Embodiments of the present invention relate to control apparatus and methods of a printing system, for example, comprising an intermediate transfer member (ITM) and to user-related features of a printing system. Some embodiments relate to regulation of a velocity and/or tension and/or length of the ITM. Some embodiments relate to regulation of deposition of ink on the moving ITM. Some embodiments regulate to apparatus configured to alert a user of one or more events related to operation of the ITM. Some embodiments relate to a time-line GUI for visualizing and/or manipulating queued print jobs which may be employed. Some embodiments relate to a reversed augmented reality GUI for visualization and/or control of the printing system. In some embodiments, a display screen is mounted to a printer housing and/or able to control access to moving parts of a printing system.
B41J 2/005 - Typewriters or selective printing mechanisms characterised by the printing or marking process for which they are designed characterised by bringing liquid or particles selectively into contact with a printing material
An ink film construction comprising: (a) a printing substrate; and (b) at least one ink film, fixedly adhered to a top surface of the printing substrate, the ink film having an upper film surface distal to the top surface of the substrate, wherein a surface concentration of nitrogen at the upper film surface exceeds a bulk concentration of nitrogen within the film, the bulk concentration measured at a depth of at least 30 nanometers below the upper film surface, and wherein a ratio of the surface concentration to the bulk concentration is at least 1.1 to 1.
B32B 3/10 - Layered products essentially comprising a layer with external or internal discontinuities or unevennesses, or a layer of non-planar form; Layered products essentially having particular features of form characterised by a discontinuous layer, i.e. apertured or formed of separate pieces of material
B32B 5/02 - Layered products characterised by the non-homogeneity or physical structure of a layer characterised by structural features of a layer comprising fibres or filaments
B41J 2/005 - Typewriters or selective printing mechanisms characterised by the printing or marking process for which they are designed characterised by bringing liquid or particles selectively into contact with a printing material
C09D 11/107 - Printing inks based on artificial resins containing macromolecular compounds obtained by reactions only involving carbon-to-carbon unsaturated bonds from unsaturated acids or derivatives thereof
A system includes: (a) a flexible intermediate transfer member (ITM) including multiple layers and markers including: (i) a structure engraved, in at least one of the layers, at respective marking locations along the ITM, and (ii) at least part of the structure is filled with a filling material that changes one or both of optical and magnetic properties of the ITM, the ITM includes an outer layer for receiving ink droplets, and transferring the ink image to a target substrate, (b) sensing assemblies disposed at respective predefined locations relative to the ITM, and configured to produce signals indicative of respective positions of the markers, and (c) a processor, which is configured to receive the signals, and based on the signals, to control a deposition of the ink droplets on the ITM, and the processor is configured to detect a deformation of the ITM based on the first and second signals.
B41J 3/46 - Printing mechanisms combined with apparatus providing a visual indication
B41J 2/005 - Typewriters or selective printing mechanisms characterised by the printing or marking process for which they are designed characterised by bringing liquid or particles selectively into contact with a printing material
Embodiments of the invention relate to a method of indirect printing with an aqueous ink. In some embodiments, this method is performed with (i) a first aqueous ink component, the first aqueous ink component optionally being transparent; and (ii) a second aqueous ink component comprising colorant particles. Related apparatus, systems and treatment formulations are disclosed herein.
B41M 5/00 - Duplicating or marking methods; Sheet materials for use therein
B41M 7/00 - After-treatment of printed works, e.g. heating, irradiating
C09D 11/107 - Printing inks based on artificial resins containing macromolecular compounds obtained by reactions only involving carbon-to-carbon unsaturated bonds from unsaturated acids or derivatives thereof
A system includes (a) an image forming station including multiple print bars arranged along an axis and configured to apply to a substrate being moved along the axis, droplets of printing fluids having multiple colors, respectively, and (b) multiple dryers, which are mounted on the image forming station, and are interleaved with the multiple print bars along the axis, the multiple dryers are configured to dry the droplets applied to the substrate for forming an image on the substrate, at least a dryer among the dryers includes: (i) an illumination assembly, which is configured to dry the droplets by directing the optical radiation to impinge on the substrate, and (ii) a temperature control assembly, which is configured to control a temperature of the substrate by directing a gas to the substrate, the illumination assembly and the temperature control assembly are packaged together in a housing.
B41J 2/005 - Typewriters or selective printing mechanisms characterised by the printing or marking process for which they are designed characterised by bringing liquid or particles selectively into contact with a printing material
B41J 11/00 - Devices or arrangements for supporting or handling copy material in sheet or web form
B41M 5/025 - Duplicating or marking methods; Sheet materials for use therein by transferring ink from the master sheet
A method including receiving a first signal indicative of a first electrical current measured on a first motion assembly (77) for moving a flexible substrate (44) that receives droplets of a printing fluid from an image forming station (60) to form an image thereon. A second signal indicative of a second electrical current measured on a second motion assembly (99) for moving the flexible substrate (44), is received, wherein a section of the flexible substrate (44) is moving between the first motion assembly (77) and the second motion assembly (99). A parameter, which is indicative of a distortion in the image, is calculated based on the first signal and the second signal. In response to detecting, based on the parameter, an increase in the distortion, a corrective action is applied to reduce the distortion.
B41J 29/38 - Drives, motors, controls, or automatic cut-off devices for the entire printing mechanism
B41J 2/005 - Typewriters or selective printing mechanisms characterised by the printing or marking process for which they are designed characterised by bringing liquid or particles selectively into contact with a printing material
A system includes an image forming station, which is configured to apply droplets of one or more printing fluids to a target substrate, so as to form an image thereon, and a substrate conveyor, which includes one or more perforated plates having multiple openings, and is configured to grip and move the target substrate to and from the image forming station for forming the image, the substrate conveyor includes one or more rotatable elements, which are fitted in the respective openings, and are configured to provide mechanical support to the target substrate, and when the target substrate moves over the one or more rotatable elements, at least one of the rotatable elements is configured to rotate in response to a physical contact with the target substrate.
B41J 2/005 - Typewriters or selective printing mechanisms characterised by the printing or marking process for which they are designed characterised by bringing liquid or particles selectively into contact with a printing material
B41J 13/00 - Devices or arrangements specially adapted for supporting or handling copy material in short lengths, e.g. sheets
B65H 5/06 - Feeding articles separated from piles; Feeding articles to machines by rollers
B65H 29/04 - Delivering or advancing articles from machines; Advancing articles to or into piles by mechanical grippers engaging the leading edge only of the articles the grippers being carried by endless chains or bands
B65H 5/08 - Feeding articles separated from piles; Feeding articles to machines by grippers, e.g. suction grippers
A method includes: (i) producing first image (43) on intermediate transfer member (ITM) (44), moving ITM along first direction (94) to engagement point between ITM and first substrate (50) for transferring the first image to the first substrate located at first position relative to the ITM, the first image transferred to given location on first substrate, and (ii) for second image (43a) intended to be produced on ITM after first image, and transferred to given location on second substrate (50): (a) second position relative to ITM, located at offset relative to first position, is specified for second substrate at engagement point, (b) second substrate moved at least in second direction (73a, 73b) to second position, and (c) second image produced on ITM at third position that would compensate for difference between the first and second positions, and the second image transferred to the given location on the second substrate.
B41J 2/005 - Typewriters or selective printing mechanisms characterised by the printing or marking process for which they are designed characterised by bringing liquid or particles selectively into contact with a printing material
B41J 2/045 - Ink jet characterised by the jet generation process generating single droplets or particles on demand by pressure, e.g. electromechanical transducers
A digital printing system includes an intermediate transfer member (ITM), to receive a printing fluid to form an image, a continuous target substrate having opposing first surface and second surface, a light source to illuminate the first surface, and an image sensor to image at least a portion of the light transmitted through the target substrate to the second surface, and a processor. The target substrate configured to engage with the ITM at an engagement point for receiving the image from the ITM, and at the engagement point, the ITM is configured to move at a first velocity and the target substrate is configured to move at a second velocity. The processor is configured to produce a digital image based on the electrical signals, and to estimate, based on the digital image, at least a distortion in the image.
B41J 2/005 - Typewriters or selective printing mechanisms characterised by the printing or marking process for which they are designed characterised by bringing liquid or particles selectively into contact with a printing material
B41J 11/00 - Devices or arrangements for supporting or handling copy material in sheet or web form
10.
PROTECTION OF COMPONENTS OF DIGITAL PRINTING SYSTEMS
A printing system comprises an intermediate transfer member, an image-forming station comprising a print bar disposed over a surface of the ITM, a conveyer for driving rotation of the ITM, a detection system configured to detect foreign matter transported at a detection location upstream of the image-forming station, and a response system operatively coupled to the detection system to respond to the detection of foreign matter by performing at least one collision-prevention action to prevent a potential collision between foreign matter and the print bar.
B41J 2/005 - Typewriters or selective printing mechanisms characterised by the printing or marking process for which they are designed characterised by bringing liquid or particles selectively into contact with a printing material
B41J 2/045 - Ink jet characterised by the jet generation process generating single droplets or particles on demand by pressure, e.g. electromechanical transducers
Embodiments of the invention relate to a method of indirect printing with an aqueous ink. In some embodiments, an intermediate transfer member (ITM) comprising a silicone-based release layer surface is employed. For example, the release layer surface satisfies at least one of the following properties: (i) a receding contact angle of a drop of distilled water deposited on the silicone-based release layer surface is at most 60°; and (ii) a 10-second dynamic contact angle (DCA) of a drop of distilled water deposited on the silicone-based release layer surface is at most 108°. Related apparatus, systems and treatment formulations are disclosed herein.
