Method for applying a graphic to an end product, preferably a wooden rod, and device for carrying out such a method

Abstract

In the method, a graphic (6) is applied to an end product (1), preferably a wooden rod. In order to be able to print on products deviating from an ideal shape with high accuracy and low material consumption using the method and the device, the dimension and / or the position and / or the shape of the end product (1) is detected and digitised. The digitised contour data are compared with print data for the graphic (6). In the event of deviations, the print data are modified in such a way that they produce a graphic (6) which is at least approximately adapted to the dimension and / or the position and / or the shape of the end product (1).

Description

[0001] Michael Weinig AG Weinigstraße 2 / 4 97941 Tauberbischofsheim

[0002] Method for applying a graphic to a final product, preferably a wooden stick, and device for carrying out such a method

[0003] The invention relates to a method for applying a graphic to a final product, preferably a wooden stick, according to the preamble of claim 1 and to a device for carrying out the method according to the preamble of claim 9.

[0004] It is well known that graphics can be printed onto end products, particularly wooden sticks. The problem is that the wooden sticks do not have an ideal design in terms of dimensions, position, and shape. Thin and flexible sticks in particular do not have the ideal design for applying the graphic. Such thin wooden sticks can be bent and / or twisted in various directions. To print or decorate such flexible wooden sticks, they are mechanically forced into the ideal shape while being printed or decorated. However, this procedure is limited and, depending on the flexibility of the wooden stick, can also be too complex. Such a process is also not cost-effective for high-precision printing.

[0005] The invention is based on the object of designing the generic method and the generic device in such a way that products deviating from an ideal shape can be printed with high precision and low material consumption.

[0006] This object is achieved in the generic method according to the invention with the characterizing features of claim 1 and in the generic device according to the invention with the characterizing features of claim 9. According to the inventive method, the graphic is printed onto the end product with optimized quality, even if the end product does not fit precisely in terms of dimension and / or position and / or shape compared to the graphic and is therefore not ideal. Mechanical deformation of the end product during the printing process is therefore not necessary, resulting in a simple process. The end product is first recorded with regard to its dimension and / or position and / or shape, and the corresponding data is digitized. This digitized data is compared with the print data, which forms the basis for the graphic to be printed.If deviations occur regarding the dimensions and / or position and / or shape of the final product compared to the data in the print file, the print data is modified so that the graphic is adapted to the final product in terms of dimensions and / or position and / or shape. In this inventive method, the graphic is printed onto the non-straight final product in such a distorted manner that a distortion-free image results when the final product is brought into an at least approximately straight shape during assembly.

[0007] An end product primarily refers to wooden bars, which can be made of solid wood, a wood-based material, or the like. The end product can be printed on one or more sides. However, the method according to the invention also makes it possible to print only individual areas on the top side of the end product. In this case, the dimensions, position, and shape of these individual areas are crucial; they are recorded, digitized, and compared with the data in the print file.

[0008] Advantageously, the print file data is adjusted so that the graphic is adjusted before the printing process, depending on the recorded dimensions and / or position and / or shape of the final product, such that the graphic on the final product, after its installation, at least approximately corresponds to the desired graphic. This adjustment or correction of the print file data is carried out using a corresponding program, which is known per se. Particularly advantageously, the contour deviation across the length of the final product is recorded and compensated before or during printing of the graphic onto the final product. The position of the print head relative to the final product is also always recorded and taken into account.

[0009] Advantageously, the graphic is adapted to the contour and curvature of the final product, resulting in a very simple yet precise process control.

[0010] It's advantageous to adjust the contour only when permissible deviations are exceeded. This is sufficient to ensure that the graphic is printed on the final product with sufficient and desired precision.

[0011] A simpler procedure is achieved if the contour correction is performed two-dimensionally. The graphics program in question can then easily make the necessary corrections.

[0012] An advantageous method is achieved when the dimensions and / or position and / or shape of the final product are recorded using at least one recording device. It is possible to record these parameters of the final product only when it is fed to the printing press. However, it is also possible to record the final product with the recording device before it is fed to the printing press. The recording device is advantageously connected to a processing unit.

[0013] The print file, even in corrected or adjusted form, is sent to a printer equipped with at least one print head with nozzles. The print head is designed so that the entire surface of the final product to be printed can be covered during the printing process. Controlling the print head's nozzles helps to keep print material consumption as low as possible. The print head's nozzles are controlled so that the print medium only exits those outlets located above the surface to be printed. This prevents any print medium from exiting the other nozzles, which would otherwise end up next to the final product or the surface to be printed.

