DE102022105761A1 - Inkjet printing machine, system comprising two inkjet printing machines and use of an inkjet printing machine - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to an inkjet printing machine, wherein the inkjet printing machine has at least one plate-shaped support surface for supporting sheet-shaped substrate, wherein the inkjet printing machine has at least one print head operating according to an inkjet printing process, the at least one support surface being in at least a first position and in at least a second position in a Direction of a linear axis can be arranged and / or arranged, wherein the at least one support surface can be arranged and / or arranged in at least a first position and in at least a second position in the direction orthogonal to the direction of the linear axis. The invention also relates to a system comprising two inkjet printing machines and a use of an inkjet printing machine.

Description

The invention relates to an inkjet printing machine according to the preamble of claim 1, a system comprising two inkjet printing machines according to the preamble of claim 13 and a use of an inkjet printing machine according to the preamble of claim 14.

Through the US 2003/0071866 A1 a method for operating a printing press is known, in which a test print image is first created for a printing process and then a modification function is generated in order to obtain a print image that is as uniform as possible.

The WO 2005/076730 A2 discloses a digital printing machine with a substrate support that can be moved along a linear axis during printing. A nozzle bar with printing nozzles can be moved along a linear axis orthogonal to the linear axis of the substrate support in order to achieve complete printing of the substrate.

The invention is based on the object of creating an inkjet printing machine, a system having two inkjet printing machines and a use of an inkjet printing machine.

The object is achieved according to the invention by the features of claim 1, claim 13 and claim 14. The dependent claims show advantageous developments and/or designs of the solution found.

An inkjet printing machine, preferably at least a first inkjet printing machine, is preferably created. The inkjet printing machine preferably has at least one plate-shaped support surface for supporting sheet-shaped substrate. Advantageously, the at least one inkjet printing machine has at least one support table with the at least one plate-shaped support surface. The inkjet printing machine preferably has at least one print head that operates using an inkjet printing process. The inkjet printing machine preferably has at least one print head for each application fluid to be printed in a print job and/or the print heads are preferably arranged in rows along a linear axis. The at least one support surface can preferably be arranged and/or arranged in at least a first position and in at least a second position in a direction of a linear axis. The at least one support surface can preferably be arranged and/or arranged in a first position and in a second position in the direction orthogonal to the direction of the linear axis. This advantageously enables rapid and/or precise movements of the at least one support surface. Preferably, the complexity of the drives and controls to be used is minimized.

The advantages that can be achieved with the invention are, in particular, that a cost-effective and/or space-saving device for producing patterns, preferably an inkjet printing machine, is created for producing at least one test print. Advantageously, printed products can be produced with comparable results to a second inkjet printing machine, which is preferably designed to process sheet-shaped or web-shaped substrates in order to produce printed products in large quantities according to a print job.

The advantages that can be achieved with the invention are, in particular, that printed products can be produced with comparable results, even if a considerable amount of time has passed between two print jobs and print heads have aged accordingly and/or been replaced, or even if different printing machines are used. A case for a considerable period of time occurs, for example, if products such as decorative papers are to be produced in a new edition after a break of weeks or months without having a different visual appearance. Examples of the use of different printing machines are a combination of a printing machine for producing patterns and another printing machine for producing large quantities or the parallel use of several printing machines for the largest possible quantities in a short period of time.

Advantageously, the at least one inkjet printing machine has at least one fastening means for fastening substrate to the at least one support surface. Advantageously, the at least one fastening means has at least one means generating an electrical potential difference. Advantageously, a substrate is optimally held on the support surface. The space-saving design of the fastening means advantageously enables the at least one support surface to be moved easily and/or damage to the print heads due to collision is prevented.

The at least one print head preferably has at least one housing. The at least one support surface preferably has an extension in the longitudinal direction and in the transverse direction. The extent of the at least one housing of the at least one print head preferably corresponds to the longitudinal direction and/or the transverse direction In each case a maximum of three quarters of the extent of the at least one support surface in the longitudinal direction and/or in the transverse direction. Advantageously, the at least one print head of the at least one inkjet printing machine extends over a maximum of three-quarters of the extent of the at least one support surface in the longitudinal direction and/or in the transverse direction. Advantageously, this enables a particularly simple and cost-effective design, since only one print head is preferably sufficient for each application fluid.

The inkjet printing machine preferably has at least one washing device for cleaning the at least one print head. This preferably enables optimal cleaning of the at least one print head and/or extends the service life of the at least one print head.

Advantageously, the at least one print head has at least one printing position and at least one cleaning position. Preferably, the at least one cleaning position of the at least one print head is spaced apart from the at least one printing position along the direction orthogonal to the direction of the linear axis. Advantageously, this enables optimal cleaning without damaging the at least one print head and/or offers sufficient space for cleaning.

The inkjet printing machine advantageously has at least one drying unit. Preferably, the at least one drying unit is arranged along the linear axis in front of or behind the at least one print head and/or the at least one drying unit is arranged along a second linear axis in front of or behind the at least one print head and/or the at least one support surface has at least a third Position of the support surface, in which the at least one support surface is arranged with at least one point of its surface vertically below the at least one drying unit. Advantageously, a section of the substrate printed by the at least one print head is dried in the at least one drying unit, preferably directly after printing.

At least one drive, the at least one support surface, is preferably designed to drive from the at least one first position to the at least one second position in the direction of the linear axis and/or vice versa and/or at least one drive that is different from the drive in the direction of the linear axis is preferably the at least one support surface is designed to drive from the first position to the second position in the direction orthogonal to the direction of the linear axis and/or vice versa.

At least one computer device is preferably designed to control at least one printing process of the at least one print head and/or the at least one drive of the inkjet printing machine.

Advantageously, a system is created comprising the inkjet printing machine as the first inkjet printing machine and at least one second inkjet printing machine. The second inkjet printing machine preferably has at least one material source and at least one printing unit with at least one print head and at least one drying device and at least one substrate delivery device. The at least one print head of the second inkjet printing machine is preferably the same as the at least one print head of the first inkjet printing machine. Data for controlling the at least one print head of the first inkjet printing machine is preferably stored in at least one computer device of the first inkjet printing machine. Data for controlling the at least one print head of the second inkjet printing machine is preferably stored in at least one computer device of the second inkjet printing machine. The data for controlling the at least one print head of the at least one computer device of the first inkjet printing machine is preferably identical to the data for controlling the at least one print head of the at least one computer device of the second inkjet printing machine with regard to at least one of the following parameters: ejection speed of the application fluid and / or frequency of the one Actuator causing drop ejection and/or type of screening to be printed and/or resolution to be printed and/or color density and/or tonal value.

The first inkjet printing device is advantageously used as a printing machine for generating at least one test print of a print job to be carried out on the at least one second inkjet printing machine.

Embodiments of the invention are shown in the drawings and are described in more detail below.

• 1 eine schematische Darstellung einer Rollendruckmaschine, die nach einem Tintenstrahldruckverfahren arbeitet;
• 2 eine schematische Darstellung einer Bogendruckmaschine, die nach einem Tintenstrahldruckverfahren arbeitet;
• 3a eine schematische Darstellung eines Prüfbilds mit Prüffeldern und Prüfzuordnungsmarken;
• 3b eine schematische Darstellung eines alternativen Prüfbilds mit Prüffeldern und Prüfzuordnungsmarken;
• 4 eine schematische Darstellung einer Druckkopfanordnung, einer Sensoreinrichtung und eines Substrats, auf das ein Prüfdruckbild mit Druckprüffeldern und Prüfdruckzuordnungsmarken gedruckt ist;
• 5 eine schematische Darstellung eines Testbilds mit Testbildprüffelder, Testbildzuordnungsmarken und beispielhaft dargestellten Testbildspalten;
• 6 eine schematische Darstellung eines Ablaufs eines Verfahrens zum Betreiben einer Druckmaschine;
• 7 eine schematische Darstellung einer Verteilung von Markenfarbdichte-Istwerten über einer gemessenen Breitenkoordinate;
• 8 eine schematische Darstellung von Zusammenhängen zwischen vorgegebenen Flächendeckungs-Sollwerten einerseits und erzielten Farbdichte-Istwerten andererseits;
• 9 eine schematische Darstellung einer Tintenstrahldruckmaschine mit einer Auflagefläche zur Auflage von bogenförmigem Substrat.

Show it:

• 1 a schematic representation of a web printing machine that works according to an inkjet printing process;
• 2 a schematic representation of a sheet-fed printing machine that works using an inkjet printing process;
• 3a a schematic representation of a test image with test fields and test assignment marks;
• 3b a schematic representation of an alternative test image with test fields and test assignment marks;
• 4 a schematic representation of a print head arrangement, a sensor device and a substrate on which a proof print image with print test fields and proof print assignment marks is printed;
• 5 a schematic representation of a test image with test image test fields, test image assignment marks and test image columns shown as examples;
• 6 a schematic representation of a sequence of a method for operating a printing press;
• 7 a schematic representation of a distribution of actual mark color density values over a measured width coordinate;
• 8th a schematic representation of relationships between specified area coverage target values on the one hand and actual color density values achieved on the other hand;
• 9 a schematic representation of an inkjet printing machine with a support surface for supporting sheet-shaped substrate.

A printing press 01; 51 is preferred as non-impact printing machine 01; 51 and/or as an inkjet printing machine 01; 51 trained. The printing press 01; 51 preferably has at least one non-impact printing device 04, for example designed as a non-impact printing unit 04, in particular at least one inkjet printing device 04, for example designed as an inkjet printing unit 04. For example, the printing machine 01; 51 exclusively printing devices 04, which are designed as non-impact printing devices 04. Alternatively, in addition to at least one non-impact printing device 04, the printing press 01 has at least one printing device 06, which works according to a form-bound printing process. The printing press 01; 51 and/or the at least one non-impact printing device 04 preferably has at least one print head 03, preferably at least one non-impact print head 03, which is designed, for example, as an inkjet print head 03. The at least one print head 03 preferably works according to a non-impact printing process, in particular an inkjet printing process, preferably according to a piezo printing process, with at least one actuator designed as a piezo element causing a drop to be ejected, or alternatively according to a thermal printing process, with at least one actuator designed as a heating element causing a drop to be ejected . The printing press 01; 51 is preferably used for printing on substrate 02 or printing material 02. The substrate 02 is designed, for example, as a substrate web 02 or as at least one and preferably a plurality of sheets 02. The printing press 01 is designed, for example, as a web printing press 01 or as a sheet-fed printing press 01. At least one, preferably first, printing machine 51, which is designed as an inkjet printing machine 51, is preferably designed for processing sheet-shaped substrate 02 to produce printed products in small quantities according to a print job. The at least one first inkjet printing machine 51 is preferably designed to generate at least one test print image 27. At least one further, preferably second, printing machine 01, which is preferably designed for processing sheet-shaped or web-shaped substrate 02 to produce printed products in large quantities according to a print job, is designed, for example, as a web-fed printing machine 01 or as a sheet-fed printing machine 01. The substrate 02 is preferably transported along a transport path and/or in a transport direction T by the at least one second printing press 01 and/or by the at least one non-impact printing unit 04.

If a printing process is mentioned above and/or below, this is preferably generally understood to mean the application of at least one application fluid, in particular also a priming process and/or a painting process. The same applies to terms such as printing press 01; 51, printing device 04, printing unit 04 and/or print head 03. In the foregoing and below, the terms application fluid and ink should be used synonymously as long as there are no contradictions and always refer to an application fluid in the general sense, including a primer and/or a Paint.

