Abstract: A printing apparatus includes a printing unit discharging a plurality of different pigmented inks onto a transfer member and forming an ink image, a processing unit performing processing such that each of the pigmented inks applied on the transfer member forms a layer, and a transfer unit transferring the ink image from the transfer member onto the printing medium conveyed by the conveyance unit. The pigmented inks include cyan, magenta, yellow, and black inks as pigmented inks of four basic colors, and at least one pigmented ink different from the pigmented inks of basic colors. A first ink at least one of the pigmented inks of the basic colors is applied onto the transfer member after a second ink is applied. The second ink is the pigmented ink different from the pigmented inks of the basic colors and has a color material density lower than that of the first ink.

Abstract: Provided is an aqueous dispersion of colored particles suitable for colorants for writing instrument inks, inkjet inks, painting materials, aqueous coatings, and the like. The aqueous dispersion of colored particles includes a polymer having at least a unit of a monomer derived from a dye having a polymerizable unsaturated group. The monomer derived from the dye is preferably derived from the compound represented by General Formula (1) below: where Dye represents a dye residue, R1 represents a hydrogen atom or a methyl group, Y2 represents —O— or —NR10—, where R10 represents a hydrogen atom or an alkyl group, A1 represents an alkylene group which is unsubstituted or substituted by at least one group selected from —OCO—, —COO—, —NHCONH—, and the like in the chain thereof and/or at the terminal thereof, and/or a hydroxy group.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: A recording apparatus includes: a medium receiving tray that is switchable between a housed state of being retracted inside apparatus body that includes a recording unit and a protruding state of protruding from the apparatus body relative to the housed state; a power source that switches the medium receiving tray between the housed state and the protruding state; and a medium detection unit that detects whether there is the medium on the medium receiving tray or not. When an error is detected during execution of a recording job, a control unit, which controls the power source based on detection information of the medium detection unit, determines whether there is the medium on the medium receiving tray or not. When the control unit determines that there is no medium on the medium receiving tray, the control unit switches the medium receiving tray into the housed state.

Abstract: A printing apparatus includes a printing unit configured to form an ink image by discharging ink on a medium, and a heating unit configured to heat the ink image on the medium. The heating unit includes a heat generating unit configured to generate radiant heat, a reflecting unit that includes a reflecting surface configured to reflect the radiant heat of the heat generating unit, and a cooling unit configured to cool the reflecting surface by supplying a gas to the reflecting surface.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed for coating a surface that is movable relative to the apparatus with a layer of metallic particles or particles having a metal-like appearance and reflectivity, the particles adhering more strongly to the surface than to one another. The apparatus comprises at least one spray head for directly or indirectly applying to the surface a fluid stream within which the particles are suspended, a housing surrounding the spray head(s) and defining an interior plenum for confining the fluid stream, the housing having a rim adjacent the surface that is configured to prevent egress of particles from a sealing gap defined between the rim of the housing and the surface to be coated, and a suction source connected to the housing to extract from the plenum the sprayed fluid and particles suspended in the sprayed fluid.

Abstract: A method for producing a laminated body including a first curable liquid composition and a second curable liquid composition, the method including: forming a first liquid layer formed of the first curable liquid composition; impacting the second curable liquid composition onto the first liquid layer, to form a second liquid droplet layer formed of the second curable liquid composition inside the first liquid layer or at a lower part of the first liquid layer in a direction in which second liquid droplets for the second liquid droplet layer are impacted onto the first liquid layer; and curing the first liquid layer and the second liquid droplet layer.

Abstract: An inkjet image forming apparatus, includes: a transfer part that transfers ink ejected from an inkjet head and carried on an intermediate transfer body to a recording medium; and a hardware processor that: detects a transfer rate when the ink is transferred by the transfer part; and controls a control parameter that influences how the ink spreads when being transferred to the recording medium, according to the transfer rate detected by the hardware processor.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: Provided herein is an imaging blanket for variable data lithography comprising (i) a substrate and (ii) a thermally-conductive composition disposed on the substrate comprising a silicone elastomer and a thermally-conductive filler selected from metal oxides, wherein the thermally-conductive composition has a thermal conductivity ranging from about 0.6 W/m2 to about 1.6 W/m2. Further provided herein a method of making the imaging blanket, as well as a printing system comprising the imaging blanket, wherein the imaging blanket has improved thermal conductivity.

