EP2858825B1 - Method for printing on a cylindrical printing surface of a beverage can, and beverage can that has been printed on - Google Patents

Method for printing on a cylindrical printing surface of a beverage can, and beverage can that has been printed on Download PDF

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Publication number
EP2858825B1
EP2858825B1 EP13725383.7A EP13725383A EP2858825B1 EP 2858825 B1 EP2858825 B1 EP 2858825B1 EP 13725383 A EP13725383 A EP 13725383A EP 2858825 B1 EP2858825 B1 EP 2858825B1
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EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
printing
section
beverage
printed
printing process
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Active
Application number
EP13725383.7A
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German (de)
French (fr)
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EP2858825A1 (en
Inventor
Werner Noll
Jürgen KRUPP
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Ball Beverage Packaging Europe Ltd
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Ball Beverage Packaging Europe Ltd
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Application filed by Ball Beverage Packaging Europe Ltd filed Critical Ball Beverage Packaging Europe Ltd
Priority to EP21161327.8A priority Critical patent/EP3871889A1/en
Priority to PL13725383T priority patent/PL2858825T3/en
Publication of EP2858825A1 publication Critical patent/EP2858825A1/en
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Classifications

    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B41—PRINTING; LINING MACHINES; TYPEWRITERS; STAMPS
    • B41J—TYPEWRITERS; SELECTIVE PRINTING MECHANISMS, i.e. MECHANISMS PRINTING OTHERWISE THAN FROM A FORME; CORRECTION OF TYPOGRAPHICAL ERRORS
    • B41J3/00—Typewriters or selective printing or marking mechanisms characterised by the purpose for which they are constructed
    • B41J3/54—Typewriters or selective printing or marking mechanisms characterised by the purpose for which they are constructed with two or more sets of type or printing elements
    • B41J3/546—Combination of different types, e.g. using a thermal transfer head and an inkjet print head
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B41—PRINTING; LINING MACHINES; TYPEWRITERS; STAMPS
    • B41F—PRINTING MACHINES OR PRESSES
    • B41F17/00—Printing apparatus or machines of special types or for particular purposes, not otherwise provided for
    • B41F17/08—Printing apparatus or machines of special types or for particular purposes, not otherwise provided for for printing on filamentary or elongated articles, or on articles with cylindrical surfaces
    • B41F17/14—Printing apparatus or machines of special types or for particular purposes, not otherwise provided for for printing on filamentary or elongated articles, or on articles with cylindrical surfaces on articles of finite length
    • B41F17/20—Printing apparatus or machines of special types or for particular purposes, not otherwise provided for for printing on filamentary or elongated articles, or on articles with cylindrical surfaces on articles of finite length on articles of uniform cross-section, e.g. pencils, rulers, resistors
    • B41F17/22—Printing apparatus or machines of special types or for particular purposes, not otherwise provided for for printing on filamentary or elongated articles, or on articles with cylindrical surfaces on articles of finite length on articles of uniform cross-section, e.g. pencils, rulers, resistors by rolling contact
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B41—PRINTING; LINING MACHINES; TYPEWRITERS; STAMPS
    • B41F—PRINTING MACHINES OR PRESSES
    • B41F19/00—Apparatus or machines for carrying out printing operations combined with other operations
    • B41F19/007—Apparatus or machines for carrying out printing operations combined with other operations with selective printing mechanisms, e.g. ink-jet or thermal printers
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B41—PRINTING; LINING MACHINES; TYPEWRITERS; STAMPS
    • B41J—TYPEWRITERS; SELECTIVE PRINTING MECHANISMS, i.e. MECHANISMS PRINTING OTHERWISE THAN FROM A FORME; CORRECTION OF TYPOGRAPHICAL ERRORS
    • B41J3/00—Typewriters or selective printing or marking mechanisms characterised by the purpose for which they are constructed
    • B41J3/407—Typewriters or selective printing or marking mechanisms characterised by the purpose for which they are constructed for marking on special material
    • B41J3/4073—Printing on three-dimensional objects not being in sheet or web form, e.g. spherical or cubic objects
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B41—PRINTING; LINING MACHINES; TYPEWRITERS; STAMPS
    • B41J—TYPEWRITERS; SELECTIVE PRINTING MECHANISMS, i.e. MECHANISMS PRINTING OTHERWISE THAN FROM A FORME; CORRECTION OF TYPOGRAPHICAL ERRORS
    • B41J3/00—Typewriters or selective printing or marking mechanisms characterised by the purpose for which they are constructed
    • B41J3/407—Typewriters or selective printing or marking mechanisms characterised by the purpose for which they are constructed for marking on special material
    • B41J3/4073—Printing on three-dimensional objects not being in sheet or web form, e.g. spherical or cubic objects
    • B41J3/40733—Printing on cylindrical or rotationally symmetrical objects, e. g. on bottles
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D25/00—Details of other kinds or types of rigid or semi-rigid containers
    • B65D25/34—Coverings or external coatings

