Abstract: A plurality of workpiece-holding spindles is arranged, each engaging an article being processed, and a plurality of trays, each removably engaging a plurality of said spindles. The trays are moved along a feeding line extending along a feeding path passing near a decoration module. By a transfer assembly, the spindles carrying the articles are transferred from the trays on the feeding path, to the decoration module. A decorative treatment is applied to the articles carried by the spindles, in correspondence with at least one treatment unit (40, 41, 42) operating along the decoration module. In correspondence with a painting module operatively connected with the feeding line, the articles carried by the spindles are painted.

Abstract: An apparatus for surface treatment of articles comprises a plurality of trays (4) each carrying one or more piece-holding spindles (3). A primary transport assembly (19) removably engages the trays (4) to transfer them according to a step-by-step motion between a plurality of stopping locations (A . . . J) distributed along the movement path (P), along which respective work stations (12, 13, 14, 15) operate. At least one additional transport assembly (31a, 31b) withdraws each tray (4) from the primary transport assembly (19) at one of said stopping locations (A . . . J), for moving it at one of said work stations (12, 13, 14, 15), and engaging it again with the primary transport assembly (19).

Abstract: An apparatus for painting articles comprises a painting booth delimited by side walls and having at least one inlet opening and an outlet opening reciprocally aligned on two of said respectively opposite side walls. A transport assembly moves a plurality of articles being processed respectively aligned along a movement path extending through the painting booth, to lead the articles being processed therein through the inlet opening and to extract said articles through the outlet opening. The delivery nozzles operatively arranged inside the painting booth deliver atomised paint against the articles transported along the movement path. Adjustment devices comprising adjustment knobs positioned externally of the painting booth and manually accessible by an operator operate on each delivery nozzle to modify its positioning with respect to the articles being processed.

Abstract: A plurality of workpiece-holding spindles is arranged, each engaging an article being processed, and a plurality of trays, each removably engaging a plurality of said spindles. The trays are moved along a feeding line extending along a feeding path passing near a decoration module. By a transfer assembly, the spindles carrying the articles are transferred from the trays on the feeding path, to the decoration module. A decorative treatment is applied to the articles carried by the spindles, in correspondence with at least one treatment unit (40, 41, 42) operating along the decoration module. In correspondence with a painting module operatively connected with the feeding line, the articles carried by the spindles are painted.

Abstract: A method for surface decoration of articles comprises the following steps A), B) and C). Step A) comprises applying a base layer to the surface of a main body. The base layer comprises at least one photoluminescent additive. Step B) comprises applying on the base layer a metallization layer configured to make at least partially visible the photoluminescence of said base layer. In particular, step B) comprises a process of deposition of metal particles on the base layer. Step C) comprises applying a transparent coating layer on the base and metallization layers. The above-mentioned method allows to obtain an article with a metallic surface finishing having a luminescence effect which can be perceived especially in low light conditions or under the effect of ultraviolet light.

Abstract: An apparatus for painting articles comprises a painting booth delimited by side walls and having at least one inlet opening and an outlet opening reciprocally aligned on two of said respectively opposite side walls. A transport assembly moves a plurality of articles being processed respectively aligned along a movement path extending through the painting booth, to lead the articles being processed therein through the inlet opening and to extract said articles through the outlet opening. The delivery nozzles operatively arranged inside the painting booth deliver atomised paint against the articles transported along the movement path. Adjustment devices comprising adjustment knobs positioned externally of the painting booth and manually accessible by an operator operate on each delivery nozzle to modify its positioning with respect to the articles being processed.

Abstract: An apparatus for surface treatment of articles comprises a plurality of trays (4) each carrying one or more piece-holding spindles (3). A primary transport assembly (19) removably engages the trays (4) to transfer them according to a step-by-step motion between a plurality of stopping locations (A . . . J) distributed along the movement path (P), along which respective work stations (12, 13, 14, 15) operate. At least one additional transport assembly (31a, 31b) withdraws each tray (4) from the primary transport assembly (19) at one of said stopping locations (A . . . J), for moving it at one of said work stations (12, 13, 14, 15), and engaging it again with the primary transport assembly (19).

