Printer Substrate Edge Trimming Module for Printhead Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Industrial printing systems face issues with print quality and printhead damage when using substrates that do not conform to manufacturer-recommended characteristics, particularly with cheaper, lower-quality substrates that have irregular edges and protruding fibers, leading to alignment problems and potential contact with printheads.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating an edge trimming module in the printing system, equipped with a rotary knife or laser cutter, and heat treatment elements, positioned before the printing module to trim and smooth the substrate edges, ensuring they meet manufacturer specifications, thereby preventing damage and maintaining print quality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If cheaper substrates with irregular edges are used, then cost is reduced, but print quality deteriorates and printhead damage risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by trimming substrate edges before the printing process. An edge trimming module with a rotary knife or laser cutter removes irregularities and protruding fibers from substrate edges prior to printing, preventing potential printhead damage while allowing use of cheaper substrates.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an edge trimming module as an intermediary between substrate supply and printing. This module acts as a mediator that processes substrates to remove harmful edge characteristics, enabling cheaper substrates to be used without compromising printhead safety or print quality.
2Manufacturing precision
If substrates with irregular edges are used, then substrate cost is reduced, but alignment precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The edge trimming module performs preliminary edge processing before printing, creating straight and consistent edges that improve alignment precision. This preliminary action ensures substrates are properly positioned for printing while maintaining cost efficiency.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables the use of non-standard substrates without compromising image quality or damaging printing components, allowing for cost savings by ensuring consistent substrate alignment and reducing the risk of printhead damage.
Implementation Method 1
Incorporating an edge trimming module in the printing system, equipped with a rotary knife or laser cutter
Implementation Method 2
Incorporating an edge trimming module in the printing system, equipped with a rotary knife or laser cutter
Implementation Method 3
Incorporating an edge trimming module in the printing system, equipped with a rotary knife or laser cutter, and heat treatment elements
Data Source
AI summary
According to one example of the present invention there is provided a printer for a printing on a roll of substrate. The printer comprises a substrate support for receiving a roll of substrate, a drive mechanism for driving substrate from a roll of substrate when installed on the substrate support through a print writing module, and a substrate edge trimming module for trimming the longitudinal edges of a substrate prior to the substrate passing through the print writing module.