[0014] In the device according to the invention, the dimensions and / or position and / or shape of the final product are detected by at least one detection device. The detection device generates corresponding signals that characterize the dimensions, position, and shape. The signals are fed to a processing unit, which processes the digitized print data for printing. The processing unit is connected to the printer via a corresponding signal. The print data can be fed to the printer either via a cable or wirelessly.

[0015] In a preferred embodiment, the detection device is a camera or a camera system. With such a detection device, the dimensions, position, and shape of the final product can be easily and accurately recorded.

[0016] Sensors and the like can also be considered as detection devices, with which the dimensions, position and shape of the final product or the surface to be printed can also be reliably detected.

[0017] Precise printing is best achieved when the printing direction is perpendicular to the printing surface of the final product.

[0018] If several surfaces of the final product are to be printed, separate detection devices can be provided for each additional surface to be printed. This is particularly advantageous if the surfaces to be printed are at an angle to one another. The detection devices assigned to these surfaces to be printed, which are at an angle to one another, can then detect the dimensions, position and shape of each surface with high precision. In another advantageous embodiment, only one detection device is provided, which is adjustable about an axis that advantageously runs parallel to the transport direction of the transport unit. In this case, the detection device can be adjusted so that it can detect each individual surface to be printed one after the other. The adjustment axis thus forms a pivot axis around which the detection device can be pivoted.

[0019] It is also possible to move the detection device transversely, preferably perpendicularly, to the transport direction of the transport unit or the end product. This can be achieved, for example, using horizontal rails along which the detection device can be moved.

[0020] It is also possible to adjust the detection device in the transport direction, which can be particularly advantageous for long end products.

[0021] The adjustment options described can be available cumulatively.

[0022] In an advantageous embodiment, the detection device can be freely movable in space, for example with the aid of a robot or the like, which has corresponding degrees of freedom.

[0023] The subject matter of the application arises not only from the subject matter of the individual patent claims, but also from all information and features disclosed in the drawings and the description. Even if they are not the subject matter of the claims, they are claimed as essential to the invention insofar as they are novel, individually or in combination, over the prior art.

[0024] Further features of the invention emerge from the further claims, the description and the drawings. The invention is explained in more detail with reference to an embodiment shown in the drawings.

[0025] Fig. 1 a to 1 d Error images and digital correction options when printing a workpiece,

[0026] Fig. 2 In a schematic representation of a device according to the invention for detecting the dimension, position and shape of the workpiece to be printed,

[0027] Fig.3 shows the contour of the workpiece captured with the device according to Fig. 2.

[0028] Fig. 4 an original graphic to be printed on the workpiece according to Fig. 3,

[0029] Fig. 5 the graphic according to Fig. 5, which is adapted in its dimension to the workpiece according to Fig. 3,

[0030] Fig. 6 the graphic according to Fig. 4, which is adapted to the dimension and position of the workpiece according to Fig. 3,

[0031] Fig. 7 the graphic according to Fig. 4, which is adapted to the dimension, position and shape of the workpiece according to Fig. 3,

[0032] Fig. 8 a scheme of curvature correction when printing the graphic in one plane,

[0033] Fig. 9 shows a schematic representation of the process of printing the graphic onto the workpiece according to Fig. 3,

[0034] Fig. 10 shows an overview of curvature correction during the printing process to adapt the graphic to the contour of the workpiece. It is well known to print graphics onto workpieces (end products), particularly onto wooden rods. With wooden rods in particular, the problem arises that their dimensions, position and shape do not fit perfectly when compared to the ideal shape and the graphic to be printed on them. In the case of decorated wooden rods, particularly thin and flexible wooden rods, it can happen that these do not have the ideal shape before decoration or before a graphic is applied and are, for example, curved and / or twisted in different directions. This is not a problem for mounting such wooden rods, for example on a substrate, since such thin and flexible wooden rods can easily be shaped into the desired form when mounted on a substrate.

[0035] Therefore, the original shape of the wooden sticks is usually not critical for the user.

[0036] However, this irregular shape of the wooden sticks is problematic when the graphic is to be applied to the workpiece.

