Abstract: A print head module (20) for depositing a substance has an axis and a plurality of print heads (22) provided with nozzles (23). The heads are distributed along the axis to form an elongate compound head having nozzle redundancy by arranging the heads in partially overlapping relation to one another. This allows deposition of the substance from the nozzles in uniform swathes having different angles transverse to the axis.

Abstract: A print head module (20) for depositing a substance has an axis and a plurality of print heads (22) provided with nozzles (23). The heads are distributed along the axis to form an elongate compound head having nozzle redundancy by arranging the heads in partially overlapping relation to one another. This allows deposition of the substance from the nozzles in uniform swathes having different angles transverse to the axis.

Abstract: A method of producing a textile article having a localized finish is described. The method comprises providing a continuous supply of a textile substrate, providing an array of digital nozzles, supplying a finishing composition to the nozzles and selectively depositing the finishing composition from the nozzles in a series of droplets to deposit a first predetermined pattern of droplets on a selected area of the substrate to endow a functional characteristic on the selected areas. In this way, it is possible to ensure that only those areas receive the finishing composition that ultimately require it. Usage of valuable chemicals and process time can hereby be reduced.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for digitally forming a coating on a fibrous textile having mesh openings between adjacent fibers. According to the method, textile is fed continuously along a treatment path having a row of static coating nozzles arranged generally transversely across the path. The coating nozzles have outlet diameters of greater than about 70 microns and are supplied with a supply of a coating substance. By individually controlling the nozzles, a substantially continuous stream of droplets of the coating substance is produced and selectively directed onto the textile to form a coating of pixels. Each pixel covers at least four mesh openings and has a diameter of more than 100 microns.

Abstract: A finishing composition is described for deposition by dot-on-demand inkjet technique onto a textile substrate. The composition comprises a solution, dispersion or emulsion of a functional finishing agent in a vehicle, wherein the size of particles in the dispersion or emulsion of the finishing composition is less than about 2 microns. By ensuring sufficient fineness of the particles, effective and reliable droplet deposition may proceed without clogging. Of significance, the composition should not be subject to flocculation or sedimentation during use.

Abstract: A method of providing deposits of a functional composition on a textile substrate (1) is described. The method comprises providing a supply of the textile substrate (1); providing a first digital nozzle; supplying a functional composition to the first nozzle; providing a second digital nozzle; supplying an encapsulating composition to the second nozzle; selectively depositing the functional composition from the first nozzle to form a series of functional droplets (10) on the substrate (1); and selectively depositing the encapsulation composition from the second nozzle to form a series of encapsulation droplets (16) to at least partially cover the functional droplets (10). In this way, quantities of highly specific functional compositions or “agents” may be precisely deposited at those locations where they are required and may subsequently be covered by an encapsulation composition.