Inline Label Printing on Cards Without Pre-Printed Label Storage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing card customization systems require complex management and storage of pre-printed labels for different card issuers, leading to increased space and cost requirements, while maintaining high productivity and quality.
Innovation Solution
A method where labels are applied to cards before printing, allowing direct in-line printing of customized information on the label after application, reducing the need for pre-printed label storage and management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If labels are pre-printed and stored for different card issuers, then customization quality is maintained, but space requirements and system complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The label is prepared and applied to the card in advance, but the actual customization printing is performed later in-line during the card customization process. This preliminary application of the blank label eliminates the need to store multiple pre-printed label variants, while still enabling high-quality customized printing when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of the conventional approach of printing labels in advance and storing them, the invention inverts the sequence by first applying blank labels to cards and then performing the customization printing in-line. This reversal eliminates storage requirements while maintaining printing quality.
2Manufacturing precision
If pre-printed labels are managed and stored, then printing quality is ensured, but system complexity and costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The label is prepared and applied to the card in advance, but the actual customization printing is performed later in-line during the card customization process. This preliminary application of the blank label eliminates the need to store multiple pre-printed label variants, while still enabling high-quality customized printing when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of the conventional approach of printing labels in advance and storing them, the invention inverts the sequence by first applying blank labels to cards and then performing the customization printing in-line. This reversal eliminates storage requirements while maintaining printing quality.
3Volume of stationary object
If labels are applied before printing, then storage space is reduced, but printing process complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges the label application process with the card customization printing process into a single integrated in-line operation. The label is applied to the card and then immediately printed upon during the same continuous process flow, eliminating the need for separate pre-printing and storage operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The printing system is designed to handle both card printing and label printing through a single multi-functional in-line printing unit. This universal printing capability allows the system to print on both the card surface and the applied label without requiring separate dedicated printing lines.
4Manufacturing precision
If pre-printed labels are used, then printing quality is maintained, but productivity and flexibility decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The in-line printing process operates continuously as cards move through the customization line, with labels being applied and printed upon without interruption or batch processing. This continuous operation eliminates the downtime associated with changing pre-printed label rolls and maximizes productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts printing parameters and label application timing based on real-time card customization requirements. This dynamic adaptation allows the system to maintain high printing quality while accommodating varying production demands and different card types without reducing overall productivity.
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
Simplifies the customization process, reduces space and cost requirements, and maintains high printing quality and productivity by utilizing the card as a support during printing.
Implementation Method 1
The DoD inkjet printer can print using thermal inkjet technology
Implementation Method 2
piezoelectric inkjet printing technology where pressure waves are used to eject selected amounts of ink from the nozzles of the printheads
Implementation Method 3
the use of ultraviolet and LED dryable inks is known. In particular, the ultraviolet-dryable ink is preferable since it provides immediate drying, light resistance
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3A~4
AI summary
A method for printing on labels applied to cards in a printing system (100;200) comprising at least one inkjet printer, the method comprising supplying to said printing system (100;200) a card provided with a first surface (1a) and a label provided with a first face (2a) opposite a second face (2b), engaging the second face (2b) of the label on the first surface (1a) of the card, so as to apply the label to the card, printing by said at least one inkjet printer the first face (2a) of the label applied to the card, removing from the printing system (100;200) the card bearing the printed label. A printing system (100;200) for printing on labels applied to cards is also described, which works with such method.