B41J 2/005 - Typewriters or selective printing mechanisms characterised by the printing or marking process for which they are designed characterised by bringing liquid or particles selectively into contact with a printing material
B41M 5/025 - Duplicating or marking methods; Sheet materials for use therein by transferring ink from the master sheet
B41M 5/03 - Duplicating or marking methods; Sheet materials for use therein by transferring ink from the master sheet by pressure
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
The present disclosure relates to water-based inkjet ink formulations comprising a solvent containing water, at least one coloring agent, and at least one alkali-metal organosiliconate of Formula (I) Formula (I) wherein: R is C1-C5 alkyl group; Mi, M2, and M3 are each, independently of the other, selected from hydrogen or a cation of an alkali metal, wherein at least one of the Mi, M2 and M3 is a cation of an alkali metal. The water-based inkjet ink formulations are used in methods for preventing or minimizing print head deterioration. The present disclosure further relates to printing methods utilizing the water-based inkjet ink formulations and to printing systems comprising said formulations.
C09D 11/107 - Printing inks based on artificial resins containing macromolecular compounds obtained by reactions only involving carbon-to-carbon unsaturated bonds from unsaturated acids or derivatives thereof
C09D 11/38 - Inkjet printing inks characterised by non-macromolecular additives other than solvents, pigments or dyes
B41J 3/407 - Typewriters or selective printing or marking mechanisms characterised by the purpose for which they are constructed for marking on special material
An indirect printing system is disclosed having an intermediate transfer member (ITM) in the form of an endless belt that circulates during operation to transport ink images from an image forming station. Ink images are deposited on an outer surface of the ITM by one or a plurality of print bars. At an impression station, the ink images are transferred from the outer surface of the ITM onto a printing substrate. In some embodiments, the outer surface of the ITM 20 is maintained within the image forming station at a predetermined distance from the one or each of the print bars 10, 12, 14 and 16 by means of a plurality of support rollers 11, 13, 15, 17 that have a common flat tangential plane and contact the inner surface of the ITM. In some embodiments, the inner surface of the ITM is attracted to the support rollers, the attraction being such that the area of contact between the ITM and each support roller is greater on the downstream side than the upstream side of the support roller, referenced to the direction of movement of the ITM.
A printing system comprises an intermediate transfer member (ITM), an image forming station, a conveyer for driving rotation of the ITM, and a treatment station disposed downstream of the impression station and upstream of the image forming station configured for coating the ITM surface with a layer of a liquid treatment formulation, the treatment station comprising an applicator for applying the liquid treatment formulation to the ITM, a coating thickness-regulation assembly comprising a plurality of blades, a blade-replacement mechanism, and a blade-replacement controller for controlling the blade-replacement mechanism.
B41J 2/005 - Typewriters or selective printing mechanisms characterised by the printing or marking process for which they are designed characterised by bringing liquid or particles selectively into contact with a printing material
B41J 11/00 - Devices or arrangements for supporting or handling copy material in sheet or web form
Embodiments of the invention relate to a method of indirect printing with an aqueous ink. Related apparatus, systems and treatment formulations are disclosed herein. Some embodiments relate to an aqueous treatment formulation for use with an intermediate transfer member of a printing system. In some embodiments, the system comprises a treatment station disposed downstream of the impression station and upstream of the image forming station for forming a uniform thin layer of a liquid treatment formulation onto a surface of an intermediate transfer member (ITM) at a lower run thereof.
B41J 11/00 - Devices or arrangements for supporting or handling copy material in sheet or web form
B41J 2/005 - Typewriters or selective printing mechanisms characterised by the printing or marking process for which they are designed characterised by bringing liquid or particles selectively into contact with a printing material
Embodiments of the invention relate to a method of indirect printing with an aqueous ink formulation applied to the surface of the intermediate transfer member. Related apparatus, systems and treatment formulations are disclosed herein.
B41M 5/025 - Duplicating or marking methods; Sheet materials for use therein by transferring ink from the master sheet
B41J 2/005 - Typewriters or selective printing mechanisms characterised by the printing or marking process for which they are designed characterised by bringing liquid or particles selectively into contact with a printing material
The present disclosure relates to inkjet ink formulations and their use in improving the printing process and/or the resulted printed product. The present disclosure further relates to printing methods utilizing the inkjet ink formulations and to printing systems comprising thereof.
Ink formulations suitable for deposition upon the intermediate transfer member of an indirect printing system and for transfer therefrom to a substrate. The inks are aqueous inkjet inks comprising an organic polymeric resin and a colorant. Ink film constructions including a plurality of continuous ink films fixedly adhered to the printing substrate that can be obtained with these inks are also disclosed. The inks and the printed constructions are such that the ink films and the dried inks composing them have a first dynamic viscosity within a range of 106 cP to 5·107 cP at at least a first temperature within a first range of 60° C. to 87.5° C., and a second dynamic viscosity of at least 6·107 cP, for at least a second temperature within a second range of 50° C. to 55° C.
C09D 11/107 - Printing inks based on artificial resins containing macromolecular compounds obtained by reactions only involving carbon-to-carbon unsaturated bonds from unsaturated acids or derivatives thereof
C09D 11/106 - Printing inks based on artificial resins containing macromolecular compounds obtained by reactions only involving carbon-to-carbon unsaturated bonds
A printing system for printing on a substrate, comprises a movable intermediate transfer member in the form of a flexible, substantially inextensible, belt guided to follow a closed path, an image forming station for depositing droplets of a liquid ink onto an outer surface of the belt to form an ink image, a drying station for drying the ink image on the belt to leave an ink residue film on the outer surface of the belt, first and second impression stations spaced from one another in the direction of movement of the belt, each impression station comprising an impression cylinder for supporting and transporting the substrate and a pressure cylinder carrying a compressible blanket for urging the belt against the substrate supported on the impression cylinder, and a transport system for transporting the substrate from the first impression station to the second impression station .The pressure cylinder of at least the first impression station is movable between a first position in which the belt is urged towards the impression cylinder to cause the residue film on the outer surface of the belt to be transferred onto the front side of the substrate supported on the impression cylinder, and a second position in which the belt is spaced from the impression cylinder to allow the ink image on the belt to pass through the first impression station and arrive intact at the second impression station for transfer onto the reverse side of the substrate supported on the second impression cylinder.
B41J 2/005 - Typewriters or selective printing mechanisms characterised by the printing or marking process for which they are designed characterised by bringing liquid or particles selectively into contact with a printing material
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
Some embodiments relate to printing system is described that has an intermediate transfer member (ITM) in the form of a seamed endless belt for transporting an ink image from an image forming station, at which an ink image is deposited on ITM, to an impression station, where the ink image is transferred onto a printing substrate. Two drive members are provided for movement in synchronism with one another. Rotation of the drive members during installation of a new ITM serves to thread the strip through the printing system by pulling the strip from its leading end. Alternatively or additionally, indirect printing system comprising the ITM and an image forming station at which droplets of ink are applied to the ITM to form ink images thereon is disclosed. One or more blowing mechanisms (e.g. associated with the image forming station) are disclosed herein.
B41J 2/005 - Typewriters or selective printing mechanisms characterised by the printing or marking process for which they are designed characterised by bringing liquid or particles selectively into contact with a printing material
B41J 11/00 - Devices or arrangements for supporting or handling copy material in sheet or web form
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
An intermediate transfer member (ITM) for use with a printing system, the ITM having (a) a support layer; and (b) a release layer having an ink reception surface and a second surface opposing the ink reception surface, the second surface attached to the support layer, the release layer formed of an addition-cured, hydrophobic silicone material, wherein the release surface of the release layer has relatively hydrophilic properties with respect to the addition-cured, hydrophobic silicone material.
B41J 2/22 - Typewriters or selective printing mechanisms characterised by the printing or marking process for which they are designed characterised by selective application of impact or pressure on a printing material or impression- transfer material
B32B 5/26 - Layered products characterised by the non-homogeneity or physical structure of a layer characterised by the presence of two or more layers which comprise fibres, filaments, granules, or powder, or are foamed or specifically porous one layer being a fibrous or filamentary layer another layer also being fibrous or filamentary
B32B 7/06 - Interconnection of layers permitting easy separation
B32B 7/12 - Interconnection of layers using interposed adhesives or interposed materials with bonding properties
B32B 15/14 - Layered products essentially comprising metal next to a fibrous or filamentary layer
B32B 15/20 - Layered products essentially comprising metal comprising aluminium or copper
B32B 25/08 - Layered products essentially comprising natural or synthetic rubber comprising rubber as the main or only constituent of a layer, next to another layer of a specific substance of synthetic resin
G03G 7/00 - Selection of materials for use in image-receiving members, i.e. for reversal by physical contact; Manufacture thereof
B32B 7/02 - Physical, chemical or physicochemical properties
B32B 37/26 - Methods or apparatus for laminating, e.g. by curing or by ultrasonic bonding characterised by the properties of the layers with at least one layer which influences the bonding during the laminating process, e.g. release layers or pressure equalising layers
B32B 27/28 - Layered products essentially comprising synthetic resin comprising copolymers of synthetic resins not wholly covered by any one of the following subgroups
B32B 37/24 - Methods or apparatus for laminating, e.g. by curing or by ultrasonic bonding characterised by the properties of the layers with at least one layer not being coherent before laminating, e.g. made up from granular material sprinkled onto a substrate
A friction reduction system for reducing friction of an intermediate transfer member (ITM) of a printing system, while the ITM is guided along the printing system by a guiding arrangement. The friction reduction system includes a fluid reservoir mounted within the printing system, a fluid depositing arrangement disposed along the ITM, and a control mechanism, adapted to control depositing of fluid, from the fluid depositing arrangement onto the guiding arrangement or onto at least a portion of the ITM. Depositing of the fluid reduces friction between the ITM and the guiding arrangement.
A method includes, receiving a first digital image (FDI) to-be printed by a digital printing system (DPS) (10). In a in training phase: for first selected regions (111) in the FDI, a first set of synthetic images (SIs) (112A, 112B, 114A, 114B, 116A, 116B) having a defect caused by a defective part (DP) (99) in the first selected regions, is produced; a neural network (NN) (150) is trained to detect the defect using the first set SIs. In a subsequent detection phase: the NN is applied for identifying, in a second digital image (SDI) (136, 146) acquired from an image produced by the DPS, suspected second regions (135, 145); for each of the second regions, a second set (137, 147) of SIs having DPs that form the defects, is produced; and the DP is identified by comparing, in each of the second regions, between the SDI and the second set SIs.