[0037] Fig. 1a shows, by way of example, a wooden stick 1 lying flat and having parallel longitudinal sides 3 and parallel end faces 4 and 5. The graphic 6 to be printed has an outline shape that exactly corresponds to the outline shape of the wooden stick 1. This allows the upper side of the wooden stick 1 to be ideally printed over the entire surface.

[0038] In the example, the graphic is an image of a wood grain pattern printed directly onto wooden stick 1. Graphic 6 can, of course, also be any other print image intended for the desired purpose.

[0039] The wooden rod 1 can be made of solid wood, but also of a wood-based material, for example MDF.

[0040] Fig. 1b shows the example case where the wooden rod 1 has different curvatures along its length. The two long sides 2, 3 are still parallel to each other, but exhibit a wavy shape along their length. The end faces 4, 5, however, are no longer parallel to each other.

[0041] The graphic 6 has a rectangular shape, as shown in Fig. 1a. If this rectangular graphic 6 is printed onto the wooden stick as shown in Fig. 1b, the graphic 6 and the top side of the wooden stick 1 are no longer congruent with one another. In Fig. 1b, the graphic 6 is shown with its rectangular shape and its long sides 6a, 6b and its end faces 6c, 6d as an overlay on the wooden stick. It can be seen that areas 7 of the top side of the wooden stick 1 are not printed, while in other areas 8 the graphic 6 extends beyond the long sides 2, 3 of the wooden stick 1. In the first case, after the printing process the wooden stick 1 has defects in the form of the unprinted areas 7, so that the wooden stick 1 does not have a completely printed top side. In the areas 8 where the print of the graphic 6 extends beyond the edge of the wooden stick 1, printing ink is wasted, which leads to unnecessary additional consumption of ink.If the printed wooden stick 1 were to be used, it would have to be subsequently machined on the long sides 2 and 3 so that its upper side is completely printed. However, this would no longer produce an ideal print, as parts of the print would be missing. Furthermore, the workpiece would no longer have the desired dimensions.

[0042] Fig. 1 c shows the curved wooden stick 1 onto which the exemplary rectangular graphic 6 has been printed straight and undistorted. In the print file, the graphic 6 has been adjusted to the contour of the curved wooden stick 1 without distortion. However, if the curved wooden stick 1 is straightened during subsequent use, the printed image will be distorted.

[0043] Fig. 1d shows the case where graphic 6 is also adapted to the contour of wooden stick 1 with regard to the direction of curvature, i.e., it is virtually curved. If, for example, wooden stick 1 is straightened during assembly, graphic 6 does not appear distorted due to its contour and curvature adjustment. This will be explained in more detail with reference to Fig. 8. Graphic 6 is adapted to such an extent that no distortion of graphic 6 occurs when the printed wooden stick 1 is straightened during assembly.

[0044] The following describes how the graphic 6 can be printed on the wooden stick 1 in such a way that there is no unnecessary additional consumption of printing ink and / or no distortion of the graphic when the printed wooden stick 1 is later installed.

[0045] Fig. 2 shows a schematic representation of a device with which the upper side of the wooden stick to be printed can be detected with high precision.

[0046] The wooden stick 1 to be printed is located on a transport device

[0047] 9, on which it is transported in its longitudinal direction. The wooden bar 1 is held firmly on the transport device 9 in a suitable manner so that its contour can be accurately recorded. This contour includes the dimensions, position, and shape of the wooden bar to be printed.

[0048] The wooden bar 1, for example, has two surfaces 10, 11 to be printed, which are arranged at an angle to each other and have different angles of inclination. This cross-sectional design of the wooden bar 1 is to be understood only as an example and not as a limitation.

[0049] The two surfaces 10, 11 to be printed are each detected by a detection device 12, 13. These are highly precise optical detection devices, preferably corresponding camera systems or sensor systems, with which the wooden bar 1 to be printed can be detected after it has been fed into the device.

[0050] The two detection devices 12, 13 are arranged in relation to the surfaces 10, 11 to be printed so that they can detect these surfaces perfectly. Depending on the length of the wooden rod 1, the surfaces

[0051] 10, 11 are captured by the two capture devices 12, 13 when the wooden stick 1 is at rest, or the wooden stick 1 and / or the capture devices 12, 13 are moved in the transport direction of the transport device 9. This second possibility is particularly suitable when the wooden stick 1 has a certain length that does not allow capture of the wooden stick in the resting state.