Abstract: A printing system having: a print head arranged with a predetermined nip for printing to a recording medium; a sensor positioned upstream of the print head, and configured to detect possible joints of the recording medium; a spacer arranged in a region of the print head, the spacer being configured to be displaceable to deflect the recording medium and increasing a distance between the print head and recording medium; an actuator to displace the spacer element; and a controller configured to activate the actuator to displace the spacer upon detection of a joint by the sensor.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: An inkjet recording apparatus includes an ink jetter; a transfer unit that has an intermediate transfer body and transfers ink on its transfer surface to a recording medium to record an image; a thickening device that thickens the ink landed on the transfer surface before transfer to the recording medium; a cleaner that removes residual ink remaining on the transfer surface; and a hardware processor. The cleaner has a first ink remover that removes the thickened residual ink in first ink removing operation in which an adhesive member brought into contact with the thickened ink is separated from the transfer surface. If the transfer surface has a region occupied by the thickened ink of a predetermined reference area or more, the hardware processor causes the first ink remover to perform the first ink removing operation.

Abstract: A transfer-printing ink contains a pigment and a fixing resin. The mass ratio of the pigment to the fixing resin is 1:1 to 1:5, and the ink has a viscosity of 3 mPas to 10 mPas at 23° C. The ink is ejected onto a transfer paper base by an ink-jet recording device when transfer paper is prepared. The ink is then transferred from the transfer paper to cloth as a result of the transfer paper, with the cloth laid over it, being heated.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for thermal transfer printing onto selected regions of a substrate are disclosed. The method comprises: a) providing a transfer member having an imaging surface; b) coating the imaging surface with particles formed of, or coated with, a thermoplastic polymer; c) removing substantially all particles that are not in direct contact with the imaging surface to leave a uniform monolayer particle coating on the imaging surface; d) applying energy to selected regions of the imaging surface to heat and render tacky particles of corresponding regions of the monolayer coating; and e) pressing at least portions of the imaging surface and the substrate surface against one another, either during and/or after application of energy, to cause transfer to the surface of the substrate of the particles of the corresponding regions that have been rendered tacky. The monolayer coating can be replenished with new particles and the cycle repeated.

Abstract: A surface treatment system includes a holder configured to secure an object within the holder and a surface treatment device that is configured to treat a surface of the object within the holder with two types of surface treatments. The device is capable of producing a plasma or a flame at its nozzle for surface treatment. By controlling the materials supplied to the device and the way in which is operated, either a flame or plasma is produced. Thus, the surface treatment system is capable of treating a wide range of materials for printing by a direct-to-object printer.

Abstract: An inkjet printer comprising: a carriage that carries an inkjet head and configured to scan a recording medium; a main circuit board with a controller that controls the carriage; a strap including a first cable that connects to a first circuit board disposed on the carriage and to the main circuit board, a second cable that connects to a second circuit board disposed on the carriage and to the main circuit board, and a clamp configured to bundle the first cable and the second cable; a support member configured to support the strap from vertically below; and an ink tube configured to connect to the inkjet head and to an ink tank located outside of the carriage; the ink tube disposed between the strap and the support member.

Abstract: A printer includes: an inkjet printhead having a row of printhead chips; a platen having a spittoon slot, the spittoon slot having a length corresponding to a length of the printhead and a width extending between an upstream sidewall and a downstream sidewall of the platen; a roller positioned in the spittoon slot between the upstream and downstream sidewalls for receiving ink spitted from the printhead, a rotation mechanism for rotating the roller; and a scraper positioned for scraping received ink from the roller. A diameter of the roller is less than the width of the spittoon slot, and an upper roller surface is relatively closer to the printhead than an upper surface of the upstream sidewall and/or the downstream sidewall.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for predicting colorant usage by printing devices are provided. A prediction server can receive a request to predict colorant usage for a first printing device. The prediction server can determine first plurality of functions to predict colorant usage for the first printing device. The first plurality of functions can include at least one linear function and at least one non-linear function. The first plurality of functions can be based on colorant-usage rates indicating historical rates of change in colorant used by the first printing device. The prediction server can determine a prediction of colorant usage for the first printing device using the first plurality of functions. The prediction server can provide an output involving the prediction of colorant usage for the first printing device, where the prediction of colorant usage can include a confidence interval related to the prediction.

