt has a length in the range of 5 to 15 meters.

[0456] In some embodiments of the sixth aspect of the present invention, the flexible belt has a length in the range of 5 to 12 meters.

[0457] In some embodiments of the sixth aspect of the present invention, the flexible belt has a length in the range of 7 to 12 meters.

[0458] In some embodiments of the sixth aspect of the present invention, the flexible belt has a width in the range of 0.1 to 2.0 meters.

[0459] In some embodiments of the sixth aspect of the present invention, the flexible belt has a width in the range of 0.3 to 2.0 meters.

[0460] In some embodiments of the sixth aspect of the present invention, the flexible belt has a width in the range of 0.5 to 2.0 meters.

[0461] In some embodiments of the sixth aspect of the present invention, the flexible belt has a width in the range of 0.75 to 2.0 meters.

[0462] In some embodiments of the sixth aspect of the present invention, the flexible belt has a width in the range of 0.75 to 1.5 meters.

[0463] In some embodiments of the sixth aspect of the present invention, the flexible belt has a width in the range of 0.75 to 1.25 meters.

[0464] In some embodiments of the sixth aspect of the present invention, the flexible belt has a thickness in the range of 50 to 3000 μm.

[0465] In some embodiments of the sixth aspect of the present invention, the flexible belt has a thickness in the range of 100 to 3000 μm.

[0466] In some embodiments of the sixth aspect of the present invention, the flexible belt has a thickness in the range of 200 to 3000 μm.

[0467] In some embodiments of the sixth aspect of the present invention, the flexible belt has a thickness in the range of 200 to 1500 μm.

[0468] In some embodiments of the sixth aspect of the present invention, the flexible belt has a thickness in the range of 300 to 1000 μm.

[0469] In some embodiments of the sixth aspect of the present invention, the flexible belt has a thickness in the range of 300 to 800 μm.

[0470] In some embodiments of the sixth aspect of the present invention, the flexible belt has a thickness in the range of 300 to 700 μm.

[0471] In some embodiments of the sixth aspect of the present invention, the flexible belt has a thickness in the range of 100 to 600 μm.

[0472] In some embodiments of the sixth aspect of the present invention, the ratio of the tape thickness to the belt thickness is in the range of 0.15 to 11.15.

[0473] In some embodiments of the sixth aspect of the present invention, the length of the thermosetting tape is greater than the width of the flexible belt.

[0474] In some embodiments of the sixth aspect of the present invention, the ratio of the tape width to the belt length is in the range of 0.01 to 0.03.

[0475] In some embodiments of the sixth aspect of the present invention, the kit further comprises a heater adapted to be disposed under the thermosetting tape when the thermosetting tape is applied to the first and second ends of the flexible belt and adapted to provide sufficient heat to heat cure the solid silicone rubber of the thermosetting tape, thereby heat curing the thermosetting tape to form an endless belt.

[0476] In some embodiments of the sixth aspect of the present invention, the heater includes a heating surface having a width that is greater than the width of the tape to be heat set.

[0477] In some embodiments of the sixth aspect of the invention, the heater is designed to provide a greater heat density at the edges of the heating surface than at the centre of the heating surface.

[0478] In some embodiments of the sixth aspect of the invention, the heater comprises a plurality of heating elements, which are distributed unevenly across the heating surface such that a greater heat density is provided at the edges of the heating surface than at the centre of the heating surface.

[0479] In some embodiments of the sixth aspect of the present invention, the multiple heating elements are printed onto a ceramic plate.

[0480] In some embodiments of the sixth aspect of the present invention, multiple heating elements are printed onto the filament.

[0481] In some embodiments of the sixth aspect of the present invention, a plurality of heating elements are printed onto the mica flakes.

[0482] In some embodiments of the sixth aspect of the present invention, the multiple heating elements are printed onto a piece of silicon.

[0483] In some embodiments of the sixth aspect of the invention, the heater is adapted, during operation, to provide a first operating temperature at a centre of the heating surface and a second operating temperature at an edge of the heating surface.

[0484] In some embodiments of the sixth aspect of the present invention, the first operating temperature is in the range of 140C to 180C.

[0485] In some embodiments of the sixth aspect of the present invention, the second operating temperature is in the range of 180C to 220C.

[0486] In some embodiments of the sixth aspect of the present invention, the heater is adapted, during operation, to provide a uniform temperature across the thermosetting tape when the first and second ends of the flexible elongate belt are placed on the heating surface and the thermosetting tape is placed on the first and second ends.

[0487] In some embodiments of the sixth aspect of the present invention, the uniform temperature is in the range of 130C to 180C.

[0488] In some embodiments of the sixth aspect of the present invention, during operation of the heater, when the first and second ends of the flexible elongate belt are placed on a heating surface and the thermosetting tape is placed on the first and second ends, the heater is adapted to provide the first and second operating temperatures for a period of up to one minute, thereby thermally curing the solid silicone rubber of the thermosetting tape.

[0489] In some embodiments of the sixth aspect of the present invention, during operation of the heater, when the first and second ends of the flexible elongate belt are placed on a heating surface and the thermosetting tape is placed on the first and second ends, the heater is adapted to provide the first and second operating temperatures for a period of up to three minutes, thereby thermally curing the solid silicone rubber of the thermosetting tape.

[0490] In some embodiments of the sixth aspect of the present invention, during operation of the heater, when the first and second ends of the flexible elongate belt are placed on a heating surface and the thermosetting tape is placed on the first and second ends, the heater is adapted to provide the first and second operating temperatures for a period of up to five minutes, thereby thermally curing the solid silicone rubber of the thermosetting tape.

[0491] In some embodiments of the sixth aspect of the present invention, during operation of the heater, when the first and second ends of the flexible elongate belt are placed on a heating surface and the thermosetting tape is placed on the first and second ends, the heater is adapted to provide the first and second operating temperatures for a period of up to 10 minutes, thereby thermally curing the solid silicone rubber of the thermosetting tape.

[0492] In some embodiments of the sixth aspect of the present invention, during operation of the heater, when the first and second ends of the flexible elongate belt are placed on a heating surface and the thermosetting tape is placed on the first and second ends, the heater is adapted to provide the first and second operating temperatures for a period of up to 15 minutes, thereby thermally curing the solid silicone rubber of the thermosetting tape.

[0493] In some embodiments of the sixth aspect of the present invention, during operation of the heater, when the first and second ends of the flexible elongate belt are placed on a heating surface and the thermosetting tape is placed on the first and second ends, the heater is adapted to provide the first and second operating temperatures for a period of up to 20 minutes, thereby thermally curing the solid silicone rubber of the thermosetting tape.

[0494] In certain embodiments of the sixth aspect of the present invention, the heater is adapted to reach the first and second operating temperatures within a period of up to one minute.

[0495] In certain embodiments of the sixth aspect of the present invention, the heater is adapted to reach the first and second operating temperatures within a period of up to three minutes.

[0496] In certain embodiments of the sixth aspect of the present invention, the heater is adapted to reach the first and second operating temperatures within a period of up to five minutes.

[0497] In certain embodiments of the sixth aspect of the present invention, the heater is adapted to reach the first and second operating temperatures within a period of up to 10 minutes.

[0498] In some embodiments of the sixth aspect of the present invention, the heater is formed from a metal selected from the group consisting of aluminum, copper, and brass.

[0499] In some embodiments of the sixth aspect of the present invention, the heating surface has a thermal conductivity in the range of 2.35 W / cmK to 40 W / cmK.

[0500] In some embodiments of the sixth aspect of the present invention, the flexible elongate belt has a positioning arrangement removably attached to first and second ends, the positioning arrangement adapted to position the first and second ends of the belt over a heating surface of a heater during thermal curing of the thermosetting tape.

[0501] In some embodiments of the sixth aspect of the present invention, the positioning arrangement includes at least one magnetic element and the heater includes at least one corresponding magnetic element adapted to magnetically attract the at least one magnetic element of the positioning arrangement during thermal curing of the thermosetting tape.

[0502] In some embodiments of the sixth aspect of the present invention, the at least one magnetic element comprises a magnetic metal strip removably attached to each of the first and second ends of the flexible elongate belt.

[0503] In some embodiments of the sixth aspect of the present invention, the at least one corresponding magnetic element comprises at least one samarium cobalt magnet.

[0504] In certain embodiments of the sixth aspect of the present invention, the positioning arrangement comprises a double-sided adhesive.

[0505] In some embodiments of the sixth aspect of the present invention, the positioning arrangement includes at least one fixing pin and the heater includes at least one corresponding fixing hole adapted to receive the at least one fixing pin during thermal curing of the thermosetting tape.

[0506] In some embodiments of the sixth aspect of the present invention, the positioning arrangement includes at least one elongated ridge and the heating surface includes at least one corresponding elongated groove adapted to receive and engage the at least one elongated ridge during thermal curing of the thermosetting tape.

[0507] In some embodiments of the sixth aspect of the present invention, the positioning arrangement comprises an electrostatic force generating arrangement.

[0508] In some embodiments of the sixth aspect of the present invention, the positioning arrangement is formed of a non-insulating material.

[0509] In certain embodiments of the sixth aspect of the present invention, the positioning arrangement has a thermal conductivity of at least 0.8 W / cmK.

[0510] In some embodiments of the sixth aspect of the present invention, the flexible belt includes eyelets at each of the first and second ends, such that when the eyelets are positioned adjacent to one another a channel is formed, and the channel is sized and adapted to receive the thermosetting tape therein.

[0511] In some embodiments of the sixth aspect of the present invention, each small hole has a depth in the range of 140 μm to 250 μm.

[0512] In some embodiments of the sixth aspect of the present invention, the strength of the thermoset tape, after it has cured, is directly proportional to the amount of heat applied to the solid silicone rubber layer during curing of the tape.

