WO2015168728A1

WO2015168728A1 - Stack printing

Info

Publication number: WO2015168728A1
Application number: PCT/AU2015/000273
Authority: WO
Inventors: Derek Munn; Uwe Kramer
Original assignee: Csr Building Products Limited
Priority date: 2014-05-09
Filing date: 2015-05-08
Publication date: 2015-11-12
Also published as: AU2015255624B2; AU2015255624A1

Abstract

Disclosed is a stack of building elements comprising a graphic directly printed thereon. The graphic is printed using a CMYK colour model. Further disclosed is a system and method for printing a graphic onto a stack of building elements using a CMYK colour model. Also disclosed is a system comprising a plurality of building elements. Each building elements comprises one or more first indicators arranged thereon such that the building elements are able to be arranged in a stack so as to cause the first indicators of the building elements to aggregate to form a second indicator.

Description

STACK PRINTING

TECHNICAL FIELD

Disclosed is a stack of building elements having graphics printed thereon, and methods and systems for printing a graphic on to a stack of building elements.

BACKGROUND ART

Manufacturers and retailers apply branding to products, in order to convey, for example, the origin of their products to consumers. Manufacturers and retailers also provide information about a product that is, for example, printed on the product.

Building products are sold by manufacturers to wholesalers and retailers in, for example, stacks, bundles, etc. The products of such stacks, bundles, etc. can then be sold to consumers individually by the retailers.

In the building products industry it is known to print information, in the form of logos or barcodes, on the side of such stacks of products. This information is printed in a single colour on the side of the stack or applied by way of a sticker, or using a roller or printer and a stencil. When present, it may be useful in identifying the product in a factory setting or in a retail environment. Thus, graphics that are currently printed onto building products are entirely informative and are not intended to comprise aesthetic qualities.

The above references to the background art do not constitute an admission that the art forms part of the common general knowledge of a person of ordinary skill in the art. The above references are also not intended to limit the application of the system as disclosed herein.

SUMMARY

Disclosed herein is a stack of building elements. The stack comprises a graphic printed directly thereon and the graphic is printed using a CMYK colour model.

When printing on a surface, using a CMYK model can provide the ability to produce a graphic having a range of colours. This may enhance the capacity of the graphic that is printed on the stack to convey information. It may also allow the graphic that is printed onto the stack to have some aesthetic qualities (i.e. being visually attractive to a viewer). Existing building element stacks, as set forth above, may be limited in their ability to communicate e.g. marketing information when compared to the present CMYK colour model. Further, the use of a CMYK colour model allows more information to be visually displayed to a viewer. For example, the use of multiple colours may make it easier for a user to distinguish between various stack types from a distance. In addition to consumers, this may aid workers that need to distinguish between various stack (e.g. for allocation of stacks in a warehouse,

transportation of stacks, etc.)

In one embodiment the colour model may further comprise one or more spot colours (i.e. in addition to the CMYK colours). The spot colours may be colours that cannot be produced using a CMYK colour model alone. For example, the spot colours may be metallic colours such as gold, silver, etc. or may be fluorescent colours.

In one embodiment the graphic may comprise at least one picture. In the context of this specification the term "picture" is used to describe a visual representation that provides more than just direct information. In other words a picture has some aesthetic or artistic quality that may be used to convey technical or commercial information indirectly. A barcode or logo alone do not fall within the scope of the term "picture" as used or intended in this specification. On the other hand, a pictogram, ideogram, photograph or drawing, which are of artistic in nature and may still provide technical or commercial information indirectly (e.g. a photograph of a bathroom indicating the waterproof nature of a building element) are to be considered to be, and are covered by the definition of, a "picture".

In one embodiment the picture may comprise, or is of, artistic subject matter. A logo or barcode would not be considered artistic subject matter within the context of this specification. Whilst in other contexts a logo could be considered to be "artistic subject matter", when placed alone and without modification or special arrangement on a stack of elements, its sole purpose is to directly inform the viewer of the origin of the stack. Its purpose is not to increase the aesthetic appeal of a stack of elements in order to attract a viewer or consumer. Thus, a "picture" herein is other than a logo or a barcode.

In one embodiment, the building elements may be plasterboard or fibre cement panels. In another embodiment the building elements may be elongate construction members such as timber beams. In one embodiment a portion of the graphic may be printed on the edges of a plurality of the plasterboard or fibre cement panels in the stack such that the full graphic is formed when the panels are stacked. Depending on the nature of the graphic, this may require that the panels be stacked in a particular order.