Definitions

  • the invention relates to a method for printing a cylindrical print surface of a beverage can, in particular made of tinplate or aluminum, with a print image.
  • the invention also relates to a beverage can, in particular made of tinplate or aluminum, with a cylindrical print surface with a print image.
  • a beverage can is understood here to mean a beverage can body with a base, a cylindrical jacket and an open end which is opposite the base.
  • Such beverage cans are usually put together in pallets and delivered to filling companies who fill the beverage cans with a beverage through the open end and after filling close the open end with a beverage can lid, so that a filled, closed beverage container is then present.
  • the open end of a beverage can is preferably drawn in and provided with an outwardly curved flanged edge so that a beverage can lid can be connected by flanging to the outwardly curved flanged edge of the open end of the beverage can.
  • Beverage cans are preferably made from tinplate or steel or aluminum.
  • Printing a beverage can is usually part of the overall manufacturing process for a beverage can.
  • the overall manufacturing process for a beverage can usually includes cutting out a blank and deep-drawing a cup, which is then drawn into a can body, cutting or trimming the open end, washing the beverage cans to remove excess ironing agent, and applying various coatings such as UV coatings as well as interior, exterior and floor finishes, drying - possibly multiple - drying after one or more process steps, drawing in the open end and inspection, for example to test for holes and flange cracks, and palletizing.
  • a printed image is preferably applied to the outer surface of the cylindrical casing of a beverage can, that is to say to a cylindrical printing surface, which has a graphic design that is intended to appeal to a user.
  • graphic elements with informational character for example information about ingredients, deposit marks, shelf life or production dates, identification numbers or the like, can be arranged in the print image.
  • Such a print image is usually applied to the cylindrical print surface of a beverage can by a printing process. It is known, for example, to print beverage cans using the letterpress process. It is also, for example, from the WO 2004/109581 A2 known to digitally print beverage cans. From the EP 2 100 733 B1 a printing machine for printing hollow bodies is known, in which several printing machines are provided which can print on the hollow bodies with different printing processes.
  • this object is achieved by a method for printing a cylindrical printing surface of a beverage can, as defined in claim 1.
  • beverage cans are printed in two different printing processes on two different printing machines, the two printing machines using different printing processes.
  • the print image to be generated is divided into at least two sections, one section of which is printed with a printing machine and the other section is printed with the other printing machine.
  • One (first) printing machine carries out a printing process with which larger print runs can be produced economically in high quality, while the other (second) printing process allows the print image to be changed quickly with relatively little effort.
  • the cylindrical print surface of the beverage can, on which the print image is applied corresponds to a rectangle in the development, as it arises when the outer surface of the beverage can is developed.
  • the areas of the first and second cutouts together produce the area of this rectangle of the developed cylindrical printing surface.
  • the first and second cutouts are arranged in such a way that a corresponding rectangular outer circumference is created.
  • the two sections of the printing surface together preferably result in the entire print image, that is to say supplement the two sections of the printing surface preferably each other.
  • the first and second cutouts are preferably arranged adjacent to one another, wherein they can optionally overlap slightly. It is therefore preferred that the second cutout has a recess which corresponds in shape and size to the first cutout, so that after the two printing processes a print image is created which fills the area of the cylindrical print surface.
  • the two cutouts adjoin one another without any spacing in order to generate a common print image without unprinted areas between the two cutouts.
  • one of the two cutouts can extend into an adjacent area of the other cutout.
  • the printed images of both cutouts extend into an adjacent area of the other cutout at their adjoining edges.
  • a beverage can to be printed is fed to two different printing machines one after the other and is subjected to a printing process there in each case.
  • the first printing method is different from the second printing method, that is, the two printing methods used in the two printing machines differ from one another.
  • the beverage can printed by means of the first printing process in the first printing machine is aligned before printing by means of the second printing process in such a way that the first and second sections of the printing surface are printed in this way after the second printing process are that a desired overall print image is created.
  • the beverage can is positioned exactly before or during the second printing process, so that the second cutout is printed in the second printing process in such a way that the print in the second cutout matches the print in the first cutout with high accuracy.
  • the print image generated with the first printing press and the print image generated with the second printing press should be precisely aligned relative to one another.
  • the second printing machine is configured in such a way that it automatically recognizes image features of the print image generated by the first printing machine and carries out or causes a relative positioning to the can (e.g. by aligning the can) so that the result is the exact alignment of the both print images or the two sections of the overall print image is guaranteed.
  • the method according to the invention has the advantage that the printed image can be divided into different sections of the printing surface, which can then be printed with different printing methods. In this way, an entire, preferably coherent, print image is created, which, however, can be produced with different printing processes. In this way, the appropriate printing processes can be used for different parts of the print image that may have to meet different requirements, for example with regard to coloring or resolution. It is also possible to temporarily store the beverage cans between the first and second printing process, for example in order to cost-effectively produce large numbers of the first cutouts printed with the first printing process and later to print smaller numbers with the second printing process, so that, for example, different series, editions, issues or collectibles can be created.
  • the print image of the different (small) series preferably only differs in the second section, so that the first printing process can be carried out inexpensively with a large number of items.
  • Another advantage is that the separation of the two printing processes also enables the beverage cans to be transported between the first and second printing processes, for example even over a greater distance if the two printing machines are, for example, at different locations or at one location in different lines are arranged.
  • a greater time offset between the first and second printing process is also possible, so that, for example, the first cut-outs can be printed in the first printing process and it is only after a time that it has to be decided how exactly the print image will be completed with the printing of the second cut-out in the second printing process should. This is particularly advantageous if a reaction to certain events is to be carried out in the short term with an adaptation of the print image.
  • the individualized print image has (image) elements that are preferably read out via a mobile phone or another mobile device and, if necessary, further processed there or used for forwarding to other information offers, for example by linking to the Internet.
  • (image) elements are preferred which allow recognition by means of so-called "augmented reality" technologies.
  • the individualized print image can preferably have a code, for example a barcode or a QR code, which is also preferably read out via a mobile phone or another mobile device and optionally further processed there or used for forwarding to other information offers, for example by linking to the Internet can be.
  • This customization option has the advantage that individual (additional) information can be provided for each beverage can or group of beverage cans, which goes beyond the pure visual perception of the overall print image by the consumer and enables the inclusion of further media and means of communication.
  • small and very small series up to individual beverage cans can be designed to be distinguishable for the consumer and preferably linked to different additional information that may build on one another or / or are related to one another.
  • a first printing process for printing a first section of the printing surface in a first printing process and a second printing process for printing a second section of the printing surface using a second printing process are provided.
  • a third or further section of the printing surface can be printed in a third or further printing process in a third or further printing machine with a third or further printing method.
  • the design details and advantages described here for two cutouts also apply accordingly to three or more cutouts and printing machines with corresponding printing processes.
  • the use of the high pressure method has the advantage that this method is cost-effective in large quantities can be printed and at the same time a great variety of colors can be realized. For example, there are many colors or color combinations and shades specified by the customer that cannot be realized with other printing processes than letterpress printing, or only with difficulty or at high cost.
  • the second printing method is a digital printing method, the second printing method preferably being able to process beverage cans with different diameters, preferably between 40 and 90 mm, and / or with different heights, preferably between 40 and 250 mm.
  • the digital printing process has the advantage of a particularly high resolution, for example 600 dpi. This means that realistic, high-resolution images can be applied to beverage cans. Furthermore, the digital printing process is suitable for printing different small series on demand at short notice without long set-up times. It is particularly preferred that all common beverage can diameters, preferably between 40 and 90 mm, and beverage can heights, preferably between 40 and 250 mm, can be processed in the digital printing process.
  • print images can be generated that combine, on the one hand, customer-specific color designs with, on the other hand, high-resolution image elements that may be adapted at short notice due to current events can.
  • This deposit mark is preferably printed using the letterpress process, so that in the case of print images that are otherwise intended for digital printing, the part of the deposit mark can be printed using the letterpress process.
  • a printed image applied to the second section of the printing surface is aligned relative to a printed image applied to the first section of the printing surface, preferably with an accuracy of ⁇ 50 micrometers ( ⁇ m). This is preferred in order to obtain an overall print image resulting from the print images applied to the first and second sections of the print surface, which has no or only a very slight offset at the adjacent edges of the print images.
  • the first printing method is used to print a registration mark, which is detected by a sensor in the second printing machine, and the first print image is registered relative to the second print image. This is preferably done by registering a receiving mandrel on which a beverage can is held in a printing machine.
  • the first cutout is rectangular and the second cutout is rectangular, square, circular or oval, the first cutout having a recess which essentially corresponds to the first cutout.
  • a free form of the second section can also be preferred depending on the desired print image. It is particularly preferred that the second cutout is arranged in a corner of the first cutout, on an edge of the first cutout or in a central area of the first cutout.
  • the second cutout can be arranged within the first cutout, so that the first cutout forms a frame or edge around the outer circumference of the second cutout.
  • the outer circumference of the print image is formed by the first cutout.
  • the second cutout can also be arranged at an edge or a corner of the first cutout, so that the outer circumference of the print image is formed partly by the first and partly by the second cutout.
  • a central area is to be understood here as a middle area in the rectangle of the printing surface, that is to say an area which has approximately the same distances from the respective opposite edges of the printing surface.
  • the second cutout can preferably be made rectangular and the first cutout can be rectangular, square, circular or oval, the second cutout having a recess that essentially corresponds to the corresponds to the first section.
  • the first cutout is arranged in a corner of the second cutout, on an edge of the second cutout or in a central area of the second cutout.
  • the choice of the design of the first and second cutouts depends on the requirements of the printed images to be applied in the cutouts.
  • the first and second sections of the printing surface can be essentially the same size.
  • the first and second cutouts can be made of the same size, for example, in that the two cutouts are designed as two halves of the rectangle of the developed cylindrical printing surface. In this design, both the size of the surfaces and their shape correspond.
  • the two cutouts in this embodiment are preferably designed so that the size of the areas of both cutouts essentially correspond to one another, the shape of the two cutouts being different.
  • one cutout can be made larger than the other cutout, for example the first cutout can be larger than the second cutout or the second cutout can be larger than the first cutout.
  • the ratio of the sections to one another is preferably selected from the following ratios: 50:50, 60:40, 70:30, 80:20, 90:10, 95: 5, 97.5: 2.5, 98: 2, 98 , 5: 1.5, 99: 1, 99.5: 0.5.
  • the beverage can is made of aluminum or tinplate without a basecoat or a clearcoat and the second section of the printing surface with the first printing process in the first printing machine with a uniform color, namely with a white color, is printed.
  • the printing is usually carried out on a white printing surface.
  • the unprinted surface is usually the same color as the aluminum.
  • the beverage can runs through further steps of a manufacturing process after the first printing process and / or after the second printing process. Furthermore, it is preferred that the beverage can is then palletized, preferably with a plurality of further beverage cans. Such pallets of beverage cans that have gone through the first printing process can be stored, for example, for a predetermined period of time or on demand. The further steps of the manufacturing process can be one or more of the steps mentioned at the beginning.
  • a beverage can can be removed from a pallet before the second printing process. This is particularly preferred if the beverage cans were palletized after the first printing process. It is also preferred that the beverage cans are palletized again after the second printing process.
  • the indication after the second printing process means either directly after the second printing process or after going through one or more further steps of a manufacturing process after the second printing process.
  • the beverage can goes through a drawing process before the second printing process.
  • the beverage can can only be drawn in after the second printing process. This is particularly preferred if the first or second printing machine can only print beverage cans without a retracted open end.
  • Another aspect of the invention is a beverage can, in particular made of tinplate or aluminum, as defined in claim 8.
  • Preferred embodiments of the invention are defined in the subclaims.
  • Fig. 1 shows, in steps 1 to 19, a process for producing beverage cans.
  • step 1 a blank is punched out and deep-drawn into a bowl, which is stretched in step 2 and the open end of which is cut or trimmed in step 3.
  • step 4 excess ironing agent is washed off the beverage cans and the cans are dried in an oven before they are provided with a first external coating (step 5), for example with a white coating.
  • step 5 for example with a white coating.
  • the beverage cans are then fed to an oven for drying in step 6.
  • the beverage cans are then printed in a printing machine using the letterpress process in step 7 and then dried in an oven in step 8.
  • the open ends of the beverage cans are drawn in in step 11 and provided with a beaded edge before the bottoms of the beverage cans are painted in a floor painting machine in step 12.
  • the floor painting is particularly necessary for beverage cans made of tinplate.
  • the beverage cans are dried again in an oven in step 14 before they are inspected in step 15 and with a further floor coating, for example a UV coating, in step 16. be provided.
  • a further floor coating for example a UV coating
  • the beverage cans can be sorted on the basis of certain sorting markings before the beverage cans are palletized in step 18, possibly sorted by type, and fed to a store in step 19.
  • the beverage cans can be removed from the pallet again in step 20 and digitally printed in step 21 and then dried in an oven in step 22.
  • Carrying out only steps 1 to 19 corresponds to the standard letterpress printing process, provided the entire print image is printed using letterpress printing in step 7.
  • Carrying out steps 1 to 6, 21, 22 and 9 to 19 according to arrows B corresponds to the conventional method of full digital printing, that is to say production of the entire print image in the digital printing method.
  • Carrying out steps 1 to 8, 18 to 22 and then steps 9 to 20 according to arrows A corresponds to an embodiment of the method according to the invention, in which, in step 7, only a first section of the print image in a first printing press using a first printing method is printed. After drying in step 8, these partially printed beverage cans are bypassed past processing steps 9 to 17 and reintegrated into the manufacturing process in step 18. After palletizing in step 18 and storage in the palletized state in step 19, the beverage cans are then depalletized in step 20, fed to a digital printing machine for printing the second section using the digital printing process in step 21 and, after drying, in step 22 to the usual manufacturing process according to step 8 fed back in and mixed with the beverage cans printed using the high-pressure process.
  • beverage cans which are now also printed in the second printing process, then go through steps 9 to 16, which were not previously carried out, from interior painting to UV floor painting. After the decor recognition and a corresponding separation in step 17, the beverage cans are each palletized separately.
  • the digitally printed beverage cans are preferably separated from the beverage cans printed using the high-pressure method and palletized in step 20.
  • the beverage cans printed using the high-pressure process continue to run on the line palletizer and are palletized there in step 18.
  • This procedure according to Fig. 1 has the advantage of realizing both a pure letterpress method, a pure digital printing method and an embodiment of a method according to the invention with a combination of letterpress and digital printing. Furthermore, only a digital printing station for step 21 and an oven for step 22 and, if necessary, a depalletizing device for step 20 need to be provided in an existing system for producing beverage cans. In this way, an existing system for producing beverage cans can easily be used for Implementation of a method according to the invention can be converted.
  • Fig. 2 shows in steps 101 to 114 also a common manufacturing process of a beverage can with the punching out of a blank and deep drawing of a cup in step 101, ironing in step 102 and the subsequent trimming of the open end in step 103.
  • the beverage cans are dried in step 105 and then provided with a UV coating in step 106, before printing in the relief printing process in step 107 with subsequent drying in step 108 is dried in step 110.
  • the open end of the beverage can is drawn in and provided with a beaded edge.
  • the beverage cans have been inspected in step 112, they are palletized in a palletizing device in step 113 and then stored in accordance with step 114.
  • the beverage cans are depalletized and fed to one or more parallel digital printing machines.
  • four digital printing machines are provided so that beverage cans can be digitally printed in parallel in steps 116a, b, c, d.
  • the beverage cans are then dried together in step 117 and palletized again in step 118.
  • Providing several digital printing machines in step 116a, b, c, d has the advantage that a higher throughput, for example 200 million beverage cans annually, can be achieved.
  • the variant shown has the advantage that the beverage cans do not have to be fed into the manufacturing process again after the second printing process, but rather the second printing process can take place independently of the first printing process and further steps of the manufacturing process.
  • the second printing process can also advantageously take place independently of the material of the beverage can, that is to say tinplate or aluminum.
  • different can diameters, different can heights and beverage cans that have already been drawn in at the open end can be digitally printed.
  • the Figures 3 to 6 show examples of printed images composed of two sections.
  • the print images are shown as rectangles of the developed cylindrical print surface.
  • the areas of the two cutouts together each form the rectangle of the developed cylindrical printing surface, that is to say overall print images are created that fill the rectangle of the developed cylindrical printing surface.
  • the first cutout 210 and the second cutout 220 are the same size and form two halves of the rectangle of the developed cylindrical printing surface.
  • the second cutout 221 is square and arranged in a correspondingly square recess in a corner of the first cutout 211.
  • FIG. 8 shows the formation of the second cutout 222 as an oval, which is arranged in a corresponding recess in a central region of the first cutout 212.
  • the second cutout 223 is rectangular and is arranged in a corresponding recess on the lower edge of the first cutout 213.
  • the examples shown is the Figures 3 to 6 each shows an embodiment in which the two cutouts adjoin one another without overlapping.
  • the print image of one section extends into an adjacent overlap area of the other section. It is particularly preferred, particularly in the case of complex print images, that the two sections each extend into an adjacent overlap area of the other section in each case.

