Abstract

The present invention relates to a method for operating a printing apparatus and an printing apparatus suitable for performing such a method. In particular the present invention relates to a method for operating a printing apparatus, the printing apparatus comprising a page-wide curing array, the printing apparatus being operable in at least a gloss mode and a matt mode.

IPC Classes  ?

• B41M 7/00 - After-treatment of printed works, e.g. heating, irradiating
• B41J 3/28 - Typewriters or selective printing or marking mechanisms characterised by the purpose for which they are constructed for printing downwardly on flat surfaces, e.g. of books, drawings, boxes
• B41J 11/00 - Devices or arrangements for supporting or handling copy material in sheet or web form
• B41J 29/12 - Guards, shields or dust excluders
• C09D 5/32 - Radiation-absorbing paints
• G02B 26/08 - Optical devices or arrangements for the control of light using movable or deformable optical elements for controlling the direction of light

Abstract

The present invention relates to a method for operating a printing apparatus and an printing apparatus suitable for performing such a method. In particular the present invention relates to a method for operating a printing apparatus, the printing apparatus comprising a page-wide curing array, the printing apparatus being operable in at least a gloss mode and a mixed matt-gloss mode.

IPC Classes  ?

• B41J 11/00 - Devices or arrangements for supporting or handling copy material in sheet or web form
• B41J 25/00 - Actions or mechanisms not otherwise provided for
• G06F 9/445 - Program loading or initiating

Abstract

The present invention relates to a radiation-curable component The present invention further relates to an ink composition comprising a radiation-curable component and to a method for preparing such ink composition. The present invention also relates to an ink set The present invention further relates to a method of printing and to a printed object In addition, the present invention relates to a method for recycling a printed object.

IPC Classes  ?

• C09D 11/38 - Inkjet printing inks characterised by non-macromolecular additives other than solvents, pigments or dyes
• C08G 63/08 - Lactones or lactides
• C08G 63/91 - Polymers modified by chemical after-treatment
• C08K 5/5397 - Phosphine oxides
• C09D 11/40 - Ink-sets specially adapted for multi-colour inkjet printing

Abstract

A print media source processing printer comprising a plurality of print media sources, a print controller comprising a print queue comprising print jobs, a print media source scheduler to schedule the plurality of print media sources, and a dynamic print media request list. The dynamic print media request list contains a requested amount and kind of print media in chronological order based on the jobs in the print queue and accumulated per kind of print media. Each print media source is configured to hold a stack of print media. The print media source scheduler comprises for each print media source a representation of the print media source which indicates if the print media source is in use or will be in use, and how long the print media source will be in use. Upon loading print media at a print media source, unloading print media from a print media source and/or updating the print queue, both the dynamic print media request list and the print media source scheduler are updating accordingly.

IPC Classes  ?

• G06K 15/00 - Arrangements for producing a permanent visual presentation of the output data
• B41J 3/46 - Printing mechanisms combined with apparatus providing a visual indication
• B41J 13/10 - Sheet holders, retainers, or stationary guides
• G06F 3/12 - Digital output to print unit

Abstract

A calendering unit for a printing device is described that efficiently and gently matches the gloss of the printed and unprinted partial regions of the recording medium by calendering a recording medium printed to by the printing device.

IPC Classes  ?

• B41F 25/00 - Devices for pressing sheets or webs against cylinders, e.g. for smoothing purposes
• B41F 33/00 - Indicating, counting, warning, control or safety devices
• B41M 7/00 - After-treatment of printed works, e.g. heating, irradiating
• G01N 21/57 - Measuring gloss

Abstract

A printer configured to output stacks of printed print media on pallets comprises a print controller comprising a print job queue and/or a print job waiting room comprising print jobs. The print controller is configured to create and maintain a pallet stack object which represent a pallet with a stacked output. The stacked output is printed sheets related to at least one print job from the print job queue and/or a print job waiting room. The pallet stack object is displayed on dedicated user interface windows at a user interface connected to the printer. The user is allowed to compose and maintain by means of the user interface of the printer the stacked output for each pallet stack object created by the print controller.

IPC Classes  ?

• G06F 3/12 - Digital output to print unit
• B41J 3/46 - Printing mechanisms combined with apparatus providing a visual indication
• B41J 13/10 - Sheet holders, retainers, or stationary guides

Abstract

A method and a printer for printing print jobs on print media, the printer comprising at least one print media source, a print controller for controlling the printing of the print jobs by means of a print job queue, and a user interface for displaying a representation list of the print jobs in the print job queue. The representation list comprises a visual element which is present at each scheduled print job in the representation list, is configured to signal a status of each print job and to display which print jobs end up to a same output unit of print media.

IPC Classes  ?

• G06F 3/12 - Digital output to print unit

Abstract

The present invention discloses a method for inducing film formation of printed ink and a print system comprising a module for applying this method. The ink, printed on a substrate, thus forming an image, comprises polymer particulates. Water droplets are finely dispersed on top of this image and are allowed to form a water layer in-between the polymer particulates. By evaporating the water at elevated temperatures and reduced vapor pressure, the particulates will experience a capillary force that induces the film formation. This method provides therefore a less energy consuming alternative for the application of super heated steam.

IPC Classes  ?

• B41M 7/00 - After-treatment of printed works, e.g. heating, irradiating
• B41J 11/00 - Devices or arrangements for supporting or handling copy material in sheet or web form
• C09D 11/10 - Printing inks based on artificial resins

Abstract

Method for determining an ink distribution in a 3D object to be printed in color and having a degree of translucency by a printing system which comprises a print controller and at least one printhead. The printing system is configured to print 3D objects consisting of a plurality of layers on a substrate in an XY plane in a print direction in the XY plane in at least one pass of the at least one printhead relatively over the substrate per layer, while ejecting inks from nozzles of the at least one printhead towards the substrate in a Z direction according to print instructions received from the print controller.

IPC Classes  ?

• B29C 64/393 - Data acquisition or data processing for additive manufacturing for controlling or regulating additive manufacturing processes
• B29C 64/112 - Processes of additive manufacturing using only liquids or viscous materials, e.g. depositing a continuous bead of viscous material using individual droplets, e.g. from jetting heads
• B29L 31/00 - Other particular articles
• B33Y 10/00 - Processes of additive manufacturing
• B33Y 50/02 - Data acquisition or data processing for additive manufacturing for controlling or regulating additive manufacturing processes
• B33Y 80/00 - Products made by additive manufacturing
• G05B 19/042 - Programme control other than numerical control, i.e. in sequence controllers or logic controllers using digital processors

Abstract

An extraction device for an inkjet printing device is described that is designed to guide a printed recording medium along a transport direction through a constriction with a counter-traveling gas flow, in order to be able to exhaust aerosol before the constriction in the transport direction. The constriction is formed efficiently, flexibly, and precisely by a guiding unit that acts on the back side of the recording medium at the constriction.

IPC Classes  ?

• B41J 2/17 - Ink jet characterised by ink handling

Abstract

The present invention relates to a radiation-curable ink composition, the ink composition comprising a mixture of photoinitiators, the mixture of photoinitiators comprising a polymeric photoinitiator and a non-polymeric photoinitiator. The present invention further relates to an ink set and to a method for preparing to a radiation-curable ink composition. In addition, the present invention relates to a method for printing and a printer.

IPC Classes  ?

• C09D 11/101 - Inks specially adapted for printing processes involving curing by wave energy or particle radiation, e.g. with UV-curing following the printing
• C09D 11/322 - Pigment inks

Abstract

The present invention relates to a radiation-curable gelling ink composition. The present invention further relates to an ink set and to a method for preparing to a radiation-curable gelling ink composition. In addition, the present invention relates to a method for printing and a printer.

IPC Classes  ?

• C09D 11/101 - Inks specially adapted for printing processes involving curing by wave energy or particle radiation, e.g. with UV-curing following the printing
• C09D 11/322 - Pigment inks
• C09D 11/34 - Hot-melt inks

Abstract

A method for applying an image onto a recording medium includes applying a pretreatment liquid including Zn2+ salt and ink composition including a water-dispersible polyester resin. A printing apparatus can perform the method.

IPC Classes  ?

• C09D 11/54 - Inks based on two liquids, one liquid being the ink, the other liquid being a reaction solution, a fixer or a treatment solution for the ink
• B41J 2/155 - Arrangement thereof for line printing
• B41J 11/00 - Devices or arrangements for supporting or handling copy material in sheet or web form
• B41M 5/00 - Duplicating or marking methodsSheet materials for use therein
• B41M 7/00 - After-treatment of printed works, e.g. heating, irradiating
• C09D 11/104 - Polyesters
• C09D 11/38 - Inkjet printing inks characterised by non-macromolecular additives other than solvents, pigments or dyes
• C09D 11/40 - Ink-sets specially adapted for multi-colour inkjet printing

Abstract

Method for determining a color gamut of a printing system. The method comprises the steps of printing samples of an object on a substrate. The samples vary with respect to a thickness of the samples and ink ratios of the ejected inks. For each printed sample a reflectance is measured by means of a spectrophotometer. The measured reflectances are fit with a formula derived from the Kubelka-Munk theory comprising derivations of an absorption coefficient and a scattering coefficient of the ejected inks and transmission and/or reflection coefficients at interfaces between ink and air and vice versa, and between ink and substrate. A full color gamut of the printer is determined by using the Kubelka-Munk theory by means of the derived coefficients and the derived coefficients are stored in a print controller of the printing system.

