Pad Printing Machine Optical Registration Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pad printing machines require complex manual setup and specialized knowledge for precise multi-stage printing, especially when aligning multiple clichés relative to each other, which can be time-consuming and prone to errors.
Innovation Solution
A method and pad printing machine design that uses registration marks printed on the object, captured by a camera, to determine correction values for aligning cliché areas, allowing for automatic adjustment independent of error sources, enabling quick and precise setup without specialized knowledge. The machine features a camera for image capture and a computer for processing correction values, with adjustable cliché carriers and a cleaning system for precise ink transfer.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If manual setup and alignment methods are used for multi-stage printing, then printing precision can be achieved, but the setup process becomes complex and requires specialized knowledge
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical alignment methods with an automated optical measurement and calculation system. The camera captures images of registration marks, and the evaluation device automatically calculates correction values, eliminating the need for specialized manual setup while maintaining printing precision
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-alignment through automatic image capture, evaluation, and correction value calculation. The machine automatically adjusts printing positions based on captured images without requiring external expert intervention, simplifying the setup process while maintaining precision
2Manufacturing precision
If manual alignment adjustments are performed repeatedly, then printing precision can be improved, but the setup time increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces time-consuming manual trial-and-adjustment processes with automated optical measurement and computational correction. The camera and evaluation device quickly capture images and calculate precise correction values, dramatically reducing setup time while maintaining or improving printing precision
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary alignment by capturing images of registration marks and calculating correction values before actual printing begins. This preliminary automated adjustment eliminates the need for repeated manual adjustments during the printing process, saving significant setup time
3Adaptability or versatility
If carousel-type printing units are used, then multi-color printing is enabled, but angle of rotation errors occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical carousel rotation with a linearly movable cliché carrier system. The carrier moves along a linear path to position different clichés, eliminating angular rotation errors while maintaining multi-color printing capability through precise linear positioning controlled by the automated evaluation system
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of rotating the cliché carrier angularly as in traditional carousel systems, the patent inverts the approach by using linear movement along a straight path. This inversion of the motion mechanism eliminates rotational angle errors while achieving the same multi-color printing function
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
The machine (1) has a machine frame (10) at which a printing pad carrier (3) and a printing plate carrier (5) for two printing plate regions (20) are mounted. A camera (22) and a personal computer evaluate images produced by the camera. The camera is arranged such that the image is produced from a portion of a printed object (17). The printing plate carrier is arranged on a displacement unit (6), which is adjustable in x-direction and y-direction. The printing pad carrier is moved centrally along a machine axis. An independent claim is also included for a method for two-stage printing of an object with a pad printing machine.