Description

Die Erfindung betrifft ein Verfahren zum Bedrucken einer zylindrischen Druckoberfläche einer Getränkedose, insbesondere aus Weißblech oder Aluminium, mit einem Druckbild.The invention relates to a method for printing a cylindrical print surface of a beverage can, in particular made of tinplate or aluminum, with a print image.

Die Erfindung betrifft ferner eine Getränkedose, insbesondere aus Weißblech oder Aluminium, mit einer zylindrischen Druckoberfläche mit einem Druckbild.The invention also relates to a beverage can, in particular made of tinplate or aluminum, with a cylindrical print surface with a print image.

Der Anwendungsbereich der Erfindung bezieht sich auf das Bedrucken von Getränkedosen. Unter einer Getränkedose wird hier ein Getränkedosenkörper mit einem Boden, einem zylinderförmigen Mantel und einem offenen Ende, das dem Boden gegenüberliegt, verstanden. Solche Getränkedosen werden üblicherweise in Paletten zusammengestellt und an Abfüllbetriebe geliefert, die die Getränkedosen durch das offene Ende mit einem Getränk befüllen und nach dem Befüllen das offene Ende mit einem Getränkedosendeckel verschließen, sodass dann ein befüllter, verschlossener Getränkebehälter vorliegt. Das offene Ende einer Getränkedose ist vorzugsweise eingezogen und mit einem nach außen gebogenen Bördelrand versehen, sodass ein Getränkedosendeckel durch Bördeln mit dem nach außen gebogenen Bördelrand des offenen Endes der Getränkedose verbunden werden kann. Getränkedosen werden vorzugsweise aus Weißblech bzw. Stahl oder Aluminium hergestellt.The scope of the invention relates to the printing of beverage cans. A beverage can is understood here to mean a beverage can body with a base, a cylindrical jacket and an open end which is opposite the base. Such beverage cans are usually put together in pallets and delivered to filling companies who fill the beverage cans with a beverage through the open end and after filling close the open end with a beverage can lid, so that a filled, closed beverage container is then present. The open end of a beverage can is preferably drawn in and provided with an outwardly curved flanged edge so that a beverage can lid can be connected by flanging to the outwardly curved flanged edge of the open end of the beverage can. Beverage cans are preferably made from tinplate or steel or aluminum.

Das Bedrucken einer Getränkedose gehört üblicherweise zum Gesamtherstellungsprozess einer Getränkedose. Der Gesamtherstellungsprozess einer Getränkedose umfasst neben dem Drucken üblicherweise das Ausschneiden eines Rohlings und das Tiefziehen eines Napfes, der anschließend zu einem Dosenkörper abgestreckt wird, das Beschneiden oder Trimmen des offenen Endes, das Waschen der Getränkedosen, um überschüssiges Abstreckmittel zu entfernen, das Aufbringen verschiedener Beschichtungen, wie beispielsweise UV-Beschichtungen sowie Innen-, Außen- und Bodenlackierungen, das - gegebenenfalls mehrfache - Trocknen nach einem oder mehreren Prozessschritten, das Einziehen des offenen Endes sowie eine Inspektion, beispielsweise zum Testen auf Löcher und Bördelrisse, und das Palettieren.Printing a beverage can is usually part of the overall manufacturing process for a beverage can. In addition to printing, the overall manufacturing process for a beverage can usually includes cutting out a blank and deep-drawing a cup, which is then drawn into a can body, cutting or trimming the open end, washing the beverage cans to remove excess ironing agent, and applying various coatings such as UV coatings as well as interior, exterior and floor finishes, drying - possibly multiple - drying after one or more process steps, drawing in the open end and inspection, for example to test for holes and flange cracks, and palletizing.

Auf die äußere Oberfläche des zylinderförmigen Mantels einer Getränkedose, also auf eine zylindrische Druckoberfläche, wird vorzugsweise ein Druckbild aufgebracht, das eine grafische Gestaltung aufweist, die einen Benutzer ansprechen soll. Alternativ oder zusätzlich können in dem Druckbild grafische Elemente mit Informationscharakter, beispielsweise Angaben über Inhaltsstoffe, Pfandmarken, Haltbarkeits- oder Produktionsdaten, Identifikationsnummern oder Ähnliches angeordnet sein.A printed image is preferably applied to the outer surface of the cylindrical casing of a beverage can, that is to say to a cylindrical printing surface, which has a graphic design that is intended to appeal to a user. Alternatively or additionally, graphic elements with informational character, for example information about ingredients, deposit marks, shelf life or production dates, identification numbers or the like, can be arranged in the print image.

Ein solches Druckbild wird auf die zylindrische Druckoberfläche einer Getränkedose üblicherweise durch einen Druckvorgang aufgebracht. Bekannt ist beispielsweise, Getränkedosen im Hochdruckverfahren zu bedrucken. Ferner ist es beispielsweise aus der WO 2004/109581 A2 bekannt, Getränkedosen digital zu bedrucken. Aus der EP 2 100 733 B1 ist eine Druckmaschine zum Bedrucken von Hohlkörpern bekannt, bei der mehrere Druckmaschinen vorgesehen sind, die die Hohlkörper mit unterschiedlichen Druckverfahren bedrucken können.Such a print image is usually applied to the cylindrical print surface of a beverage can by a printing process. It is known, for example, to print beverage cans using the letterpress process. It is also, for example, from the WO 2004/109581 A2 known to digitally print beverage cans. From the EP 2 100 733 B1 a printing machine for printing hollow bodies is known, in which several printing machines are provided which can print on the hollow bodies with different printing processes.

Aus dem Dokument WO 2012/053406 A1 (entspricht EP 2 631 191 A1 ) ist ein Verfahren zum Bedrucken der zylindrischen Oberfläche einer Getränkedose bekannt. Es ist dort offenbart, einen Ausschnitt mit weißer Tinte mittels eines Tintenstrahldruckverfahrens zu bedrucken. Darauf wird - ebenfalls mittels eines Tintenstrahldrucks - farbig gedruckt.From the document WO 2012/053406 A1 (corresponds to EP 2 631 191 A1 ) a method for printing the cylindrical surface of a beverage can is known. It is disclosed therein to print a section with white ink by means of an ink jet printing process. This is then printed in color - also by means of inkjet printing.

Während mit existierenden Druckverfahren bereits gute Ergebnisse erzielt werden können hinsichtlich der Abbildung mit bestimmten firmenindividuellen Farben, steigen allerdings die Anforderungen, beispielsweise hinsichtlich der Abbildbarkeit von Farbkombinationen, sowie hinsichtlich der Höhe der Auflösung. Mit existierenden Druckverfahren sind diese Anforderungen jedoch entweder gar nicht oder nur in Verbindung mit hohen Kosten zu erfüllen. Ferner ist die Erstellung von Kleinserien eines bestimmten Druckbilds mit hohen Kosten verbunden, da eine Kleinserie üblicherweise nur etwa zwischen 3.000 und 100.000 Exemplare umfasst.While good results can already be achieved with existing printing processes with regard to the mapping with certain company-specific colors, the requirements are increasing, for example with regard to the mapping of color combinations, as well as with regard to the level of resolution. With existing printing processes, however, these requirements can either not be met at all or only in connection with high costs. Furthermore, the creation of small series of a specific print image is associated with high costs, since a small series usually only comprises between 3,000 and 100,000 copies.

Es ist daher eine Aufgabe der vorliegenden Erfindung, ein Verfahren zum Bedrucken einer zylindrischen Druckoberfläche einer Getränkedose, insbesondere aus Weißblech oder Aluminium, mit einem Druckbild bereitzustellen, das einen oder mehrere der genannten Nachteile vermeidet oder reduziert. Insbesondere ist es eine Aufgabe der vorliegenden Erfindung, ein Verfahren zum Bedrucken einer zylindrischen Druckoberfläche einer Getränkedose, insbesondere aus Weißblech oder Aluminium, mit einem Druckbild bereitzustellen, das die Anforderungen an kundenspezifische Farbgestaltungen und eine hohe Auflösung erfüllt und gleichzeitig Kosten einspart und die Flexibilität, beispielsweise zur Bedruckung von Kleinserien, erhöht.It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a method for printing a cylindrical printing surface of a beverage can, in particular made of tinplate or aluminum, with a printed image that avoids or reduces one or more of the disadvantages mentioned. In particular, it is an object of the present invention to provide a method for printing a cylindrical print surface of a beverage can, in particular made of tinplate or aluminum, with a print image that meets the requirements for customer-specific color designs and a high resolution and at the same time saves costs and flexibility, for example for printing small series, increased.

Diese Aufgabe wird erfindungsgemäß gelöst durch ein Verfahren zum Bedrucken einer zylindrischen Druckoberfläche einer Getränkedose, wie es im Anspruch 1 definiert ist.According to the invention, this object is achieved by a method for printing a cylindrical printing surface of a beverage can, as defined in claim 1.

Im erfindungsgemäßen Verfahren werden Getränkedosen in zwei verschiedenen Druckvorgängen auf zwei verschiedenen Druckmaschinen bedruckt, wobei die beiden Druckmaschinen unterschiedliche Druckverfahren anwenden. Dabei wird das zu erzeugende Druckbild in wenigstens zwei Ausschnitte aufgeteilt, von denen ein Ausschnitt mit einer Druckmaschine und der andere Ausschnitt mit der anderen Druckmaschine bedruckt wird. Die eine (erste) Druckmaschine führt dabei ein Druckverfahren durch, mit dem denen sich größere Druckauflagen in hoher Qualität wirtschaftlich erzeugen lassen, während das andere (zweite) Druckverfahren schnelle Wechsel des Druckbildes mit relativ geringen Aufwand erlaubt..In the method according to the invention, beverage cans are printed in two different printing processes on two different printing machines, the two printing machines using different printing processes. The print image to be generated is divided into at least two sections, one section of which is printed with a printing machine and the other section is printed with the other printing machine. One (first) printing machine carries out a printing process with which larger print runs can be produced economically in high quality, while the other (second) printing process allows the print image to be changed quickly with relatively little effort.