IPC Classes  ?

• B29C 64/386 - Data acquisition or data processing for additive manufacturing
• B33Y 10/00 - Processes of additive manufacturing
• B33Y 30/00 - Apparatus for additive manufacturingDetails thereof or accessories therefor
• B33Y 50/00 - Data acquisition or data processing for additive manufacturing
• G01N 21/25 - ColourSpectral properties, i.e. comparison of effect of material on the light at two or more different wavelengths or wavelength bands
• G01N 21/31 - Investigating relative effect of material at wavelengths characteristic of specific elements or molecules, e.g. atomic absorption spectrometry

Abstract

The present invention relates to a radiation curable ink composition comprising a gellant. The present invention further relates to an ink set comprising such ink composition. The present invention further relates to a method for making such ink composition and a printing method using such ink composition.

IPC Classes  ?

• C09D 11/38 - Inkjet printing inks characterised by non-macromolecular additives other than solvents, pigments or dyes
• C09D 11/101 - Inks specially adapted for printing processes involving curing by wave energy or particle radiation, e.g. with UV-curing following the printing

Abstract

A method for ink jet printing a multi-layer print job with UV curable ink by means of a printer. The multi-layer print job comprising a plurality of layers intended to be processed in-line on top of each other in a printing step and a curing step. For each layer a first dose of UV curing light to be received by the layer from the curing device when processing the layer is determined. For each layer a second dose of UV curing light to be received by the layer from the curing device when curing at least one layer which is intended to be printed on top of the layer, is determined. For each layer a sum of the first dose and the second dose approximately equals a dedicated predetermined dose of UV curing light. For each layer a number of passes of the print assembly over the print medium which number of passes corresponds to the first dose of UV curing light. The multi-layer print job is processed wherein each layer is printed in the determined number of passes and is cured with the determined first dose of UV curing light.

IPC Classes  ?

• B41J 11/00 - Devices or arrangements for supporting or handling copy material in sheet or web form
• B41J 2/045 - Ink jet characterised by the jet generation process generating single droplets or particles on demand by pressure, e.g. electromechanical transducers
• B41J 2/21 - Ink jet for multi-colour printing

Abstract

The method comprises the step of detecting in the print queue of a printer a pre-processing or post-processing action of a first print job which is followed by a pre-processing or post-processing action of a second print job succeeding the first print job, wherein the pre-processing or post-processing action of the first print job and the pre-processing or post-processing action of the second print job are suitable to be combined in at least zero combination actions which take less time and/or waste than a total of said two combinable actions. The pre-processing or post-processing action of the first job and the pre-processing or post-processing action of the second job are replaced by the at least zero combination actions in the print queue while taking the less time and/or waste of the at least zero combined actions into account, and the visualization of the print queue is adapted accordingly.

IPC Classes  ?

• G06F 3/12 - Digital output to print unit

Abstract

The stability of print media supporting on an air bearing on a flatbed printer is improved by the printer including a medium support surface provided with through-holes in connection to a suction chamber assembly; a pressure regulator assembly configured for selectively connecting the through-holes to a suction source or an overpressure source for respectively drawing in gas into or blowing gas from the through-holes, wherein a sensor is provided for determining a pressure in the suction chamber assembly, which sensor is connected to a controller configured to compare the determined to one of a plurality of pressure settings for maintain the pressure in the suction chamber assembly substantially constant based thereon.

IPC Classes  ?

• B41J 3/28 - Typewriters or selective printing or marking mechanisms characterised by the purpose for which they are constructed for printing downwardly on flat surfaces, e.g. of books, drawings, boxes
• B41J 11/00 - Devices or arrangements for supporting or handling copy material in sheet or web form
• B41J 29/393 - Devices for controlling or analysing the entire machine

Abstract

A printer including a medium support surface provided with through-holes in connection to a suction chamber assembly, a pressure regulator assembly configured for selectively connecting the through-holes to a suction source or an overpressure source for respectively drawing in gas into or blowing gas from the through-holes and a user interface for user interaction. The pressure regulator assembly is configured to activate one of a plurality of pressure states, and the user interface comprises a user operable digital item provided with a plurality of digital states which one-by-one correspond to the plurality of pressure states of the pressure regulator assembly.

IPC Classes  ?

• B41J 11/00 - Devices or arrangements for supporting or handling copy material in sheet or web form
• B41J 3/28 - Typewriters or selective printing or marking mechanisms characterised by the purpose for which they are constructed for printing downwardly on flat surfaces, e.g. of books, drawings, boxes
• G06F 3/04847 - Interaction techniques to control parameter settings, e.g. interaction with sliders or dials

Abstract

A method for determining fiducial markers to be printed on a substrate by means of a printer which is configured to execute a print process and to transport the substrate relatively to a gantry comprising a print head and an image scanner in a main scanning direction over a print surface underneath the gantry. The print head and the image scanner are moveable along the gantry in a sub-scanning direction perpendicular to the main scanning direction. The printhead is configured to eject marking material on the substrate and the image scanner is configured to create scanned images of the printed substrate. Based on properties of the scanned images of prepared patches on the substrate a color and a shape of the fiducial markers to be printed is selected and stored per type of substrate.

IPC Classes  ?

• G06K 15/02 - Arrangements for producing a permanent visual presentation of the output data using printers
• B41J 3/28 - Typewriters or selective printing or marking mechanisms characterised by the purpose for which they are constructed for printing downwardly on flat surfaces, e.g. of books, drawings, boxes
• B41J 3/44 - Typewriters or selective printing mechanisms having dual functions or combined with, or coupled to, apparatus performing other functions
• B41J 29/00 - Details of, or accessories for, typewriters or selective printing mechanisms not otherwise provided for
• H04N 1/047 - Detection, control or error compensation of scanning velocity or position

Abstract

In a sheet printer and a method for a sheet printer, the sheet printer includes a media support plane, a print controller, a print head and a user interface including a preview window including a representation of the media support plane. The print controller is configured to receive at least one digital image intended to be printed on a media piece, to receive position information of the position of the media piece on the media support plane, to display a representation of the media piece in a preview window, to determine a first part of the at least one digital image which fits on the media piece when printed and a second part of the at least one digital image which does not fit on the media piece and will not be printed, and to display a representation the first part as an at least partial overlay on the presentation of the media piece according to at least one first visual parameter. The print controller is further configured to display a representation of the second part in the preview window according to at least one second visual parameter, which deviates from the at least one first visual parameter.

IPC Classes  ?

• B41J 29/18 - Mechanisms for rendering the print visible to the operator
• B41J 3/28 - Typewriters or selective printing or marking mechanisms characterised by the purpose for which they are constructed for printing downwardly on flat surfaces, e.g. of books, drawings, boxes
• B41J 11/06 - Flat page-size platens
• G06K 15/02 - Arrangements for producing a permanent visual presentation of the output data using printers

Abstract

The present invention relates to a method for calibrating an image forming device comprising at least one printhead comprising a plurality of nozzles arranged in a plurality of nozzle rows, the image forming device comprises a sensor unit configured to read information from a recording medium on a working area. The method enables determination of misalignment of the sensor unit by analyzing a printed reference image without the need of external reference markers. The invention also relates to an image forming device, a computer program, a non-transient computer-readable data storage medium comprising executable program code and a data stream enabling the calibration method.

IPC Classes  ?

• B41J 2/045 - Ink jet characterised by the jet generation process generating single droplets or particles on demand by pressure, e.g. electromechanical transducers
• B41J 25/00 - Actions or mechanisms not otherwise provided for

Abstract

A processing unit for an inkjet printing device is described that is designed to calibrate the ink ejection of the individual nozzles of the printing device within the scope of a uniformity test, and to permanently deactivate nozzles that had failed within the scope of the uniformity test. An especially stable printing operation of the printing device can thus be ensured.

IPC Classes  ?

• B41J 2/21 - Ink jet for multi-colour printing
• G06K 15/02 - Arrangements for producing a permanent visual presentation of the output data using printers

Abstract

The invention relates to a method of remotely using a remote print manager module which is installed on each printer of a cluster of printers and is configured to display printer data and job data of each printer in the cluster in a window of a web browser. The method comprises the steps of selecting a first printer in the cluster by means of the web browser, connecting to the remote print manager module of the first printer in the cluster, detecting a remote print manager module of a second printer in the cluster which module has a higher software version than the remote print manager module of the first printer, and disconnecting from the remote print manager module of the first printer, selecting the second printer in the cluster by means of the web browser, and connecting to the remote print manager module of the second printer.

IPC Classes  ?

• G06F 3/12 - Digital output to print unit

Abstract

A method and a device for determining a state of a filter unit in an ink circuit of a printer is provided. Ink is pumped from an ink reservoir, through the filter unit, into an ink container, starting from an initial fill level of the ink container, until the first fill level value in the ink container is reached, so that at least a predetermined volume between the initial fill level and the first fill level value is filled. The time of the activated ink pump until the first fill level value is reached is detected. The volumetric flow of the ink through the filter unit is determined based on the predetermined volume and the detected time. The determined volumetric flow is compared with a volumetric flow limit value. A filter state information is generated upon reaching or falling below the volumetric flow limit value.

IPC Classes  ?