Also disclosed herein is a method for printing onto building elements. The method comprises printing, using a CMYK colour model, onto an outer surface of each of the building elements such that, when the building elements are arranged into a stack, a graphic is arranged on a surface of the stack of building elements.

The outer surface may, for example, be a coating, layer of material, etc. as long as it constitutes part of the building element itself. In other words, the printing can be applied directly onto the building elements, rather than onto some form of packaging wrapped around or attached to the building elements (e.g. a sticker, wrapping plastic, etc).

In one embodiment, the method may further comprise the step of printing one or more spot colours onto the outer surface of the building elements.

In one embodiment the graphic may comprise at least one picture.

In one embodiment the picture may comprise, or may be of, artistic subject matter.

In one embodiment the building elements may be plasterboard panels having a plaster core wrapped in a layer of paper, and the method may comprise printing on to the layer of paper. The building elements may alternatively be elongate construction members such as timber beams.

When the building elements are plasterboard panels, the step of printing onto the paper may be performed:

(i) prior to wrapping of the paper around the core; and/or (ii) after the paper has been wrapped around the core.

For example, portions of the graphic may be printed prior to manufacturing a panel, and then the remainder of the graphic may be printed after the panel has been manufactured. The portions of the graphic printed prior to manufacture of the panel may be specifically selected such that they are common to all panels (e.g. barcodes, panel type, etc.) and not affected by reordering of panels; rather than e.g. an image that extends across several panels which could be affected by removal or reordering of panels during the manufacturing process.

In one embodiment, the step of printing on to the paper may be performed once the panels have been arranged in a stack of panels. This may help to prevent issues related to removal of panels during the manufacturing process (e.g. for quality purposes) or reordering of panels when being stacked.

In one embodiment the building elements may be fibre cement panels. The step of printing onto the fibre cement panels may be performed once the panels have been arranged in a stack panels.

In one embodiment the method may further comprise the step of moving the stack from a first location to a second location. This step may be performed concurrently with the step of printing on to the building element. For example, the stack of building elements may be moved from the first location to the second location by a vehicle (e.g. forklift) which has been adapted to as to be able to perform the step of printing onto the building elements. By performing two processes at once, the time to produce the printed stack of building elements may be reduced, thereby increasing the efficiency of the method. This approach may also allow customisation of the graphic based on e.g. where it will be sold (i.e. transportation and printing may only occur once the buyer is known, and the graphic may even be representative of the buyer - e.g. the buyer's identity).

In one embodiment the printing of the graphic may be performed by one or more print heads configured to move relative to the stack to print thereon.

In one embodiment, during the step of printing on to the stack, the stack may remain stationary relative to the print heads, and the one or more print heads may move across a surface of the stack to print the graphic. The print heads may be moved independently of one another.

In one embodiment, the printing may be performed by one or more stationary print heads on a moving stack. Also disclosed herein is a system comprising a printer and a plurality of building elements to be formed into a stack. The printer is arranged with respect to a surface of one or more of the building elements such that, in use, the printer is able to print a graphic directly onto the surface of one or more of the building elements using a CMYK colour model.

In one embodiment the printer may comprise at least four print heads. Each print head may be for printing one of cyan, magenta, yellow and black ink onto the building elements according to the CMYK colour model.

In one embodiment the printer may be able to print one or more spot colours separate to the CMYK colour model. The printer may comprise at least one dedicated print head for printing the one or more spot colours.

In one embodiment the building elements may be plasterboard panels comprising a plaster core wrapped in a layer of paper. The printer may be able to print directly onto the layer of paper. The building elements may alternatively be fibre cement panels, or elongate constructions members such as timber beams.

In one embodiment the system may comprise a drive assembly to move the print heads across the surface of the one or more building elements to print the graphic.

In one embodiment the drive assembly may be able to move the print heads independently of one another.

In one embodiment the system may further comprise a transporter to move the stack from a first location to a second location. The printer may be arranged with respect to the transporter to print the graphic whilst the stack is being moved from the first location to the second location.

In one embodiment the printer may be able to print onto a side surface of a stack of building elements.

Also disclosed herein is a stack of building elements. The stack comprises a graphic printed directly thereon and the graphic comprises at least three colours. Again, this may provide the stack with aesthetic qualities that are not available when the number of printed colours is limited to one or two colours. It may also allow a greater range of information to be displayed to a user.

Also disclosed herein is a method for printing onto building elements. The method comprises printing three or more colours onto an outer surface of each of the building elements such that, when the building elements are arranged into a stack, a graphic is arranged on a surface of the stack of building elements.

