Printed Can Lid Digital Printing for Precise Image Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for manufacturing printed can lids are time-consuming, costly, and prone to quality issues, and do not effectively allow for the application of patterns or information on the lid itself.
Innovation Solution
A digital printing method involving a control unit, digital printing units with multiple printing heads, and a sensor system to detect and orient the shell's structure, allowing for precise and efficient application of printed images onto the can lid without the need for physical rotation or repositioning of the shell, using water-based inks and a pad-printing unit for additional coating.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If traditional printing methods are used for can lids, then the printing process is time-consuming and costly, but the quality and precision of printed image alignment can be maintained
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical printing systems with a digital printing system that uses digital images and computer-controlled printing heads. The control unit stores multiple printed images with different orientations, and the system digitally selects and applies the appropriate image without mechanical repositioning of the shell, thereby reducing production time and cost while maintaining quality
Solution Approach 2:
The patent prepares multiple printed images in advance with different orientations (e.g., rotated by 0°, 45°, 90°, 135°) and stores them in the control unit. This preliminary preparation allows the system to quickly select and apply the correctly oriented image without time-consuming mechanical adjustments during the printing process
2Manufacturing precision
If the shell is physically rotated or repositioned to align the printed image, then image alignment accuracy can be achieved, but production time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical rotation and repositioning of the shell with a digital selection system. The control unit stores printed images in different orientations and selectively applies the appropriate pre-oriented image to match the shell's current position, eliminating the need for physical shell manipulation while maintaining precise image alignment
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple printed images are pre-prepared with different orientations and stored in the control unit. When a shell arrives at the printing position, the system quickly selects the pre-prepared image that matches the shell's orientation, avoiding time-consuming physical rotation while ensuring accurate image alignment
3Productivity
If multiple printing heads are used, then printing efficiency and quality improve, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple printing heads into a single integrated digital printing unit that shares common components such as the control unit, image storage system, and shell positioning mechanism. This merging approach allows efficient multi-color or multi-area printing while reducing overall system complexity compared to separate printing systems
Data Source
AI summary
A method for manufacturing a printed can lid (1) of a can with a digital printing method; comprising at least the following steps:a) making available a shell (2) with an outer face (3) and an inner face (4);b) making available a control unit (9) and a printed image (8), wherein the printed image (8) can be processed in the control unit (9);c) making available at least a first digital printing unit (10) with at least one printing head (11); wherein the printed image (8) which is made available by the control unit (9) can be printed onto the outer face (3) with the printing head (11); andd) printing the printed image (8) which is made available by the control unit (9) onto the outer face (3) with the printing head (11).