The present invention is aimed to design an invented portable laser marking apparatus with a mini size body, which includes several modules received in a single body for providing improved utility. That is, the present invention includes a laser control module, a marking module, a plug-in computer module, and a power supply module. All modules are easily assembled in the apparatus to become a portable single mini body, which can then be provided with a panel thereon. Therefore, by use of the single mini apparatus according to the present invention, users can operate the laser marking apparatus easily and obtain the design effect of the invention.

An inline printing system comprising: a substrate feeder; an adhesive application station in communication with the substrate feeder and configured to coat a UV adhesive onto the substrate; a pressing station in communication with the adhesive application station and configured to apply laminate to the coated substrate; a UV curing station in communication with the pressing station and configured to cure the laminated substrate coated with the UV adhesive; and a digital print station in communication with the pressing station and configured to print on the laminated substrate.

A process for customization of decoration that allows efficient production of small batches of custom awards medallions, medals and coins, particularly suitable for die cast medal medallions, medals and coins. The invention is also the medallions, medals and coins made by the process.

A method of manufacturing an embossing element for decorative surfaces includes the steps of: a) UV curable inkjet printing a decorative pattern on a metallic surface; and b) forming a relief by etching metal from the metallic surface.

In an embodiment a method includes providing a workpiece, attaching a marking to the workpiece such that the marking is integrally bonded to the workpiece, wherein attaching the marking includes applying at least one raw material for the marking, heating the workpiece with the at least one raw material such that the marking is formed from the at least one raw material and performing a surface treatment of the workpiece at least in an area with the marking, wherein performing the surface treatment includes shot peening, sand blasting or material-removing etching against which the marking is resistant to, wherein the marking remains readable on the workpiece at least until after performing the surface treatment, and wherein the marking has, in at least a part of a near ultraviolet, a visible and/or a near-infrared spectral range relative to the workpiece, at least one of a degree of reflection difference, a reflectance difference or an albedo difference of at least 10 percentage points.

The present invention relates to a digital GLAZE ink, to the method for the preparation thereof and to the use of the digital GLAZE ink for functional and/or decorative coating of a ceramic and/or metallic material.

Art meets technology in this invention of a Metal Greeting Card. Combining the technology of sublimation on metal, and artful images and greetings of all kinds, this invention creates a luminescent metal greeting card that can stand the test of time, as it will withstand exposure to the elements. Metal Greeting Card gives the sender and receiver, both, the reassuring feeling that their thoughts and sentiment expressed by the card, will last exponentially beyond the life span of a paper card. Because the Greeting Card is made of a single sheet of metal, and has been determined by the U.S. Postal Service as approved to send through the mail, with or without an envelope, and that it will last longer than paper, makes it superior to its predecessors, paper and mixed element/paper greeting cards. It is simplicity in form; one piece of metal, two-sided with an image on one side and a greeting or note on the other side, yet it is technologically complex using the sublimation process on metal. This metal greeting card delivers an iridescent and beautiful greeting and can be displayed as one would any piece of art.

A method is provided for printing a surface of a non-absorbent substrate with an ink to be applied by an inkjet printing device. An ink that contains water as a solvent is used for printing the substrate. An ink having a water content of at least 70% is used. The substrate to be printed is supported by a workpiece support and is moved relative to the inkjet printing device. During this relative movement, ink is applied by the inkjet printing device to the surface of the substrate to be printed. The ink that is applied to the surface of the substrate is heated to a temperature that is above the temperature of the air surrounding the substrate and that is below the boiling point of the solvent contained in the ink. Above a liquid phase of the ink, a vapor layer, consisting of the solvent that is contained in the ink, is formed. The vapor layer that is formed above the liquid phase of the ink is transported away by an air flow emitted by at least one blower nozzle unit. The air output by the respective blower nozzle unit is heated or is dehumidified beforehand. A digital printing press is provided for carrying out this method.

System and method for the identification of a mechanical component, in particular a bearing or a hub bearing unit of a vehicle or a ring thereof, consisting of a marking applied directly onto an exposed surface of the mechanical component, performed using a photopolymerizable ceramic ink which is printed on the exposed surface by an inkjet printer having a resolution equal to, or greater than, 700 dpi and which is at least partly vitrified using a heat treatment at a temperature equal to or higher than 700° C., preferably after fixing of the ceramic ink on the exposed surface by UV irradiation.

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.