Inkjet technology is accepted as a robust, durable and reliable replacement for traditional screen printing on flat glass in decorative architectural applications. The advantages of inkjet printing on architectural glass extend beyond the decorative, to include functional benefits such as energy efficiency, where effortless control of print density and pattern can readily affect glass parameters such as transparency and solar heat gain.
Industrial inkjet is increasingly being used to digitally decorate non-flat glass products as an in-line step in the manufacturing process. Full-colour images, text or special effects are applied directly onto bottles and other shaped objects. Inkjet’s ability to print on non-flat surfaces without making contact is a distinct advantage as well as a technical challenge.
Benefits for Glass Printers
- Digital printing of glass offers significant cost advantages over analogue. Short production runs become economically feasible due to lower set-up requirements and reduced stock of finished goods. Other manufacturing benefits include less breakage/waste due to non-contact printing and ease of colour matching for repeat orders.
- The ink required for glass printing often requires recirculation to prevent sedimentation and nozzle blocking. Meteor products fully implement the control functions of the printheads and ink supplies used in these systems.
- Meteor’s ability to support ultra-high data rates, large image buffers and long cable lengths means that systems with printheads mounted on robotics or other complex configurations can be deployed without limitation.
- In addition to providing direct localisation, personalisation and customisation of objects, inkjet can also create stunning effects including selective varnishing, embossing and texturing.
