Process and equipment for the decoration of ceramic artifacts

Abstract

The process for the decoration of ceramic artifacts comprises the following phases: supply of at least one ceramic artifact (2) provided with a surface to be decorated (3); distribution of a granular material (8) over at least part of the surface to be decorated (3); delivery, by means of digital printing, of at least one decorative substance (13) having adhesive properties on the surface to be decorated (3) according to a predefined drawing (20) to obtain a decorated surface (12); taking an excess of the granular material (8) away from the decorated surface (12) to obtain a decorated artifact.

Description

[0001] PROCESS AND EQUIPMENT FOR THE DECORATION OF CERAMIC

[0002] ARTIFACTS

[0003] Technical Field

[0004] The present invention relates to a process and to a piece of equipment for the decoration of ceramic artifacts. Art

[0005] In the ceramic industry, the use of methods and equipment is well known for the decoration of ceramic artifacts, such as slabs intended for surface coating.

[0006] In particular, the surfaces of such artifacts are generally subjected to processes of application of layers of decorative material that must give the final product a special decorative effect, as well as the necessary mechanical strength characteristics specific to the type of application.

[0007] The exposed surfaces of the products are decorated in such a way as to obtain a wide variety of decorative effects, with applications of layers of decorative substances, e.g., inks, glazes and the like, but also materials in granular form such as powders and the like - usually of rather reduced thickness and necessary to obtain a substantially flat decoration, or at most having elements such as slight reliefs or streaks, obtained by well-known technologies.

[0008] It is clear that there is a strong need in this sector to develop increasingly innovative methods and equipment to fully meet the demands of the now everchanging market.

[0009] Some processes of known type for the decoration of ceramic artifacts are known from US 2022 / 347884 Al, WO 2023 / 047328 Al, IT 2020 0000 9067, US 9 670 371 B2, CN 100 506 754 C.

[0010] Description of the Invention

[0011] The main aim of the present invention is to devise a process and a piece of equipment for the decoration of ceramic artifacts which allow achieving decorative relief effects which are precise, well-defined and provided with high mechanical strength.

[0012] Another object of the present invention is to devise a process and a piece of equipment for the decoration of ceramic artifacts which allow the production of ceramic artifacts provided with innovative decorative effects that differ from what is already on the market.

[0013] Another object of the present invention is to devise a process and a piece of equipment for the decoration of ceramic artifacts which allow the aforementioned drawbacks of the prior art to be overcome within the framework of a simple, rational, easy and efficient to use as well as cost-effective solution.

[0014] The aforementioned objects are achieved by this process for the decoration of ceramic artifacts having the characteristics of claim 1.

[0015] The aforementioned objects are also achieved by this piece of equipment for the decoration of ceramic artifacts having the characteristics of claim 18.

[0016] Brief Description of the Drawings

[0017] Other characteristics and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from the description of a preferred, but not exclusive, embodiment of a process and a piece of equipment for the decoration of ceramic artifacts, illustrated by way of an indicative, yet non-limiting example, in the accompanying tables of drawings in which:

[0018] Figure 1 is a schematic representation of the phases of a process according to the invention, in a first embodiment;

[0019] Figure 2 is a schematic representation of the phases of a process according to the invention, in a second embodiment;

[0020] Figure 3 is a schematic representation of a piece of equipment according to the invention, in accordance with a first embodiment;

[0021] Figure 4 is a schematic representation of a piece of equipment according to the invention, in accordance with a second embodiment;

[0022] Figure 5 is a schematic representation of a piece of equipment according to the invention, in accordance with a third embodiment;

[0023] Figure 6 is a schematic representation of a piece of equipment according to the invention, in accordance with a fourth embodiment;

[0024] Figure 7 is a schematic representation of a piece of equipment according to the invention, in accordance with a fifth embodiment.

[0025] Embodiments of the Invention With particular reference to these figures, reference numeral 1 globally denotes a process and a piece of equipment for the decoration of ceramic artifacts.

[0026] Such piece of equipment 1 can be used to implement the present process for the decoration of ceramic artifacts.

[0027] The process first comprises a phase of supply of at least one ceramic artifact 2 provided with a surface to be decorated 3.

[0028] In this regard, it is specified that the expression “ceramic artifact” relates to an artifact of substantially slab-shaped conformation intended for covering and decorating surfaces, in this case a slab and / or a tile. The surface to be decorated 3 is thus the surface of the ceramic artifact 2 that is exposed during use.