• B41J 2/175 - Ink supply systems

Abstract

A device and a method for after-treatment of a recording medium that has been printed to is provided. A fluid is applied onto the front side of the recording medium that has been printed to at least on its front side. The printed front side is contacted by a contact transfer element. The fluid is applied and/or distributed by the contact transfer element for after-treatment of the recording medium.

IPC Classes  ?

• B41F 23/08 - Print-finishing devices, e.g. for glossing prints
• B41F 19/00 - Apparatus or machines for carrying out printing operations combined with other operations
• B41F 23/02 - Devices for treating the surfaces of sheets, webs or other articles in connection with printing by dampening
• B41J 11/00 - Devices or arrangements for supporting or handling copy material in sheet or web form

Abstract

In a printer and method for predicting media deformation at the end of a printing process due to an interaction of print medium and liquid like water-based marking liquid or coating liquid, the method includes receiving a print job for a printer with a plurality of print heads, the print job determining types of liquid, a type of print medium and a printer configuration to be used, extracting liquid amounts for predetermined areas of at least one image taken from the print job, providing the extracted liquid amounts together with the types of liquid, the type of print medium and the printer configuration as input for a simulation tool, the simulation tool simulating the interaction by modelling physical phenomena defining said interaction such as absorption, evaporation and diffusion giving a moisture profile for the print job as output, a machine learning model receiving the moisture profile, the machine learning model trained with a training set of media deformation of test print jobs with a same printer configuration, a same type of ink and a same type of print medium, and the machine learning model predicting the media deformation of the print job.

IPC Classes  ?

• G06F 3/12 - Digital output to print unit

Abstract

An ink jet print head having a nozzle face arranged to form a gap with surface of a media conveyor, an air duct and a suction blower arranged to withdraw air from said gap, and an array of electrodes arranged to create an inhomogeneous electric field for attracting droplets of an ink mist, wherein the array of electrodes is arranged within the air duct.

IPC Classes  ?

• B41J 2/17 - Ink jet characterised by ink handling
• B41J 29/377 - Cooling or ventilating arrangements

Abstract

A method for coating a flat substrate by a coater includes a control system receiving print job data and print job settings, the control system determining a suitable impression of an application roller by means of received print job settings, a first sensor determining a radius of the application roller, determining an axis location of the application roller having a distance of the radius of the application roller plus a nominal thickness of the flat substrate read from the print job data minus the determined suitable impression from the supporting roller surface, automatically moving the application roller to the determined axis location, and starting a transport of the flat substrate from an entry station in-between the supporting roller and the application roller towards an end station.

IPC Classes  ?

• B05C 1/08 - Apparatus in which liquid or other fluent material is applied to the surface of the work by contact with a member carrying the liquid or other fluent material, e.g. a porous member loaded with a liquid to be applied as a coating for applying liquid or other fluent material to work of indefinite length using a roller
• B05D 1/28 - Processes for applying liquids or other fluent materials performed by transfer from the surfaces of elements carrying the liquid or other fluent material, e.g. brushes, pads, rollers

Abstract

The present invention relates to a pre-treatment liquid for use in inkjet printing applications comprising a polyvalent metal itaconate salt. The invention further relates to the use of polyvalent metal itaconate salt or a polyvalent metal succinic salt as a food-safe, non-smelling, non-yellowing coagulation agent in a pre-treatment liquid for use in inkjet printing. The present invention also relates to a method of printing comprising the steps of treating a print substrate by applying a pre-treatment liquid according to the present invention followed by applying an aqueous ink composition onto the treated print substrate.

IPC Classes  ?

• C09D 11/54 - Inks based on two liquids, one liquid being the ink, the other liquid being a reaction solution, a fixer or a treatment solution for the ink
• B41M 5/00 - Duplicating or marking methodsSheet materials for use therein
• C09D 11/38 - Inkjet printing inks characterised by non-macromolecular additives other than solvents, pigments or dyes

Abstract

The present invention relates to an aqueous ink-jet composition, such as an ink composition and a pre-treatment composition, comprising a surfactant; and a co-surfactant. The surfactant and the co-surfactant are different and independently selected from the group consisting of C3-C8 primary alcohols, branched (amino) alcohols, alkyl sulfates, alkyl (benzene) sulfonates, C6-C12 alkyl carboxylates and glycol mono ethers. The aqueous ink-jet composition. The invention further relates to the use of such surfactant/co-surfactant combinations in ink-jet compositions suitable to be used in food contact applications and a printing method using such ink-jet compositions.

IPC Classes  ?

• C09D 11/30 - Inkjet printing inks
• C09D 11/54 - Inks based on two liquids, one liquid being the ink, the other liquid being a reaction solution, a fixer or a treatment solution for the ink
• C09D 11/322 - Pigment inks
• C09D 11/40 - Ink-sets specially adapted for multi-colour inkjet printing

Abstract

The present invention relates to an aqueous inkjet composition comprising glycine as a cosolvent. Glycine is a Food Contact Material that shows crystallization retarding, rheology modifying and acid buffering properties. The present invention relates to an aqueous inkjet composition comprising glycine as a cosolvent. Glycine is a Food Contact Material that shows crystallization retarding, rheology modifying and acid buffering properties. The present invention also relates to the use of glycine in an aqueous inkjet composition as a rheology modifier and a crystallization retardant. The present invention relates to an aqueous inkjet composition comprising glycine as a cosolvent. Glycine is a Food Contact Material that shows crystallization retarding, rheology modifying and acid buffering properties. The present invention also relates to the use of glycine in an aqueous inkjet composition as a rheology modifier and a crystallization retardant. The present invention further relates to a printing method using above disclosed aqueous inkjet compositions.

IPC Classes  ?

• C09D 11/38 - Inkjet printing inks characterised by non-macromolecular additives other than solvents, pigments or dyes
• B41M 3/00 - Printing processes to produce particular kinds of printed work, e.g. patterns
• C08K 3/30 - Sulfur-, selenium-, or tellurium-containing compounds
• C08K 5/17 - AminesQuaternary ammonium compounds

Abstract

The present invention relates to an aqueous ink-jet composition, such as an ink composition and a pre-treatment composition, comprising a surfactant; and a co-surfactant. The surfactant and the co-surfactant are different and independently selected from the group consisting of C3-C8 primary alcohols, branched (amino) alcohols, alkyl sulfates, alkyl (benzene) sulfonates, C6-C12 alkyl carboxylates and glycol mono ethers. The aqueous ink-jet composition. The invention further relates to the use of such surfactant/co-surfactant combinations in ink-jet compositions suitable to be used in food contact applications and a printing method using such ink-jet compositions.

IPC Classes  ?

• C09D 11/30 - Inkjet printing inks
• C09D 11/54 - Inks based on two liquids, one liquid being the ink, the other liquid being a reaction solution, a fixer or a treatment solution for the ink

Abstract

A plasma treatment unit for a printer includes a gap directly upstream of its electrode. A sheet may bend into the gap, resulting in damage to the sheet or paper jams. The risk of this is reduced or prevented by a method for transporting sheets of print media between electrodes of a plasma treatment unit of a printer, including arranging the sheet and the electrodes, so that an edge of the sheet and an upstream edge of at least one of the electrodes are at a non-zero angle with one another, as the sheet passes over the electrode.

IPC Classes  ?

• B65H 5/22 - Feeding articles separated from pilesFeeding articles to machines by air-blast or suction device
• B41J 2/21 - Ink jet for multi-colour printing
• B41J 11/00 - Devices or arrangements for supporting or handling copy material in sheet or web form
• B65H 9/10 - Pusher or like movable registersPusher or gripper devices which move articles into registered position

Abstract

In an arrangement for supplying a print head cleaning unit of an inkjet printing device with a cleaning fluid, a supply line is provided that can be connected at least with the print head cleaning unit. A cleaning fluid can be fed to the print head cleaning unit via the supply line. Furthermore, the arrangement includes a pump for transporting the cleaning fluid at least through the supply line. The cleaning fluid can be fed to the transport means via an infeed line. The arrangement also includes a sensor for determining the conductivity of the cleaning fluid in the infeed line.

IPC Classes  ?

• B41J 2/165 - Prevention of nozzle clogging, e.g. cleaning, capping or moistening for nozzles

Abstract

A processing unit is described for an inkjet printing device that is configured to predict the remaining duration until the presence of a servicing situation, on the basis of a chronological sequence of test print images from which the chronological development of the number of faulty nozzles emerges. The printing device can then be operated in an optimized manner under consideration of the predicted duration.

IPC Classes  ?

• B41J 2/21 - Ink jet for multi-colour printing
• B41J 2/165 - Prevention of nozzle clogging, e.g. cleaning, capping or moistening for nozzles

Abstract

A print group for an inkjet printing device is described that has at least one print bar with a cover unit for the print bar. The cover unit covers the print bar with an ambient climate produced by a conditioning liquid when the print bar is arranged in its park position. The print group also includes an aeration unit that is connected with the cover unit via an aeration line. The aeration unit is arranged so high above the conditioning liquid that, upon transferring the print bar into the park position, no conditioning liquid can arrive at the aeration unit via the aeration line.

IPC Classes  ?

