Abstract: A printing device and a method for printing surfaces of material panels, especially wood panels, with a multi-color image. The method includes orienting the material panel so the surface thereof is in a defined position and at a defined height; holding the material panel in place; moving a printing unit along a path of displacement over the surface of the material panel held in place; printing the surface of the material panel held in place, by means of a printing unit, the printing unit including a plurality of adjacently arranged printing heads, respectively for a plurality of colors, according to the width of the surface to be printed; moving the printing unit into a position for a control printing; preparing a control printing strip or a control model strip in said position; and carrying out printing with a test model on said control printing strip or on a control model strip.

Abstract: A printing device and method for printing surfaces of material panels, especially wood panels, with a multi-color image, including: means for holding a material panel in a oriented position; a printing unit for printing a surface of the material panel, the printing unit comprising a plurality of adjacently arranged printing heads, respectively for a plurality of colors, according to the width of the surface to be printed; means for moving the printing unit along an area of displacement over the surface of the material panel held in place; and means for preventing air turbulences in the area of displacement of the printing unit. Air turbulences in the path of displacement of the printing unit, along the edges of the material panel, are prevented by the passage of air guiding devices.

Abstract: A method and a printing device for printing surfaces of material panels, especially wood panels, with a multi-color image. The printing unit is moved to a cleaning position above a cleaning device or to a partial cleaning position above a partial cleaning device, the cleaning position or the partial cleaning position being arranged along the path of displacement; and a cleaning cycle is carried out for the printing unit and/or a partial cleaning process is carried out, during which the little-used or unused nozzles of the printing heads dispense small drops of ink.

Abstract: A printing device and method for printing surfaces of material panels, especially wood panels, with a multi-color image. The printing unit is accelerated out of an idle position, according to a pre-defined acceleration profile, to a pre-determined working speed VDruck, before the printing unit passes over the material panel along the path of displacement. The printing unit is moved during the printing process at a constant speed VDruck and then brakes according to a pre-defined deceleration profile, until it comes to a standstill and then moves back into the idle position.

Abstract: A device and method for printing surfaces of material panels, especially wood panels, with a multi-color image. The printing device includes a collision prevention system, a sensor arranged on the printing unit identifying objects that may appear on the surface of the material panel, the identification of an object causing the means for moving the printing unit to have an immediate braking reaction and/or causing the printing unit to move upwards, out of the way, by means of lifting means. The sensor, arranged in the printing direction at a distance from the printing unit, as a wire, thread or contact plate, identifies the object by contact by vibrations or contact pressure.