[0029] The ceramic artifact is made of ceramic materials such as clays, feldspars, silica sand, iron oxides, alumina, quartz, etc., and can be in the form of raw ware, i.e., not yet fired at high temperatures and possibly only subjected to compaction, or already fired, i.e., already hardened.

[0030] The piece of equipment 1 comprises supporting means 4 adapted to hold the ceramic artifact 2 and movable along one direction of forward movement A.

[0031] In the movement along the direction of forward movement A, the ceramic artifact 2 undergoes the various phases of the process.

[0032] In accordance with the embodiment shown in the figures, the supporting means 4 comprise a conveyor belt 5 running along the direction of forward movement A. It cannot, however, be ruled out that the supporting means 4 may be of a different type.

[0033] The process then comprises one phase of distribution of a granular material 8 over at least part of the surface to be decorated 3.

[0034] In the context of this disclosure, “granular material” relates to a solid mixture comprising powders, granules, grits, flake and the like, or any other material in granular or substantially granular form. The granular material 8 may itself comprise ceramic material, similarly to the ceramic artifact, or fragments of stones or rocks, glass, colored particles, abrasive particles, metallic particles, shiny particles, etc., or a combination thereof. The granular material 8 has the function of defining a relief decoration on the surface of the ceramic artifact 2, as further explained below. At the same time, however, the granular material 8, depending on the composition, may also have a chromatic decorative function. Appropriately, the granular material 8 is of the neutral type, that is, neither glossy nor opaque.

[0035] The phase of distribution is carried out in full coverage, that is, so that the granular material 8 covers the entire surface to be decorated 3, as shown in the figures. Alternatively, the phase of distribution can be carried out only on part of the surface to be decorated 3, so that the adhesive substance 6 is totally or partly covered. Again, the phase of distribution can be carried out according to a preset drawing.

[0036] The phase of distribution is carried out by means of distribution means 9 with which the piece of equipment 1 is provided. With reference to the embodiments shown in the figures, the distribution means 9 comprise a hopper device 10, although it cannot be ruled out that the distribution means 9 may be of a different type depending on the specific mode of distribution of the granular material 8 that is to be implemented.

[0037] The process according to the invention then comprises at least one phase of delivery, by means of digital printing, of at least one decorative substance 13 having adhesive properties on the surface to be decorated 3 according to a predefined drawing 20 to obtain a decorated surface 12, wherein the decorative substance 13 is adapted to interact with the granular material 8 to change the aesthetic appearance thereof.

[0038] In this regard, it is specified that the expression “decorative substance” relates to a substance provided with chemical and physical properties such as to exert an adhesive force on the granular material 8 and such as to change the aesthetic appearance thereof.

[0039] More particularly, the decorative substance 13 comprises an organic component and an inorganic component, where the inorganic component is adapted to interact with the granular material 8. For example, the inorganic component is selected from the group comprising: colored pigments, metallic particles, bright particles, particles with matt effect, particles with glossy effect and particles with opaque effect. The organic component is, e.g., selected from the group comprising: water and glycol.

[0040] Additionally, the decorative substance 13 can be a glue, i.e., provided with chemical adhesion properties, a viscous substance, i.e., provided with mechanical adhesion properties, and / or a liquid substance which enables the adhesion of a solid material thanks to the adhesion forces exerted by the molecules of which it is composed. Again, as will be better described later in the present disclosure, the decorative substance 13 can be a substance capable of exerting its adhesive force as a result of activation, e.g. by heat or radiation, e.g., being of the type of a UV ink.

[0041] The phase of delivery is carried out by the delivery means 15. The delivery means 15 are e.g. of the type of a digital printer, preferably inkjet.

[0042] Following the phase of delivery of the decorative substance 13 a phase of taking an excess of the granular material 8 away from the decorated surface 12 is carried out to obtain a decorated artifact.

[0043] The phase of taking away is carried out by the taking away means 16.

[0044] Appropriately, subsequently to the phase of taking away, the firing of the decorated artifact is carried out during which the inorganic component of the decorative substance 13 melts together with the granular material 8 in such a way that its chemical and physical properties and, consequently, its aesthetic appearance are changed, and the organic component volatilizes. The firing phase is carried out at a temperature of between about 1000°C and 1300°C.

