An integrated system for treating a thread and using the treated thread, comprising: a thread treatment machine for treating a thread or portions thereof; a thread applicator configured for using the treated thread such as a stitching machine of 3D printer; at least one mechanism for collecting and trimming thread portions; and a control unit, configured for controlling at least the thread treatment machine, the thread applicator and the collecting and trimming mechanism and for coordinating the treatment of the thread with the operation of the thread applicator, wherein the control unit is further configured for controlling the collecting and trimming mechanism for collecting untreated thread edge portions for allowing using only treated thread portions.

A liquid discharge apparatus includes a head including a nozzle plate having a plurality of nozzles lined in a row and configured to discharge a liquid, a conveyor configured to convey the liquid application target, and a liquid receptacle configured to receive the liquid discharged from the head. The conveyor defines a conveyance passage of a liquid application target to which the head applies the liquid. The liquid receptacle has an opening through which the liquid discharged from the head passes. A longitudinal direction of the opening is along a movement direction of the liquid application target. A width of the opening is greater than a width of the liquid application target in a direction orthogonal to the movement direction.

A liquid discharge apparatus includes a head including a nozzle plate having a plurality of nozzles lined in a row and configured to discharge a liquid, a conveyor configured to convey the liquid application target, and a liquid receptacle configured to receive the liquid discharged from the head. The conveyor defines a conveyance passage of a liquid application target to which the head applies the liquid. The liquid receptacle has an opening through which the liquid discharged from the head passes. A longitudinal direction of the opening is along a movement direction of the liquid application target. A width of the opening is greater than a width of the liquid application target in a direction orthogonal to the movement direction.

An embroidery data creation apparatus includes circuitry. The circuitry creates embroidery data based on an embroidery image, the embroidery image being a source of embroidery to be performed according to the embroidery data using a thread to which multiple colors are applied, the embroidery data being created such that, in an area involving change in a color in the embroidery image, the embroidery is advanced in a first direction being a direction in which a change in the color is smaller than a change in the color in a second direction in which the color changes. The circuitry outputs the created embroidery data.

An embroidery data creation apparatus includes circuitry. The circuitry creates embroidery data based on an embroidery image, the embroidery image being a source of embroidery to be performed according to the embroidery data using a thread to which multiple colors are applied, the embroidery data being created such that, in an area involving change in a color in the embroidery image, the embroidery is advanced in a first direction being a direction in which a change in the color is smaller than a change in the color in a second direction in which the color changes. The circuitry outputs the created embroidery data.

A system for in-line treatment of thread for use with a thread consuming device is provided. The system includes a treatment unit having a plurality of nozzles arranged at different positions relative the thread, said thread being in motion in use, each nozzle being configured to dispense one or more coating substances onto the thread when activated; and a control unit configured to activate at least two of the nozzles to dispense the coating substance at different circumferential positions of the thread when the thread twists along its longitudinal axis.

A system for in-line treatment of thread for use with a thread consuming device is provided. The system includes a treatment unit having a plurality of nozzles arranged at different positions relative the thread, said thread being in motion in use, each nozzle being configured to dispense one or more coating substances onto the thread when activated; and a control unit configured to activate at least two of the nozzles to dispense the coating substance at different circumferential positions of the thread when the thread twists along its longitudinal axis.

An article of manufacture, comprising, an artifact formed from at least a portion of at least one continuous artifact fiber, the artifact fiber dyed by a first digitally controlled dyeing process to exhibit a visible first color section and a visible color gradient section transitioning from and visibly distinguishable from the first color section; and, a textile portion, comprising at least one dyed fiber that has been dyed by a second digitally controlled dyeing process; wherein said artifact fiber is dyed by the first dyeing process applying metadata, said metadata relating to at least said first color, and wherein said textile portion fiber is dyed at least said first color by the second dyeing process applying said metadata.

An article of manufacture, comprising, an artifact formed from at least a portion of at least one continuous artifact fiber, the artifact fiber dyed by a first digitally controlled dyeing process to exhibit a visible first color section and a visible color gradient section transitioning from and visibly distinguishable from the first color section; and, a textile portion, comprising at least one dyed fiber that has been dyed by a second digitally controlled dyeing process; wherein said artifact fiber is dyed by the first dyeing process applying metadata, said metadata relating to at least said first color, and wherein said textile portion fiber is dyed at least said first color by the second dyeing process applying said metadata.

A system and method of printing on a strand element with a printer head. The printer head includes a conduit and a cavity formed within the conduit, wherein the cavity is configured to receive the strand element and pass the strand element from a first end of the cavity to a second end of the cavity. The printer head also includes a first set of fluid nozzles formed on the conduit and positioned on a perimeter of the cavity around a first target location within the cavity, wherein each of the fluid nozzles in the first set is positioned to aim at the first target location, and the first target location corresponds to a location of a first segment of the strand element when the strand element is positioned within the cavity.