DEVICE AND METHOD FOR PRODUCING A TEXTURED COATING

Abstract

The present invention relates in particular to a method and a device for a spatially resolved production of a location dependent textured coating. The method includes the steps of provisioning a two-dimensional representation, evaluating a data record of the two-dimensional representation, determining local structures of the two-dimensional representation, determining the type and location of at least one texture that is produced on at least one region of the two-dimensional representation, provisioning a fluid coating material, and applying the fluid coating material to at least one region of the two-dimensional representation.

Claims

1. Method to produce a textured coating, in particular to produce a spatially resolved, preferably laterally spatially resolved textured coating, preferably to produce a spatially resolved, location dependent, preferably laterally location dependent textured coating, comprising the following steps: a. Provision of a two-dimensional representation, in particular in the form of an image, wherein the embodiment of the two-dimensional representation is in particular in the form of a photographic image and/or digitized in the form of a data record, b. evaluation of the data record of the two-dimensional representation through information based means, in particular spatially resolved determination of color shade, brightness, saturation, contrast and/or spatial frequency, in particular spatial frequency of the color shade, the saturation, the brightness and/or the contrast, c. so that based thereupon local structures of the two-dimensional representation are determined, d. determining the type and location of at least one texture that is to be produced on at least one region of the two-dimensional representation, preferably through information based means, e. provision of a fluid coating material, in particular a lacquer, f. applying a fluid coating material to the at least one region of the two-dimensional representation, wherein the coating material is applied in a location-dependent manner, preferably in a laterally location dependent manner in such a way that the thickness of the coating and/or the post-treatment of the coating and/or the pre-treatment of the region which is to be coated is specifically adapted to the type of the texture of the coating to be produced in particular to the surface of a coating layer.

2. Method according to claim 1, wherein according to step d. at least one texture to be produced through information based means can be changed and/or is changed

3. Method according to one of the claim 1 or 2, wherein at least one texture in the at least one region of the two-dimensional representation has a visual and/or haptic impression which differs from the visual and/or haptic impression in another region of the two-dimensional representation.

4. Method according to one of the claims 1 to 3, wherein the two-dimensional representation is in the embodiment of a picture file, comprising the step of providing a substrate onto whose surface the two-dimensional representation has been applied or is to be applied or into whose surface the two-dimensional representation was introduced or is to be introduced.

5. Method according to claim 4, comprising the step of applying of the two-dimensional representation onto the surface of the substrate or into the surface of the substrate.

6. Method according to claim 1, wherein the two-dimensional representation is present in a tangible form, comprising the step of scanning the two-dimensional representation in order to obtain a digitized data record, wherein in addition to color information of the two-dimensional representation, the surface texture and/or the height profile of the two-dimensional representation are preferably recorded and converted into texture information which can be transferred by the coating unit.

7. Method according to claim 6, wherein a plurality of same two-dimensional representations are successively covered with a fluid coating material in a spatially resolved manner, and wherein the first of the two-dimensional representations is scanned and based on the evaluation of the data record which is obtained by the scan of the first two-dimensional representation, the application of the fluid coating material occurs onto the texturing of the coating of the successive two-dimensional representations.

8. Method according to one of the claim 6 or 7, wherein scanning occurs by means of a sensor, preferably a color sensor in particular comprising a UV laser diode.

9. Method according to claim 8, comprising a step of converting the color values from one color system, preferably a color system of a three-color space into another color system.

10. Method according to one of the claim 8 or 9, wherein during the scanning process the pixel size is determined, wherein said pixel size is used for the application of the fluid coating material and/or is retained or improved in the location dependent, creation of a texture in the coating.

11. Method according to one of the claims 1 to 10, wherein the fluid coating material comprises a coating, preferably a radically curing coating, especially preferably a UV curing coating, wherein the coating is designed in such a way that the reactivity on the surface of the applied coating film specifically differs from the reactivity in the volume of the applied coating film.

12. Method according to one of the claims 1 to 11, comprising a step of curing of the applied coating, wherein curing occurs preferably in a location dependent manner, in particular the duration of curing and/or the type of curing in different regions of an applied coating and/or in different partial regions of a coating applied to the two-dimensional representation and is always adapted to the type of the texture to be produced.

13. Method according to claim 12, wherein the thickness of the applied coating material is different spatially resolved, preferably laterally spatially resolved and curing occurs in such a way that across the entire surface of the two-dimensional representation the same power is introduced into the coating, preferably by means of a mercury medium pressure emitter.