Abstract: 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 1% 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.

Abstract: A composition for an encapsulant according to an embodiment of the present application comprises: 1) a silicone resin; 2) one or more moisture absorbents; 3) one or more photoinitiators; and 4) a monomer capable of dissolving the photoinitiators.

Abstract: A printing apparatus includes a transfer section and a non-transfer section configured to be moved cyclically, a print unit configured to form an ink image on the transfer section, a transfer unit configured to perform a transfer operation and a liquid absorbing unit configured to absorb a liquid component from the ink image. The liquid absorbing unit includes a liquid absorbing sheet, a driving unit configured to move the sheet cyclically, and a displacing unit configured to displace the sheet between a contact state in which the sheet can contact the transfer section and a retracted state. When the non-transfer section is located at a liquid absorbing position where the sheet and the transfer section contact with each other, the displacing unit displaces the sheet from the retracted state to the contact state.

Abstract: A printing apparatus according to an embodiment of this invention brings, out of a cleaning unit that cleans a transfer member in contact with a transfer member and an application unit that applies a reactive liquid with ink to the transfer member, the cleaning unit into contact with the transfer member to clean the transfer member by the cleaning unit at the start of the printing operation. Alternatively, out of the application unit and an absorbing unit that absorbs a liquid component from the reactive liquid applied by the application unit in contact with the transfer member, the printing apparatus brings the application unit into contact with the transfer member to apply the reactive liquid by the application unit.

Abstract: An aqueous ink printer includes a dryer that enables coated substrates printed with aqueous ink images to be adequately dried before discharge of the substrates. The dryer has a housing, a plurality of laser diodes, and a controller configured to operate the laser diodes with reference to ink coverage densities in an ink image and a speed of a media transport moving the substrate bearing the ink image as the substrate passes the plurality of diodes. The controller varies the intensity of the radiation emitted by the laser diodes to correspond with the ink coverage density opposite each laser diode as the ink image passes through the dryer.

Abstract: When a porous body is repeatedly used to perform treatment of absorbing and removing an aqueous liquid component on an image which is formed using a reaction liquid and an ink and contains the aqueous liquid component and a coloring material, recovery treatment for applying a recovery liquid to the porous body is performed, the recovery liquid having a viscosity lower than a viscosity of the reaction liquid and the ink.

Abstract: A printing apparatus includes a transfer member configured to cyclically pass through a formation area of an ink image and a transfer area where the ink image is transferred to a cut sheet, the transfer member including a plurality of areas that allow printing on a plurality of cut sheets in one rotation. A control unit controls a print head so as to use some areas of the transfer member for the formation of the ink image, and decides, in accordance with a use count of each of the plurality of areas for printing, an area on which an ink image based on print data is formed so as to use, for printing, an area having a use count that is lowest, among the plurality of areas of the transfer member, more often than other areas of the plurality of areas of the transfer member.

Abstract: According to an embodiment of this invention, a printing apparatus capable of cleaning a transfer member continuously while downsizing the apparatus and a cleaning method of the same are provided. The printing apparatus includes a cleaning roller configured to apply a cleaning liquid to the transfer member while rotating in contact with the transfer member, a liquid tank configured to reserve the cleaning liquid so that a part of the cleaning roller is immersed in the cleaning liquid, and a removal unit configured to remove a blot by contacting the surface of the cleaning roller which rotates in the liquid tank.

Abstract: A door track assembly for cooperation with a door roller mechanism, including a housing having a longitudinal channel along a length of the housing, wherein the channel descends at an end of the housing to form a stowage recess for the door roller mechanism, and a first track and a second track that are disposed on the housing along a length of the channel and that descend into the stowage recess and along which the door roller mechanism traverses.

Abstract: A thermal transfer ink composition, a domestic thermal transfer kit, and a thermal transfer method is provided. The thermal transfer ink composition comprises a disperse dye, a resin, an additive, an auxiliary solvent and a main solvent. The domestic thermal transfer kit comprises an ink cartridge, a writing instrument, high temperature resistant tapes and writing media. The writing instrument comprises a cotton core type, a capillary liquid type and a valve type; The method comprises the following steps: using a writing instrument to form writing marks on the surface of a writing medium; pasting the writing medium onto the surface of a thermal transfer medium by the use of high temperature resistant tapes; applying a heat source to the writing medium and then removing the heat source to obtain the well-transferred thermal transfer medium.

