Plastic Container Panels for Digital Printing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Digital printing on plastic containers with unique contours and large panels faces challenges such as print quality and rigidity issues due to flexing or warpage during manufacturing processes, which complicates maintaining the required standoff distances for print heads.
Innovation Solution
The design of plastic containers with a plurality of panels instead of a single large panel, incorporating lands, ribs, or projections for added structural support, and tiered or contoured panels to provide a stable surface for digital printing, along with a system of print heads that can maintain variable offset distances for optimal printing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If a single large panel is used on plastic containers, then the surface area for printing is increased, but the panel experiences flexing and warpage that compromises print quality and container rigidity
Solution Approach 1:
The container surface is divided into multiple smaller panels rather than using a single large panel. Each panel is supported by internal ribs or projections that prevent flexing and warpage, ensuring consistent print quality across the entire surface while collectively providing the required total printing area.
2Area of stationary object
If a single large panel is used on plastic containers, then the surface area for printing is increased, but the container rigidity and strength are reduced due to panel flexing
Solution Approach 1:
The large surface area is segmented into multiple smaller panels, each independently supported by internal structural elements. This segmentation allows each panel to maintain rigidity while collectively providing the required total surface area for printing.
Solution Approach 2:
Internal ribs or projections act as intermediary structural elements between the panels and the container body. These intermediaries provide support to the panels, preventing flexing and warpage, thereby maintaining both print quality and container rigidity.
3Manufacturing precision
If digital offset printing is used on large panel containers, then print quality is improved, but maintaining consistent standoff distances for print heads becomes difficult due to panel warpage
Solution Approach 1:
By dividing the surface into multiple smaller panels with internal support structures, each panel remains flat and stable during the printing process. This stability allows print heads to maintain consistent standoff distances across the entire container surface, enabling high-quality digital offset printing.
Data Source
AI summary
A plastic container includes a base, an opening, and a plurality of panels. In embodiments, the plurality of panels are configured for digital printing. Systems and methods for digital printing on plastic containers with a plurality of panels are also disclosed.