Inkjet Printing Machine Variable Thickness Graphic Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing digital printing machines struggle to create multi-sensory graphics with versatile customizable tactile effects on cylindrical containers, as they lack the ability to vary the thickness of the printed graphics locally.
Innovation Solution
A digital ink-jet printing machine that uses a programmable electronic controller to vary the thickness of the graphic pattern by selectively overlapping parts of the graphic pattern during multiple rotations of the mandrel, allowing for a customizable tactile effect through a printing program that can execute at a single printing station or split between multiple stations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If offset printing machines use special expanding inks to create tactile effects, then tactile effect is achieved, but the ability to diversify and customize tactile effects is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The invention applies local quality by varying the thickness of the printed graphics at different locations. The printing system deposits ink in multiple passes with different opacities and thicknesses at specific areas, creating localized tactile variations. This allows different portions of the graphic to have different thicknesses, enabling diverse and customizable tactile effects across the printed surface.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from two-dimensional printing to three-dimensional tactile effects by adding the dimension of thickness variation. By controlling the ink deposition thickness in the Z-dimension (vertical dimension), the system creates surface discontinuities and relief effects that add a third dimension to the otherwise flat printed graphic, enabling multi-sensory stimulation.
2Adaptability or versatility
If digital printing machines print graphics on cylindrical containers, then printing capability is achieved, but the ability to create multi-sensory graphics with variable thickness is lacking
Solution Approach 1:
The invention segments the printing process into multiple discrete passes or stages. Instead of attempting to print the complete graphic in a single pass, the system divides the graphic into multiple layers or portions that are printed sequentially. This segmentation allows each pass to focus on specific thickness requirements, enabling variable thickness control without requiring fundamentally complex hardware modifications.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention employs periodic action by printing the graphic in multiple sequential passes rather than a single continuous operation. The printing system periodically returns to the same areas of the container to deposit additional ink layers, with each pass contributing to the final thickness and tactile effect. This periodic printing approach enables precise thickness control through repeated, controlled deposits.
Data Source
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AI summary
An inkjet digital printing machine (1) comprising an inkjet printing unit (3) comprising a plurality of printing stations (4), a rotary table (2) supporting a plurality of support mandrels (6) of a plurality of containers (5) having a rotationally symmetrical outer surface to be printed, wherein the table (2) has a rotational axis (L), wherein the support mandrels (6) are distributed on the table (2) at a constant angular pitch and have their own axis (M) oriented radially with respect to the axis of rotation (L) of the table (2), wherein the table (2) is configured for sequentially transporting and stationing the mandrels (6) at the printing stations (4) wherein the mandrels (6) during printing, are driven in rotation on their own axes (M), wherein there is a programmable electronic controller with at least one programme for printing a graphism which sequentially provides for printing, at the same printing station, a first part (A, B, C, D, E, F, G) of the graphism during a first rotation of 360° of the mandrel (6) on its own axis (M) and at least a second part (A', B', C', D', E') of the graphism during a second rotation of further 360° of the mandrel (6) on its own axis (M), wherein the second part (A', B', C', D', E') of the graphism overlaps with the first part (A, B, C, D, E, F, G) of the graphism.