[0045] In an alternative embodiment of the process according to the invention, shown in Figure 2, a phase of application, by means of digital printing, of at least one adhesive substance 6 on the surface to be decorated 3 according to a first preset drawing 20 21 is carried out prior to the phase of distribution of the granular material.

[0046] In the context of this disclosure, the term “adhesive substance” relates to a substance having chemical and physical properties so as to exert an adhesive force on the solid material. For example, the adhesive substance can be a glue, i.e., provided with chemical adhesion properties, a viscous substance, i.e., provided with mechanical adhesion properties, and / or a liquid substance that enables the adhesion of a solid material thanks to the adhesion forces exerted by the molecules of which it is composed. Again, as will be better described later in this disclosure, the adhesive substance can be a substance capable of exerting the adhesive force as a result of activation, e.g. by heat or radiation, e.g. being of the type of a UV ink. The adhesive substance may, in addition, have its own coloring. Preferably the adhesive substance 6 is of the neutral type, and in particular is colorless.

[0047] The piece of equipment 1 comprises application means 7 adapted to carry out the phase of application.

[0048] In this embodiment, the phase of distribution can be carried out so as to totally or partly cover the adhesive substance 6. Again, the phase of distribution can be carried out according to the first preset drawing, so that the granular material can be distributed where the adhesive substance 6 is located.

[0049] The process then comprises, subsequently to the phase of distribution and prior to the phase of delivery, at least one phase of removal of an excess of the granular material 8 from the surface to be decorated 3 to obtain a pre-decorated surface 11. In this case, the phase of distribution of the decorative substance 13 is carried out on the pre-decorated surface 11.

[0050] In actual facts, the phase of distribution is followed by at least two phases wherein the excess of granular material 8 is spaced away from the surface of the ceramic artifact 2 and from at least one additional phase of digital printing carried out between them. In this way, the process allows for precise and elaborate decoration while ensuring that all granular material that does not remain adhered to the adhesive substance 6 and / or to the decorative substance 13 is spaced away. In fact, during the subsequent decorations, it may happen that the granular material 8 partly detaches from the adhesive substance 6 and may then adversely affect the final decoration.

[0051] It cannot however be ruled out that the phase of application of the adhesive substance 6 is directly followed by the phase of delivery of the decorative substance 13. In other words, in an application form of the present invention, between the phase of application and the phase of delivery, no removal of the granular material 8 is carried out.

[0052] Advantageously, the process is devoid of additional phases of distribution of a granular material carried out between the phase of removal and the phase of taking away.

[0053] In other words, the phase of taking away only results in the spacing away of the granular material distributed prior to the phase of removal.

[0054] Carrying out a phase of taking away, in addition to the phase of removal, carried out subsequently to the phase of delivery of the decorative substance 13 thus allows for more well-defined decorative effects.

[0055] The decorative substance 13 thus differs from the adhesive substance 6 in that it is provided with additional decorative properties. In particular, the decorative substance 13 differs from the adhesive substance 6 in the presence and type of the inorganic component adapted to interact with the granular material 8.

[0056] The phases of removal, delivery and taking away are carried out by the removal means 14, the delivery means 15 and the taking away means 16 with which the piece of equipment 1 is provided, respectively.

[0057] Advantageously, the piece of equipment 1 is in fact devoid of additional distribution means of a granular material located between the removal means 14 and the taking away means 16. In other words, the piece of equipment 1 does not comprise distribution means of a granular material placed between the removal means 14 and the taking away means 16.

[0058] The application means 7 and the delivery means 15 both comprise a digital printer, preferably inkjet, and the phases of application and delivery are caried out by inkjet.

[0059] In accordance with a preferred embodiment, at least one of either the phase of removal and the phase of taking away is carried out by means of suctioning the excess of granular material 8.

[0060] The excess of granular material 8 is, therefore, spaced away without directly contacting the surface of the ceramic artifact 2, so as to avoid any possible alteration of the already applied decorative effect. Conveniently, at least one of either the removal means 14 or the taking away means 16 comprises a suction unit 19 adapted to suck up the excess of granular material 8.

[0061] The application means 7, the distribution means 9, the removal means 14, the delivery means 15 and the taking away means 16 are associated with the supporting means 4 and arranged in succession with each other along the direction of forward movement A.

