JP2002539979A - In-line production of solid materials - Google Patents

Abstract

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION A solid object (4) comprising a first step of applying a first substance onto a selected surface area by use of a first application means (5). Wherein the selected surface area and the solid object are both in motion with respect to the first application means, and during the first step only the selected surface area is in contact with the first substance In state. The method further includes, after the first step is completed, applying a second material onto the selected surface area by use of the second application means, wherein the selected material is applied. The surface area and the solid object are both in motion with respect to the second application means, during the second step only the selected surface area is in contact with the second substance and the method is continuous. At a typical line speed.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to a method for producing a solid in-line.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0002] Methods for producing solids in-line are widely used in the consumer product industry, especially for products such as toothbrushes. Generally, such solids are printed after they are formed. In particular, techniques for applying substances on selected surface areas of such solids are used in particular, and most often they are used for printing on such solids. There are various existing printing technologies. The first type of printing technology used in the industry is to print a large number of labels stored on large reels, which are then sent on a production line and glued on solids. Is done. A second type of printing technique is to apply the ink directly on the outer surface of the solid, so that the printing itself can be customized, for example to display the date of manufacture or a special reference number.

[0003] The present invention relates to a method for producing a solid object comprising a first step and a second step, the first step comprising the steps of selecting a surface selected by the use of a first application means. Applying a first substance onto the area, wherein the selected surface area and the solid object are both in motion with respect to the first application means, and only the selected surface area is in the first area. Is in contact with the first substance during the step. Such a method is known from the second printing technique described above, whereby custom printing is performed directly on a solid object, and generally the printing of letters or numbers is formed by a large number of black dots.

[0004] The advantages of custom printing information directly on a solid object that is moving with respect to the application means include the advantage that such information can be different for each manufactured solid object, There is an advantage that such printing can be performed at high speed on a production line. Such a method is particularly useful, for example, in the consumer industry, whereby it is desirable, for example, to decorate solid objects. In general, such custom printing differs from other existing methods of the first type, in which the labels are individually pre-printed and stored on reels in a separate process before they are glued in-line on solids. ing. In fact, reels with printed labels (reels of print
In such a method using ed labels), all labels are identical and every label will correspond to any solid on the production line. However, such a method of using reels storing printed labels does not require the use of a limited number of mono-colored dots to reconstitute letters and numbers, but rather a relatively high definition. This allows the use of labels with different graphics.

[0005] While having the above and other advantages, existing methods, in particular, custom printing of a dot matrix in-line or using reels with printed labels, also have disadvantages. . For example, custom printing of dot matrices inline is less precise, so simple things like dates with one color (
message), but not for printing high-definition graphics or designs. In addition, the use of reels with printed labels is inflexible when a change in label design requires a reel change, resulting in a production line interruption or line interruption. It is necessary to have a dual reel support system so that the reels can be changed. In any case, the use of reels with printed labels must be provided with such labels, as any desired type of label is not directly manufactured in-line.

[0006] It is common for solids for consumer products to carry high quality printed images, both as designs for brand marketing and in consumer information such as usage. . Conventionally, such images are printed on a pressure-sensitive adhesive label affixed to a solid after removing the adhesive-protecting backing material. However, it is difficult to handle such labels in such a way that they adhere precisely to solids at high speeds, and significant down-time due to breakage of the backing paper or jamming of the label. May occur. Furthermore, the labels must be printed separately on the printing press, which is costly and time consuming. Label laminates and backing papers are also costly and add to the waste stream
. Also, a separate manufacturing space must be provided, and an inventory system has been established to store the labels and to ensure that the correct labels are placed on the correct solids. There must be.

[0007] A further disadvantage of using labels is that if the decorative artwork is changed, all remaining labels must be discarded and a new label printed. Once the need for new artwork is approved, it usually takes four to six weeks to create a new printing cylinder or plate and print and label the label ready for application.

[0008] Alternatively, the images are printed directly on the solid by screen printing techniques. However, such techniques tend to be slow, especially when printing multi-color images, limiting the quality of the images produced. Usually, when screen printing is used, only one to four colors are printed at the same time, thus limiting the complexity of the decoration. If more colors are needed, this can be achieved by passing the solid through the printing location multiple times, but this approach tends to add significantly to cost. Further, when using non-circular solids, such as, for example, elliptical solids or solids with more complex curved shapes, screen printing is 50 solids per minute, at most at best. 1 per minute
It operates at a slow speed of 00 solids and tends to be very slow.

