Direct Printing Device Seam Alignment for Circumferential Images
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Solution Overview
Problem
Direct printing on containers with seams results in reduced image quality due to imperfections at seam areas, and wraparound printing often reveals visible seams or overlaps, compromising the appearance of the print.
Innovation Solution
A direct printing device equipped with a print head, detection device, computing device, and alignment device that aligns the container seams with the print head, ensuring the print seam coincides with the container seam, thereby minimizing visual defects.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If wraparound printing is applied to containers with seams, then the printed image covers the entire circumference of the container, but visible seams and overlaps appear in the printed image
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary detection of container seams and alignment markings before printing, calculates the required alignment correction, and adjusts the container orientation in advance. This ensures that the print seam coincides with the container seam from the beginning, preventing visible defects in the final printed image.
2Productivity
If direct printing is performed on containers with seams, then the printing process is simple and fast, but the printed image quality is reduced at seam areas
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses detection devices to identify container seams and alignment features, feeds this information to a control system that calculates alignment corrections, and adjusts the container position accordingly. This closed-loop feedback mechanism ensures high image quality at seam areas while maintaining efficient direct printing processes.
3Loss of time
If container alignment is not adjusted, then the printing process is faster and simpler, but the print seam does not coincide with the container seam resulting in visible defects
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs alignment detection and calculation before the printing operation, preparing the container position in advance so that when printing begins, the container is already correctly oriented. This preliminary alignment action minimizes additional time while ensuring precise coincidence between print seam and container seam.
Data Source
Figure 1a~1b
Figure 2
AI summary
The invention relates to a direct printing device for applying a circumferential printed image onto containers with at least one container seam, comprising a printhead which is designed to directly print onto a container, a detection device which is designed to detect at least one specified feature of the container, a computing device which is designed to determine whether and optionally how the container is to be aligned in order to be brought from an actual container alignment into a specified target container alignment, and an alignment device which is designed to align the container into the target container alignment on the basis of the determination of the computing device. The target container alignment is specified such that the container seam is aligned relative to the printhead such that a print seam which is produced during the application of a circumferential printed image is substantially congruent with the container seam.