Embossing die creation
First Claim
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1. A method comprising:
- receiving design data specifying a design to be embossed;
replacing a first impression layer on an impression cylinder of a printing device with a second impression layer, the second impression layer having a different composition from the first impression layer which is configured to absorb excess ink;
performing a plurality of times;
selectively discharging a precharged electrostatic drum of the printing device in accordance with the design to be embossed, which forms a latent image on the electrostatic drum corresponding to the design to be embossed;
applying ink to discharged portions of the electrostatic drum that form the latent image corresponding to the design to be embossed; and
transferring the applied ink from the discharged portions of the electrostatic drum to the second impression layer removably installed on a surface of the impression cylinder via an intermediary cylinder of the printing device, which forms an embossing die on the second impression layer of the impression cylinder as multiple ink layers constituting a printed relief pattern in accordance with the design data.
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Abstract
An embossing die is created by printing multiple ink layers (530, 540) in superposition thereby to build up a printed relief pattern (510) in accordance with received design data specifying a design to be embossed. The design data is modified after receipt to introduce into the printed relief pattern to be built, one or more channels (610) which extend depth-wise through multiple ink layers of the printed relief pattern (510) and serve to fully or partially segment the printed relief pattern.
16 Citations
15 Claims
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1. A method comprising:
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receiving design data specifying a design to be embossed; replacing a first impression layer on an impression cylinder of a printing device with a second impression layer, the second impression layer having a different composition from the first impression layer which is configured to absorb excess ink; performing a plurality of times; selectively discharging a precharged electrostatic drum of the printing device in accordance with the design to be embossed, which forms a latent image on the electrostatic drum corresponding to the design to be embossed; applying ink to discharged portions of the electrostatic drum that form the latent image corresponding to the design to be embossed; and transferring the applied ink from the discharged portions of the electrostatic drum to the second impression layer removably installed on a surface of the impression cylinder via an intermediary cylinder of the printing device, which forms an embossing die on the second impression layer of the impression cylinder as multiple ink layers constituting a printed relief pattern in accordance with the design data. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10)
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11. An apparatus for forming an embossing die, the apparatus comprising:
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an input for receiving design data specifying a design to be embossed; a first impression layer on the impression cylinder that is replaced with a second impression layer prior to forming an embossing die, the second impression layer having a different composition from the first impression layer which is configured to absorb excess ink; an electrostatic drum; a charging device to provide a uniform electrostatic charge on the electrostatic drum; photo imaging sub-system to selectively discharge the uniform electrostatic charge on the electrostatic drum in accordance with the design to be embossed, which forms a latent image on the electrostatic drum corresponding to the design to be embossed; a developer to apply ink to discharged portions of the electrostatic drum corresponding to the design to be embossed; and an intermediary cylinder to repeatedly transfer layers of applied ink from the discharged portions of the electrostatic drum to the second impression layer removably installed on a surface of an impression cylinder to form an embossing die on the second impression layer of the impression cylinder, the ink layers constituting a printed relief pattern in accordance with the design data; a processor of the apparatus to; after forming the embossing die, operate a medium transport system to advance a medium between the intermediary cylinder and the impression cylinder, the embossing die embossing the design onto the medium; and while the medium is advancing between the intermediary cylinder and the impression cylinder, operate the electrostatic drum, charging device and developer to print an image on the medium via the intermediary cylinder using ink. - View Dependent Claims (12)
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13. An apparatus comprising:
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an electrostatic drum that is chargeable and selectively dischargeable, and that is receptive to application of ink on discharged portions thereof; an intermediary cylinder; a second impression layer, removably disposed around an impression cylinder, to receive the ink from the discharged portions of the electrostatic drum via the intermediary cylinder; a data processing arrangement to; receive design data specifying a design to be embossed; after replacement of a first impression layer on the impression cylinder with the second impression layer, the second impression layer having a different composition from the first impression layer which is configured to absorb excess ink, perform a plurality of times; precharge the electrostatic drum; selectively discharge the electrostatic drum in accordance with the design to be embossed, which forms a latent image on the electrostatic drum corresponding to the design to be embossed; apply the ink to the discharged portions of the electrostatic drum that form the latent image corresponding to the design to be embossed; and transfer the applied ink from the discharged portions of the electrostatic drum to the second impression layer of the impression cylinder via the intermediary cylinder, which forms an embossing die on the second impression layer of the impression cylinder as multiple ink layers constituting a printed relief pattern in accordance with the design data; after forming the embossing die, advance a medium between the intermediary cylinder and the second impression layer on the impression cylinder, the embossing die embossing the design onto the medium; and while the medium is advancing between the intermediary cylinder and the impression cylinder, printing an image on the medium via the intermediary cylinder using ink. - View Dependent Claims (14, 15)
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Specification