Furthermore, screens used in screen printing tend to take considerable time to manufacture. Such screens also require frequent replacement, increasing maintenance costs.

[0010] Thermal transfer printing techniques have also been used to form images directly on solids. However, such techniques are also slow in pace and again tend to have poor image quality. In addition, pressure and / or heat applied to the solids printed by the transfer machine may cause damage to the solids, which is clearly undesirable.
In addition, the transfer process requires the use of a transfer film which adds unnecessary time and cost. It is well known that good quality images can be achieved using digital printing techniques such as, for example, ink jet and laser techniques, and that such techniques are flexible for their application. Ink jet printing has been commonly used to print on printing paper or other absorbent materials using aqueous or oily inks.

The present invention provides a method for producing solid objects, which can provide flexibility and high resolution in the application of materials to solid objects, and can operate at a wide range of speeds for factory production. It seeks to provide a method of the type described in.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION According to the present invention, it is an object of the present invention to provide a method in which a second step is performed on a selected surface area by use of a second application means after the first step is completed. A method of the type described above, wherein the selected surface area and the hollow body are both in motion with respect to the second application means. During step 2, only selected surface areas are in contact with the second substance;
The method operates at a continuous line speed.

The method according to the invention has many advantages. The method comprises the steps of: moving the solid object and the selected surface area both with respect to the first or second application means;
The method includes applying a second material on the selected surface area as well as the first material, so that flexibility in performing the application directly in-line and that a single material is a solid material. Higher resolution than when applied on a rough surface area. The improved versatility significantly reduces storage, such as storing high-definition labels on reels, thereby reducing manufacturing costs. In addition, flexibility reduces, for example, the disposal of unused printed labels, and is therefore beneficial to the environment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION The method of the present invention relates to solids. For solids, this object is essentially a space (em
Please understand that there is no pty space). Such a solid may be, for example, a toothbrush. The selected surface area may be an integral part of the solid, or it may be separate if, for example, on a label.
Indeed, according to the invention, solids can be treated as follows. That is, the selected surface area may be on the label, and the selected surface area placed on the label is handled by the method according to the invention before being applied on the solid. During the application of the substance on the selected surface area, according to the invention, the solid is in a moving state, even though the solid has not yet been labeled. actually,
Both the solids and the label are on a production line, for example, where the label is applied after printing. The label may also be applied to a blank portion on the solid object, and when the label has already adhered to the solid object, the substance may be applied on selected surface areas located on the label. Further, the substance may be applied directly on the solid without using a label.

In the present invention, the solid material is preferably made of a material containing a thermoplastic resin.

The first step of the method according to the invention is to apply a first substance on selected surface areas. Typically, the substance is an ink, which is preferably applied using ink jet technology. Preferably, the selected surface area is at least 30 cm ² . The selected surface area can be located, for example, on a label or on a solid object such as a toothbrush. The coating is performed using the first coating unit. Usually, such means are an inkjet head of an inkjet printer,
Preferably, an ink jet head having a plurality of nozzles is provided.

According to the invention, the selected surface area and the solid object are both in movement relative to the first application means. This does not prevent the selected surface area and solids from being moved separately, for example, even if the label is printed before being applied. However, this means that these two components are moving on the production line. This relative movement may include components that are in motion of the first application means itself. In fact, it may be preferable to move the application means and the selected surface area itself, especially when printing on the selected surface area of a non-flat surface. In each case, the solid object is also in a moving state, so when printing on a label before applying it on the solid object, the solid object will travel on the production line towards the point where the label is applied. I'm moving. actually,
In a preferred embodiment, the selected surface area is on the surface of the label, which is fixed on the solid after the substance has been applied. This preferred embodiment differs from another preferred embodiment where the selected surface area is a component of the outer surface of the solid.

The present invention also states that during the first step, only selected surface areas are in contact with the first substance. This means that there is no friction between any element and the selected surface area. If the selected surface area is located on the label, the label itself may be in contact with, for example, a solid object. In fact, the selected surface area is intended to be a surface of two dimensions. Such discrepancies on selected surface areas occur, for example, in screen printing applications, the speed of which is incompatible with the method of the invention.

