This disclosure describes substrate(s) formed with a three-dimensional (3D) feature thereon, and method(s) of printing the same. One method includes identifying a plurality of locations on a substrate surface where the three-dimensional feature will be formed, determining a height value of the three-dimensional feature at each location, assigning a grayscale value to each location based on the height value, and applying ink to the substrate surface at each location according to the assigned grayscale value.

A staged printing system includes: a printing station for printing an image upon an object; a curing station, operatively connected to the printing station, for curing the image printed upon the object; and a pretreatment station, operatively connected to the printing station, for pretreating the object before printing an image upon the object. The printing station includes a plurality of vertically mounted print heads for ejecting ink and a rotating platform for rotating the object as the plurality of vertically mounted print heads eject ink upon the object.

A detection segment for use in a device for printing on containers includes an image-capturing device that optically detects a container feature and a sensor interface that interfaces with a sensor that uses a code provided on a retaining-and-centering unit that holds a container to determine a rotational position of that container. A computer connects to the image-capturing device and the sensor unit. The computer determines an alignment variable based on the code and the detected container feature and then forwards this alignment variable to a printer segment on a printer module.

A measurement system includes a measurement device to detect measurement information relating to a position-modifiable component of a printing station during movement thereof. A calculation unit receives the measurement information from the measurement device. The calculation unit determines actual-position data of the position-modifiable component from the measurement data received and compares it with predetermined reference-position data to determine calibration information based on the actual-position data and the reference-position data. An interface permits then permits transfer of this calibration information.

A laser processing system includes: a first light irradiator including: a first light emitter to emit first laser light; and a first light scanner to scan a first region of a workpiece with the first laser light emitted from the first light emitter; a second light irradiator including: a second light emitter to emit second laser light; and a second light scanner to scan a second region different from the first region of the workpiece with the second laser light emitted from the second light emitter. The first light irradiator emits the first laser light to the first region of the workpiece in a first irradiation direction, the second light irradiator emits the second laser light to the second region of the workpiece in a second irradiation direction opposite to the first irradiation direction.

A method for manufacturing a beverage use can, which is provided with a cylindrical part with one end portion and the other end portion, a bottom part positioned at the one end portion of the cylindrical part, the bottom part having an outer circumferential surface with an outer diameter gradually increasing with a move toward the other end portion of the cylindrical part, includes a protection layer forming process applying ink to the outer circumferential surface of the bottom part to form a protection layer on the outer circumferential surface.

A can body that has been subjected to outer surface painting (OV), inner surface painting (INS), and a neck process (SDN) but that has not been subjected to image formation is manufactured in a canning factory. The can body that has not been subjected to image formation is shipped to a beverage can manufacturing factory. At the beverage can manufacturing factory, an image formation process using a printer (PR) is performed. Specifically, ink is ejected from an inkjet head toward the can body, to thereby form an image on the outer circumferential surface of the can body. Thereafter, the can body is filled with beverage in a filler (FL), and then a can lid is attached to the can body in a seamer (SM).

The present invention is directed to a glass container having an outer glass surface with an inkjet printed image provided on said surface, characterized in that a CEC with a thickness between 0 to 20 nm is present between the outer glass surface and the inkjet printed image. Such glass container is preferably a one-way beverage bottle. In addition, the present invention is directed to a method of inkjet printing an image on a glass container comprising the steps of: a) manufacturing a glass container having a CEC layer; b) removing at least part of the CEC layer to a level wherein the remaining CEC layer has a thickness of 0 to 20 nm; c) inkjet printing an image on the glass container

A process is disclosed for creating a print profile to control the operation of a direct-to-shape printing system for applying images on the exterior of an axially symmetrical media object that has a contoured, varying exterior surface, such as occurs on curved wine bottles and sports equipment like bats. The process takes a media recipe holding media geometry information and an image intended to be printed and processes that information to control a motion control subsystem and a print engine subsystem. The geometry information is manipulated to generate a CAM table suitable for the motion control subsystem, and the image file is processed to create a raster image file suitable for ink head expression. Various setup values are included in the process to prepare the direct-to-shape printing system for use of the media recipe.

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.