ADVANCING DIGITAL PRINTING TECHNOLOGY FOR COIL-COATING LINES

A new approach to digital printing is revolutionizing the strip market, enhancing both product quality and process flexibility. The latest advancements allow seamless integration of inkjet printing technology into existing continuous coating lines with minimal disruption, ensuring no impact on original production capacity. This innovation addresses the growing demand for high-quality, customized printed materials while reducing the need for extensive modifications or downtime.

Possible applications include construction, like sandwich panels and gutters; home fixtures and appliances, such as doors and refrigerators; transportation, e.g., trailer bodies and recreational vehicles; and even advertising panels. Opportunities are all around us, and most of them are still unknown.

THE TRANSITION FROM ROLL-BASED TO DIGITAL PRINTING

Traditional strip printing relied on engraved or texturized rolls, which limited pattern complexity, required frequent production stoppages for design changes, and incurred higher operational costs. The introduction of digital printing addresses these limitations by enabling on-the-fly image changes, eliminating hardware modifications, and significantly improving efficiency.

KEY BENEFITS OF DIGITAL PRINTING TECHNOLOGY

Superior print quality: Measured in DPI, the high-definition output ensures precise image transfer onto surfaces. The native resolution of the printing heads is 360 DPI.

Flexible printing process: Unlike traditional methods, printing can be done directly on the prime coat, reducing the need for an additional finishing layer. This allows a fully coated and printed coil to be produced using fewer ovens, lowering production costs.

Unlimited design possibilities: Patterns can be infinitely varied on the same coil without stopping production, allowing for greater customization and efficiency. The production schedule is uploaded in advance by the operator.

Efficient color management: The system operates with four base colors that combine to reproduce a full spectrum of images, ensuring vibrant and accurate prints. Sol-Gel based inks are used, so as not to incur exposure limitations related to UV-based ink technology.

Environmental benefits: The ink technology significantly reduces potential hazards, making it safer for external applications, such as architectural uses. Additionally, as the inks are not UV-based, they comply with environmental standards.

Optimized speed and quality balance: The machine runs at a nominal speed of 30 meters per minute with one printing module, 60 meters per minute in case of double module, with adjustable settings to match different quality requirements. Danieli’s patent on material fine centering ensures precise application on the strip surface, leaving no white borders.

Remote control and automation: All process adjustments are managed through a remote human-machine interface (HMI), eliminating the need for operators in the printing area and further enhancing efficiency. The hu-man presence on the line is almost not required.

CONCLUSION

Digital printing technology offers the ability to produce unlimited image variations without pausing coil coating lines. This breakthrough empowers manufacturers to efficiently fulfill small-batch orders while overcoming the constraints of traditional roll-based printing. Inkjet solutions provide an optimal response to evolving market demands, enabling swift execution of diverse production campaigns and unlocking new business opportunities.