[0513] In some embodiments of the sixth aspect of the present invention, after heat curing of the solid silicone rubber layer of the tape, a 20 mm segment of the endless belt comprising the heat cured tape is capable of withstanding a load of at least 200 N at room temperature.

[0514] In some embodiments of the sixth aspect of the present invention, after heat curing of the solid silicone rubber layer of the tape, a 20 mm segment of the endless belt comprising the heat cured tape is capable of withstanding a load of at least 220 N at room temperature.

[0515] In some embodiments of the sixth aspect of the present invention, after heat curing of the solid silicone rubber layer of the tape, a 20 mm segment of the endless belt comprising the heat cured tape is capable of withstanding a load of at least 250 N at room temperature.

[0516] In some embodiments of the sixth aspect of the present invention, after heat curing of the solid silicone rubber layer of the tape, a 20 mm segment of the endless belt comprising the heat cured tape cannot withstand a load of more than 350 N at room temperature.

[0517] In some embodiments of the sixth aspect of the present invention, after heat curing of the solid silicone rubber layer of the tape, a 20 mm segment of the endless belt comprising the heat cured tape cannot withstand a load of more than 380 N at room temperature.

[0518] In some embodiments of the sixth aspect of the present invention, after heat curing of the solid silicone rubber layer of the tape, a 20 mm segment of the endless belt comprising the heat cured tape cannot withstand a load of more than 400 N at room temperature.

[0519] In some embodiments of the sixth aspect of the present invention, after heat curing of the solid silicone rubber layer of the tape, a 20 mm segment of the endless belt comprising the heat cured tape is capable of withstanding a load in the range of 250N to 350N at room temperature.

[0520] In some embodiments of the sixth aspect of the present invention, after heat curing of the solid silicone rubber layer of the tape, a 20 mm segment of the endless belt comprising the heat cured tape is capable of withstanding a load in the range of 220 N to 380 N at room temperature.

[0521] In some embodiments of the sixth aspect of the present invention, after heat curing of the solid silicone rubber layer of the tape, a 20 mm segment of the endless belt comprising the heat cured tape is capable of withstanding a load in the range of 200N to 400N at room temperature.

[0522] In some embodiments of the sixth aspect of the invention, (i) the flexible belt includes a plurality of lateral formations along at least a portion of each lateral edge, and (ii) at least one of the lateral formations on each lateral edge at each one of the free ends of the flexible belt includes an anchoring structure adapted for attachment to an attachment mechanism, the attachment mechanism being adapted for attaching one of the lateral formations at the opposing free end of each lateral edge of the flexible belt.

[0523] In some embodiments of the sixth aspect of the invention, the kit additionally includes at least two attachment mechanisms, each adapted to engage at least two fastening structures at opposing free ends of each lateral edge of the belt and to attach laterally extending formations associated with the fastening structures engaged by the attachment mechanisms, thereby attaching the opposing free ends of each lateral edge of the flexible belt.

[0524] In some embodiments of the sixth aspect of the invention, each fastening structure includes a crimp pin hole extending in a direction perpendicular to the surface of the belt through a corresponding laterally extending formation, and each attachment mechanism includes a crimp pin having a diameter equal to or less than the diameter of the crimp pin hole and adapted to simultaneously engage two crimp pin holes, one at each of the opposing free ends of one of the lateral edges of the belt.

[0525] It is understood that any of the embodiments of the sixth aspect of the present invention may be combined with each other unless they are inconsistent, and that any or all such combinations (i.e., including those not explicitly recited for the sake of brevity) are expressly contemplated herein as embodiments of the present invention.

[0526] According to an embodiment of the seventh aspect of the present invention there is additionally provided a kit for installing an endless belt in a printing system, said kit comprising: - a flexible belt having first and second free ends configured to be guided along a printing system, the flexible belt including a plurality of lateral formations along at least a portion of each lateral edge thereof; a flexible belt, at least one of the lateral formations on each lateral edge at each one of the free ends of the flexible belt including an anchoring structure adapted for attachment to an attachment mechanism; at least two attachment mechanisms each adapted to engage at least two fastening structures at opposing free ends of each lateral edge of the belt and to attach laterally extending formations associated with the fastening structures engaged by the attachment mechanisms, thereby attaching the opposing free ends of each lateral edge of the flexible belt; Includes.

[0527] In some embodiments of the seventh aspect of the invention, each fastening structure includes a crimp pin hole extending through a corresponding lateral formation in a direction perpendicular to the surface of the belt, and each attachment mechanism includes a crimp pin having a diameter equal to or less than the diameter of the crimp pin hole and adapted to simultaneously engage two crimp pin holes, one at each of the opposing free ends of one of the lateral edges of the belt.

[0528] In some embodiments of the seventh aspect of the present invention, the flexible belt has a length in the range of 1 to 20 meters.

[0529] In some embodiments of the seventh aspect of the present invention, the flexible belt has a length in the range of 5 to 20 meters.

[0530] In some embodiments of the seventh aspect of the present invention, the flexible belt has a length in the range of 5 to 15 meters.

[0531] In some embodiments of the seventh aspect of the present invention, the flexible belt has a length in the range of 5 to 12 meters.

[0532] In some embodiments of the seventh aspect of the present invention, the flexible belt has a length in the range of 7 to 12 meters.

[0533] In some embodiments of the seventh aspect of the present invention, the flexible belt has a width in the range of 0.1 to 2.0 meters.

[0534] In some embodiments of the seventh aspect of the present invention, the flexible belt has a width in the range of 0.3 to 2.0 meters.

[0535] In some embodiments of the seventh aspect of the present invention, the flexible belt has a width in the range of 0.5 to 2.0 meters.

[0536] In some embodiments of the seventh aspect of the present invention, the flexible belt has a width in the range of 0.75 to 2.0 meters.

[0537] In some embodiments of the seventh aspect of the present invention, the flexible belt has a width in the range of 0.75 to 1.5 meters.

[0538] In some embodiments of the seventh aspect of the present invention, the flexible belt has a width in the range of 0.75 to 1.25 meters.

[0539] In some embodiments of the seventh aspect of the present invention, the flexible belt has a thickness in the range of 50 to 3000 μm.

[0540] In some embodiments of the seventh aspect of the present invention, the flexible belt has a thickness in the range of 100 to 3000 μm.

[0541] In some embodiments of the seventh aspect of the present invention, the flexible belt has a thickness in the range of 200 to 3000 μm.

[0542] In some embodiments of the seventh aspect of the present invention, the flexible belt has a thickness in the range of 200 to 1500 μm.

[0543] In some embodiments of the seventh aspect of the present invention, the flexible belt has a thickness in the range of 300 to 1000 μm.

[0544] In some embodiments of the seventh aspect of the present invention, the flexible belt has a thickness in the range of 300 to 800 μm.

[0545] In some embodiments of the seventh aspect of the present invention, the flexible belt has a thickness in the range of 300 to 700 μm.

[0546] In some embodiments of the seventh aspect of the present invention, the flexible belt has a thickness in the range of 100 to 600 μm.

[0547] Some embodiments of the present invention are described herein with reference to the accompanying drawings. The description, together with the drawings, will make apparent to those skilled in the art how some embodiments of the present invention can be implemented. The drawings are for illustrative purposes and are not intended to show actual details of the embodiments in more detail than is necessary for a fundamental understanding of the present invention. For clarity, some objects shown in the drawings are not drawn to scale. In the drawings, [Brief description of the drawings]

[0548] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic diagram of a printing system. [Diagram 2] 2 is a schematic, cross-sectional view of a thermosetting tape that can be used to join first and second ends of an elongated belt to form an endless belt of an intermediate transfer member, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 3] 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view of first and second ends of an elongated belt and a thermosetting tape positioned for curing the thermosetting tape; FIG. [Figure 4] 1 shows the leading edge of an elongated belt that is run through a printing system to form an endless belt of intermediate transfer member. [Diagram 5]1 is a perspective view of one end of a support system for an intermediate transfer member of a printing system, the support system including a heater for heat setting a seam of the intermediate transfer member in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a schematic top plan view of one embodiment of a heater forming part of the support system of FIG. 5, the heater being used to cure a seam of an endless belt of a printing system. [Figure 7] 7 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the heater of FIG. 6 during its operation to cure the seam of FIGS. 2 and 3. FIG. [Figure 8A] 1 is a schematic plan view of two ends of an intermediate transfer member having side features, along with detailed views of some of the side features, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 8B] 4 is a schematic elevational view of a crimp pin for stiffening respective locations of an edge of an intermediate transfer member in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 8C] 8B is a schematic top view of several lateral formations of FIG. 8A secured with the crimp pins of FIG. 8B in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 9] 1A-1D illustrate respective flow diagrams of methods for positioning an intermediate transfer member in accordance with embodiments of the present invention. [Figure 10] 1A-1C illustrate respective flow diagrams of methods for positioning an intermediate transfer member in accordance with embodiments of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0549] The present invention relates in some embodiments to a thermosetting tape for joining ends of an elongated belt to form an endless belt for use as an intermediate transfer member suitable for use with indirect printing systems.

[0550] The present invention, in some embodiments, relates to a kit for forming an intermediate transfer member for installation in a printing system, the kit including an elongated belt and a thermosetting tape.

[0551] The present invention, in some embodiments, relates to a printing system that includes an elongated belt and an intermediate transfer member formed from a thermoset tape.

[0552] The present invention, in some embodiments, relates to a kit for installing an intermediate transfer member in a printing system, the kit including a thermosetting tape and an adhesive.

[0553] The present invention, in some embodiments, relates to a method for forming an intermediate transfer member for installation in a printing system, the intermediate transfer member including an elongated belt and a thermoset tape joining ends of the elongated belt at a seam.

