A technique is described for the application of three-dimensional (3D) relief to a substrate such as a ceramic tile using digital inkjet technology. In an example embodiment, the introduced technique includes application of binder ink to a portion of the surface of a substrate using a digital inkjet process. This binder ink forms a barrier layer which protects the portion of the surface of the substrate. Next, a brushing process is applied to remove unprotected portions of the substrate, thereby forming the 3D relief in the substrate.

Disclosed herein are tiles, systems, and methods related to manufacturing bullnose or other non-straight edge tiles. In a method of manufacturing a bullnose tile, the method comprises the steps of providing a tile, wherein said tile is a fired ceramic tile comprising a base and a decoration; cutting or milling the tile to form a bullnose edge; transporting the tile to at least a first printing station; printing at least one print layer of print media on the bullnose edge; transporting the tile to a curing station and curing the print media to provide the bullnose tile.

A method for manufacturing an engineered stone, the method including: providing a mixture comprising at least a stone or stone like material and a binder; compacting the mixture; curing the binder; and printing on at least a top surface of the engineered stone.

A machine and method for the surface treatment of a base ceramic article having at least one surface to be treated; wherein a first printing assembly applies a first layer of adhesive material on at least part of the surface to be treated; a first depositing assembly deposits a second layer of powder material on at least part of the first layer so as to remain stuck to the first layer; and a second printing assembly applies a third layer, which comprises (in particular, consisting of) an adhesive and/or covering material, on at least part of the second layer.

An imprinting film for a building material, and a system and method for use of the same are disclosed. In one embodiment of the imprinting film, a transparent film has first and second imprinting states. In the first imprinting state, a first side of the transparent film includes a pigment photomask defining an image and a second side includes a mold receiving surface. In the second imprinting state, the second side includes a relief of the image on the mold receiving surface. The mold receiving surface is configured to receive a molding material and the molding material hardening into the building material. The transparent film transitions from the first imprinting state to the second imprinting state in response to the second side being coated with a light-sensitive, non-laminate adhesive layer and a light source irradiating the first side.

A method for manufacturing an engineered stone, the method including: providing a mixture comprising at least a stone or stone like material and a binder; compacting the mixture; curing the binder; and further comprising printing a printed pattern on at least a top surface of the engineered stone.

A carrying case for a portable electronic device is disclosed. Generally speaking, the protective case for a portable electronic device comprises a body section having a back surface and upturned sides, and a rim affixed to an edge of the upturned sides of the body sections, the rim defining an open area. Preferably, the body section is comprised of contrasting colors and forms a cavity defined by the back surface and the upturned sides. Further, the body section and the rim are preferably formed of the same material. A second protective section may be used to form a protective shell-like structure about the electronic device.

A machine for the digital decoration of products with granular materials and the like, comprises: a basic frame; at least one supporting surface for supporting at least one product to be decorated associated with the basic frame; at least a first digital printing head adapted to apply at least a first layer of fluid adhesive material on the surface of the product to be decorated; a deposition component/device/unit/circuit or the like of a granular material on the first layer of adhesive material; a removal component/device/unit/circuit or the like of the excess granular material; at least a second digital printing head adapted to apply at least a second layer of fluid adhesive material on top of the granular material, the second printing head being positioned between the deposition component/device/unit/circuit or the like and the removal component/device/unit/circuit or the like.

A method for manufacturing a bullnose tile comprising the steps of: providing a ceramic tile that comprises a base body made of a ceramic material, wherein the base body has a main surface and a bullnose edge; providing a decorative layer on top of said bullnose edge, by inkjet printing a curable ink to form a dcor; curing said curable ink; wherein said curable ink, after printing, is in direct contact with the ceramic material of the base body.

A decorating machine particularly for the decoration of ceramic products, and a method for realizing a belt for decorating said ceramic products, wherein the machine comprises: a closed loop belt (3) for the transfer of a decoration (9) on a receiving surface (11) of a ceramic product; a plurality of conveyor rollers (2) about which said belt (3) is wound and moved in rotation; at least one of said conveyor rollers (2) comprises a central portion (12) and two end portions (14) opposite one another, at least one of said end portions (14) being free in rotation with respect to the other said portions (12, 14).