The at least one substrate 02 is preferably designed as paper and/or cardboard and/or cardboard and/or film, for example a plastic film, and/or textile and/or metal. According to DIN 6730, paper is a flat material consisting essentially of fibers, usually of plant origin, which is formed by dewatering a fiber suspension on a sieve. This creates a fiber felt that is then dried. The mass per unit area of paper is preferably a maximum of 225 g/m ² . According to DIN 6730, cardboard is essentially a flat material Material consisting of fibers of plant origin, which is formed by dewatering a suspension of fiber on one or between two sieves. The fiber structure is compacted and dried. Cardboard is preferably made from cellulose by gluing or pressing it together. Cardboard is preferably designed as solid cardboard or corrugated cardboard. The mass per unit area of cardboard is preferably over 225 g/m ² . The term cardboard refers above and below to a paper fabric, preferably coated on one side, with a mass per unit area of at least 150 g/m ² and a maximum of 600 g/m ² . A cardboard box preferably has a high strength relative to paper.

The printing press 01, preferably at least the second printing press 01, preferably has at least one material source 08; 09, which, depending on the design of the printing press 01, is designed, for example, as a sheet feeder 08 or, for example, as a roll unwinding device 09 and / or roll changer 09. The printing press 01, preferably at least the second printing press 01, preferably has at least one drying device 11. The printing press 01, preferably at least the second printing press 01, has, for example, at least one substrate delivery device 12; 13, which, depending on the design of the printing press 01, is designed, for example, as a sheet delivery 12 or, for example, as a winding device 13.

The at least one non-impact printing device 04 has, for example, at least one print head arrangement 14, which extends over an entire working width of the non-impact printing device 04 and/or the printing press 01, preferably at least the second printing press 01. This printhead arrangement 14 has at least one printhead 03 and preferably several printheads 03. In the case of only one print head 03 per print head arrangement 14, this one print head 03 preferably extends over the entire working width of the non-impact printing device 04 and/or the printing machine 01, preferably at least the second printing machine 01. However, the case in which several print heads 03 together form the respective print head arrangement 14 and, with their respective working areas, together cover the entire working width of the non-impact printing device 04 and / or the printing press 01, preferably at least the second printing press 01. The working width of the non-impact printing device 04 and/or the printing machine 01, preferably at least the second printing machine 01, is preferably defined as the maximum width that a substrate 02 may have in order to still be able to use the non-impact printing device 04 and/or the printing machine 01 , preferably at least the second printing press 01, and / or corresponds to the maximum width of the respective substrate 02 that can be processed by means of the non-impact printing device 04 and / or the printing press 01, preferably at least the second printing press 01.

The printing press 01, preferably at least the second printing press 01, and/or the at least one non-impact printing device 04 preferably has at least one sensor device 07, which more preferably has at least one sensor module. The at least one sensor device 07 serves in particular to detect and/or evaluate at least one printed print image 42 and/or a printed test print image 27. The at least one sensor device 07 is preferably on the transport path provided for the transport of the substrate 02 and/or on the substrate 03 arranged aligned. Alternatively or additionally, at least one outside the printing press 01; 51 arranged sensor device 07 can be used; The following is an example of a sensor device 07, which is part of the printing press 01, preferably at least the second printing press 01. The at least one sensor device 07 preferably has a dimension in a transverse direction A oriented in particular orthogonally to the transport direction T, which is at least as large as a print image 42 or test print image 27 generated in at least one printing process in this transverse direction A and which is more preferably at least as large is like the substrate 02 in the transverse direction A. The at least one sensor device 07 preferably extends over the entire working width of the printing press 01, preferably at least the second printing press 01, and / or the at least one non-impact printing device 04. The at least one sensor device 07 is preferably an optical sensor device 07. The at least one sensor device 07 is designed, for example, as a line camera 07

The at least one sensor device 07 preferably has at least one sensor module. The at least one sensor module is preferably designed as an image sensor, in particular as a line camera, more preferably as a contact image sensor (CIS, Contact Image Sensor). The at least one sensor module preferably comprises at least one sensor and/or at least one lens assigned to the respective sensor and/or at least one light source assigned to the respective sensor. In a preferred embodiment, the sensor module comprises a plurality of sensors and preferably associated lenses and/or light sources. The at least one sensor device 07 preferably has at least one filter, for example at least one color filter. Further preferably, the at least one sensor device 07 has at least three filters, for example at least three color filters. This At least three color filters are, for example, each assigned to one of three different colors, in particular one of the three colors red, green and blue.

The respective at least one sensor is preferably designed as a CCD sensor and/or CMOS sensor. The respective at least one sensor is preferably designed as a photodiode and/or preferably defines an image point, in particular a pixel. The respective at least one sensor is preferably designed to detect at least one piece of brightness information of the respective printed image 42 and/or to convert the respective brightness information into electrical voltage. The at least one lens, which is preferably assigned to the respective at least one sensor, is preferably designed as a gradient index fiber. The at least one light source is preferably designed as an LED light source, for example as an LED light source of at least one color and/or as a white LED light source. For example, the sensor module comprises at least 64 sensors, preferably at least 600 sensors. For example, the sensor module has a resolution of at least 200 dpi (dots per inch), more preferably at least 500 dpi and even more preferably at least 1200 dpi.

The at least one sensor device 07 is designed, for example, as a component of at least one densitometer and/or at least one spectral densitometer and/or has, for example, at least one densitometer and/or at least one spectral densitometer.

The at least one sensor device 07 preferably has at least two sensor modules, more preferably at least three sensor modules and even more preferably at least five sensor modules. The sensor modules are arranged, for example, in such a way that their detection areas overlap with respect to the transverse direction A, so that it is ensured that the entire working width and/or the entire width of the substrate 02 can be detected. By using multiple sensor modules, even large working widths can be covered. The overlap ensures that no area of the substrate 02 is left out. However, it makes sense to take into account that some locations on the substrate 02 may be detected by at least two sensor modules. To take this into account, areas recorded twice can be eliminated. The position of the individual sensor modules relative to one another and/or relative to the transport path of the substrate 02 and/or relative to the substrate 02 is, for example, not known exactly, at least not with a precision in the range of resolution with which the at least one non-impact print head 03 can print is capable of, for example 600 dpi or 1200 dpi. If a test print image 27 is generated in order to check the functionality of individual areas of the at least one non-impact print head 03 and/or the print head arrangement 14, the quality of the measurement depends on how accurately a corresponding location of the measurement on the test print image 27 corresponds to an area and / or a nozzle of the at least one non-impact print head 03 can be assigned. If a correction is made, its effect on the transverse direction A should be in the correct area, because otherwise not only will the correction not be made in the right place, but it will also create an additional error in the wrong place.

Determining a color density and/or a tone value depends in particular on the respective substrate and its interaction with a respective printing ink or ink. A respective color density or a respective tone value is usually related to a primary color, for example cyan, magenta, yellow or black. A respective determination of a color density and/or a tone value is preferably carried out as follows. A remitted light intensity is preferably determined on an unprinted surface of the respective substrate as a lower reference. A remitted intensity is preferably determined for a maximum printed area (full area) in the corresponding system as the upper reference. The system refers in particular to the respective combination of substrate and primary color. In addition, a remitted light intensity, referred to here as measurement intensity, can be measured for each location on the substrate that is printed with the corresponding primary color. Using this lower reference and the upper reference, a respective remitted light intensity measured at a specific location is preferably converted into an actual tone value and/or into an actual color density value. Each actual color density value can be clearly converted into an actual tone value and vice versa. This tonal value is only indirectly linked to an actual, in particular geometric area coverage, for example due to increases in tonal value due to dot enlargement and/or light capture. If color density is mentioned above and below, a tone value can also be used instead. If a tone value is mentioned above and below, a color density can also be used instead.

The at least one sensor device 07 supplies, for example, so-called RGB values, that is, for example, light intensities that were recorded using appropriate filters. To determine actual tone values and/or actual color density values, the respective ones are preferred Intensities determined by means of the at least one sensor device 07 are converted into tonal values called spot color tone values (SCTV) using the method according to ISO 20654:2017 and, if necessary, actual color density values are calculated from them. In this way, a comprehensible and particularly uniform determination of the actual tone values or actual color density values is possible, in particular for both primary colors and special colors.

From digital template image data 38 of a template image 39, an area coverage target value can preferably be derived and/or at least indirectly stored for each location of the template image 39. Depending on how the at least one non-impact print head 03, the substrate 02 and the ink used interact, different amounts of applied ink and/or different color impressions result on the substrate 02 with the same print control data 41. It is therefore possible that, for example, two fundamentally identical non-impact print heads 03 with the same print control data 41 lead to results in the printed image that have different remissions and/or different color densities. The same applies to different areas and/or nozzles of the same non-impact print head 03.

A method for operating at least one printing press 01 is preferred; 51, which takes this source of error into account. A method is preferred in which the individual relationship between predetermined area coverage target values and the reflectances and/or actual color density values generated therefrom is taken into account for each print head 03 and/or for each partial area of respective print heads 03 and/or for individual nozzles of print heads 03 in order to achieve uniform printing results over the entire width of the print head arrangement 14.

The method for operating the at least one printing press 01; 51 preferably has at least one setup process and preferably at least one conversion process that takes place thereafter and preferably at least one printing process that takes place thereafter. The at least one setup process preferably has at least one respective test printing process and preferably at least one acquisition process that takes place thereafter and preferably at least one analysis process that takes place thereafter and preferably at least one generation process that takes place thereafter. The at least one analysis process preferably has at least a first sub-process and preferably at least a second sub-process that takes place thereafter and preferably at least a third sub-process that takes place thereafter. In the first sub-process, for example, test image columns 34 are selected. In the second sub-process, for example, respective width coordinates are assigned to the respective test image columns 34. In the third sub-process, for example, respective actual tone values or actual color density values are assigned to several area coverage target values for each test image column 34. Preferably, the method and more preferably the setup process and even more preferably the analysis process optionally have a referencing process. A common upper reference is preferably established in the referencing process. The referencing process preferably takes place after the first sub-process and before the third sub-process, for example after the second sub-process and before the third sub-process.

In the method for operating the at least one printing press 01; 51 and preferably in the setup process, in particular in the context and/or prior to the test printing process, test control data 26 are preferably generated from a particularly digital and/or previously stored test template 21 for at least one non-impact print head 03, in particular designed as an inkjet print head 03, in particular for at least one Non-impact print head 03 of printing machine 01; 51, more preferably for several non-impact print heads 03, in particular for several non-impact print heads 03 of the printing machine 01; 51. The test control data 26 is preferably generated by means of a computer device 16; 56, which is further preferably part of the printing press 01; 51 and/or from their machine control. The examination template 21 is preferably stored digitally and can be accessed at any time. By using such a test template 21, reproducible and/or optimized results can be achieved.

To determine the color density, as described above, a measurement of a remitted intensity with a maximum printed area in the corresponding system is necessary as an upper reference. In particular, in the referencing process, a common upper reference is preferably established over the entire width of the test print image 27 in order to achieve comparable values of the actual tonal values and/or actual color density values. Theoretically, the lowest remitted intensity that can be measured in a pressure test field 29 with an area coverage target value of 100% would have to be used for this. Since this would lead to undesirable results, for example with individual nozzles that have failed and/or with individual nozzles that print particularly weakly, such a remitted intensity is preferably selected in a pressure test field 29 with an area coverage target value of 100%, which is generated by a certain proportion of nozzles Printhead arrangement 14 can still be achieved, for example by at least 80% of the nozzles or at least 90% of the nozzles. This specific proportion is also called the reference threshold. This selected and common upper reference remitted intensity or its corresponding color density is preferably used for the calculation of all actual color density values of the method.