[0554] The present invention relates in some embodiments to a heater for heat curing a thermosetting tape onto a free end of an elongated belt to form an intermediate transfer member of a printing system, as well as a printing system including such a heater and methods for its use, and methods of using such a heater.

[0555] SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE The present invention, in some embodiments, relates to a kit for installing an endless belt in a printing system, the kit including an elongated belt and an attachment mechanism.

[0556] The present invention is intended to solve problems that arise when using prior art methods of joining the free ends of flexible elongate belts.

[0557] In many currently used methods, the free ends of the flexible elongated belts are joined together by a seam element that is condensation cured. In other words, the seam element that is applied to the ends of the belts contains a polymer that cures or polymerizes in a moist environment, thereby joining the ends of the belts to form an endless belt. Due to the sensitivity of the seam element to humidity, and the humidity always present in the air, the seam element can only be used within 15 minutes of exposure of the polymer to the environment. Additionally, after condensation curing of the polymer in the seam element, it is necessary to wait at least one hour for the seam to have its initial strength, and 24 hours are required for the seam to reach its full strength. Therefore, the installation of the intermediate transfer member interrupts the operation of the system for at least one hour, and in some cases as long as 24 hours.

[0558] There are some factory-formed tapes that can be used as seaming elements that do not require the user to apply a liquid polymer to a substrate. Such tapes are thermosetting, but typically contain epoxies that are not suitable for use with silicone belts, such as the belts from which ITMs are typically formed. Other prior art tapes contain pressure-sensitive adhesives, in which the cure temperature of the silicone or polymer contained in the tape is not fixed, but rather depends on the pressure conditions under which the thermal cure occurs.

[0559] The present invention overcomes the deficiencies of the prior art by providing a thermosetting adhesive tape that is not sensitive to environmental humidity or pressure during cure and has a long shelf life and pot life. ITMs having ends bonded with the tape of the present invention are strong enough to operate at normal press speeds for at least two weeks without failure.

[0560] The principles, uses and implementations of the teachings herein may be better understood with reference to the accompanying description and drawings. Upon consideration of the description and drawings herein, one skilled in the art will be able to implement the invention without undue effort or experimentation. In the drawings, like reference numerals refer to like parts throughout.

[0561] Before describing at least one embodiment in detail, it should be understood that the invention does not necessarily limit its application to the details of construction and arrangement of the components and / or methods described herein. The invention is capable of other embodiments or of being practiced or carried out in various ways. The phraseology and terminology employed herein is for convenience and should not be regarded as limiting.

[0562] Additional objects, features and advantages of the present invention are set forth in the detailed description which follows, and in part will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art from the description, or will be learned by practicing the invention as illustrated in the written description and claims herein, as well as the accompanying drawings. Various features and subcombinations of the embodiments of the present invention may be employed without reference to other features and subcombinations.

[0563] Both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description, including materials, methods and examples, are, of course, exemplary of the invention and are intended to provide an overview or framework for understanding the nature and characteristics of the invention as claimed, and are not intended to be necessarily limiting.

[0564] In the context of the description and claims herein, the terms "seam," "belt seam," and "blanket seam" are used interchangeably and may refer to a material or substance used to join first and second free ends of an elongated belt to one another, thereby forming a continuous loop or endless belt that can be used as an ITM.

[0565] In the context of the description and claims herein, the terms "blanket" and "belt" are used interchangeably to refer to a surface suitable for use as a printing surface in a printing system, such as for use as an ITM. The blanket may be an "endless blanket" formed by joining first and second ends of an elongated blanket to form a continuous loop.

[0566] In the context of the present description and claims, the term "tape" refers to an extension of material or substance that can be used to bond two elements together.

[0567] In the context of the present description and claims, the term "thermosetting" refers to a substance or material that substantially sets or cures or polymerizes at elevated temperatures, which temperatures are significantly higher than ambient temperature. The cure is substantially independent of heat or humidity conditions in the environment at the time of cure. Reference is now made to Figure 1, which is a schematic diagram of a printing system 10 implementing an indirect printing process.

[0568] System 10 includes an intermediate transfer member (ITM) 210 that includes an endless flexible belt mounted over a number of guide rollers 232 , 240 , 250 , 251 , 253 , and 242 .

[0569] As used herein, an ITM may be referred to as an elongated belt having ends joined by a seam, an endless belt, or a continuous loop belt.

[0570] In some embodiments, the belt of ITM 210 has a length up to 20 meters, and typically in the range of 5 to 20, 5 to 15, 5 to 12, or 7 to 12 meters. In some embodiments, the belt of ITM 210 has a width up to 2.0 meters, and typically in the range of 0.3 to 2.0, 0.75 to 2.0, 0.75 to 1.5, or 0.75 to 1.25 meters.

[0571] In some embodiments, the ITM 210 belt has a thickness up to 3000 μm, and typically in the range of 200-3000, 200-1500, 300-1000, 300-800, 300-700, 100-3000, 50-3000, or 100-600 μm.

[0572] 1, the ITM 210 (i.e., its belt) moves in a clockwise direction. The direction of belt movement defines the upstream and downstream directions. Rollers 242, 240 are disposed upstream and downstream, respectively, of the imaging station 212 - thus, roller 242 may be referred to as the "upstream roller," while roller 240 may be referred to as the "downstream roller."

[0573] The system of FIG. 1 further includes: (a) An image forming station 212 (e.g., including print bars 222A-222D, each print bar including an inkjet head(s)) configured to form an ink image (not shown) on the surface of the ITM 210 (e.g., by droplet deposition onto a dry treatment film). (b) A drying station 214 for drying the ink image. (c) a plate station 216 where the ink image is transferred from the surface of the ITM 210 to a sheet or web substrate. In the specific, non-limiting example of FIG. 1 , the plate station 216 includes a plate cylinder 220 and a blanket cylinder 218 that carries a compressible blanket or belt 219. In some embodiments, a heater 231 may be provided just prior to the nip between the two cylinders 218 and 220 of the image transfer station to help make the ink film tacky, thereby facilitating transfer to a substrate (e.g., a sheet or web substrate). The substrate feed is shown diagrammatically. (d) A cleaning station 258 where the surface of the ITM 210 is cleaned. (e) A treatment station 260 (eg, shown diagrammatically as a block in FIG. 1) where a layer (eg, of uniform thickness) of a liquid treatment formulation (eg, an aqueous treatment formulation) on the ITM surface can be formed.

[0574] Those skilled in the art will appreciate that not all components shown in FIG. 1 are required.

[0575] Exemplary descriptions of printing systems are disclosed in Applicant's PCT Publication Nos. WO2013 / 132418 and WO2017 / 208152, which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0576] The primary purpose of the belt is to receive the ink image from the inkjet heads and transfer that image, dried but undisturbed, to a substrate at plate station 216. Although not shown in the drawings, the belt forming the ITM may have multiple layers to impart desired properties to the transfer member. Specifically, the belt may include a release layer, which is an outer layer that receives the ink image and has suitable release properties.

[0577] Non-limiting examples of release layers and intermediate transfer members are disclosed in Applicant's PCT Publication Nos. WO2013 / 132432, WO2013 / 132438, and WO2017 / 208144, all of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0578] In some printing systems, the intermediate transfer member may optionally be treated at a treatment station 260 to further enhance interaction of the compliant ink with the ITM, or to further facilitate release of the dried ink image to the substrate, or to provide a desired printing effect.

[0579] Exemplary descriptions of treatment fluids are disclosed in Applicant's PCT Publication No. WO2017 / 208246, which is incorporated herein by reference.

[0580] Although not shown in the drawings, the substrate may be a continuous web, in which case the input and output stacks are replaced by feed and unwind rollers, and the substrate transport system would need to be adapted accordingly, for example by using guide rollers and web take-up dancers to properly align it with the plate station.

[0581] In the non-limiting example of Figure 1, the printing system cannot achieve duplex printing, but it is possible to invert the substrate sheets and pass them through the same nip a second time to provide a duplex system. As a further alternative, the printing system may include a second plate station for transferring the ink image to the opposite side of the substrate.

[0582] In an embodiment of the invention, belt 210 is spliced ​​such that the means used to secure the free ends to one another form a discontinuity in the transfer member. Specifically, as described in more detail below, the ITM is formed from an initially flat elongated flexible belt (prior to its installation in the printing system) having first and second free ends, and when installed in the printing system, the free ends are permanently secured to one another using a seam to form a continuous loop (e.g., an endless belt), as described in more detail below with respect to Figures 2 and 3.

[0583] To ensure smooth movement and avoid sudden changes in belt tension as the seam passes over the guide rollers (FIG. 1), it is desirable to have the area of ​​the endless belt including the seam be as nearly the same thickness as the rest of the belt as possible. FIG. 3 illustrates a flexible belt and thermosetting tape arrangement useful for ensuring that the difference in belt thickness is less than 200 μm or in the range of 0-200 μm over its entire length, including the seam area, as described in more detail below. Preferably, the belt thickness is substantially uniform over the entire belt, even in the area including the seam.

[0584] It is also desirable to avoid discontinuities in chemical and / or mechanical properties at the seam of the belt. Preferably, no ink image or portion thereof is located on the seam, but only approximately feasible for such discontinuities on areas of the belt having substantially uniform properties / characteristics. Desirably, the seam passes through the printing station when the printing roller is not engaged with the corresponding pressure roller.

[0585] Reference is now made to FIG. 2, which is a schematic, cross-sectional view of a thermosetting tape 600 that can be used as a splice to join first and second free ends of an elongated belt to form an endless belt loop of the intermediate transfer member 210 of FIG. 1, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.

[0586] As can be seen in FIG. 2, the thermoset tape 600 includes a substrate layer 602 and a solid silicone rubber layer 604 disposed on the substrate layer 602 .