• B41J 2/165 - Prevention of nozzle clogging, e.g. cleaning, capping or moistening for nozzles
• B41J 29/377 - Cooling or ventilating arrangements

Abstract

A method of handling sheets in a printing device including a processing assembly that processes passing sheets by applying a processing parameter that is associated with a media type of each passing sheet, includes determining that a sequence of at least one sheet that is to pass through the processing assembly is to remain blank and that the sequence is preceded or followed by a sheet that is to be printed upon, controlling the processing assembly to apply the processing parameter for the sheet to be printed upon to this sheet to be printed upon during the passage of this sheet through the processing assembly, and for the sequence of at least one sheet that is to remain blank, controlling the processing assembly to ignore the processing parameter during the passage of the sequence through the processing assembly.

IPC Classes  ?

• B41J 11/00 - Devices or arrangements for supporting or handling copy material in sheet or web form

Abstract

A method of inkjet printing an elevated structure on a print medium includes depositing radiation curable marking material on the print medium, such that an array of spaced apart drops is formed, curing the spaced apart drops by irradiating the drops, forming the drops into a plurality of spaced apart, out-of-plane structures by repeatedly depositing a further drop of radiation curable marking material on each drop and curing the further drops, thereby adhering the further drops to the drop, wherein each repetition increases a height of the structures with respect to the surface. A backlight is provided behind the print medium to realize visual effects for an observer on the front side.

IPC Classes  ?

• B29C 64/112 - Processes of additive manufacturing using only liquids or viscous materials, e.g. depositing a continuous bead of viscous material using individual droplets, e.g. from jetting heads
• B29C 64/188 - Processes of additive manufacturing involving additional operations performed on the added layers, e.g. smoothing, grinding or thickness control
• B29C 64/209 - HeadsNozzles
• B29C 64/264 - Arrangements for irradiation
• B29C 64/386 - Data acquisition or data processing for additive manufacturing
• B29L 11/00 - Optical elements, e.g. lenses, prisms
• B33Y 10/00 - Processes of additive manufacturing
• B33Y 30/00 - Apparatus for additive manufacturingDetails thereof or accessories therefor
• B33Y 40/20 - Post-treatment, e.g. curing, coating or polishing
• B33Y 50/00 - Data acquisition or data processing for additive manufacturing
• B33Y 80/00 - Products made by additive manufacturing

Abstract

A gas impingement unit includes a gas source and an array of nozzles connected to the gas source and directed onto a support and transport surface arranged for supporting sheet-or web-like media and moving them in a transport direction past the array of nozzles. The nozzles are evenly distributed over an area of the support and transport surface. The array is an array of interleaved nozzles and vent openings. The vent openings are arranged for allowing gas that has been blown out from the nozzles to escape in a direction normal to the support and transport surface.

IPC Classes  ?

• B41J 11/00 - Devices or arrangements for supporting or handling copy material in sheet or web form
• B41J 29/377 - Cooling or ventilating arrangements
• F26B 15/18 - Machines or apparatus for drying objects with progressive movementMachines or apparatus with progressive movement for drying batches of material in compact form with movement in a path composed of one or more straight lines, e.g. compound the lines being all horizontal or slightly inclined the objects or batches of materials being carried by endless belts
• F26B 21/00 - Arrangements for supplying or controlling air or gases for drying solid materials or objects
• F26B 21/08 - Humidity

Abstract

The present invention relates to a method for applying an image onto a receiving medium, wherein the image is applied onto the recording medium by depositing a UV-curable ink and the ink is irradiated with radiation. The present invention further relates to a scanning printer and a software product.

IPC Classes  ?

• B41J 11/00 - Devices or arrangements for supporting or handling copy material in sheet or web form

Abstract

In an ink-jet printing method, a neutralizing liquid is applied before a varnish is applied on a printed image to neutralize salt ions in a primer. An ink set and a kit of parts include such a neutralizing liquid and primer.

IPC Classes  ?

• C09D 11/54 - Inks based on two liquids, one liquid being the ink, the other liquid being a reaction solution, a fixer or a treatment solution for the ink
• C09D 11/322 - Pigment inks
• C09D 11/40 - Ink-sets specially adapted for multi-colour inkjet printing

Abstract

Provided is a device for exerting a stretching on a recording medium. The recording medium rests with its back side on at least one respective contact region of a plurality of bearing element regions of at least one bearing element. The bearing element regions are arranged transverse to a transport direction of the recording medium and stand out from a base body. A portion of the bearing element regions stand out from the base body such that their end connected to the base body has a greater distance from a lateral edge of the recording medium than their contact region distal from the base body. A negative pressure is applied between at least two bearing element regions arranged next to one another to move the recording medium in the direction of the base body and a portion of the bearing element regions are deformed to exert a force on the recording medium.

IPC Classes  ?

• B41J 15/16 - Means for tensioning or winding the web
• B41J 2/01 - Ink jet

Abstract

A printing method includes forming an image by applying marking material onto the surface of a substrate; subjecting the image to a fixation treatment; and applying a layer of an ionically stabilized varnish on the surface of the image. When the image has been formed, a layer of liquid solvent is formed on at least a part of the surface of the image, thereby causing ions to migrate from the marking material into the solvent and then to be absorbed into the substrate together with a part of the solvent before the varnish s applied.

IPC Classes  ?

• B05D 7/26 - Processes, other than flocking, specially adapted for applying liquids or other fluent materials to particular surfaces or for applying particular liquids or other fluent materials for applying particular liquids or other fluent materials synthetic lacquers or varnishes
• B05D 7/00 - Processes, other than flocking, specially adapted for applying liquids or other fluent materials to particular surfaces or for applying particular liquids or other fluent materials

Abstract

Print head health determining device, comprising: a print head interface for connecting to a print head or log server and obtaining status information with regard to the print head, a data processing device connected to the print head interface and configured to process the print head status information and determine a print head health, and an output interface connected to the data processing device and configured to output the print head health, and wherein the print head status information comprises one or more of: nozzle acoustic feedback information, information on the prior usage of expired ink, and nozzle failure detection information.

IPC Classes  ?

• B41J 2/165 - Prevention of nozzle clogging, e.g. cleaning, capping or moistening for nozzles
• B41J 29/00 - Details of, or accessories for, typewriters or selective printing mechanisms not otherwise provided for

Abstract

A tempering device has a warm fluid source and a cold fluid source with different temperature levels. The two tempering fluids are supplied to a mixer that, from the two tempering fluids of different temperatures, mixes a mixture with desired temperature with the aid of a regulation device. The mixer is supplied to a heat exchanger. In the heat exchanger, the heat of the mixture fluid is transferred to the ink in order to temper the ink. The desired nominal temperature of the ink is regulated in that the ink temperature is measured after the heat exchanger and is fed back as a real value to the mixer, and the mixture temperature is thereby modified as necessary. The ink tempered in such a manner is supplied to a printing unit of the ink printer for printing to a printing substrate.

IPC Classes  ?

• B41J 2/175 - Ink supply systems
• B41J 2/195 - Ink jet characterised by ink handling for monitoring ink quality
• B41J 29/377 - Cooling or ventilating arrangements
• G05D 23/13 - Control of temperature without auxiliary power by varying the mixing ratio of two fluids having different temperatures
• G05D 23/19 - Control of temperature characterised by the use of electric means

Abstract

A tempering device has a fluid source that has a tempering fluid at a predetermined temperature level. The tempering fluid is supplied to a regulating device that controls a volumetric flow per time period of the tempering fluid depending on a measured real value of the ink temperature. The tempering fluid is supplied to a heat exchanger in which the heat of the tempering fluid is transferred to the ink in order to gradually temper the ink to nominal temperature. The desired nominal temperature of the ink is regulated in that the ink temperature is measured after the heat exchanger and is fed back as a real value to the regulating device, where a volumetric flow is adjusted depending on the difference between real value and nominal value. The ink tempered in such a way is supplied to a printing unit of the ink printer for printing to a printing substrate.

IPC Classes  ?

• B41J 2/175 - Ink supply systems
• B41J 2/195 - Ink jet characterised by ink handling for monitoring ink quality
• B41J 29/377 - Cooling or ventilating arrangements
• G05D 7/06 - Control of flow characterised by the use of electric means
• G05D 23/19 - Control of temperature characterised by the use of electric means

Abstract

A method of printing comprising the use of:- a primer (16) to be applied to a substrate (10), - ink (22) to form an image on the substrate (10) after the primer (16) has been applied, and - a varnish (28) to form a layer that covers the image, characterized in that the primer (16) is only applied in areas of the substrate where the amount of ink (22) to be applied is above a predetermined threshold (T).

IPC Classes  ?

• B41M 5/00 - Duplicating or marking methodsSheet materials for use therein
• B41M 7/00 - After-treatment of printed works, e.g. heating, irradiating

Abstract

A method of applying primer (38) to a print substrate (10; 30; 40) by having an ink jet print head (14) ejecting droplets (32) of primer onto the substrate, the method comprising the steps of: • - determining an absorptivity of the print substrate (30), and • - minimizing the amount of primer per area that is necessary for obtaining a continuous primer layer by controlling the size of the primer droplets (32) as a function of the absorptivity such that the droplet size increases with increasing absorptivity.

IPC Classes  ?