Abstract: A transfer type ink jet recording method including an image forming step of forming an image including an aqueous liquid component and a coloring material on an image forming surface of a transfer body, the image forming surface being formed of a water-repellent porous body; a transfer step of transferring the image from the transfer body onto a recording medium; a wetting treatment step of performing a wetting treatment by applying a wetting liquid whose contact angle with respect to the image forming surface is less than 90° onto the image forming surface before the image forming step; and a liquid absorbing step of absorbing at least part of the aqueous liquid component from the image formed in the image forming step by using the porous body in at least one of a period between the image forming step and the transfer step and a period in the transfer step.

Abstract: A transfer-printing ink is ejected onto a transfer paper base on an ink-jet recording device when transfer paper is prepared, and is transferred from the transfer paper to cloth when the transfer paper with the cloth laid over it is heated. The ink contains a pigment, an anionic fixing resin, and a volatile amine as a neutralizer for neutralizing the fixing resin. The average particle diameter of the pigment is 30 nm to 150 nm. The pigment-to-fixing resin mass ratio is 1:1 to 1:5. The added amount of the volatile amine is 0.8 to 1.5 times the neutralization equivalent.

Abstract: An ink jet recording apparatus includes an image forming unit that forms a first image containing a first liquid and a coloring material on an ink receiving medium; and a liquid absorbing member that includes a porous body which is configured to be brought into contact with the first image so as to absorb at least a portion of the first liquid from the first image, in which the porous body is a porous sheet in which a first layer which is configured to be brought into contact with the first image, a second layer including a second fiber and a third layer including a third fiber are laminated in this order.

Abstract: The disclosure includes an edge extracting unit configured to, based on image data corresponding to a print image, extract edge pixels forming an outline of a partial image, a dot formation specification determining unit configured to, based on the image data, determine dot formation specifications, and a print data generator configured to, based on the dot formation specifications, generate print data for causing execution of printing by a printing apparatus for printing the print image by discharging first ink on a printing medium and second ink that promotes spreading of the first ink on the printing medium to form the plurality of dots.

Abstract: A printing apparatus includes a printer, a baseplate, a jacket, and a container. The printer is configured to perform printing on a recording sheet. The baseplate holds the printer. The jacket is attached to a first surface of the baseplate, and is configured to hold an information terminal. The container is attached to a second surface of the baseplate facing away from the first surface, and is configured to store the recording sheet.

Abstract: An inkjet printing assembly is configured for direct inkjet printing on a recording medium and for indirect inkjet printing via an intermediate medium. The inkjet printing assembly comprises a transport path for transporting a print medium. Further, a control unit is provided for selecting the print medium, wherein the print medium is may at least be a recording medium or an intermediate medium. An inkjet print station is provided and arranged along the transport path for providing droplets of a liquid on the print medium. A transfer station is provided and configured for transferring the droplets of the liquid from an intermediate medium to a recording medium. A recording medium output station is provided for receiving the printed recording medium.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: An embodiment of the present disclosure is directed to a sacrificial coating composition for an image transfer member in an aqueous ink imaging system. The coating composition is made from ingredients including: a latex having polymer particles dispersed in a continuous liquid phase; at least one hygroscopic material; at least one oil-in-water emulsion; and at least one surfactant.

Abstract: The print medium includes an ink receiving layer that is formed on a substrate and to which a pigment ink containing a pigment and a solvent is applied. The ink receiving layer includes a pigment permeation layer through which the solvent and the pigment are enabled to infiltrate, and a solvent absorption layer through which the pigment is inhibited from infiltrating and the solvent is enabled to infiltrate, and the pigment permeation layer and the solvent absorption layer are laminated in this order from the substrate side. The resin layer includes pieces of thermoplastic resin discretely provided on a front surface of the pigment permeation layer so as to leave an exposed portion from which the front surface of the pigment permeation layer is exposed.

Abstract: A surface treatment system includes a holder configured to secure an object within the holder and a surface treatment device that is configured to treat a surface of the object within the holder with two types of surface treatments. The device is capable of producing a plasma or a flame at its nozzle for surface treatment. By controlling the materials supplied to the device and the way in which is operated, either a flame or plasma is produced. Thus, the surface treatment system is capable of treating a wide range of materials for printing by a direct-to-object printer.

