Abstract: A technique is described for the application of three-dimensional (3D) relief to a substrate such as a ceramic tile using digital inkjet technology. A computer system receives information defining a relief pattern for forming the 3D relief using a digital inkjet printer. From the information, a feature vector is extracted comprising one or more features describing the 3D relief. A machine learning model is used to generate control commands based on the feature vector. The machine learning model is trained to generate the control commands to configure the digital inkjet printer to apply binder ink to a first region of a surface of the substrate. The applied binder ink is configured to form a protective layer over the first region of the surface of the substrate. The digital inkjet printer is configured to apply solvent ink to the surface of the substrate.

Abstract: A technique is described for the application of three-dimensional (3D) relief to a substrate such as a ceramic tile using digital inkjet technology. In an example embodiment, the introduced technique includes application of binder ink to a portion of the surface of a substrate using a digital inkjet process. This binder ink forms a barrier layer which protects the portion of the surface of the substrate. Next, a brushing process is applied to remove unprotected portions of the substrate, thereby forming the 3D relief in the substrate.

Abstract: A technique is described for the application of three-dimensional (3D) relief to a substrate such as a ceramic tile using digital inkjet technology. In an example embodiment, the introduced technique includes application of binder ink to a portion of the surface of a substrate using a digital inkjet process. This binder ink forms a barrier layer which protects the portion of the surface of the substrate. Next, a brushing process is applied to remove unprotected portions of the substrate, thereby forming the 3D relief in the substrate.

Abstract: A technique is described for the application of three-dimensional (3D) relief to a substrate such as a ceramic tile using digital inkjet technology. In an example embodiment, the introduced technique includes application of binder ink to a portion of the surface of a substrate using a digital inkjet process. This binder ink forms a barrier layer which protects the portion of the surface of the substrate. Next, a brushing process is applied to remove unprotected portions of the substrate, thereby forming the 3D relief in the substrate.

Abstract: A technique is described for the application of three-dimensional (3D) relief to a substrate such as a ceramic tile using digital inkjet technology. In an example embodiment, the introduced technique includes application of binder ink to a portion of the surface of a substrate using a digital inkjet process. This binder ink forms a barrier layer which protects the portion of the surface of the substrate. Next, a brushing process is applied to remove unprotected portions of the substrate, thereby forming the 3D relief in the substrate.

Abstract: Disclosed are compositions, such as inkjet inks, for jetting onto a ceramic substrate, and associated methods and systems. The compositions comprise a pigment compound that is configured to be jetted on a ceramic substrate during a ceramic inkjet process to impart a color effect to the ceramic substrate, and a reduction agent which, when exposed to a firing temperature, reacts with the pigment compound to cause a reduction reaction. In some embodiments, the pigment compound comprises jettable copper particles, which can cause the fired composition to take on a red or oxblood color, which can be used for decoration.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for preparing a decorative fired substrate such as ceramic, glass, brick, metal or metal enamel. The process includes a step of digitally applying a primer ink composition comprising a metal or metalloid ion component dissolved in a liquid matrix on selective locations of the substrate. The primer ink composition can be applied before or after the application of a color ink. By applying a primer ink composition, the color of the substrate is improved after the substrate is fired, and the manufacture cost is reduced compared with current industrial decorative ceramic tile processes.

Abstract: Disclosed are compositions, such as inkjet inks, for jetting onto a ceramic substrate, and associated methods and systems. The compositions comprise a pigment compound that is configured to be jetted on a ceramic substrate during a ceramic inkjet process to impart a color effect to the ceramic substrate, and a reduction agent which, when exposed to a firing temperature, reacts with the pigment compound to cause a reduction reaction. In some embodiments, the pigment compound comprises jettable copper particles, which can cause the fired composition to take on a red or oxblood color, which can be used for decoration.

Abstract: Disclosed are compositions, such as inkjet inks, for jetting onto a ceramic substrate, and associated methods and systems. The compositions comprise a pigment compound that is configured to be jetted on a ceramic substrate during a ceramic inkjet process to impart a color effect to the ceramic substrate, and a reduction agent which, when exposed to a firing temperature, reacts with the pigment compound to cause a reduction reaction. In some embodiments, the pigment compound comprises jettable copper particles, which can cause the fired composition to take on a red or oxblood color, which can be used for decoration.

Abstract: A radiation-curable ink composition for application to glass, ceramic, or metal by an inkjet printer. The ink composition can be applied to a glass, ceramic, or metal substrate to decorate, protect, etc. the substrate. In some embodiments, the ink composition includes a glass frits component, a chromophore component, and a UV-curable component. The glass frits component facilitates the fusing of the ink component with a glass, ceramic, or metal substrate to which the ink composition is applied. The chromophore component is the primary colorant of the ink composition. The UV-curable component facilitates activation of polymerization upon exposure to ultra-violet (UV) radiation, which causes the ink composition to cure and fix/pin to the underlying substrate. After the ink composition is applied to a substrate and cured by exposure to UV radiation, the substrate is heated to a temperature that causes the ink composition to fuse with the substrate.