• B41J 2/045 - Ink jet characterised by the jet generation process generating single droplets or particles on demand by pressure, e.g. electromechanical transducers
• B41J 2/21 - Ink jet for multi-colour printing
• B41J 11/00 - Devices or arrangements for supporting or handling copy material in sheet or web form
• B41M 5/00 - Duplicating or marking methodsSheet materials for use therein

Abstract

A device for controlling a printing temperature of an ink in a print head of a system for inkjet printing includes a heat exchanger with a first channel for ink and a second channel for a temperature control fluid; a chiller for heating and/or cooling the temperature control fluid; an ink circuit that is configured to pump ink through the heat exchanger and into the print head; and a temperature control fluid circuit that is configured to pump the temperature control fluid through the chiller and the heat exchanger. The device is configured to heat and/or cool the temperature control fluid with the chiller such that a temperature of the ink is set within a predetermined temperature range. At least one heating element is provided at the heat exchanger to heat the temperature control fluid and the ink to more rapidly set the ink within the predetermined temperature range.

IPC Classes  ?

• B41J 2/175 - Ink supply systems
• B41J 29/377 - Cooling or ventilating arrangements
• F24H 1/00 - Water heaters, e.g. boilers, continuous-flow heaters or water-storage heaters
• F25B 13/00 - Compression machines, plants or systems, with reversible cycle
• F28D 9/00 - Heat-exchange apparatus having stationary plate-like or laminated conduit assemblies for both heat-exchange media, the media being in contact with different sides of a conduit wall
• H05B 3/36 - Heating elements having extended surface area substantially in a two-dimensional plane, e.g. plate-heater flexible, e.g. heating nets or webs heating conductor embedded in insulating material

Abstract

Provided is a device for printing to a recording medium, as well as a device for turning a recording medium, respectively include a transport roller that includes a base body on the surface shell of which a protective layer is formed. The protective layer includes at least one ruthenium layer. A method for producing a protective layer on a portion of the surface of the base body of a transport roller includes at least the application of a ruthenium layer onto the base body.

IPC Classes  ?

• C23C 18/16 - Chemical coating by decomposition of either liquid compounds or solutions of the coating forming compounds, without leaving reaction products of surface material in the coatingContact plating by reduction or substitution, i.e. electroless plating
• B41J 13/076 - Construction of rollersBearings therefor
• C23C 18/18 - Pretreatment of the material to be coated
• C23C 18/32 - Coating with one of iron, cobalt or nickelCoating with mixtures of phosphorus or boron with one of these metals
• C23C 18/42 - Coating with noble metals

Abstract

A method for shutting down a printer that includes an endless cleaning member and an endless image transfer member includes a step of cooling down the printer by allowing the cleaning member and the cleaning zone to cool down to a predetermined cooling temperature, the predetermined cooling temperature being a temperature lower than the elevated temperature; and during cooling down of the cleaning member and the transfer zone to the predetermined cooling temperature, continuing the surface of the cleaning member being in moving contact with the surface of the image transfer member in the cleaning zone.

IPC Classes  ?

• G03G 15/00 - Apparatus for electrographic processes using a charge pattern
• G03G 15/16 - Apparatus for electrographic processes using a charge pattern for transferring a pattern to a second base of a toner pattern, e.g. a powder pattern
• G03G 21/20 - Humidity or temperature control

Abstract

The present invention relates to a radiation-curable ink composition. The present invention further relates to a method for preparing a radiation-curable ink composition. In addition, the present invention relates to a method for applying an image onto a recording medium.

IPC Classes  ?

• C09D 11/38 - Inkjet printing inks characterised by non-macromolecular additives other than solvents, pigments or dyes
• B41J 11/00 - Devices or arrangements for supporting or handling copy material in sheet or web form
• C09D 11/32 - Inkjet printing inks characterised by colouring agents

Abstract

An electronic circuit for driving an individual print element in a print head is disclosed. The print head comprises an array of print elements, each print element having a piezo-electric actuator that is capable of generating an acoustic wave in an ink chamber of the print element, resulting in the ejection of an ink drop out of a nozzle that is in fluid connection with the ink chamber. The electronic circuit comprises a number of analog drivers for amplifying an output current at a voltage level in-between two source voltage levels, wherein the drivers can be switched into a tristate condition at a voltage level that does not equal one of the source voltage levels.

IPC Classes  ?

• B41J 2/045 - Ink jet characterised by the jet generation process generating single droplets or particles on demand by pressure, e.g. electromechanical transducers
• B41J 2/14 - Structure thereof

Abstract

A printing system and a method for printing a test chart by the printing system having a media input holder, a media output holder, a print engine and a print controller. The method includes receiving print data of a print job to be printed by the printing system, establishing a job type of the print job, upon establishing the job type to be a test chart type, establishing media properties of the print job, determining a first amount of empty sheets for the test chart which sheets have the established media properties and are suitable to serve as backing sheets for the test chart in a further analysis of the test chart when printed, the print engine producing the test chart by printing the print data of the print job on a sheet having the established media properties transported from the media input holder to the print engine, receiving the printed sheet in the media output holder, and automatically depositing the determined first amount of empty sheets before or after the printed sheet in the same media output holder, wherein the first amount of empty sheets is automatically transported from the media input holder to the media output holder.

IPC Classes  ?

• G06K 15/02 - Arrangements for producing a permanent visual presentation of the output data using printers
• G06K 15/00 - Arrangements for producing a permanent visual presentation of the output data

Abstract

A method for maintenance of a print head of an inkjet printer, the print head comprising a nozzle surface (or plate) with a plurality of ink nozzles for jetting ink, wherein the method comprises the steps of purging the plurality of ink nozzles at least once, and performing a contact wipe over the nozzle surface (or plate) with a contact pressure such that the contact wipe barely touches the nozzle surface (or plate), with a wet tissue comprising a wetting liquid, with vacuum pressure provided by an air pressure support unit. The invention also relates to an inkjet printer configured to execute the method.

IPC Classes  ?

• B41J 2/165 - Prevention of nozzle clogging, e.g. cleaning, capping or moistening for nozzles

Abstract

Method for printing a plurality of layers of an object on a surface in an XY plane in a print direction in the XY plane in at least one pass of at least one printhead of a printing system relatively over the surface per layer, while ejecting filling material from nozzles of the at least one printhead towards the surface. nozzle distances between the nozzles of the at least one printhead determine a first resolution in a direction perpendicular to the print direction. The at least one printhead is rotatable parallel to the XY plane. Specifications of the object are received which define the object to be printed with a second resolution in the direction perpendicular to the print direction, which second resolution is higher than the first resolution. At least one of the at least one printhead is rotated parallel to the XY plane such that projections of the nozzle distances on a direction perpendicular to the print direction correspond to the second resolution. The plurality of layers of the object are printed with the second resolution by ejecting filling material from the nozzles of the at least one rotated printhead towards the surface.

IPC Classes  ?

• B29C 64/209 - HeadsNozzles
• B29C 64/112 - Processes of additive manufacturing using only liquids or viscous materials, e.g. depositing a continuous bead of viscous material using individual droplets, e.g. from jetting heads
• B29C 64/241 - Driving means for rotary motion
• B33Y 10/00 - Processes of additive manufacturing
• B33Y 30/00 - Apparatus for additive manufacturingDetails thereof or accessories therefor

Abstract

A test pattern is described for detecting an impaired nozzle of an inkjet printing device. The test pattern has a matrix with matrix points. The columns of the matrix differ from one another such that a lateral offset of up to ±V columns can be detected and compensated for due to the differently designed columns. An impaired nozzle can thus be particularly reliably and robustly detected.

IPC Classes  ?

• B41J 2/21 - Ink jet for multi-colour printing
• B41J 2/045 - Ink jet characterised by the jet generation process generating single droplets or particles on demand by pressure, e.g. electromechanical transducers
• B41J 2/165 - Prevention of nozzle clogging, e.g. cleaning, capping or moistening for nozzles
• B41J 29/393 - Devices for controlling or analysing the entire machine

Abstract

A test pattern is described for detecting an impaired nozzle of an inkjet printing device. The test pattern has a matrix with matrix points. The printed matrix points in the individual columns respectively exhibit a defined spacing relative to one another in the row direction. An impaired nozzle with transverse offset can thus be particularly reliably and robustly detected.

IPC Classes  ?

• B41J 2/21 - Ink jet for multi-colour printing

Abstract

Provided is a controller for regenerating a print head of an inkjet printing device. The controller is configured to convey ink out of the print head via the nozzle openings of one or more nozzles of the print head, and to subsequently convey said ink into the print head again, in order to efficiently and reliably remove deposits from the nozzle plate of the print head.

IPC Classes  ?

• B41J 2/165 - Prevention of nozzle clogging, e.g. cleaning, capping or moistening for nozzles
• B41J 2/17 - Ink jet characterised by ink handling

Abstract

Provided is a device for adjusting the height of a print bar of an inkjet printing device. The printing device has a cleaning sled for cleaning the one or more print heads of the print bar. A controller including a processor is configured to determine, using a sensor unit, clearance information with regard to the clearance between the cleaning sled and the print bar at different measurement points, and to adjust the height of the print bar depending on the determined clearance information. A precise adjustment of the print bar can thus be effected for a qualitatively high-grade and gentle cleaning.

IPC Classes  ?