[0587] In some embodiments, substrate layer 602 includes a fiberglass layer. In some embodiments, substrate layer further includes a silicone coating layer 603 bonded to the fiberglass layer, where silicone coating layer 603 may have a Shore A hardness in the range of 75 to 80. In some embodiments, substrate layer 602 has a thickness in the range of 110 μm to 170 μm.

[0588] For example, the substrate layer 602 may be 7101 Black tape, available from Taconic® of Petersburgh, NY, which includes a black silicone coated fiberglass layer having a total thickness of 160 μm, although any other suitable substrate layer may be used.

[0589] The solid silicone rubber layer 604 is bonded to the substrate layer 602 by any suitable means, which may include an adhesive layer. In embodiments in which the substrate layer 602 includes a silicone coating layer 603, the solid silicone rubber layer 604 is bonded to a surface of the substrate layer 602 distal from the silicone coating layer 603.

[0590] In some embodiments, the solid silicone rubber layer 604 comprises a thermosetting polymer selected from the group of platinum catalyzed addition cured solid silicone thermoset rubbers. In some embodiments, the solid silicone rubber of the solid silicone rubber layer 604 has a density in the range of 1.1-1.2 g / cm^3, or in some embodiments, a density of 1.15 g / cm^3. In some embodiments, the solid silicone rubber layer 604 has a thickness in the range of 20 μm-120 μm. In some embodiments, the solid silicone rubber layer 604 has a Shore A hardness in the range of 55-65.

[0591] In some embodiments, the solid silicone rubber of solid silicone rubber layer 604 has a shelf life of at least 1 month, at least 6 months, or at least 1 year.

[0592] In some embodiments, the solid silicone rubber layer 604 may additionally or alternatively be characterized in that the greater the amount of heat applied to it, the stronger the thermoset tape 600 will be when cured.

[0593] For example, the solid silicone rubber layer 604 may be formed from Elastosil® R Plus 4066 / 60, commercially available from Wacker Chemie of Munich, Germany, which has been flattened to have an appropriate thickness, however, any other suitable solid silicone rubber layer or addition cured polymer may be used.

[0594] An exemplary method for flattening the solid silicone rubber to form the solid silicone rubber layer 604 and for bonding the solid silicone rubber layer 604 to the substrate layer 602 to form the thermoset tape 600 is described below with respect to Example 1.

[0595] In some embodiments, the thermosetting tape 600 has a thickness in the range of 180 μm to 270 μm, indicated by "T" in Figure 2. In some embodiments, the ratio of the thickness of the solid silicone rubber layer 604 to the thickness of the substrate layer 602 is in the range of 0.10 to 0.75.

[0596] In some embodiments, the length of the thermoset tape 600 is greater than the width of the flexible belt used to form the ITM 210 (FIG. 1).

[0597] In some embodiments, the length of the thermosetting tape 600 ranges from 1200 mm to 1300 mm, as indicated by "L" in FIG.

[0598] In some embodiments, the width of the thermosetting tape 600 ranges from 20 mm to 30 mm, as indicated by "W" in FIG.

[0599] In some embodiments, the ratio of the width of the thermosetting tape 600 to the length of the flexible belt used to form the ITM 210 (FIG. 1) is between 0.01 and 0.03.

[0600] In some embodiments, the pot life of the thermosetting tape 600 is equal to the shelf life of the solid silicone rubber of layer 604. In the context of this application, the term "pot life" of an object relates to the period during which the object can be used and is not harmed or altered by the environment under normal storage conditions. In this application, the pot life of the thermosetting tape 600 relates to the time the tape can be used without the solid silicone rubber layer 604 becoming non-tacky or "self-curing" in the environment. In some embodiments, the pot life of the thermosetting tape 600 is at least one month, at least six months, or at least one year. In some embodiments, this pot life of the thermosetting tape 600 is maintained when the tape is stored in an environment having a humidity in the range of 10% to 70%.

[0601] As described below, a thermoset tape 600 is designed to affix the free end of a flexible belt to form an endless belt. A solid silicone rubber layer 604 is heat set onto the free end of the belt, thereby forming a seam joining the belt's free ends 610 and 612 (FIG. 3) and converting the flexible belt into an endless belt that can be used as an ITM 210 (FIG. 1).

[0602] In some embodiments, the tape 600 is characterized in that after heat curing of the solid silicone rubber layer 604, the tape has a tensile strength of at least 8 MPa.

[0603] In some embodiments, after heat curing of solid silicone rubber layer 604, tape 600 has a Shore A hardness of at least 45. In some embodiments, after heat curing of solid silicone rubber layer 604, tape 600 has a Shore A hardness of up to 80. After heat curing of solid silicone rubber layer 604, tape 600 has a Shore A hardness in the range of 45-80.

[0604] As shown in the Examples section below, the thermosetting tape 600 is further characterized in that after heat curing of the solid silicone rubber layer 604 onto a flexible belt, a 20 mm segment of the tape 600 is capable of withstanding a load of at least 200N, at least 220N, or at least 250N at room temperature. Under the same conditions, a 20 mm segment of the tape 600 cannot withstand a load of more than 350N, more than 380N, or more than 400N at room temperature. Thus, after heat curing of the solid silicone rubber layer 604 onto a flexible belt, a 20 mm segment of the tape 600 is capable of withstanding a load in the range of 250N to 350N, 220N to 380N, or 200N to 400N at room temperature.

[0605] In some embodiments, due to the properties of the solid silicone rubber layer 604, the greater the amount of heat applied to the tape 600 to cure the solid silicone rubber layer 604, the stronger the thermosetting tape 600 will be when cured.

[0606] Referring now to FIG. 3, there is shown a schematic cross-sectional view of first and second ends 610 and 612 of an elongated belt used to form ITM 210, as well as a thermosetting tape 600 placed over the free end of the belt to cure the tape.

[0607] In the prior art method, when the free ends of the belt are joined, they are placed adjacent to each other and a seam can be placed over the two ends of the flexible belt to join the two ends. However, this method results in the area of ​​the belt where the seam is applied having an increased thickness compared to the thickness of the rest of the belt, which can create a sudden change in tension as this thicker area passes over the guide rollers (FIG. 1) or through the plate station 216 (FIG. 1).

[0608] In accordance with the present invention, application of the seam does not increase the thickness of the ITM in the area of ​​the seam, as illustrated in Figure 3. In this embodiment, free ends 610 and 612 of an elongated flexible belt 614 to be formed into ITM 210 (Figure 1) are skived to form eyelet seams 618 for receiving thermosetting tape 600. As seen in Figure 3, tape 600 has a width W, and eyelet seams 618 are each half the width of tape 600, having a width W / 2, such that when free ends 610 and 612 are adjacent to one another, eyelet seams 618 form a channel wide enough to accommodate tape 600.

[0609] The tape 600 is placed in the channel formed from the eyelet 618 with the solid silicone rubber layer 604 facing free ends 610 and 612 and the substrate layer 602 substantially flush with the top surface of the belt 614. In some embodiments where the substrate layer 602 includes a silicone coating layer 603, the silicone coating layer is flush with the top surface of the belt 614. In some embodiments, an adhesive layer is applied over the eyelet 618 and the tape 600 is applied over the adhesive layer.

[0610] In some embodiments, tape 600 is applied over eyelet splice 618 and an adhesive layer is applied over and around the peripheral edge of tape 600, thereby sealing any portion of eyelet splice 618 that is not filled by tape 600. In some embodiments, no adhesive is applied to the release layer of belt 614. For example, the adhesive layer may include 3730 A&B adhesive, commercially available from Dow Corning of Midland, Michigan, USA.

[0611] In some embodiments, the depth of the eyelet seams is no more than half the thickness of belt 614. In some embodiments, the depth of the eyelet seams is at least 25 μm or at least 50 μm greater than the thickness of thermosetting tape 600, thereby accommodating tape 600 and the adhesive layer while maintaining the surface of tape 600 substantially flush with the top surface of belt 614. In embodiments where an adhesive layer is not included, the depth of eyelet seams 618 can be substantially equal to the thickness of tape 600. In some embodiments, each eyelet seam 618 has a depth in the range of 140 μm to 250 μm.

[0612] 9, the tape 600 is heat set onto first and second ends 610 and 612 of the belt 614. In the context of this disclosure and claims, the area of ​​or including the tape 600 is defined as 200 mm to 250 mm of the belt including the tape 600.

[0613] In some embodiments, the flexibility of the belt and tape or an area of ​​the belt surrounding the tape may be measured by forming a loop from a rectangular piece of the area whose flexibility is being measured. The height of the loop is then measured, indicating the flexibility of the material such that the lower the measured loop height, the more flexible it is.

[0614] To test the flexibility of a region of the belt including the belt 614 and tape 600 according to the disclosure herein, the above test was applied to a rectangular piece of the belt and / or tape region of the belt having a width of 15 mm and a length of 150 mm.

[0615] In some embodiments, in the area of ​​or surrounding the tape 600, the loop height measuring the flexibility of the belt 614 is 2.2 cm, while in other areas of the tape not including the seam, the loop height measuring the flexibility of the tape is 2.0 cm. In some embodiments, the ratio of the flexibility of the belt in the area including the tape 600 to the flexibility of the tape in the area not including the tape 600 is 0.9, as indicated by the ratio of the loop heights measured for these areas.

[0616] One method of measuring the stretchiness of the belt and / or tape is described below in connection with Example 4. The stretchiness is measured as described herein in connection with Example 4 for strips having lengths ranging from 100 mm to 200 mm and widths of 20 mm, and in some embodiments, in the area of ​​tape 600 or surrounding the tape, the stretchiness of the belt 614 ranges from 27 N / mm to 41 N / mm, while in other areas of the tape not including seams, the stretchiness of the tape is between 24 N / mm and 37 N / mm. In some embodiments, the ratio of the stretchiness of the belt in the area including tape 600 to the stretchiness of the tape in the area not including tape is between 0.85 and 0.90.