[0062] In accordance with the embodiment shown in the figures, the supporting means 4 define a break where the distribution means 9 are located so as to allow the excess of granular material 8 to drop off, which is appropriately collected by special means not shown in detail in the figures. In the present case, the supporting means 4 comprise at least two conveyor belts 5 arranged spaced away from each other and aligned along the direction of forward movement A.

[0063] Conveniently, the phase of delivery can be carried out so that the predefined drawing is coordinated with the first preset drawing. In other words, the phase of delivery can be carried out so that the predefined drawing 20 substantially matches the first preset drawing 21, so that the decorative substance 13 overlaps the adhesive substance 6, coating, therefore, the previously distributed granular material 8.

[0064] Alternatively, the phase of delivery is carried out so that the predefined drawing 20 is different from the first preset drawing 21, that is, so that the predefined drawing 20 does not overlap or overlaps only partly with the first preset drawing 21. In this case, the surface to be decorated has first areas 22 affected at least by the predefined drawing 20 (or by the predefined drawing 20 and by the first preset drawing 21) and second areas 23 affected only by the first preset drawing 21, where the first areas 22 are aesthetically different from the second areas 23.

[0065] Additionally, in the overlapping areas, the phase of delivery allows the granular material 8 to be better attached and, therefore, to make the decoration more resistant to mechanical stress.

[0066] Conveniently, at least one phase of decoration by means of digital printing with at least one additional decorative substance devoid of adhesive properties can be carried out between the phase of removal and the phase of taking away. The decorative substance has the only function of defining an additional decoration to the surface of the artifact and not to retain the particles of the granular material. For this purpose, the piece of equipment 1 comprises additional decorative means, not shown in detail in the figures, placed between the removal means 14 and the taking away means 16 and adapted to deliver by means of digital printing at least one decorative substance devoid of adhesive properties.

[0067] Figure 5 shows a third embodiment that differs from the previous one in that the process comprises at least one repetition of the phase of delivery, wherein the phases of delivery are carried out with respective decorative substances 13. The decorative substances 13 can be the same or different from each other.

[0068] Similarly, the phases of delivery can be carried out according to predefined drawings which are the same or different from each other.

[0069] The piece of equipment 1 thus comprises a plurality of delivery means 15, each adapted to deliver a respective decorative substance 13.

[0070] Figure 6 shows a fourth embodiment that differs from the previous one in that the process also comprises at least one repetition of the phase of taking away, wherein each phase of taking away is carried out subsequently to a respective phase of delivery.

[0071] This embodiment solution allows for the spacing away of any excess of granular material after each digital printing operation of the decorative substance 13.

[0072] For this purpose, the piece of equipment 1 comprises a plurality of taking away means 16, each arranged downstream of one of the respective delivery means 15, with respect to the direction of forward movement A.

[0073] A fifth embodiment is shown in Figure 7, which differs from the previous ones in that at least one of either the adhesive substance 6 or the decorative substance 13 is of the type of a UV ink, and the process comprises at least one phase of activating the adhesive substance 6 or the decorative substance 13, respectively. In fact, as mentioned earlier, the adhesive substance 6 and / or the decorative substance 13 may be substances the adhesive properties of which are established by means of UV irradiation. As a result, the phase of activating is carried out prior to the phase of removal or the phase of taking away respectively, so that the granular material 8 can effectively adhere to the surface of the ceramic artifact 2.

[0074] Specifically, with reference to the embodiment shown in Figure 4, the process comprises a first phase of activating carried out subsequently to the phase of application and an additional phase of activating carried out subsequently to the phase of delivery.

[0075] In addition, the first phase of activating is carried out subsequently to the phase of delivery.

[0076] The piece of equipment 1 in accordance with such an embodiment solution therefore also comprises activation means 17,18 adapted to activate at least one of either the adhesive substance 6 or the decorative substance 13. The activation means 17,18 comprise a UV lamp or the like.

[0077] More specifically, the activation means 17,18 are arranged upstream of the removal means 14 or of the taking away means 16, respectively, with respect to the direction of forward movement A.

[0078] In detail, the piece of equipment 1 comprises first activation means 17 arranged upstream of the removal means 14 and second activation means 18 arranged upstream of the taking away means 16, with respect to the direction of forward movement A.

[0079] In addition, the first activation means 17 are arranged downstream of the distribution means 9, with respect to the direction of forward movement A.