Also disclosed herein is a system comprising a printer and a plurality of building elements to be formed into a stack. The printer is arranged with respect to a surface of one or more of the building elements such that, in use, the printer is able to print a graphic comprising three or more solid colours directly on to the surface of one or more of the building elements.

Also disclosed herein is a stack of building elements having a side surface comprising a graphic printed directly thereon. The graphic covers at least 10% of the area of the side surface. In the context of this specification the term "cover" is not intended to be interpreted literally as the physical area of the side surface that is printed on (i.e. covered by ink). Rather it is intended to describe the visually perceived area that is taken up by the graphic on the side of the stack. For example, in the case of text, a counter (an area of typeface anatomy entirely or partially enclosed by a letter) will not necessarily be printed, but will form part of the perceived area that the text covers. This is also the case with areas of an image that are white and therefore do not require printing (assuming the surface of the building element is white). On the other hand, a stack side surface having a barcode printed in one corner and a logo printed in the corner diagonally opposite would not be considered as having a graphic that "covers" e.g. 70-100% of the surface, because a viewer would not visually perceive the barcode and logo to be interrelated such that together they form a single graphic.

Also disclosed herein is a stack of building elements having a side surface comprising a graphic printed directly thereon. The graphic comprises a picture having an axis-aligned minimum bounding box thereof comprising at least 10% of the area of the side surface. The term "axis-aligned minimum bounding box" describes a box having sides aligned with the sides of the stack and having the minimum dimensions required to enclose or encompass all of the graphic. In most cases this is similar to the area that is visually perceived by a user as being covered on the surface of the stack. Once again, taking the scenario of the barcode and logo at opposite corners as set forth above, the minimum bounding box of the graphic would not be e.g. 70-100% because the barcode and logo would not have the required interrelationship to be considered a single graphic (i.e. that they are separately positioned either side of the surface means that they would not be perceived as a single graphic).

In one embodiment the graphic may cover at least 20% of the area of the side surface of the stack. In one embodiment the graphic may cover at least 30% of the area of the side surface of the stack. The graphic may alternatively cover at least 40, 50, 60, 70, 80, 90 or 100% of the area of the side surface of the stack.

In one embodiment the graphic may be printed using a CMYK colour model. In this embodiment the colour model may further comprise one or more spot colours (i.e. that may not be printable using a CMYK colour model alone).

Also disclosed herein is a method for printing onto building elements. The method comprises printing onto an outer surface of each of the building elements such that, when the building elements are arranged into a stack, a graphic is arranged on, and covers at least 10% of the area of, a side surface of the stack of building elements. In one embodiment the graphic may cover at least 20% of the area of the side surface of the stack. In one embodiment the graphic may cover at least 30% of the area of the side surface of the stack. The graphic may cover at least 40, 50, 60, 70, 80, 90 or 100%) of the area of the side surface of the stack.

Also disclosed herein is a system comprising a printer and a plurality of building elements to be formed into a stack. The printer is arranged with respect to a surface of one or more of the building elements such that, in use, the printer is able to print a graphic directly onto the surface of one or more of the building elements such that the graphic covers at least 10%) of the side surface.

In one embodiment the graphic may cover at least 20% of the area of the side surface of the stack. In one embodiment the graphic may cover at least 30% of the area of the side surface of the stack. The graphic may cover at least 40, 50, 60, 70, 80, 90 or 100%) of the area of the side surface of the stack.

Also disclosed herein is a system comprising a plurality of building elements. Each building elements comprises one or more first indicators arranged thereon such that the building elements are able to be arranged in a stack so as to cause the first indicators of the building elements to aggregate to form a second indicator.

In the context of this specification, the terminology "indicator" refers to a feature that may (i.e. visually) convey information. Thus, when considered separately, each first indicator may convey some piece of information and, when aggregated, the first indicators may convey some further information (i.e. in the form of the second indicator). Hence, the term aggregate is used in a visual sense, to describe the way in which a plurality of visual indicators can appear as a single indicator when viewed e.g. from a distance.

The first indicator of each building element may be the same as the first indicator of each other building element (i.e. and they may convey the same information). Alternatively, one or more first indicators may differ from the remaining first indicators. For example, each first indicator may be unique, so as to convey information that is unique to its respective building element. Likewise, the first indicators may, except for a difference in scale, be the same as the second indicator that is formed when they are aggregated. In this case, the same information would be conveyed at varying scales (i.e. to adjust for varying viewing distances).

