A deposition device is described. The deposition device has a substrate support and a laser imaging system disposed to image a portion of a substrate positioned on the substrate support. The laser imaging system comprises a laser source and an imaging unit, and is coupled to a deposition assembly disposed across the substrate support.

A deposition device is described. The deposition device has a substrate support and a laser imaging system disposed to image a portion of a substrate positioned on the substrate support. The laser imaging system comprises a laser source and an imaging unit, and is coupled to a deposition assembly disposed across the substrate support.

Glass printing machine with continuous glass transport comprising a loading station (1), viewing means (2) or a mechanical positioning system, a printing bridge (3), and an unloading station (4), where the machine comprises an upper level (9) arranged above a lower level (10), with a series of carriages (11) running continuously driven by linear motors (6) in one direction on the upper level (9) and in the opposite direction on the lower level (10); to achieve this change of direction, a first vertical drive (7) in the loading station (1) lifts the carriages (11) from the lower level (10) to the upper level (9) and a second vertical drive (8) in the unloading station (4) lowers the carriages (11) from the upper level (9) to the lower level (10). Achieving a machine with a precision of less than 0.1 mm that can be used for large loads.

Glass printing machine with continuous glass transport comprising a loading station (1), viewing means (2) or a mechanical positioning system, a printing bridge (3), and an unloading station (4), where the machine comprises an upper level (9) arranged above a lower level (10), with a series of carriages (11) running continuously driven by linear motors (6) in one direction on the upper level (9) and in the opposite direction on the lower level (10); to achieve this change of direction, a first vertical drive (7) in the loading station (1) lifts the carriages (11) from the lower level (10) to the upper level (9) and a second vertical drive (8) in the unloading station (4) lowers the carriages (11) from the upper level (9) to the lower level (10). Achieving a machine with a precision of less than 0.1 mm that can be used for large loads.

A liquid discharge apparatus includes a carriage (1), a liquid discharge head (300, 300C, 300K, 300M, 300Y, 300S, 300W) having a discharge port (P1, P2), a first driver (92), and a second driver (93). The carriage is movable along at least one of a first axis (X) and a second axis (Y) intersecting the first axis. The liquid discharge head is held by the carriage and discharges a liquid from the discharge port toward an object (100) in a direction along a third axis (Z) intersecting the first axis and the second axis. The first driver moves the carriage along the third axis. The second driver moves the liquid discharge head along the third axis relative to the carriage.

Fluid printing apparatus including substrate, print head, pneumatic system, and print head positioning system. The print head ejects fluid in a continuous stream with a micro-structural fluid ejector consisting of output, elongate input, and tapering portions between the output and elongate input portions. The output portion consists of an exit orifice of an inner diameter ranging between 0.1 μm and 5 μm and an end face having a surface roughness of less than 0.1 μm. The print head is positioned above the substrate with the output portion of the micro-structural fluid ejector pointing downward. During printing, the print head positioning system maintains a vertical distance between the end face and the printable surface of the substrate within a range of 0 μm to 5 μm, and the pneumatic system applies pressure to the fluid in the micro-structural fluid ejector in the range of −50,000 Pa to 1,000,000 Pa.

Fluid printing apparatus including substrate, print head, pneumatic system, and print head positioning system. The print head ejects fluid in a continuous stream with a micro-structural fluid ejector consisting of output, elongate input, and tapering portions between the output and elongate input portions. The output portion consists of an exit orifice of an inner diameter ranging between 0.1 μm and 5 μm and an end face having a surface roughness of less than 0.1 μm. The print head is positioned above the substrate with the output portion of the micro-structural fluid ejector pointing downward. During printing, the print head positioning system maintains a vertical distance between the end face and the printable surface of the substrate within a range of 0 μm to 5 μm, and the pneumatic system applies pressure to the fluid in the micro-structural fluid ejector in the range of −50,000 Pa to 1,000,000 Pa.

Edge hold down (EHD) systems are described herein that enable high print quality to be achieved more consistently, particularly when using substrates that are rigid or include one or more defects. Each EHD system includes a tensioned band for holding down an edge of a substrate as it passes through a printer assembly without impacting the print area. The tensioned band can be affixed between an entry tension assembly and an exit tension assembly disposed downstream of the entry tension assembly in the media feed direction. The tensioned band holds the substrate substantially flat against a transfer belt during printing by applying pressure to the surface of the substrate. The tensioned band generally contacts the surface of the substrate substantially proximate to an outer edge that is parallel to the media feed direction.

Disclosed are printer vacuum tables, and corresponding systems and methods for their use, in which the printer vacuum tables include multiple zones to apply vacuum, to hold a variety of media types and thicknesses within a given flatness range, to allow high definition printing. The vacuum zones run in the print direction, and each can be controlled for vacuum on and off. In an illustrative embodiment, the vacuum zones include one or more vacuum zones that are fixed with respect to a printer vacuum table surface, and one or more variable vacuum zones that are movable with respect to the printer vacuum table surface. One or more of the vacuum zones can be turned off if the print media does not cover the zone, such as to prevent leakage, and to provide more consistent vacuum hold down, regardless of media size or width.

A method is provided for printing onto a décor paper and/or foil that may be suitable for being used in decorative panels. The method may involve providing a printable substrate. A pattern may be printed on the printable substrate by ejecting droplets of ink by means of at least one inkjet printing head that may include one or more nozzles. After a first predetermined time period, the printing operation may be interrupted for a second predetermined time period and/or a controlling frequency of the printhead may be changed for a second predetermined time period.