14. Method according to one of the claim 12 or 14, wherein to irradiate the coating UV-C irradiation with a wavelength of 240 mm and more is introduced into at least one region to be textured in the surface layer of the coating.

15. Method according to one of the claims 12 to 14, wherein irradiation occurs in a location dependent two-step manner in that, in one section of the fluid coating material that was applied onto at least one region of the two-dimensional representation a smaller UV dose which produces micro-folding is administered in a first step and in a second step, the layer in the section of the fluid coating material is completely cured, wherein for both curing steps longer wave UV irradiation is used than that of a UV medium pressure emitter, so that in the irradiated section of the coating a predefined texture of the surface of the coating is obtained which deviates or can deviate from the texture or the textures of the surface in other sections of the coating or in other sections of the coating applied to the two-dimensional representation.

16. Method according to one of the claims 12 to 15, wherein in a first irradiation step micro-folding as well as complete curing can be achieved and wherein the coating material is moreover preferably designed so that the absorption of UV radiation varies over the layer thickness of the applied layer of the fluid coating material.

17. Method according to one of the claims 12 to 16, wherein irradiation of the surface layer and irradiation for the purpose of curing the coating occurs in each case by means of a mercury medium pressure emitter.

18. Method according to one of the claims 12 to 17, wherein the location dependent irradiation of the surface layer for micro-folding occurs in at least one section by means of spatially resolved scanning of the coating surface

19. Method according to claim 18, wherein screening occurs through scanning, in that the surface is scanned line by line and the line is moreover divided into individual image points or pixels and each line respectively is assigned to a forward move of the scanner head.

20. Method according to one of the claims 12 to 19, wherein irradiation occurs by means of UV irradiation in an inert gas atmosphere, preferably a nitrogen atmosphere.

21. Method according to claim 20, wherein the residual oxygen content is less than 5000 ppm, preferably less than 1000 ppm and especially preferably less than 500 ppm.

22. Method according to one of the claims 1 to 21, wherein the application of the fluid coating material occurs by means of a printing process, in particular gravure printing, flexo printing, screen printing, pad printing or inkjet printing.

23. Device to produce a textured coating, in particular to produce a spatially resolved, preferably a laterally spatially resolved textured coating, preferably to produce a spatially resolved location dependent, preferably laterally location dependent textured coating, including: a. preferably a device to accommodate the substrate b. means to transport the substrate between the individual workstations c. preferably means to scan a two-dimensional representation, in particular in the form of a color sensor, preferably in the form of color sensor which comprises a UV laser diode, wherein the means senses spatially resolved parameters of the two-dimensional representation, so that a digitized data record is obtained, and especially preferably means to sense a height profile of a two-dimensional representation, d. informational means to store and/or evaluate a digitized data record of a two-dimensional representation, for example in the form of a computer, e. a device for applying the fluid coating material onto the surface of the substrate, wherein the device can be designed in such a way that the fluid coating material is applied over the entire area of the surface of the substrate or only over a section of same, f. a device for curing the coating wherein curing takes place in a location dependent manner, preferably in a laterally location dependent manner, in particular in two steps and the energy introduced by the device into the coating in a preferably location dependent, preferably laterally location dependent manner is adjustable preferably in such a way that in a first step only the surface layer of the coating is treated in a location dependent, preferably laterally location dependent manner, wherein the surface layer has a thickness of preferably between 10 nm and 1 m; and wherein in a second step the coating is curable over the entire thickness in a location dependent, preferably laterally location dependent manner, g. preferably a device for removal of the substrate, and h. preferably a system control, for example in the form of informational means, for example a computer, for controlling the process steps of the device by controlling the parameters of all process steps and ensuring their interaction.

24. Device according to claim 23, comprising means to read out parameters in an informational format which is generally used in the printing industry, for example JDF (Job Definition Format) and to convert said parameters into process steps.

25. Device according to one of the claim 23 or 24, comprising at least always one sensor as well as one encoder and actuators in order to detect the respective process steps and control them through the computer by means of corresponding actuators.

