Abstract: A copolymer Tradenamed HexiLok is applied in the form of an ink as a decorative and protective outer covering to glassware and other tableware. It serves also as an adhesion coating to which a cross-linked ethylene acrylic acid copolymer is applied, to serve as a shock absorber and shard retention agent, in the event of breakage of the wares. The impact resistance of drinking glasses can be improved ten-fold with a 5 mil outer coating. The use of UV light as a curing agent in a 2-stage curing process, enables high production rates. The tough HexiLok ink serves to hermetically seal the decorated surface of the wares, enabling the use of non-FDA approved decorating agents.

Abstract: There is provided a digital ink jet printer for printing and curing graphics on a cylindrical object comprising: (i) a printhead assembly comprising at least one printhead, wherein said at least one printhead contains ink; ii) a UV lamp for curing ink, attached to the printhead assembly, wherein said UV lamp is aligned in a plane with said at least one printhead; and (iii) a carrier moveably attached to said printhead assembly, wherein said carrier is positioned such that the cylindrical object is below the printhead assembly.