The stacking of the building elements may be such that they are in contact with one another (e.g. such as a stack of building elements laid one on top of another). Alternatively, the building elements may be supported in a non-contact arrangement, but still within proximity to one another such that the second indicator may still be formed. For example, building elements stacked with spacers in-between. Similarly, the building elements in the stack may vary in shape and size.

The first indicators may be printed, applied as a sticker, etched etc. to each building element individually during manufacturing. Alternatively, they may be printed/applied once the elements have been stacked. It would be understood by a person skilled in the art that other processes suitable for applying information to products may be utilised.

In one embodiment each first indicator may comprise information relating to its respective building element. The second indicator may comprise information relating to the stack. In this respect, the information relating to the stack may thus only be conveyed when the stack is formed (i.e. when the building elements are arranged in such a way that the first indicators aggregate to form the second indicator). That is, each first indicator can provide the dual role of conveying information about its respective element and conveying information about the stack (when aggregated with other first indicators to form the second indicator). Thus, information relating to the stack may not necessarily need to be printed on each individual building element. Further, the arrangement may reduce the cluttering of information. For example, the scale of the first indicators may be such that they are only perceivable when the building elements are viewed from a short distance. The scale of the second indicator may be such that it is perceivable at some distance away from the stack. In other words, the second indicator (but not the first indicator) may be perceivable when the whole stack is viewed and the first indicators (but not the second indicator) may be perceivable when the building elements are viewed individually.

In one embodiment the first indicator of each building element may comprise information that relates to a property of that building element. The property may be a physical property of the building element. For example, the property may be one or more dimensions of the building element, position in the stack, origin (e.g. trade mark), density, colour, product type, retailer, etc.

In one embodiment the first indicator may comprise a logo that is indicative of the origins of its respective building element. This may be a brand associated with the building element, retailer of the building element, manufacturer of the building element, etc. In one embodiment the first indicator may comprise a barcode. The barcode may be such that it uniquely identifies that building element, or alternatively may be such that it identifies all building elements of that type. The barcode may work in conjunction with a database, such that an operator may be presented with information (stored in the database) relating to the building element or stack by scanning a respective barcode on the building element. Similarly, such a barcode may be used to track individual building elements, for example, during transportation or manufacture.

In one embodiment, the first indicator may comprise a pictogram. The pictogram may be such that it conveys that its respective building element has a particular property. For example it may convey that the building element is formed of material that is e.g. water resistant, fire resistant, impact resistant, acoustically absorptive and/or mould resistant. The pictogram may provide a simple, yet effective, way of indicating one or more of these properties or features of the building elements to a consumer. For example, the pictogram may be in the form of a flame symbol, which may indicate that the building element is fire resistant.

In one embodiment the second indicator may comprise information that relates to a property that is common to all the building elements in the stack. Again, this property may include the dimensions of the building elements, the number of building elements in the stack, origin (e.g. trade mark, logo, etc.), a barcode relating to the stack, etc.

In one embodiment the second indicator may comprise a logo that is indicative of the origins of the stack of building elements. As set forth above in relation to the first indicator, this may be a brand associated with the building elements that form the stack, a retailer of the stacked building elements, the manufacturer of the stacked building elements, etc.

In one embodiment the second indicator may comprise a barcode. The barcode may be such that it uniquely identifies that stack, or alternatively may be such that it identifies all stacks containing building elements of a specific type. The barcode may work in conjunction with a database, such that an operator may be presented with information relating to the stack or respective stacked building elements by scanning the barcode. Similarly, the barcode may be utilised (with a suitable tracking system) to track individual stacks (e.g. during

transportation).

In one embodiment the second indicator may comprise a pictogram. The pictogram may be such that it conveys that the building elements in the stack are e.g. formed of material that is water resistant, fire resistant, impact resistant, acoustically absorptive and/or mould resistant. As set forth above, the pictogram may be a simple and effective way of advertising the properties of the building element to a consumer.

The building elements may be stacked (i.e. laid flat on top of one another) such that their edges remain visible. In this respect the first indicator of each building element may be located on the edge of its respective building element, such that when the building elements are stacked, the second indicator may be formed. The first indicators may be arranged on the building elements such that the building elements must be stacked in a specific order for the second indicator to be formed. Alternatively, the first indicators may be arranged on the building elements such that the second indicator is formed when the building elements are stacked in any order. Each building element may be plasterboard or fibreboard, glass, timber, etc.

Also disclosed herein is a stack comprising a plurality of stacked building elements. The stack has a second indicator thereon, and each building element has a respective first indicator thereon, wherein the first indicators are arranged on their respective elements, when in the stack, such that the second indicator results from an aggregation of the first indicators.