26. Device according to one of the claims 23 to 25 which is in the embodiment of a compact unit.

27. Device according to one of the claims 23 to 26, comprising a device for digital processing with embossing film.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0066] The above-mentioned and other features and advantages of this invention, and the manner of attaining them, will become more apparent and the invention will be better understood by reference to the following description of embodiments of the invention taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein:

[0067] FIG. 1 is a schematic illustration of one embodiment of a device for producing a textured coating on a substrate;

[0068] FIG. 2 is an additional schematic illustration of a device according to an additional embodiment; and

[0069] FIG. 3 is a schematic illustration of a two-dimensional representation with laterally spatially resolved different textures.

[0070] Corresponding reference characters indicate corresponding parts throughout the several views. The exemplifications set out herein illustrate embodiments of the invention and such exemplifications are not to be construed as limiting the scope of the invention in any manner.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0071] Within the scope of the current invention the following definitions apply:

[0072] Coating: within the scope of the current invention, coating is understood to be a fluid, for example liquid or highly viscous coating material, by way of which a layer is applied onto a substrate. A thus obtained layer, which is referred to as a coating layer but also as coating, serves as a rule to protect the surface, for example to improve scratch resistance and for finishing, for example by producing a certain surface impression such as a high gloss surface.

[0073] Texture: the texture describes generally the character of a surface, in particular in regard to its optical and/or aesthetic properties, wherein however the color is not considered. Of special interest are those properties of a surface which determine the gloss thereof, in other words the measure of reflecting or controlling light impinging onto the surface, as well as the properties which influence the haptic properties, in other words properties that influence contact with the surface. In this case, the relief of the surface (also referred to as surface relief), in other words the progression of the height lines and the roughness of the surface are of importance. Within the scope of the current invention, the relief of the surface of a two-dimensional representation is also referred to as the height profile thereof.

[0074] Image: within the scope of the current application, an image is understood to be a two-dimensional representation, for example in the form of a photograph or a drawing, but also in the form of text. The image may moreover also be a painting, in particular an oil and/or an acrylic painting. Such paintings are characterized in particular by heavy paint application fluctuating locally, which is attributed to the brush strokes during paint application and which thus have a pronounced surface relief.

[0075] Structure: within the scope of the current application, a structure is understood to be the visual character of a region of a two-dimensional representation, which specifically differentiates from the visual character of other adjacent regions. For example, a structure can be available in the form of a pattern, in other words as a visual design of a surface which has a certain symmetry and/or periodicity. It is however also possible that the visual representation forming the structure is random in the sense that it only has a certain near-order, for example like a visual representation of a bark of a tree or in the form of a non-periodic but organized arrangement. In the sense of the current invention, a structure is also understood to be such regions which, according to life experience of other regions, are clearly perceived differently. For example, in visual representations of a face different structures can be distinguished. For example, in regard to eyes the region of the iris can normally be distinguished as a round or respectively rounded region and the lashes as dark, oblong curved thin regions.

[0076] Spatially resolved application: spatially resolved application of a substance, for example of a coating material onto a surface is generally understood that the application occurs onto previously defined regions of a substratefor example paper or cardboardto be coated. The spatially resolved application of printing ink for example includes the creation of an image and/or printed text.

[0077] Location dependent application: if, hereinafter reference is made to a location dependent application, this refers generally to spatially resolved application and/or post treatment of a coating material, for example a coating in such a way that the applicationdepending on the location where the application of the coating material occurs, occurs with location specific differences. Conducting a location dependent application, or the location dependent application implies for example that a coating material is applied onto a substrate that is to be coated at a certain thickness which can differ from the thickness with which the coating material is applied in another region of the substrate.

[0078] It is however also possible that the same coating material is applied in a location dependent manner with the same thickness in different regions, but that a different location dependent post treatment of these regions occurs.

[0079] Naturally, it is also possible that with a location dependent application the type of the material that is to be applied and/or the thickness of the layer that is to be applied and/or the post treatment of the layer that is to be applied is implemented differently,

[0080] According to one embodiment it is thus possible to combine the application of different layer thicknesses with different post treatments. Micro-folding or self-matting of a coating is dependent on the layer thickness and canas discussedresult in matt or glossy regions.

[0081] Haptically, they differ from each other in an extreme manner. The glossy locations are rather sticky, so that when passing over them with the finger, the finger is inhibited, whereas in the micro-folded regions the finger glides easily and the film feels soft.

