Printer Cutter Module Positioning for Full-Bleed Printing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current printers face challenges in producing full-bleed prints without leaving blank margins, as they often require subsequent cutting or trimming of media, which is time-consuming and labor-intensive, and may result in excessive overspraying of printing substance.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a printer system with a controller and longitudinal cutter modules that can position and cut the media to exact specifications, allowing for full-bleed printing by cutting the media to the desired width and edge, eliminating the need for subsequent trimming and minimizing overspray by cutting along the edges rather than relying solely on overspray.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If subsequent cutting or trimming is performed on media after printing, then full-bleed printing can be achieved, but the process becomes time-consuming and labor-intensive
Solution Approach 1:
The cutter module performs cutting operations immediately after printing while the media is still in the printer, eliminating the need for separate post-processing steps. This preliminary action integrates cutting into the printing workflow, maintaining full-bleed quality while improving productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system merges the printing and cutting functions into a single integrated process. The cutter module is positioned within the printer and controlled by the same controller that manages printing, combining two previously separate operations into one unified workflow.
2Ease of manufacture
If overspraying of printing substance is used to achieve full-bleed edges, then printing can be simplified, but excessive printing substance is wasted
Solution Approach 1:
The system replaces the chemical approach of overspraying printing substance with a mechanical cutting approach. Instead of relying on excess ink to cover edges, a precision cutter module physically trims the media to the exact desired edge, eliminating material waste while maintaining process simplicity through automated control.
3Productivity
If cutter modules are integrated into the printer for immediate cutting, then post-processing is eliminated, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cutter module is designed as a multi-functional component that can be positioned and controlled within the existing printer framework. It serves both as a precision cutting device and as part of the overall media handling system, leveraging the printer's existing controller and motion control infrastructure to minimize the increase in system complexity.
4Ease of operation
If cutting is performed without fiducial marks, then media handling is simplified, but positioning precision may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The cutter module uses the printer's existing positioning system and media handling mechanisms to automatically determine cutting positions without requiring external fiducial marks. The system leverages the printer's own coordinate system and media feed control to achieve precise cutting, making the process self-sufficient and eliminating the need for additional positioning markers.
Data Source
AI summary
A printer comprises at least one longitudinal cutter module to cut a print medium in a longitudinal direction with respect to a print media advance direction. The printer comprises a controller to position the longitudinal cutter module along a direction perpendicular to the print media advance direction. The controller is to receive a full-bleed print job and in response to receive print job to position the at least one cutter module along the direction perpendicular to the print media advance direction. The longitudinal cutter module is positioned by the controller to longitudinally cut the print medium.