[0080] According to a further aspect, the present invention also relates to a piece of equipment for the decoration of ceramic artifacts, as previously described.

[0081] Specifically, the piece of equipment 1 according to the invention comprises at least: supporting means 4 adapted to hold at least one ceramic artifact 2 provided with a surface to be decorated 3 and movable along one direction of forward movement A; distribution means 9 adapted to distribute a granular material 8 over at least part of the surface to be decorated 3 ; delivery means 15 adapted to deliver, by means of digital printing, at least one decorative substance 13 having adhesive properties on the surface to be decorated 3 according to a predefined drawing 20 to obtain a decorated surface 12; taking away means 16 adapted to take an excess of the granular material 8 away from the decorated surface 12 to obtain a decorated artifact.

[0082] Advantageously, the piece of equipment 1 may comprise, upstream of the distribution means 9 with respect to the direction of forward movement A, application means 7 adapted to apply, by means of digital printing, at least one adhesive substance 6 onto the surface to be decorated 3 according to a first preset drawing 21.

[0083] Appropriately, the piece of equipment 1 may also comprise, downstream of the distribution means 9 with respect to the direction of forward movement A, removal means 14 adapted to remove an excess of granular material 8 from the surface to be decorated 3 to obtain a pre-decorated surface 11.

[0084] It has in practice been ascertained that the described invention achieves the intended objects, and in particular the fact is emphasized that the process and piece of equipment according to the invention for the decoration of ceramic artifacts enable the realization of decorative relief effects which are precise, well- defined and with a wide variety of aesthetic effects.

[0085] In particular, the use of a decorative substance that can interact with the underlying granular material allows for different aesthetic effects than those inherent in known solutions.

[0086] Again, the combination of an adhesive substance devoid of decorative properties and adapted to allow the granular material to be attached to the artifact according to a first preset drawing and a decorative substance adapted to interact with the granular material itself allows for areas characterized by different aesthetic effects.

