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
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.
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 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).
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).
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
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
10.
DETECTING A DEFECTIVE NOZZLE IN A DIGITAL PRINTING SYSTEM
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 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
12.
DRYING INK IN DIGITAL PRINTING USING INFRARED RADIATION ABSORBED BY PARTICLES EMBEDDED INSIDE ITM
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
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
14.
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).
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
17.
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.
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
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 2/045 - Ink jet characterised by the jet generation process generating single droplets or particles on demand by pressure, e.g. electromechanical transducers
20.
IMPROVING PRINTED OUTPUT OF DIGITAL PRINTING SYSTEMS BY REDUCTION OF UNPRINTED MARGINS OF THE SUBSTRATE
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.
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 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.
An intermediate transfer member (1TM) (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 1TM (210, 310, 320, 330, 400, 410, 420, 430, 500, 520, 540, 600, 700).
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.
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 1/00 - Typewriters or selective printing mechanisms characterised by the mounting, arrangement or disposition of the types or dies
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.
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
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.
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.
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
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.
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 15/01 - Apparatus for electrographic processes using a charge pattern for producing multicoloured copies
A heat-curable tape, a kit, and a method for connecting ends of an elongate belt to form an intermediate transfer members suitable for use with indirect printing systems. The kit includes an elongate belt and the heat-curable tape. The kit can include a crimping pin. The method includes using the heat curable tape to join ends of the elongate belt at a seam. A heater is used, in a printing system, for heat-curing the heat-curable tape onto the free ends of the elongate belt so as to form 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
G03G 15/00 - Apparatus for electrographic processes using a charge pattern
B29C 65/02 - Joining of preformed parts; Apparatus therefor by heating, with or without pressure
B29C 65/48 - Joining of preformed parts; Apparatus therefor using adhesives
An aqueous treatment composition for ITM (Intermediate transfer member) of a printing system and a method of printing comprising the step of applying said treatment composition to the surface of an ITM, wherein said treatment composition comprising : at least 3% wt quaternary ammonium salt, at least l%wt water soluble polymer, and at least 65%wt water. Also disclosed, a printing system comprising a an ITM and treatment station for forming a thin layer of liquid treatment formulation on the ITM surface.
B41M 5/00 - Duplicating or marking methods; Sheet materials for use therein
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 aqueous treatment composition for ITM (Intermediate transfer member) of a printing system and a method of printing comprising the step of applying said treatment composition to the surface of an ITM, wherein said treatment composition comprising : at least 3% wt quaternary ammonium salt, at least l%wt water soluble polymer, and at least 65%wt water. Also disclosed, a printing system comprising a an ITM and treatment station for forming a thin layer of liquid treatment formulation on the ITM surface.
B41M 5/00 - Duplicating or marking methods; Sheet materials for use therein
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 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.
B41M 5/44 - Intermediate or covering layers characterised by the macromolecular compounds
B41M 5/025 - Duplicating or marking methods; Sheet materials for use therein by transferring ink from the master sheet
B41M 5/392 - Additives other than colour forming substances, dyes or pigments, e.g. sensitisers, transfer promoting agents
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 manifold is disclosed for introducing gas into a gap between a print head and an intermediate transfer member (ITM) of an indirect inkjet printing system. The manifold has a first gas flow path terminating in a first discharge mouth for delivering a continuous low speed gas stream and a second separate gas flow path terminating in a second discharge mouth, vertically spaced from the first discharge mouth, for intermittently delivering into the gap a high speed gas stream.
A printing system is described that has an intermediate transfer member 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 the intermediate transfer member, to an impression station, where the ink image is transferred onto a printing substrate. The belt has along its edges formations of a greater thickness than the belt. The formations are received in channels to guide the belt and maintain the belt under lateral tension. Two drive members are provided, each located within a respective one of the channels. The two drive members are connected for movement in synchronism with one another and each has a respective laterally projecting gripper shaped for form locking engagement with the formations on a leading end of a strip from which the intermediate transfer member is to be formed. Rotation of the drive members during installation of a new intermediate transfer member serves to thread the strip through the printing system by pulling the strip from its leading end.