[0082] Provided that a laterally location dependent and/or spatially resolved application is discussed within the scope of the current invention it is to be understood that the application of the coating differsin particular in regard to the laterally applied coating, in other words the coating and/or ink applied across the widthin a location dependent and/or spatially resolved manner

[0083] Printing inks: fluid coating materials whose function is essentially the visual design of substrates which are to be covered or coated, for example in the creation of images or of text are generally referred to as printing inks or inks. Printing inks are thus designed in particular as coloring substances, for example through the addition of pigments and/or coloring agents into the fluid coating material. The term printing ink and ink are normally used synonymously.

[0084] Three-dimensional design of surfaces: a-three-dimensional design of a surface is understood to be an arrangement when a coating material for producing a coating is defined not only as two-dimensional in the manner that for example an image and/or a text is obtained, but when the application of the coating materialfor example a lacqueroccurs in such a manner that also the height of the application of the coating material, for example of a lacquer layer and/or the height progression in this coating, for example the relief thereof is designed, for example by way of targeted spatially resolved, preferably laterally spatially resolved adjustment of a certain thickness of the material application and/or of a selected also spatially resolved, for example laterally spatially resolved manner of post treatment of the coating material and/or of a selected laterally different composition of the coating material.

[0085] Coating: within the scope of the current invention, coating is understood to be the process of coating, in other words the production of a surface layer on a substrate. In coating, a material layer is deposited onto a surface, whereby normally a connection between the coating material and the substrate is formed, so that a bond is present between the created layer and the substrate. This is possible for example by forming an interface layer between layer and substrate, for example in that a primer or adhesive is applied to the parts of the substrate to be covered or coated prior to application of the coating material. It is also possible that a fluid coating material migrates at least into parts in surface-near regions of the substrate to be covered and that an adhesive bond is formed in this manner. The layer of coating material on a surface has a certain height, which may for example be in the range of several micrometer in coatings.

[0086] In contrast to such coating are methods in which the applied material is absorbed by the substrate, so that no, or only a very small local elevation results. This is the case for example when an ink is applied onto an absorbent substrate. In this case, the ink is absorbed by the material, for example paper, so that in this case not so much as an application occurs on the surface of a substrate, but rather an input of material into the surface of the substrate. The definition of the coating comprises in particular also the definition of coating, where the coating is a layer which is created by applying a lacquer as a fluid coating material onto a surface of a substrate.

[0087] Color: the color of a two-dimensional representation is understood to be the impression of color or color location thereof. The color impression or color location can be stated in a number of ways, in particular in different so-called color spaces or color systems. As a general rule, color sensors operate for example in a three-color space.

[0088] Micro-folding: in the context of the current invention, the term micro-folding is understood to be the following phenomenon: In a first step the surface layer of an applied fluid coating material is cured to a membranous layer, in other words to a layer which is harder or tougher near its surface. Due to shrinking that occurs during curing on certain materials, for example unsaturated acrylates as are contained for example in radically UV curable formulations, this surface layer shrinks during curing. This causes a structure which determines that at least in one section of the coating surface a local change in the coating thickness occurs, so that the thickness fluctuations are at least in a single digit micrometer range. The surface layer can in particular be folded. The applied fluid coating material is cured over the entire volume in a second step.

EXAMPLES

[0089] The method according to embodiments of the current invention can be implemented for example especially effectively by way of fluid coating materials which can be cured by energy particle radiation, in particular UV irradiation, in particular radical polymerization and which is open to a micro-folding process. Micro-folding occurs through irradiation of the surface layer of an applied coating, for example through irradiation with UV-C irradiation with a wavelength of more than 240 nm.

[0090] A fluid coating material (or coating fluid) suitable for implementation of the method according to embodiments of the invention can generally consist of a composition wherein 100 parts of a liquid binding agent are applied to 13 parts of a mixture of photo initiators and/or cross-linking agents and/or activation agents for curing.

[0091] Within the scope of the current invention, photo initiators are understood to be substances which are activated by absorption of light, in particular UV light and subsequently form a reactive species, in particular radicals or cations. The formation of reactive species occurs either due to breakdown of the molecule and/or through interaction with a synergist.

[0092] According to one embodiment of the invention, photo initiators are used which form radicals.

[0093] Within the scope of the current invention, cross-link agents and/or activation agents are understood to be substances which cause polymerization reactions to be especially efficient, for example in that they are suitable to form especially effective initiator radicals. Another example for an increase in efficiency is the transfer of a radical that is inactive due to oxygen inhibition into a renewed initiator radical. Within the framework of this disclosure, the activation agent is always also a synergist and can be referred to as such.