[0617] In some embodiments, the difference in thickness of the belt 614, including throughout the length of the belt and the area of ​​the belt that includes the tape 600, is at most 200 μm.

[0618] Referring now to FIG. 4, there is shown a leader 630 of flexible elongate belt 614 and side formations 632 formed on the sides of belt 614, which are used to run belt 614 through a printing system, such as printing system 10 (FIG. 1), to form an endless belt of an intermediate transfer member, such as ITM 210 (FIG. 1).

[0619] As can be seen in FIG. 4, both the belt 614 and the leader 630 include side formations 632 formed on the longitudinal ends of the belt and leader.

[0620] The side formations 632 may be spaced projections, such as half teeth of a fastener, sewn or otherwise attached to each side edge of the belt 614 and leader 630, as shown in the embodiment of Figure 4. Such side formations need not be regularly spaced.

[0621] Alternatively, the formations can be continuous flexible bead of greater thickness than the belt 614. The side formations 632 can be attached directly to the edges of the belt 614 or through intermediate strips that can optionally provide suitable elasticity to engage formations in the side channels of the guide tracks, described and illustrated below with reference to FIG. 5, while keeping the belt 614 flat, specifically at the image forming station 212 (FIG. 1) of the printing system.

[0622] The lateral formations 632 may be made from any material capable of sustaining the operating conditions of the printing system, including the rapid movement of the ITM. Suitable materials can withstand high temperatures in the range of approximately 50° C. to 250° C. Advantageously, such materials are also abrasion resistant and will not succumb to the size and / or amount of debris that may adversely affect the movement of the belt during its operational life. For example, the lateral formations 632 may be made from polyamide reinforced with molybdenum disulfide.

[0623] Further details regarding exemplary belt side formations according to the present invention are disclosed in PCT Publication Nos. WO2013 / 136220 and WO2013 / 132418. Such side formations and corresponding guide channels (see FIG. 5) are typically not required when the intermediate transfer member is mounted on a rigid support.

[0624] The leader 630 of the flexible belt 614 is advantageously formed to facilitate guiding the belt over rollers through side channels of the guide track during installation, for example, as described below with reference to Figures 5 and 8.

[0625] As illustrated in Figure 4, the leader 630 is formed on one of the ends 610 and 612 of the elongated belt that forms the leading edge ITM 210 (Figure 1) when threading the belt through the belt path of the printing system. The leaders 630 are made of a flexible material so that they can follow the belt path of the printing system, but may be made of a material that is stiffer than that of the belt 614 so that they are less prone to sagging. The leader 630 includes a V-shaped cutout 634 formed in a leading edge of the leader 630 that helps prevent sagging of the belt while it is being threaded through the belt path of the printing system.

[0626] The leader 630 may be separable from one of the ends 610 and 612 of the belt 614 that forms a tip during donning of the belt. In some embodiments, the leader 630 is detachably coupled to one of the ends 610 and 612 by a suitable link or snap that facilitates easy removal of the leader from the tip of the belt once the belt is donned through the belt path. In some embodiments, when coupled to the belt 614, the leader 630 is located within or on one of the eyelets 618 to protect the eyelets 618 from damage that may be caused by donning of the belt. In other embodiments, the leader 630 is coupled to one of the ends 610 and 612 adjacent the eyelets 618. In some such embodiments, the leader 630 may include a corresponding eyelet and may be separable from one of the ends 610 and 612 along a separation line, which is typically angled.

[0627] As described in more detail below, once the flexible elongate belt 614 is pulled through the belt path of the printing system and the leader 630 comes toward the end of the belt support system (FIG. 5), the leader 630 is removed and the opposing ends of the belt 614 are joined to one another by a seam, which may extend along an inclined line 636 as shown in FIG. 4.

[0628] Further details regarding readers according to the present invention are disclosed in PCT Publication No. WO2016 / 166690, which is incorporated herein by reference.

[0629] Reference is now made to FIG. 5, which is a perspective view of one end of an intermediate transfer member belt support system 100 of a printing system.

[0630] The belt support system 100 further includes a continuous lateral track defining a guide channel 642 that can engage the lateral formations 632 on the lateral edges of the belt to maintain the belt taut across its width during installation and use, as illustrated in Figure 4. The guide channel 642 can have any cross-section suitable for receiving and holding the belt lateral formations 632 and maintaining the belt taut.

[0631] Further details regarding exemplary belt side formations and guide channels suitable for receiving such side formations are disclosed in PCT Publication Nos. WO2013 / 136220 and WO2013 / 132418, which are incorporated herein by reference. Such side formations and corresponding guide channels are typically not required when the intermediate transfer member is mounted on a rigid support.

[0632] The initial guidance of the belt in place may be accomplished, for example, by fastening a leader 630 (FIG. 4) attached to one of the ends 610 and 612 (FIG. 3) of the belt to a chain that can be moved manually or automatically to load and install the belt through the belt path. For example, the end of the leader 630 of the belt 614 (FIG. 4) may be removably attached to a cable present within each guide channel 642. Advancement of the cable(s) advances the belt along the portion of the belt path defined by the guide channels. As discussed above in connection with FIG. 4, the leader 630 of the belt 614 in the area that will ultimately form the seam may have less flexibility than in areas other than the seam. This localized "stiffness" may facilitate the insertion of the side formations 632 of the belt 614 into their respective channels.

[0633] Further details regarding exemplary methods for mounting the belt side formations within the guide channels are disclosed in PCT Publication No. WO2016 / 166690.

[0634] The belt support system 100 further includes a heater for heat setting the seam of the intermediate transfer member, according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0635] In some embodiments, a heater 650, as described below with reference to FIG. 5, has a free end of the belt and a seam tape disposed thereon while the heater is at room temperature, and is adapted to apply heat to the seam tape to heat set it to the free end of the belt, thereby forming a closed loop of the ITM.

[0636] 5, the heater 650 is disposed within the belt system 100 adjacent one of the rollers 240 or 242 (FIG. 1) such that when an elongated flexible belt, such as belt 614, is threaded through the belt path, the belt is threaded above the heater 650. In some embodiments, as illustrated in FIG. 5, the heater 650 is disposed on a side of the belt system 100, substantially perpendicular to a top surface 652 of a frame 654 of the belt system 100.

[0637] Reference is now made further to FIG. 6, which is a schematic top plan view of one embodiment of heater 650, and to FIG. 7, which is a schematic cross-sectional view of heater 650, during operation of which, for heat curing thermosetting tape 600 (FIG. 2) onto free ends 610 and 612 of elongated flexible belt 614 (FIG. 3) to form a seam that transforms belt 614 into an endless loop of ITM 102 (FIG. 1).

[0638] The heater 650 includes a heating surface 652 that, when activated, is disposed beneath the free ends 610 and 612 of the elongated flexible belt 614. In some embodiments, as illustrated in Figures 5 and 6, the heating surface 652 is parallelogram shaped, such that the inclined line along which the free ends 610 and 612 adjoin one another is located at the center of the heating surface 652. The length of the heating surface 652 is typically equal to or greater than the width of the belt 614, and the width of the heating plate 652 is large enough to provide heat to the entire area of ​​the seam between the ends 610 and 612. In the embodiment illustrated in Figure 7, where the free ends 610 and 612 of the belt are joined by a thermosetting tape 600, the width of the heating plate 652 is equal to or greater than the width of the thermosetting tape 600.

[0639] In some embodiments, the heater 650 or heating surface 652 is formed from a metal selected from the group consisting of aluminum, copper, and brass. In some embodiments, the heating surface 652 has a thermal conductivity in the range of 2.35 W / cmK to 40 W / cmK.

[0640] 6, the heater 650 includes a plurality of heating elements 654, which in some embodiments are disposed beneath a heating surface 652. In some embodiments, the heating elements 654 are printed onto at least one of a ceramic plate, a filament, a piece of mica, and a piece of silicon.

[0641] In some embodiments, the heating elements 654 are distributed unevenly across the heating surface 652 such that a greater heat density can be provided at the edges of the heating surface than at the center of the heating surface. This feature is particularly important in embodiments in which the flexible belt 614 includes side formations 632, as discussed above with respect to FIG. 4, because the belt tends to be thicker in the areas of the side formations and therefore a greater heat density is required for the thermosetting tape 600 to reach a suitable temperature for its thermosetting in those areas.

[0642] More specifically, the heater is adapted to provide a temperature of at least 130° C. uniformly across the thermosetting tape 600 in both the central region of the tape over the portion of the belt 614 that includes only the belt material, and in the end regions of the tape over the side formations 632 that move the tape 600 further away from the heating surface 652.

[0643] More specifically, the heater 650 is adapted during its operation to provide a first operating temperature in the range of 140C to 180C at a central region of the heating surface 652, indicated by dashed rectangle 656 in FIG. 6, and a second operating temperature in the range of 180C to 220C at an end of the heating surface 652, indicated by dashed rectangle 658. The heater 650 is adapted to provide such temperatures for a period of up to 1 minute, up to 3 minutes, up to 5 minutes, up to 10 minutes, up to 15 minutes, or up to 20 minutes, thereby thermally curing the tape 600. The heater 650 is adapted to reach the operating temperature within 1 minute of operation, within 2 minutes of operation, within 3 minutes of operation, within 5 minutes of operation, or within 10 minutes of operation.

[0644] 7, in some embodiments, the flexible elongated belt 614 includes a positioning arrangement 670 removably attached to one or both of the ends 610 and 612. The positioning arrangement 670 is adapted to position the free ends 610 and 612 within abutments on the heating surface 652 during heat curing of the tape 600 to the free ends of the belt. In some embodiments, the heater 650 includes a corresponding positioning arrangement 672 suitable for engagement of the positioning arrangement 670 of the belt 614.