• B41J 2/165 - Prevention of nozzle clogging, e.g. cleaning, capping or moistening for nozzles
• B41J 2/15 - Arrangement thereof for serial printing

Abstract

Deformation is reduced or prevented in a printed print medium during steam treatment by a print medium treatment device for a printer. The print medium treatment device includes a steam treatment unit for treating a first side of a print medium with steam, the steam treatment unit including a steam generator connectable to a steam chamber; and a conveyor for transporting the print medium through the steam chamber. The conveyor includes a holding device for engaging a second side of the print medium opposite the first side, such that the print medium is flattened against the conveyor.

IPC Classes  ?

• B41J 11/00 - Devices or arrangements for supporting or handling copy material in sheet or web form
• B41J 13/08 - Bands or like feeding devices
• B65H 5/22 - Feeding articles separated from pilesFeeding articles to machines by air-blast or suction device

Abstract

The present invention relates to a polymer. In particular, the present invention relates to a polyester polymer. The present invention further relates to a polymer dispersion and an ink composition prepared from said dispersion. The present invention further relates to a method for preparing said polymer, a method for preparing said polymer dispersion as well as a method for preparing said ink composition. In addition, the present invention relates to a printed product. The present invention further relates to a method for printing and to use of a polymer for preparing an ink composition.

IPC Classes  ?

• C09D 11/104 - Polyesters
• C08G 63/199 - Acids or hydroxy compounds containing cycloaliphatic rings
• C08G 63/78 - Preparation processes

Abstract

The present invention relates to a radiation-curable ink composition. The present invention further relates to a method for preparing a radiation-curable ink composition. In addition, the present invention relates to a method for applying an image onto a recording medium.

IPC Classes  ?

• C09D 11/38 - Inkjet printing inks characterised by non-macromolecular additives other than solvents, pigments or dyes
• B41M 7/00 - After-treatment of printed works, e.g. heating, irradiating
• C09D 11/101 - Inks specially adapted for printing processes involving curing by wave energy or particle radiation, e.g. with UV-curing following the printing

Abstract

The present invention relates to a method for applying an image onto a receiving medium, wherein the image is applied onto the recording medium (15) by depositing a UV-curable ink (17) and the ink is irradiated with radiation (10a, 10b), wherein the radiation comprises two types of UV radiation (10a, 10b). The present invention further relates to a printing apparatus and a software product.

IPC Classes  ?

• B41M 7/00 - After-treatment of printed works, e.g. heating, irradiating
• B41J 11/00 - Devices or arrangements for supporting or handling copy material in sheet or web form

Abstract

In a method for operating a printing apparatus and an printing apparatus suitable for performing such a method, the printing apparatus includes a page-wide curing array including a number of individually controllable units. The individually controllable units are operable in at least two modes, the at least two modes being an Off mode and an On mode.

IPC Classes  ?

• B41J 2/45 - Typewriters or selective printing mechanisms characterised by the printing or marking process for which they are designed characterised by selective application of radiation to a printing material or impression-transfer material using arrays of radiation sources using light-emitting diode arrays
• B41J 2/47 - Typewriters or selective printing mechanisms characterised by the printing or marking process for which they are designed characterised by selective application of radiation to a printing material or impression-transfer material using the combination of scanning and modulation of light

Abstract

The present invention relates to a method for operating a printing apparatus and an printing apparatus suitable for performing such a method. In particular the present invention relates to a method for operating a printing apparatus, the printing apparatus comprising a page-wide curing array, the printing apparatus being operable in at least a gloss mode and a matt mode.

IPC Classes  ?

• B41J 11/00 - Devices or arrangements for supporting or handling copy material in sheet or web form
• B41M 7/00 - After-treatment of printed works, e.g. heating, irradiating

Abstract

The present invention relates to a method for operating a printing apparatus and an printing apparatus suitable for performing such a method. In particular the present invention relates to a method for operating a printing apparatus, the printing apparatus comprising a page-wide curing array, the printing apparatus being operable in at least a gloss mode and a mixed matt-gloss mode.

IPC Classes  ?

• B41J 11/00 - Devices or arrangements for supporting or handling copy material in sheet or web form
• B41J 3/407 - Typewriters or selective printing or marking mechanisms characterised by the purpose for which they are constructed for marking on special material

Abstract

A method of printing and stacking sheets improves the relative alignment of images in a stack of printed sheet. The method includes feeding a sheet at least twice past a printhead assembly for printing an image on both sides of the sheet, wherein in the first and second passes the respective front and back images are aligned with respect to a first edge of the sheet by detecting a skew angle between the first and second edges and applying the skew angle to align the front and back images; and stacking the sheet, wherein the sheet is registered to a predetermined stacking reference direction by one of its edges, and wherein during the stacking, the sheet is registered by its first edge.

IPC Classes  ?

• B41J 3/60 - Typewriters or selective printing or marking mechanisms characterised by the purpose for which they are constructed for printing on both faces of the printing material
• B41J 11/00 - Devices or arrangements for supporting or handling copy material in sheet or web form

Abstract

A method for a printer including a transport device including an endless transport belt supported on a pair of support rollers, which between them define a medium support plane, over which medium support plane a print station is provided. The method includes transporting in parallel a plurality of individual print media perpendicular to a scanning direction of the print station on the medium support plane, the print media having different dimensions; determining positions of the individual print media based on the determined positions; and jetting marking material for forming a designated image specific for each print medium on each respective print medium. The above steps are repeated such that print media are printed in a plurality of parallel lanes on the medium support plane perpendicular to the scanning direction. The printer is provided with a plurality of guiding bars extending in the transport direction and positioned at a side of at least one lane of the plurality of parallel lanes in order to guide the individual print media into one of the plurality of parallel lanes. The printer includes a print controller for controlling the print process for a digital image to be printed, the print controller including two print queues for receiving digital images to be printed by the printer. It is established if the digital image requires to be right aligned or left aligned along a guiding bar. In case of a required left alignment, the digital image is added to a first print queue of the two print queues. In case of a required right alignment, the digital image is added to a second print queue of the two print queues.

IPC Classes  ?

• G06F 3/12 - Digital output to print unit

Abstract

An inkjet printing device for printing to a recording medium includes a printing unit that has a plurality of print bars that respectively have one or more print heads. The printing device also includes a transfer printing sled to guide the recording medium, which can be moved into and out of a space below the printing unit. In a print operation state, the transfer printing sled is arranged in the space and guides the recording medium during printing. In a maintenance operation state, the transfer printing sled is moved out of the space. The printing device also includes at least one cleaning element for cleaning at least one print head of the printing module. In the transport direction of the recording medium, the at least one cleaning element is arranged laterally next to the space in the print operation state and in this space in the maintenance operation state.

IPC Classes  ?

• B41J 11/00 - Devices or arrangements for supporting or handling copy material in sheet or web form
• B41J 2/165 - Prevention of nozzle clogging, e.g. cleaning, capping or moistening for nozzles
• B41J 15/08 - Supporting, feeding, or guiding devicesMountings for web rolls or spindles characterised by being applied to printers having transversely-moving carriages
• B41J 29/377 - Cooling or ventilating arrangements

Abstract

A method for a printer including a transport device including an endless transport belt, supported on a pair of support rollers which between them define a medium support plane, over which medium support plane a print station is provided. The method includes transporting in parallel a plurality of individual print media perpendicular to a scanning direction of the print station on the medium support plane, the print media having different dimensions, determining positions of the individual print media and based on the determined positions, jetting marking material for forming a designated image specific for each print medium on each respective print medium. The above steps are repeated such that print media are printed in a plurality of parallel lanes on the medium support plane perpendicular to the scanning direction. The method further includes enabling or disabling each individual lane of the plurality of parallel lanes in order to respectively facilitate or block jetting of the marking material at the individual lane.

IPC Classes  ?

• B41J 11/00 - Devices or arrangements for supporting or handling copy material in sheet or web form
• B41J 11/24 - Detents, brakes, or couplings for feed rollers or platens

Abstract

Method for calibrating an image forming device (100, 200) comprising at least one printhead (2) comprising a plurality of nozzles (21) arranged in a plurality of nozzle rows (al-a8), the image forming device comprises a sensor unit (1) configured to read information from a recording medium (500) on a working area (6). The method enables determination of misalignment of the sensor unit by analyzing a printed reference image without the need of external reference markers. The invention also relates to an image forming device (100, 200).

IPC Classes  ?

• B41J 2/21 - Ink jet for multi-colour printing
• G06K 15/02 - Arrangements for producing a permanent visual presentation of the output data using printers

Abstract

In a method for selecting a print job and displaying the print job on a second window, the print job includes a digital image to be printed on an image receiving medium by a digital printer having a user interface including a first window representing a waiting room for the print job which is selectable to be printed, and the second window for displaying a virtual representation of the image receiving medium. The method includes displaying a corner indication on the second window, the corner indication indicating a location where a top left corner of the digital image of the print job will be placed on the image receiving medium, and selecting the print job in the first window. Upon selection of the print job in the first window, the corner indication is replaced by a canvas item with a size of a layout of the digital image of the selected print job, and the corner indication is moved to a location on the virtual representation where a next to be selected print job will originate. Upon moving or copying the selected print job from the first window to the second window, the canvas item is replaced by a preview image of the digital image of the selected print job of the same size as the layout.

IPC Classes  ?