Abstract: Articles being processed are engaged on respective piece-holder members and moved along a transfer line. A metallization station operating along the transfer line deposits a surface metallization layer on each of the articles carried by the piece-holder members. A lacquering station operating along the transfer line downstream of the metallization station deposits a transparent protective layer on the metallization layer of each article carried by the respective piece-holder member. At least one printing station operatively located downstream of the metallization station applies at least one graphic pattern printed on each article carried by the respective piece-holder member. The printed graphic pattern is covered by the protective layer, or printed on it.

Abstract: A method for surface decoration of articles comprises the following steps A), B) and C). Step A) comprises applying a base layer to the surface of a main body. The base layer comprises at least one photoluminescent additive. Step B) comprises applying on the base layer a metallization layer configured to make at least partially visible the photoluminescence of said base layer. In particular, step B) comprises a process of deposition of metal particles on the base layer. Step C) comprises applying a transparent coating layer on the base and metallization layers. The above-mentioned method allows to obtain an article with a metallic surface finishing having a luminescence effect which can be perceived especially in low light conditions or under the effect of ultraviolet light.

Abstract: Method for the decoration of small three-dimensional objects (1, 1a) comprising the steps of: providing a semi-finished three-dimensional object (2) to be treated comprising a support (10); by means of physical vapor deposition (PVD), realizing on at least one surface (5) of said support (10) a metallization layer (12) comprising a three-dimensional FIG. 15, 15a), said three-dimensional FIG. 15, 15a) comprising a plurality of reliefs and/or recesses (20, 21). A three-dimensional impression (16, 16a) is provided on at least one surface (5) of said support, comprising a plurality of projections and/or cavities (18, 19), for which the metallization layer realized by means of the PVD treatment presents a three-dimensional FIG. 15, 15a), comprising a plurality of reliefs and/or recesses (20, 21) respectively in correspondence of said projections and cavities (18, 19). The three-dimensional impression (16, 16a) is obtained by means of a laser marking treatment.

Abstract: A machine (12, 13) for painting small three-dimensional objects (2) comprises a plurality of spindles (9) equipped with holders (10) for objects (2) to be painted. A unit (15) able to rotate about an axis (16) is equipped with a plurality of seats (17) structured to receive a spindle (9). The spindle (9) is removably associable with said seat (17). An airless painting device (25) is operatively positioned at a painting station (26) designed to receive said seats (17) in sequence. First actuator means (27) drive the rotation about a painting axis (18) at least of the holder (10) when the seat is positioned at the painting station (26). Means (29) for transferring the objects (2) grip a spindle (9) positioned along a transfer line (3) and place it in one of the seats (17) and/or vice versa.

Abstract: An apparatus for digital printing on articles (2), comprises a drum (3) rotatable about a central axis (C), carrying piece-holder elements (4) circumferentially distributed around said central axis (C) and each configured for carrying an article (2) being processed. The drum (3) rotates to transfer the piece-holder element (4) through printing stations (9) carrying printheads (10), each operating according to a printing area (15) of predetermined length (L), to create a printing pattern (M) on a side surface (2a) of each article (2), driven in rotation around its own axis (X). Auxiliary movement devices (21) shift the printhead (10) parallel to the main extension direction (D) of the printing area to allow the articles to be processed having an extension greater than the length of the printing area (15). It is also described a printing process implemented by the apparatus.

Abstract: Articles each having a reference mark located around a respective extension axis, are loaded on piece-holder assemblies distributed around a central axis of a rotatable drum, and each including a pair of spindles operable in rotation by a same motor, each around a respective longitudinal axis. The drum rotates about said central axis to transfer said piece-holder assembly to a printing station, where a printing pattern is formed on a side surface of each article driven in rotation by the respective spindle. Before transferring to the printing station, at least one of the articles is oriented around the respective spindle, to place the reference marks of the articles along a same angular orientation around the respective extension axes.