[0645] Positioning arrangement 670, and in some embodiments, positioning arrangement 672, should be formed of a non-insulating material so as not to impede or hinder the thermal curing of tape 600. In some embodiments, positioning arrangement 670 and / or positioning arrangement 672 have a thermal conductivity of at least 0.8 W / cmK.

[0646] In some embodiments, belt positioning arrangement 670 includes one or more magnetic elements, such as magnetic strips removably attached to free ends 610 and 612, and positioning arrangement 672 includes at least one magnetic element. During heat curing of tape 600 into belt 614, the magnetic strips are magnetically attracted to one or more magnets in heater 650, such that the free end of the belt is fixed relative to heater 650 during its operation. In some such embodiments, the magnets of positioning arrangement 672 include samarium cobalt magnets. In some embodiments, the magnetic strips may be removed from belt ends 610 and 612 once they are joined together to form an endless loop.

[0647] In some embodiments, the positioning arrangement 670 comprises a double-sided adhesive.

[0648] In some embodiments, positioning arrangement 670 includes at least one fixation pin and positioning arrangement 672 includes at least one correspondingly arranged fixation hole adapted to receive the at least one fixation pin during said thermal curing of tape 600.

[0649] In some embodiments, positioning arrangement 670 includes at least one elongated ridge and positioning arrangement 672 includes at least one correspondingly disposed elongated groove adapted to receive the at least one elongated ridge during said thermal curing of tape 600.

[0650] In some embodiments, the positioning arrangement 670 includes an electrostatic force generating arrangement adapted to generate an electrostatic force coupling the belt 614 to the heater 650 .

[0651] After the tape 600 is heat set to ends 610 and 612 of belt 614 to form an endless belt, a tensioning roller, such as roller 251 illustrated in FIG. 1, is spread to maintain the endless loop, and the intermediate transfer member, under a desired longitudinal tension.

[0652] Reference is now made to Figures 8A, 8B and 8C. In Figure 8A, a belt 614 is shown having two ends 610, 612 adjacent to one another in preparation for joining by a seam according to various embodiments disclosed herein. The belt 614, as previously described, is characterized by having a plurality of lateral formations 632 along each of its long sides, which perform several functions including, among others, applying lateral tension to the belt 614 when it resides in or moves through lateral guides provided to mate with the spaced lateral formations 632.

[0653] According to one embodiment of the invention, the side forming portion 632 may include a fastening structure adapted for attachment to an attachment mechanism. For example, in the illustrated embodiment, the fastening structure includes a crimp pin hole 633 adapted for inserting an attachment mechanism therein, which may be, for example, a crimp pin, such as the crimp pin 900 of FIG. 8B. Using such an attachment means coupled to the fastening structure, for example, the insertion of the crimp pin into the two crimp pin holes at least temporarily secures the two belt ends 610, 612 to each other prior to - and during - the application and / or curing of the thermosetting tape. In the detailed insertion of FIG. 8A, the side forming portion 632 L1 (final lateral formation on belt edge 610) and 632 R1 (final lateral formation on belt edge 612) through which respective crimp pin holes 633 L1 , 633 R1 has.

[0654] Since FIG. 8A is a plan view, it can be seen that the holes pass through the side formations in a direction perpendicular to the belt. Any side formation 632 can have crimp pin holes, or any other fastening structure for coupling to an attachment mechanism, but in the specific non-limiting example illustrated herein, only the side formations closest to the respective ends of the belt ends have such crimp pin holes or fastening structures. The crimp pin holes 633 are only shown in the side formation 632 on the "top" side edge (i.e., the "upper" side when viewed in a plan view) of FIG. 8A. A skilled practitioner will understand that, although not shown, the corresponding side formation 632 on the "lower" edge of the view, i.e., on the second side edge of the belt 614, also has crimp pin holes 633 in at least the first side formation closest to the end of each respective belt end 610, 612.

[0655] In some embodiments, fastening structures such as crimp pin holes 633 can be provided in the side formings prior to installation, i.e., by fabricating at least some of the side forming portions with existing fastening structures or crimp pin holes. This can be accomplished, for example, by molding the side formings as such, or by drilling holes in the side formings after molding. Alternatively, fastening structures or crimp pin holes can be added later, even after the belt has been shipped from the factory, or even when a new or replacement belt is installed in the printing system. For example, the crimp pin holes can be formed in the side formings by drilling holes in situ in the side forming portions while preparing to apply a curable tape to attach the two belt ends to each other long term, as described herein. In some embodiments, special tools or fixtures can be provided to facilitate such drilling.

[0656] A non-limiting example of an attachment mechanism, and in particular a crimp pin 900 suitable for side-form attachment including a crimp pin hole 633, is shown diagrammatically in FIG. 8B. According to this example, the crimp pin 900 is comprised of a base member 901 and two vertical members 902. L , 902 RThe crimping pins 900 may be made of any material of suitable strength and flexibility that will withstand the heat curing process described above. For example, but not exclusively, the material may include a metal or metal alloy, a polymer, or a metal or metal alloy that is polymer-coated or covered with a polymer. Each vertical member 902 may have a respective end 903 that is partially bent away from the vertical in such a way as to facilitate crimping. In the context of this application, "crimping" an end should be interpreted to mean bending the end with sufficient force and precision so that the end remains bent in a horizontal or near horizontal state.

[0657] The result of such crimping is illustrated in FIG. L1 and 632 R1 In the small gap between the crimp pin 900 and the base 901 of the crimp pin 900 can be seen - in this example the crimp pin is inserted from below the side formation into the crimp pin hole 633. L1 , 633 R1 The bent or crimped edges 903L, 903R of the vertical members 902L, 902R are seen to extend upwardly from their respective crimp pin holes 633 and, after bending or crimping, to lie across a portion of the upper surface of the respective side formations 632. L1 and 632 R1 The gap between the two side formations 632 is not shown to scale and in some embodiments, L1 and 632 R1 may be in contact or near contact after crimping.

[0658] It will be understood that the crimp pins and crimp pin holes described herein with respect to side formation 632 of belt 614 may be incorporated into any suitable side formation and / or belt, such as those described in PCT Publication Nos. WO2013 / 136220 and WO2013 / 132418, which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0659] Although the illustrated embodiment relates to fastening structures in the form of crimp pin holes, and attachment mechanisms in the form of crimp pins, any other type of fastening structure and corresponding attachment mechanisms are considered within the scope of the present invention.

[0660] Reference is now made to FIG. 9, which illustrates a flow diagram of a method for mounting an intermediate transfer member in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.

[0661] First, at step 800, a flexible elongated belt suitable for running through a printing system, such as belt 614 (FIG. 4), is obtained.

[0662] Typically, the belt obtained in step 800 is ready to be run through a printing system and may include leaders (630, FIG. 4), side formations (632, FIG. 4), removable positioning arrangements (670, FIG. 7) and / or eyelets formed on the ends of the belt (618, FIG. 3).

[0663] In some embodiments, the method also includes preparing the belt for installation through a belt path of a printing system, which may include coupling a leader and / or a side formation to the belt, coupling a removable positioning arrangement to a free end of the belt, and / or forming an eyelet splice in each of the first and second free ends of the belt.

[0664] At step 806, the elongated flexible belt 614 is loaded through a belt path of the printing system 10 (FIG. 1). In some embodiments, this may be performed by engaging the side formations 632 into guide channels 642 (FIG. 5) of the printing system to guide the flexible elongated belt along the printing system.

[0665] Once the belt 614 is threaded through the belt path, if a leader 630 is used, the leader may optionally be removed from the belt in step 808. In step 810, the free ends 610 and 612 are positioned over a heater 650 of a printing system (FIGS. 5, 6) such that the free ends are adjacent to one another and eyelets 618 form a channel, as illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 7. In some embodiments, positioning the free ends 610 and 612 over the heater includes engaging a positioning arrangement 670 of the belt 614 with a corresponding positioning arrangement 672 (FIG. 7) of the heater 650 so that the free ends 610 and 612 are in position relative to the heater 650 and its heating surface.

[0666] At step 812, a thermosetting tape 600 (FIG. 2), including a substrate layer and a solid silicone rubber layer, is applied to the first and second free ends 610 and 612 of the belt 614. In embodiments where the ends 610 and 612 include eyelets forming a channel, the thermosetting tape 600 is placed inside the channel. The thermosetting tape is placed so that its solid silicone rubber layer 604 (FIG. 2) faces the surface of the belt 614 or eyelet 618. In some embodiments, an adhesive layer is placed between the tape 600 and the belt 614 to hold the tape 600 in place against the free ends 610 and 612 until the tape is heat set onto the belt.

[0667] In some embodiments, after application of the thermosetting tape 600 to the free ends 610 and 612, an adhesive layer is applied to the exposed surface of the tape 600 at step 813. The adhesive layer may be adapted to fill gaps between the eyelet splice 618 and the tape 600. In some embodiments, the adhesive layer may include a two-part adhesive that is mixed and applied to the thermosetting tape 600 prior to its curing. For example, the adhesive may be 3730 A&B adhesive, commercially available from Dow Corning of Midland, Michigan, USA.

[0668] Thereafter, in step 814, the solid silicone rubber layer 604 is heat cured onto the first and second free ends 610 and 612 of the belt 610, thereby forming a seam joining the first and second free ends and thereby converting the flexible elongated belt into an endless belt suitable for use as an ITM.

[0669] In some embodiments, heat curing includes activating the heater 650 to provide a temperature of at least 130° C. uniformly across the thermosetting tape 600 for a period ranging from 1 to 15 minutes after heating of the plate of the heater 650. In some such embodiments, heat curing includes activating the heater 650 to provide a first operating temperature ranging from 140° C. to 180° C. at the center of the heating surface of the heater and a second operating temperature ranging from 180° C. to 220° C. at the ends of the heating surface where the belt is thicker due to the side formations 632.

