Inkjet Printing Module for Slabs with Segmented Heads
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Solution Overview
Problem
Inkjet printing machines for rigid slabs, particularly transparent slabs like glass, suffer from imprecision and defects due to micro movements during the printing process, making it difficult to achieve precise and layered decorations without mechanical changes or long machine downtimes.
Innovation Solution
A method for controlling an inkjet printing machine with a movable printing device equipped with multiple printing groups and a locking and centring system, allowing for precise sliding and activation of printing heads to create layered decorations on slabs, enabling fast and automated sequence changes without mechanical adjustments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the slab advances in steps on the conveyor with the printing module sliding transversally, then the entire length of the slab can be decorated with consecutive strips, but micro movements and sliding of the slab cause printing defects and imprecision
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of moving the slab in steps under a sliding printing module, the invention inverts the approach by keeping the slab stationary on the conveyor and moving the entire printing module assembly (with multiple printing heads) in the advancing direction to decorate the slab in a single pass, thereby eliminating micro movements during printing
Solution Approach 2:
The printing module is segmented into multiple independent printing heads (first printing head, second printing head, etc.), each capable of depositing different layers or colors. This segmentation allows simultaneous or sequential operation of multiple printing heads on different sections of the slab without requiring slab movement, maintaining precision while achieving complete coverage
2Productivity
If the slab advances at constant speed with a fixed printing module, then single-pass printing is achieved, but it is impossible to carry out two juxtaposed passes and printing quality is affected
Solution Approach 1:
The fixed printing module is divided into multiple printing heads arranged in the advancing direction, allowing each head to perform a different pass or layer deposition simultaneously or sequentially on the same slab section, enabling multi-pass quality without requiring actual multiple passes
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple printing heads are merged into a single integrated printing module assembly that moves together with the slab. This merging allows coordinated operation of multiple printing functions (different layers, colors, or passes) in a single synchronized motion, achieving high-quality multi-layer printing without compromising single-pass productivity
3Adaptability or versatility
If many printing machines or printing modules are arranged along the advancing line to create layered decorations, then layered decorations can be made, but changing decorations or sequences requires long machine downtimes and mechanical changes
Solution Approach 1:
The printing module is designed as a universal assembly with multiple interchangeable printing heads that can be programmed to perform different printing functions, layers, or patterns. This multi-functionality allows a single printing module to replace multiple dedicated printing machines, achieving layered decorations without mechanical reconfiguration or long downtimes
Solution Approach 2:
The printing system employs dynamic control where the activation sequence of different printing heads can be changed programmatically without physical reconfiguration. This dynamic adaptability allows rapid switching between different decoration patterns, layers, and sequences by simply changing control parameters rather than performing mechanical changes to the machine structure
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
The solution enables precise and defect-free decoration on transparent slabs, allowing for quick changes in layer sequences and decorations, improving printing quality and reducing maintenance needs.
Implementation Method 1
a printing module equipped with one or more printing heads adapted for being arranged above the slab so as to release a plurality of drops of ink or decoration on the surface to be decorated of the slab itself
Data Source
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AI summary
A method for controlling an inkjet printing machine (10) on slabs (L), wherein the printing machine (10) comprising: - a support (20) for supporting a slab (L); and - a printing device (30) moveable above the support (20) along a sliding direction (D) and spaced apart from it, wherein the printing device (30) is provided with a plurality of printing groups (31) arranged adjacent with respect to a direction of mutually adjacent arrangement (G) parallel to the sliding direction (D) and each printing group (31) is equipped with at least one inkjet printing head (310), wherein each printing group (31) is configured to release a respective monochromatic decoration on a surface (L1) of the slab (L) resting on the support (20), and wherein the method comprises: - determining a layered decoration to be made with the printing device (30) on the surface (L1) of the slab (L), wherein the layered decoration is formed from the juxtaposition of a plurality of layers of monochromatic decoration; - setting an activation sequence of one or more printing groups (31) during the sliding of the printing device (30) along the sliding direction (D) as a function of the determined layered decoration; - making the printing device (30) slide along the sliding direction on the slab (L) resting on the support (20); - activating one or more printing groups during the sliding of the printing device (30) along the sliding direction (D) based on the set activation sequence and on a predetermined mutual position of the printing groups (31) along the direction of mutually adjacent arrangement.