[0052] The two detection devices 12, 13 are arranged so that they can accurately detect the surfaces 10, 11 across their entire width. They are advantageously arranged approximately perpendicular to the surfaces 10, 11 to be detected.

[0053] The dimensions, position and shape of the wooden stick 1 are recorded. Depending on the type of wooden stick 1, it may be sufficient to provide only one recording device to record the dimensions, position and shape of the wooden stick.

[0054] In the exemplary design according to Fig. 2, the two detection devices 12, 13 are advantageous because they can be used to detect the two surfaces 10, 11 of the wooden bar 1 to be printed, which are located at an angle to one another, perfectly.

[0055] If the wooden bar 1 has only one surface to be printed, it is sufficient to use only one detection device.

[0056] In principle, it is possible to detect several surfaces to be printed using a stationary detection device 12, 13.

[0057] It is also possible to provide a movable detection device 12, 13, as indicated in Fig. 2 by the movement arrow 14. In this case, the two detection devices shown would represent the end positions of the single detection device. This single detection device can be moved so that it can detect surface 10 and, after a corresponding movement, the other surface 11. In such a case, the detection of the contour of surface 10, 11 or of the wooden bar 1 would occur sequentially. It is entirely conceivable to use more than two detection devices if the wooden bar 1 to be printed has more than two surfaces to be printed.

[0058] The contour of the wooden bar 1 is automatically determined and digitized for the two surfaces 10, 11 by the respective detection devices 12, 13. The detection devices 12, 13 are connected to a processing unit (not shown), to which the digitized values ​​are transmitted. The processing unit advantageously stores the print data for the graphics 6 to be printed on the surfaces 10, 11. The digitized signals transmitted by the detection devices 12, 13 are compared with the print data, which are also available in digital format.

[0059] If deviations in terms of dimensions, position, and shape are identified during this comparison, a digital duplicate of the respective print file for graphic 6 is created. In this duplicate, the deviations of surface 10, 11 of wooden stick 1 from the stored print data are compensated for within possible and specified tolerances. The dimensions and position of graphic 6 to be printed in the print data are adjusted to the dimensions and position of the respective surface 10, 11 or wooden stick 1 recorded by recording devices 12, 13. Depending on the surface to be printed, the length and width of wooden stick 1, its cross-section, and whether only one or multiple surfaces are to be printed are taken into account.

[0060] Certain desired features of Graphic 6, such as the size of image motifs or wood grain, can be defined and taken into account by manual presettings in the graphics software used during the adjustment described above.

[0061] The graphics software used is known and will not be described in detail. In addition to adapting to the dimensions and position of the surface 10, 11 to be printed, the print file of graphic 6 is processed and adjusted by the software in such a way that any existing deviation in the shape of the surface 10, 11 to be printed is optically compensated during printing. The software therefore ensures that graphic 6 is digitally adapted to the contour of the surface 10, 11 in the print file.

[0062] The described method is explained using Figs. 3 to 7.

[0063] Fig. 3 shows the contour of the wooden stick 1 detected by a detection device 12, 13. The contour of the wooden stick 1 refers to either the contour of the wooden stick itself, but also the contour of the surface 10, 11 to be printed on the wooden stick 1. In Fig. 3, it is assumed only by way of example that the entire visible surface of the wooden stick 1, e.g., its upper side, is to be printed.

[0064] Fig. 4 shows the original graphic 6, which is to be printed on the wooden stick 1 or the corresponding surface 10, 11. The graphic 6 is stored as a print file and configured such that it has, for example, a rectangular outline, but can have a different area or dimension than the surface 10, 11 of the wooden stick 1 to be printed.

[0065] Therefore, as shown in Fig. 5, the dimensions of the printed image of the graphic 6 are adjusted to the length and width of the wooden stick 1 using the described software. This adjustment can be performed in various ways. If the printed image of the graphic is larger than the area to be printed 10,1 1 , the printed image is reduced accordingly. If, however, the printed image of the graphic is smaller, the printed image is enlarged accordingly.

[0066] Since the wooden stick 1 is designed to run diagonally according to Fig. 3, the graphic 6, whose dimensions are adjusted, is adapted to its diagonal course by the software according to Fig. 6. Finally, the graphic 6, whose dimensions and position are adjusted, is adapted to the shape of the wooden stick 1 according to Fig. 3 according to Fig. 7.