• G06F 3/12 - Digital output to print unit
• H04N 1/00 - Scanning, transmission or reproduction of documents or the like, e.g. facsimile transmissionDetails thereof

Abstract

In a method for printing a digital image in swaths with a swath time corresponding to the width of the digital image on the image receiving medium in the main scanning direction, the print controller issues a trigger that a spitting action for at least part of the printing elements of the print head needs to be performed. A swath time of subsequent swaths is gradually increased until the print head reaches a maintenance tray at a side of the print surface. The print head stays at the maintenance tray until air between the print head and the maintenance tray has approximately reached a standstill. Then, at least part of the printing elements of the print head are spitting marking material in the maintenance tray. After the spitting, the swath time of subsequent swaths is gradually decreased until the swath time is corresponding again with the width of the digital image on the image receiving medium in the main scanning direction. A digital inkjet printer is configured to perform the method.

IPC Classes  ?

• B41J 2/045 - Ink jet characterised by the jet generation process generating single droplets or particles on demand by pressure, e.g. electromechanical transducers
• B41J 2/165 - Prevention of nozzle clogging, e.g. cleaning, capping or moistening for nozzles
• B41J 2/17 - Ink jet characterised by ink handling
• B41J 19/20 - Positive-feed character-spacing mechanisms
• G06K 15/10 - Arrangements for producing a permanent visual presentation of the output data using printers by matrix printers
• G06K 15/16 - Means for paper feeding or form feeding

Abstract

In a method of controlling a digital inkjet printer, the digital printer is arranged to operate in a selected first print mode which includes a first speed in a main scanning direction. A digital image and a print setting that the digital image is planned to be printed in an enhanced adhesion print mode are received. A time period needed for a pass in the main scanning direction is extended by lowering a speed from the first speed to a second speed, and by enlarging the pass width up to a maximum medium width and/or by temporarily stopping the printer at an end of the pass. Marking material is ejected during the pass on the image receiving medium by a print head at the second speed within the extended time period, and is cured by a UV curing device at the second speed within the extended time period.

IPC Classes  ?

• B41J 11/00 - Devices or arrangements for supporting or handling copy material in sheet or web form
• B41J 2/045 - Ink jet characterised by the jet generation process generating single droplets or particles on demand by pressure, e.g. electromechanical transducers

Abstract

Method for graphically providing status information of a data processing system having a plurality of disjunct system statuses, wherein the data processing system is monitored during a predetermined period of time. A donut chart is created which has an inner hole region linked to the one particular system status and an outer region having as many segments as the total number of system statuses in the collection minus one. An area size of the inner hole region and an area size of each segment in the outer region is proportional to the amount of time that the corresponding monitored system status occurred during the predetermined period of time.

IPC Classes  ?

• G06F 11/32 - Monitoring with visual indication of the functioning of the machine
• G06F 11/34 - Recording or statistical evaluation of computer activity, e.g. of down time, of input/output operation
• G06T 11/20 - Drawing from basic elements, e.g. lines or circles

Abstract

A device is described that is designed to activate the different heating elements of a drying unit respectively per block within a heating cycle in order to enable an operation of the drying unit that is particularly power-efficient and gentle on the mains.

IPC Classes  ?

• B41J 11/00 - Devices or arrangements for supporting or handling copy material in sheet or web form
• B41J 29/38 - Drives, motors, controls, or automatic cut-off devices for the entire printing mechanism

Abstract

A method for predicting a service state of a printing machine at a defined point in time includes: measuring a plurality of successive process values of a process parameter which is an indicator of the functionality of the printing machine; determining a plurality of successive scatter values which describe the spread of the measured process values within a predetermined time range; determining a local scatter minimum of the scatter values; determining a baseline, in that a baseline value is established that correlates with the value of the process parameter at the point in time of the local minimum and that does not change up until a new determination of a baseline; and determining a health value at a specific point in time, with a predetermined relation of the process value to the baseline value at this point in time. A service state is assessed upon the health value exceeding a predetermined threshold.

IPC Classes  ?

• G05B 19/4065 - Monitoring tool breakage, life or condition

Abstract

Provided is a device for controlling the printing of a print image with a nozzle of an inkjet printing device. The device is configured to—given the presence of a relatively long printing pause of the nozzle insert one or more print image-independent pre-ejection pulse phases, followed by a print image-dependent pre-ejection pulse phase, between the printing of two successive dots, in order to efficiently and reliably increase the print quality of the printing device.

IPC Classes  ?

• B41J 2/045 - Ink jet characterised by the jet generation process generating single droplets or particles on demand by pressure, e.g. electromechanical transducers

Abstract

Provided is a device for cleaning exhaust air from a printing device by means of a heat exchanger. The device is configured to operate the heat exchanger in a standard phase such that an output temperature of the exhaust air exhibits a standard value such that hydrocarbons are condensed out of the exhaust air. The device is also configured to operate the heat exchanger in a regeneration phase such that the output temperature of the exhaust air exhibits a value. The value is reduced relative to the standard value, such that water is condensed out of the exhaust air.

IPC Classes  ?

• B41F 23/04 - Devices for treating the surfaces of sheets, webs or other articles in connection with printing by heat drying, by cooling, by applying powders
• F28D 21/00 - Heat-exchange apparatus not covered by any of the groups

Abstract

An inkjet print head (10) having a nozzle face (12) arranged form a gap (16) with surface of a media conveyor (14), an air duct (22) and a suction blower (20) arranged to withdraw air from said gap (16), and an array (24) of electrodes arranged to create an inhomogeneous electric field for attracting droplets of an ink mist, characterized in that said array (24) of electrodes is arranged within the air duct (22).

IPC Classes  ?

• B41J 2/17 - Ink jet characterised by ink handling

Abstract

A gas impingement unit comprising a gas source (10) and an array (24) of nozzles (20) connected to the gas source (10) and directed onto a support and transport surface (14) arranged for supporting sheet- or web-like media (16) and moving them in a transport direction (A) past the array of nozzles, wherein the nozzles (20) are evenly distributed over an area of the support and transport surface (14), characterized in that said array (24) is an array of interleaved nozzles (20) and vent openings (22), wherein the vent openings (22) are arranged for allowing gas that has been blown out from the nozzles (20) to escape in a direction normal to the support and transport surface (14).

IPC Classes  ?

• B41J 11/00 - Devices or arrangements for supporting or handling copy material in sheet or web form
• F26B 21/00 - Arrangements for supplying or controlling air or gases for drying solid materials or objects

Abstract

A printer apparatus for recording images having matt portions and glossy portions and a print method for recording images having matt portions and glossy portions onto a porous media are disclosed. The method involves locally applying a support layer and subsequently applying an image portion on top of the support layer.

IPC Classes  ?

• B41J 11/00 - Devices or arrangements for supporting or handling copy material in sheet or web form

Abstract

Provided is a device for determining an empty ink state of an ink container for an ink printing system. The ink container has a rigid outer container and an inner, flexible fluid pouch. The inner fluid pouch is connected via a fluid conduit to a pump that is configured to convey fluid out of the inner fluid pouch. The pump is configured to output an electrical signal whose periodicity is proportional to a rotational speed of the pump. The device has an evaluation unit that is configured to monitor the frequency of the electrical signal and, upon the frequency falling below a predetermined threshold, to output that the ink container is empty.

IPC Classes  ?

• B41J 2/175 - Ink supply systems

Abstract

A printing method includes forming an image by applying marking material onto the surface of a substrate; optionally applying an intermediate layer onto the substrate; subjecting the image to a fixation treatment; applying a layer of an ionically stabilized varnish on the surface of the image; and performing image-wise gloss control by locally varying at least one of a fixation parameter and a primer application parameter.

IPC Classes  ?

• B41M 5/00 - Duplicating or marking methodsSheet materials for use therein
• B41M 7/00 - After-treatment of printed works, e.g. heating, irradiating

Abstract

A printing method comprising the steps of: - forming an image by applying marking material (I) onto the surface of a substrate (14); - subjecting the image to a fixation treatment; and - applying a layer (V) of an ionically stabilized varnish on the surface of the image, wherein, when the image has been formed, a layer of liquid solvent (S) is formed on at least a part of the surface of the image, thereby causing ions to migrate from the marking material (I) into the solvent (S) and then to be absorbed into the substrate (14) together with a part of the solvent before the varnish s applied.

IPC Classes  ?

• B41M 7/00 - After-treatment of printed works, e.g. heating, irradiating
• B41M 7/02 - DustingVarnishing
• B41J 11/00 - Devices or arrangements for supporting or handling copy material in sheet or web form
• B41M 5/00 - Duplicating or marking methodsSheet materials for use therein

Abstract

Provided is an evacuation device for an inkjet printing device that is designed to guide a printed recording medium along a transport direction through a constriction with an opposite gas flow, in order to be able to efficiently and comprehensively evacuate ink vapor before the constriction, in terms of the transport direction.

IPC Classes  ?

• B41J 2/17 - Ink jet characterised by ink handling

Abstract

A method for printing and curing an image uses a printer having a curing unit including at least one controllable radiation emitting unit. The printer includes a medium support configured to, in operation, support the recording medium. The method includes applying a predetermined pattern of a radiation-curable ink composition onto a recording medium to form an image; curing the image in a curing zone, wherein in the curing zone the recording medium covers a first area of the medium support, the medium support further having a second area not covered by the recording medium; controlling the curing unit to be in a curing mode in the first area of the medium; and controlling the curing unit to be in a non-curing mode in the second area of the medium support. A printer and a software product are also disclosed.

IPC Classes  ?

