Multi-Point Screen Registration for Simultaneous Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional screen printing methods require manual and time-consuming registration of multiple screens for each color, leading to potential misalignment and imperfections in printed indicia, as the registration process is typically attached to the printing arm rather than the print head.
Innovation Solution
An automatic screen registration device with a multi-point registration system attached to each print head, utilizing air cylinders and adjustable brackets to position and lock screens simultaneously, allowing for alignment during machine assembly or maintenance and enabling simultaneous registration during use.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If traditional 2-3 point registration device attached to printing arm is used, then device complexity is reduced, but manufacturing precision and time consumption worsen due to repeated manual registration for each color and print job
Solution Approach 1:
The registration device is pre-configured with multiple registration points and blocks positioned at predetermined locations. The adjustable plates and brackets are pre-positioned to accommodate different screen sizes and configurations, eliminating the need for manual setup during each registration operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The registration system is divided into multiple independent registration blocks (first block, second block, third block) that can contact different portions of the screen simultaneously. Each block is mounted on adjustable plates that can be independently positioned, allowing simultaneous multi-point registration of multiple screens.
2Productivity
If traditional registration device attached to printing arm is used, then device complexity is lower, but productivity decreases due to repeated manual registration operations
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple registration functions are combined into a single integrated device mounted on the print head. The system merges multiple registration blocks, adjustable plates, and brackets into one unified apparatus that can register multiple screens simultaneously, eliminating the need for separate registration operations for each color.
Solution Approach 2:
The registration device serves as an intermediary between the print head and the screens, providing a stable reference framework through the alignment frame and registration blocks. This intermediary structure enables precise simultaneous registration without requiring complex manual operations.
3Manufacturing precision
If manual screen placement and locking is performed for each color, then ease of operation is maintained, but manufacturing precision deteriorates due to potential misalignment
Solution Approach 1:
The registration device enables screens to self-align through the multi-point contact system. The registration blocks contact multiple portions of the screen simultaneously, and the air cylinders automatically adjust and maintain contact, reducing the need for manual positioning and locking operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The manual mechanical locking process is replaced with an automated system using air cylinders that automatically position and secure the screens. The movable devices replace manual locking mechanisms, providing more consistent and precise registration.
Data Source
AI summary
An automatic screen registration device for a registering a screen printing frame and method of use that includes generally (1) a print head or plurality of print heads; (2) frame or frames attached directly to the print head(s) and (3) a means for positioning a screen in the frame(s). The present invention uses a multi-point registration system that is attached to each print head of a screen printing system.