Method and apparatus for ink jet printing on rigid panels
US6755518B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Nov 21, 2001 |
| Grant date | Jun 29, 2004 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Nov 29, 2021 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB41M7/0072
- WIPO fieldTextile and paper machines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
Ink jet printing is provided onto rigid panels such as foamboard and contoured material using ultraviolet (UV) light curable ink, which is first at least partially cured with UV light and then may be subjected to heating. Printhead-to-panel spacing is controllable to maintain a predetermined constant distance from the printing element to the surface of the panel where the ink is to be applied. Each of a plurality of printheads may be independently moveable to control the spacing of the printheads from the substrate surface. Sensors on the printhead carriage measure the shape, or vertical position of, the printhead's distance from the printhead carriage to the surface of the substrate being printed. The position or focal length of the UV light curing head may be varied to maintain focus of the UV light on the ink on a contoured surface of the substrate. UV curing heads may be located on the printhead carriage, one on each side of the printheads, and activated alternately as the carriage reciprocates, to spot cure and freeze the dots of ink immediately after being deposited on the substrate. Cold UV sources may be used to prevent heat deformation of flat or contoured substrates durin…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.