Abstract: Described is a print zone assembly comprising a print platen device including at least a section of a print platen, hiving a first dimension and a second dimension, the second dimension being perpendicular to the first dimension, wherein the print platen device has a higher rigidity in the direction of the second dimension and a lower rigidity in the direction of the first dimension; and a platen support structure supporting the print platen device at a number of references, establishing a multi-point contact, wherein the print platen device conforms to the references for providing a flat platen surface.

Abstract: A printing apparatus includes a recording head that performs printing on a printing surface of a medium, a transport portion that transports the medium in a transport direction, a medium support portion that is disposed on an upstream side in the transport direction with respect to the recording head and supports the medium, a removal portion that is disposed on the upstream side in the transport direction with respect to the recording head, and a fixing portion to which the removal portion is fixed, in which the removal portion includes a removal member that has a flexible property and comes into contact with the printing surface, and an elastic member that holds the removal member between itself and the medium support portion, and that presses the removal member.

Abstract: Accordingly, an improved system and method is provided with which an automatic analysis of the fuser oil is performed to prevent accidental oil and toner mismatches by the insertion of a photovoltaic sensor and associated logic inline along the tube that delivers the fuser oil to the fuser.

Abstract: There is provided an intermediate transfer member used in an image forming method including applying a treatment liquid onto an intermediate transfer member, forming an intermediate image by applying an ink onto the intermediate transfer member coated with the treatment liquid so as to form dots having an average diameter of R, and transferring the intermediate image to a recording medium. The intermediate transfer member includes a surface having recessed portions therein. Each recessed portion allows a circle having a diameter of less than the average diameter R of the ink to be present therein. The surface of the intermediate transfer member has a projected area S1 and an actual surface area S2 satisfying the relationship 1.1?S2/S1?5.

Abstract: An image transfer member (ITM) is provided with a skin over its surface in which the skin incorporates a hygroscopic agent. The hygroscopic agent is operable to make the ITM skin very hydrophilic or to provide a high surface energy. One such hygroscopic agent is glycerol that may be applied to the surface of the ITM with a carrier, such as water. In an image transfer process, the carrier is completely or partially removed, such as by drying, leaving a thin skin of the hygroscopic agent. Ink drops applied in an image pattern onto the skin spread without puddling or draw-backs, producing an optimum wet image.

Abstract: A dye sublimation apparatus is disclosed. The apparatus is configured to either print one or more images onto transfer media, or to print images directly onto products. A selected product to receive the image(s) is positioned on a platen configured to receive one or more types of such products into channels matching those products' dimensions. Proper positioning of the transfer media (or the product, when directly printed) is facilitated by aligning fiducial markers printed on the transfer media and/or product with one or more lights disposed on the platen. The apparatus comprises one or more heating platens configured to sublimate one or more sides of the product in a single thermal cycle with a predetermined temperature, pressure, and duration based on properties of the product. The product platen is translated inside and out of the apparatus by a reversible motor.

Abstract: A multilayer imaging blanket comprises a seamless belt. A silicone layer is disposed on the belt. The silicone layer comprises silicone rubber and a metal oxide filler. A fluoroelastomer surface layer is disposed on the silicone layer. Printing apparatuses employing the multilayer imaging blanket are also disclosed.

Abstract: There is provided an ink jet recording method for printing a pigment in which a pigment printing ink composition including at least pigment as a colorant is discharged from a nozzle opening as an ink droplet having an amount of the ink of the ink droplet of 9 ng or less with an average discharging speed V of 5 m/s or greater at a distance in the range of 0.5 mm to 1.0 mm in the direction from the nozzle opening to cloth, and whereby the pigment printing ink composition is adhered to the cloth.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a pattern includes providing a pattern of a first liquid and a movement-restraining liquid on a medium, the movement-restraining liquid configured to restrain the first liquid from moving on the medium, applying a powder material to the pattern, and removing the powder material not adhering to the pattern to form a pattern of the powder material.

Abstract: An indirect inkjet printing method including providing a jettable ink composition, jetting said ink composition on a surface of an intermediate transfer member forming a film having an image thereon, and transferring said image to a printable substrate. The jettable ink composition includes a hydrocarbon carrier liquid, colorant and polymeric binder resin which is soluble in the hydrocarbon carrier liquid.