A digital printing system includes a print head and a processor. The print head is configured to jet droplets of ink. The a processor is further configured to translate a required shade of a color, to be printed at a given location on a substrate by the print head, into a sequence of pulses, the sequence including: (a) up to a predefined maximum number of driving pulses that cause the print head to jet respective droplets, and (b) a tickling pulse, which has a smaller amplitude than the driving pulses and which causes the print head to jet a droplet smaller than the droplets jetted in response to the driving pulses. The processor is additionally configured to apply the sequence of pulses to the print head.
B41J 2/045 - Ink jet characterised by the jet generation process generating single droplets or particles on demand by pressure, e.g. electromechanical transducers
The present disclosure relates to hydrophilic treatment formulations for use with intermediate transfer members of indirect printing systems and printing methods utilizing same. The present disclosure further relates to intermediate transfer members having a release layer surface covered with the formulations and to printed articles produced using the formulations.
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
B41J 2/005 - Typewriters or selective printing mechanisms characterised by the printing or marking process for which they are designed characterised by bringing liquid or particles selectively into contact with a printing material
A system (10) includes a printing assembly (13) and a stacking assembly (59). The printing assembly (13) is configured to print: (i) multiple images on multiple respective substrates (50), and (ii) multiple marks on one or more edges of the multiple respective substrates. The stacking assembly (59) is configured to stack the multiple respective substrates on top of one another to form a stack (88) having a top surface (32) parallel to one or more of the substrates, and sides (21, 31, 41, 51) made from the stacked edges of the substrates. One or more of the marks are visible on a side-view of at least a given side (21) of the sides, and at least a position of the one or more marks in the side view of the given side, is indicative of a problem that occurred while printing one or more of the multiple images.
B41F 17/02 - Printing apparatus or machines of special types or for particular purposes, not otherwise provided for for printing books or manifolding sets
G06K 7/14 - Methods or arrangements for sensing record carriers by corpuscular radiation using light without selection of wavelength, e.g. sensing reflected white light
B41F 17/26 - Printing apparatus or machines of special types or for particular purposes, not otherwise provided for for printing on flat surfaces of polyhedral articles by rolling contact
G06K 1/12 - Methods or arrangements for marking the record carrier in digital fashion otherwise than by punching
An intermediate transfer member (ITM) (44) of printing system (10), the ITM includes: (a) an outer layer (102) configured to receive droplets (11) of printing fluid for producing an image thereon, and transfer the image to target substrate (50), and (b) a stack (107) of flexible support layers, the stack includes a mesh (109), having a first section impregnated in a first layer (106) having a first elastic modulus in an axis in which a tension force is applied to the ITM (44), and a second section impregnated in a second layer (108), which is placed in contact with the first layer (106) and has in the axis, a second elastic modulus different from the first elastic modulus. In response to applying to the ITM (44) a specified level of the tension force, the stack (107) is configured to retain a predefined elongation of the ITM (44) along the axis.
B41J 2/005 - Typewriters or selective printing mechanisms characterised by the printing or marking process for which they are designed characterised by bringing liquid or particles selectively into contact with a printing material
A system and method for performing quality control in a digital printing system (DPS) is provided. The DPS includes an impression station for transferring an ink image from a surface of an intermediate transfer member to a substrate. The impression station includes an impression cylinder housing one or more grippers operable to grasp and hold a leading edge of the substrate as it passes through the DPS, for conveying the substrate along the impression cylinder during the transfer of the ink image. An imaging device is operable, during advancement of the substrate on the impression cylinder, to capture a digital image including a region of interest (ROI) that is associated with at least a portion of the grippers and at least a portion of the substrate. A controller is configured, based on the digital image, to indicate an error in a position of the substrate relative to the grippers.
B41J 11/00 - Devices or arrangements for supporting or handling copy material in sheet or web form
B41J 2/005 - Typewriters or selective printing mechanisms characterised by the printing or marking process for which they are designed characterised by bringing liquid or particles selectively into contact with a printing material
A printing process is disclosed which comprises directing droplets of an ink onto an intermediate transfer member to form an ink image, the ink including an organic polymeric resin and a coloring agent in an aqueous carrier, and the transfer member having a hydrophobic outer surface so that each ink droplet in the ink image spreads on impinging upon the intermediate transfer member to form an ink film. The ink is dried while the ink image is being transported by the intermediate transfer member by evaporating the aqueous carrier from the ink image to leave a residue film of resin and coloring agent. The residue film is then transferred to a substrate. The chemical compositions of the ink and of the surface of the intermediate transfer member are selected such that attractive intermolecular forces between molecules in the outer skin of each droplet and on the surface of the intermediate transfer member counteract the tendency of the ink film produced by each droplet to bead under the action of the surface tension of the aqueous carrier, without causing each droplet to spread by wetting the surface of the intermediate transfer member.
B41J 2/005 - Typewriters or selective printing mechanisms characterised by the printing or marking process for which they are designed characterised by bringing liquid or particles selectively into contact with a printing material
B41M 5/025 - Duplicating or marking methods; Sheet materials for use therein by transferring ink from the master sheet
30.
DIGITAL PRINTING SYSTEM WITH FLEXIBLE INTERMEDIATE TRANSFER MEMBER
Methods for printing using printing systems comprising a flexible intermediate transfer member (ITM) disposed around a plurality of guide rollers at which encoders are installed, and an image-forming station at which ink images are formed by droplet deposition by print bars onto the ITM, can include measuring a local velocity of the ITM under one of the print bars, determining a stretch factor for a portion of the ITM based on a relationship between an estimated stretched length fixed physical distance between print bars, controlling an ink deposition parameter according to the stretch factor so as to compensate for stretching of the reference portion of the ITM.
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 2/005 - Typewriters or selective printing mechanisms characterised by the printing or marking process for which they are designed characterised by bringing liquid or particles selectively into contact with a printing material
B41J 2/03 - Ink jet characterised by the jet generation process generating a continuous ink jet by pressure
B41J 2/155 - Arrangement thereof for line printing
C08L 33/08 - Homopolymers or copolymers of acrylic acid esters
C08L 33/14 - Homopolymers or copolymers of esters of esters containing halogen, nitrogen, sulfur, or oxygen atoms in addition to the carboxy oxygen
C08L 53/00 - Compositions of block copolymers containing at least one sequence of a polymer obtained by reactions only involving carbon-to-carbon unsaturated bonds; Compositions of derivatives of such polymers
Printing apparatus (20) includes a continuous blanket (24) and a set of motorized rollers (31), which advance the blanket at constant speed through an image area. Print bars (38) eject droplets of ink at respective locations onto the blanket in the image area. Monitoring rollers (42), in proximity to the locations of the print bars, contact the blanket to be rotated by blanket advancement. Each monitoring roller includes an encoder (44), which outputs a signal indicative of a rotation angle of the monitoring roller. A control unit (40) collects, during a calibration phase, the signal from the encoders over multiple rotations of the monitoring rollers, detects a deviation of the signal from the encoder relative to a clock signal having a predefined frequency, and computes runout correction factors. During an operational phase, the control unit applies the runout correction factors to synchronize the droplets ejection from the print bars.
B41J 2/005 - Typewriters or selective printing mechanisms characterised by the printing or marking process for which they are designed characterised by bringing liquid or particles selectively into contact with a printing material
B41J 3/46 - Printing mechanisms combined with apparatus providing a visual indication
B41J 11/00 - Devices or arrangements for supporting or handling copy material in sheet or web form
A method of printing includes, applying to an intermediate transfer member (ITM) (44), one or more fluids that include at least a printing fluid for forming an image on the ITM (44). At least part of the image is transferred from the ITM (44) to a target substrate (50). Residues of the one or more fluids that were not transferred to the target substrate (50) and remained on the ITM (44), are transferred from the ITM (44) to one or more rotatable elements (112), and the residues are removed from the one or more rotatable elements (112).
B41J 2/005 - Typewriters or selective printing mechanisms characterised by the printing or marking process for which they are designed characterised by bringing liquid or particles selectively into contact with a printing material
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
34.
Intermediate transfer member for a digital printing system
A system includes: (a) a flexible intermediate transfer member (ITM) including multiple layers and markers including: (i) a structure engraved, in at least one of the layers, at respective marking locations along the ITM, and (ii) at least part of the structure is filled with a filling material that changes one or both of optical and magnetic properties of the ITM, the ITM includes an outer layer for receiving ink droplets, and transferring the ink image to a target substrate, (b) sensing assemblies disposed at respective predefined locations relative to the ITM, and configured to produce signals indicative of respective positions of the markers, and (c) a processor, which is configured to receive the signals, and based on the signals, to control a deposition of the ink droplets on the ITM, and the processor is configured to detect a deformation of the ITM based on the first and second signals.
B41J 3/46 - Printing mechanisms combined with apparatus providing a visual indication
B41J 2/005 - Typewriters or selective printing mechanisms characterised by the printing or marking process for which they are designed characterised by bringing liquid or particles selectively into contact with a printing material
A printing method includes producing a first image at a first position (16a, 23a) on a movable intermediate transfer member (ITM) (44) of a printing system (10), and moving the ITM (44) for transferring the first image to a first substrate (50). For a second image that is intended to be produced on the ITM (44) at a second position (16b, 23b) different from the first position (16a, 23a): (i) a deliberate offset (18, 24) of the second position (16b, 23b) relative to the first position (16a, 23a), is specified, (ii) a movement of the ITM (44) that would at least partially compensate for the offset (18, 24) when transferring the second image to a second substrate (50), is calculated, and (iii) the second image is produced and the ITM (44) is moved in accordance with the calculated movement, for transferring the second image to the second substrate (50).
An impression station of a printing system comprises a rotatable impression cylinder with an impression cylinder gap housing a plurality of grippers recessed therein. A pressure cylinder assembly comprises a pressure cylinder comprising a pressure cylinder gap and an angle portion joining a trailing edge of the pressure cylinder gap and an outer circumferential surface of the pressure cylinder. A compressible blanket is disposed around the circumference of the pressure cylinder. A margin insert is interposed between the pressure cylinder and the compressible blanket at least at the angle portion, such that a local external geometry of the pressure cylinder assembly at the angle portion is changed by the presence of the margin insert. The change in the local external geometry of the pressure cylinder assembly due to the presence of the margin insert is effective to reduce a dimension of an unprinted leading-edge margin.