Die zylindrische Druckoberfläche der Getränkedose, auf die das Druckbild aufgebracht wird, entspricht in der Abwicklung einem Rechteck, wie es bei einer Abwicklung der Mantelfläche der Getränkedose entsteht. Vorzugsweise ergeben die Flächen des ersten und zweiten Ausschnitts zusammen die Fläche dieses Rechtecks der abgewickelten zylindrischen Druckoberfläche. Insbesondere ist es bevorzugt, dass der erste und zweite Ausschnitt derart angeordnet sind, dass ein entsprechender rechteckiger Außenumfang entsteht. Die beiden Ausschnitte der Druckoberfläche ergeben vorzugsweise zusammen das gesamte Druckbild, das heißt die beiden Ausschnitte der Druckoberfläche ergänzen sich vorzugsweise gegenseitig. Dazu sind der erste und zweite Ausschnitt vorzugsweise aneinander angrenzend angeordnet, wobei sie sich gegebenenfalls geringfügig überlappen können. Daher ist es bevorzugt, dass der zweite Ausschnitt eine Ausnehmung aufweist, die in Form und Größe dem ersten Ausschnitt entspricht, sodass nach den beiden Druckvorgängen ein Druckbild entsteht, das die Fläche der zylindrischen Druckoberfläche ausfüllt.The cylindrical print surface of the beverage can, on which the print image is applied, corresponds to a rectangle in the development, as it arises when the outer surface of the beverage can is developed. Preferably, the areas of the first and second cutouts together produce the area of this rectangle of the developed cylindrical printing surface. In particular, it is preferred that the first and second cutouts are arranged in such a way that a corresponding rectangular outer circumference is created. The two sections of the printing surface together preferably result in the entire print image, that is to say supplement the two sections of the printing surface preferably each other. For this purpose, the first and second cutouts are preferably arranged adjacent to one another, wherein they can optionally overlap slightly. It is therefore preferred that the second cutout has a recess which corresponds in shape and size to the first cutout, so that after the two printing processes a print image is created which fills the area of the cylindrical print surface.

Insbesondere ist es bevorzugt, dass die beiden Ausschnitte ohne Abstand aneinandergrenzen, um ein gemeinsames Druckbild ohne unbedruckte Flächen zwischen den beiden Ausschnitten zu erzeugen. An den aneinandergrenzenden Rändern kann einer der beiden Ausschnitte in einen angrenzenden Bereich des anderen Ausschnitts hineinreichen. Bevorzugt kann auch sein, dass die Druckbilder beider Ausschnitte an ihren aneinandergrenzenden Rändern jeweils in einen angrenzenden Bereich des anderen Ausschnitts hineinreichen. Eine solche Überlappung der Druckbilder der beiden Ausschnitte in einem Übergangsbereich führt zu einer besseren Verzahnung bzw. Integration der Druckbilder der beiden Ausschnitte und ist daher insbesondere bei komplexen Druckbildern bevorzugt. Ferner kann durch diese Überlappung erreicht werden, dass der Übergang von einem zum anderen Ausschnitt für einen Betrachter nicht oder nur schwer zu erkennen ist.In particular, it is preferred that the two cutouts adjoin one another without any spacing in order to generate a common print image without unprinted areas between the two cutouts. At the adjoining edges, one of the two cutouts can extend into an adjacent area of the other cutout. It can also be preferred that the printed images of both cutouts extend into an adjacent area of the other cutout at their adjoining edges. Such an overlap of the print images of the two cutouts in a transition area leads to better interlocking or integration of the print images of the two cutouts and is therefore particularly preferred in the case of complex print images. Furthermore, this overlap can ensure that the transition from one section to the other is difficult or impossible to see for a viewer.

Erfindungsgemäß ist vorgesehen, dass eine zu bedruckende Getränkedose nacheinander zwei verschiedenen Druckmaschinen zugeführt wird und dort jeweils einem Druckvorgang unterzogen wird. Das erste Druckverfahren ist dabei ein anderes als das zweite Druckverfahren, das heißt die beiden in den beiden Druckmaschinen angewendeten Druckverfahren unterscheiden sich voneinander.According to the invention it is provided that a beverage can to be printed is fed to two different printing machines one after the other and is subjected to a printing process there in each case. The first printing method is different from the second printing method, that is, the two printing methods used in the two printing machines differ from one another.

Da die beiden Druckvorgänge auf unterschiedlichen Druckmaschinen erfolgen, ist vorzugsweise vorgesehen, dass die mittels des ersten Druckverfahrens in der ersten Druckmaschine bedruckte Getränkedose vor dem Bedrucken mittels des zweiten Druckverfahrens derart ausgerichtet wird, dass nach dem zweiten Druckvorgang der erste und zweite Ausschnitt der Druckoberfläche derart bedruckt sind, dass ein gewolltes Gesamtdruckbild entsteht. Dies bedeutet, dass die Getränkedose vor oder während des zweiten Druckvorgangs exakt positioniert wird, sodass die Bedruckung des zweiten Ausschnitts im zweiten Druckverfahren derart erfolgt, dass der Druck im zweiten Ausschnitt zum Druck im ersten Ausschnitt mit hoher Genauigkeit passt.Since the two printing processes take place on different printing machines, it is preferably provided that the beverage can printed by means of the first printing process in the first printing machine is aligned before printing by means of the second printing process in such a way that the first and second sections of the printing surface are printed in this way after the second printing process are that a desired overall print image is created. This means that the beverage can is positioned exactly before or during the second printing process, so that the second cutout is printed in the second printing process in such a way that the print in the second cutout matches the print in the first cutout with high accuracy.

In jedem Fall sollen das mit der ersten Druckmaschine erzeugte Druckbild und das mit der zweiten Druckmaschine erzeugte Druckbild relativ zueinander genau ausgerichtet sein. Dies kann auch dadurch geschehen, dass die zweite Druckmaschine so konfiguriert ist, dass sie Bildmerkmale des von der ersten Druckmaschine erzeugten Druckbildes automatisch erkennt und eine Relativpositionierung zur Dose (z.B. durch Ausrichten der Dose) so vornimmt oder veranlasst, dass im Ergebnis die genaue Ausrichtung der beiden Druckbilder bzw. der beiden Abschnitte des Gesamtdruckbildes gewährleistet ist.In any case, the print image generated with the first printing press and the print image generated with the second printing press should be precisely aligned relative to one another. This can also be done in that the second printing machine is configured in such a way that it automatically recognizes image features of the print image generated by the first printing machine and carries out or causes a relative positioning to the can (e.g. by aligning the can) so that the result is the exact alignment of the both print images or the two sections of the overall print image is guaranteed.

Das erfindungsgemäße Verfahren hat den Vorteil, dass eine Aufteilung des Druckbilds auf verschiedene Ausschnitte der Druckoberfläche vorgenommen werden kann, die dann mit unterschiedlichen Druckverfahren bedruckt werden können. Auf diese Weise entsteht ein gesamtes, vorzugsweise zusammenhängendes, Druckbild, welches jedoch mit unterschiedlichen Druckverfahren hergestellt werden kann. Auf diese Weise können für unterschiedliche Teile des Druckbilds, die gegebenenfalls unterschiedlichen Anforderungen, beispielsweise bezüglich der Farbgebung oder Auflösung, genügen müssen, die jeweils passenden Druckverfahren eingesetzt werden. Ferner ist es möglich, zwischen dem ersten und zweiten Druckvorgang die Getränkedosen zwischenzulagern, um beispielsweise die mit dem ersten Druckverfahren bedruckten ersten Ausschnitte in einer großen Stückzahl kostengünstig herzustellen und später kleinere Stückzahlen mit dem zweiten Druckverfahren zu bedrucken, sodass beispielsweise unterschiedliche Serien, Editionen, Ausgaben bzw. Sammlerstücke erstellt werden können. Das Druckbild der unterschiedlichen (Klein-)Serien unterscheidet sich dabei vorzugsweise nur im zweiten Ausschnitt, sodass der erste Druckvorgang kostengünstig mit hoher Stückzahl durchgeführt werden kann.The method according to the invention has the advantage that the printed image can be divided into different sections of the printing surface, which can then be printed with different printing methods. In this way, an entire, preferably coherent, print image is created, which, however, can be produced with different printing processes. In this way, the appropriate printing processes can be used for different parts of the print image that may have to meet different requirements, for example with regard to coloring or resolution. It is also possible to temporarily store the beverage cans between the first and second printing process, for example in order to cost-effectively produce large numbers of the first cutouts printed with the first printing process and later to print smaller numbers with the second printing process, so that, for example, different series, editions, issues or collectibles can be created. The print image of the different (small) series preferably only differs in the second section, so that the first printing process can be carried out inexpensively with a large number of items.

Ein weiterer Vorteil besteht darin, dass durch die Trennung der beiden Druckvorgänge auch ein Transport der Getränkedosen zwischen dem ersten und zweiten Druckvorgang möglich ist, beispielsweise auch über eine größere Entfernung hinweg, falls die beiden Druckmaschinen beispielsweise an unterschiedlichen Standorten oder an einem Standort in unterschiedlichen Linien angeordnet sind. Auch ein größerer zeitlicher Versatz zwischen dem ersten und zweiten Druckvorgang ist möglich, sodass beispielsweise im ersten Druckvorgang die ersten Ausschnitte bedruckt werden können und erst mit einer zeitlichen Verzögerung zu entscheiden ist, wie genau das Druckbild mit der Bedruckung des zweiten Ausschnitts im zweiten Druckvorgang vervollständigt werden soll. Dies ist insbesondere vorteilhaft, wenn auf bestimmte Ereignisse kurzfristig mit einer Anpassung des Druckbilds reagiert werden soll.Another advantage is that the separation of the two printing processes also enables the beverage cans to be transported between the first and second printing processes, for example even over a greater distance if the two printing machines are, for example, at different locations or at one location in different lines are arranged. A greater time offset between the first and second printing process is also possible, so that, for example, the first cut-outs can be printed in the first printing process and it is only after a time that it has to be decided how exactly the print image will be completed with the printing of the second cut-out in the second printing process should. This is particularly advantageous if a reaction to certain events is to be carried out in the short term with an adaptation of the print image.