The second step of the present invention is similar to the first step and follows the first step. The method according to the invention is performed at any current line speed. It depends on the sophistication of the inkjet technology used and the number of heads that print the same color. This is made possible by the continuous movement of the solids and the selected surface area, and by the absence of discrepancies on the selected surface area. further,
With a plurality of application means, a satisfactory application can be obtained, and the line speed is increased and the improvement is achieved. The method is preferably performed at a speed of at least 10 meters per minute, more preferably at least 20 meters per minute, and most preferably at least 28 meters per minute.

In a preferred embodiment, the method further comprises one or more additional steps, which are performed after the previous step is completed, by the use of additional application means, on the selected surface area. During the additional step, the selected surface area and the solid object are both in motion with respect to the additional application means, and only the selected surface area with the additional substance. In contact. It should be understood that a different material is preferably applied in each of the additional steps. The most preferred embodiment includes four additional steps, where the six substances (together with the first and second steps) are different inks, thereby providing a high resolution image, as well as a high contrast high resolution gray scale (Gr
ey scale) image can be achieved.

In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, a method of printing an image on a selected surface area, such as on a non-planar solid object surface, comprises the steps of: Having an array of nozzles arranged at intervals in the transverse direction, moving a row of solid objects so as to continuously pass through an ink jet head that ejects ink, and that the solid objects move the ink jet head. Moving each solid and / or inkjet head relative to each other as it passes, so that during printing, the distance between the inkjet head and the surface of the solid to be printed is substantially constant. It remains so and each portion of the solid surface passes through the inkjet head only once.

According to another preferred embodiment of the present invention, an apparatus for printing an image on a solid object surface comprises a receptacle for each solid object, in a direction transverse to the direction of movement of the receptacle,
Conveying means having an array of nozzles and moving a receptacle so as to continuously pass through an ink jet head that ejects ink, and each solid object and / or ink jet when the solid object passes through the ink jet head Means for moving the heads relative to each other so that during printing the distance between the inkjet head and the solid surface to be printed is substantially constant, and each part of the solid surface is It passes through the head only once.

The method and apparatus of the preferred embodiment of the present invention can print or decorate non-planar solids at a rate suitable for commercial products. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, for example, the method achieves high quality images and avoids damage to solids, and at least 150 solids per minute, preferably 2 per minute.
It can print on more than 00 solids, more preferably up to 500 solids per minute.

Another advantage of the present invention is that it is easily adapted for use with, for example, different shapes and / or sizes of solids and labels, and different artwork and / or text.

Yet another advantage of the present invention is that reduced cost over prior art methods, for example, by eliminating the need for labels and backing papers, transfer films, or printing plates with high design and maintenance costs. Can be used to decorate solid objects.

For example, a solid having a non-planar surface and having an image printed on its surface may be obtained by a method as described above or by use of an apparatus as described above. Note that it is possible.

In a preferred method of the present invention, a row of solids moves continuously through the inkjet head. For this application, it is intended to cover a single row of solids or other arrangements by a line of solids, whereby multiple solids pass through the inkjet head sequentially. The solids can be positioned vertically or horizontally during printing, but are preferably positioned vertically.

Further, if it is stated that a row of solids moves continuously, there is no need to change between the solid being printed on the line and the next solid, for example, in the process. A row of solids is intended to mean that it does not stop moving unless it requires or requires maintenance of the printing press.

During printing, it is essential to keep a short, nearly constant distance between the surface of the solid to be printed and the inkjet head. If a certain distance is not maintained, the position and size of the ink dots formed on the surface of the solid object will vary depending on which part of the surface is printed, and depending on the location, the image will be smuddging. Or very blurred images, or may result in damage to the inkjet head or solids.

In general, before printing, the distance between the surface to be printed and the inkjet head is set to a predetermined value. Usually, the predetermined distance is maintained in the range of 0.2 mm to 4 mm, preferably in the range of 0.5 mm to 2.5 mm, since if the distance is long, the air flow may interfere with the ink jet and the image quality may be deteriorated. . This means a nearly constant distance for this application. The distance is more preferably 1 m
m "is kept constant at 0.5 mm.