In an alternative or additional development, the method is preferably characterized in that in the respective test printing process, at least one respective test print image 27 is generated on a substrate 02 by means of the at least one non-impact print head 03 based on the test control data 26, in particular while the substrate 02 on the one hand and the at least one non-impact print head 03, on the other hand, can be moved relative to one another in the transport direction T. The substrate 02 is preferably moved and the at least one print head 03 is held stationary. A test image 22 defined by the test template 21 preferably has a test template width, which further preferably extends in a test transverse direction B. The test image 22 defined by the test template 21 preferably has a test template length oriented orthogonally thereto, which more preferably extends in a longitudinal test direction C. In particular, the test transverse direction B is preferably oriented orthogonally to the longitudinal test direction C.

The test image 22 preferably serves as a reference. It is preferably printed on the substrate 02 as a test print image 27 using the at least one print head 03. In order to recognize whether printing was incorrect, the test print image 27 must be compared with the test image 22 and/or with previously stored information. This is preferably done as part of the setup process. For better comparability, the test image 22 therefore has a predetermined structure that can be checked as simply and/or precisely as possible. Preferably, at least 5 (five) different area coverage setpoints are assigned to the test image 22, more preferably at least 10, even more preferably at least 15, even more preferably at least 20, even more preferably at least 25, even more preferably at least 30 and even more preferably at least 50 different area coverage target values. The more area coverage target values there are, the more accurately errors in the generation of the test print image 27 can be identified and avoided for future printing processes. The evaluation effort increases with the number of area coverage target values used. The test image 22 preferably has at least one test field 23 for each area coverage setpoint, which extends overall over at least 90%, more preferably at least 95% and even more preferably 100% of the test template width. The respective test field 23 is preferably a single-color area with constant area coverage. The respective test field 23 is, for example, a rectangle. In an exemplary embodiment, the respective test field 23 is divided into several individual tiles, which are arranged separately from one another, for example, but preferably in their entirety cover at least 90% or at least 95% or 100% of the test template width. Lateral boundaries of these tiles can then serve as test assignment marks 24. To make it easier for human observers, the rectangular shape is recommended.

The test fields 23 are preferably arranged one behind the other in relation to the test template length and/or the test longitudinal direction C. The direction C of the test template length or longitudinal test direction C defined for the test image 22 corresponds to the test print image 27 and/or the substrate 02, preferably a print image longitudinal direction E and/or the transport direction T. Each test field 22 is preferably used as a print test field 29 of the test print image 27 on the substrate 03 generated. The pressure test fields 29 are therefore preferably arranged one behind the other in the longitudinal direction E of the printed image. In principle, it is not important whether the test fields 23 are arranged sorted according to their area coverage or not, as long as it is known which test field 23 and thus also which pressure test fields 29 are assigned which area coverage setpoint.

The test image 22 preferably has at least 3 (three) test assignment marks 24, more preferably at least 5 (five) test assignment marks 24, even more preferably at least 10 test assignment marks 24, even more preferably at least 20 test assignment marks 24, even more preferably at least 50 test assignment marks 24, even further preferably at least 100 test assignment marks 24, even more preferably at least 1000 test assignment marks 24 and even more preferably at least 2000 test assignment marks 24. These test assignment marks 24 are preferably arranged at different positions based on the test template width and/or the test transverse direction B. These test assignment marks 24 are preferably printed on the substrate 02 in particular in the test printing process as a test print assignment mark 28 of the particular first test print image 27. The test assignment marks 24 and in particular the resulting test print assignment marks 28 preferably serve as an orientation aid when assigning color density measurement values to inserted nozzles and/or areas of the at least one print head 03 and/or the print head arrangement 14. For example, the test assignment marks 24 are designed as lines 24 or bars 24, which extend parallel to the longitudinal test direction C. For example, the test pressure assignment marks 28 are then correspondingly as Lines 28 or bars 28 are formed, which extend parallel to the longitudinal direction of the printed image E and / or the transport direction T. The number and/or width and/or distance of the test assignment marks 24 or the test print assignment marks 28 preferably depend on how precisely and/or with what spatial resolution the test print image 27 is to be examined and/or how large the working width is.

A preferred embodiment of a test image 22 is exemplified in 3a shown. This has several test fields 23 extending in the test transverse direction B with different respective area coverage target values, each of which is designed as rectangles. In this exemplary embodiment, another line with several test assignment marks 24 is arranged. An exemplary alternative embodiment of test image 22 is exemplified in 3b shown. This has several columns, each of which has several tiles that differ in their area coverage target values. The tiles are arranged slightly offset from one another in the longitudinal test direction C from column to column, with boundaries of the columns then being able to serve as test assignment marks 24. Other embodiments of the test image 22 are also possible.

Without corrective measures, the generated test print image 27 corresponds only ideally to the underlying test image 22. For example, there are areas in which, despite identical area coverage target values specified in the test image 22, different actual color density values and / or different degrees of reflectance are present at the corresponding points in the test print image 27 . This is usually caused by at least one specific print head 03 and/or at least a specific area of at least one print head 03. Since this print head 03 generates all the pixels in an error stripe 37 extending in the longitudinal direction E of the printed image, the errors it generates become visible as error stripes 37 in the test print image 27. The same applies if an error stripe 37 is generated by overlapping working areas of two or more print heads 03.

An example is in 4 schematically a test print image 27 arranged on the substrate 02 is shown, which is based on a test image 22, the structure of which essentially corresponds to 3a is trained.

In particular, in order to improve the quality of printed products, it is therefore preferred to analyze which results are generated for a given test image 22. Preferably, in the respective at least one detection process, this at least one respective test print image 27 is detected by means of the at least one sensor device 07. As described, this at least one sensor device 07 is preferably part of the printing press 01, preferably at least the second printing press 01. The detection of the test print image 27 therefore preferably takes place within the printing press 01, preferably at least the second printing press 01, and more preferably inline while the printed substrate 02 is transported in particular along the intended transport path by the printing press 01. Alternatively or additionally, the detection can take place outside the printing press 01; 51 take place, for example at at least one measuring stand. Preferably, in the at least one acquisition process, at least one test data set 31 is generated, which represents and/or contains at least one digital representation, referred to as test image 32, of the respective at least one test print image 27. The at least one test image 32 is, for example, not in the form of an actual image, but in the form of a set of values or tables of values which, in particular, define measured intensities of remitted light and/or measured actual color density values. The at least one test data set 31 contains, for example, further information, for example about the test image 22 used and/or about the substrate 02 used and/or about the at least one non-impact printing device 04 used and/or about at least one print head 03 used and/or about one Creation time of the test print image 27 and/or the test data set 31. The respective test print image 27 is preferably detected by means of at least one sensor device 07, which has at least two sensor modules, more preferably at least three sensor modules and even more preferably at least five sensor modules. The at least one test image 32 then preferably has test image test fields 43, which correspond to the print test fields 29 of the test print image 27 and/or the test fields 23 of the test image 22. These test image test fields 43 are also, for example, not in the form of an actual image, but in the form of sets of values or tables of values which, in particular, define measured intensities of remitted light and/or measured actual color density values. The values of the test image test fields 43 are, for example, grouped in such a way that all results are summarized that come from those respective measurements that are assigned to a common area coverage target value. The values of the test image 32 and/or the test test fields 43 are preferably averaged values from several measurements, which were carried out in particular at different locations of the same pressure test fields 29 that are close to one another.

The method is preferably characterized in that the respective at least one test image 32 is analyzed in a respective analysis process. In the respective analysis process and preferably in a respective, in particular first, sub-process of the analysis process, a plurality of test image columns 34 of the test image 32 are preferably selected, more preferably at least 30 test image columns 34, even more preferably at least 100 test image columns 34, even more preferably at least 300 test image columns 34, even further preferably at least 1000 test image columns 34, even more preferably at least 3000 test image columns 34, even more preferably at least 10000 test image columns 34, even more preferably at least 30000 test image columns 34 and even more preferably at least 100000 test image columns 34. The test image columns 34 are selected, for example, by dividing the test image columns equidistantly Test image 32 in the test image transverse direction F and / or by dividing the value sets or value tables into subsets of equal size.

The test image columns 34 can be designed as actual image columns 34 if the test image 32 is present as an actual image 32. Then the test image columns 34 preferably extend at least in a test image longitudinal direction G. This test image longitudinal direction G extends in the digital representation of the at least one, in particular first, test print image 27, referred to as test image 32, and corresponds in its orientation to the print image longitudinal direction E of the at least one, in particular, first test print image 27. The Test image columns 34 each preferably extend in the test image longitudinal direction G over all test image test fields 43 and more preferably also over at least one test image assignment mark 33. The test image columns 34 each extend in a test image transverse direction F over a predetermined column width. The test image transverse direction F is preferably oriented orthogonally to the test image longitudinal direction G and extends in the digital representation of the at least one, in particular first, test print image 27, referred to as test image 32, and its orientation corresponds to the print image transverse direction D of the at least one, in particular, first test print image 27. Preferably, the test image columns 34 However, in turn they represent sets of values or tables of values.

Each test image column 34 is preferably assigned at least one measured width coordinate. This at least one measured width coordinate results in particular from which part of the sensor device 07 the corresponding intensities of the remitted light were detected. The predetermined column width is at least one pixel of the test image 32, more preferably at least two pixels, even more preferably at least four pixels and even more preferably at least eight pixels. A pixel is, for example, actually a pixel of a test image 32 present as an image 32 or preferably a value of a test image 32 present as a set of values or a table of values. The width of a pixel of the test image 32 in relation to the test image 22 and/or to a nozzle of the at least corresponds to a non-impact print head 03, depends in particular on the resolution with which the at least one sensor device 07 records and/or outputs the at least one test image 32. The predetermined column width is preferably at most 200 pixels, more preferably at most 100 pixels, even more preferably at most 50 pixels and even more preferably at most 20 pixels of the test image 32.

The test image columns 34 are preferably selected such that the areas represented by them in the test print image 27 adjoin one another in the transverse direction D of the print image, in particular without overlapping in the transverse direction D of the print image. Preferably, each area of the entire test image 32 is assigned to at least one and more preferably exactly one of the test image columns 34.

Preferably, in the analysis process and more preferably in at least one respective, in particular second, sub-process of the analysis process, at least one modified width coordinate is assigned to each of these test image columns 34. This assignment is further preferably carried out taking into account at least one test image assignment mark 33, with this at least one test image assignment mark 33 preferably being a digital one Representation of a respective printed test print assignment mark 28 of the at least one, in particular first, test print image 27 represents and / or contains. The respective at least one modified width coordinate is preferably related to the test image transverse direction F. In order to carry out the assignment of the respective at least one modified width coordinate to the respective test image column 34, the relative movement between substrate 02 on the one hand and sensor device 07 on the other hand is preferably used, i.e. in particular that the substrate 02 was transported past the sensor device 07 in the transport direction T.

As described, the test image 32 is preferably generated using the sensor device 07. Individual sensor fields preferably capture the test print image 28 in strips. Each such test strip preferably corresponds to a single sensor of the sensor device 07 or several sensors of the sensor device 07 or is created by dividing and / or mixing measurements of one or more sensors of the sensor device 07, depending on the ratio of the physical resolution of the sensor device 07 and the output resolution of the measurements of the sensor device 07. The sensor device 07 therefore preferably provides the test image 32 in the resolution of the sensor device 07 or in a resolution changed by interpolation. Depending on the resolution, for example, a different total number of such test strips of the test image 32 results. Each such test strip is preferably assigned an actual mark tone value and/or an actual mark color density value, in particular at the point in the longitudinal direction G of the test image at which a test image assignment mark 33 would possibly be expected . A respective corresponding brand color density actual value is preferably present when the common upper reference has already been established. As an alternative or in addition to the actual brand color density values, corresponding actual brand tone values can also be used.