Abstract: An apparatus (1) for the surface treatment of objects (2), comprising a drum (3) having a peripheral zone (3b); a plurality of gripping elements (4) disposed in the peripheral zone (3b) of the drum (3) and configured to each receive a respective object (2) to be treated; printing means (5) associated with the drum (3) and comprising at least one print head (6), the head (6) being positionable in front of the gripping elements (4) in order to print on an object (2); the printing means (5) are configured to print on a lateral surface (2a) and on a base surface (2b) of the caps (2) on the same drum (3).

Abstract: An apparatus (1) for the surface treatment of objects (2), comprising a drum (3) having a peripheral zone (3b); a plurality of gripping elements (4) disposed in the peripheral zone (3b) of the drum (3) and configured to each receive a respective object (2) to be treated; printing means (5) associated with the drum (3) and comprising at least one print head (6), the head (6) being positionable in front of the gripping elements (4) in order to print on an object (2); the printing means (5) are configured to print on a lateral surface (2a) and on a base surface (2b) of the caps (2) on the same drum (3).

Abstract: A machine (12, 13) for painting small three-dimensional objects (2) comprises a plurality of spindles (9) equipped with holders (10) for objects (2) to be painted. A unit (15) able to rotate about an axis (16) is equipped with a plurality of seats (17) structured to receive a spindle (9). The spindle (9) is removably associable with said seat (17). An airless painting device (25) is operatively positioned at a painting station (26) designed to receive said seats (17) in sequence. First actuator means (27) drive the rotation about a painting axis (18) at least of the holder (10) when the seat is positioned at the painting station (26). Means (29) for transferring the objects (2) grip a spindle (9) positioned along a transfer line (3) and place it in one of the seats (17) and/or vice versa.

Abstract: A method of producing closures for vessels comprises the steps of providing a prismatic element (2) having at least one side wall (3) and one top wall (4) defining an inner cavity (5), laying printing ink (6) only on some portions of the side wall (3) and/or the top wall (4), the portions on which printing ink (6) has been laid reproducing a predetermined motif (6a) then, subsequent to deposition of the printing ink (6), fully metallising both the side surface (3) the top surface (4) by a surface deposition process for laying a thin metal layer (8), preferably through the sputtering technique.

Abstract: A machine for metallization of three-dimensional objects of small sizes comprising a feeding device (2) to supply a succession of objects to be metallized (20), a metallizing device (3) comprising a main sputtering chamber (31) in a condition of permanent vacuum and a loading and unloading chamber (30) for a single object, which can be switched between a vacuum condition and an ambient-pressure condition and is operatively connected to the sputtering chamber (31), an unloading device (4) for the succession of metallized objects (21), which is operatively placed downstream of the metallizing device (3), and a painting station (10, 14) of the airless type and operatively disposed downstream of the feeding device (2) and upstream of the unloading device (4).

Abstract: A process carried out by an ink-jet printing apparatus (1) comprises the steps of placing articles (3a) to be printed on a support (12) of an apparatus (1) further provided with a carriage (6) carrying at least one main print head (8) and at least one auxiliary head (11), and moving the support (12) and the carriage (6) relative to each other in at least one first ink-laying direction (X). The process is put into practice by carrying out the following steps in succession: laying the ink emitted from the auxiliary print head (11) to carry out printing of the articles (3a, 3b) with a background layer, drying the ink just laid by the auxiliary head (11) through a first drying device (14) disposed alongside the main head (8) and laying the ink emitted from the main head (8) to carry out decorations on the background layer.

Abstract: An ink-feeding device for ink-jet printing apparatus comprises an ink-containing tank (2) and at least one print head (7) connected to the tank (2). The device further comprises a metering device (3) interposed between the tank (2) and the print head (7) and provided with an inner space (10) having a planar major extension to keep the pressure of the ink feeding the print head (7) substantially constant and to improve the print quality.