[0067] After the print file has been adapted in this way to the dimension, position and shape of the recorded wooden stick 1, the graphic 6 is printed on the wooden stick 1 in the subsequent printing process so that its entire surface is covered with the graphic 6.

[0068] Please note that the various adjustments regarding dimensions, position, and shape shown in Figs. 5 to 7 do not need to be made in the order described. The only crucial factor is that the print file for graphic 6 has been processed by the software prior to printing so that graphic 6 can be printed accurately onto the top side of the wooden bar 1 (see Fig. 3) during subsequent printing.

[0069] The curvature correction (Fig. 8) is approximated by the software at any number of points in graphic 6 to the actual contour of the wooden stick 1 for this point. At each of these points, directional vectors 19 are assumed that are directed in the transport direction and identify a wooden stick 1 that is straight in the transport direction. If the wooden stick 1 is curved in its longitudinal direction, the directional vector 19' is no longer in the transport direction, but at an angle α to it. By taking into account the angle α at the corresponding points on the wooden stick 1, its curvature in the longitudinal direction can be easily determined and included in the correction. The number and frequency of curvature corrections per length depend on the optical requirements of graphic 6, the data processing capabilities, and the complexity of graphic 6. This curvature correction is performed separately for each wooden stick 1.Graphic 6 is adjusted to the curvature when the specified tolerances are exceeded. This curvature adjustment is easily performed using the described software in the usual way. The contour correction is performed in one plane (two-dimensional).

[0070] The software components and the correction devices used to process the print data can be stored in a single hardware device (computer) or in several separate hardware components.

[0071] The process flow is explained using Fig. 9 as an example.

[0072] The graphic 6 to be applied to the wooden stick 1 is stored as a print file in a memory (step I). The wooden stick 1 to be printed is guided past one or more detection devices 12, 13 (step II). The dimensions, position, and shape of the wooden stick 1 are detected in reference to its beginning, with the detection device 12, 13 transmitting corresponding data to the processing unit (not shown).

[0073] This data is processed by the corresponding software to adapt graphic 6 to the dimensions, position, and shape of wooden bar 1 (Step III), as explained in Figs. 5 to 7. Just as the recorded shape contains information about the position / location of wooden bar 1 in the longitudinal or transport direction, the corresponding corrections are made when adapting graphic 6, taking the position / location in the longitudinal or transport direction into account.

[0074] The adjusted print file is fed to at least one printer 15 (step IV). Based on the supplied corrected print data, printer 15 prints graphic 6 onto wooden bar 1 (step V). The control of the printing process again takes into account the position / location of wooden bar 1 in the longitudinal or transport direction.

[0075] For example, the beginning of the wooden stick 1 can be detected as a reference using sensors in the area of ​​the detection device 12, 13 and / or the printer 15. In conjunction with the specified transport speed or the specified transport path, the position / location of the wooden stick 1 in the longitudinal or transport direction is defined. The transport speed or the transport path can also be detected using sensors.

[0076] Alternatively, the length position of the wooden bar 1 can be derived by taking into account the geometric arrangement of the detection device 12, 13 and the printer 15 relative to each other and, again, in conjunction with the transport speed or the transport path. The beginning of the wood can, if necessary, be detected directly via the detection device 12, 13, thus eliminating the need for sensors.

[0077] The printer 15 has at least one print head 16, under which the wooden stick 1 is transported in the direction of the arrow 17. The print head 16 has, for example, two rows of outlet nozzles 18, which extend transversely, preferably perpendicularly, to the transport direction 17 and are spaced apart from one another. The two rows of outlet nozzles 18 are long enough that the wooden stick 1 or the surfaces 10, 11 to be printed can be printed as the wooden stick 1 passes through. The outlet nozzles 18 are controlled such that the printing ink only exits those outlet nozzles 18 that are located above the wooden stick 1 or the surface 10, 11 to be printed and that produce the desired print image or graphic.

[0078] It is also possible to arrange two or more print heads side by side. The print heads 16 can have one or more rows of nozzles 18.

[0079] After the wooden stick 1 passes through the device, the printed end product is obtained. The wooden stick 1 and the graphic 6 are perfectly aligned within permissible tolerances. When the printed, curved wooden stick 1 is deformed into its rectangular shape or ideal, straight shape, the printed image is deformed to the same extent as the wooden stick 1, resulting in the desired, undistorted graphic (original graphic). In the described process, the wooden sticks 1 are printed directly by the printer 15. If necessary, the wooden sticks 1 are first primed, for example, pretreated with primer or filler. The wooden sticks 1 are then pretreated so that the graphic 6 can be printed directly onto them.

