Electronics for Imaging Gmbh

Ursula Good

Mark Zavada

David Weber

Robert Roggers

Paul Andrew Edwards

Matthew Tennis

Louis Justus Fage

John Hansen

Carlos Carratalá

Fernando Tomás Badenes

Alexander Meranto

Natalia Martinez Borras

A technique is described for the application of three-dimensional (3D) relief to a substrate such as a ceramic tile using digital inkjet technology. In an example embodiment, the introduced technique includes application of binder ink to a portion of the surface of a substrate using a digital inkjet process. This binder ink forms a barrier layer which protects the portion of the surface of the substrate. Next, a brushing process is applied to remove unprotected portions of the substrate, thereby forming the 3D relief in the substrate.

Inkjet process for three-dimensional relief on tiles

Embodiments of the invention involve printing a ceramic or metal oxide pigmented ink onto asphalt, bitumen, or rubberoid backed roofing materials. Additionally, embodiments of the invention allow for adhesion of the ink to TPO and PVC roofing substrates.

Inkjet decoration of architectural materials

A 3D relief effect is created on a ceramic tile with an inkjet printer and an inkjet print head by printing a relief pattern with an effect ink having a low surface tension on the ceramic tile. The inkjet printer and inkjet print head apply an aqueous glaze slurry having a high surface tension on top of the effect ink. An image is printed on the glaze and the tile is fired. A difference in surface tensions causes the aqueous glaze to move away from the printed effect ink, resulting in a relief pattern in the image at locations of the printed relief pattern.

Method and apparatus for creating 3D effects with ceramic inkjet inks

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Jackson, MI, United States of America

Ursula Good