Ferner ist es möglich, eine Vielzahl verschiedener Bilder oder Motive in eine größere Serie einzubinden. Beispielsweise können innerhalb einer Serie, die durch ein einheitliches Druckbild in einem der beiden Ausschnitte gekennzeichnet ist, für jede Getränkedose oder Gruppen von Getränkedosen ein anderes Druckbild auf den anderen der beiden Ausschnitte aufgebracht werden, so dass eine Individualisierung einzelner Getränkedosen oder von Gruppen von Getränkedosen erfolgen kann. Bevorzugt ist beispielsweise, dass das individualisierte Druckbild (Bild-)Elemente aufweist, die vorzugsweise über ein Mobiltelefon oder ein anderes mobiles Endgerät ausgelesen und dort ggf. weiter verarbeitet oder zur Weiterleitung an andere Informationsangebote, beispielsweise per Verlinkung ins Internet, genutzt werden können. Insbesondere sind (Bild-)Elemente bevorzugt, die eine Erkennung mittels sogenannter "Augmented-Reality"-Technologien erlauben. Das individualisierte Druckbild kann vorzugsweise einen Code aufweisen, beispielsweise einen Barcode oder einen QR-Code, der auch vorzugsweise über ein Mobiltelefon oder ein anderes mobiles Endgerät ausgelesen und dort ggf. weiter verarbeitet oder zur Weiterleitung an andere Informationsangebote, beispielsweise per Verlinkung ins Internet, genutzt werden kann. Diese Individualisierungsmöglichkeit hat den Vorteil, dass pro Getränkedose oder Gruppe von Getränkedosen individuelle (Zusatz-)Informationen bereitgestellt werden können, die über die reine optische Wahrnehmung des Gesamtdruckbildes durch den Konsumenten hinausgehen und eine Einbeziehung weiterer Medien und Kommunikationsmittel ermöglichen. Ferner können Klein- und Kleinstserien bis hin zur individuellen Getränkedose für den Konsumenten unterscheidbar gestaltet und vorzugsweise mit unterschiedlichen, ggf. aufeinander aufbauenden oder/oder miteinander in Verbindung stehenden Zusatzinformationen verknüpft werden.It is also possible to include a large number of different images or motifs in a larger series. For example, within a series, which is characterized by a uniform print image in one of the two cutouts, a different print image can be applied to the other of the two cutouts for each beverage can or groups of beverage cans, so that individual beverage cans or groups of beverage cans can be individualized can. It is preferred, for example, that the individualized print image has (image) elements that are preferably read out via a mobile phone or another mobile device and, if necessary, further processed there or used for forwarding to other information offers, for example by linking to the Internet. In particular, (image) elements are preferred which allow recognition by means of so-called "augmented reality" technologies. The individualized print image can preferably have a code, for example a barcode or a QR code, which is also preferably read out via a mobile phone or another mobile device and optionally further processed there or used for forwarding to other information offers, for example by linking to the Internet can be. This customization option has the advantage that individual (additional) information can be provided for each beverage can or group of beverage cans, which goes beyond the pure visual perception of the overall print image by the consumer and enables the inclusion of further media and means of communication. Furthermore, small and very small series up to individual beverage cans can be designed to be distinguishable for the consumer and preferably linked to different additional information that may build on one another or / or are related to one another.

Im erfindungsgemäßen Verfahren sind ein erster Druckvorgang zum Bedrucken eines ersten Ausschnitts der Druckoberfläche in einem ersten Druckverfahren und ein zweiter Druckvorgang zum Bedrucken eines zweiten Ausschnitts der Druckoberfläche mit einem zweiten Druckverfahren vorgesehen. Gleichermaßen können jedoch ein dritter oder weitere Ausschnitte der Druckoberfläche in einem dritten bzw. weiteren Druckvorgängen in einer dritten bzw. weiteren Druckmaschinen mit einem dritten bzw. weiteren Druckverfahren bedruckt werden. Die hier für zwei Ausschnitte beschriebenen Ausführungsdetails und Vorteile gelten dementsprechend auch für drei oder mehrere Ausschnitte sowie Druckmaschinen mit entsprechenden Druckverfahren.In the method according to the invention, a first printing process for printing a first section of the printing surface in a first printing process and a second printing process for printing a second section of the printing surface using a second printing process are provided. Equally, however, a third or further section of the printing surface can be printed in a third or further printing process in a third or further printing machine with a third or further printing method. The design details and advantages described here for two cutouts also apply accordingly to three or more cutouts and printing machines with corresponding printing processes.

Der Einsatz des Hochdruckverfahrens hat den Vorteil, dass mit diesem Verfahren hohe Stückzahlen kostengünstig bedruckt werden können und gleichzeitig eine große Vielfalt bei der Farbgestaltung realisiert werden kann. Beispielsweise existieren viele kundenseitig vorgegebene Farben bzw. Farbkombinationen und -schattierungen, die mit anderen Druckverfahren als dem Hochdruckverfahren nicht oder nur schwierig bzw. unter hohen Kosten realisiert werden können.The use of the high pressure method has the advantage that this method is cost-effective in large quantities can be printed and at the same time a great variety of colors can be realized. For example, there are many colors or color combinations and shades specified by the customer that cannot be realized with other printing processes than letterpress printing, or only with difficulty or at high cost.

Das zweite Druckverfahren ist ein Digitaldruckverfahren, wobei vorzugsweise das zweite Druckverfahren Getränkedosen mit verschiedenen Durchmessern, vorzugsweise zwischen 40 und 90 mm, und/oder mit verschiedenen Höhen, vorzugeweise zwischen 40 und 250 mm, verarbeiten kann.The second printing method is a digital printing method, the second printing method preferably being able to process beverage cans with different diameters, preferably between 40 and 90 mm, and / or with different heights, preferably between 40 and 250 mm.

Das Digitaldruckverfahren hat den Vorteil einer besonders hohen Auflösung, beispielsweise von 600 dpi. Damit können realitätsnahe, hochauflösende Bilder auf Getränkedosen aufgebracht werden. Ferner ist das Digitaldruckverfahren geeignet, ohne große Rüstzeiten auf Abruf unterschiedliche Kleinserien kurzfristig zu bedrucken. Besonders bevorzugt ist es, dass im Digitaldruckverfahren alle gängigen Getränkedosendurchmesser, vorzugsweise zwischen 40 und 90 mm, und Getränkedosenhöhen, vorzugeweise zwischen 40 und 250 mm, verarbeitet werden können.The digital printing process has the advantage of a particularly high resolution, for example 600 dpi. This means that realistic, high-resolution images can be applied to beverage cans. Furthermore, the digital printing process is suitable for printing different small series on demand at short notice without long set-up times. It is particularly preferred that all common beverage can diameters, preferably between 40 and 90 mm, and beverage can heights, preferably between 40 and 250 mm, can be processed in the digital printing process.

Insbesondere in der Kombination mit einer Bedruckung des ersten Ausschnitts im Hochdruckverfahren und des zweiten Ausschnitts im Digitaldruckverfahren lassen sich so Druckbilder erzeugen, die auf der einen Seite kundenindividuelle Farbgestaltungen mit auf der anderen Seite hochauflösenden Bildelementen, die gegebenenfalls kurzfristig aufgrund aktueller Ereignisse angepasst werden, kombiniert werden können.In particular in combination with printing the first section using letterpress printing and the second section using digital printing, print images can be generated that combine, on the one hand, customer-specific color designs with, on the other hand, high-resolution image elements that may be adapted at short notice due to current events can.

Die Kombination dieser Verfahren ist ferner von Vorteil, wenn bestimmte Pflichtbestandteile, beispielsweise gesetzlich, durch Normung oder freiwillige Verpflichtungen etwa von Branchenverbänden vorgegebene Angaben, nur in einem der beiden Druckverfahren herzustellen ist, wie beispielsweise das DPG-Pfandlogo. Diese Pfandmarke wird vorzugsweise im Hochdruckverfahren aufgedruckt, sodass bei ansonsten für den Digitaldruck vorgesehenen Druckbildern der Teil der Pfandmarke im Hochdruckverfahren bedruckt werden kann.The combination of these processes is also advantageous if certain compulsory components, for example statutory, standardization or voluntary obligations, for example information provided by industry associations, can only be produced in one of the two printing processes, such as the DPG deposit logo. This deposit mark is preferably printed using the letterpress process, so that in the case of print images that are otherwise intended for digital printing, the part of the deposit mark can be printed using the letterpress process.

Ein auf den zweiten Ausschnitt der Druckoberfläche aufgebrachtes Druckbild wird relativ zu einem auf den ersten Ausschnitt der Druckoberfläche aufgebrachten Druckbild vorzugsweise mit einer Genauigkeit von ± 50 Mikrometer (µm) ausgerichtet. Dies ist bevorzugt, um ein aus den auf den ersten und zweiten Ausschnitt der Druckoberfläche aufgebrachten Druckbildern resultierendes Gesamtdruckbild zu erhalten, das keinen oder einen nur sehr geringen Versatz an den angrenzenden Rändern den Druckbildern aufweist. Besonders bevorzugt ist es, dass mit dem ersten Druckverfahren eine Passermarke gedruckt wird, die in der zweiten Druckmaschine von einem Sensor erfasst wird, und das erste Druckbild relativ zum zweiten Druckbild registriert wird. Dies geschieht vorzugsweise über die Registrierung eines Aufnahmedorns, an dem eine Getränkedose in einer Druckmaschine gehalten wird.A printed image applied to the second section of the printing surface is aligned relative to a printed image applied to the first section of the printing surface, preferably with an accuracy of ± 50 micrometers (μm). This is preferred in order to obtain an overall print image resulting from the print images applied to the first and second sections of the print surface, which has no or only a very slight offset at the adjacent edges of the print images. It is particularly preferred that the first printing method is used to print a registration mark, which is detected by a sensor in the second printing machine, and the first print image is registered relative to the second print image. This is preferably done by registering a receiving mandrel on which a beverage can is held in a printing machine.

Bezüglich der Ausgestaltung der Ausschnitte ist bevorzugt, dass der erste Ausschnitt rechteckig ausgebildet ist und der zweite Ausschnitt rechteckig, quadratisch, kreisförmig oder oval ausgebildet ist, wobei der erste Ausschnitt eine Ausnehmung aufweist, die im Wesentlichen dem ersten Ausschnitt entspricht. Auch eine Freiform des zweiten Ausschnitts kann je nach gewünschtem Druckbild bevorzugt sein. Besonders bevorzugt ist es, dass der zweite Ausschnitt in einer Ecke des ersten Ausschnitts, an einem Rand des ersten Ausschnitts oder in einem zentralen Bereich des ersten Ausschnitts angeordnet ist.With regard to the design of the cutouts, it is preferred that the first cutout is rectangular and the second cutout is rectangular, square, circular or oval, the first cutout having a recess which essentially corresponds to the first cutout. A free form of the second section can also be preferred depending on the desired print image. It is particularly preferred that the second cutout is arranged in a corner of the first cutout, on an edge of the first cutout or in a central area of the first cutout.

Der zweite Ausschnitt kann innerhalb des ersten Ausschnitts angeordnet sein, sodass der erste Ausschnitt einen Rahmen bzw. Rand um den Außenumfang des zweiten Ausschnitts herum ausbildet. In diesem Fall wird der Außenumfang des Druckbilds durch den ersten Ausschnitt gebildet. Alternativ kann der zweite Ausschnitt auch an einem Rand oder einer Ecke des ersten Ausschnitts angeordnet sein, sodass der Außenumfang des Druckbilds teilweise durch den ersten und teilweise durch den zweiten Ausschnitt gebildet wird.The second cutout can be arranged within the first cutout, so that the first cutout forms a frame or edge around the outer circumference of the second cutout. In this case, the outer circumference of the print image is formed by the first cutout. Alternatively, the second cutout can also be arranged at an edge or a corner of the first cutout, so that the outer circumference of the print image is formed partly by the first and partly by the second cutout.