Claims

CLAIMS1) Process for the decoration of ceramic artifacts, characterized by the fact that it comprises the following phases: supply of at least one ceramic artifact (2) provided with a surface to be decorated (3); distribution of a granular material (8) over at least part of said surface to be decorated (3); delivery, by means of digital printing, of at least one decorative substance (13) having adhesive properties on said surface to be decorated (3) according to a predefined drawing (20) to obtain a decorated surface (12), said decorative substance (13) being adapted to interact with said granular material (8) to change the aesthetic appearance thereof; taking an excess of said granular material (8) away from said decorated surface (12) to obtain a decorated artifact.2) Process according to claim 1, characterized by the fact that said decorative substance (13) comprises an organic component and an inorganic component, where said inorganic component is adapted to interact with said granular material (8).3) Process according to claim 2, characterized by the fact that said inorganic component is selected from the group comprising: colored pigments, metallic particles, bright particles, particles with matt effect, particles with glossy effect and particles with opaque effect.4) Process according to claim 2 or 3, characterized by the fact that said organic component is selected from the group comprising: water and glycol.5) Process according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that said granular material (8) is of the neutral type.6) Process according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that it comprises, prior to said distribution, at least one phase of application, by means of digital printing, of at least one adhesive substance (6) on said surface to be decorated (3) according to a first preset drawing (21), said distribution being carried out on at least part of said adhesive substance (6) andsaid adhesive substance (6) being different from said decorative substance (13).7) Process according to claim 6, characterized by the fact that it comprises, subsequently to said distribution and prior to said delivery, at least one phase of removal of an excess of said granular material (8) from said surface to be decorated (3) to obtain a pre-decorated surface (11), said delivery being carried out on said pre-decorated surface (11).8) Process according to claim 6, characterized by the fact that between said distribution and said delivery no phase of removal of the granular material (8) is carried out.9) Process according to one or more of the claims 6 to 8, characterized by the fact that said phase of delivery is carried out so that said predefined drawing (20) substantially matches said first preset drawing (21).10) Process according to one or more of the claims 6 to 8, characterized by the fact that said phase of delivery is carried out so that said predefined drawing (20) is different from said first preset drawing (21), said surface to be decorated (3) having first areas (22) affected at least by said predefined drawing (20) and second areas (23) affected only by said first preset drawing (21), said first areas (22) being aesthetically different from said second areas (23).11) Process according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that it comprises at least one repetition of said phase of delivery, wherein said phases of delivery are carried out with respective decorative substances (13).12) Process according to claim 11, characterized by the fact that it comprises at least one repetition of said phase of taking away, wherein each phase of taking away is carried out subsequently to a respective phase of delivery.13) Process according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that at least one of either said adhesive substance (6) or said decorative substance (13) is of the type of a UV ink and by the fact that said process comprises at least one phase of activating at least one of either said adhesive substance (6) or said decorative substance (13).14) Process according to claim 13, characterized by the fact that said phase of activating is carried out prior to said phase of removal or to said phase of takingaway, respectively.15) Process according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that it is devoid of additional phases of distribution of a granular material which are carried out between said phase of removal and said phase of taking away.16) Process according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that a phase of delivery of at least one additional decorative substance devoid of adhesive properties is carried out between said phase of removal and said phase of taking away.17) Process according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that it comprises, subsequently to said phase of taking away, at least one phase of firing said decorated artifact during which said inorganic component melts together with said granular material (8).18) Equipment (1) for the decoration of ceramic artifacts, characterized by the fact that it comprises: supporting means (4) adapted to hold at least one ceramic artifact (2) provided with a surface to be decorated (3) and movable along one direction of forward movement (A); distribution means (9) adapted to distribute a granular material (8) over at least part of said surface to be decorated (3); delivery means (15) adapted to deliver, by means of digital printing, at least one decorative substance (13) having adhesive properties on said surface to be decorated (3) according to a predefined drawing (20) to obtain a decorated surface (12), said decorative substance (13) being adapted to interact with said granular material (8) to change the aesthetic appearance thereof; taking away means (16) adapted to take an excess of said granular material (8) away from said decorated surface (12) to obtain a decorated artifact.19) Equipment (1) according to claim 18, characterized by the fact that it comprises, upstream of said distribution means (9) with respect to said direction of forward movement (A), application means (7) adapted to apply, by means of digital printing, at least one adhesive substance (6) onto said surface to bedecorated (3) according to a first preset drawing (21).20) Equipment (1) according to claim 19, characterized by the fact that it comprises, downstream of said distribution means (9) with respect to said direction of forward movement (A), removal means (14) adapted to remove an excess of said granular material (8) from said surface to be decorated (3) to obtain a pre-decorated surface (11).21) Equipment (1) according to claim 18 and claim 19 or 20, characterized by the fact that said delivery means (15) are configured to deliver said decorative substance (13) so that said predefined drawing (20) substantially matches said first preset drawing (21).22) Equipment (1) according to claim 18 and claim 19 or 20, characterized by the fact that said delivery means (15) are configured to deliver said decorative substance (13) so that said predefined drawing (20) may be different from said first preset drawing (21), said surface to be decorated (3) having first areas (22) affected at least by said predefined drawing (20) and second areas (23) exclusively affected by said first preset drawing (21), said first areas (22) being aesthetically different from said second areas (23).23) Equipment (1) according to one or more of claims 18 to 22, characterized by the fact that it comprises a plurality of said delivery means (15), each adapted to deliver a respective decorative substance (13).24) Equipment (1) according to claim 23, characterized by the fact that it comprises a plurality of said taking away means (16), each arranged downstream of the respective said delivery means (15) with respect to said direction of forward movement (A).25) Equipment (1) according to one or more of claims 18 to 24, characterized by the fact that at least one of either said removal means (14) or said taking away means (16) comprises a suction unit (19) adapted to suck said excess of the granular material (8).26) Equipment (1) according to one or more of claims 18 to 25, characterized by the fact that at least one of either said adhesive substance (6) or said additional substance (13) is of the type of a UV ink and by the fact that it comprisesactivation means (17,18) adapted to activate at least one of either said adhesive substance (6) or said decorative substance (13).27) Equipment (1) according to claim 26, characterized by the fact that said activation means (17, 18) are arranged upstream of said removal means (14) or of said taking away means (16) respectively, with respect to said direction of forward movement (A).28) Equipment (1) according to one or more of claims 18 to 27, characterized by the fact that it is devoid of additional distribution means of a granular material located between said removal means (14) and said taking away means (16). 29) Equipment (1) according to one or more of claims 18 to 28, characterized by the fact that it comprises additional decoration means, positioned between said removal means (14) and said taking away means (16) and adapted to deliver, by means of digital printing, at least one additional decorative substance devoid of adhesive properties.

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