The present invention relates to a print method. In the print method, a first layer of ink is deposited and cured before a second layer is applied. The present invention further relates to a software product. The present invention also relates to an inkjet printing apparatus.

An inkjet ink includes pigment, dispersing agent, fixing agent, binder and water. The binder is selected from polyurethanes of a low acid value, the dispersing agent has a low acid value, and the fixing agent is a multivalent calcium salt used in a low concentration. The inkjet ink is easy to apply by using commercial inkjet printing presses, has high storage stability, adheres to surfaces that do not absorb water, exhibits high resistance to wiping and is very advantageously capable of being overprinted by other water-based inkjet inks. A printing process is also provided.

A method for producing a printed material includes an application step of applying a radiation-curable ink composition onto a shrink film, and a curing step of irradiating the radiation-curable ink composition on the shrink film with radiation to form a cured ink coating, thus obtaining a printed material. The radiation-curable ink composition contains one or more polymerizable compounds whose weighted average glass transition temperature is 20° C. to 70° C.

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.

A heating device includes a conveyor configured to convey a sheet, the sheet having a first surface on which a liquid is applied and a second surface contacting the conveyor, a first heater facing the first surface opposite to the second surface of the sheet, the first heater configured to heat the sheet, and a second heater configured to heat the conveyor.

A printer includes: a head; a lamp; a condenser lens; a platen; and a lamp cover. The head is configured to eject a light-curable ink onto a printing object. The lamp is movable relative to the printing object in a main scanning direction, and is configured to emit light to irradiate the printing object. The condenser lens is configured to focus the light emitted from the lamp. The platen is configured to support the printing object and to move in a sub scanning direction relative to the head. The lamp cover has translucency, and includes one end portion and the other end portion in the sub scanning direction. Each of the one end portion and the other end portion has an adjustment part. The adjustment part is configured to adjust the light transmitted through the lamp cover by blocking part of the light or diffusing the light.

A dielectric ink composition includes an epoxy precursor and a photoacid generator. The dielectric ink composition is aerosolable and ultraviolet (UV) curable.

A DOD print station has at least one DOD print head that applies radiation curable material, to a surface of an identification document. A curing station is adjacent to the DOD print station. The curing station includes at least one radiation emitting device, for example a UV light emitting device, that cures the radiation curable material applied to the surface. The curing station is configured to prevent stray radiation emitted from the radiation emitting device from impinging on the DOD print head(s) and prevent exposure to the operator of the DOD print station.

A printing machine includes an inkjet printing head having separately controllable nozzles for applying ink to a transported printing material, a radiation drier having radiation sources for generating electromagnetic radiation to at least partly dry and/or cure the applied ink on the transported printing material and at least one light trap disposed between the inkjet printing head and the radiation drier in such a way that the light trap forms a barrier for reflected and/or scattered radiation, thus protecting the inkjet printing head from radiation. The light trap includes at least one channel connected to an aspiration device for aspirating contaminated ambient air through the channel and reducing or preventing contamination of the radiation drier.

A method of packaging an outdoor product includes providing an outdoor product, and providing a sheet of polyvinyl chloride (“PVC”). The method also includes printing indicia on the sheet of PVC using a UV printing process, cutting the sheet of PVC to a desired shape, and affixing the sheet of PVC to the outdoor product.