Nano Dimension has been granted a patent for a method involving a drop-on-demand printhead that prints images on curved surfaces from two adjacent positions. The method includes determining overlap areas and angles of inkjet drops to ensure consistent dot pitches, maintaining quality across overlapping swathes. GlobalData’s report on Nano Dimension gives a 360-degree view of the company including its patenting strategy. Buy the report here.
Smarter leaders trust GlobalData
According to GlobalData’s company profile on Nano Dimension, Spacecraft 3D Printing was a key innovation area identified from patents. Nano Dimension's grant share as of June 2024 was 29%. Grant share is based on the ratio of number of grants to total number of patents.
Method for printing on curved surfaces using overlapping swathes
The patent US12043045B2 outlines a method and control system for printing images on curved surfaces using at least one drop-on-demand printhead. The method involves positioning the printhead at two adjacent locations with different orientations relative to the print path direction. As the printhead and the curved surface move relative to each other, the system determines an overlap area where two swathes of ink will intersect. This overlap area is crucial for ensuring that the inkjet drops are applied at optimal angles of incidence, which is essential for maintaining print quality. The method also includes selecting a stitch point within the overlap area to minimize differences in dot pitches between the two printhead positions, thereby ensuring a seamless transition in the printed image.
Additionally, the claims specify that the control system includes a processor designed to manage the printing process by determining the overlap area and the angles of incidence for inkjet drops. The system can accommodate configurations where the two adjacent printhead positions may correspond to different passes of the same printhead or involve two separate printheads. The claims further detail that the printheads can have equal or different nozzle pitches and orientations, allowing for flexibility in design and application. Overall, this patent presents a sophisticated approach to enhancing the quality and efficiency of printing on curved surfaces, addressing challenges associated with drop placement and alignment.
To know more about GlobalData’s detailed insights on Nano Dimension, buy the report here.
Data Insights
From
The gold standard of business intelligence.
Blending expert knowledge with cutting-edge technology, GlobalData’s unrivalled proprietary data will enable you to decode what’s happening in your market. You can make better informed decisions and gain a future-proof advantage over your competitors.
GlobalData, the leading provider of industry intelligence, provided the underlying data, research, and analysis used to produce this article.
GlobalData Patent Analytics tracks bibliographic data, legal events data, point in time patent ownerships, and backward and forward citations from global patenting offices. Textual analysis and official patent classifications are used to group patents into key thematic areas and link them to specific companies across the world’s largest industries.