If, for example, all of these actual brand tone values or actual brand color density values are plotted over the respective measured width coordinate, those measured width coordinates can be identified that correspond to a left or a right edge of a test image assignment mark 33. (This is also an example in 7 shown.) To assign the at least one modified width coordinate to the respective test image column 34, at least one actual mark tone value or actual mark color density of this respective test image column 34 is preferably recorded and dependent on its value and more preferably also dependent on from the test image 22 and/or the test control data 26 derivable information, the respective test image column 34 is assigned to one or more nozzles of the print head arrangement 14. A limit value is preferably set and those actual brand tone values or actual brand color density values that are above the limit value are assigned to a respective test image assignment mark 33 and thus also to a respective test print assignment mark 28 and more preferably others to a respective gap. Based on the information known in particular from the test image 22 and/or the test control data 26 as to which respective nozzle generated the outer edge of the respective test pressure assignment mark 28, from which a respective test image assignment mark 33 emerged, the corresponding test strip of the test image 32 of this respective nozzle is preferred assigned. This preferably applies to all test strips that are assigned to the edges of test image assignment marks 33 and are called edge strips. Those test image columns 34 which contain edge strips are then preferably linked in terms of their measured width coordinates to the known respective nozzle which generated the edge of the corresponding test pressure assignment mark 28 and is called the respective edge nozzle. With the help of the known number of nozzles between adjacent edge nozzles, the test image columns 34 are then preferably assigned to respective nozzles located between the edge nozzles. If the number of nozzles located between the edge nozzles does not correspond to the number of test image columns 34 that are arranged between such test image columns 34 with edge strips, the assignment is preferably carried out by interpolation. In this case, interpolation is preferably carried out between measured actual brand tone values or actual color density values of adjacent test image columns 34 and these interpolated actual brand tone values or interpolated actual color density values are assigned to the respective nozzles corresponding to the width coordinate. Thus, each test image column 34 is preferably assigned at least one modified width coordinate. When this interpolation is carried out, the resulting interpolated actual mark tone values or interpolated actual color density values are preferably combined into modified test image columns 34. These modified test image columns 34 then preferably differ from the original test image columns 34 in their width coordinates and possibly also in their particular interpolated actual mark tone values or interpolated actual color density values.

In the in 7 In the example shown, the test strips 2 to 10 output by the sensor device 07 are assigned to a first test image assignment mark 33 or a corresponding test pressure assignment mark 28 and the test strips 21 to 29 output by the sensor device 07 are assigned to a second test image assignment mark 33 or a corresponding test pressure assignment mark 28. Preferably, the actual mark tone values or actual mark color density values of the test image columns 34, which are assigned to the first test image assignment mark 33 or test print assignment mark 28, are assigned, in particular by interpolation, to those nozzles that have generated the first test print assignment mark 28. Preferably, the actual mark tone values or actual mark color density values of the test image columns 34, which are assigned to the second test image assignment mark 33 or test print assignment mark 28, are assigned, in particular by interpolation, to those nozzles that have generated the second test print assignment mark 28. The preferred procedure is analogous for all test image assignment marks 33 or test image columns 34. Preference is therefore given to those actual brand tone values or actual brand color density values of test image columns 34 that are assigned to a respective test image assignment mark 33 or test print assignment mark 28, in particular by interpolation, to those nozzles that have generated the respective test print assignment mark 28. As a result, it is preferably known for each nozzle of the printhead arrangement 14 to which test image column 34 it contributed.

The width of a test image column 34 can correspond to the width of a respective test strip of the test image 32, but this is not necessarily the case. For example, several test strips of the test image 32 are combined to form a respective test image column 34.

For example, at least before a third sub-process of the respective analysis process, a referencing process takes place in which the common upper reference for calculating the actual tone values and/or actual color density values is determined. This common upper reference then preferably serves to determine all actual tone values and/or actual color density values. In particular, this common upper reference preferably serves as an upper reference for all test image columns 34.

Preferably, in the analysis process and more preferably in a particularly third sub-process of the analysis process, each test image column 34 is assigned at least one representative actual tone value and/or actual color density value per area coverage target value of the test image 22. This representative actual tone values and/or actual color density value is, for example, a measured value or an actual tone value and/or actual color density value generated by interpolation as described above. The respective sections are preferably determined for each test image column 34, which correspond to the respective test image test fields 43, and a representative actual tone value and/or actual color density value corresponding to this respective test image test field 43 is then determined and assigned to this test image test field 43. Each such section is assigned a modified width coordinate, which corresponds in direct connection to at least one nozzle and/or an area of the at least one non-impact print head 03 with which this section was generated. Each such section is also assigned a pair of values, one value of which corresponds to a desired area coverage value and the other value of which corresponds to an achieved representative actual tone value and/or representative actual color density value. From this, an individual assignment rule is preferably created for each width coordinate and/or each nozzle and/or area of the at least one print head 03, which links predetermined area coverage target values with the actual tone values and/or actual color density values achieved. This assignment rule is stored, for example, as a table of values and/or is stored, for example, as an interpolated and/or approximate function. (As an example, this is also the case for two print heads 03 or nozzles or areas of the print head arrangement 14 8th shown.)

For example, at least one test print image 27 is created and analyzed in the manner described. Preferably, several test print images 27 are created and analyzed one after the other in the manner described, for example at least three, more preferably at least five and even more preferably at least seven test print images 27. In this case, respective preliminary representative actual tone values and / or representative actual color density values are preferably generated. Preferably, an average representative actual tone value and/or average representative actual color density value is generated from the respective preliminary representative actual tone values and/or actual color density values, for example by forming a median. This mean representative actual tone value and/or mean representative actual color density value is then used as the representative actual color density value of the test image test field 43.

Depending on the result of the analysis process, at least one modification function 36 is preferably generated, in particular in the generation process, which is preferably part of the setup process. The modification function 36 is preferably generated by means of a computer device 17; 56, which is further preferably part of the printing press 01; 51 and/or from their machine control. This modification function 36 contains a respective individual modification rule for different width coordinates, for example for each test image column 34 or each modified test image column 34 or other grouped areas, the input of which corresponds to an area coverage target value and the output of which corresponds to an area coverage auxiliary value. The respective area coverage auxiliary value corresponds to the area coverage target value that must be specified at a corresponding width coordinate, so that, in particular, regardless of the width coordinate, the actual color density achieved corresponds to the actual color density value that an ideally behaving print head 03 has when the desired area coverage is specified - target value would be achieved. Based on 8th this is explained as an example. In this example, different print heads 03 are considered. However, the principle can also be applied to partial areas of a respective print head 03 or even individual nozzles, depending on how narrow the respective areas and/or test image columns 34 are selected. If an area coverage target value of 40% was originally specified in the example, in this example due to the properties of an executing non-impact print head 03, whose characteristic curve is in the 8th is marked with A, an actual color density value of 0.25 is achieved. Another executing non-impact print head 03, whose characteristic curve is in the 8th marked with B, however, with an area coverage target value of 40%, creates an area with an actual color density value of 0.41. If the executing non-impact printhead 03 marked B should now also generate an area with an actual color density of 0.25 , an area coverage auxiliary value of 27% must be specified. C shows the ideal behavior of a non-impact print head 03, in which the color density achieved is linearly dependent on the specified area coverage. Such an ideal print head 03 would have to be given an area coverage target value of 20% in order to achieve an actual color density value of 0.25. For example, the modification function 36 is created in such a way that, ideally, over the entire working width of the print head arrangement 14 and/or the printing press 01; 51 there is a linear relationship between the specified area coverage target value on the one hand and the actual color density value generated on the substrate 02 on the other hand. So that the print head 03 marked with A delivers results like the ideally behaving print head 03, it is first given an ideal area coverage target value of 25% to achieve the actual color density value of 0.25. This is then first converted into an area coverage auxiliary value of 40% using the corresponding modification rule of the modification function 36 and this is transmitted to the print head 03. Without going into the causes of the behavior of the print head 03 marked A that deviates from the ideal behavior, the print head 03 marked A will still produce the desired color density setpoint. The same applies to all other print heads 03 and/or areas and/or nozzles and to all area coverage target values or color density actual values.

In an alternative or additional development, the method is preferably characterized in that iteratively, after the at least one modification function 36 has been created, test control data 26 and at least one test print image 27 are first created again using the latter in order to determine an improved modification function 36. In an alternative or additional development, the method is preferably characterized in that corresponding processes are carried out separately for each color used, for example for the colors cyan, magenta, yellow and black and/or for corresponding special colors.

Print control data 41 for the at least one non-impact print head 03 is preferably generated in a conversion process from template image data 38 of a template image 39 using the at least one modification function 36. The pressure control data 41 is preferably generated by means of a computer device 18; 56, which is further preferably part of the printing press 01; 51 and/or from whose machine control and/or which is identical to the computer device 16 by means of which the test control data 26 were generated. The conversion process includes, for example, common processes such as halftoning, screening, etc., which are necessary to generate print control data 41. Depending on the application, the modification function 36 can be incorporated at an advantageous point.

Preferably, in a printing process using the print control data 41, a printed print image 42 is generated on a substrate 02 by means of the at least one non-impact print head 03. The preferred method is intended to produce an optimized printing result, particularly for a respective system of ink and substrate 02. The method is preferably characterized in that in the printing process using the print control data 41 by means of the at least one non-impact print head 03, a printed print image 42 is generated on a substrate 02, the material properties of which correspond to the substrate 02 on which in which Test printing process the at least one test print image 27 was generated and / or that in the printing process using the print control data 41 by means of the at least one non-impact print head 03 a printed print image 42 is generated on the same substrate 02 on which the at least one test print image 27 is generated in the test printing process became.

A method for operating at least one inkjet printing machine 01; 51. The at least one inkjet printing machine 01; 51 has at least one non-impact print head 03. A first setup process is preferably carried out first. Preferably, in a test printing process of the first setup process, at least a first test print image 27 is generated on a first substrate 02 of the first type, at least by means of the at least one non-impact print head 03, in particular on the basis of test control data 26. This preferably happens in at least one inkjet printing machine 01; 51. Preferably, in a detection process of the first setup process, this at least one first test print image 27 is detected by means of at least one sensor device 07. In an alternative or additional development, the method is preferably characterized in that in the acquisition process of the first setup process, at least a first test data set 31 is generated, which represents and/or contains at least one digital representation, referred to as the first test image 32, of the at least one first test print image 27 . In an alternative or additional development, the method is preferably characterized in that test image columns 34 of the first test image 32 are selected in a sub-process of an analysis process of the first setup process.

In an alternative or additional development, the method is preferably characterized in that a referencing process is carried out in the analysis process of the first setup process, in which a first common upper reference is determined. This first common upper reference preferably corresponds to a remitted light intensity, for which it applies in particular that for at least 80% or preferably at least 90% of the test image columns 34 of the first test image 32, the lowest respective remitted light intensity measured in the first detection process is greater than the first common top reference. In this way, a compromise is possible that ensures that as many of the nozzles involved as possible can reach this upper reference and yet the overall appearance of the print result is not too pale.

In an alternative or additional development, the method is preferably characterized in that in a particularly further sub-process of the analysis process of the first setup process, respective actual tone values or actual color density values are assigned to several area coverage target values, which were determined on the basis of the first common upper reference . In particular, it is preferred that in this further, in particular third, sub-process of the analysis process of the first setup process, respective actual tone values or actual color density values are assigned to several area coverage target values for each test image column 34, which were determined on the basis of the first common upper reference. The second sub-process already described is preferably carried out beforehand. The use of the common upper reference enables the properties of the different nozzles and/or printheads involved to be evenly balanced.