The predetermined distance is maintained by moving the solid to be printed and / or the inkjet head. For example, an inkjet head can be formed to move according to the outline of a solid to be printed. However, for simplicity, it is preferable to move each solid object relative to the inkjet head while the inkjet head is stopped. In this case, before printing, it is preferable that each solid object is arranged, and in the moving direction of the row of solid objects, the leading portion or edge of the surface of the solid object to be printed is at a predetermined distance from the inkjet head. . Next, the solid object is gradually rotated about its longitudinal axis, and as the solid object surface passes through the ink jet head, a tailing portion or edge of the solid object surface moves a predetermined distance from the ink jet head. Until, each portion of the surface of the solid object is brought to a predetermined set distance from the ink jet head. As you can predict,
When a solid having a complicated shape is printed, it may be necessary to reverse the rotation direction of the solid when the solid passes through the inkjet head. However, with respect to the overall speed of the method, it is preferred that each portion of the surface of the solid to be printed pass only once through the inkjet head as each solid is rotated.

The direction and angle of rotation applied first depends on the shape of the solid being printed and the shape of the curved path that the solid will follow. For example, if the solid object is moved substantially linearly and has a surface that is convex with respect to the ink jet head, the front of the solid object surface must first be moved in the direction of the ink jet head. Then, the ink jet head must gradually move away from the ink jet head until it reaches the apex or turning point of its curved surface, and then gradually move the trailing edge of the solid surface toward the ink jet head.

When moving a solid object on a curved path, it is necessary to rotate either toward or away from the inkjet head, depending on the radius of curvature of the curved path and the surface of the solid object, respectively. There may be. Usually, the radius of curvature of the solid object is smaller than the radius of curvature of the curved path, so that such a movement is required. However, if the radius of curvature of the solid object is greater than the radius of curvature of the curved path, the leading edge of the solid object must first be moved gradually away from the inkjet head until the inkjet head reaches the top of the curved surface. Not
Then, by moving the trailing edge, the edge gradually approaches the inkjet head.

During printing, the frequency with which ink droplets are ejected from the inkjet head needs to be adjusted to compensate for small changes in linear velocity of the solid surface as the solid surface passes through the inkjet head. . The inkjet ejection time also needs to be adjusted during most of the printing to compensate for the inkjet head not being perpendicular to the solid surface. However, such adjustments are well within the expertise of those skilled in the art.

The necessary movement of the solid relative to the inkjet head can be achieved in a number of ways. For example, a single servomotor or cam mechanism can be used. When using a motor, usually controlled by a computer program specific to the size and shape of the solid to be printed, if the program is easily changed,
Becomes compatible with the method of printing on different solids. Thus, this indicates that it is more convenient than using a cam mechanism.

If desired, the present invention can monitor the distance between the solid surface and the inkjet head using at least one sensor. For example, any suitable sensor, such as an infrared sensor, a laser sensor, or a sound wave proximity sensor, can be used. The sensor is in communication with the ink jet head and / or the means for moving the solids relative to each other and, if necessary during one printing cycle or from printing on certain types of solids, to different sizes and sizes. This means of movement can be adjusted after changing to printing on another solid object of the shape.

During printing, each solid is preferably held in a receptacle on a conveyor or carousel. In this case, movement of each solid object with respect to the inkjet head can be achieved by moving its respective receptacle.
Preferably, each receptacle is provided with means for holding a solid object such that there is substantially no relative movement between the solid object and the receptacle during a printing operation. Typically, the holding means contacts the solid at at least one of the top and bottom locations of the solid. Although any suitable retaining means can be used, one example is to insert the bottom of the solid object in a tapered receptacle that fits snugly into the top of the solid object and has approximately the same profile as the bottom of the solid object. The purpose is to adopt a tapered stopper for holding. Preferably, due to the nature of the holding means, the receptacle can be used with solid objects of different sizes and / or shapes and can be easily adapted to solid objects, thereby with a slight delay Conversion from one production line to another is possible, which represents a significant advantage over current commercial products.

The method of the present invention can use one or more inkjet heads, depending on the complexity of the image to be printed and / or the number of solids surfaces to be printed. Each inkjet head comprises an array of nozzles spaced in a direction transverse to the direction of movement of the rows or rows of solids to be printed. As fully described in the literature, ink can be ejected from nozzles under digital control, either continuously or on demand. Preferably, the ink is ejected from the nozzle on a drop-on-demand basis.

As the solid surface passes through each inkjet head only once, the number of nozzles and the width of the array are selected according to the image to be printed. Typically, each ink jet head has at least 7 nozzles per mm, preferably at least 12 nozzles per mm, and the ink jet heads may be arranged in one or more parallel lines. Most preferably, the ink jet head can print at least 200 drops of ink per inch, and preferably 360 drops per inch, in the direction of solids movement.

