A machine for decorating items with granular materials, including at least one transportation device, adapted to convey the items to be decorated along a feed direction (A) and a feed orientation (V), and at least one decoration assembly of the items (P), supported above the transportation device and adapted to deposit, on the surface of each item (P), a certain quantity of granular material (M) so as to achieve a determined aesthetic effect. The decoration assembly includes a first module for dispensing adhesive fluid, of the type provided with heads with dispensing nozzles, adapted to dispense at least a first layer of adhesive fluid on the surface of the item (P) to be decorated according to a specific decorative pattern or motif, and at least one supplying device of granular material.

A machine for decorating items with granular materials, including at least one transportation device, adapted to convey the items to be decorated along a feed direction (A) and a feed orientation (V), and at least one decoration assembly of the items (P), supported above the transportation device and adapted to deposit, on the surface of each item (P), a certain quantity of granular material (M) so as to achieve a determined aesthetic effect. The decoration assembly includes a first module for dispensing adhesive fluid, of the type provided with heads with dispensing nozzles, adapted to dispense at least a first layer of adhesive fluid on the surface of the item (P) to be decorated according to a specific decorative pattern or motif, and at least one supplying device of granular material.

A machine for the digital decoration of products with granular materials and the like, comprises: a basic frame; at least one supporting surface for supporting at least one product to be decorated associated with the basic frame; at least a first digital printing head adapted to apply at least a first layer of fluid adhesive material on the surface of the product to be decorated; a deposition component/device/unit/circuit or the like of a granular material on the first layer of adhesive material; a removal component/device/unit/circuit or the like of the excess granular material; at least a second digital printing head adapted to apply at least a second layer of fluid adhesive material on top of the granular material, the second printing head being positioned between the deposition component/device/unit/circuit or the like and the removal component/device/unit/circuit or the like.

A method for producing microencapsulated fuel pebble fuel more rapidly and with a matrix that engenders added safety attributes. The method includes coating fuel particles with ceramic powder; placing the coated fuel particles in a first die; applying a first current and a first pressure to the first die so as to form a fuel pebble by direct current sintering. The method may further include removing the fuel pebble from the first die and placing the fuel pebble within a bed of non-fueled matrix ceramic in a second die; and applying a second current and a second pressure to the second die so as to form a composite fuel pebble.

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.

An image identification method for printing on rigid substrates includes the steps of: defining a digital graphic design representative of a rigid substrate to be produced; spreading a soft layer of granular or powder ceramic material on a deposition surface; pressing the soft layer to obtain a compacted layer; acquiring a real image of the compacted layer, detecting keypoints of the real image; comparing the keypoints of the real image with keypoints of an image obtained or derived from the digital graphic design; and calculating a portion of the digital graphic design corresponding to a portion of the real image. An image identification system for printing implementing the described method and a corresponding printing method/system are also described.

An image identification method for printing on rigid substrates includes the steps of: defining a digital graphic design representative of a rigid substrate to be produced; spreading a soft layer of granular or powder ceramic material on a deposition surface; pressing the soft layer to obtain a compacted layer; acquiring a real image of the compacted layer, detecting keypoints of the real image; comparing the keypoints of the real image with keypoints of an image obtained or derived from the digital graphic design; and calculating a portion of the digital graphic design corresponding to a portion of the real image. An image identification system for printing implementing the described method and a corresponding printing method/system are also described.

A three-dimensional printing system and equipment assembly for the manufacture of three-dimensionally printed articles is provided. The equipment assembly includes a three-dimensional printing build system, an optional liquid removal system and an optional harvester system. The build system includes a conveyor, plural build modules and at least one build station having a powder-layering system and a printing system. The equipment assembly can be used to manufacture pharmaceutical, medical, and non-pharmaceutical/non-medical objects. It can be used to prepare single or multiple articles.

A three-dimensional printing system and equipment assembly for the manufacture of three-dimensionally printed articles is provided. The equipment assembly includes a three-dimensional printing build system, an optional liquid removal system and an optional harvester system. The build system includes a conveyor, plural build modules and at least one build station having a powder-layering system and a printing system. The equipment assembly can be used to manufacture pharmaceutical, medical, and non-pharmaceutical/non-medical objects. It can be used to prepare single or multiple articles.