In an alternative or additional development, the method is preferably characterized in that a first modification function 36 is generated in a first generation process. This first modification function 36 preferably contains at least one modification rule, the input of which corresponds to an area coverage setpoint and the output of which corresponds to an area coverage auxiliary value. More preferably, this first modification function 36 for different latitude coordinates includes a respective individual modification rule, the input of which corresponds to an area coverage target value and the output of which corresponds to an area coverage auxiliary value.

In an alternative or additional development, the method is preferably characterized in that in a first conversion process, first print control data 41 for the at least one non-impact print head 03 is generated from, in particular, first template image data 38 of a template image 39 using the first modification function 36.

In an alternative or additional development, the method is preferably characterized in that in a first printing process using the first print control data 41 by means of the at least one non-impact print head 03, a particularly first printed print image 42 is generated on the first substrate 02 of the first type.

In an alternative or additional development, the method is preferably characterized in that a second setup process is carried out at a later point in time analogous to the first setup process and a second common upper reference is thereby established. In this case, multiple area coverage target values are preferably assigned respective actual tone values or actual color density values, which were determined on the basis of the second common upper reference. In particular, for each test image column 34 of a second test image 32, respective actual tone values or actual color density values are assigned to several area coverage target values, which were determined on the basis of the second common upper reference.

In an alternative or additional development, the method is preferably characterized in that after the second setup process, a second conversion process is carried out, in which second print control data 41 is generated for the at least one non-impact printhead 03 using the results of the second setup process. In an alternative or additional development, the method is preferably characterized in that after the second conversion process, a second printing process is carried out, in which a particularly second printed print image 42 is printed on the substrate using the second print control data 41 by means of the at least one non-impact print head 03 02 of the second type is generated.

In an alternative or additional development, the method is preferably characterized in that in a test printing process of the second setup process at least by means of the at least one non-impact print head 03 of the at least one inkjet printing machine 01; 51 on the basis of test control data 26 at least a second test print image 27 is generated on a substrate 02 of the second type. Preferably, the substrate of the second type differs from the substrate of the first type at least with respect to a degree of reflectance and/or an absorbency and/or a roughness ity. Therefore, the different properties of the different nozzles and/or print heads may result in different deviations in the printed image compared to the effects when using the first substrate. Accordingly, an adapted error correction makes sense.

In an alternative or additional development, the method is preferably characterized in that in a detection process of the second setup process, this at least one second test print image 27 is detected by means of the at least one sensor device 07. In an alternative or additional development, the method is preferably characterized in that in the acquisition process of the second setup process, at least a second test data set 31 is generated, which represents and/or contains at least one digital representation, referred to as a second test image 32, of the at least one second test print image 27 . In an alternative or additional development, the method is preferably characterized in that test image columns 34 of the second test image 32 are selected in a sub-process of an analysis process of the second setup process. In an alternative or additional development, the method is preferably characterized in that a referencing process is carried out in an analysis process of the second setup process, in which a second common upper reference is determined. This second common upper reference preferably corresponds to a remitted light intensity, for which the following applies: for at least 80% or preferably at least 90% of the test image columns 34 of the second test image 32, the lowest respective remitted light intensity measured in the first detection process is greater than the second common upper one Reference. In an alternative or additional development, the method is preferably characterized in that in a further, in particular third, sub-process of the analysis process of the second setup process, respective actual tone values or actual color density values are assigned to each test image column 34 for each test image column 34, which are based on the second common upper reference were determined. In an alternative or additional development, the method is preferably characterized in that a second modification function 36 is generated in a second generation process and that this second modification function 36 contains a respective individual modification rule for different latitude coordinates, the input of which corresponds to an area coverage setpoint and whose Output corresponds to an area coverage auxiliary value. In an alternative or additional development, the method is preferably characterized in that second print control data 41 for the at least one non-impact print head 03 is generated in a second conversion process from, in particular, second template image data 38 of a template image 39 using the second modification function 36. Alternatively, the first template image data 38 can also be used again if an identical print image is to be generated on the second type of substrate. In an alternative or additional development, the method is preferably characterized in that in a second printing process using the second print control data 41 by means of the at least one non-impact print head 03, a particularly second printed print image 42 of the second type is generated on the substrate 02.

In an alternative or additional development, the method is preferably characterized in that a third setup process is carried out analogously to the first setup process at a later point in time, in particular after the second printing process. In this case, multiple area coverage target values are preferably assigned respective actual tone values or actual color density values, which were determined on the basis of the first common upper reference. In particular, for each test image column 34 of a third test image 32, respective actual tone values or actual color density values are assigned to several area coverage target values, which were determined on the basis of the first common upper reference.

In an alternative or additional development, the method is preferably characterized in that after the third setup process, a third conversion process is carried out, in which third print control data 41 is generated for the at least one non-impact printhead 03 using the results of the third setup process. In an alternative or additional development, the method is preferably characterized in that after the third conversion process, a third printing process is carried out, in which, using the third print control data 41, a particularly third printed print image 42 is printed on the in particular by means of the at least one non-impact print head 03 second substrate 02 of the first type is produced. By using the first common upper reference again, the remitted intensities are converted to tone values that fit into the system of the first test printing process. The adjustments based on this then make the printing result of the third printing process comparable to the printing result of the first printing process.

In an alternative or additional development, the method is preferably characterized by the fact that in a test printing process of the third setup process by means of at least one non-impact print head 03 based on test control data 26, at least a third test print image 27 is generated on a second substrate 02 of the first type. This can happen, for example, in the same or a different inkjet printing machine. In an alternative or additional development, the method is preferably characterized in that the second substrate of the first type matches the first substrate of the first type at least with regard to a degree of reflection and an absorbency and a roughness. Then the print result that can be achieved is even closer to that from the first printing process.

In an alternative or additional development, the method is preferably characterized in that this at least one third test print image 27 is detected by means of at least one sensor device 07 in a detection process of the third setup process. This at least one sensor device 07 is, for example, the same at least one sensor device 07 that was also used in the first detection process and/or in the second detection process. In an alternative or additional development, the method is preferably characterized in that in the acquisition process of the third setup process, at least a third test data set 31 is generated, which represents and/or contains at least one digital representation of the at least one third test print image 27, referred to as the third test image 32 . In an alternative or additional development, the method is preferably characterized in that test image columns 34 of the third test image 32 are selected in a sub-process of an analysis process of the third setup process. In an alternative or additional development, the method is preferably characterized in that in a further, in particular third, sub-process of the analysis process of the third setup process, respective actual tone values or actual color density values are assigned to several area coverage target values for each test image column 34, which are based on the first common upper reference were determined. In an alternative or additional development, the method is preferably characterized in that a third modification function 36 is generated in a third generation process and that this third modification function 36 contains a respective individual modification rule for different latitude coordinates, the input of which corresponds to an area coverage setpoint and whose Output corresponds to an area coverage auxiliary value. In an alternative or additional development, the method is preferably characterized in that third print control data 41 for the at least one non-impact print head 03 is generated in a third conversion process from template image data 38 of a template image 39 using the third modification function 36. This template image data 38 is, for example, the same template image data 38 that was used in the first conversion process and/or in the second conversion process. In an alternative or additional development, the method is preferably characterized in that in a third printing process using the third print control data 41 by means of at least one, in particular the at least one, non-impact print head 03, a particularly third printed print image 42 is first printed on the second substrate 02 Type is generated.

In an alternative or additional development, the method is preferably characterized in that, in order to determine the respective actual tone values or actual color density values, in addition to the first or second common upper reference, respective individual remitted light intensities are also taken into account and that these respective individual remitted light intensities and the first and second common upper reference are converted into spot color tone values called SCTV using the method according to ISO 20654:2017.

In an alternative or additional development, the method is preferably characterized in that the respective modification function 36 is created in such a way that over the entire working width of the at least one printing press 01; 51 and/or a print head arrangement 14 of the at least one printing machine 01; 51 there is a linear relationship between the specified area coverage target value on the one hand and the actual color density value generated on the substrate 02 on the other hand.

In an alternative or additional development, the method is preferably characterized in that the at least one print head 03 used in the third test printing process is a print head 03 that was also used in the first test printing process and/or that at least the one used in the third printing process a print head 03 is a print head 03 that was also used in the first printing process. In an alternative development, the method is preferably characterized in that the at least one print head 03 used in the third test printing process is a print head 03 of a further inkjet printing machine 01, which is different from the at least one inkjet printing machine 01 used in the first test printing process; 51 differs and / or that the at least one print head 03 used in the third printing process is a print head 03 of a further inkjet printing machine 01, which is different from the at least one used in the first printing process at least one inkjet printing machine 01; 51 differs. Then the method is, for example, a method for operating at least two inkjet printing machines 01; 51.

For example, the at least one, preferably second, inkjet printing machine 01 is designed to process sheet-shaped or web-shaped substrate 02 according to a print job. Preferably, the at least one, preferably second, inkjet printing machine 01 for processing sheet-shaped or web-shaped substrate 02 for producing printed products according to a print job in large quantities, preferably of at least 50 printed products, preferably of at least 100 printed products, preferably of at least 500 printed products, is further preferred of at least 1000 printed products.

For example, the at least one web-shaped substrate 02, preferably second, inkjet printing device 01 has a maximum transport speed of the substrate 02 of at least 100 m/min (one hundred meters per minute), preferably of at least 120 m/min, more preferably of at least 135 m/min , preferably at least 160 m/min, more preferably at least 270 m/min, and/or at most 400 m/min (four hundred meters per minute), preferably at most 370 m/min, more preferably at most 300 m/min , on. For example, the at least one inkjet printing device 01 processing a sheet-shaped substrate 02 has a processing speed of at least 8,000 sheets per hour, preferably at least 10,000 sheets per hour, more preferably at least 12,000 sheets per hour, and / or at most 30,000 sheets per hour, preferably at most 25,000 Sheets per hour, more preferably a maximum of 20,000 sheets per hour.

Preferably, the at least one, preferably first, inkjet printing machine 51 is designed to process sheet-shaped substrate 02, preferably to process individual sheets 02, more preferably to produce patterns. The at least one inkjet printing machine 51 is preferred for processing sheet-shaped substrate 02, thus for producing printed products in small quantities according to a print job, preferably a maximum of ten printed products, more preferably a maximum of five printed products, more preferably a maximum of three printed products, more preferably only one printed product, educated. The at least one inkjet printing machine 51 is preferably designed to print on paper and/or cardboard and/or cardboard.

Preferably, the at least one inkjet printing machine 51, which is preferably designed for processing sheet-shaped substrate 02 to produce printed products in small quantities according to a print job, is referred to as a first inkjet printing machine 51. Preferably, the at least one inkjet printing machine 01, which is preferably designed for processing sheet-shaped or web-shaped substrate 02 to produce printed products in large quantities according to a print job, is referred to as a second inkjet printing machine 01.

The second inkjet printing machine 01 preferably has at least one material source 08; 09 and the at least one printing unit 04 with the at least one print head 03 and the at least one drying device 11 and the at least one substrate delivery device 12; 13 on. The at least one print head 03 of the second inkjet printing machine 01 is preferably the same as the at least one print head 03 of the first inkjet printing machine 51. The at least two print heads 03 of the first and second inkjet printing machines 01 thus preferably work; 51 according to the same printing process, preferably according to a non-impact printing process, in particular an inkjet printing process, preferably according to the piezo printing process or alternatively according to the thermal printing process.

