Laser Reprintable Can Surface Preparation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for reusing printed cans with defects or outdated printing are inefficient, as they often require complete recycling, chemical treatments that are unsafe or costly, or mechanical removal that damages the cans, and struggle with contaminants like necking oil preventing new print adhesion.
Innovation Solution
An in-line process using laser radiation to remove existing print and contaminants from the outer surface of printed cans, followed by coating with a masking agent to create a blank-reprintable surface, allowing for new printing that resembles the original appearance, while maintaining the integrity and quality of the cans.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If chemical methods are used to remove existing print from cans, then print removal effectiveness is improved, but safety and cost deteriorate due to harmful chemicals and additional rinsing requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces chemical methods with a mechanical/physical method: using an abrasive pad or brush in combination with a cleaning solution to mechanically remove print residues. This substitution eliminates the need for harsh chemical solvents while achieving effective print removal through mechanical action, thereby resolving the contradiction between print removal effectiveness and chemical safety.
2Manufacturing precision
If mechanical methods are used to remove existing print from cans, then print removal is achieved, but can integrity deteriorates due to damage to the side wall
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by using a compliant abrasive pad or brush that selectively removes print residues only from the outer surface where needed, while the soft construction of the abrasive element ensures it does not damage the underlying can wall. The abrasive action is localized to the surface layer, preserving the structural integrity of the can while achieving effective print removal.
3Quantity of substance
If coating methods use too little coating material, then processing cost is reduced, but print adhesion deteriorates due to insufficient coverage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by thoroughly cleaning and preparing the can surface before applying the new print. This includes removing all print residues and contaminants using the abrasive pad method, and ensuring the surface is properly conditioned. By preparing the surface in advance, the coating process requires less material to achieve adequate adhesion and coverage, as the clean, prepared surface allows for more efficient coating application.
4Ease of manufacture
If necking oil is present on can surface, then can formation is facilitated, but new print adhesion deteriorates due to contaminant interference
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the taking out principle by specifically targeting and removing the necking oil contaminant from the can surface before applying new print. The cleaning process using abrasive pads or brushes is designed to extract and eliminate this interfering substance, separating the beneficial can formation function from the harmful print adhesion interference, thereby enabling both easy can formation and successful new print adhesion.
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 efficient and consistent reuse of printed cans with a high-speed, continuous process, effectively removing existing print and contaminants without damaging the cans, and achieving a professional-looking new print, capable of producing at least 60 newly-printed cans per minute.
Implementation Method 1
irradiating the outer surface of the printed can with laser radiation to remove 10% to 100% of the existing-print from the printed can
Data Source
AI summary
An in-line process for reusing printed cans is disclosed. The process includes positioning a printed can in front of a laser, the printed can having existing-print on an outer surface of the printed can. And, irradiating the outer surface of the printed can with laser radiation to remove 10% to 90% of the existing-print from the printed can and thereby form a lightened-printed can. And further, coating the outer surface of the lightened-printed can with a masking agent to form a blank-reprintable can. Finally, optionally, printing a new print-pattern on the outer surface of the blank-reprintable can to form a newly-printed can.