Unter einem zentralen Bereich ist hier ein mittlerer Bereich im Rechteck der Druckoberfläche zu verstehen, das heißt ein Bereich, der in etwa gleiche Abstände zu den jeweils gegenüberliegenden Kanten der Druckoberfläche aufweist.A central area is to be understood here as a middle area in the rectangle of the printing surface, that is to say an area which has approximately the same distances from the respective opposite edges of the printing surface.

Diese Varianten können auch bezogen auf die Ausschnitte umgekehrt ausgebildet sein, das heißt dass vorzugsweise der zweite Ausschnitt rechteckig ausgebildet sein kann und der erste Ausschnitt rechteckig, quadratisch, kreisförmig oder oval ausgebildet sein kann, wobei der zweite Ausschnitt eine Ausnehmung aufweist, die im Wesentlichen dem ersten Ausschnitt entspricht. Auch in dieser Variante ist bevorzugt, dass der erste Ausschnitt in einer Ecke des zweiten Ausschnitts, an einem Rand des zweiten Ausschnitts oder in einem zentralen Bereich des zweiten Ausschnitts angeordnet ist.These variants can also be designed the other way around with respect to the cutouts, that is, the second cutout can preferably be made rectangular and the first cutout can be rectangular, square, circular or oval, the second cutout having a recess that essentially corresponds to the corresponds to the first section. In this variant, too, it is preferred that the first cutout is arranged in a corner of the second cutout, on an edge of the second cutout or in a central area of the second cutout.

Die Wahl der Ausgestaltung der ersten und zweiten Ausschnitte ist abhängig von den Anforderungen der in den Ausschnitten aufzubringenden Druckbilder.The choice of the design of the first and second cutouts depends on the requirements of the printed images to be applied in the cutouts.

Der erste und zweite Ausschnitt der Druckoberfläche können im Wesentlichen gleich groß sein. Eine gleich große Ausbildung des ersten und zweiten Ausschnitts kann beispielsweise dadurch erfolgen, dass die beiden Ausschnitte als zwei Hälften des Rechtecks der abgewickelten zylindrischen Druckoberfläche ausgebildet sind. In dieser Gestaltung entsprechen sich sowohl die Größe der Flächen als auch deren Form.The first and second sections of the printing surface can be essentially the same size. The first and second cutouts can be made of the same size, for example, in that the two cutouts are designed as two halves of the rectangle of the developed cylindrical printing surface. In this design, both the size of the surfaces and their shape correspond.

Bei einer mittigen Anordnung eines der Ausschnitte in einer mittigen Ausnehmung des anderen Ausschnitts sind die beiden Ausschnitte in dieser Ausführungsform vorzugsweise so ausgebildet, dass die Größe der Flächen beider Ausschnitte einander im Wesentlichen entsprechen, wobei die Form der beiden Ausschnitte unterschiedlich ist.In the case of a central arrangement of one of the cutouts in a central cutout of the other cutout, the two cutouts in this embodiment are preferably designed so that the size of the areas of both cutouts essentially correspond to one another, the shape of the two cutouts being different.

Alternativ kann ein Ausschnitt größer ausgebildet sein als der andere Ausschnitt, beispielsweise kann der erste Ausschnitt größer sein als der zweite Ausschnitt oder der zweite Ausschnitt kann größer sein als der erste Ausschnitt.Alternatively, one cutout can be made larger than the other cutout, for example the first cutout can be larger than the second cutout or the second cutout can be larger than the first cutout.

Das Verhältnis der Ausschnitte zueinander ist vorzugsweise aus den folgenden Verhältnissen ausgewählt: 50:50, 60:40, 70:30, 80:20, 90:10, 95:5, 97,5:2,5, 98:2, 98,5:1,5, 99:1, 99,5:0,5.The ratio of the sections to one another is preferably selected from the following ratios: 50:50, 60:40, 70:30, 80:20, 90:10, 95: 5, 97.5: 2.5, 98: 2, 98 , 5: 1.5, 99: 1, 99.5: 0.5.

Ein weiterer Vorteil ergibt sich in einer bevorzugten Ausführungsform dadurch, dass die Getränkedose aus Aluminium oder Weißblech ohne Basislackierung oder einem Klarlack hergestellt ist und der zweite Ausschnitt der Druckoberfläche mit dem ersten Druckverfahren in der ersten Druckmaschine mit einer einheitlichen Farbe, nämlich mit einer weißen Farbe, bedruckt wird.Another advantage results in a preferred embodiment that the beverage can is made of aluminum or tinplate without a basecoat or a clearcoat and the second section of the printing surface with the first printing process in the first printing machine with a uniform color, namely with a white color, is printed.

Bei Getränkedosen aus Weißblech erfolgt die Bedruckung üblicherweise auf einer weißen Druckoberfläche. Bei Aluminiumdosen hat die unbedruckte Druckoberfläche üblicherweise die Farbe des Aluminiums. Insbesondere beim Digitaldruckverfahren ist es jedoch bevorzugt, eine weiße Druckoberfläche zu bedrucken. Daher wird im ersten Druckverfahren auch bereits der zweite Ausschnitt bedruckt, und zwar in einer einheitlichen Farbe, nämlich mit Weiß. Auf diese Weise steht dann für den zweiten Druckvorgang eine weiß grundierte Druckoberfläche im zweiten Ausschnitt zur Verfügung, die dann im Digitaldruckverfahren bedruckt wird.In the case of beverage cans made of tinplate, the printing is usually carried out on a white printing surface. In the case of aluminum cans, the unprinted surface is usually the same color as the aluminum. In the digital printing process in particular, however, it is preferred to print on a white printing surface. Therefore, in the first printing process, the second section is already printed, namely in a uniform color, namely with white. In this way, a white primed print surface is then available in the second cutout for the second printing process, which is then printed using the digital printing process.

In einer bevorzugten Ausführungsform des Verfahrens durchläuft die Getränkedose nach dem ersten Druckvorgang und/oder nach dem zweiten Druckvorgang weitere Schritte eines Herstellungsprozesses. Ferner ist es bevorzugt, dass die Getränkedose anschließend, vorzugsweise mit einer Mehrzahl weiterer Getränkedosen, palettiert wird. Solche Paletten von Getränkedosen, die den ersten Druckvorgang durchlaufen haben, können beispielsweise für einen vorbestimmten Zeitraum oder auf Abruf gelagert werden. Die weiteren Schritte des Herstellungsprozesses können eine oder mehrere der eingangs genannten Schritte sein.In a preferred embodiment of the method, the beverage can runs through further steps of a manufacturing process after the first printing process and / or after the second printing process. Furthermore, it is preferred that the beverage can is then palletized, preferably with a plurality of further beverage cans. Such pallets of beverage cans that have gone through the first printing process can be stored, for example, for a predetermined period of time or on demand. The further steps of the manufacturing process can be one or more of the steps mentioned at the beginning.

In einer weiteren Ausführungsform kann eine Getränkedose vor dem zweiten Druckvorgang aus einer Palette entnommen werden. Dies ist insbesondere dann bevorzugt, wenn die Getränkedosen nach dem ersten Druckvorgang palettiert wurden. Ferner ist bevorzugt, dass auch nach dem zweiten Druckvorgang die Getränkedosen wieder palettiert werden. Die Angabe nach dem zweiten Druckvorgang bedeutet entweder direkt nach dem zweiten Druckvorgang oder nach dem Durchlaufen eines oder mehrerer weiterer Schritte eines Herstellungsprozesses nach dem zweiten Druckvorgang.In a further embodiment, a beverage can can be removed from a pallet before the second printing process. This is particularly preferred if the beverage cans were palletized after the first printing process. It is also preferred that the beverage cans are palletized again after the second printing process. The indication after the second printing process means either directly after the second printing process or after going through one or more further steps of a manufacturing process after the second printing process.

Insbesondere ist bevorzugt, dass die Getränkedose vor dem zweiten Druckvorgang einen Einziehvorgang durchläuft. Alternativ kann die Getränkedose auch erst nach dem zweiten Druckvorgang einen Einziehvorgang durchlaufen. Dies ist insbesondere bevorzugt, falls die erste oder zweite Druckmaschine nur Getränkedosen ohne eingezogenes offenes Ende bedrucken können.In particular, it is preferred that the beverage can goes through a drawing process before the second printing process. Alternatively, the beverage can can only be drawn in after the second printing process. This is particularly preferred if the first or second printing machine can only print beverage cans without a retracted open end.

Ein weiterer Aspekt der Erfindung ist eine Getränkedose, insbesondere aus Weißblech oder Aluminium, wie sie im Anspruch 8 definiert ist. Bevorzugte Ausführungsformen der Erfindung sind in den Unteransprüchen definiert.Another aspect of the invention is a beverage can, in particular made of tinplate or aluminum, as defined in claim 8. Preferred embodiments of the invention are defined in the subclaims.

Zu den Vorteilen, Ausführungsvarianten und Ausführungsdetails dieses weiteren Aspekts der Erfindung und seiner Fortbildungen wird auf die vorangegangene Beschreibung zu den entsprechenden Verfahrensmerkmalen verwiesen.For the advantages, design variants and design details of this further aspect of the invention and its developments, reference is made to the preceding description of the corresponding method features.

Bevorzugte Ausführungsformen der Erfindung werden beispielhaft anhand der beiliegenden Figuren beschrieben. Es zeigen:

Fig. 1:
ein schematisches Ablaufdiagramm eines Herstellungsprozesses für Getränkedosen mit einer ersten Ausführungsform eines erfindungsgemäßen Verfahrens;
Fig.2:
ein schematisches Ablaufdiagramm eines Herstellungsprozesses für Getränkedosen mit einer zweiten Ausführungsform eines erfindungsgemäßen Verfahrens;
Fig. 3:
ein erstes Beispiel für ein aus zwei Ausschnitten zusammengesetztes Druckbild;
Fig. 4:
ein zweites Beispiel für ein aus zwei Ausschnitten zusammengesetztes Druckbild;
Fig. 5:
ein drittes Beispiel für ein aus zwei Ausschnitten zusammengesetztes Druckbild; und
Fig. 6:
ein viertes Beispiel für ein aus zwei Ausschnitten zusammengesetztes Druckbild.
Preferred embodiments of the invention are described by way of example with reference to the accompanying figures. Show it:
Fig. 1:
a schematic flow diagram of a manufacturing process for beverage cans with a first embodiment of a method according to the invention;
Fig. 2:
a schematic flow diagram of a manufacturing process for beverage cans with a second embodiment of a method according to the invention;
Fig. 3:
a first example of a print image composed of two cutouts;
Fig. 4:
a second example of a print image composed of two cutouts;
Fig. 5:
a third example of a print image composed of two cutouts; and
Fig. 6:
a fourth example of a print image composed of two cut-outs.

