Digital Printing Station for On-Demand Can Pattern Customization
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current can manufacturing processes require significant storage of pre-printed metal sheets to meet diverse market demands, leading to high storage costs due to the need for sufficient quantities of each pattern type before cutting, which limits flexibility and efficiency.
Innovation Solution
An automatic machine integrates a digital printing station upstream of a calendering station, allowing for on-demand digital printing and calendering of metal pieces after cutting, enabling pattern customization based on market requirements without pre-printing, and utilizing a digital printing system with ink spraying and a roller applicator for high-quality printing, along with a control system to optimize conveyor speeds for increased productivity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If pre-printed metal sheets are stored in sufficient quantities for each pattern type, then market requirements can be met, but storage costs increase considerably
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-cutting metal sheets into sectors before printing, but delaying the printing operation until after cutting. This allows the metal sheets to be prepared in advance in a neutral state, then printed on-demand with different patterns based on actual market requirements, eliminating the need to store large quantities of pre-printed sheets for each pattern type
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamics by making the printing operation flexible and adaptable to changing market demands. Instead of static pre-printing for fixed patterns, the system allows dynamic selection and printing of different patterns on already-cut sectors, enabling the production line to respond quickly to varying market requirements without being constrained by pre-printed inventory
2Adaptability or versatility
If digital printing is integrated upstream of calendering, then production flexibility improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies merging by integrating the digital printing station directly into the existing can manufacturing machine, positioning it upstream of the calendering station. This combines multiple operations (cutting, printing, calendering) into a single integrated system, allowing pattern customization without requiring separate standalone printing equipment, thus managing complexity through consolidation rather than addition
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements universality by designing the digital printing station to work with the existing machine architecture and control systems. The printing station can handle various patterns and colors using the same basic infrastructure, making the system multi-functional for different product requirements without needing separate specialized equipment for each pattern type
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
This solution reduces storage costs by allowing real-time pattern selection and printing, enhancing production flexibility and productivity, as the machine can efficiently process and calender metal pieces with varying patterns, minimizing storage needs and optimizing the spacing between pieces for continuous processing.
Implementation Method 1
The printing station (12) comprises a digital printing system (121) configured for performing, on each stored piece, a respective step of imprinting said desired pattern. The printing station (12) comprises a plurality of nozzles, configured to spray ink, to print the desired pattern.
Implementation Method 2
the printing station (12) includes a second print (i.e. a fixing painting) which is overlapped to the first first print ad which has the function of fixing the first print. In one embodiment, the printing station (12) includes a roller applicator, configured to apply on the pieces ink or paint by means of a roller
Implementation Method 3
a calendering station (13) configured for performing, for each printed piece, a respective calendering step
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3A~3B
AI summary
Described is an automatic machine (1) configured to automatically perform a process for processing metal pieces designed to make the respective side walls of cans, with which the machine (1) achieves an improvement in the production flexibility of the cans by means of a station for digital printing (12) of the pieces integrated in the machine upstream of a calendering station (13) for calendering the pieces once they have left the digital printing station (12). The invention also relates to this processing process.