The at least one, preferably first, inkjet printing machine 51, which is preferably designed for processing sheet-shaped substrate 02 to produce printed products in small quantities according to a print job, is preferably designed as a device for digitally printing sheets 02. Preferably, the at least one inkjet printing machine 51 is designed to process sheets 02 with a length of a maximum of 1189 mm, preferably a maximum of 841 mm, more preferably a maximum of 594 mm, more preferably a maximum of 420 mm, more preferably a maximum of 297 mm. Preferably, the at least one inkjet printing machine 51 is designed to process sheets 02 with a width of a maximum of 841 mm, preferably a maximum of 594 mm, more preferably a maximum of 420 mm, more preferably a maximum of 297 mm, more preferably a maximum of 210 mm. In a further preferred embodiment, a sheet 02 to be processed with this inkjet printing machine 51 has a DIN A3 format, preferably with a size of 297 x 420 mm, or DIN A4, preferably with a size of 210 x 297 mm.

The at least one, preferably first, inkjet printing machine 51 preferably has at least one, preferably plate-shaped, support surface che 52 for supporting arcuate substrate 02. Preferably, the at least one, preferably first, inkjet printing machine 51 has at least one support table with the at least one plate-shaped support surface 52. The at least one support surface 52 is preferably plate-shaped.

Preferably, the at least one, preferably first, inkjet printing machine 51 has at least one fastening means for fastening substrate 02 on the at least one support surface 52.

In a preferred embodiment, the at least one fastening means has at least one means generating an electrical potential difference. The substrate 02 preferably experiences electrostatic attraction and is therefore preferably held on the at least one support surface 52. The at least one means generating an electrical potential difference is preferably designed as at least one charging device, in particular for electrostatically charging printing material 02. The at least one charging device serves in particular to fix printing material 02 relative to the at least one support surface 52, preferably by electrostatic charging. The at least one charging device preferably has at least one, in particular, upper charging electrode, which is preferably arranged aligned from above towards a contact surface. Preferably, the at least one charging electrode is arranged above the surface of the at least one support surface 52. The at least one charging device preferably has at least one, in particular lower, counter electrode. Preferably, the at least one counter electrode is arranged below the surface of the at least one support surface 52. The contact surface is preferably arranged at least partially between the at least one charging electrode and the at least one counter electrode of the at least one charging device. Preferably, the contact surface is the surface of the at least one support surface 52. A smallest distance between the at least one and preferably each charging electrode and the contact surface of the charging device is preferably greater than a smallest distance between one and preferably each ejection opening of the at least one print head 03 and the contact surface. A particular advantage is that printing material 02, in particular sheets 02, can be fixed to the contact surface without touching the surface of printing material 02 that is to be printed or has already been printed. Between the at least one charging electrode and the at least one counter electrode of the charging device there is preferably a voltage of at least 25 kV, more preferably at least 30 kV and even more preferably at least 35 kV and, regardless of this, preferably at most 45 kV and more preferably at most 40 kV. The at least one charging device is preferably designed as a direct current charging device. This preferably achieves particularly efficient and uniform charging.

For example, in addition or as an alternative to the at least one means generating an electrical potential difference, the at least one fastening means has at least one source for generating negative pressure. Preferably through at least one opening in the surface of the support surface 52, which is connected to the at least one source for generating negative pressure, the substrate 02 is held on the at least one support surface 52, preferably by means of suction force. For example, in addition or as an alternative to the at least one means generating an electrical potential difference, the at least one fastening means has at least one clamping device for fastening the substrate 02 on the support surface 52. Preferably, at least one clamping device is arranged on at least two mutually opposite boundaries of the at least one support surface 52, each of which clamps the substrate 02 on a side edge onto the at least one support surface 52.

The at least one support surface 52 preferably has at least one boundary. The boundary preferably describes the outermost edge of the at least one support surface 52. A direction y preferably extends from a first side of the support surface 52 to an opposite second side of the support surface 52, preferably from the boundary on the first side to the boundary on the second page. Preferably, the extent of the support surface 52 in direction y describes its extent in the longitudinal direction. Preferably, a direction x extends from a third side of the support surface 52 to an opposite fourth side of the support surface 52, preferably from the boundary on the third side to the boundary on the fourth side. The direction y is preferably perpendicular to the direction x. Preferably, the extent of the support surface 52 in direction x describes its extent in the transverse direction. The at least one support surface 52 preferably has an extension in the longitudinal direction and in the transverse direction. The extent of the at least one support surface 52 is preferably greater in direction y than in direction x. For example, the at least one support surface 52 is rectangular.

The at least one, preferably first, inkjet printing machine 51 preferably has at least one print head 03, preferably at least a non-impact print head 03, more preferably at least one inkjet print head 03. The at least one print head 03 preferably works according to a non-impact printing process, in particular an inkjet printing process, preferably according to a piezo printing process, with at least one actuator designed as a piezo element causing a drop to be ejected, or alternatively according to a thermal printing process, with at least one actuator designed as a heating element causing a drop to be ejected .

Preferably, the at least one, preferably first, inkjet printing machine 51 has at least two, preferably at least three, for example four, print heads 03. Preferably, the at least one, preferably first, inkjet printing machine 51 has at least one print head 03, preferably exactly one print head 03, for each application fluid to be printed in a print job. Preferably, the at least one, preferably first, inkjet printing machine 51 has at least one, preferably exactly one, print head 03 for the colors cyan, magenta, yellow and/or black. For example, the at least one, preferably first, inkjet printing machine 51 has at least one print head 03 for at least one special color, a color different from the primary color.

Preferably, the at least two print heads 03 of the at least one, preferably first, inkjet printing machine 51 are arranged adjacent to one another, preferably adjacent to one another, more preferably in series. The at least two print heads 03 of the at least one, preferably first, inkjet printing machine 51 are preferably arranged in series along a linear axis, preferably in alignment with one another. Preferably, the at least two print heads 03 are arranged in series along the linear axis, preferably in alignment with one another, which axis is perpendicular to the axis of the relative movement of the at least one support surface 52 to the at least one print head 03 during the printing process. For example, the at least two print heads 03 are arranged in a row in the transverse direction of the at least one support surface 52, i.e. preferably in the direction x, more preferably in alignment with one another. Preferably, at least two print heads 03 of different application fluids are arranged in a row in the transverse direction of the at least one support surface 52, i.e. preferably in the direction x. With this arrangement of the print heads 03, the relative movement of the at least one support surface 52 to the at least one print head 03 during the printing process preferably takes place in the direction y, i.e. the longitudinal direction of the at least one support surface 52. The arrangement of the at least two print heads 03 in the transverse direction of the at least one Support surface 52, i.e. preferably in direction x, preferably enables easy cleaning of the at least two print heads 02, preferably by at least one washing device 54. In this arrangement, the print heads 03 preferably print on different sections of the substrate 02 during the one printing process.

For example, alternatively, preferably with a relative movement of the at least one support surface 52 to the at least one print head 03 during the printing process in direction y, the at least two print heads 03 are arranged in rows in the longitudinal direction of the at least one support surface 52, i.e. preferably in direction y, more preferably in alignment with each other. This preferably enables the same section of the substrate 02 to be printed by all print heads 03 during the same printing process.

Preferably, the at least one print head 03, preferably the entirety of the print heads 03, of the at least one, preferably first, inkjet printing machine 51 has at least one housing. The extent of the at least one housing of the at least one print head 03 in the longitudinal direction and/or in the transverse direction preferably corresponds to a maximum of three quarters, preferably a maximum of half, more preferably a maximum of a third, of the extent of the at least one support surface 52 in the longitudinal direction and/or in the transverse direction. Preferably, the at least one print head 03, preferably the entirety of the print heads 03, of the at least one, preferably first, inkjet printing machine 51 extends only over a partial area of the at least one support surface 52 in the longitudinal direction, i.e. direction y, and/or in the transverse direction, i.e. direction x . Preferably, the at least one print head 03, preferably the entirety of the print heads 03, more preferably the at least one housing, the at least one, preferably first, inkjet printing machine 51 extends over a maximum of three quarters, preferably a maximum of half, more preferably a maximum of a third, of the extent of the at least one support surface 52 in the longitudinal direction, i.e. direction y, and/or in the transverse direction, i.e. direction x.

The at least one, preferably first, inkjet printing machine 51 preferably has at least one drive, which preferably sets a relative position between the at least one support surface 52 and the at least one print head 03. For example, the at least one, preferably first, inkjet printing machine 51 has at least two drives that are different from one another. Preferably it is at least one drive is an electric motor, preferably position-controlled or torque-controlled, or has at least one pneumatic cylinder.

Preferably, the at least one support surface 52 is designed to be movable and/or movable along at least one linear axis, preferably along two linear axes, more preferably along the direction x and/or the direction y. The at least one support surface 52 is preferably designed to be linearly movable and/or moving along the longitudinal direction, i.e. in the y direction, and/or along the transverse direction, i.e. in the x direction. The at least one support surface 52 can preferably be arranged and/or arranged along the longitudinal direction, i.e. in direction y, and/or along the transverse direction, i.e. in direction x, in preferably at least one first position and in at least one second position. The at least one support surface 52 and a substrate 02 arranged and/or held thereon are preferably movable together. Preferably, regardless of the position of the at least one support surface 52, a point on the surface of the at least one support surface 52 has a constant distance from a point on the surface of a substrate 02 arranged on the support surface 52, which preferably faces the at least one support surface 52.

Preferably, the at least one support surface 52 and the at least one print head 03 can be arranged and/or arranged relative to one another in a first position and in a second position in the direction of the linear axis, preferably in the longitudinal direction of the support surface 52, i.e. in the y direction. Preferably, the at least one support surface 52 can be arranged and/or arranged in the first position and in the second position in the direction of the linear axis, preferably in the longitudinal direction of the support surface 52, i.e. in the y direction. The first position of the support surface 52 in the direction of the linear axis, preferably in the longitudinal direction of the support surface 52, i.e. in the direction y, is preferably to the second position of the support surface 52 along the linear axis, preferably along the direction y or alternatively along the direction x, delay. Preferably, the at least one support surface 52 is positioned in a first state in the first position in the direction of the linear axis, preferably in the longitudinal direction of the support surface 52, i.e. in the direction y. Preferably, the at least one support surface 52 is positioned in a second state in the second position in the direction of the linear axis, preferably in the longitudinal direction of the support surface 52, i.e. in the direction y. Each nozzle of the at least one print head 03 is preferably spaced perpendicularly in the first position of the support surface 52 from a respective first point on the support surface 52. Each nozzle of the at least one print head 03 is preferably spaced vertically from a second point on the support surface 52 in the second position of the support surface 52. The distance is therefore preferably perpendicular to the at least one support surface 52, preferably in the direction of the normal vector of the at least one support surface 52. Preferably, the at least one print head 03 is in the direction both in the first position of the support surface 52 and in the second position of the support surface 52 the linear axis is arranged above the at least one support surface 52, with each nozzle more preferably being arranged above a point on the support surface 52.

At least one drive of the drives is preferably designed to drive the at least one support surface 52 from the at least one first position to the at least one second position in the direction of the linear axis, preferably in the longitudinal direction of the support surface 52, i.e. in the direction y, and/or vice versa. Preferably, at least one drive of the drives moves the at least one support surface 52 from the at least one first position to the at least one second position in the direction of the linear axis, preferably in the longitudinal direction of the support surface 52, i.e. in the direction y, and/or vice versa. This at least one drive is preferably designed as a linear drive. Preferably, the at least one drive in the direction of the linear axis is the at least one support surface 52 during the printing process at a speed of at least 30 m/min (thirty meters per minute), preferably at least 50 m/min (fifty meters per minute). preferably of at least 60 m/min, more preferably of at least 70 m/min, and/or of a maximum of 150 m/min (one hundred and fifty meters per minute), preferably of a maximum of 120 m/min (one hundred and twenty meters per minute), more preferably of a maximum of 100 m/min, more preferably a maximum of 90 m/min, more preferably a maximum of 80 m/min, designed to drive in the direction of the linear axis, preferably in the direction y. For example, the maximum speed corresponds to the maximum frequency of the at least one print head 03.

