Oval Printing Machine Digital Flocking Integration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Oval printing machines face limitations in performing 'flocking' applications on digitally printed fabrics due to inefficiencies in repositioning and precision, and they incur high costs, making them unsuitable for small production volumes.
Innovation Solution
An oval printing machine with integrated digital printing stations and flexible operating stations that allow for variable printing speed and quality, enabling simultaneous processing of multiple items and controlled environmental conditions to optimize waiting times and reduce costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If items are re-positioned on plates of the oval machine after digital printing on a different machine, then flocking application can be performed, but positioning precision and time efficiency deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the digital printing station and flocking application station into a single integrated oval printing machine, allowing items to remain on the same support throughout the process. This eliminates the need to transfer items between machines, thereby maintaining positioning precision while enabling both digital printing and flocking applications.
Solution Approach 2:
The oval printing machine is designed with multiple operating stations including digital printing, silkscreen printing, drying, and flocking applications. This multi-functional design allows the machine to perform various printing and treatment operations on the same support without requiring item transfer, thus maintaining precision while providing versatility.
2Ease of manufacture
If traditional oval silkscreen printing machines are used for small production volumes, then manufacturing capability is maintained, but costs increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a digital printing station that enables dynamic adjustment of printing parameters and flexibility in production volume. Unlike traditional silkscreen printing that requires expensive printing matrices for small volumes, the digital printing system can adapt to any production quantity without additional tooling costs, making it economically viable for small batches while maintaining manufacturing capability.
3Adaptability or versatility
If items are transferred between machines for sequential processing, then multiple operations can be performed, but processing time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple operating stations (digital printing, silkscreen printing, drying, flocking) into a single integrated machine with a continuous oval guide path. Items remain on the same support and are transported through all stations sequentially without transfer, eliminating transfer time while maintaining the ability to perform multiple operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The oval guide system enables continuous movement of supports through all operating stations without interruption or transfer. The closed-loop path allows items to be processed continuously through digital printing, silkscreen printing, drying, and flocking operations in sequence, maximizing productivity by eliminating idle transfer time between machines.
Data Source
AI summary
An oval printing machine includes a guide, defining a closed path (P); one or more supports, movable on the guide, the one or more supports being adapted to support items to be printed; one or more operating stations positioned along the path (P) for processing the items to be printed; at least one digital printing station positioned along the path (P), for printing the items supported by the one or more supports. The digital printing station includes a structure substantially integral with the guide, and a first printing element associated with the structure and movable relative to the structure. The printing element is movable in a first direction (D1) that is transversal to a second direction (D2) in which the guide extends at the digital printing station.