Abstract: A thermal transfer flat bed printer that is configured for printing on flat objects includes a removable cylinder print module that is installed between a print head and the flat bed. The cylinder print module includes an alignment mechanism that engages with an alignment subsystem that moves with the print head and is separated from the print head by a predetermined distance. The engagement between the alignment mechanism and the alignment subsystem positions the module relative to the print head such that a cylindrical object supported by the module is in precise alignment with the print head, to within the tight tolerances associated with cylinder printing. The cylinder print module, which rests on but does not attach to the printer flat bed, includes rollers that are arranged to both support the cylindrical object and control the rotation of the cylindrical object, to maintain the cylindrical object in precise alignment with the print head during a cylinder print operation.

Abstract: A thermal transfer flat bed printer that is configured for printing on flat objects includes a removable cylinder print module that is installed between a print head and the flat bed. The cylinder print module includes an alignment mechanism that engages with an alignment subsystem that moves with the print head and is separated from the print head by a predetermined distance. The engagement between the alignment mechanism and the alignment subsystem positions the module relative to the print head such that a cylindrical object supported by the module is in precise alignment with the print head, to within the tight tolerances associated with cylinder printing. The cylinder print module, which rests on but does not attach to the printer flat bed, includes rollers that are arranged to both support the cylindrical object and control the rotation of the cylindrical object, to maintain the cylindrical object in precise alignment with the print head during a cylinder print operation.