Preferably, the at least one support surface 52 and the at least one print head 03 can be arranged relative to one another in a first position and in a second position in a direction orthogonal to the direction of the linear axis, preferably in the transverse direction of the support surface 52, i.e. in the direction x, and/or arranged. Preferably, the at least one support surface 52 can be arranged and/or arranged in the first position and in the second position in the direction orthogonal to the direction of the linear axis, preferably in the transverse direction of the support surface 52, i.e. in the direction x. If the linear axis extends in the direction y, the support surface 52 prefers a first and second position in the direction y, the direction orthogonal to the direction of the linear axis is preferably the direction x. If the linear axis extends in the direction x, that is to say the support surface 52 preferably has a first and second position in the direction x, then the direction orthogonal to the direction of the linear axis is preferably the direction y. Preferably, the at least one support surface 52 and/or the at least one print head 03 each have two positions in the direction orthogonal to the direction of the linear axis. In both the first position and the second position in the direction orthogonal to the direction of the linear axis, preferably in the transverse direction of the support surface 52, i.e. in the direction x, each nozzle of the at least one print head 03 is preferably spaced perpendicularly from a point on the support surface 52, preferably in the direction of the normal vector of the support surface 52. Thus, the at least one print head 03 is preferably in both the first position and in the second position in the direction orthogonal to the direction of the linear axis, preferably in the transverse direction of the support surface 52, i.e. in the direction x the at least one support surface 52 is arranged, with each nozzle more preferably being arranged above a point on the support surface 52.

At least one drive of the drives, preferably a different drive from the drive in the direction of the linear axis, is preferably the at least one support surface 52 and/or the at least one print head 03 from the first position to the second position in the direction orthogonal to the direction of the linear Axis, preferably designed to drive in the transverse direction of the support surface 52, i.e. in the direction x, and/or vice versa. Preferably, at least one drive of the drives, preferably a drive different from the drive in the direction of the linear axis, moves the at least one support surface 52 and/or the at least one print head 03 from the first position to the second position in the direction orthogonal to the direction of the linear Axis, preferably in the transverse direction of the support surface 52, i.e. in the direction x, and / or vice versa. This at least one drive is preferably designed as a linear drive.

The at least one, preferably first, inkjet printing machine 51 preferably has at least one computer device 56. The at least one computer device 56 is preferably designed to control at least one printing process of the at least one print head 03 and/or the at least one drive of the inkjet printing machine 51. The at least one computer device 56 preferably controls the at least one printing process of the at least one print head 03 and/or preferably controls the at least one drive of the inkjet printing machine 51, preferably all drives of the inkjet printing machine 51, i.e. preferably at least one relative movement of the at least one support surface 52 to the at least a print head 03. For example, the at least one computer device 56 is connected in terms of control technology to at least one drying unit 53 and/or to at least one washing device 54 of the inkjet printing machine 51.

The at least one, preferably first, inkjet printing machine 51 preferably has at least one washing device 54 for cleaning the at least one print head 03, preferably the at least two print heads 03, more preferably all print heads 03. The at least one print head 03 preferably has at least one printing position and at least one cleaning position. The at least one washing device 54 preferably has at least one maintenance position, in which it cleans the at least one print head 03, and at least one storage position. The at least one washing device 54 is preferably arranged in the at least one maintenance position in direct or indirect contact with at least one nozzle of the print head 03 arranged in the cleaning position for cleaning it. The at least one washing device 54 preferably has at least one wiping cloth which comes into direct contact with the at least one print head 03. Alternatively, the at least one washing device 54 preferably has at least one nozzle which ejects cleaning fluid and which comes into contact with the at least one print head 03 only indirectly, preferably via the ejected cleaning fluid. For cleaning, the at least one washing device 54, preferably at least the at least one wipe and/or the at least one nozzle, preferably comes into direct or indirect contact with the at least one print head 03 and preferably moves along the at least one print head 03 in a cleaning direction, so on to clean the entire nozzle surface of the print head 03. Preferably, the at least one washing device 54, preferably at least the at least one wipe and/or the at least one nozzle, moves along the at least two, preferably all, print heads 03.

In a first embodiment, the printing position and the cleaning position are different positions of the at least one print head 03 along a vertical direction. Preferably, the cleaning position is arranged in the vertical direction above the printing position. The distance between the at least one print head 03 and the at least one support surface 52 in the cleaning position thus preferably increases. The maintenance position and the storage position of the at least one washing device 54 are preferred Positions spaced apart from one another along the direction orthogonal to the direction of the linear axis, preferably in the direction x. Preferably, the at least one washing device 54 is moved from the storage position to the maintenance position and, in the maintenance position, cleans the at least one print head 03 arranged in the cleaning position.

In a second, preferred embodiment, the at least one cleaning position of the at least one print head 03 is spaced apart from the at least one printing position along the direction orthogonal to the direction of the linear axis, preferably in the direction x. Preferably, the maintenance position and the storage position of the washing device 54 are mutually identical positions with respect to the x direction and/or with respect to the y direction. For cleaning purposes, the at least one print head 03 is preferably transferred from its at least one printing position to the at least one cleaning position, in which it is cleaned by the at least one washing device 54. For example, the at least one washing device is adjusted in the vertical direction, preferably positioned against the nozzle surface of the at least one print head 03.

The at least one, preferably first, inkjet printing machine 51 preferably has at least one drying unit 53. Preferably, the at least one drying unit 53 has at least one, for example at least two, drying elements, which are designed, for example, as a UV radiator and/or radiant heater and/or hot air dryer. The at least one drying unit 53 is preferably arranged along the linear axis, preferably along the direction y, in front of or behind the at least one print head 03. Preferably, additionally or alternatively, the at least one drying unit 53 is arranged along a second linear axis, for example in the direction orthogonal to the direction of the linear axis, for example along the direction x, in front of or behind the at least one print head 03. The at least one support surface 52 preferably has at least a third position of the support surface 52, in which the at least one support surface 52 is arranged with at least one point of its surface vertically below the at least one drying unit 53. Preferably, the at least one drying unit 53 dries the at least one application fluid applied to the substrate 02 by means of the at least one print head 03 in at least one drying process. Preferably, the at least one support surface 52, preferably with the substrate 02, is moved along the linear axis, preferably along the direction y, during the at least one drying process. Preferably, each point of the at least one support surface 52 is arranged at a distance from the at least one drying unit 53 along the linear axis, preferably along the direction y, at least at one time during at least one drying process, preferably in the direction of the normal vector of the support surface 52.

Preferably, the at least one first, preferably the further, inkjet printing machine 51, which is preferably designed for processing sheet-shaped substrate 02 to produce printed products in small quantities according to a print job, is used as a printing machine for producing at least one test print on the at least one second inkjet printing machine 01 , which is preferably designed for processing sheet-shaped or web-shaped substrate 02 for producing printed products according to a print job in large quantities, used to carry out the print job. The at least one, preferably first, inkjet printing machine 51 is preferably used to carry out at least one test printing process, for example at least one test printing process out of several test printing processes, in particular during the at least one setup process of the at least one, preferably second, inkjet printing machine 01. Preferably at least one test print image 27 is used the preferably first inkjet printing machine 51 is generated.

Preferably, when executing a print job with the at least one, preferably first, inkjet printing machine 51, a substrate 02, in particular a sheet-shaped substrate 02, is placed on the at least one support surface 52. A substrate 02 is preferably fastened to the at least one support surface 52 by means of the at least one fastening means. Preferably, the at least one support surface 52, preferably with the substrate 02 arranged thereon, is positioned at the beginning of a new printing process in such a way that each nozzle of the at least one print head 03 of the print heads 03, preferably all of the print heads 03 of the print heads 03, points to a first point in each case Support surface 52, preferably of the substrate 02 arranged on the support surface 52, is spaced vertically. The at least one support surface 52 is therefore preferably arranged in the first position along the linear axis, preferably along the direction y. Preferably, in the first position along the linear axis, preferably along the direction y, a first edge and/or corner of the substrate 02 is spaced perpendicularly, preferably in the direction of the normal vector of the support surface 52, from the at least one print head 03.

Preferably, the at least one print head 03, preferably all print heads 03 of the print heads 03, whose nozzles are spaced perpendicularly to a respective first point of the support surface 52, preferably the substrate 02 arranged thereon, begins the at least one printing process with the support surface 52 arranged in the first position . Preferably, the printing process begins in the first position along the linear axis, preferably along the direction y, at the first edge and/or corner of the substrate 02 and/or on the surface of the substrate 02 near the first edge and/or corner. Preferably, the at least one computer device 56 controls the at least one printing process, in particular the control of the nozzles of the at least one print head 03.

During the at least one printing process, the at least one support surface 52, preferably with the substrate 02 arranged thereon, is preferably moved relative to the at least one print head 03, preferably along the linear axis, preferably along the direction y. Preferably, the at least one support surface 52 is moved from the first position along the linear axis, preferably along the direction y, to the second position along the linear axis, preferably driven by the at least one drive, in particular the linear drive. Preferably, the nozzles of the at least one print head 03 eject application fluid while the substrate 02 is moved.

If the linear axis extends in direction y, the at least one support surface 52 is preferably moved along direction y from the first position to the second position. The at least one substrate 02 is therefore preferably printed along the direction y. If the linear axis extends in the direction x, the at least one support surface 52 is preferably moved along the direction x from the first position to the second position. The at least one substrate 02 is therefore preferably printed along the direction x. Preferably, the at least one computer device 56 controls the at least one movement of the at least one support surface 52 relative to the at least one print head 03. Preferably, the at least one computer device 56 controls the at least one drive, which moves the at least one support surface 52 in the direction of the linear axis, preferably in Direction y, drives. Preferably, the at least one support surface 52 is operated during the printing process at a speed of at least 30 m/min (thirty meters per minute, preferably at least 50 m/min (fifty meters per minute), more preferably at least 60 m/min, more preferably of at least 70 m/min, and/or of a maximum of 150 m/min (one hundred and fifty meters per minute), preferably of a maximum of 120 m/min (one hundred and twenty meters per minute), more preferably of a maximum of 100 m/min, more preferably of a maximum 90 m/min, more preferably a maximum of 80 m/min, in the direction of the linear axis, preferably in the direction y. Preferably, the speed of the at least one support surface 52 is coordinated with the ejection frequency of the nozzles of the at least one print head 03, preferably by to enable complete printing of the substrate 02 along the direction y.

Preferably, at least a second printing process is necessary in order to print the substrate 02 over its entire width, preferably in the transverse direction of the at least one support surface 52. Preferably, the at least one support surface 52, preferably with the substrate 02 arranged thereon, is moved relative to the at least one print head 03 in the direction orthogonal to the direction of the linear axis, preferably in the direction x, preferably driven by at least one drive of the drives, in particular a linear drive. Preferably, preferably at least in a first embodiment, the at least one support surface 52 is moved from the first position and into the second position in the direction orthogonal to the direction of the linear axis, preferably in the transverse direction of the support surface 52, i.e. in the direction x. In a second, alternative embodiment, the at least one print head 03 is moved in the direction orthogonal to the direction of the linear axis, preferably in the x direction. In a third, preferred embodiment, both the at least one support surface 52 and the at least one print head 03 are moved in the direction orthogonal to the direction of the linear axis, preferably in the x direction. Preferably, the at least one support surface 52 and/or the at least one print head 03 are moved from the first position in the direction orthogonal to the direction of the linear axis, preferably in the direction x, to the second position in the direction orthogonal to the direction of the linear axis.