[0094] According to one embodiment of the present invention, a tertiary amine is used as a cross-link agent or respectively an activation agent. This may occur according to another embodiment of the invention when a so-called type II-photo initiator is used as a photo initiator. In the case of a type II-photo initiator radicals are formed in that the activated photo initiatorfor example benzophenone in the triplet stateremoves a hydrogen atom from an adjacent molecule. In contrast, in the case of Type I-photo initiators the radicals form directly due to the breakdown of the initiator molecule. An example of a Type I-photo initiator is available under the trade name Irgacure 173 or Darocur 1173 and comprises 1-phenyl-2-hydroxy-2-methyl-1-propanone.

[0095] A binding agent on an acrylate base is preferably used.

[0096] It is also preferred if the mixture of photo initiators and/or cross-linking agents and/or activation agents consists of one part of a photo initiator of Type I, 6 parts of a photo initiator Type II and 6 parts of an activator agent.

[0097] The synergist (or also activating agent), together with type II photo initiators always causes the oxygen inhibition to be overcome and is used in particular in cross-linking under atmospheric conditions in order to enable and/or enhance a surface reactivity.

[0098] According to one embodiment of the invention, the liquid coating material is composed of the following:

40 parts HDDA (hexanediol diacrylate)
10 parts TMPTA (trimethylolpropane triacrylate)
50 parts DPGDA (dipropylene glycol diacrylate)
1 part Irgacue 1173 (or Darocur 1173)
6 parts benzophenone
6 parts N-methyl diethanolamine.

[0099] So that a targeted difference between the reactivity on the surface of the applied coating film and the reactivity in the volume of the applied coating film is achieved in that 1 part of a photo initiator of Type I, in this case 1-phenyl-2-hydroxy-2-methyl-1-propanone, 6 parts of a photo initiator of Type II, in this case benzophenone, and 6 parts of an activating agent, in this case N-methyl diethanolamine are used for 100 parts of a liquid binding agent mixture (in this case comprising HDDA, TMPTA and DPGDA). By changing the shares of photo initiators Type I relative to the shares of the photo initiator Type II additional targeted differences can be achieved between the reactivity on the surface of the applied coating film and the reactivity in the volume of the applied coating film.

[0100] Within the scope of this disclosure, the term share relates to weight shares.

[0101] According to an additional embodiment of the invention, the liquid coating material is composed of the following:

80 parts HDDA (hexanediol diacrylate)
20 parts TMPTA (trimethylolpropane triacrylate)
1 part Irgacue 1173 (or Darocur 1173)
6 parts benzophenone
6 parts N-methyl diethanolamine.

[0102] So that a targeted difference between the reactivity on the surface of the applied coating film and the reactivity in the volume of the applied coating film is achieved, 1 part of a photo initiator Type 1, in this case in this case 1-phenyl-2-hydroxy-2-methyl-1-propanone, 6 parts of a photo initiator of Type II, in this case benzophenone, and 6 parts of an activating agent, in this case N-methyl diethanolamine are used for 100 parts of a liquid binding agent mixture (in this case comprising HDDA and TMPTA) and in contrast to the previous example a binding agent mixture is used that has greater reactivity. By changing the shares of the photo initiator of Type I relative to the shares of photo initiator Type II additional targeted differences can be achieved between the reactivity on the surface of the applied coating film and the reactivity in the volume of the applied coating film.

[0103] An additional example of one product which can be provided with a microfold by way of irradiation by a mercury medium pressure emitter can be coated with the following formulation:

100 parts DPGDA (dipropylene glycol diacrylate)
1 part Irgacue 1173 (or Darocur 1173)
6 parts benzophenone
6 parts N-methyl diethanolamine.

[0104] So that a targeted difference between the reactivity on the surface of the applied coating film and the reactivity in the volume of the applied coating film is achieved, 1 part of a photo initiator Type 1, in this case in this case 1-phenyl-2-hydroxy-2-methyl-1-propanone, 6 parts of a photo initiator of Type II, in this case benzophenone, and 6 parts of an activating agent, in this case N-methyl diethanolamine are used for 100 parts of a liquid binding agent mixture (in this case comprising DPGDA). The utilized DPGDA as difunctional binding agent forms a relatively soft film. The volume shrinkage is less pronounced compared to TMPTA-containing formulations. By changing the shares of photo initiator of Type I relative to the shares of the photo initiator Type II additional targeted differences can be achieved between the reactivity on the surface of the applied coating film and the reactivity in the volume of the applied coating film.