B41J 2/005 - Typewriters or selective printing mechanisms characterised by the printing or marking process for which they are designed characterised by bringing liquid or particles selectively into contact with a printing material
Embodiments of the invention relate to a method of indirect printing with an aqueous ink. Related apparatus, systems and treatment formulations are disclosed herein. Some embodiments relate to an aqueous treatment formulation for use with an intermediate transfer member of a printing system. In some embodiments, the system comprises a treatment station disposed downstream of the impression station and upstream of the image forming station for forming a uniform thin layer of a liquid treatment formulation onto a surface of an intermediate transfer member (ITM) at a lower run thereof.
B41J 2/005 - Typewriters or selective printing mechanisms characterised by the printing or marking process for which they are designed characterised by bringing liquid or particles selectively into contact with a printing material
B41J 11/00 - Devices or arrangements for supporting or handling copy material in sheet or web form
A system (10, 110) includes: (i) a flexible intermediate transfer member (ITM) (44, 500, 600), including: a stack of: In (a) a first layer (602), located at an outer surface of the ITM (44, 500, 600), configured to receive ink droplets to form an ink image thereon, and to transfer the ink image to a target substrate (50, 51), and (b) a second layer (603) including a matrix holding particles (622), configured to receive optical radiation (99) passing through the first layer (602), and to heat the ITM (44, 500, 600) by absorbing the optical radiation (99); (ii) an illumination assembly (113), configured to dry the ink droplets by directing the optical radiation (99) to impinge on the particles (622); and (iii) a temperature control assembly (121), configured to control a temperature of the ITM (44, 500, 600) by directing a gas (101) to the ITM (44, 500, 600).
B41J 2/005 - Typewriters or selective printing mechanisms characterised by the printing or marking process for which they are designed characterised by bringing liquid or particles selectively into contact with a printing material
B41J 11/00 - Devices or arrangements for supporting or handling copy material in sheet or web form
B41M 5/025 - Duplicating or marking methods; Sheet materials for use therein by transferring ink from the master sheet
39.
Controlling and monitoring a digital printing system by inspecting a periodic pattern of a flexible substrate
A digital printing system (10) includes a flexible substrate (44), an optical assembly (200, 301) and a processor (20). The flexible substrate (44) has a periodic pattern, and is configured to be moved and to receive ink droplets in a printing process that forms an image thereon. The optical assembly (200, 301) is configured to illuminate the flexible substrate (44) with light (215, 315), to detect the light (215, 315) from the flexible substrate (44), and to derive from the detected light (215, 315) a signal indicative of the periodic pattern. The processor (20) is configured to receive the signal and to monitor or control the digital printing system (10) based on the periodic pattern as indicated by the signal.
G03G 15/00 - Apparatus for electrographic processes using a charge pattern
B41J 2/005 - Typewriters or selective printing mechanisms characterised by the printing or marking process for which they are designed characterised by bringing liquid or particles selectively into contact with a printing material
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
A flexible belt is disclosed for use in a printing system. The belt comprises an endless strip which, in use, travels along a continuous path. Formations are provided along the sides of the strip which are capable of engaging with lateral tracks to place the belt under lateral tension, the lateral tracks further serving to constrain the belt to follow the continuous path.
B41J 2/005 - Typewriters or selective printing mechanisms characterised by the printing or marking process for which they are designed characterised by bringing liquid or particles selectively into contact with a printing material
41.
INKJET NOZZLES CLEANING IN A DIGITAL PRINTING SYSTEM
A system (10) having a printing position and a non-printing position, the system (10) includes an image forming station (60) and a wiping assembly (200, 400). The image forming station (60) including at least a nozzle plate (61) having one or more nozzles (166, 166a, 166b, 166c), which are configured to apply droplets of a printing fluid onto a surface of one or more substrates (44) for producing one or more images thereon. The wiping assembly (200, 400) is at least partially positioned in a gap (141) between the nozzle plate (61) and the one or more substrates (44), and is configured, while the system (10) is in the printing position, to (i) make physical contact with the nozzle plate (61) and (ii) remove residues of the printing fluid from at least one of the nozzles (166, 166a, 166b, 166c).
An intermediate transfer member (ITM) for use with a printing system, the ITM having (a) a support layer; and (b) a release layer having an ink reception surface and a second surface opposing the ink reception surface, the second surface attached to the support layer, the release layer formed of an addition-cured, hydrophobic silicone material, wherein the release surface of the release layer has relatively hydrophilic properties with respect to the addition-cured, hydrophobic silicone material.
B41J 2/22 - Typewriters or selective printing mechanisms characterised by the printing or marking process for which they are designed characterised by selective application of impact or pressure on a printing material or impression- transfer material
B32B 5/26 - Layered products characterised by the non-homogeneity or physical structure of a layer characterised by the presence of two or more layers which comprise fibres, filaments, granules, or powder, or are foamed or specifically porous one layer being a fibrous or filamentary layer another layer also being fibrous or filamentary
B32B 7/06 - Interconnection of layers permitting easy separation
B32B 7/12 - Interconnection of layers using interposed adhesives or interposed materials with bonding properties
B32B 15/14 - Layered products essentially comprising metal next to a fibrous or filamentary layer
B32B 15/20 - Layered products essentially comprising metal comprising aluminium or copper
B32B 25/08 - Layered products essentially comprising natural or synthetic rubber comprising rubber as the main or only constituent of a layer, next to another layer of a specific substance of synthetic resin
G03G 7/00 - Selection of materials for use in image-receiving members, i.e. for reversal by physical contact; Manufacture thereof
B32B 37/26 - Methods or apparatus for laminating, e.g. by curing or by ultrasonic bonding characterised by the properties of the layers with at least one layer which influences the bonding during the laminating process, e.g. release layers or pressure equalising layers
B32B 27/28 - Layered products essentially comprising synthetic resin comprising copolymers of synthetic resins not wholly covered by any one of the following subgroups
B32B 37/24 - Methods or apparatus for laminating, e.g. by curing or by ultrasonic bonding characterised by the properties of the layers with at least one layer not being coherent before laminating, e.g. made up from granular material sprinkled onto a substrate
43.
Apparatus for controlling tension applied to a flexible member
A digital printing system (10) includes a flexible intermediate transfer member (ITM) (44) and a dancer assembly (100). The ITM (44) is configured to receive ink droplets from an ink supply system to form an image thereon, and to transfer the image to a target substrate (50). The dancer assembly (100) includes a fluid chamber (103) and a rotatable element (111) fitted in the fluid chamber (103), the fluid chamber (103) includes an inlet (107) configured to receive pressurized fluid (130) into the fluid chamber (103), and the pressurized fluid (130) causes the rotatable element (111) to move relative to the fluid chamber (103) and to apply tension to the ITM (44) while being rotated by the ITM (44).
B41J 2/005 - Typewriters or selective printing mechanisms characterised by the printing or marking process for which they are designed characterised by bringing liquid or particles selectively into contact with a printing material
The present disclosure provides a system for punting. The present disclosure further provides a method for preventing or minimizing printing defects in a printing process.
A friction reduction system for reducing friction of an intermediate transfer member (ITM) of a printing system, while the ITM is guided along the printing system by a guiding arrangement. The friction reduction system includes a fluid reservoir mounted within the printing system, a fluid depositing arrangement disposed along the ITM, and a control mechanism, adapted to control depositing of fluid, from the fluid depositing arrangement onto the guiding arrangement or onto at least a portion of the ITM. Depositing of the fluid reduces friction between the ITM and the guiding arrangement.
A printing system comprises an intermediate transfer member, an image-forming station comprising a print bar disposed over a surface of the ITM, a conveyer for driving rotation of the ITM, a detection system configured to detect foreign matter transported at a detection location upstream of the image-forming station, and a response system operatively coupled to the detection system to respond to the detection of foreign matter by performing at least one collision-prevention action to prevent a potential collision between foreign matter and the print bar.
B41J 2/005 - Typewriters or selective printing mechanisms characterised by the printing or marking process for which they are designed characterised by bringing liquid or particles selectively into contact with a printing material
B41J 2/045 - Ink jet characterised by the jet generation process generating single droplets or particles on demand by pressure, e.g. electromechanical transducers
A printing system comprises an intermediate transfer member (ITM), an image forming station, a conveyer for driving rotation of the ITM, and a treatment station disposed downstream of the impression station and upstream of the image forming station configured for coating the ITM surface with a layer of a liquid treatment formulation, the treatment station comprising an applicator for applying the liquid treatment formulation to the ITM, a coating thickness-regulation assembly comprising a plurality of blades, a blade-replacement mechanism, and a blade-replacement controller for controlling the blade-replacement mechanism.
B41J 2/005 - Typewriters or selective printing mechanisms characterised by the printing or marking process for which they are designed characterised by bringing liquid or particles selectively into contact with a printing material
B41J 11/00 - Devices or arrangements for supporting or handling copy material in sheet or web form
A method including receiving a first signal indicative of a first electrical current measured on a first motion assembly (77) for moving a flexible substrate (44) that receives droplets of a printing fluid from an image forming station (60) to form an image thereon. A second signal indicative of a second electrical current measured on a second motion assembly (99) for moving the flexible substrate (44), is received, wherein a section of the flexible substrate (44) is moving between the first motion assembly (77) and the second motion assembly (99). A parameter, which is indicative of a distortion in the image, is calculated based on the first signal and the second signal. In response to detecting, based on the parameter, an increase in the distortion, a corrective action is applied to reduce the distortion.