Preferably, the nozzles of the at least one print head 03 are arranged in the second position in the direction orthogonal to the direction of the linear axis, preferably in the direction x, so that the respective point of the at least one support surface 52 spaced perpendicularly to the nozzles is unprinted during the first printing process has remained. Preferably, the at least one first position and the at least one second position are different from one another in the direction orthogonal to the direction of the linear axis, preferably in the direction x, by a print head width, preferably by the width of the distance between the outermost nozzles of the at least one print head 03 positions. The min. is therefore preferred at least one support surface 52 is adjusted by a print head width, which is preferably by the width of the distance between the outermost nozzles of the at least one print head 03, in the direction orthogonal to the direction of the linear axis, preferably in the direction x. Preferably, the at least one computer device 56 controls the at least one movement of the at least one support surface 52 relative to the at least one print head 03. Preferably, the at least one computer device 56 controls the at least one drive, which moves the at least one support surface 52 in the direction orthogonal to the direction of the linear Axis drives and / or which drives the at least one print head 03 in the direction orthogonal to the direction of the linear axis.

Preferably, at least one further printing process is started in the second position in the direction orthogonal to the direction of the linear axis, preferably in the direction x. In a first, preferred embodiment, during the at least one further printing process, the at least one support surface 52 is preferably moved from the second position along the linear axis, preferably along direction y, into the first position along the linear axis, preferably driven by the at least one drive . In a second, alternative embodiment, during the at least one further printing process, the at least one support surface 52 is preferably moved from the first position along the linear axis, preferably along direction y, to the second position along the linear axis, preferably driven by the at least one drive . In the second embodiment, the at least one support surface 52 has preferably previously been moved from the second position along the linear axis, preferably along direction y, into the first position along the linear axis. For example, the relative movement from the second position along the linear axis to the first position along the linear axis occurred simultaneously with the relative movement from the first position in the direction orthogonal to the direction of the linear axis to the second position in the direction orthogonal to the direction linear axis, alternatively these movements take place one after the other.

Preferably, the at least one printing process and the relative movement along the direction orthogonal to the direction of the linear axis are repeated until the at least one print head 03 reaches the boundary of the at least one support surface 52 in the direction orthogonal to the direction of the linear axis, preferably each point of the substrate 02 has been spaced at least once perpendicular to a nozzle of the at least one print head 03 in the direction orthogonal to the direction of the linear axis, preferably in the direction x.

In a preferred embodiment of the at least one, preferably first, inkjet printing machine 51, at least two print heads 03 are arranged next to one another in the direction orthogonal to the linear axis, preferably in the x direction, which have the same application fluid. For example, in the direction orthogonal to the linear axis, each point of the surface of the at least one support surface 52, preferably in its presence, each point of the surface of the substrate 02 arranged on the at least one support surface 52, is in each case a nozzle of the at least two print heads 03, preferably if these are arranged in the printing position, vertically spaced. This preferably eliminates at least one relative movement in the direction orthogonal to the linear axis during the execution of the print job.

The at least one computer device 56 preferably controls the at least one printing process of the at least one print head 03 and/or preferably controls the at least one drive of the, preferably first, inkjet printing machine 51, preferably all drives of the inkjet printing machine 51, i.e. preferably the at least one relative movement of the at least one Support surface 52 for the at least one print head 03. For example, the at least one computer device 56 controls a drying process of the at least one drying unit 53. For example, the at least one computer device 56 controls a cleaning process of the at least one washing device 54.

Data for controlling the at least one print head 03 of the first inkjet printing machine 51, preferably in particular the test control data 26, are preferably stored in the at least one computer device 56 of the preferably first inkjet printing machine 51. Preferably, the data that the at least one computer device 56 uses for control includes the test control data 26. Preferably in the at least one computer device 16; 17; 18 of the preferably second inkjet printing machine 01 data for controlling the at least one print head 03 of the second inkjet printing machine 01, in particular the print control data 41, is stored. The data for controlling the at least one print head 03 of the at least one computer device 56 of the first inkjet printing machine 51 are preferably with the data for controlling the at least one print head 03 of the computer device 16; 17; 18 of the second inkjet printing machine 01 identical with regard to at least one of the following parameters ter ejection speed of the application fluid and/or frequency of the actuator causing droplet ejection and/or type of screening to be printed and/or resolution to be printed and/or color density and/or tonal value. Preferably, at least one modification function 36 is taken into account both when controlling the at least one print head 03 of the preferably first inkjet printing machine 51 and when controlling the at least one print head 03 of the preferably second inkjet printing machine 01. Preferably, a printing process carried out on the at least one preferably second inkjet printing machine 01 is simulated by means of the preferably first inkjet printing machine 51.

Reference symbol list

01

printing machine, non impact printing machine, inkjet printing machine, web printing machine, sheetfed printing machine, second

02

Substrate, substrate web, sheet

03

Printhead, Non Impact Printhead, Inkjet Printhead

04

Non-impact printing device, non-impact printing unit, inkjet printing device, inkjet printing unit

05

-

06

Printing facility

07

Sensor device

08

Material source, sheet feeder

09

Material source, roll unwinding device, roll changer

10

-

11

Drying facility

12

Substrate delivery device, sheet delivery

13

Substrate dispensing device, winding device

14

Printhead assembly

15

-

16

Computer facility

17

Computer facility

18

Computer facility

19

-

20

-

21

Exam template

22

Test image

23

Test field

24

Test assignment mark, line, bar

25

-

26

Test control data

27

Test print image

28

Test pressure assignment mark, lines, bars

29

Pressure test field

30

-

31

Test data set

32

Test image, image

33

Test image mapping mark

34

Test image column, image column

35

-

36

Modification function

37

Error streaks

38

Template image data

39

Template image

40

-

41

Pressure control data

42

Print image

43

Test pattern test field

51

printing machine, inkjet printing machine, first

52

Support surface

53

Drying unit

54

Washing facility

55

-

56

Computer facility

A

Transverse direction

b

Test transverse direction

C

Direction, longitudinal test direction

D

Print image transverse direction

E

Print image longitudinal direction

F

Test image transverse direction

G

Test image longitudinal direction

T

Transport direction

x

Direction

y

Direction

QUOTES INCLUDED IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list of documents listed by the applicant was generated automatically and is included solely for the better information of the reader. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions.

Cited patent literature

• US 20030071866 A1 [0002]
• WO 2005076730 A2 [0003]

Claims (14)

Inkjet printing machine (51), wherein the inkjet printing machine (51) has at least one plate-shaped support surface (52) for supporting sheet-shaped substrate (02), wherein the inkjet printing machine (51) has at least one print head (03) operating according to an inkjet printing process, wherein the at least one Support surface (52) can be arranged and/or arranged in at least a first position and in at least a second position in a direction of a linear axis, wherein the at least one support surface (52) is in at least a first position and in at least a second position in the orthogonal direction can be arranged and/or arranged in the direction of the linear axis. Inkjet printing machine Claim 1 , characterized in that the at least one inkjet printing machine (51) has at least one fastening means for fastening substrate (02) on the at least one support surface (52), that the at least one fastening means has at least one means generating an electrical potential difference. Inkjet printing machine Claim 1 or 2 , characterized in that the at least one inkjet printing machine (51) has at least one support table with the at least one plate-shaped support surface (52). Inkjet printing machine Claim 1 or 2 or 3 , characterized in that the at least one print head (03) has at least one housing, that the at least one support surface (52) has an extension in the longitudinal direction and in the transverse direction, that the extension of the at least one housing of the at least one print head (03) in the longitudinal direction and/or in the transverse direction corresponds to a maximum of three quarters of the extent of the at least one support surface (52) in the longitudinal direction and/or in the transverse direction. Inkjet printing machine Claim 1 or 2 or 3 or 4 , characterized in that the inkjet printing machine (51) has at least one washing device (54) for cleaning the at least one print head (03). Inkjet printing machine Claim 1 or 2 or 3 or 4 or 5 , characterized in that the at least one print head (03) has at least one printing position and at least one cleaning position, that the at least one cleaning position of the at least one print head (03) is spaced from the at least one printing position along the direction orthogonal to the direction of the linear axis . Inkjet printing machine Claim 1 or 2 or 3 or 4 or 5 or 6 , characterized in that the inkjet printing machine (51) has at least one drying unit (53), that the at least one drying unit (53) is arranged along the linear axis in front of or behind the at least one print head (03) and / or that the at least one drying unit (53) is arranged along a second linear axis in front of or behind the at least one print head (03) and/or that the at least one support surface (52) has at least a third position of the support surface (52) in which the at least one support surface (52 ) is arranged with at least one point of its surface vertically below the at least one drying unit (53). Inkjet printing machine Claim 1 or 2 or 3 or 4 or 5 or 6 or 7 , characterized in that the at least one print head (03) of the at least one inkjet printing machine (51) extends over a maximum of three quarters of the extent of the at least one support surface (52) in the longitudinal direction and / or in the transverse direction. Inkjet printing machine Claim 1 or 2 or 3 or 4 or 5 or 6 or 7 or 8th , characterized in that the inkjet printing machine (51) has at least one print head (03) for each application fluid to be printed in a print job and/or that the print heads (03) are arranged in series along a linear axis. Inkjet printing machine Claim 1 or 2 or 3 or 4 or 5 or 6 or 7 or 8th or 9 , characterized in that at least one drive is designed to drive the at least one support surface (52) from the at least one first position to the at least one second position in the direction of the linear axis and / or vice versa and / or that at least one of the drive in the direction the linear axis different drive which is designed to drive at least one support surface (52) from the first position to the second position in the direction orthogonal to the direction of the linear axis and / or vice versa. Inkjet printing machine Claim 10 , characterized in that the at least one drive in the direction of the linear axis, the at least one support surface (52) during a printing process at a speed of at least 30 m / min (thirty meters per minute) and / or a maximum of 150 m / min (one hundred and fifty Meters per minute) is designed to drive in the direction of the linear axis. Inkjet printing machine Claim 1 or 2 or 3 or 4 or 5 or 6 or 7 or 8th or 9 or 10 or 11 , characterized in that at least one computer device (56) is designed to control at least one printing process of the at least one print head (03) and / or the at least one drive of the inkjet printing machine (51). System comprising the inkjet printing machine (51) according to Claim 1 or 2 or 3 or 4 or 5 or 6 or 7 or 8th or 9 or 10 or 11 or 12 as a first inkjet printing machine (51) and at least one second inkjet printing machine (01), the second inkjet printing machine (01) having at least one material source (08; 09) and at least one printing unit (04) with at least one print head (03) and at least one drying device (11 ) and at least one substrate dispensing device (12; 13), wherein the at least one print head (03) of the second inkjet printing machine (01) is the same as the at least one print head (03) of the first inkjet printing machine (51), wherein in at least one computer device (56 ) of the first inkjet printing machine (51) data for controlling the at least one print head (03) of the first inkjet printing machine (51) are stored, with data for controlling the at least one being stored in at least one computer device (16; 17; 18) of the second inkjet printing machine (01). Print head (03) of the second inkjet printing machine (01) are stored, the data for controlling the at least one print head (03) of the at least one computer device (56) of the first inkjet printing machine (51) with the data for controlling the at least one print head (03) the at least one computer device (16; 17; 18) of the second inkjet printing machine (01) are identical with respect to at least one of the following parameters: ejection speed of the application fluid and/or frequency of the actuator causing drop ejection and/or type of screening to be printed and/or resolution to be printed and/or color density and/or Tone value. Use of the first inkjet printing device (51) according to Claim 1 or 2 or 3 or 4 or 5 or 6 or 7 or 8th or 9 or 10 or 11 or 12 as a printing machine for producing at least one test print on the at least one second inkjet printing machine (01). Claim 13 print job to be carried out.

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