Fig. 1 zeigt in den Schritten 1 bis 19 einen Prozess zur Herstellung von Getränkedosen. In Schritt 1 wird ein Rohling ausgestanzt und zu einem Napf tiefgezogen, der in Schritt 2 abgestreckt und dessen offenes Ende in Schritt 3 beschnitten bzw. getrimmt wird. In Schritt 4 wird überschüssiges Abstreckmittel von den Getränkedosen abgewaschen und die Dosen werden in einem Ofen getrocknet, bevor diese mit einer ersten Außenlackierung (Schritt 5) versehen werden, beispielsweise mit einer Weißlackierung. Anschließend werden die Getränkedosen in Schritt 6 einem Ofen zur Trocknung zugeführt. In einer Druckmaschine werden die Getränkedosen dann im Hochdruckverfahren in Schritt 7 bedruckt und anschließend in einem Ofen in Schritt 8 getrocknet. Nach einer ersten Innenlackierung mittels einer Lackspritzmaschine in Schritt 9 und der anschließenden Trocknung in einem Ofen in Schritt 10 werden die offenen Enden der Getränkedosen in Schritt 11 eingezogen und mit einem Bördelrand versehen, bevor in Schritt 12 die Böden der Getränkedosen in einer Bodenlackiermaschine lackiert werden. Die Bodenlackierung ist insbesondere erforderlich bei Getränkedosen aus Weißblech. Fig. 1 shows, in steps 1 to 19, a process for producing beverage cans. In step 1, a blank is punched out and deep-drawn into a bowl, which is stretched in step 2 and the open end of which is cut or trimmed in step 3. In step 4, excess ironing agent is washed off the beverage cans and the cans are dried in an oven before they are provided with a first external coating (step 5), for example with a white coating. The beverage cans are then fed to an oven for drying in step 6. The beverage cans are then printed in a printing machine using the letterpress process in step 7 and then dried in an oven in step 8. After a first interior painting using a paint spraying machine in step 9 and the subsequent drying in an oven in step 10, the open ends of the beverage cans are drawn in in step 11 and provided with a beaded edge before the bottoms of the beverage cans are painted in a floor painting machine in step 12. The floor painting is particularly necessary for beverage cans made of tinplate.

Nach einer zweiten Innenlackierung, insbesondere bei Getränkedosen aus Weißblech, in einer Lackierspritzmaschine in Schritt 13 werden die Getränkedosen nochmals in einem Ofen in Schritt 14 getrocknet, bevor sie in Schritt 15 inspiziert und in Schritt 16 mit einer weiteren Bodenbeschichtung, beispielsweise einer UV-Beschichtung, versehen werden. In Schritt 17 kann eine Sortierung der Getränkedosen anhand von bestimmten Sortierungsmarkierungen erfolgen, bevor die Getränkedosen in Schritt 18, gegebenenfalls sortenrein, palettiert und in Schritt 19 einem Lager zugeführt werden.After a second interior coating, in particular for beverage cans made of tinplate, in a spray-painting machine in step 13, the beverage cans are dried again in an oven in step 14 before they are inspected in step 15 and with a further floor coating, for example a UV coating, in step 16. be provided. In step 17, the beverage cans can be sorted on the basis of certain sorting markings before the beverage cans are palletized in step 18, possibly sorted by type, and fed to a store in step 19.

Nach einer unbestimmten oder vorbestimmten Lagerzeit oder einer Lagerzeit auf Abruf können die Getränkedosen im Schritt 20 wieder von der Palette entnommen werden und in einem Schritt 21 digital bedruckt und anschließend im Schritt 22 in einem Ofen getrocknet werden. Die Durchführung nur der Schritte 1 bis 19 entspricht dem Standardhochdruckverfahren, sofern in Schritt 7 das gesamte Druckbild im Hochdruckverfahren gedruckt wird. Die Durchführung der Schritte 1 bis 6, 21, 22 und 9 bis 19 gemäß der Pfeile B entspricht dem herkömmlichen Verfahren einer vollen Digitalbedruckung, das heißt einer Herstellung des gesamten Druckbilds im Digitaldruckverfahren.After an indefinite or predetermined storage time or a storage time on demand, the beverage cans can be removed from the pallet again in step 20 and digitally printed in step 21 and then dried in an oven in step 22. Carrying out only steps 1 to 19 corresponds to the standard letterpress printing process, provided the entire print image is printed using letterpress printing in step 7. Carrying out steps 1 to 6, 21, 22 and 9 to 19 according to arrows B corresponds to the conventional method of full digital printing, that is to say production of the entire print image in the digital printing method.

Die Durchführung der Schritte 1 bis 8, 18 bis 22 und anschließend der Schritte 9 bis 20 gemäß der Pfeile A entspricht einer Ausführungsform des erfindungsgemäßen Verfahrens, bei dem im Schritt 7 im Hochdruckverfahren nur ein erster Ausschnitt des Druckbilds in einer ersten Druckmaschine mittels eines ersten Druckverfahrens gedruckt wird. Diese teilbedruckten Getränkedosen werden nach der Trocknung in Schritt 8 einem Bypass an den Bearbeitungsschritten 9 bis 17 vorbeigeführt und im Schritt 18 wieder in den Herstellungsprozess integriert. Nach einer Palettierung in Schritt 18 sowie einer Lagerung im palettierten Zustand in Schritt 19 werden die Getränkedosen anschließend in Schritt 20 depalettiert, einer Digitaldruckmaschine zur Bedruckung des zweiten Ausschnitts im Digitaldruckverfahren in Schritt 21 zugeführt und nach dem Trocknen in Schritt 22 dem üblichen Herstellungsprozess nach Schritt 8 wieder zugeführt und mit den im Hochdruckverfahren bedruckten Getränkedosen gemischt. Diese nun auch im zweiten Druckvorgang bedruckten Getränkedosen durchlaufen dann die zuvor nicht durchlaufenen Schritte 9 bis 16 vom Innenlackieren bis zur UV Bodenlackierung. Nach der Dekorerkennung und einer entsprechenden Separierung im Schritt 17 werden die Getränkedosen jeweils separat palettiert. Im Schritt 17 werden vorzugsweise die digital bedruckten Getränkedosen von den im Hochdruckverfahren bedruckten Getränkedosen separiert und im Schritt 20 palettiert. Die im Hochdruckverfahren bedruckten Getränkedosen laufen weiter auf den Linienpalettierer und werden dort in Schritt 18 palletiert.Carrying out steps 1 to 8, 18 to 22 and then steps 9 to 20 according to arrows A corresponds to an embodiment of the method according to the invention, in which, in step 7, only a first section of the print image in a first printing press using a first printing method is printed. After drying in step 8, these partially printed beverage cans are bypassed past processing steps 9 to 17 and reintegrated into the manufacturing process in step 18. After palletizing in step 18 and storage in the palletized state in step 19, the beverage cans are then depalletized in step 20, fed to a digital printing machine for printing the second section using the digital printing process in step 21 and, after drying, in step 22 to the usual manufacturing process according to step 8 fed back in and mixed with the beverage cans printed using the high-pressure process. These beverage cans, which are now also printed in the second printing process, then go through steps 9 to 16, which were not previously carried out, from interior painting to UV floor painting. After the decor recognition and a corresponding separation in step 17, the beverage cans are each palletized separately. In step 17, the digitally printed beverage cans are preferably separated from the beverage cans printed using the high-pressure method and palletized in step 20. The beverage cans printed using the high-pressure process continue to run on the line palletizer and are palletized there in step 18.

Dieses Verfahren gemäß Fig. 1 hat den Vorteil, sowohl reines Hochdruckverfahren, reines Digitaldruckverfahren sowie eine Ausführungsform eines erfindungsgemäßen Verfahrens mit einer Kombination von Hochdruck und Digitaldruck zu realisieren. Ferner ist in einer existierenden Anlage zur Herstellung von Getränkedosen lediglich eine Digitaldruckstation für den Schritt 21 sowie ein Ofen für den Schritt 22 zusätzlich vorzusehen, sowie gegebenenfalls eine Depalettierungseinrichtung für den Schritt 20. Auf diese Weise kann eine bestehende Anlage zur Herstellung von Getränkedosen einfach für die Durchführung eines erfindungsgemäßen Verfahrens umgerüstet werden.This procedure according to Fig. 1 has the advantage of realizing both a pure letterpress method, a pure digital printing method and an embodiment of a method according to the invention with a combination of letterpress and digital printing. Furthermore, only a digital printing station for step 21 and an oven for step 22 and, if necessary, a depalletizing device for step 20 need to be provided in an existing system for producing beverage cans. In this way, an existing system for producing beverage cans can easily be used for Implementation of a method according to the invention can be converted.

Fig. 2 zeigt in den Schritten 101 bis 114 ebenfalls einen üblichen Herstellungsprozess einer Getränkedose mit dem Ausstanzen eines Rohlings und Tiefziehen eines Napfes im Schritt 101, dem Abstrecken in Schritt 102 und dem anschließenden Beschneiden des offenen Endes in Schritt 103. Nach dem Abwaschen von überflüssigem Abstreckmittel in Schritt 104 werden die Getränkedosen im Schritt 105 getrocknet und anschließend mit einer UV-Beschichtung in Schritt 106 versehen, bevor eine Bedruckung im Hochdruckverfahren im Schritt 107 erfolgt mit anschließender Trocknung im Schritt 108. Mit einer Lackierspritzmaschine wird anschließend im Schritt 109 eine Lackierung aufgebracht, die anschließend im Schritt 110 getrocknet wird. In Schritt 111 wird das offene Ende der Getränkedosen eingezogen und mit einem Bördelrand versehen. Nach der Inspektion der Getränkedosen im Schritt 112 werden diese in einer Palettiereinrichtung in Schritt 113 palettiert und anschließend gemäß Schritt 114 gelagert. Nach einer unbestimmten oder vorbestimmten Lagerzeit oder einer Lagerung auf Abruf werden die Getränkedosen depalettiert und einer oder mehreren parallelen Digitaldruckmaschinen zugeführt. Im in Fig. 2 gezeigten Ausführungsbeispiel sind vier Digitaldruckmaschinen vorgesehen, sodass in den Schritten 116a,b,c,d parallel Getränkedosen digital bedruckt werden können. Anschließend werden die Getränkedosen im Schritt 117 gemeinsam getrocknet und im Schritt 118 wieder palettiert. Das Vorsehen von mehreren digitalen Druckmaschinen im Schritt 116a,b,c,d hat den Vorteil, dass ein höherer Durchsatz, beispielsweise von jährlich 200 Mio. Getränkedosen, erzielt werden kann. Fig. 2 shows in steps 101 to 114 also a common manufacturing process of a beverage can with the punching out of a blank and deep drawing of a cup in step 101, ironing in step 102 and the subsequent trimming of the open end in step 103. After washing off superfluous ironing agent in step 104, the beverage cans are dried in step 105 and then provided with a UV coating in step 106, before printing in the relief printing process in step 107 with subsequent drying in step 108 is dried in step 110. In step 111, the open end of the beverage can is drawn in and provided with a beaded edge. After the beverage cans have been inspected in step 112, they are palletized in a palletizing device in step 113 and then stored in accordance with step 114. After an unspecified or predetermined storage time or storage on demand, the beverage cans are depalletized and fed to one or more parallel digital printing machines. In the in Fig. 2 The embodiment shown, four digital printing machines are provided so that beverage cans can be digitally printed in parallel in steps 116a, b, c, d. The beverage cans are then dried together in step 117 and palletized again in step 118. Providing several digital printing machines in step 116a, b, c, d has the advantage that a higher throughput, for example 200 million beverage cans annually, can be achieved.