G03G 15/00 - Apparatus for electrographic processes using a charge pattern
G03G 15/10 - Apparatus for electrographic processes using a charge pattern for developing using a liquid developer
B41J 2/005 - Typewriters or selective printing mechanisms characterised by the printing or marking process for which they are designed characterised by bringing liquid or particles selectively into contact with a printing material
A digital printing system includes a print head and a processor. The print head is configured to jet droplets of ink. The a processor is further configured to translate a required shade of a color, to be printed at a given location on a substrate by the print head, into a sequence of pulses, the sequence including: (a) up to a predefined maximum number of driving pulses that cause the print head to jet respective droplets, and (b) a tickling pulse, which has a smaller amplitude than the driving pulses and which causes the print head to jet a droplet smaller than the droplets jetted in response to the driving pulses. The processor is additionally configured to apply the sequence of pulses to the print head.
B41J 29/38 - Drives, motors, controls, or automatic cut-off devices for the entire printing mechanism
B41J 2/045 - Ink jet characterised by the jet generation process generating single droplets or particles on demand by pressure, e.g. electromechanical transducers
A method for correcting an error in image printing, the method includes receiving a reference digital image (RDI). Based on a predefined selection criterion, one or more regions in the RDI that are suitable for use as anchor features for sensing the error, are automatically selected. A digital image (DI) acquired from a printed image of the RDI, is received and the one or more regions are automatically identified in the DI. Based on the anchor features of the DI, the error is automatically estimated in the printed image. A correction that, when applied to the DI, compensates for the estimated error, is calculated. The estimated error is corrected in a subsequent digital image (SDI) to be printed, and the SDI having the corrected error, is printed.
An indirect printing system is disclosed having an intermediate transfer member (ITM) in the form of an endless belt that circulates during operation to transport ink images from an image forming station. Ink images are deposited on an outer surface of the ITM by one or a plurality of print bars. At an impression station, the ink images are transferred from the outer surface of the ITM onto a printing substrate. In some embodiments, the outer surface of the ITM 20 is maintained within the image forming station at a predetermined distance from the one or each of the print bars 10, 12, 14 and 16 by means of a plurality of support rollers 11, 13, 15, 17 that have a common flat tangential plane and contact the inner surface of the ITM. In some embodiments, the inner surface of the ITM is attracted to the support rollers, the attraction being such that the area of contact between the ITM and each support roller is greater on the downstream side than the upstream side of the support roller, referenced to the direction of movement of the ITM.
Embodiments of the invention relate to a method of indirect printing with an aqueous ink. In some embodiments, an intermediate transfer member (ITM) comprising a silicone-based release layer surface is employed. For example, the release layer surface satisfies at least one of the following properties: (i) a receding contact angle of a drop of distilled water deposited on the silicone-based release layer surface is at most 60°; and (ii) a 10-second dynamic contact angle (DCA) of a drop of distilled water deposited on the silicone-based release layer surface is at most 108°. Related apparatus, systems and treatment formulations are disclosed herein.
B41M 5/00 - Duplicating or marking methods; Sheet materials for use therein
B41J 2/005 - Typewriters or selective printing mechanisms characterised by the printing or marking process for which they are designed characterised by bringing liquid or particles selectively into contact with a printing material
B41M 5/025 - Duplicating or marking methods; Sheet materials for use therein by transferring ink from the master sheet
B41M 5/03 - Duplicating or marking methods; Sheet materials for use therein by transferring ink from the master sheet by pressure
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
An intermediate transfer member (ITM) for use in a printing system to transport an ink image from an image forming station to an impression station for transfer of the ink image from the ITM onto a printing substrate, wherein the ITM is an endless flexible belt of substantially uniform width which, during use, passes over drive and guide rollers and is guided through at least the image forming station by means of guide channels that receive formations provided on both lateral edges of the belt, wherein the formations on a first edge differ from the formations on the second edge by being configured for providing the elasticity desired to maintain the belt taut when the belt is guided through their respective lateral channels.
A system (10) includes an intermediate transfer member (ITM) (44) and a substrate conveyor (80). The ITM (44) is configured to receive droplets of one or more printing fluids so as to form an image thereon, and to transfer the image to a target substrate (50). The substrate conveyor (80) is configured to grip and move the target substrate (50) to and from the ITM (44) for transferal of the image, the substrate conveyor (80) includes one or more rotatable elements (110, 200), which are configured to provide mechanical support to the target substrate (50), such that, when the target substrate (50) moves over the one or more rotatable elements (110, 200), at least one of the rotatable elements (110, 200) is configured to rotate in response to a physical contact with the target substrate (50).
B41J 2/005 - Typewriters or selective printing mechanisms characterised by the printing or marking process for which they are designed characterised by bringing liquid or particles selectively into contact with a printing material
B41J 13/00 - Devices or arrangements specially adapted for supporting or handling copy material in short lengths, e.g. sheets
B65H 5/06 - Feeding articles separated from piles; Feeding articles to machines by rollers
B65H 29/04 - Delivering or advancing articles from machines; Advancing articles to or into piles by mechanical grippers engaging the leading edge only of the articles the grippers being carried by endless chains or bands
B65H 5/08 - Feeding articles separated from piles; Feeding articles to machines by grippers, e.g. suction grippers
A jacket-securing arrangement is disclosed for mounting in a cylinder, which cylinder (220) has an outer surface and at least one recess (320) in the outer surface for receiving an inwardly turned edge of a replaceable jacket (225) overlying at least part of the outer surface of the cylinder. The jacket-securing arrangement is mountable within the recess so as not to project beyond the outer surface of the cylinder when the jacket is secured thereto, and includes a clamping lever pivotable about a shaft located within the recess between a clamping position in which the edge of the replaceable jacket is clamped between the lever and a side wall of the recess and a release position in which the lever is spaced from the side wall of the recess. A magnet is provided to retain the lever in the clamping position. The clamping lever is formed of two or more members assembled around the shaft and defining between them a bearing surface engaging an outer surface of the shaft. The shaft may be a gripper shaft including a plurality of grippers for securing a printing substrate sheet to the outer surface of a substrate transport cylinder of a printing system, the jacket-securing arrangement being disposed between grippers.
There is disclosed a condensation curable coating composition in the form of an oil-in-oil emulsion, the coating composition being able to protect surfaces coated therewith from undesired contamination by materials coming in contact therewith. The surfaces to be so protected by the coating composition, once cured, can, by way of illustration, be of parts of printing systems and the materials coming in contact with such surfaces can be ink images or residues thereof.
C08G 77/16 - Polysiloxanes containing silicon bound to oxygen-containing groups to hydroxy groups
C08G 77/00 - Macromolecular compounds obtained by reactions forming in the main chain of the macromolecule a linkage containing silicon, with or without sulfur, nitrogen, oxygen, or carbon
C08G 77/08 - Preparatory processes characterised by the catalysts used
C08K 5/5415 - Silicon-containing compounds containing oxygen containing at least one Si—O bond
B41N 7/00 - Shells for rollers of printing machines
58.
FORMULATIONS FOR USE WITH AN INTERMEDIATE TRANSFER MEMBER OF INDIRECT PRINTING SYSTEMS AND PRINTING PROCESSES UTILIZING SAME
The present disclosure relates to formulations for use with an intermediate transfer members of indirect printing systems and printing methods utilizing same. The present disclosure further relates to intermediate transfer members having a release layer surface covered with the formulations of the invention. The present disclosure also relates to printed substrates, printed articles and printed patterns produced using the formulations of the invention and to kits comprising the formulations.
Some embodiments relate to printing system is described that has an intermediate transfer member (ITM) in the form of a seamed endless belt for transporting an ink image from an image forming station, at which an ink image is deposited on ITM, to an impression station, where the ink image is transferred onto a printing substrate. Two drive members are provided for movement in synchronism with one another. Rotation of the drive members during installation of a new ITM serves to thread the strip through the printing system by pulling the strip from its leading end. Alternatively or additionally, indirect printing system comprising the ITM and an image forming station at which droplets of ink are applied to the ITM to form ink images thereon is disclosed. One or more blowing mechanisms (e.g. associated with the image forming station) are disclosed herein.
B41J 2/005 - Typewriters or selective printing mechanisms characterised by the printing or marking process for which they are designed characterised by bringing liquid or particles selectively into contact with a printing material
B41J 11/00 - Devices or arrangements for supporting or handling copy material in sheet or web form
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
60.
Intermediate transfer members for use with indirect printing systems and protonatable intermediate transfer members for use with indirect printing systems
Disclosed are curable polymer compositions, elastomers thereof and release layers useful in the art of printing made of the disclosed elastomers. Disclosed are also intermediate transfer members having a release layer useful in the art of printing. Disclosed are anisotropic intermediate transfer members. Disclosed are curable adhesive compositions, that in some embodiments are useful in preparing intermediate transfer members useful in printing. Also disclosed are intermediate transfer members useful in the art of printing having a release layer with an image transfer surface having protonatable functional groups apparent thereupon. Also disclosed are methods of making such intermediate transfer members.
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
15233 is a cation of an alkali metal. The water-based inkjet ink formulations are used in methods for preventing or minimizing print head deterioration. The present disclosure further relates to printing methods utilizing the water-based inkjet ink formulations and to printing systems comprising said formulations.
B41J 2/165 - Prevention of nozzle clogging, e.g. cleaning, capping or moistening for nozzles
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 11/38 - Inkjet printing inks characterised by non-macromolecular additives other than solvents, pigments or dyes
C04B 41/49 - Compounds having one or more carbon-to-metal or carbon-to-silicon linkages
A digital printing system (10) includes an intermediate transfer member (ITM) (44) which is configured to receive a printing fluid so as to form an image, a continuous target substrate (50), and a processor (20). The continuous target substrate (50) is configured to engage with the ITM (44) at an engagement point (150) for receiving the image from the ITM (44), at the engagement point (150), the ITM (44) is configured to move at a first velocity and the continuous target substrate (50) is configured to move at a second velocity. The processor (20) is configured to match the first velocity and the second velocity at the engagement point (150).