It may be desirable to achieve high quality images and small text quality using multiple grayscale levels. Preferably, at least four grayscale levels are used. One example of an inkjet head that can achieve high quality images and low text quality is the Xaar
Xaarjet 1000 supplied by the company.

When multiple ink jet heads are used to print different color inks (which also means black ink and white ink), these ink jet heads will eventually print on the printed solid. Good trial shot between colors (
registration) is essential. Usually, the required accuracy of the trial shot is that the error in positioning the dots of different colors is 100 to 400: m
, Preferably less than 200: m, and more preferably 70: m or less.

The method of the present invention can also be combined with special color printing techniques to obtain a combination of solid block color, good text, and good photographic images. For example, to achieve maximum flexibility and high quality printing,
It is preferred to use so-called "hi-fi" color printing using six to seven colors. This printing utilizes, for example, i) green and orange, or ii) red, green and blue in addition to cyan, magenta, yellow and black. This printing expands the available color space, allows for high quality decoration at relatively low cost, and provides solid colours, such as those normally seen when printing artwork on solid objects. Avoids the need for many special colors to produce.

If printing is desired on more than a portion of the solid object surface, for example on a diametrically opposed surface portion or side of the solid object, after each solid object has passed through the first inkjet head, the solid object is Rotating about its longitudinal axis, for example by at least 90 °, presents the next surface portion or side of the solid to be printed to another inkjet head. For example, when printing on opposite sides of a solid object, each solid object only rotates about 180 ° between an inkjet head or set of inkjet heads. Next, when printing on the second surface portion or side surface, the solid object and / or the inkjet head is moved again in the above-described manner in order to maintain a substantially constant distance between the solid object surface and the inkjet head. .

Although any suitable ink may be used for printing, certain inks may be preferred depending on what material the solid to be printed is made of.
For example, for non-absorbable solids (eg, plastic, metal, and glass solids), a heat fusible ink, a heat fusable non-sol
It may be preferable to use a phase change ink such as a vent toner ink, or a radiation-curable ink (typically an ultraviolet (UV) curable ink). In this case, if there is more than one of these inks, a means for dissolving or curing the inks is preferably provided after each inkjet head and / or at the end of the entire printing process. Regardless of the type of ink used, the solids surface should have a low enough surface energy to allow adhesion of the ink. This can be achieved, for example, by flame treatment of plastic solids, as is well known in the art.

Radiation curable inks may be preferred over inks that need to be dried by heating because their use tends to result in less damage to solids. UV curable inks are particularly preferred because UV curable inks readily adhere to plastic surfaces and are durable. The use of such inks in inkjet technology has been described in the prior art. The present invention is suitable for printing on a wide variety of solids of various sizes and / or shapes, but is particularly suitable for printing on solids having curved or non-planar surfaces. The present invention is particularly useful for printing on surfaces that are curved in only one direction, such as solids having either convex or concave surfaces, as opposed to surfaces that have both convex and concave portions. Are suitable. An example is a toothbrush.

The present invention is also suitable for printing on solids consisting of a wide variety of materials, for example, cardboard, cardboard, plastic, glass, and metal. However,
A primary object of the present invention is to provide a comparative composition, typically consisting of polyethylene polypropylene, nylon, polyester or polyvinyl alcohol, for use in the detergent, beauty care products, cosmetics, paper and food industries, and the label industry, for example. Printing on lightweight solid plastic objects. Products in these industries often need to be updated regularly and immediately in response to market fluctuations or competing activities, so they can be printed quickly on solid objects and printed on different production lines. It is essential that they can be easily adapted to. According to the invention, these requirements can be met for the first time and at high speeds similar to the filling-line speed.

Next, refer to the attached drawings.

Referring to FIG. 1, the apparatus 1 includes a rotating carousel 2 for carrying a number of receptacles 3, which carry solids 4 that have passed through a series of inkjet heads 5. Each receptacle is provided with a holding means (not shown) for a respective solid object.

Each of the receptacles is movable on a carousel so as to maintain a substantially constant short distance between the surface of the solid to be printed and each inkjet head. An ultraviolet lamp 6 is provided after each inkjet head to cure the ink printed on the solid, and if necessary, an ultraviolet lamp 7 is provided after the final inkjet head to completely cure the printed ink. Make sure you do. As an alternative to an ultraviolet lamp, an optical fiber may be employed to provide space by transmitting ultraviolet light from a more distant source.

