The present invention is a method for measuring the varnish film thickness of a printed article by obtaining the film thickness of varnish on a sheet (1) on which a pattern is printed on a base thereof with ink and the pattern is coated with the varnish, wherein a metal foil (1c) having a smooth surface is attached to the base of the sheet (1), and the film thickness of the varnish coated directly over the metal foil (1c) is detected with a spectral interference-type film thickness meter (81) so as to determine whether the film thickness of the varnish is acceptable or not on the basis of the results detected by the spectral interference-type film thickness meter (81).

The present invention is a method for measuring the varnish film thickness of a printed article by obtaining the film thickness of varnish on a sheet (1) on which a pattern is printed on a base thereof with ink and the pattern is coated with the varnish, wherein a metal foil (1c) having a smooth surface is attached to the base of the sheet (1), and the film thickness of the varnish coated directly over the metal foil (1c) is detected with a spectral interference-type film thickness meter (81) so as to determine whether the film thickness of the varnish is acceptable or not on the basis of the results detected by the spectral interference-type film thickness meter (81).

A method produces a printed product, where the method includes applying a curable composition including a volume expansion agent and a polymerizable compound, to form a volume expansion layer; applying a colorant composition including a colorant, to form a colorant layer; and applying energy to the volume expansion layer and the colorant layer.

Overvarnished aluminum cans which are not usable because of label graphic errors or other reasons are conditioned for reuse by first treating the existing overvarnish to accept an opaque new layer of overvarnish. The opening of the can is engaged with a plug having a pin communicating with a pressurized gas supporting the can on a wheel to supply gas pressure according to the rotational position of the pin. The overvarnished can is pressurized to allow printing an opaque new layer of overvarnish on to the can over the existing overvarnish. The treated can is visually inspected and the internal coating resprayed, and the opaque overvarnish and the internal coating are cured in a final curing oven, the can being then ready for printing of new graphics or sold as a brite, silver or blank can where other graphics can be applied.

Overvarnished aluminum cans which are not usable because of label graphic errors or other reasons are conditioned for reuse by first treating the existing overvarnish to accept an opaque new layer of overvarnish. The opening of the can is engaged with a plug having a pin communicating with a pressurized gas supporting the can on a wheel to supply gas pressure according to the rotational position of the pin. The overvarnished can is pressurized to allow printing an opaque new layer of overvarnish on to the can over the existing overvarnish. The treated can is visually inspected and the internal coating resprayed, and the opaque overvarnish and the internal coating are cured in a final curing oven, the can being then ready for printing of new graphics or sold as a brite, silver or blank can where other graphics can be applied.

A method and machine for the surface decoration of a basic article comprising ceramic material and having a surface and a printing assembly applies an adhesive material digitally and selectively onto a defined area of the surface. A treatment assembly deposits a powder material digitally and selectively in the defined area, and the powder material in excess arranged on the basic article is removed.

A method and machine for the surface decoration of a basic article comprising ceramic material and having a surface and a printing assembly applies an adhesive material digitally and selectively onto a defined area of the surface. A treatment assembly deposits a powder material digitally and selectively in the defined area, and the powder material in excess arranged on the basic article is removed.

A method for safely differentiating a three dimensional object subsequent to its creation and varnish protection by means of applying and sealing a decoration and/or data between the original and a final varnish layers. The three dimensional object may be decorated and/or contain data from its original manufacturing process but it may also be protected by a varnish prior to utilizing this process. The method enables the addition of decoration and data at any time or location subsequent to the original manufacturing process. The process takes place on top of the original varnish and may be subsequently sealed by applying another varnish layer.

A system and method for applying an overcoat to a printed image on a substrate generally includes a radiative source that transmits electromagnetic radiation within a predefined wavelength range to the printed image on the substrate to be absorbed by the printed image and heat the printed image to a predetermined temperature range, a depositing device that deposits an overcoating powder onto the heated printed image, the overcoating powder having a melting point within the predetermined range such that upon deposition thereof, the overcoating powder adheres and/or melts onto the heated printed image, and a residual powder removing device that removes any residual overcoating powder not adhered to the printed image or the substrate.

An image forming apparatus includes a conveyer that conveys a recording medium supporting an image; a softener that softens the image; and a powder applicator that applies powder to the surface of the softened image, in which the applied powder adheres to a range that is narrower in a width direction orthogonal to a conveyance direction of the recording medium conveyed by the conveyer than a maximum width of the image to be supported by the recording medium.