B41J 2/005 - Typewriters or selective printing mechanisms characterised by the printing or marking process for which they are designed characterised by bringing liquid or particles selectively into contact with a printing material
B41J 11/00 - Devices or arrangements for supporting or handling copy material in sheet or web form
A printing system for printing on a substrate, comprises a movable intermediate transfer member in the form of a flexible, substantially inextensible, belt guided to follow a closed path, an image forming station for depositing droplets of a liquid ink onto an outer surface of the belt to form an ink image, a drying station for drying the ink image on the belt to leave an ink residue film on the outer surface of the belt, first and second impression stations spaced from one another in the direction of movement of the belt, each impression station comprising an impression cylinder for supporting and transporting the substrate and a pressure cylinder carrying a compressible blanket for urging the belt against the substrate supported on the impression cylinder, and a transport system for transporting the substrate from the first impression station to the second impression station. The pressure cylinder of at least the first impression station is movable between a first position in which the belt is urged towards the impression cylinder to cause the residue film on the outer surface of the belt to be transferred onto the front side of the substrate supported on the impression cylinder, and a second position in which the belt is spaced from the impression cylinder to allow the ink image on the belt to pass through the first impression station and arrive intact at the second impression station for transfer onto the reverse side of the substrate supported on the second impression cylinder.
B41J 2/005 - Typewriters or selective printing mechanisms characterised by the printing or marking process for which they are designed characterised by bringing liquid or particles selectively into contact with a printing material
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
A digital printing system (10) includes a print head (622) and a processor (20). The print head is configured to jet droplets of ink. The processor is further configured to translate a required shade of a color, to be printed at a given location on a substrate by tire print head, into a sequence of pulses (625, 630), the sequence including: (a) up to a predefined maximum number of driving pulses (625) that cause the print head to jet respective droplets, and (b) a tickling pulse (630), which has a smaller amplitude than the driving pulses and which causes the print head to jet a droplet smaller than the droplets jetted in response to the driving pulses. The processor is additionally configured to apply the sequence of pulses to the print head.
B41J 29/38 - Drives, motors, controls, or automatic cut-off devices for the entire printing mechanism
B41J 2/045 - Ink jet characterised by the jet generation process generating single droplets or particles on demand by pressure, e.g. electromechanical transducers
A friction reduction system for reducing friction of an intermediate transfer member (ITM) of a printing system, while the ITM is guided along the printing system by a guiding arrangement. The friction reduction system includes a fluid reservoir mounted within the printing system, a fluid depositing arrangement disposed along the ITM, and a control mechanism, adapted to control depositing of fluid, from the fluid depositing arrangement onto the guiding arrangement or onto at least a portion of the ITM. Depositing of the fluid reduces friction between the ITM and the guiding arrangement.
An impression station of a printing system comprises a rotatable impression cylinder with an impression cylinder gap housing a plurality of grippers recessed therein. A pressure cylinder assembly comprises a pressure cylinder comprising a pressure cylinder gap and an angle portion joining a trailing edge of the pressure cylinder gap and an outer circumferential surface of the pressure cylinder. A compressible blanket is disposed around the circumference of the pressure cylinder. A margin insert is interposed between the pressure cylinder and the compressible blanket at least at the angle portion, such that a local external geometry of the pressure cylinder assembly at the angle portion is changed by the presence of the margin insert. The change in the local external geometry of the pressure cylinder assembly due to the presence of the margin insert is effective to reduce a dimension of an unprinted leading-edge margin.
B41J 2/005 - Typewriters or selective printing mechanisms characterised by the printing or marking process for which they are designed characterised by bringing liquid or particles selectively into contact with a printing material
A method includes, receiving a first digital image (FDI) to-be printed by a digital printing system (DPS) (10). In a training phase: for first selected regions (111) in the FDI, a first set of synthetic images (SIs) (112A, 112B, 114A, 114B, 116A, 116B) having a defect caused by a defective part (DP) (99) in the first selected regions, is produced; a neural network (NN) (150) is trained to detect the defect using the first set SIs. In a subsequent detection phase: the NN is applied for identifying, in a second digital image (SDI) (136, 146) acquired from an image produced by the DPS, suspected second regions (135, 145); for each of the second regions, a second set (137, 147) of SIs having DPs that form the defects, is produced; and the DP is identified by comparing, in each of the second regions, between the SDI and the second set SIs.
A method for correcting distortion in image printing, the method includes receiving a digital image (200, 306, 376, 500, 600, 700, 810) acquired from a printed image. Based on the digital image (200, 306, 376, 500, 600, 700, 810), a geometric distortion in the printed image is estimated. One or more pixel locations (228, 504, 506, 514, 610, 620, 630, 640, 712, 716, 722, 724) are calculated, such that, when one or more dummy pixels (232, 234) are implanted therein, compensate for the estimated geometric distortion. The geometric distortion is corrected in a subsequent digital image to be printed, by implanting the one or more dummy pixels (232, 234) at the one or more calculated pixel locations (228, 504, 506, 514, 610, 620, 630, 640, 712, 716, 722, 724) in the subsequent digital image. The subsequent digital image having the corrected geometric distortion is printed.
A printing process is disclosed which comprises directing droplets of an ink onto an intermediate transfer member to form an ink image, the ink including an organic polymeric resin and a coloring agent in an aqueous carrier, and the transfer member having a hydrophobic outer surface so that each ink droplet in the ink image spreads on impinging upon the intermediate transfer member to form an ink film. The ink is dried while the ink image is being transported by the intermediate transfer member by evaporating the aqueous carrier from the ink image to leave a residue film of resin and coloring agent. The residue film is then transferred to a substrate. The chemical compositions of the ink and of the surface of the intermediate transfer member are selected such that attractive intermolecular forces between molecules in the outer skin of each droplet and on the surface of the intermediate transfer member counteract the tendency of the ink film produced by each droplet to bead under the action of the surface tension of the aqueous carrier, without causing each droplet to spread by wetting the surface of the intermediate transfer member.
B41J 2/00 - Typewriters or selective printing mechanisms characterised by the printing or marking process for which they are designed
B41J 2/005 - Typewriters or selective printing mechanisms characterised by the printing or marking process for which they are designed characterised by bringing liquid or particles selectively into contact with a printing material
B41M 5/025 - Duplicating or marking methods; Sheet materials for use therein by transferring ink from the master sheet
B41M 5/03 - Duplicating or marking methods; Sheet materials for use therein by transferring ink from the master sheet by pressure
B41N 10/00 - Blankets or like coverings; Coverings for wipers for intaglio printing
71.
Digital printing system with flexible intermediate transfer member
Methods for printing using printing systems comprising a flexible intermediate transfer member (ITM) disposed around a plurality of guide rollers at which encoders are installed, and an image-forming station at which ink images are formed by droplet deposition by print bars onto the ITM, can include measuring a local velocity of the ITM under one of the print bars, determining a stretch factor for a portion of the ITM based on a relationship between an estimated stretched length fixed physical distance between print bars, controlling an ink deposition parameter according to the stretch factor so as to compensate for stretching of the reference portion of the ITM.
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 2/155 - Arrangement thereof for line printing
B41J 2/005 - Typewriters or selective printing mechanisms characterised by the printing or marking process for which they are designed characterised by bringing liquid or particles selectively into contact with a printing material
B41J 2/03 - Ink jet characterised by the jet generation process generating a continuous ink jet by pressure
72.
Apparatus and method for control or monitoring a printing system
Embodiments of the present invention relate to control apparatus and methods of a printing system, for example, comprising an intermediate transfer member (ITM) and to user-related features of a printing system. Some embodiments relate to regulation of a velocity and/or tension and/or length of the ITM. Some embodiments relate to regulation of deposition of ink on the moving ITM. Some embodiments regulate to apparatus configured to alert a user of one or more events related to operation of the ITM. Some embodiments relate to a time-line GUI for visualizing and/or manipulating queued print jobs which may be employed. Some embodiments relate to a reversed augmented reality GUI for visualization and/or control of the printing system. In some embodiments, a display screen is mounted to a printer housing and/or able to control access to moving parts of a printing system.
B41J 2/005 - Typewriters or selective printing mechanisms characterised by the printing or marking process for which they are designed characterised by bringing liquid or particles selectively into contact with a printing material
73.
Intermediate transfer member for a digital printing system
An intermediate transfer member (ITM) (210, 310, 320, 330, 400, 410, 420, 430, 500, 520, 540, 600, 700, 802) configured for receiving ink droplets to form an ink image thereon and for transferring the ink image to a target substrate (226), the TTM (210, 310, 320, 330, 400, 410, 420, 430, 500, 520, 540, 600, 700, 802) includes one or more layers (273, 277, 373, 379, 602, 604, 606, 608, 610, 704, 706, 708, 712) and one or more markers (33, 333, 335, 392, 408, 418, 428, 448, 458, 612, 710, 804, 806) integrated with at least one of the one or more layers (273, 277, 373, 379, 602, 604, 606, 608, 610, 704, 706, 708, 712) at one or more respective marking locations along the ITM (210, 310, 320, 330, 400, 410, 420, 430, 500, 520, 540, 600, 700).
B41J 3/46 - Printing mechanisms combined with apparatus providing a visual indication
B41J 2/005 - Typewriters or selective printing mechanisms characterised by the printing or marking process for which they are designed characterised by bringing liquid or particles selectively into contact with a printing material
Embodiments of the invention relate to a method of indirect printing with an aqueous ink. Related apparatus, systems and treatment formulations are disclosed herein. Some embodiments relate to an aqueous treatment formulation for use with an intermediate transfer member of a printing system. In some embodiments, the system comprises a treatment station disposed downstream of the impression station and upstream of the image forming station for forming a uniform thin layer of a liquid treatment formulation onto a surface of an intermediate transfer member (ITM) at a lower run thereof.
B41J 11/00 - Devices or arrangements for supporting or handling copy material in sheet or web form
B41J 2/005 - Typewriters or selective printing mechanisms characterised by the printing or marking process for which they are designed characterised by bringing liquid or particles selectively into contact with a printing material
A method of printing includes, applying to an intermediate transfer member (ITM) (44), one or more fluids that include at least a printing fluid for forming an image on the ITM (44). At least part of the image is transferred from the ITM (44) to a target substrate (50). Residues of the one or more fluids that were not transferred to the target substrate (50) and remained on the ITM (44), are transferred from the ITM (44) to one or more rotatable elements (112), and the residues are removed from the one or more rotatable elements (112).
