Ceramic Decoration Glaze Deposition for Aligned 3D Texture
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ceramic decoration processes and equipment are limited in flexibility, require multiple tools for different aesthetic effects, result in high costs and downtimes, and fail to achieve high-definition textured effects that align with printed graphics.
Innovation Solution
A process and equipment using digital inkjet printers for applying a water-repellent liquid and glaze, combined with a glaze dispensing device with a rotating roller, to create a textured surface with coordinated graphics, optimizing glaze application and reducing material usage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple differently engraved pads and rollers are used to obtain different aesthetic effects, then the variety of aesthetic effects is improved, but the device complexity and investment costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies a single pad or roller with variable engagement characteristics that can be dynamically adjusted to create different textured effects. Instead of using multiple fixed engraved tools, the system allows one tool to adapt its interaction with the ceramic medium through variable pressing forces and engagement depths, enabling diverse aesthetic effects without increasing the number of physical components.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the parameters of the pressing operation (force, duration, engagement depth) rather than changing the physical tool itself. By varying these process parameters during decoration, the system can produce multiple textured effects using a single pad or roller, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining versatility.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple engraved pads and rollers are replaced frequently to achieve different effects, then the aesthetic variety is improved, but the production downtime increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes a single pad or roller universal by enabling it to perform multiple decorative functions through variable engagement. This multi-functional approach eliminates the need for frequent tool replacements, as one tool can create different textured effects by adjusting operational parameters rather than physical configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs dynamic control of the pressing operation, allowing real-time adjustment of engagement characteristics during production. This dynamic capability enables effect variation without tool changes, maintaining continuous production flow and eliminating replacement downtimes.
3Ease of manufacture
If adhesive material with granular material is applied to obtain textured effect, then the process is simplified, but the definition and sharpness of the texture is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the adhesive-granular material mechanical system with a direct mechanical pressing system. Instead of applying adhesive and then depositing granules, the invention uses a pad or roller to directly press and shape the ceramic medium itself, creating texture through controlled deformation. This substitution maintains process simplicity while achieving superior definition and sharpness.
4Ease of manufacture
If water-repellent liquid is applied followed by glaze to obtain textured effect, then the process is simplified, but the glaze application quality and effect sharpness are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the water-repellent liquid and glaze chemical system with a direct mechanical pressing system. By using a pad or roller to physically shape the ceramic medium, the invention achieves texture creation without relying on water-repellent liquids and glaze accumulation, thereby maintaining process simplicity while dramatically improving effect sharpness and definition.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Achieves flexible, high-definition textured effects that align with printed graphics, reducing material costs and production downtime, while maintaining aesthetic quality and tactile pleasantness.
Implementation Method 1
application by means of a first digital inkjet printer, of a water-repellent liquid on the exposed surface according to a predefined design
Implementation Method 2
a dispensing device of a glaze, comprising an internally hollow container for the collection of the glaze provided with a set of through orifices and at least one roller housed within the container and operable in rotation around a relevant axis, the roller being provided with a set of projections angularly spaced away from each other along the circular development of the roller itself, which are adapted to open and close the orifices in a sequential and cyclic manner
Data Source
AI summary
The process for the decoration of ceramic manufactured articles, comprises at least the following phases of:—supply of at least one ceramic medium(S) to be decorated having at least one exposed surface (“Sa”) and at least one laying surface (“Sb”) opposite each other;—application by means of a first printer, preferably a first digital inkjet printer (4), of a water-repellent liquid (L) on the exposed surface (“Sa”) according to a predefined design (D);—spreading of a water-based glaze (C) on the exposed surface (Sa), wherein the spreading is earned out by means of a dispensing device (5);—application by means of a second printer, preferably a second digital inkjet printer (10), of at least one ceramic ink on the exposed surface (Sa) with a design which is coordinated to the predefined design (D).