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 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.
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
Some embodiments relate to a digital printing system and method for depositing ink droplets onto a target surface in dependence upon a received electrical printing signal containing data indicating the desired image to be printed while improving the uniformity of intended tone reproduction of the printed image.
There is provided an ink-deposition device suitable for depositing ink on a target surface and a printing system comprising the same. In operation in a printing system, the ink-deposition device can convert digital images into ink images on the target surface using pixel-masks and methods as disclosed herein. Advantageously, the ink-deposition device, the printing system comprising it and the methods of using the same can reduce or prevent the occurrence of some undesired ink-formations typically governed by the respective physical and/or chemical properties of the surface and ink being used or mitigate their effect on print quality. Application of the pixel-image mask yields a binary image that exhibts pixel-clusters with stochastically distributed centroids.
There are provided aqueous inkjet ink formulations comprising a solvent comprising water and a co-solvent, a water soluble or water dispersible polymeric resin and a colorant. Other embodiments are also described.
A method for treating a hydrophobic release layer of an intermediate transfer member for use in a printing process in which a negatively charged aqueous inkjet ink is jetted onto the surface of this layer. The method comprises contacting the release layer with a chemical agent which is an amine functionalized silicone. Transfer members comprising such a treated release layer and images printed therefrom are also disclosed.
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
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
B41N 10/00 - Blankets or like coverings; Coverings for wipers for intaglio printing
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 106cP to 5∙107cP 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∙107cP, for at least a second temperature within a second range of 50°C to 55°C.
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 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
There is disclosed a formulation for use with an intermediate transfer member of an indirect printing system, including: (a) a carrier liquid: (b) a positively chargeable polymeric chemical agent having amine functional groups; and (c) a resolubilizing agent selected to improve resolubilization of said chemical agent. Method of use thereof is also provided.
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
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
B41N 10/00 - Blankets or like coverings; Coverings for wipers for intaglio printing
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.
There is provided a method for treating a hydrophobic release layer of an intermediate transfer member for use in a printing process in which a negatively charged aqueous inkjet ink including a polymeric resin and a colorant is jetted onto said layer, the claimed method comprising contacting the release layer, prior to jetting the ink, with an aqueous solution or dispersion of a positively charged polymeric chemical agent reducing the tendency of a jetted ink droplet to bead up on the intermediate transfer member. Other embodiments, such as hydrophobic release layers having such chemical agents disposed thereupon and printed ink images comprising the same, are also described.
B41M 5/40 - Thermography combined with layers or compositions suitable for other methods of image registration; Special originals for reproduction by thermography
An ink film construction including: (a) a printing substrate; and (b) a plurality of continuous ink films, fixedly adhered to a surface of the printing substrate, the ink films containing at least one colorant dispersed in an organic polymeric resin; the ink films having a first dynamic viscosity within a range of 106cP to 3•108cP for at least a first temperature within a first range of 90°C to 195°C, the ink films having a second dynamic viscosity of at least 8•107cP, for at least a second temperature within a second range of 50°C to 85°C.
An ink film construction including: (a) a first printing substrate selected from the group consisting of an uncoated fibrous printing substrate, a commodity coated fibrous printing substrate, and a plastic printing substrate; and (b) an ink dot set contained within a square geometric projection projecting on the first printing substrate, the ink dot set containing at least 10 distinct ink dots, fixedly adhered to a surface of the first printing substrate, all the ink dots within the square geometric projection being counted as individual members of the set, each of the ink dots containing at least one colorant dispersed in an organic polymeric resin, each of the dots having an average thickness of less than 2,000nm, and a diameter of 5 to 300 micrometers; each ink dot of the ink dots having a generally convex shape in which a deviation from convexity, (DCdot), is defined by: DCdot = 1 - AA/CSA, AA being a calculated projected area of the dot, the area disposed generally parallel to the first fibrous printing substrate; and CSA being a surface area of a convex shape that minimally bounds a contour of the projected area; wherein a mean deviation from convexity (DCdot mean) of the ink dot set is at most 0.05.
