Method for printing on a surface of a non-absorbent substrate with an ink to be applied by an inkjet printing device, and digital printing press for carrying out the method

US11207895B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• KOENIG & BAUER AG · DE

Inventors

• Eberhard Wahl · Weilheim, DE
• Manuel Komander · Stuttgart, DE
• Bernhard Mokler · Markgröningen, DE
• Rainer Simon · Eschenburg, DE
• Dominik Wewior · Leonberg, DE

Key dates

• Filing date: Aug 29, 2019
• Grant date: Dec 28, 2021
• Expiry date: Aug 29, 2039

Classification

• Technology area (CPC B): Performing Operations; Transporting
• CPC primary: B41M5/0088
• WIPO field: Textile and paper machines
• WIPO sector: Mechanical engineering

Abstract

A method is provided for printing a surface of a non-absorbent substrate with an ink to be applied by an inkjet printing device. An ink that contains water as a solvent is used for printing the substrate. An ink having a water content of at least 70% is used. The substrate to be printed is supported by a workpiece support and is moved relative to the inkjet printing device. During this relative movement, ink is applied by the inkjet printing device to the surface of the substrate to be printed. The ink that is applied to the surface of the substrate is heated to a temperature that is above the temperature of the air surrounding the substrate and that is below the boiling point of the solvent contained in the ink. Above a liquid phase of the ink, a vapor layer, consisting of the solvent that is contained in the ink, is formed. The vapor layer that is formed above the liquid phase of the ink is transported away by an air flow emitted by at least one blower nozzle unit. The air output by the respective blower nozzle unit is heated or is dehumidified beforehand. A digital printing press is provided for carrying out this method.