Apparatus related to marking a metal surface are provided. The solution comprises receiving (600) control data comprising information on the marking of a pattern on the metal surface; controlling (604, 606) a temperature control unit and a gas unit to produce a temperature and atmosphere in space under a cover on the basis of the control data; controlling (602) the focus and bandwidth of a laser marking unit on the basis of the control data to produce the pattern defined in the control data on the metal surface; and controlling (608) a coating unit on the basis of the control data to produce a coating on the metal surface.

Apparatus related to marking a metal surface are provided. The solution comprises receiving (600) control data comprising information on the marking of a pattern on the metal surface; controlling (604, 606) a temperature control unit and a gas unit to produce a temperature and atmosphere in space under a cover on the basis of the control data; controlling (602) the focus and bandwidth of a laser marking unit on the basis of the control data to produce the pattern defined in the control data on the metal surface; and controlling (608) a coating unit on the basis of the control data to produce a coating on the metal surface.

Techniques and devices are disclosed for fabrication layout device. The device includes a table with a work surface. The work surface being a continuous surface and configured to support a plurality of railing pieces for fabrication of a railing assembly. The device further includes a beam located above the work surface. The beam is operatively coupled to the table, such that the beam moves relative to the work surface in a first direction. Attached to the beam is an ink dispenser. The ink dispenser is configured to move along the beam in a second direction different from the first direction. The ink dispenser is further configured to dispense ink onto the work surface of the table in the form of a pattern of the railing assembly. Railing pieces are positioned on the pattern so that they can be assembled to one another.

Techniques and devices are disclosed for fabrication layout device. The device includes a table with a work surface. The work surface being a continuous surface and configured to support a plurality of railing pieces for fabrication of a railing assembly. The device further includes a beam located above the work surface. The beam is operatively coupled to the table, such that the beam moves relative to the work surface in a first direction. Attached to the beam is an ink dispenser. The ink dispenser is configured to move along the beam in a second direction different from the first direction. The ink dispenser is further configured to dispense ink onto the work surface of the table in the form of a pattern of the railing assembly. Railing pieces are positioned on the pattern so that they can be assembled to one another.

An apparatus and methods of decorating a metallic container are provided. More specifically, the present invention relates to apparatus and methods used to provide a decoration or indicia on a predetermined portion of an outer surface of a metallic container body. The decorator includes at least one digital print unit, a transfer blanket, and a support element. The digital print unit transfers a decorating material to the transfer blanket to form a decoration on the transfer blanket. The support element then moves a metallic container into contact with the transfer blanket. In this manner, the decorating material is transferred to an exterior surface portion of the metallic container to decorate the metallic container. In one embodiment, the digital print unit is an electrophotographic system which transfers a toner material to the transfer blanket. In another embodiment, the digital print unit includes an inkjet print head which transfers an ink to the transfer blanket. Optionally, the decorator may include two or more support elements.

An apparatus and methods of decorating a metallic container are provided. More specifically, the present invention relates to apparatus and methods used to provide a decoration or indicia on a predetermined portion of an outer surface of a metallic container body. The decorator includes at least one digital print unit, a transfer blanket, and a support element. The digital print unit transfers a decorating material to the transfer blanket to form a decoration on the transfer blanket. The support element then moves a metallic container into contact with the transfer blanket. In this manner, the decorating material is transferred to an exterior surface portion of the metallic container to decorate the metallic container. In one embodiment, the digital print unit is an electrophotographic system which transfers a toner material to the transfer blanket. In another embodiment, the digital print unit includes an inkjet print head which transfers an ink to the transfer blanket. Optionally, the decorator may include two or more support elements.

An apparatus (200) and method for preparing a cylindrical object having a protective surface coating, such as a necked can (100), for decorating thereon using a printing technique. According to the method, a primer is applied onto the surface coating, and the primer is then dried to form a surface for decorating the object. The apparatus comprises a priming station (260) for applying a primer onto said surface coating, and a drying station (270) for drying the primer.

A method of marking on sheet metal includes the following steps: preparing marking information in digital format; transmitting the marking information to a marking system's control unit also having a system for driving the sheet metal; a system for braking the sheet; and a marking head; and inserting the sheet metal into the braking system and into the drive system. The method further includes the steps of exerting a drive force on the sheet metal in a drive direction; exerting a braking force on the sheet metal opposing the driving force, so as to tension and flatten the sheet metal; and marking the marking information on the tensioned sheet metal using the marking head, set in a marking plane.

A method of marking on sheet metal includes the following steps: preparing marking information in digital format; transmitting the marking information to a marking system's control unit also having a system for driving the sheet metal; a system for braking the sheet; and a marking head; and inserting the sheet metal into the braking system and into the drive system. The method further includes the steps of exerting a drive force on the sheet metal in a drive direction; exerting a braking force on the sheet metal opposing the driving force, so as to tension and flatten the sheet metal; and marking the marking information on the tensioned sheet metal using the marking head, set in a marking plane.

A printing template for use during an aqueous inkjet printing process in which ink is transferred onto a printable layer. The printing template includes a printable layer having two sides, and a shaped perimeter, the first side defining a printable surface. The printing template further includes a carrier layer sized and configured to entirely encompass the shaped perimeter of the printable layer. The carrier layer includes a first side and a second side opposite the first side. The first side includes an adhesive coating causing the first side of the carrier layer securely associated with the second side of the printable layer during the printing process, and is thereafter allowing removal of the carrier layer from the printable layer after completion of the printing process. Further, a predefined number of parts in a desired shape are die cut through the printable layer up until the carrier layer.