A digital printing system is disclosed having two independently operable printing towers arranged in series such that a substrate sheet passes sequentially through both printing towers, and in which a perfecting mechanism is provided between the two towers to reverse each substrate sheet during transfer from the first printing tower to the second printing tower, the perfecting mechanism being selectively operable to enable the second tower to print either on the same side of each substrate sheet as the first tower or on the opposite side of each substrate sheet. As well as allowing a duplex mode, the system provides a higher speed simplex mode during which different separations of the same image are printed by the two towers.
A printing system is disclosed which comprises an image forming station 12 at which an ink that includes an organic polymeric resin and a coloring agent is applied to an outer surface of an intermediate transfer member 10 to form an ink image, a drying station 14 for drying the ink image to leave a residue film of resin and coloring agent; and an impression station 16 at which the residue film is transferred to a substrate. The intermediate transfer member 10 comprises a thin flexible substantially inextensible belt and the impression station 16 comprises an impression cylinder 20 and a pressure cylinder 18 having a compressible outer surface for urging the belt against the impression cylinder to cause the residue film resting on the outer surface of the belt 10 to be transferred onto a substrate passing between the belt 10 and the impression cylinder 20 during engagement with the pressure cylinder. The belt 10 has a length greater than the circumference of the pressure cylinder 18 and is guided to contact the pressure cylinder over only a portion of its length.
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.
B32B 27/02 - Layered products essentially comprising synthetic resin in the form of fibres or filaments
B32B 27/12 - Layered products essentially comprising synthetic resin next to a fibrous or filamentary layer
B32B 33/00 - Layered products characterised by particular properties or particular surface features, e.g. particular surface coatings; Layered products designed for particular purposes not covered by another single class
B32B 7/02 - Physical, chemical or physicochemical properties
B32B 7/12 - Interconnection of layers using interposed adhesives or interposed materials with bonding properties
C09J 179/00 - Adhesives based on macromolecular compounds obtained by reactions forming in the main chain of the macromolecule a linkage containing nitrogen, with or without oxygen, or carbon only, not provided for in groups
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.
User-related features of a printing system are disclosed herein. Display screens, for example, mounted to printer housing and/or able to control access to moving parts of a printing system are disclosed. The screens are operative to display information related to printer operation and can optionally serve to receive instructions from an operator of such printing systems. A time-line GUI for visualizing and/or manipulating queued print jobs may be employed. Alternatively or additionally, a reversed augmented reality GUI for visualization and/or control of the printing system is provided.
B41J 29/00 - TYPEWRITERS; SELECTIVE PRINTING MECHANISMS, i.e. MECHANISMS PRINTING OTHERWISE THAN FROM A FORME; CORRECTION OF TYPOGRAPHICAL ERRORS - Details of, or accessories for, typewriters or selective printing mechanisms not otherwise provided for
G03G 15/00 - Apparatus for electrographic processes using a charge pattern
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.
B32B 33/00 - Layered products characterised by particular properties or particular surface features, e.g. particular surface coatings; Layered products designed for particular purposes not covered by another single class
B32B 7/02 - Physical, chemical or physicochemical properties
54.
CONTROL APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR A DIGITAL PRINTING SYSTEM
Embodiments of the present invention relate to control apparatus and methods for a printing system, for example, comprising an intermediate transfer member (ITM). 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.
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.
B32B 33/00 - Layered products characterised by particular properties or particular surface features, e.g. particular surface coatings; Layered products designed for particular purposes not covered by another single class
B32B 7/02 - Physical, chemical or physicochemical properties
There are provided aqueous inkjet ink formulations comprising a solvent containing water and optionally a co-solvent, a water soluble or water dispersible polymeric resin and a colorant. The disclosed formulations are suitable for ink jet printing systems, and more particularly for indirect printing systems using an intermediate transfer member.
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