Abstract: A method and system for detecting one or more failing nozzles in an inkjet printhead of an inkjet printer for printing an image on a substrate and compensating failing nozzles, as well as for correcting colour uniformity of a printed image in inkjet printing an image on a substrate includes printing a first test pattern on a dedicated substrate, which is optically scanned and includes a system for the same. From the scan failing nozzles are identified, which are to be compensated by other nozzles. To these compensating nozzles compensated nozzle control data are allocated, which are used in printing a second test pattern that is also scanned and analysed for local deviations of colorimetric greyscale value. Corrected nozzle control data are allocated to the nozzles associated with the local deviation.

Abstract: A digital printing apparatus for inkjet printing on a sheet or web of material includes a belt for supporting and conveying the sheet or web of material fixed to the belt. The belt is guided along at least a first roller driven by a motor and a second roller driven by the belt. A plurality of printing heads is arranged along the path of the belt. A control system is configured to control the operation of the motor and the printing operation of the printing heads. A first encoder, being configured to supply a first encoder signal to the control system for controlling the operation of the motor, is associated with the first roller. A second encoder, being configured to supply a second encoder signal to the control system for controlling the printing operation of each printing head, is associated with the second roller.

Abstract: A one-pot synthesis for preparing an aqueous reactive black mixture includes a) dissolving 2-[(4-aminophenyl)sulfonyl]ethanesulfonic acid (vinyl sulphone parabase ester) in water; b) diazotizing the dissolved vinyl sulphone parabase ester using excess nitrous acid or using excess nitrite and an acid, resulting in a diazonium salt and remaining nitrous acid; c) quenching the remaining nitrous acid with sulfamic acid; d) coupling the diazonium salt of step c) with 4-amino-5-hydroxy-2,7-naphthalenedisulfonic acid (H-acid) until the reaction is complete, resulting in Reactive Black 5 (RB 5) and remaining diazonium salt, e) coupling the remaining diazonium salt with 7-acetamido-4-hydroxy-2-naphthalenesulfonic acid (acetyl-J-acid) until the reaction is complete resulting in Reactive Orange 78 (RO 78); and f) obtaining the aqueous reactive black mixture.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a printing bar unit for a printing system includes the steps of providing a support bar having a plurality of primary mounting positions, providing a plurality of exchangeable printheads having a plurality of inkjet nozzles, and releasably mounting the printheads to the support bar. Preceding the step of releasably mounting the printheads to the support bar, a plurality of reference organs are connected at the primary mounting positions to the support bar and undergo an alignment finishing process for forming a plurality of accurate secondary mounting positions, and then in a subsequent step the printheads are releasably mounted to the secondary mounting positions on the reference organs. A dimensional tolerance of the secondary mounting positions on the reference organs relative to each other is more accurate than a dimensional tolerance of the primary mounting positions on the support bar relative to each other.

Abstract: A printing ink composition includes a metal salt of a metal ion and a counter ion, and a viscosity adjusting agent. The metal ion is present as a metal complex of the metal ion and the viscosity adjusting agent, the viscosity adjusting agent includes at least one functional ligand, where the functional ligand may be a monofunctional ligand having one functional group and multifunctional ligands having more than one functional groups.

Abstract: A printing assembly for sublimation transfer printing includes: a feed mechanism by which a web of carrier is fed in a machine direction to a printer; the printer including: a carrier transport unit, controllably movable along a machine direction; digital printing stations for the deposition of sublimation ink or inks onto the carrier; a feed mechanism for the substrate material to be printed; a heat press for transferring the sublimation ink or inks onto the substrate material; and an outlet for the substrate material and used carrier, where the printing stations extend transversally to the machine direction and cover the width of carrier. A method for sublimation transfer printing may use the printing assembly.

Abstract: A printing system includes a print module with printheads covering a printing width in x-direction, and a substrate holder for supporting a substrate. The substrate and print module are movable relative to each other in y-direction. Each printhead is positioned spaced at a first distance from the substrate holder in z-direction. A detection mechanism is provided for detecting obstructions on the substrate holder. A control unit is provided for stopping further relative movement in the y-direction between the substrate and the print module when an obstruction has been detected. The detection mechanism includes individually movable sub-detection elements that together cover the printing width, where those elements are designed to have a detection signal send out to the control unit when one of the elements gets moved out of a starting position by an obstruction trying to pass it.

Abstract: A printing system comprises a sub-frame (5), a print module (8) with printheads (27), a first support unit (30) that is connected to the sub-frame (5), in particular movable in a displacement direction (z) relative to the sub-frame, a substrate holder (2) for supporting a substrate (3), and a positioning mechanism for moving the print module relative to the first support unit to and from a print position. A set of positioning parts (34-36) and positioning references (14-16) is provided that form part of or are connected to the print module (8) respectively the sub-frame (5). The positioning parts (34-36) are engageable with corresponding ones of the positioning references (14-16) for aligning the print module (8) relative to the sub-frame (5) when moved into its print position. The positioning mechanism comprises one or more four-bar linkage mechanisms (32) acting between the print module (8) and the first support unit (30).

Abstract: A method for screen printing using a screen, preferably a metal screen made by electroforming, having a pattern of openings separated by bridges and crossing points, and having a flat surface on the squeegee side, wherein on the printing side of the screen the screen has a 3-D structure comprising peaks (P) and valleys (V) formed by a difference in thickness between the bridges and crossing points. The use of the method in the production of RFID tags, solar panels, electronic printing boards. A 3-D printing screen, with an attached stencil with or without the negative of an image to be printed. A printing machine comprising: one or more 3-D printing screens, in combination with one or more reservoirs for ink and/or in combination with a roller or squeegee.

Abstract: A base material 10 for screen printing includes a screen 12, a resist layer 30 of resist material and a protective film 22.