[0670] In some embodiments, the heater 650 is activated for a total period of up to 5 minutes, up to 10 minutes, up to 15 minutes, up to 20 minutes, or up to 30 minutes, the total period including the period for the heater 650 to reach the activation temperature and the period for the tape 600 to be thermally cured.

[0671] In some embodiments where the positioning arrangement 670 was removably attached to the belt 614, after heat curing of the tape 600, in step 816 the positioning arrangement is removed from the flexible belt, which is now an endless loop.

[0672] After formation of the endless belt to be used as an ITM, the printing system may be operated at an operating temperature of 150° C. for a period of at least two weeks without breakage of the seam and without separation between the two ends of the belt. In some embodiments, such operation of the printing system includes inkjet printing an image onto the surface of the endless belt, rotating the endless belt to move the image from the printing station 300 ( FIG. 1 ) to the plate station 550 ( FIG. 1 ), and transferring the image from the surface of the endless belt to a substrate at the plate station.

[0673] Reference is now made to FIG. 10, which illustrates another flow diagram of a method for mounting an intermediate transfer member, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. The method of FIG. 10 is identical to the method outlined in the flow diagram of FIG. 9, except for the addition of step 811 after step 810 and before step 812. Step 811 includes a method step of at least temporarily joining the opposing free ends of the belt through the use of an attachment mechanism. For example, step 811 may be accomplished using the crimp pins and crimp pin holes shown in FIGS. 8A-8C. For example, such an attachment mechanism may include the following operations: - two lateral formations 632 which allow the crimping pin 900 to be manually brought close to each other for this purpose L1 , 632 R1 Two crimp pin holes in each of 633 L1 , 633 R1 To insert into. - Inserting additional crimp pins 900 into the respective crimp pin holes 633 of the side formations 632 on the second lateral edges of the ends 610, 612 of the belt 614. For example, using a crimping tool with a backing plate, the upper ends 903L, 903R of the vertical members 902L, 902R are crimped inwards, thereby folding them tightly onto the upwardly facing parts of the lateral formations 632.

[0674] Such bonding of the crimp pins to the crimp pin holes at least temporarily secures the two belt ends 610, 612 to one another before proceeding to step 812, where a thermosetting tape is applied to the free ends 610 and 612 of the belt 614.

[0675] The crimping tool for closing the crimping pin 900 can be a separate tool, or existing elements of the printing system can be adapted or utilized for this purpose. In some embodiments, not all steps of the method are required.

[0676] example Reference is now made to the following examples, which together with the above descriptions illustrate the invention in a non-limiting manner.

[0677] Example 1 Thermosetting tape formation A substrate layer in the form of Taconic 7101 black, commercially available from Taconic, Petersburgh, New York, USA, which comprises a black silicone coated fiberglass layer and has a total thickness of 160 μm, was used as the substrate layer.

[0678] A quantity of Elsatosil® R Plus 4066 / 60, a thermosetting solid silicone rubber available from Wacker Chemie, Munich, Germany, was applied to the substrate layer and then manually extruded using an extruder to form a solid silicone rubber layer.

[0679] Two substrates formed from polyethylene terephthalate (PET), each with a thickness of 100 μm, were attached to the solid silicone rubber layer and the black silicone coating layer of the substrate layer, and the resulting four-layer structure was flattened using a calendar roll until the solid silicone rubber layer had a thickness in the range of 90 μm to 100 μm.

[0680] After calendaring, the PET layer was removed from the black silicone coating layer. The second PET layer was kept on top of the solid silicone rubber layer until the resulting thermoset tape was ready for use, and was removed from the solid silicone rubber layer just before application of the tape.

[0681] The resulting tapes had a total thickness of 240-250 μm, excluding the protective PET layer.

[0682] Example 2 Comparative analysis of seam failure A plurality of elongated flexible belts had first and second ends joined to one another at a seam to form endless belt loops as described in PCT Publication No. WO2017 / 208144, which is incorporated by reference in its entirety herein.

[0683] For belt #1, the ends were bonded using R4 adhesive, a condensation cure adhesive tape currently used in the art. The adhesive tape was applied to the ends of the belt and allowed to cure against it at room temperature.

[0684] For belts #2 and #3, the ends were bonded using D30 adhesive, an addition cure adhesive made from liquid silicone rubber. The adhesive was applied to the ends of the belt and allowed to cure thereon. For belt #2, curing took place at a temperature of 130° C. for 20 minutes. For belt #3, curing took place at a temperature of 150° C. for 20 minutes.

[0685] For belts #4 and #5, a thermosetting tape was produced as described above in Example 1. The thermosetting tape was then used to bond the ends of the belts by heat curing the tape. For belt #4, curing took place at a temperature of 130° C. for 20 minutes. For belt #5, curing took place at a temperature of 150° C. for 5 minutes.

[0686] A sample was taken from each of the belts, each sample having a length of 200 mm, including the seam area joining the first and second ends of the belt in the center of the sample, and each sample had a width of 20 mm.

[0687] Each sample was placed in a Lloyd LS5 materials testing instrument, commercially available from Ametek® Inc., Brewyn, Pennsylvania, USA, using chantillon grips and a 1 kN load cell. The grips grasped both ends of each sample and the sample was pulled to various extensions until the seam, adhesive, or body of the belt failed.

[0688] Table 1 summarizes the temperature conditions under which each sample was tested, the load (in N / 20 mm) used when failure occurred, and the type of failure. [Table 1]

[0689] Adhesive failure occurs when the seam or tape forming the seam separates from the belt, seam failure occurs when the seam elements or tape forming the seam tear or break, and body failure occurs when the seam area remains intact but the belt material breaks due to the force applied to the sample.

[0690] As can be seen in Table 1, Belt #4 and Belt #5, whose ends were bonded using the thermosetting tape disclosed herein, were able to withstand a greater load than the other belt samples, with the exception of Belt #3 sample. However, the curing conditions for that belt were at a higher temperature for a longer period (150C for 20 minutes), which may have contributed to the strength of the samples. Additionally, each of the belts was able to withstand a greater load when tested at room temperature than when tested at an elevated temperature.

[0691] Additionally, Table 1 shows that for Belt #4 and Belt #5, when tested under the same conditions, Belt #5 can withstand a much higher load. This can be attributed to the fact that one property of the solid silicone rubber used in the heat curing tape is that the resulting seam is stronger when a greater heat density is provided during the curing of the tape.

[0692] Example 3 Comparative analysis of seam delamination Each of the three elongated flexible belts was processed to include worn areas where an upper coating of the belt, forming a release layer, was removed from the belt using sandpaper, as described in PCT Publication No. WO2017 / 208144, which is incorporated by reference in its entirety. Each of the three flexible belts was further processed to include ground areas where a portion of the belt material was removed using a grinder, for example, to form a small hole splice as previously described herein.

[0693] Each of the belts had a seam applied and cured under standard curing conditions for that seam element in each of three areas: the untreated portion of the release layer, referred to as the release area, the worn area, and the ground area.

[0694] For belt #1, the R4 adhesive described previously herein with respect to Example 2 was condensation cured at room temperature to belt #1 in three areas.

[0695] For belt #2, D30 adhesive, previously described herein with respect to Example 2, was addition cured in three areas to belt #2. Curing took place at a temperature of 130C for 20 minutes.

[0696] For belt #3, a thermoset tape produced as previously described herein in Example 1 was heat set onto the belt in three areas. Curing took place at a temperature of 130° C. for 20 minutes.

[0697] Samples were taken from each of the regions of each belt, each sample having a length of 200 mm and a width of 15 mm, without the peripheral regions, and including only the seam that was bonded to the belt.

[0698] Each sample was placed in a Lloyd LS5 material testing instrument, commercially available from Ametek® Inc., Brewyn, Pennsylvania, USA, using TG34 grips, commercially available from Lloyd Instruments LTD, Bognor Regis, UK, and a load cell of 100N. One of the grips gripped a portion of the belt and the other grip gripped a portion of the seam element, and the sample was pulled on both sides with varying propagation until the seam element peeled away from the belt. The measured peel force is the average load of separation between the seam and the belt.

[0699] Table 2 summarizes for each sample the belt number, the area of ​​the belt from which the sample was taken, and the force applied to peel the seam element from the belt. [Table 2]

[0700] As can be seen in Table 2, for each seam element or adhesive, the greatest peel force was required when the seam element was applied to the ground area, and the least peel force was required when the seam element was applied to the peeled area.

[0701] Additionally, when comparing all the adhesives, the thermoset tape of the present invention required the greatest peel force when applied to the ground area, which is equivalent to the small hole patch formed in the belt previously described in this specification with respect to FIG. 4.

[0702] Example 4 Comparative analysis of belt stretch in seam and non-seam areas An elongated flexible belt was processed and spliced ​​to form a closed loop by heat curing a thermoset tape onto the belt, produced as previously described herein in Example 1, as described in PCT Publication No. WO2017 / 208144, which is incorporated by reference in its entirety. Curing took place at a temperature of 130C for 20 minutes.

[0703] Four samples were taken from the belt, two from the area containing the seam and two from the area not containing the seam, with the seam in the center of the sample. From each area, one sample had a length of 100 mm, another sample had a length of 200 mm, and each sample had a width of 20 mm.

[0704] Each sample was placed in a Lloyd LS5 material testing machine, commercially available from Ametek® Inc., Brewyn, Pennsylvania, USA, using vice grips and a 100N load cell, commercially available from Ametek® Inc., Brewyn, Pennsylvania, USA. The grips gripped both ends of each sample, and in each test cycle, the sample was pulled up and down with various forces up to a maximum of 15N. The test included a total of 20 cycles. After completion of the cycles, the slope of the sample's final curve was obtained to measure the spring constant of the sample.

