Register-Accurate Embossed Composite Material Production

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for producing register-accurate embossed composite materials face challenges such as irregular register lengths due to material stretching and temperature fluctuations, leading to complex control technologies and potential material damage, especially when using glass fiber layers with limited deformability.

Innovation Solution

A method involving elastic and/or plastic longitudinal expansion of the first material layer to set a constant register length, followed by lamination onto a stabilizing second layer, and subsequent adjustment to match the embossed image length, reducing the need for high stretching forces and complex control systems.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If the composite material is fed to the embossing device with adjustment of the length of the printed image and the embossed image to achieve register-accurate embossing, then the manufacturing precision is improved, but the device complexity increases due to the need for complex control technology and frequent speed/position adjustments

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveregister accuracyVSAvoidcontrol system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The printed image is pre-stretched or pre-shrunk during the printing or lamination process to achieve the desired register length before embossing. This preliminary adjustment eliminates the need for complex real-time speed and position control during embossing, as the register accuracy is already established in advance

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system utilizes variable speed capabilities of the printing unit and lamination unit to dynamically adjust the register length of the printed image. By controlling the rotational speeds of the printing roller and lamination roller differently, the system can stretch or shrink the printed image to match the embossing roller circumference, achieving register accuracy without complex control during embossing

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Manufacturing precision

If high stretching forces are applied to adjust the register length of the printed image, then the manufacturing precision is improved, but the material strength deteriorates due to potential destruction of glass fiber layers with limited deformability

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveregister length accuracyVSAvoidmaterial integrity
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The system changes the physical state of the material by controlling temperature and humidity parameters during printing and lamination. By heating the printed image or controlling the plasticity of the material, the system enables register length adjustment at lower forces, preventing damage to glass fiber layers while achieving the required precision

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The printed image is pre-stretched or pre-shrunk during the printing or lamination process to achieve the desired register length before embossing. This preliminary adjustment is performed when the material is more pliable, requiring lower forces that do not damage the glass fiber reinforcement layers

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Manufacturing precision

If the register length of the printed image is frequently adjusted to match the embossed image length, then the manufacturing precision is improved, but the productivity decreases due to frequent speed and position changes

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveregister length matchingVSAvoidproduction speed
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses variable speed control of the printing unit and lamination unit to adjust the register length dynamically. By controlling the rotational speeds of the printing roller and lamination roller differently, the system can stretch or shrink the printed image to match the embossing roller circumference, achieving register accuracy without disrupting the continuous production flow

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The register length adjustment is performed in advance during the printing or lamination process, allowing the embossing process to proceed at constant high speed without interruptions for frequent adjustments

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

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

This approach ensures a consistent register length over the web length of the printed image, allowing for accurate in-register embossing with minimal mechanical stress on the material, thus simplifying the production process and reducing costs.

Implementation Method 1

elastic and/or plastic longitudinal expansion of the first material layer

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElastic expansion: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

elastic and/or plastic longitudinal expansion of the first material layer

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPlastic expansion: Plasticity

Implementation Method 3

a laminating or laminating device with which the first material layer is laminated in this state onto the second material layer

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLamination: Lamination

Data Source

PatentEP2868487B1Method and device for producing a composite material that is embossed in register, in particular a laminated material
Publication Date: 2016.12.14 SAM SUNGAN RALPH PAGENDARM GMBH
  • EP2868487B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2

AI summary

In a process for producing a register-corrected composite material (13'), comprising joining, in particular laminating or covering, at least two web-shaped material layers (3, 9) to form a composite material (13) and subsequent register-correct embossing of the composite material (13) in an embossing device (16) through which the composite material (13) is passed, wherein a first material layer (3) having a print image repeating according to a register length is laminated with a second material layer (9) stabilizing the first material layer (3), and an embossed image is imprinted register-corrected onto the print image of the composite material (13) in the embossing device (16), wherein the composite material (13) is fed to the embossing device (16) with adjustment of the length of the print image and the embossed image, a solution is to be created which provides an improved and constructively,This process provides or enables the application of a composite material (13) with a register-based embossed, in particular laminated or coated, and versatile material that is both technically and control-efficient and easy to implement and manage. This is achieved by adjusting the print image of the first material layer (3) to a desired register length that remains constant along its entire web length by means of register-length-controlled elastic and/or plastic longitudinal stretching of the first material layer (3) and by fixing, in particular by laminating or coating, the longitudinally stretched first material layer (3) with the stabilizing second material layer (9), thus producing a composite material (13) with a print image exhibiting the desired constant register length along its entire web length.