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 21/00 - Arrangements not provided for by groups , e.g. cleaning, elimination of residual charge
76.
Correcting registration errors in digital printing
a method for correcting an error in image printing, the method includes receiving a reference digital image (RDI). Based on a predefined selection criterion, one or more regions in the RDI that are suitable for use as anchor features for sensing the error, are selected. A digital image (DI) acquired from a printed image of the RDI, is received and the one or more regions are identified in the DI. Based on the anchor features of the DI, the error is estimated in the printed image. A correction that, when applied to the DI, compensates for the estimated error, is calculated. The estimated error is corrected in a subsequent digital image (SDI) to be printed, and the SDI having the corrected error, is printed.
A system (10, 110) includes: (i) a flexible intermediate transfer member (ITM) (44, 500, 600), including: a stack of: (a) a first layer (602), located at an outer surface of the ITM (44, 500, 600), configured to receive ink droplets to form an ink image thereon, and to transfer the ink image to a target substrate (50, 51), and (b) a second layer (603) including a matrix holding particles (622), configured to receive optical radiation (99) passing through the first layer (602), and to heat the ITM (44, 500, 600) by absorbing the optical radiation (99); (ii) an illumination assembly (113), configured to dry the ink droplets by directing the optical radiation (99) to impinge on the particles (622); and (iii) a temperature control assembly (121), configured to control a temperature of the ITM (44, 500, 600) by directing a gas (101) to the ITM (44, 500, 600).
G03G 15/23 - Apparatus for electrographic processes using a charge pattern involving the combination of more than one step according to groups specially adapted for copying both sides of an original or for copying on both sides of a recording or image-receiving material
An intermediate transfer member (ITM) for use with a printing system, the ITM having (a) a support layer; and (b) a release layer having an ink reception surface and a second surface opposing the ink reception surface, the second surface attached to the support layer, the release layer formed of an addition-cured, hydrophobic silicone material, wherein the release surface of the release layer has relatively hydrophilic properties with respect to the addition-cured, hydrophobic silicone material.
B32B 5/26 - Layered products characterised by the non-homogeneity or physical structure of a layer characterised by the presence of two or more layers which comprise fibres, filaments, granules, or powder, or are foamed or specifically porous one layer being a fibrous or filamentary layer another layer also being fibrous or filamentary
B32B 7/06 - Interconnection of layers permitting easy separation
B32B 15/14 - Layered products essentially comprising metal next to a fibrous or filamentary layer
B32B 15/20 - Layered products essentially comprising metal comprising aluminium or copper
B32B 25/08 - Layered products essentially comprising natural or synthetic rubber comprising rubber as the main or only constituent of a layer, next to another layer of a specific substance of synthetic resin
B32B 27/18 - Layered products essentially comprising synthetic resin characterised by the use of special additives
B41J 2/22 - Typewriters or selective printing mechanisms characterised by the printing or marking process for which they are designed characterised by selective application of impact or pressure on a printing material or impression- transfer material
B32B 7/12 - Interconnection of layers using interposed adhesives or interposed materials with bonding properties
B32B 27/28 - Layered products essentially comprising synthetic resin comprising copolymers of synthetic resins not wholly covered by any one of the following subgroups
B32B 37/24 - Methods or apparatus for laminating, e.g. by curing or by ultrasonic bonding characterised by the properties of the layers with at least one layer not being coherent before laminating, e.g. made up from granular material sprinkled onto a substrate
B32B 37/26 - Methods or apparatus for laminating, e.g. by curing or by ultrasonic bonding characterised by the properties of the layers with at least one layer which influences the bonding during the laminating process, e.g. release layers or pressure equalising layers
79.
Digital printing system with flexible intermediate transfer member
Methods for printing using printing systems comprising a flexible intermediate transfer member (ITM) disposed around a plurality of guide rollers at which encoders are installed, and an image-forming station at which ink images are formed by droplet deposition by print bars onto the ITM, can include measuring a local velocity of the ITM under one of the print bars, determining a stretch factor for a portion of the ITM based on a relationship between an estimated stretched length fixed physical distance between print bars, controlling an ink deposition parameter according to the stretch factor so as to compensate for stretching of the reference portion of the ITM.
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 2/005 - Typewriters or selective printing mechanisms characterised by the printing or marking process for which they are designed characterised by bringing liquid or particles selectively into contact with a printing material
An ink film construction consisting: (a) a printing substrate; and (b) at least one ink film, fixedly adhered to a top surface of the printing substrate, the ink film having an upper film surface distal to the top surface of the substrate, wherein a surface concentration of nitrogen at the upper film surface exceeds a bulk concentration of nitrogen within the film, the bulk concentration measured at a depth of at least 30 nanometers below the upper film surface, and wherein a ratio of the surface concentration to the bulk concentration is at least 1.1 to 1.
B32B 3/10 - Layered products essentially comprising a layer with external or internal discontinuities or unevennesses, or a layer of non-planar form; Layered products essentially having particular features of form characterised by a discontinuous layer, i.e. apertured or formed of separate pieces of material
B32B 5/02 - Layered products characterised by the non-homogeneity or physical structure of a layer characterised by structural features of a layer comprising fibres or filaments
B41J 2/005 - Typewriters or selective printing mechanisms characterised by the printing or marking process for which they are designed characterised by bringing liquid or particles selectively into contact with a printing material
C09D 11/107 - Printing inks based on artificial resins containing macromolecular compounds obtained by reactions only involving carbon-to-carbon unsaturated bonds from unsaturated acids or derivatives thereof
G03G 15/14 - Apparatus for electrographic processes using a charge pattern for transferring a pattern to a second base
D06P 1/00 - General processes of dyeing or printing textiles or general processes of dyeing leather, furs or solid macromolecular substances in any form, classified according to the dyes, pigments or auxiliary substances employed
B05D 1/00 - Processes for applying liquids or other fluent materials
D06P 3/00 - Special processes of dyeing or printing textiles or dyeing leather, furs or solid macromolecular substances in any form, classified according to the material treated
A printing system comprises an intermediate transfer member (ITM), an image forming station, a conveyer for driving rotation of the ITM, and a treatment station disposed downstream of the impression station and upstream of the image forming station configured for coating the ITM surface with a layer of a liquid treatment formulation, the treatment station comprising an applicator for applying the liquid treatment formulation to the ITM, a coating thickness-regulation assembly comprising a plurality of blades, a blade-replacement mechanism, and a blade-replacement controller for controlling the blade-replacement mechanism.
B41J 2/005 - Typewriters or selective printing mechanisms characterised by the printing or marking process for which they are designed characterised by bringing liquid or particles selectively into contact with a printing material
B41J 11/00 - Devices or arrangements for supporting or handling copy material in sheet or web form
A digital printing system (10) includes a flexible substrate (44), an optical assembly (200, 301) and a processor (20). The flexible substrate (44) has a periodic pattern, and is configured to be moved and to receive ink droplets in a printing process that forms an image thereon. The optical assembly (200, 301) is configured to illuminate the flexible substrate (44) with light (215, 315), to detect the light (215, 315) from the flexible substrate (44), and to derive from the detected light (215, 315) a signal indicative of the periodic pattern. The processor (20) is configured to receive the signal and to monitor or control the digital printing system (10) based on the periodic pattern as indicated by the signal.
G03G 15/01 - Apparatus for electrographic processes using a charge pattern for producing multicoloured copies
H04N 1/00 - PICTORIAL COMMUNICATION, e.g. TELEVISION - Details thereof
B41J 2/005 - Typewriters or selective printing mechanisms characterised by the printing or marking process for which they are designed characterised by bringing liquid or particles selectively into contact with a printing material
A method of indirect digital printing is disclosed herein. The method employs (i) first (e.g. transparent) and second aqueous ink components (comprising colorant particles) and (ii) a target surface (e.g. hydrophobic) of an intermediate transfer member (ITM). A quantity of first ink component is deposited (e.g. by ink-jetting) onto the target surface and partially dried to produce a partially-dried layer thereon. Droplets of the second ink component are deposited onto the partially-dried layer of first ink component to form a wet, colored ink-image. Upon deposition of the droplets of the second ink component, the colorant particles from the second component penetrate into the partially-dried layer of the first ink component. The wet, colored image is dried into a tacky ink-image-bearing residue film which is transferred to the substrate. Physical and/or chemical properties of the first and second ink components as provided by various embodiments are disclosed herein.
B41M 5/025 - Duplicating or marking methods; Sheet materials for use therein by transferring ink from the master sheet
B41M 5/00 - Duplicating or marking methods; Sheet materials for use therein
B41M 7/00 - After-treatment of printed works, e.g. heating, irradiating
C09D 11/107 - Printing inks based on artificial resins containing macromolecular compounds obtained by reactions only involving carbon-to-carbon unsaturated bonds from unsaturated acids or derivatives thereof
C09D 11/107 - Printing inks based on artificial resins containing macromolecular compounds obtained by reactions only involving carbon-to-carbon unsaturated bonds from unsaturated acids or derivatives thereof
C09D 11/106 - Printing inks based on artificial resins containing macromolecular compounds obtained by reactions only involving carbon-to-carbon unsaturated bonds
A flexible belt is disclosed for use in a printing system. The belt comprises an endless strip which, in use, travels along a continuous path. Formations are provided along the sides of the strip which are capable of engaging with lateral tracks to place the belt under lateral tension, the lateral tracks further serving to constrain the belt to follow the continuous path.
B41J 2/005 - Typewriters or selective printing mechanisms characterised by the printing or marking process for which they are designed characterised by bringing liquid or particles selectively into contact with a printing material
86.
APPARATUS EMPLOYING PRESSURIZED FLUID-BASED DANCER FOR CONTROLLING TENSION APPLIED TO A FLEXIBLE MEMBER
A digital printing system (10) includes a flexible intermediate transfer member (ITM) (44) and a dancer assembly (100). The ITM (44) is configured to receive ink droplets from an ink supply system to form an image thereon, and to transfer the image to a target substrate (50). The dancer assembly (100) includes a fluid chamber (103) and a rotatable element (111) fitted in the fluid chamber (103), the fluid chamber (103) includes an inlet (107) configured to receive pressurized fluid (130) into the fluid chamber (103), and the pressurized fluid (130) causes the rotatable element (111) to move relative to the fluid chamber (103) and to apply tension to the ITM (44) while being rotated by the ITM (44).
