Rapid prototyping and filling commercial pipeline
US7383768B2 · kind B2 · utility
55Cited by
15References
8Claims
0Family size
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Mar 29, 2005 |
| Grant date | Jun 10, 2008 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Sep 5, 2025 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB41J11/0015
- WIPO fieldTextile and paper machines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
Methods and apparatus provide a means to rapidly develop and modify prototype surface coverings for customer review and approval, and fill the commercial pipeline while more conventional production equipment is obtained, installed and tested. The present apparatus to rapid prototype and fill the commercial pipeline includes a digital printing system to print a film and a press for laminating and embossing the printed film to a substrate. The press uses an embossing plate or roll, which is made from ebonite or by three-dimensional printing equipment. These plates and rolls can be produced within two or three days or less.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.