Transfer Component for 3D Article Printing
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for printing on three-dimensional articles, such as inkjet printing and transfer processes, face challenges in achieving high-quality labels due to limitations in applying ink to surfaces with varying heights or complex shapes, leading to defects in print quality.
Innovation Solution
The development of apparatuses and methods that involve a transfer component with a deposition device to modify its dimensions and configuration with transfer material, allowing it to conform to the three-dimensional article's surface, and then transfer the material onto the article using mechanisms like vacuum, air jets, or shaped dies.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If inkjet printing is used to print directly on three-dimensional articles, then the printing process can be simplified, but the print quality deteriorates due to inability to accurately jet ink on surfaces with varying heights
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a transfer component as an intermediary element between the inkjet print head and the three-dimensional article. The transfer component receives the inkjet print and then transfers it to the article surface, allowing the printing process to occur on a flat surface where precision is maintained, while still achieving coverage on complex three-dimensional shapes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent divides the printing process into two separate operations: (1) inkjet printing onto a flat transfer component, and (2) transferring the printed image to the three-dimensional article. This segmentation allows each operation to be optimized independently - the inkjet printing for quality and the transfer mechanism for adaptability to complex shapes.
2Manufacturing precision
If current transfer processes are used to apply ink to three-dimensional articles, then the image can be transferred from a transfer surface, but the process is not well suited for articles with complex three-dimensional shapes and surface features with significant height variations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a flexible transfer component that can conform to the contours of three-dimensional articles. This flexible film allows the transfer process to adapt to complex shapes and surface features with varying heights, while maintaining sufficient contact between the transfer material and the article surface for accurate image transfer.
Solution Approach 2:
The transfer component is designed to be dynamically adaptable to different article geometries. The system can adjust the transfer component's configuration to match the specific three-dimensional shape being printed on, enabling versatility across different article types while maintaining print quality.
3Length of stationary object
If ink is jetted from a print head to surfaces with height differences exceeding the jetting distance, then the printing distance can be extended, but the ink application accuracy deteriorates leading to print defects
Solution Approach 1:
The transfer component serves as an intermediary that decouples the inkjet printing distance from the article surface distance. The inkjet print head maintains a consistent, accurate distance from the flat transfer component surface, while the transfer component itself bridges the gap to articles with varying surface heights, eliminating print defects caused by excessive jetting distances.
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 enables high-quality transfer printing on complex three-dimensional surfaces by ensuring accurate application of transfer materials, improving print quality and adaptability to articles with varying curvatures and shapes without leaving a carrier on the surface.
Implementation Method 1
depositing at least one material onto a portion of the surface of the transfer component with the deposition device to form a transfer material on the transfer component
Implementation Method 2
modifying the initial dimensions and/or initial configuration of the portion of the transfer component with the transfer material thereon to conform the transfer component to at least a portion of the surface of the three-dimensional article
Implementation Method 3
transferring the transfer material onto the surface of the article
Data Source
AI summary
Apparatuses and methods for applying a transfer material from a transfer component onto the surface of an article are disclosed, including apparatuses and methods of transfer printing on and/or decorating three-dimensional articles, as well as the articles printed and/or decorated thereby. In some embodiments, the method may utilize a printer such as an inkjet printer. In some cases, the transfer material may be a UV curable ink and/or adhesive. When the transfer material is UV curable, the transfer component may be permeable to UV radiation to allow curing of the ink and/or adhesive therethrough. UV curable adhesives including thiol-acrylate and thiol-ene acrylate inkjet-able adhesives are disclosed.