Abstract: A radiation-curable ink composition for application to glass, ceramic, or metal by an inkjet printer. The ink composition can be applied to a glass, ceramic, or metal substrate to decorate, protect, etc. the substrate. In some embodiments, the ink composition includes a glass frits component, a chromophore component, and a UV-curable component. The glass frits component facilitates the fusing of the ink component with a glass, ceramic, or metal substrate to which the ink composition is applied. The chromophore component is the primary colorant of the ink composition. The UV-curable component facilitates activation of polymerization upon exposure to ultra-violet (UV) radiation, which causes the ink composition to cure and fix/pin to the underlying substrate. After the ink composition is applied to a substrate and cured by exposure to UV radiation, the substrate is heated to a temperature that causes the ink composition to fuse with the substrate.

Abstract: Disclosed are compositions, such as inkjet inks or glazes, for jetting onto a ceramic substrate, and associated methods and systems. The compositions are configured to produce a blister relief effect, wherein the incorporation of inkjet technology provides precise control over the location and degree of blistering. The enhanced compositions are configured to form gas bubbles when exposed to the elevated temperatures of a firing cycle, wherein the formed gas is trapped within the glaze, causing an expansion or blistering of the glaze, which results in a raised relief.

Abstract: An in-line printing apparatus with an inerting station that delivers an atmosphere having an optimal composition to inert a layer of ink such that LED radiation adequately cures the ink. A process for configuring a printing environment for delivering an atmosphere having an optimal composition to inert a layer of ink such that LED radiation adequately cures the ink.

Abstract: Disclosed are compositions, such as inkjet inks or glazes, for jetting onto a ceramic substrate, and associated methods and systems. The compositions are configured to produce a blister relief effect, wherein the incorporation of inkjet technology provides precise control over the location and degree of blistering. The enhanced compositions are configured to form gas bubbles when exposed to the elevated temperatures of a firing cycle, wherein the formed gas is trapped within the glaze, causing an expansion or blistering of the glaze, which results in a raised relief.

Abstract: Disclosed are compositions, such as inkjet inks, for jetting onto a ceramic substrate, and associated methods and systems. The compositions comprise a pigment compound that is configured to be jetted on a ceramic substrate during a ceramic inkjet process to impart a color effect to the ceramic substrate, and a reduction agent which, when exposed to a firing temperature, reacts with the pigment compound to cause a reduction reaction. In some embodiments, the pigment compound comprises jettable copper particles, which can cause the fired composition to take on a red or oxblood color, which can be used for decoration.

Abstract: Disclosed are compositions, such as inkjet inks or glazes, for jetting onto a ceramic substrate, and associated methods and systems. The compositions are configured to produce a blister relief effect, wherein the incorporation of inkjet technology provides precise control over the location and degree of blistering. The enhanced compositions are configured to form gas bubbles when exposed to the elevated temperatures of a firing cycle, wherein the formed gas is trapped within the glaze, causing an expansion or blistering of the glaze, which results in a raised relief.

Abstract: A multi-phase system for creating a metallic effect on a substrate, including applying to the substrate a first ink jet ink including a dispersion of reflective metallic particles in a suitable carrier system, to form a reflective coating layer; and applying a second ink jet ink over the reflective coating layer to form a protective coating layer. Optionally, an undercoat layer is printed on the substrate prior to applying the first ink jet ink. The second ink jet includes at least one crosslinkable polymer or is otherwise energy curable. The second ink jet ink optionally imparts a color to the metallic image.

Abstract: A multi-phase system for creating a metallic effect on a substrate, including applying to the substrate a first ink jet ink having a dispersion of reflective metallic particles in a suitable carrier system, to form a reflective coating layer; and applying a second ink jet ink over the reflective coating layer to form a protective coating layer. Optionally, an undercoat layer is printed on the substrate prior to applying the first ink jet ink. The second ink jet includes at least one crosslinkable polymer or is otherwise energy curable. The second ink jet ink optionally imparts a color to the metallic image.

Abstract: A multi-phase system for creating a metallic effect on a substrate, comprising applying to the substrate a first ink jet ink comprising a dispersion of reflective metallic particles in a suitable carrier system, to form a reflective coating layer; and applying a second ink jet ink over the reflective coating layer to form a protective coating layer. Optionally, an undercoat layer is printed on the substrate prior to applying the first ink jet ink. The second ink jet comprises at least one crosslinkable polymer or is otherwise energy curable. The second ink jet ink optionally imparts a color to the metallic image.

Abstract: A multi-phase system for creating a metallic effect on a substrate, includes applying to the substrate a first ink jet ink having a dispersion of reflective metallic particles in a suitable carrier system, to form a reflective coating layer; and applying a second ink jet ink over the reflective coating layer to form a protective coating layer. Optionally, an undercoat layer is printed on the substrate prior to applying the first ink jet ink. The second ink jet includes at least one crosslinkable polymer or is otherwise energy curable. The second ink jet ink optionally imparts a color to the metallic image.