[0105] In an additional embodiment the microfold is achieved in a single hardening step. For this purpose, elastic aliphatic urethane acrylates must for example be added to the coating formulation. Very good reactivity is achieved, while simultaneously achieving a pronounced effect with the following formulation:

80 parts DPGDA (dipropylene glycol diacrylate)
20 parts Ebecryl 4491 by Allnex
1 part Irgacue 1173 (or Darocur 1173)
6 parts benzophenone
6 parts N-methyl diethanolamine

[0106] So that a targeted difference between the reactivity on the surface of the applied coating film and the reactivity in the volume of the applied coating film is achieved, 1 part of a photo initiator Type 1, in this case in this case 1-phenyl-2-hydroxy-2-methyl-1-propanone, 6 parts of a photo initiator of Type II, in this case benzophenone, and 6 parts of am activating agent, in this case N-methyl diethanolamine are used for 100 parts of a liquid binding agent mixture (in this case comprising DPGDA and Ebecryl 4491). By changing the shares of the photo initiator of Type I relative to the shares of the photo initiator Type II additional targeted differences can be achieved between the reactivity on the surface of the applied coating film and the reactivity in the volume of the applied coating film.

[0107] Similar effects can also be achieved with AC resin 250 by BASF.

[0108] All aforementioned formations are base formulations which, in order to achieve processability can be further enhanced by the addition of appropriate flow additives and wetting additives. These additions, however, have no influence over attainment of the desired effects. Furthermore, to achieve micro-folding in these examples, a layer thickness of at least 12 m is necessary. In a range of between 10 and 12 m micro-folding is formed unevenly. Below 10 m the surface always remains glossy. Through a targeted influence over the formulation and the curing conditions (wavelength, dose, intensity) the layer thickness range in which micro-folding is achieved can be adjusted in a wide range. Micro-folding can even be completely prevented by way of accordingly high doses of a suitable wavelength (UV-C).

[0109] The aforementioned formulations are characterized by a very low processing viscosity (70-120 s in the DIN 2 flow cup) which permits their utilization in inkjet printer heads. A method can herein be utilized which permits simultaneous production of regions having very different layer thicknesses.

[0110] The effect of micro-folding is however in no way dependent upon the viscosity. It is also possible to produce formulations having much higher viscosity which can be applied with other methods. It is important to achieve a relatively higher reactivity on the surface than in the volume. The utilized photo initiators must herein demonstrate their absorption maximum in the UV-C-range.

[0111] The effect of micro-folding can be prevented if higher concentrations of photo initiators are added to the formulation for volume curing (for example >2% Irgacure 1173 at an otherwise same concentration of photo initiators in the formulation can prevent the effect). The same applies if photo initiators having a higher absorption wavelength are used in suitable concentrations for volume curing. Thus, micro-folding can be prevented by addition of 1% TPO (triphenylphosphine oxide) into the aforementioned formulation. The stated percentages refer to weight percent.

[0112] FIG. 1 shows a schematic illustration of one embodiment of a device 1 for producing a textured coating on a substrate 3, in particular a spatially resolved, for example laterally spatially resolved production of a textured coating, for example a spatially resolved production of a location dependent, for example laterally location dependent textured coating, wherein the coating is obtained through the application of a fluid coating material, one which may be curable by way of particle radiation, in particular UV-radiation, wherein the device includes:

[0113] A device for transporting substrate 3 between the individual workstations is shown in FIG. 1. On device 1, the device the for transportation may include parts 21, 22 and 23 and a first roll 21 onto which a substrate or printing stock 3, consisting for example of paper, cardboard, laminated paper or laminated cardboard, plastic films or corrugated board substrates, or polyolefin film or PET or acetate film is wound.

[0114] Substrate 3 is moved in direction of arrow 25the direction of travelthrough device 1, wherein surface 31 of the printing stock or substrate 3 to be printed faces upward according to FIG. 1. Roll 22 is another part of the transport device.

[0115] Device 1 further includes a device 4, such as a coating unit 4, for application of the fluid coating material onto substrate 3. A device for applying fluid coating material is described for example as a coating unit in WO 2009/012996 whose disclosure content is incorporated herein and is thus made also subject of the current disclosure, wherein according to the current invention, the therein described device for smoothing the film that was applied onto the substrate surface by way of the coating unit can be used advantageously but represents an optional unit whose use is not imperative for implementation of the invention.

