A printing apparatus includes a conveyance unit configured to convey a medium, a suction unit configured to suction the medium, a control unit configured to control the conveyance unit and the suction unit, and a communication interface configured to communicate with a server apparatus. The control unit performs preliminary conveyance in which the conveyance unit conveys the medium in a state where the suction unit performs suction, measures a load determination value that changes in accordance with a conveyance load of the medium in the preliminary conveyance, acquires a conveyance load coefficient on a basis of the load determination value and a suction force of the suction unit, and transmits, to the server apparatus through the communication interface, the conveyance load coefficient or parameter determination information, together with medium type information about a type of the medium. the parameter determination information includes the load determination value and the suction force.

A low cost and low air resistance belt support structure for an endless belt conveyor of an inkjet printer can be achieved with the belt support structure being provided over a suction chamber. The belt support structure includes a plurality of longitudinal, narrow support beams positioned spaced apart from one another and parallel to one another in a transport direction of the belt to define a flat support plane for the belt. The support beams provides a relatively small contact area with the belt, which results in low friction The support beams further allow for a relatively large open area between them to achieve a low air resistance.

A sheet conveyor includes a conveyance belt configured to convey a sheet on a first surface of the conveyance belt in a conveyance direction, a suction device configured to suck the sheet onto the conveyance belt via the conveyance belt, and multiple supports between the conveyance belt and the suction device in a vertical direction, the multiple supports configured to support a second surface of the conveyance belt. A longitudinal direction of each of the multiple supports is parallel to a direction intersecting the conveyance direction, and the multiple supports are arrayed in the conveyance direction.

The present invention relates to a continuous printing apparatus using a vacuum suction roller, and it is to provide a continuous printing apparatus and method using a vacuum suction roller capable of reducing costs and improving productivity by continuously printing on the surface of a woven fabric using the vacuum suction roller.

A printing system comprises a print fluid deposition assembly, a media transport device, and an air flow control system. The print fluid deposition assembly comprises a carrier plate and a printhead to eject a print fluid through an opening of the carrier plate to a deposition region. The media transport device holds a print medium against the movable support surface by vacuum suction and transports the print medium through the deposition region. The air flow control system comprises an air supply unit comprising an airflow guide structure extending into the opening of the carrier plate, the airflow guide structure configured to flow air at a direction aimed under the printhead and at an oblique angle relative to the movable support surface. The air flow control system controls the air supply unit to selectively flow the air based on a location of a print medium relative to the printhead.

A drop-on-demand plastic card printer includes a tray disposed underneath the plastic card during drop-on-demand printing to catch any overspray that may occur during printing on the plastic card. The tray may be disposable so that the tray is intended to be removed and disposed of. An ink absorbent pad can be disposed in the tray to absorb the oversprayed ink. The ink absorbent pad can be disposed of along with the tray or disposed of separately from the tray.

A system to carry print media through a print zone in a printer. In one example, the system includes an endless conveyor belt in a loop, a driver operatively connected to the conveyor belt under the print zone to circulate the conveyor belt through the print zone, an encoder operatively connected to the driver under the print zone to measure movement of the conveyor belt in the print zone indirectly through the driver, and a controller programmed to control the driver based on measurements from the encoder.

A direct heat vacuum platen having a main case with an open top portion, a print surface having a main top configured to fit over the open top portion of the main case, the main top having a rectangular arrangement of suction ports configured to secure an above print substrate using suction provided from vacuum fans attached to the main case, heating elements attached to a bottom portion of the main top, a thermoregulator having a thermostat controller attached to temperature sensors and the heating elements within the main case, and a power controller having a power slot attached to a power switch and main fuse holder, a fan fuse holder, the thermostat controller and the suction fans. The suction ports are configured to hold a print substrate of a desired size. The usage of the internal vacuum fans reduces noise and power usage when compared to external vacuum apparatuses.

A transport device for transporting printing substrates includes a conveyor belt that is supported on its inner side by revolving profiles. Each profile has grooves, at least one of which has a first bore and a second bore. A vacuum is applied to the first bore and the second bore is in air-conducting connection with a longitudinal groove in a slide so that suction air flows out of the longitudinal groove, through the at least one groove and into the first bore. A printing machine is also provided.

An inkjet printer (500) for printing on cloth (300) comprising a first vacuum belt (150) for conveying an unwoven fabric (200) which is, configured as a second vacuum belt, for conveying under an inkjet print head (505) a cloth (300); and a device for applying pressure to said cloth (300) on said second vacuum belt; wherein said device comprises a portion for traversing said cloth (300) with a rub by a relative movement between said pressure device and said second vacuum belt, carrying said cloth (300).