Flexible ITM Printing on Conical Objects
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional offset lithographic printing technologies are inefficient for printing high-quality images on three-dimensional objects due to the need for precise color registration and extensive drying/curing stations, which are not feasible for 3D surfaces, resulting in lower quality and increased costs with mechanical decorating technologies.
Innovation Solution
A digital offset inkjet printing system using an intermediate transfer member (ITM) with a flexible endless belt applies a dry ink image to the object's surface, allowing for overlapping colors and eliminating the need for blanket pad replacement, enabling high-quality printing on conical objects by ensuring intimate contact and uniform velocity during transfer.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If conventional offset lithographic printing is used on three-dimensional objects, then color registration precision can be improved, but the device complexity and production cost increase significantly due to required drying/curing stations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical offset lithographic printing system with a digital inkjet printing system that deposits ink directly onto the three-dimensional object surface. This substitution eliminates the need for complex mechanical registration systems, drying stations, and curing equipment while maintaining acceptable print quality through digital control of ink deposition.
2Ease of manufacture
If mechanical decorating technologies are used on conical objects, then printing capability is achieved, but image quality deteriorates due to inability to maintain precise registration and uniform contact
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a compliant blanket that adapts its surface to match the local geometry of the conical object being printed. This allows the printing surface to conform to varying radii and angles across the object, maintaining uniform contact and consistent image quality from the base to the apex of the cone without requiring complex mechanical adjustment systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses a rotating conical mandrel that dynamically adjusts the object's position and orientation during the printing process. The mandrel rotates the conical object while the inkjet array deposits ink in synchronized coordination with the rotation, enabling precise image placement and registration on the three-dimensional surface.
3Productivity
If blanket pads are used in conventional printing systems, then printing can be performed, but downtime increases due to frequent replacement and maintenance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical blanket pad transfer system with a digital inkjet deposition system that applies ink directly to the object. This eliminates the physical blanket pads that require periodic replacement, cleaning, and maintenance, thereby eliminating associated downtime and increasing overall system productivity and availability.
4Ease of manufacture
If conventional printing methods are used on 3D objects, then printing can be achieved, but adaptability decreases due to fixed printing parameters and stationary setups
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs a rotating conical mandrel that can dynamically adjust rotation speed and position, allowing the printing system to adapt to different object sizes, shapes, and orientations. The digital inkjet array can independently control ink deposition parameters for each nozzle, enabling flexible adaptation to various printing requirements without changing physical hardware configurations.
Solution Approach 2:
The digital inkjet printing system with rotating mandrel serves multiple functions: it can print on various three-dimensional geometries (conical, cylindrical, irregular), adjust to different object sizes, accommodate varying print areas, and switch between different image configurations. This universal capability replaces multiple specialized printing systems with a single adaptable platform.
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 enables high-quality, flexible, and efficient printing on conical objects with the ability to produce a wide range of colors and image sizes, reducing downtime and costs associated with mechanical decorating technologies.
Implementation Method 1
digital offset inkjet printing system using an intermediate transfer member (ITM) with a flexible endless belt applies a dry ink image to the object's surface
Implementation Method 2
digital offset inkjet printing system using an intermediate transfer member (ITM) with a flexible endless belt applies a dry ink image to the object's surface
Implementation Method 3
ensuring intimate contact and uniform velocity during transfer
Implementation Method 4
intermediate transfer member (ITM) with a flexible endless belt applies a dry ink image to the object's surface
Data Source
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AI summary
A printing apparatus is disclosed for printing on an outer surface of conical objects. The apparatus employs an offset printing process in which an ink image is deposited onto the outer release surface of an intermediate transfer member (ITM) (30) having the form of a flexible endless belt. After drying of the ink image on the ITM (30), the ITM (30) transports the dried ink image to an impression station having a nip at which the ink image is transferred onto the surface of the objects. An object transport system (14) transports the conical objects to the impression station and rotates each conical object about its own longitudinal axis during passage through the impression station. In order to permit printing on conical objects, the ITM (30) is elastically deformable at least in the direction of movement of the ITM (30), and is guided in such a manner as to be elongated during passage through the impression station, the extent of elongation varying across the width of the ITM (30) so as to match the surface velocity of the ITM (30) to that of the object over the entire area of contact between the ITM (30) and the object at the nip.