The individual solids 4 are placed in individual receptacles 3 of the solids by a conveyor 8 leading from a conventional classifier 9. While on the conveyor 8, the fixture may, for example, be subjected to other treatments by the flame treater 10 which act to reduce surface tension and promote ink adhesion. Further, the working position (st
ation) 11, the other already printed side of the solid is presented to the subsequent inkjet head.

After printing, the solids leave the carousel and are inspected for print quality using video device 12.

Referring to FIG. 2, a solid object 21 is mounted from a frame 24 and together with a tapered plug 23 inserted at the top of the solid object, a tapered pack 2.
2. The pack is supported on a carousel 25 (only a portion of which is shown) that allows solids to pass through an inkjet head 26.
Under this carousel, the solids are rotated in front of the inkjet head by rotating a shaft 28 attached to the pack by a motor 27. The motor is programmable to rotate the solid and maintains the distance between the solid surface to be printed and the inkjet head, typically less than 2 mm.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a top plan view of a printing apparatus according to the present invention.

2 is an enlarged upright view of one working position of FIG. 1 with one embodiment of a means for moving a receptacle for solid objects.

──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continuation of front page (81) Designated country EP (AT, BE, CH, CY, DE, DK, ES, FI, FR, GB, GR, IE, IT, LU, MC, NL, PT, SE ), OA (BF, BJ, CF, CG, CI, CM, GA, GN, GW, ML, MR, NE, SN, TD, TG), AP (GH, GM, KE, LS, MW, SD, SL, SZ, TZ, UG, ZW), EA (AM, AZ, BY, KG, KZ, MD, RU, TJ, TM), AE, AL, AM, AT, AU, AZ, BA, BB, BG, BR, BY, CA, CH, CN, CR, CU, CZ, DE, DK, DM, EE, ES, FI, GB, GD, GE, GH, GM, HR, HU, ID , IL, IN, IS, JP, KE, KG, KP, KR, KZ, LC, LK, LR, LS, LT, LU, LV, MA, MD, MG, MK, MN, MW, MX, NO, NZ, PL, PT, RO, RU, SD, SE, SG, SI, SK, SL, TJ, TM, TR, TT, TZ, UA, UG, US, UZ, VN, YU, ZA, ZW (72 Inventor Johnson, Robert Calvin, Ohio, USA, Okana, Alert, New, London, Road 6930 F-term (reference) 2C056 EA24 FB01 2C062 RA01 3E095 AA20 BA01 CA02 DA76 DA83 FA02 FA29

Claims (10)

[Claims] 1. A method for producing a solid object, comprising a first step and a second step, wherein the first step is performed by using a first application means on a selected surface area. Applying said one substance, said selected surface area and said solid object are both in motion with respect to said first application means, and only said selected surface area is said A method wherein, during one step, the first substance is in contact with the first substance, wherein the second step is performed by using a second application means after the first step is completed. Applying a second substance onto a surface area, wherein said selected surface area and said solid object are both in motion with respect to said second application means, during said second step, Only the selected surface area is the 2. The method of claim 2, wherein the method is in contact with the second material and the method is performed at a continuous line speed. 2. The method further comprises one or more additional steps, wherein after the completion of the preceding step, additional steps are made on the selected surface area by use of additional application means. Applying a substance, wherein said selected surface area and said solid object are both in motion with respect to said additional application means, and only said selected surface area is said during said adding step, The method of claim 1, wherein the method is in contact with the additional substance. 3. The method according to claim 2, wherein four said additional steps are performed after said second step, so that the application of six substances takes place. 4. The method of claim 1, wherein said first and second substances are inks. 5. The toothbrush wherein the hollow body is made of a material containing a thermoplastic resin.
The method of claim 1. 6. The selected surface area is on a label surface, the label comprising:
The method of claim 1, wherein the solid is adhered to a remaining portion of the solid after application of the material. 7. The method of claim 1, wherein the selected surface area is a component of an outer surface of the solid object. 8. The method of claim 1, wherein said selected surface area is at least 30 cm ² . 9. The method according to claim 1, wherein said application means is an ink jet printer. 10. The method of claim 1, wherein said selected surface area is a non-planar surface.