[0116] Device 4 can be designed in such a way that the fluid coating material is applied over the entire area of surface 31 of substrate 3 or only over a partial area of the same. An application over the entire area of surface 31 of substrate 3 is advantageous if a fluid coating material is applied which assumes a protective function in its hardened state, offering for example scratch resistance. On the other hand, a partial applicationin other words an application of a fluid coating material over only a partial area of surface 31 of substrate 3is advantageous in order to specifically highlight for example a certain sector of the substrate, for example in the form of images or texts.

[0117] Device 1 moreover includes a curing device 7 for curing the coating. Curing of the coating is performed in particular in two steps in a location dependent manner, for example in a laterally location dependent manner. The power introduced in a location dependent, in particular laterally location dependent manner by way of device 7 for curing of the coating can be adjustable in such a way that, in a first step only the surface layer of the coating is treated. The surface layer herein has a thickness of preferably between 10 nm and 1 m. In a second step, the coating is curable over the entire thickness. Device 7 may include an informational device, such as a controller and/or software, to control curing. The information device is designed in particular to determine the power, dose and/or location of curing.

[0118] Generally, without limitation to the previously described example it is possible that the same or constant power is introduced over the entire area of the two-dimensional representationfor example in that curing occurs uniformly and without local variation of power and/or wavelength UV irradiation, for example by way of a UV medium pressure emitter. In this case it is moreover possible that merely due to the different thickness of the coating, different textures of coating form in a location dependent, for example laterally location dependent manner, in that for example in the regions having a greater layer thickness micro-folding occurs. However, in regions having a lower layer thickness a smooth surface is produced without micro-folding.

[0119] FIG. 1 also shows a dryer device 6 for drying the coating. By way of this device it is possible in a first step to remove volatile components of the coating material prior to curing. Such a device 6 is however only optionally included in device 1. Device 1 can also include a device 8 for cooling the coated substrate after curing.

[0120] FIG. 1 moreover illustrates a device 9, e.g. scanner 9, for scanning a two-dimensional representation. Device 9 for scanning a two-dimensional representation includes for example a sensor by way of which the color location of pixels of the two-dimensional representation is captured in a spatially resolved, in particular a laterally spatially resolved manner. Device 9 includes for example a color sensor, for example a sensor comprising a UV laser diode.

[0121] According to an additional embodiment, device 9 moreover includes a device to sense a height profile of a two-dimensional representation. This device that, according to this embodiment the color and texture relief information of the two-dimensional representationfor example in the embodiment of a paintingcan be sensed and digitized by way of device 9, in other words for example by way of a scanner, for example a 3D scanner. Based on the thus obtained digitized data recordwhich includes the color information as well as the relief information for example in the form of a gray scale image of the two-dimensional representationa coating can be applied, first of all based on evaluation of the color information and a color application based thereupon and then, in a subsequent step based on evaluation of the texture and relief information, so that the observer has the optic and haptic impression of an original painting. In this manner not only a texture can be produced but also a surface relief of a coating on a two-dimensional representation.

[0122] Device 1 includes furthermore an information device to store and/or evaluate a digitized data record of a two-dimensional representation in the embodiment of a computer. It is however also possible that the information device is integrated into device 9.

[0123] According to one embodiment of the present invention, device 1 can furthermore include a system control unit, for example in the embodiment of information device, for example a computer for controlling the process steps in the system, wherein said the device collects the relevant parameters in all process steps, for example by way of a sensor and controls them in each case with assigned actuators, thereby ensuring their interaction. It is moreover also possible that the information device for storing and/or evaluation of a digitized data record is comprised by system control unit 5, in other wordsas presented here as an examplethat device 9 is connected by way of an interphase 59 with device 5 as the information device for storing and evaluating of a digitized data record of a two-dimensional representation.

[0124] System control unit 5 may also include ways, such as a controller and/or software stored in a memory, to read out parameters in an informational format which is used for example widely in the printing industry, for example JDF (job definition format) and to convert them into process steps. Such ways can for example include a parameterization record that is filed on a memory device.

[0125] It is also possible that device 1, without limitation of the herein described design example comprises several system controls which in each case control individual devices in a targeted manner.

