Direct Printing Method for Enamelling Using Laser Transfer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current enamelling and decorating methods, such as ink injection and digital injection technologies, are limited by small particle size restrictions, which hinder the achievement of a broad and intense range of chromatic and ceramic effects, and struggle with high image quality and weight deposition on substrates with varying reliefs, especially when subjected to high-temperature heat treatment.
Innovation Solution
A direct printing method using a device that emits electromagnetic waves, preferably a laser, to transfer enamel/ink from a carrier vehicle to the printing surface without contact, allowing for a broad range of chromatic and ceramic effects by using high-solid-content inks with larger particles and enabling deposition on both smooth and raised surfaces with precise control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If ink injection technology uses submicrometric particles to ensure proper printing, then printing quality is improved, but the range of chromatic and ceramic effects is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the particle size parameter from submicrometric (conventional) to larger particles (up to 50 micrometres), enabling both high printing quality and broad chromatic/ceramic effects. This parameter change allows the use of diverse pigments and frits that were previously unsuitable for digital injection.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts printing parameters including distance from printhead to substrate (0.1-5mm), printing speed, and passes, allowing optimization for different particle sizes and substrate reliefs while maintaining image quality and achieving various ceramic effects.
2Quantity of substance
If contact enamelling is used to access deep relief zones, then coverage is improved, but the method becomes unviable for substrates with reliefs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an air gap (0.1-5mm) as an intermediary space between the printhead and substrate surface, allowing the enamel to be deposited on relief zones without physical contact. This resolves the contradiction by enabling coverage of deep reliefs while maintaining the benefits of non-contact printing.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical contact-based enamelling system with a non-contact digital injection system that uses electromagnetic fields to deposit enamel through the air gap, enabling access to relief zones that are inaccessible to contact methods.
3Adaptability or versatility
If high-solid-content inks with larger particles are used to achieve broad chromatic range, then viscosity increases beyond acceptable limits
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the viscosity parameter to accommodate high-solid-content inks (50-80% solids) with larger particles (up to 50 micrometres), achieving viscosities of 50-500 cPs. This allows the formulation of inks with diverse pigments and frits while maintaining printability through the digital injection system.
4Loss of substance
If digital injection technology deposits low amounts of enamel, then material usage is reduced, but image quality and weight deposition are insufficient for many ceramic products
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically controls enamel deposition by adjusting printing parameters (distance, speed, passes) to deposit precise amounts (5-500 g/m²) as needed, achieving both material efficiency and high image quality for different ceramic product requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables partial deposition (low amounts for material efficiency) or excessive deposition (high amounts for robust coating) depending on the specific application requirements, allowing optimization between material usage and image quality for different ceramic products.
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
Enables the achievement of industrially required finishes with high image quality and broad chromatic and ceramic effects on various surfaces, including those with reliefs, by allowing the deposition of enamel/ink weights between 0 and 500 g/m² and maintaining image quality through precise control of the printing distance and movement systems.
Implementation Method 1
transferring an enamel/ink, by means of the use of a device for emitting energy in the form of electromagnetic waves, from a carrier vehicle to the printing surface
Implementation Method 2
gives rise to a change in the volume and/or position of the printing composition with the help of said laser radiation-absorbing bodies
Implementation Method 3
The heat treatment is necessary for the adherence of the enamel/ink to the substrate, producing the final ceramic and/or chromatic effect. To this end, said heat treatment is carried out at temperatures higher than 500°C
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a direct printing method for enamelling and/or decorating on surfaces in general (ceramic, glass or metallic materials, inter alia), which are subjected to heat treatment following printing, consisting of transferring an enamel/ink, by means of the use of a device for emitting energy in the form of electromagnetic waves, preferably laser, from a carrier vehicle to the printing surface without any contact between said vehicle and the printing surface. The heat treatment, which is carried out at temperatures higher than 500°C, is used for the adherence of the enamel/ink to the substrate, producing the final ceramic and/or chromatic effect.