Embodiments of the invention relate to a method of indirect printing with an aqueous ink formulation applied to the surface of the intermediate transfer member. Related apparatus, systems and treatment formulations are disclosed herein.
B41M 5/025 - Duplicating or marking methods; Sheet materials for use therein by transferring ink from the master sheet
B41J 2/005 - Typewriters or selective printing mechanisms characterised by the printing or marking process for which they are designed characterised by bringing liquid or particles selectively into contact with a printing material
A printing system comprises an intermediate transfer member, an image-forming station comprising a print bar disposed over a surface of the ITM, a conveyer for driving rotation of the ITM, a detection system configured to detect foreign matter 5 transported at a detection location upstream of the image-forming station, and a response system operatively coupled to the detection system to respond to the detection of foreign matter by performing at least one collision-prevention action to prevent a potential collision between foreign matter and the print bar.
B41J 2/005 - Typewriters or selective printing mechanisms characterised by the printing or marking process for which they are designed characterised by bringing liquid or particles selectively into contact with a printing material
B41J 2/045 - Ink jet characterised by the jet generation process generating single droplets or particles on demand by pressure, e.g. electromechanical transducers
Some embodiments relate to printing system is described that has an intermediate transfer member (ITM) in the form of a seamed endless belt for transporting an ink image from an image forming station, at which an ink image is deposited on ITM, to an impression station, where the ink image is transferred onto a printing substrate. Two drive members are provided for movement in synchronism with one another. Rotation of the drive members during installation of a new ITM serves to thread the strip through the printing system by pulling the strip from its leading end. Alternatively or additionally, indirect printing system comprising the ITM and an image forming station at which droplets of ink are applied to the ITM to form ink images thereon is disclosed. One or more blowing mechanisms (e.g. associated with the image forming station) are disclosed herein.
B41J 2/005 - Typewriters or selective printing mechanisms characterised by the printing or marking process for which they are designed characterised by bringing liquid or particles selectively into contact with a printing material
B41J 11/00 - Devices or arrangements for supporting or handling copy material in sheet or web form
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
An intermediate transfer member (ITM) for use in a printing system to transport an ink image from an image forming station to an impression station for transfer of the ink image from the ITM onto a printing substrate, wherein the ITM is an endless flexible belt of substantially uniform width which, during use, passes over drive and guide rollers and is guided through at least the image forming station by means of guide channels that receive formations provided on both lateral edges of the belt, wherein the formations on a first edge differ from the formations on the second edge by being configured for providing the elasticity desired to maintain the belt taut when the belt is guided through their respective lateral channels.
Printing apparatus (20) includes a continuous blanket (24) and a set of motorized rollers (31), which advance the blanket at a constant speed through an image area. One or more print bars (38) eject droplets of ink at respective locations onto the blanket in the image area. One or more monitoring rollers (42), in proximity to the locations of the print bars, contact the blanket so as to be rotated by advancement of the blanket. Each monitoring roller includes an encoder (44), which outputs a signal indicative of a rotation angle of the monitoring roller. A control unit (40) collects, during a calibration phase, the signal from the encoders over multiple rotations of the monitoring rollers and computes runout correction factors. During an operational phase, the control unit synchronizes ejection of the droplets from the print bars using the computed runout correction factors.
B41J 2/005 - Typewriters or selective printing mechanisms characterised by the printing or marking process for which they are designed characterised by bringing liquid or particles selectively into contact with a printing material
B41J 3/46 - Printing mechanisms combined with apparatus providing a visual indication
B41J 11/00 - Devices or arrangements for supporting or handling copy material in sheet or web form
Embodiments of the invention relate to a method of indirect printing with an aqueous ink. In some embodiments, an intermediate transfer member (ITM) comprising a silicone-based release layer surface is employed. For example, the release layer surface satisfies at least one of the following properties: (i) a receding contact angle of a drop of distilled water deposited on the silicone-based release layer surface is at most 60°; and (ii) a 10-second dynamic contact angle (DCA) of a drop of distilled water deposited on the silicone-based release layer surface is at most 108°. Related apparatus, systems and treatment formulations are disclosed herein.
B41M 5/00 - Duplicating or marking methods; Sheet materials for use therein
B41J 2/005 - Typewriters or selective printing mechanisms characterised by the printing or marking process for which they are designed characterised by bringing liquid or particles selectively into contact with a printing material
B41M 5/025 - Duplicating or marking methods; Sheet materials for use therein by transferring ink from the master sheet
B41M 5/03 - Duplicating or marking methods; Sheet materials for use therein by transferring ink from the master sheet by pressure
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
Intermediate transfer members for use with indirect printing systems and protonatable intermediate transfer members for use with indirect printing systems
Disclosed are curable polymer compositions, elastomers thereof and release layers useful in the art of printing made of the disclosed elastomers. Disclosed are also intermediate transfer members having a release layer useful in the art of printing. Disclosed are anisotropic intermediate transfer members. Disclosed are curable adhesive compositions, that in some embodiments are useful in preparing intermediate transfer members useful in printing. Also disclosed are intermediate transfer members useful in the art of printing having a release layer with an image transfer surface having protonatable functional groups apparent thereupon. Also disclosed are methods of making such intermediate transfer members.
G03G 15/00 - Apparatus for electrographic processes using a charge pattern
G03G 15/14 - Apparatus for electrographic processes using a charge pattern for transferring a pattern to a second base
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
94.
SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR PREVENTING OR MINIMIZING PRINTING DEFECTS IN PRINTING PROCESSES
The present disclosure provides a system for punting. The present disclosure further provides a method for preventing or minimizing printing defects in a printing process.
B41J 2/005 - Typewriters or selective printing mechanisms characterised by the printing or marking process for which they are designed characterised by bringing liquid or particles selectively into contact with a printing material
B41J 2/00 - Typewriters or selective printing mechanisms characterised by the printing or marking process for which they are designed
A system (10) includes an intermediate transfer member (ITM) (44) and a substrate conveyor (80). The ITM (44) is configured to receive droplets of one or more printing fluids so as to form an image thereon, and to transfer the image to a target substrate (50). The substrate conveyor (80) is configured to grip and move the target substrate (50) to and from the ITM (44) for transferal of the image, the substrate conveyor (80) includes one or more rotatable elements (110, 200), which are configured to provide mechanical support to the target substrate (50), such that, when the target substrate (50) moves over the one or more rotatable elements (110, 200), at least one of the rotatable elements (110, 200) is configured to rotate in response to a physical contact with the target substrate (50).
B65H 29/20 - Delivering or advancing articles from machines; Advancing articles to or into piles by contact with rotating friction members, e.g. rollers, brushes, or cylinders
B41J 11/36 - Blanking or long feeds; Feeding to a particular line, e.g. by rotation of platen or feed roller
G03G 15/00 - Apparatus for electrographic processes using a charge pattern
A system comprising a processor configured to: provide a master Three-Dimensional (3D) scene; insert at least one source video feed into at least one position within the master 3D scene, allowing a configuration in which at least a first part of the master 3D scene is in front of the source video feed and at least a second part of the master 3D scene is behind the source video feed; and generate a combined video of the master 3D scene with the at least one source video feed inserted therein.
An intermediate transfer member (ITM) for use in a printing system. The ITM includes an endless flexible belt formed of an elongate belt having a longitudinal axis. Attached to lateral edges of the endless flexible belt along the longitudinal axis are a first elongate strip and a second elongate strip, each of the elongate strips including lateral formations on outward facing lateral ends thereof which are distal to the lateral edges of the belt. At least one of the first and second elongate strips includes a first longitudinal portion having a first elasticity, and a second longitudinal portion having a second elasticity, such that the second elasticity is greater than the first elasticity. The first portion is attached to the lateral edges of the flexible belt and the second portion extends between the first portion and the lateral formations.
An indirect printing system is disclosed having an intermediate transfer member (ITM) in the form of an endless belt that circulates during operation to transport ink images from an image forming station. Ink images are deposited on an outer surface of the ITM by one or a plurality of print bars. At an impression station, the ink images are transferred from the outer surface of the ITM onto a printing substrate. In some embodiments, the outer surface of the ITM 20 is maintained within the image forming station at a predetermined distance from the one or each of the print bars 10, 12, 14 and 16 by means of a plurality of support rollers 11, 13, 15, 17 that have a common flat tangential plane and contact the inner surface of the ITM. In some embodiments, the inner surface of the ITM is attracted to the support rollers, the attraction being such that the area of contact between the ITM and each support roller is greater on the downstream side than the upstream side of the support roller, referenced to the direction of movement of the ITM.
The present disclosure relates to formulations for use with an intermediate transfer members of indirect printing systems and printing methods utilizing same. The present disclosure further relates to intermediate transfer members having a release layer surface covered with the formulations of the invention. The present disclosure also relates to printed substrates, printed articles and printed patterns produced using the formulations of the invention and to kits comprising the formulations.
B41M 5/50 - Recording sheets characterised by the coating used to improve ink, dye or pigment receptivity, e.g. for ink-jet or thermal dye transfer recording
B41M 3/12 - Transfer pictures or the like, e.g. decalcomanias
A digital printing system (10) includes an intermediate transfer member (ITM) (44), which is configured to receive a printing fluid so as to form an image, a continuous target substrate (50), and a processor (20). The continuous target substrate (50) is configured to engage with the ITM (44) at an engagement point (150) for receiving the image from the ITM (44), at the engagement point (150), the ITM (44) is configured to move at a first velocity and the continuous target substrate (50) is configured to move at a second velocity. The processor (20) is configured to match the first velocity and the second velocity at the engagement point (150).
B41J 2/005 - Typewriters or selective printing mechanisms characterised by the printing or marking process for which they are designed characterised by bringing liquid or particles selectively into contact with a printing material
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