[0080] Advantageously, the wooden bars 1 are provided with a covering layer, at least on their printed side, to protect the printed graphic 6 from external influences. For this purpose, a clear varnish can be used, for example, which is applied to the printed side of the wooden bars 1.

[0081] Advantageously, a top coat that can be printed using a digital printing process, e.g. inkjet printing, can be used.

[0082] The wooden bars 1 to be printed are guided one after the other through the device described in order to print the graphic 6.

[0083] Fig. 10 shows again in comparison the printing of a wooden stick with an ideal shape and an actual contour deviating from the ideal shape.

[0084] In the left half, wooden stick 1 has an ideal shape and contour, a rectangular shape in the example. The printed graphic 6 corresponds completely to that of the wooden stick in terms of its shape and contour, so that graphic 6 can be easily printed congruently onto wooden stick 1.

[0085] The right half of Fig. 10 shows the wooden stick 1, which has a wave shape that deviates from the ideal shape. The contour of the wooden stick 1 is recorded in the manner described using the recording device 12, 13. The graphic 6 must be adapted to the actual contour of the wooden stick 1 in the manner described. The adjustment of the printed graphic is carried out in the manner described such that the graphic 6 and the wooden stick 1 are congruent within specified tolerances. In the manner described, wooden sticks 1 that do not have an ideal shape, or that cannot be brought into the ideal shape when clamped onto a transport unit or during transport through the device, can be printed with a corresponding graphic 6 that is at least almost congruent. The recording device 12, 13 records the dimension, position, and shape and thus the contour of the wooden stick 1.Therefore, mechanical guides for the passage of the wooden bar 1 relative to the printer 15 are not required. Likewise, the workpieces do not have to be forced straight and clamped in precise positions when clamped into a transport device. This allows the described device to be structurally simple and consist of few components. In particular, the device is characterized by its mechanical robustness, so that the risk of failure is low. The maintenance intensity of the device is also low. The adaptation of graphic 6 using the software to the respective actual shape of the wooden bar 1 means that the material consumption of printing medium can be kept low because the printing ink is only applied to those areas of the wooden bar 1 where printing is to take place.

Claims

Claims 1 . Method for applying a graphic (6) to an end product (1 ), preferably a wooden stick, in which the graphic (6) is printed on the end product (1 ), characterized in that the dimension and / or the position and / or the shape of the end product (1 ) is recorded and digitized, that the digitized contour data are compared with print data for the graphic (6), and that in the event of deviations the print data are changed so that they result in a graphic (6) which is at least approximately adapted to the dimension and / or the position and / or the shape of the end product (1 ).

2. Method according to claim 1, characterized in that the graphic (6) is adapted before the printing process as a function of the detected dimension and / or position and / or shape of the end product (1) and is printed on the end product (1).

3. Method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the contour deviation of the final product (1) is detected and compensated before or during the printing of the graphic (6) on the final product (1).

4. Method according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the correction of the graphic (6) with regard to contour and curvature is adapted to the contour of the final product (1).

5. Method according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the contour is adjusted when permissible deviations are exceeded.

6. Method according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the correction of the contour is carried out two-dimensionally.

7. Method according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the dimension and / or position and / or shape of the final product (1) is detected by at least one detection device (12, 13) which is connected to a computing unit.

8. Method according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the print file is sent to a printer (15) which has at least one print head (16) with outlet nozzles (18) which are controlled in accordance with the print image.

9. Device for carrying out the method according to one of claims 1 to 8, with at least one transport unit (9) for the end product (1) to be printed and with at least one printer (15), characterized in that the device has at least one detection device (12, 13) which detects the dimension and / or the position and / or the shape of the end product (1) and generates signals therefrom which are supplied to a computing unit which processes the signals for printing and is signal-connected to the printer (15).

10. Device according to claim 9, characterized in that the detection device (12, 13) is a camera or a camera system.

11. Device according to claim 9 or 10, characterized in that the printing direction runs perpendicular to the surface (10, 11) of the final product (1) to be printed.

12. Device according to one of claims 9 to 11, characterized in that the detection device (12, 13) is adjustable about an axis.

13. Device according to claim 12, characterized in that the adjustment axis runs parallel to the transport direction (17) of the transport unit (9).

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