Patent ID: 8960828
Filing Date: 2015-02-24
Classification: B41J,B41M

Abstract:
1. A process for printing a surface of a wood-based flat panel with a multi-colored image, comprising: providing the wood-based flat panel, which is made from a mass of wooden particles using a double-belt continuous press; a preliminary step of graphic composition of the multi-colored image using an electronic processor and relative software; a printing step for printing the wood-based flat panel with the multi-colored image using an ink-jet printer provided with print heads; choosing a definition of the ink-jet printer on the basis of a required print quality; and squaring the wood-based flat panel provided with the multi-colored image to obtain a floor panel; wherein the multi-colored image reproduces the appearance of a wood surface of a determined type; wherein the colors employed by the ink-jet printer comprise the prime colors cyan, magenta, and yellow in addition to black; wherein the ink-jet printer is controlled by the electronic processor; wherein the wood-based flat panel moves relative to the ink-jet printer while at least one of the print heads propels ink micro-droplets onto the wood-based flat panel; wherein a belt drive device of suction type or a drive device with grippers moves the wood-based flat panel relative to the ink-jet printer; wherein the print heads are stationary during the printing operation; wherein for each color employed in the ink-jet printer, a plurality of print heads, being arranged in a row, covers the entire width of that surface of the wood-based flat panel to be printed, the surface being provided with the multi-colored image with a single pass of the panel transiting through the ink-jet printer and underneath the print heads; wherein prior to the printing step, the process includes a step of treating with a sealant that surface of the wood-based flat panel to be printed, the sealant including a paper layer; and wherein the printing step is followed by an additional step of applying coating products using a coating device to the printed surface of the wood-based flat panel to form a substantially transparent protective layer.