Die in Fig. 2 dargestellte Variante hat den Vorteil, dass die Getränkedosen nach dem zweiten Druckvorgang nicht nochmals in den Herstellungsprozess eingeschleust werden müssen, sondern der zweite Druckvorgang unabhängig vom ersten Druckvorgang und weiteren Schritten des Herstellungsprozesses erfolgen kann. Damit kann der zweite Druckvorgang in vorteilhafter Weise auch unabhängig vom Material der Getränkedose, das heißt Weißblech oder Aluminium, erfolgen. Ferner können im zweiten Druckvorgang vorzugsweise unterschiedliche Dosendurchmesser, unterschiedliche Dosenhöhen und bereits am offenen Ende eingezogene Getränkedosen digital bedruckt werden.In the Fig. 2 The variant shown has the advantage that the beverage cans do not have to be fed into the manufacturing process again after the second printing process, but rather the second printing process can take place independently of the first printing process and further steps of the manufacturing process. In this way, the second printing process can also advantageously take place independently of the material of the beverage can, that is to say tinplate or aluminum. Furthermore, in the second printing process preferably different can diameters, different can heights and beverage cans that have already been drawn in at the open end can be digitally printed.

Darüber hinaus lassen sich auch mit dem in Fig. 2 dargestellten Ausführungsbeispiel die grundsätzlichen Vorteile des erfindungsgemäßen Verfahrens mit der Trennung der Bedruckung des ersten und zweiten Ausschnitts durch erste und zweite Druckmaschinen realisieren.In addition, the in Fig. 2 The illustrated embodiment realizes the basic advantages of the method according to the invention with the separation of the printing of the first and second section by first and second printing machines.

Die Figuren 3 bis 6 zeigen Beispiele für aus zwei Ausschnitten zusammengesetzte Druckbilder. Die Druckbilder sind als Rechtecke der abgewickelten zylindrischen Druckoberfläche dargestellt. In den Beispielen bilden die Flächen der beiden Ausschnitte zusammen jeweils das Rechteck der abgewickelten zylindrischen Druckoberfläche, das heißt es entstehen insgesamt Druckbilder, die das Rechteck der abgewickelten zylindrischen Druckoberfläche ausfüllen.The Figures 3 to 6 show examples of printed images composed of two sections. The print images are shown as rectangles of the developed cylindrical print surface. In the examples, the areas of the two cutouts together each form the rectangle of the developed cylindrical printing surface, that is to say overall print images are created that fill the rectangle of the developed cylindrical printing surface.

In Figur 3 sind der erste Ausschnitt 210 und der zweite Ausschnitt 220 gleich groß und bilden zwei Hälften des Rechtecks der abgewickelten zylindrischen Druckoberfläche. In Figur 4 ist der zweite Ausschnitt 221 quadratisch ausgebildet und in einer entsprechend quadratischen Ausnehmung in einer Ecke des ersten Ausschnitts 211 angeordnet. Figur 5 zeigt die Ausbildung des zweiten Ausschnitts 222 als Oval, das in einer entsprechenden Ausnehmung in einem zentralen Bereich des ersten Ausschnitts 212 angeordnet ist. In Figur 6 ist der zweite Ausschnitt 223 rechteckförmig ausgebildet und einer entsprechenden Ausnehmung am unteren Rand des ersten Ausschnitts 213 angeordnet.In Figure 3 the first cutout 210 and the second cutout 220 are the same size and form two halves of the rectangle of the developed cylindrical printing surface. In Figure 4 the second cutout 221 is square and arranged in a correspondingly square recess in a corner of the first cutout 211. Figure 5 FIG. 8 shows the formation of the second cutout 222 as an oval, which is arranged in a corresponding recess in a central region of the first cutout 212. In Figure 6 the second cutout 223 is rectangular and is arranged in a corresponding recess on the lower edge of the first cutout 213.

Die Darstellungen der Figuren 3 bis 6 können auch mit umgekehrter Ausbildung der Ausschnitte realisiert werden, das heißt die Formen der dargestellten zweiten Ausschnitte können auch von den ersten Ausschnitten gebildet sein und umgekehrt.The representations of the Figures 3 to 6 can also be implemented with the cutouts formed in reverse, that is, the shapes of the illustrated second cutouts can also be formed by the first cutouts and vice versa.

Ferner ist den gezeigten Beispielen der Figuren 3 bis 6 jeweils eine Ausgestaltung gezeigt, in der die beiden Ausschnitte ohne Überlappung aneinandergrenzen. Es kann jedoch bevorzugt sein, dass das Druckbild eines Ausschnitts in einen angrenzenden Überlappungsbereich des anderen Ausschnitts hineinreicht. Besonders bevorzugt ist es insbesondere bei komplexen Druckbildern, dass beide Ausschnitte jeweils in einen angrenzenden Überlappungsbereich des jeweils anderen Ausschnitts hineinreichen.Furthermore, the examples shown is the Figures 3 to 6 each shows an embodiment in which the two cutouts adjoin one another without overlapping. However, it can be preferred that the print image of one section extends into an adjacent overlap area of the other section. It is particularly preferred, particularly in the case of complex print images, that the two sections each extend into an adjacent overlap area of the other section in each case.

Claims (10)

  1. A method for printing a cylindrical printing surface of a beverage can, in particular made from tin or aluminum, with a printing image, the method comprising a first and a second printing operation, wherein
    - in the first printing operation (7, 107), a first section of the printing surface is printed by way of a first printing process, namely a relief printing process, in a first printing press, and a second section of the printing surface is printed is printed by way of the first printing process in the first printing press with a uniform color, namely with a white color,
    - in the second printing operation (21, 116a, b, c, d), the second section of the printing surface is printed by way of a second printing process, namely a digital printing process, in a second printing press,
    - wherein before or during the second printing operation second printing operation (21, 116a, b, c, d), the beverage can is positioned in such a way that a printing image applied to the second section of the printing surface is oriented relative to a printing image applied to the first section of the printing surface.
  2. The method as claimed in the preceding claim, characterized in that
    - preferably, the second printing process is operable to process beverage cans with different diameters, preferably between 40 and 90 mm, and/or with different heights, preferably between 40 and 250 mm, and
    - the printing image applied to the second section of the printing surface is oriented relative to a printing image applied to the first part of the printing surface with an accuracy of approximately 50 micrometres.
  3. The method as claimed in any of the preceding claims, characterized in that
    - the first section is rectangular and the second section is rectangular, square, circular, or oval, wherein the first section has a recess which substantially corresponds to the first section, wherein the second section is preferably arranged in a corner of the first section, at an edge of the first section or in a central region of the first section, or
    - the second section is rectangular and the first section is rectangular, square, circular, or oval, wherein the second section has a recess which substantially corresponds to the first section.
  4. The method as claimed in any of the preceding claims 1 to 3, characterized in that
    - one section is larger than the other section, the smaller section preferably being up to 10% of the larger section; or
    - the first and second sections are substantially equally large; and
    - the beverage can is manufactured from aluminum or tin without a base coat or a clear lacquer.
  5. The method as claimed in any of the preceding claims, characterized in that after the first printing operation (7, 107) and/or after the second printing operation (21, 116a, b, c, d), the beverage can passes further steps of a manufacturing process and is palletized.
  6. The method as claimed in any of the preceding claims, characterized in that before the second printing operation (21, 116a, b, c, d), the beverage can is removed from a pallet and is palletized again after the second printing operation (21, 116a, b, c, d).
  7. The method as claimed in any of the preceding claims, characterized in that
    - before the second printing operation (21, 116a, b, c, d), the beverage can passes through a drawing-in operation, or
    - the beverage can passes through a drawing-in operation only after the second printing operation (21, 116a, b, c, d).
  8. A beverage can, in particular made from tin or aluminum, having a cylindrical printing surface with a printing image,
    wherein
    - in a first printing operation (7, 107), a first section of the printing surface is printed by way of a first printing process, namely a relief printing process, in a first printing press, and a second section of the printing surface is printed is printed by way of the first printing process in the first printing press with a uniform color, namely with a white color,
    - in a second printing operation (21, 116a, b, c, d), the second section of the printing surface is printed by way of a second printing process, namely a digital printing process, in a second printing press,
    - with the first section and the second section of the printing surface being arranged in a predefined position with respect to one another.
  9. The beverage can as claimed in claim 8, wherein after the first printing operation and before the second printing operation a lacquer coating is applied to the beverage can (109).
  10. The beverage can as claimed in claim 8, wherein the second section of the printing surface is printed in the second printing operation with a resolution of 600 dpi.
EP13725383.7A 2012-06-08 2013-05-28 Method for printing on a cylindrical printing surface of a beverage can, and beverage can that has been printed on Active EP2858825B1 (en)

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EP21161327.8A EP3871889A1 (en) 2012-06-08 2013-05-28 Method for printing on a cylindrical printing surface of a beverage can and printed beverage can
PL13725383T PL2858825T3 (en) 2012-06-08 2013-05-28 Method for printing on a cylindrical printing surface of a beverage can, and beverage can that has been printed on

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DE102012209675A DE102012209675A1 (en) 2012-06-08 2012-06-08 Method for printing on a cylindrical printing surface of a beverage can and printed beverage can
PCT/EP2013/060979 WO2013182454A1 (en) 2012-06-08 2013-05-28 Method for printing on a cylindrical printing surface of a beverage can, and beverage can that has been printed on

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EP (2) EP2858825B1 (en)
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CN (1) CN104520112B (en)
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US20150174917A1 (en) 2015-06-25
ES2877102T3 (en) 2021-11-16
MX2020011974A (en) 2021-10-28
JP2015526312A (en) 2015-09-10
US11192390B2 (en) 2021-12-07
CN104520112A (en) 2015-04-15
CA2875741C (en) 2020-08-11
JP6242880B2 (en) 2017-12-06
CN104520112B (en) 2017-03-15
BR112014030141B1 (en) 2021-10-05
PL2858825T3 (en) 2021-10-11
WO2013182454A1 (en) 2013-12-12
BR112014030141A2 (en) 2017-06-27
EP2858825A1 (en) 2015-04-15
MX2014014795A (en) 2015-02-24
CA2875741A1 (en) 2013-12-12
EP3871889A1 (en) 2021-09-01
DE102012209675A1 (en) 2013-12-12

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