[0126] In accordance with an additional embodiment of the invention device 1 includes at least always at least one sensor and at least one encoder and actuators. The at least one sensor and at least one encoder are configured to collect the specific process steps by way of the sensor. The process steps are controlled by the computer implement by way of the corresponding actuators which are controlled by the system control unit 5.

[0127] According to one another embodiment, system control unit 5 is connected with devices, which are included in device 1, for example devices 4, 6, 7, 8, 9 via suitable interphases, for example interphases 54, 56, 57, 58, 59.

[0128] FIG. 2 shows a further schematic representation of a device 1 according to an additional embodiment. Device 1 includes a substrate accommodating device 301 in which various substrates 3 are contained and whichfor the sake of better clarityare not all identified. From device 301 which serves to accommodate substrate 3, individual substrates 3 which may include for example paper, cardboard, laminated paper or laminated cardboard, plastic films and corrugated cardboard substrates or polyolefin film or PET or acetate film are moved between the individual process stations through device 1 by way of a transport device for substrate 3.

[0129] The device for transporting substrate 3 includes a first roller 21, a second roller 23 as well as additionally a roller 22, wherein also various additional rollers 22 can be comprised by the device for transport. The transport device further includes a transport belt 24 which combines the two rollers 21 and 23 with each other through which rotation of at least one roller 21, 23 causes a movement of substrates 3 through device 1 in the direction of arrow 25.

[0130] Device 1 includes a device 4 for application of the fluid coating material onto substrate 3, as well as a device 7 for curing coating.

[0131] Also shown are devices 6 and 8 which can aid in drying the fluid coating material or respectively the cooling of the printed substrate after curing and which are only optional in the present application. Devices 4, 6, 7, 8, 9 can respectively be connected via an interphase 54, 56, 57, 58, 59 with a system control unit 5. Such a system control unit 5 with the corresponding interphases is also only optionally included in device 5.

[0132] FIG. 2 also shows a device 9 for scanning of a two-dimensional representation. Device 9 for scanning a two-dimension representation includes for example a sensor by way of which preferably spatially resolved the color location of pixels of the two-dimensional representation is sensed. Device 9 includes for example a color sensor, for example a sensor comprising a UV laser diode. According to an additional embodiment, device 9 includes ways for capturing a height profile of a two-dimensional representation. The device 9 moreover comprises an information device for storing and/or evaluating a digitized data record of a two-dimensional representation. The information device can for example be a computer. It is possible that the computer is a separate item. It is however also possible that the information device is part of a system control unit 5 or is comprised by the same.

[0133] Moreover, it generally possible without limitation to the herein described design example that several system control units 5 are comprised by a device 1 which respectively control individual devices 4, 6, 7, 8 and 9.

[0134] Device 1 moreover includes a removal device 302 for removal of substrate 3.

[0135] FIG. 3 is a schematic illustration of a two-dimensional representation. The two-dimensional representation is applied onto a substrate 3 (not illustrated) and comprises several regions 32, 33, 34, 35, 36 which have different structures. Region 32 for example is depicted as a cloud.

[0136] The character of the structure is generally viewed to be matt, so that in this region 32 rather a matt coating texture is to be produced. Region 33 is a schematic illustration of a moon and therefore receives a glossy surface texture in order to produce a highly glossy surface which supports the visual impression of the moon as a glowing celestial phenomenon. Region 34 is illustrated as a tree trunk and region 35 as a tree top. Both regions show characteristic structures: tree top 35 for example in the form of foliage and tree trunk 34 in the form of bark. The relevant textures can be produced according to the process, so that the visual impression of the two-dimensional representation can be even more clearly emphasized by applying a textured coating, in particular lacquering in a spatially resolved, in this case laterally spatially resolved and location dependent, in this case laterally location dependent manner. Region 36 of the two-dimensional representation is a depiction of a wooden frame so that in this region 36 the texture of a rough grainy wood surface is produced.

[0137] Naturally, in this manner not only aesthetic effects are possible. It is also possible to produce haptic impressions in a targeted manner.

[0138] While this invention has been described with respect to at least one embodiment, the present invention can be further modified within the spirit and scope of this disclosure. This application is therefore intended to cover any variations, uses, or adaptations of the invention using its general principles. Further, this application is intended to cover such departures from the present disclosure as come within known or customary practice in the art to which this invention pertains and which fall within the limits of the appended claims.