Abstract: A thermal transfer flat bed printer that is configured for printing on flat objects includes a removable cylinder print module that is installed between a print head and the flat bed. The cylinder print module includes an alignment mechanism that engages with an alignment subsystem that moves with the print head and is separated from the print head by a predetermined distance. The engagement between the alignment mechanism and the alignment subsystem positions the module relative to the print head such that a cylindrical object supported by the module is in precise alignment with the print head, to within the tight tolerances associated with cylinder printing. The cylinder print module, which rests on but does not attach to the printer flat bed, includes rollers that are arranged to both support the cylindrical object and control the rotation of the cylindrical object, to maintain the cylindrical object in precise alignment with the print head during a cylinder print operation.

Abstract: A thermal transfer flat bed printer that is configured for printing on flat objects includes a removable cylinder print module that is installed between a print head and the flat bed. The cylinder print module includes an alignment mechanism that engages with an alignment subsystem that moves with the print head and is separated from the print head by a predetermined distance. The engagement between the alignment mechanism and the alignment subsystem positions the module relative to the print head such that a cylindrical object supported by the module is in precise alignment with the print head, to within the tight tolerances associated with cylinder printing. The cylinder print module, which rests on but does not attach to the printer flat bed, includes rollers that are arranged to both support the cylindrical object and control the rotation of the cylindrical object, to maintain the cylindrical object in precise alignment with the print head during a cylinder print operation.

Abstract: A cylinder printing system and method for transferring an image onto the exterior surface of a generally cylindrical substrate using a digital print engine for selectively generating and printing an image from a thermal foil onto a rotating cylindrical substrate wherein the thermal foil and substrate are synchronously advanced with respect to the print engine during printing.

Abstract: A digital print system for generating and printing selectably shaped shaped optical security devices onto the surface of a substrate, wherein the selected shapes may incorporate a pre-printed pattern. The system includes a digital print engine for generating selectable shapes, a foil assembly that includes a supply of thermal foil optionally carrying a pre-printed optical security pattern, a pressure mechanism for applying pressure between the digital print engine and a surface of the substrate, and an advancing mechanism for co-operatively advancing a substrate, either simultaneously with or independently from the foil, each of which may be operatively controlled by a microprocessor.

Abstract: A cylinder printing system and method for transferring an image onto the exterior surface of a generally cylindrical substrate using a digital print engine for selectively generating and printing an image from a thermal foil onto a rotating cylindrical substrate wherein the thermal foil and substrate are synchronously advanced with respect to the print engine during printing.

Abstract: A digital print system for generating and printing selectably shaped shaped optical security devices onto the surface of a substrate, wherein the selected shapes may incorporate a pre-printed pattern. The system includes a digital print engine for generating selectable shapes, a foil assembly that includes a supply of thermal foil optionally carrying a pre-printed optical security pattern, a pressure mechanism for applying pressure between the digital print engine and a surface of the substrate, and an advancing mechanism for co-operatively advancing a substrate, either simultaneously with or independently from the foil, each of which may be operatively controlled by a microprocessor.

Abstract: A digital decorating system for transferring a selected image to a surface of an article includes a thermal printhead, an advancing mechanism for producing relative movement between the printhead and the surface of the article, and a force member for exerting a selected amount of pressure between the thermal line of pixels and the surface of the article. The thermal printhead includes a plurality of energizable heater elements constructed to deliver heat to a thermal line of pixels on a surface of the printhead. The digital decorating system also includes a microcontroller operatively connected to the printhead, the force member and the advancing mechanism to provide control signals selectively delivering heat to pixels of the thermal line and selectively causing the movement thereby thermally transferring, over a two dimensional array of pixels, a two dimensional image to the article surface.