[0705] Table 3 summarizes the spring constants measured for each sample. [Table 3]

[0706] As can be seen in Table 3, for each of the sample lengths, the spring constant of the belt alone was greater than the spring constant of the belt including seam tape. Additionally, for samples having the same length, the ratio of the spring constants measured for the belt including seam tape and the belt alone ranges from 0.88 to 0.91.

[0707] It is understood that certain features of the invention that are, for clarity, described in the context of separate embodiments, may also be provided in combination in a single embodiment. Conversely, various features of the invention that are, for clarity, described in the context of a single embodiment, may also be provided separately or in any suitable subcombination or as appropriate with any other described embodiment of the invention. Certain features described in the context of various embodiments are not to be considered essential features of those embodiments, unless the embodiment is inoperable without those elements.

[0708] Although the present disclosure has been described with respect to various specific embodiments presented therein for illustrative purposes only, such specifically disclosed embodiments should not be considered as limiting. Many other alternatives, modifications and variations of such embodiments will occur to those skilled in the art based on the applicant's disclosure herein. Accordingly, it is intended to embrace all such alternatives, modifications and variations and to be bound only by any changes within the spirit and scope of the appended claims and their meaning and range of equivalents.

[0709] In the description and claims of this disclosure, the verbs "comprise," "include," and "have," as well as their cognates, are used to indicate that the object or objects of the verb are not necessarily an exhaustive list of features, members, steps, components, elements or parts of the subject or subjects of the verb.

[0710] As used herein, the singular forms "a," "an," and "the" include plural references and mean "at least one" or "one or more" unless expressly indicated otherwise.

[0711] Unless otherwise specified, the expression "and / or" between at least two members of a list of alternatives for selection indicates that one or more of the listed alternatives are appropriate and may be selected.

[0712] Unless otherwise specified, adjectives such as "substantially" and "about" that modify a condition or relationship characteristic of a feature or features of embodiments of the present technology should be understood to mean that the condition or characteristic is defined within a reasonable tolerance for the operation of the embodiment for its intended use.

[0713] To the extent necessary to understand or accomplish this disclosure, all publications, patents, and patent applications mentioned herein, including, in particular, applicant's applications, are expressly incorporated by reference in their entirety as if fully set forth herein.

Claims

1. 1. A belt installation kit for use with a printing system, the kit comprising: a flexible belt having a first free end and a second free end configured to be guided along said printing system, said flexible belt having a length in the range of 1 to 20 meters; a thermosetting tape comprising a substrate layer and a solid silicone rubber layer fixed to said substrate layer; Equipped with the thermosetting tape is adapted to be applied over the first and second free ends of the flexible belt and heated to heat set a solid silicone rubber layer of the thermosetting tape to the first and second free ends of the flexible belt, thereby forming a seam joining the first and second free ends, thereby converting the flexible belt into an endless belt; A kit, wherein the ratio of the width of the thermosetting tape to the length of the flexible belt is in the range of 0.01 to 0.

03.

2. 1. A belt installation method, the method comprising: - providing a kit according to claim 1, - heat curing a solid silicone rubber layer of said thermosetting tape against a first free end and a second free end of said flexible belt as said flexible belt is threaded through a belt path of said printing system, thereby forming a seam joining said first free end and said second free end, thereby converting said flexible belt into said endless belt; A method comprising:

3. The method of claim 2 , wherein the heat curing comprises providing a temperature of at least 130 degrees Celsius at the portion of the tape.

4. 3. The method of claim 2, wherein the heat curing comprises providing a temperature of at least 130 degrees Celsius at the portion of the tape for a period of at least 1 minute.

5. 3. The method of claim 2, wherein said heat curing comprises providing a temperature of at least 130 degrees Celsius at the portion of the tape for a period of 5 minutes.

6. The method of claim 2 , wherein the heat curing comprises providing a temperature of at least 140 degrees Celsius at the portion of the tape.

7. 3. The method of claim 2, wherein said heat curing comprises providing a temperature of at least 140 degrees Celsius at the portion of the tape for a period of at least 1 minute.

8. 3. The method of claim 2, wherein said heat curing comprises providing a temperature of at least 140 degrees Celsius at the portion of the tape for a period of 5 minutes.

9. 9. The method of claim 2, wherein the flexible belt includes a plurality of lateral formations along each of its long sides, and the heat setting comprises providing a greater heat density to the long sides of the flexible belt than to a center of the flexible belt.

10. 10. The method of claim 9, wherein the provided temperature for heat curing is provided by a heater disposed under the thermosetting tape as the thermosetting tape is applied to the first and second free ends of the flexible belt and adapted to provide sufficient heat to heat cure a solid silicone rubber layer of the thermosetting tape, thereby heat curing the thermosetting tape to form the endless belt.

11. 9. The method of any one of claims 2 to 8, wherein the provided temperature for heat curing is provided by a heater disposed under the thermosetting tape as the thermosetting tape is applied to the first and second free ends of the flexible belt and adapted to provide sufficient heat to heat cure a solid silicone rubber layer of the thermosetting tape, thereby heat curing the thermosetting tape to form the endless belt.

12. The method of any one of claims 2 to 8, wherein the solid silicone rubber layer comprises a thermosetting polymer.

13. The method of claim 12 , wherein the thermosetting polymer is an addition-cured solid silicone rubber.

14. The method of claim 12, wherein the thermosetting polymer is a platinum catalyzed addition cure solid silicone rubber.

15. The kit of claim 1 , wherein the solid silicone rubber layer comprises a thermosetting polymer.

16. 16. The kit of claim 15, wherein the thermosetting polymer is an addition-cured solid silicone rubber.

17. 16. The kit of claim 15, wherein the thermosetting polymer is a platinum catalyzed addition cure solid silicone rubber.

18. 1. A belt installation kit for use with a printing system, the kit comprising: a flexible belt having a first free end and a second free end adapted to be guided along said printing system; a thermosetting tape comprising a substrate layer and a solid silicone rubber layer fixed to said substrate layer; a heater adapted to provide sufficient heat to heat cure the solid silicone rubber layer of said thermosetting tape; Equipped with the thermosetting tape is adapted to be applied over the first and second free ends of the flexible belt and heated to heat set a solid silicone rubber layer of the thermosetting tape to the first and second free ends of the flexible belt, thereby forming a seam joining the first and second free ends, thereby converting the flexible belt into an endless belt; the heater is adapted to be positioned under the thermosetting tape as the thermosetting tape is applied to the first and second free ends of the flexible belt to provide the heat, thereby heat-setting the thermosetting tape to form the endless belt.

19. 1. A kit for forming an endless belt from a flexible belt having a first free end and a second free end, the flexible belt being guided along a printing system, the kit comprising: a thermosetting tape comprising a substrate layer and a solid silicone rubber layer fixed to said substrate layer; a heater adapted to provide sufficient heat to heat cure the solid silicone rubber layer of said thermosetting tape; Equipped with the thermosetting tape is adapted to be applied over the first and second free ends of the flexible belt and heated to heat set a solid silicone rubber layer of the thermosetting tape to the first and second free ends of the flexible belt, thereby forming a seam joining the first and second free ends, thereby converting the flexible belt into the endless belt; the heater is adapted to be positioned under the thermosetting tape as the thermosetting tape is applied to the first and second free ends of the flexible belt to provide the heat, thereby heat-setting the thermosetting tape to form the endless belt.

20. 1. A belt installation method, the method comprising: - providing a kit according to any one of claims 18 to 19, - supplying heat from said heater to a first free end and a second free end of said flexible belt to heat cure a solid silicone rubber layer of said thermosetting tape as said flexible belt is threaded through a belt path of said printing system, thereby forming a seam joining said first free end and said second free end, thereby converting said flexible belt into said endless belt; A method comprising:

21. 21. The method of claim 20, wherein the heat curing comprises using the heater to provide a temperature of at least 130 degrees Celsius at the portion of the tape.

22. 21. The method of claim 20, wherein the heat curing comprises using the heater to provide a temperature of at least 130 degrees Celsius at the portion of the tape for a period of at least 1 minute.

23. 21. The method of claim 20, wherein the heat curing comprises using the heater to provide a temperature of at least 130 degrees Celsius at the portion of the tape for a period of 5 minutes.

24. 21. The method of claim 20, wherein the heat curing comprises using the heater to provide a temperature of at least 140 degrees Celsius at the portion of the tape.

25. 21. The method of claim 20, wherein the heat curing comprises using the heater to provide a temperature of at least 140 degrees Celsius at the portion of the tape for a period of at least 1 minute.

26. 21. The method of claim 20, wherein the heat curing comprises using the heater to provide a temperature of at least 140 degrees Celsius at the portion of the tape for a period of 5 minutes.

27. 27. The method of any one of claims 20-26, wherein the flexible belt includes a plurality of lateral formations along each of its long sides, and the heat setting comprises providing a greater heat density to the long sides of the flexible belt than to a center of the flexible belt.

28. The method of any one of claims 20 to 26, wherein the solid silicone rubber layer comprises a thermosetting polymer.

29. 30. The method of claim 28, wherein the thermosetting polymer is an addition-cured solid silicone rubber.

30. 30. The method of claim 28, wherein the thermosetting polymer is a platinum catalyzed addition cure solid silicone rubber.

31. The kit of any one of claims 18 to 19, wherein the solid silicone rubber layer comprises a thermosetting polymer.

32. 32. The kit of claim 31, wherein the thermosetting polymer is an addition-cured solid silicone rubber.

33. 32. The kit of claim 31, wherein the thermosetting polymer is a platinum catalyzed addition cure solid silicone rubber.

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