• B41J 11/00 - Devices or arrangements for supporting or handling copy material in sheet or web form

Abstract

Method for a printing system for processing a print job comprising the print data and the plurality of print job settings. Automatically an area of the recording medium is established that is deemed to be removed or made invisible during the at least one finishing action by a finisher. A digital object is retrieved from memory of the printer which is used for checking and monitoring at least one characterization of the desired end product. The print data are printed and also the digital object is printed at the automatically established area.

IPC Classes  ?

• G06F 3/12 - Digital output to print unit
• H04N 1/00 - Scanning, transmission or reproduction of documents or the like, e.g. facsimile transmissionDetails thereof

Abstract

The present invention relates to an aqueous pre-treatment liquid for use in ink jet printing, the pre-treatment liquid comprising: water; magnesium-sulfate; and a crystallization retarding agent selected from the group consisting of: sorbitol, xylitol, adonitol, β-alanine, proline and γ-aminobutyric acid. The pre-treatment liquid is non-yellowing, non-smelling and does not crystallize upon drying. Prints made by using a pre-treatment liquid according to the present invention in combination with an aqueous ink shows a significant decrease of end-curl after a long period of time.

IPC Classes  ?

• C09D 11/54 - Inks based on two liquids, one liquid being the ink, the other liquid being a reaction solution, a fixer or a treatment solution for the ink
• C09D 11/322 - Pigment inks
• C09D 11/40 - Ink-sets specially adapted for multi-colour inkjet printing
• C09D 11/38 - Inkjet printing inks characterised by non-macromolecular additives other than solvents, pigments or dyes
• B41M 5/00 - Duplicating or marking methodsSheet materials for use therein

Abstract

To prevent deformation to relatively stiffer sheets during flipping, while ensuring reliable holding of relatively weaker sheets, a method for stacking sheets received from a printer by a sheet flipping device includes at least one slot for receiving a leading portion of a sheet. The method includes determining a respective insertion depth parameter for a first and a second sheet, wherein the second sheet has a greater stiffness than the first sheet; inserting a length of the first sheet into the at least one slot in correspondence with its respective insertion depth parameter, followed by flipping said first sheet; inserting a length (D2) of the second sheet into the at least one slot in correspondence with its respective insertion depth parameter, followed by flipping said second sheet, wherein the inserted length of the first sheet is greater than that of the second sheet.

IPC Classes  ?

• B65H 29/40 - Members rotated about an axis perpendicular to direction of article movement, e.g. star-wheels formed by S-shaped members
• B65H 15/00 - Overturning articles
• B65H 29/06 - Delivering or advancing articles from machinesAdvancing articles to or into piles by mechanical grippers engaging the leading edge only of the articles the grippers being carried by rotating members
• B65H 43/00 - Use of control, checking, or safety devices, e.g. automatic devices comprising an element for sensing a variable

Abstract

A method of ink jet printing using an ink jet imaging device including a plurality of nozzles arranged for expelling droplets of an ink by actuation of an ink channel includes the steps of: a) providing a bit map of a spit pattern comprising an arrangement of refresh dots to be printed by each of the plurality of nozzles; and d) printing the bitmap of the spit pattern. The spit pattern includes a plurality of clusters of refresh dots, each cluster including at least two sequential refresh dots expelled from a single nozzle. A spit pattern for use in such a method is disclosed.

IPC Classes  ?

• B41J 2/045 - Ink jet characterised by the jet generation process generating single droplets or particles on demand by pressure, e.g. electromechanical transducers
• B41J 2/165 - Prevention of nozzle clogging, e.g. cleaning, capping or moistening for nozzles

Abstract

When using a flipping wheel to flip sheets of weak or long media, there is a risk that these sheets collapse upon themselves. To reduce this risk, a method of stacking sheets includes flipping a sheet while holding its leading edge and bringing the leading edge down towards a stack support; bringing a trailing portion of the sheet into contact with a guide member positioned over the stack support; forming an overpressure in an inner volume of the bent sheet during flipping, while its trailing portion is in contact with the guide member; and maintaining the overpressure and contact while a trailing edge of the sheet travels along the guide member.

IPC Classes  ?

• B65H 29/40 - Members rotated about an axis perpendicular to direction of article movement, e.g. star-wheels formed by S-shaped members
• B65H 29/22 - Delivering or advancing articles from machinesAdvancing articles to or into piles by contact with rotating friction members, e.g. rollers, brushes, or cylinders and introducing into a pile
• B65H 29/24 - Delivering or advancing articles from machinesAdvancing articles to or into piles by air-blast or suction apparatus

Abstract

A method for applying an image onto a recording medium includes applying a first layer of a radiation-curable ink onto a recording medium; curing the first layer; and applying at least a second layer of radiation-curable ink on top of the first cured layer. The coverage of the first layer is 1.0 g/m2 or less. The first layer of ink is applied onto the recording medium by applying a first ink from an ink set and the second layer is applied by applying at least the first ink from the ink set.

IPC Classes  ?

• B41J 11/00 - Devices or arrangements for supporting or handling copy material in sheet or web form

Abstract

A method for processing a print job by a printing system and a finishing system resulting in an end product is disclosed. The printing system includes a print controller. The finishing system is an in-line or near-line finishing system and includes a finishing controller for controlling the finishing process by means of a collection of finishing templates stored in memory of the finishing controller. The printing system and the finishing system are connected via a digital connection. The method includes the steps of the print controller receiving the print job including a plurality of print job settings, the print controller establishing an identifier of a finishing template from the collection of finishing templates in accordance with at least one print job setting of the plurality of print job settings, the print controller sending the established identifier of the finishing template to the finishing system, the finishing controller receiving the established identifier of the finishing template, the printing system printing the print job, the finishing system retrieving the finishing template identified by the received identifier from memory of the finishing controller, and the finishing system finishing the print job according to the retrieved finishing template.

IPC Classes  ?

• G06F 3/12 - Digital output to print unit
• G06K 15/00 - Arrangements for producing a permanent visual presentation of the output data

Abstract

A device for printing to a recording medium with an inkjet printing unit that has at least one nozzle arrangement and is designed to generate a print image on the recording medium. The print image includes at least one test pattern that exhibits at least two different spatial frequencies. The device also has an image acquisition unit that is designed to acquire an image of an acquisition region on the recording medium, which acquisition region includes at least a portion of the test pattern; and a processor that is designed to generate image data corresponding to the image and determine a functional state of the nozzle arrangement, by means of the image data, using a neural network.

IPC Classes  ?

• B41J 2/045 - Ink jet characterised by the jet generation process generating single droplets or particles on demand by pressure, e.g. electromechanical transducers
• G01R 31/3183 - Generation of test inputs, e.g. test vectors, patterns or sequences
• B41J 29/393 - Devices for controlling or analysing the entire machine

Abstract

When duplex printing non-rectangular sheets of printable media, the sheets require proper registration to prevent misalignment of front and back images. This is ensured by: determining relative orientations of three different edges of a sheet being transported towards print station on a first pass; registering the sheet on the first pass by aligning one of the edges with respect to a predetermined alignment direction; printing a first image on a first side of the registered sheet; flipping the sheet on a second pass; registering the flipped sheet by aligning one of the edges with respect to a predetermined alignment direction; and printing a second image on a second side of the registered, flipped sheet aligned with the first image based on the determined relative orientations.

IPC Classes  ?

• B65H 9/16 - Inclined tape, roller, or like article-forwarding side registers
• B65H 9/20 - Assisting by photoelectric, sonic, or pneumatic indicators
• B41J 11/42 - Controlling
• B41J 13/26 - Registering devices

Abstract

A print method includes a) applying an activator composition onto a recording medium, the activator composition comprising a photoinitiator; b) applying an inkjet ink composition onto the recording medium, the inkjet ink composition comprising a curable monomer and a gellant, the inkjet ink composition comprising no photo initiator or comprising a photo initiator in an amount of 1.0 wt % or less, based on the total amount of the ink composition; and c) curing the ink and the activator composition. Step c is started within a time period of 2 s-1000 s after applying the ink composition onto the recording medium. an ink set comprising an activator composition and an inkjet ink composition, a software product, and an inkjet printing apparatus are also disclosed.

IPC Classes  ?

• B41J 2/01 - Ink jet
• B41J 11/00 - Devices or arrangements for supporting or handling copy material in sheet or web form
• B41M 5/00 - Duplicating or marking methodsSheet materials for use therein
• C09D 11/17 - Writing inks characterised by colouring agents
• C09D 11/38 - Inkjet printing inks characterised by non-macromolecular additives other than solvents, pigments or dyes
• C09D 11/54 - Inks based on two liquids, one liquid being the ink, the other liquid being a reaction solution, a fixer or a treatment solution for the ink

Abstract

The invention relates to a device for printing a recording medium (120) and to a device (114, 214) for turning a recording medium (120), each comprising a transport roller (300) which has a base body (310) on the lateral surface of which a protective layer (312) is formed. The protective layer (312) comprises at least one ruthenium layer (174). The invention relates to a method for producing a protective layer (312) on a part of the surface of the base body (310) of a transport roller (300), which comprises at least the application of a ruthenium layer (174) to the base body (310).

IPC Classes  ?

• B41J 15/04 - Supporting, feeding, or guiding devicesMountings for web rolls or spindles
• B65H 23/00 - Registering, tensioning, smoothing, or guiding webs