The stack and/or building elements may be as otherwise described with respect to the system above.

Also disclosed herein is a method of printing onto building elements. The method comprises the step of printing first indicators onto a plurality of the building elements, each first indicator being printed on its respective building element in a predetermined position. The method further comprises the step of arranging the building elements in a stack in a predetermined order. The arrangement of the first indicators, resulting from the

predetermined positioning of first indicators and predetermined order of building elements, causes an aggregation of the first indicators to form a second indicator.

In other words, it is the positioning of the first indicators on the building elements, and the ordering of the building elements that allows the first indicators to aggregate (i.e. visually) to form the second indicator.

The first and/or second indicator of the method may be as otherwise described with respect to the system above.

Also disclosed herein is a method of printing onto building elements. The method comprises the steps of arranging the building elements in a stack and printing one or more first indicators onto a plurality of the building elements. The arrangement of the first indicators in the stack is such that they aggregate to form a second indicator.

The first and/or second indicator of the method may be as otherwise described with respect to the system above. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Embodiments will now be described by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which

Figures 1 is a perspective view of a first embodiment of a stack;

Figure 2 is a front view of a second embodiment of a stack;

Figure 3 is a perspective view of a system for printing on to a stack;

Figure 4 is a flowchart of a process for manufacturing a stack of panels having a graphic printed thereon;

Figures 5A and 5B are a front view and enlarged view of a third embodiment of a stack.

Figure 6 is a perspective view of a fourth embodiment of a stack; and

Figure 7 is a perspective view of a fifth embodiment of a stack.

Figure 8 is a rear view of a glass transporting truck loaded with two stacks of glass panels.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In the following detailed description, reference is made to accompanying drawings which form a part of the detailed description. The illustrative embodiments described in the detailed description, depicted in the drawings and defined in the claims, are not intended to be limiting. Other embodiments may be utilised and other changes may be made without departing from the spirit or scope of the subject matter presented. It will be readily understood that the aspects of the present disclosure, as generally described herein and illustrated in the drawings can be arranged, substituted, combined, separated and designed in a wide variety of different configurations, all of which are contemplated in this disclosure.

Referring firstly to Figure 1, the stack 110 of building elements, in the form of panels 112, comprises a graphic directly printed thereon. One portion of the graphic is a photograph 114 of a bathroom, which would make it apparent to e.g. a consumer that the panels 112 are suitable for use in a bathroom environment (e.g. they comprise a waterproof coating). Thus, when placed amongst several other stacks (e.g. in a retail setting), a consumer looking to purchase panels for a bathroom can easily and quickly identify the stack of panels that are suitable for their requirements.

In the illustrated embodiment the panels are plasterboard panels. In other

embodiments the panels may be glass (see Figure 8), fibre cement, timber, corrugated metal sheets, etc. Figures 1 to 7 show the panels as being oriented horizontally, but in other embodiments the panels may be oriented and stacked vertically or on an incline. For example, glass panels may be stored or transported vertically or on an incline (see Figure 8).

Whilst not apparent from the Figures, the photograph 114 is printed on the stack 110 in full colour. In particular, the photograph 114 is printed using a CMYK colour model. The use of full colour (i.e. by way of CMYK printing) generally allows better comprehension of the photograph 114 by consumers or warehouse operators and also helps the stack 110 to stand out amongst other stacks in a retail or warehouse environment.

The graphic further contains the logo 116 (in this case the logo for exemplary manufacturer "ABC PTY LTD") of the manufacturer of the panels 112 in the stack 110. Because of the presence of the logo 116, a person viewing the stack 110 is immediately aware of the origins of the stack 112. The graphic provides exposure of the manufacturer's brand when the stack 112 is sitting on a shelf in a retail environment, as well as when the stack 112 is being transported from the manufacturer to the retailer. The use of a CMYK colour model to print the logo 116 means that the manufacturer's logo 116 can be represented more accurately (especially where the manufacturer's logo contains many colours). The accurate representation of the manufacturer's logo 116 can strengthen the association between the panels and the manufacturer's branding and helps to ensure that a person is aware of the origin of the panels.

The graphic also includes information regarding particular properties or qualities of the building panels 112. This information is provided in the form of text 118, which includes information such as the dimensions of the panels 1 12, name of the material that makes up the core of the panel 112, batch number, etc. In the illustrated form, this text 118 is only printed on the bottom panel 112 of the stack 110. In a retail environment panels are generally removed from the top of the stack 110 as they are purchased. Printing the text 118 on the bottom panel 112 ensure that the text 118 remains visible until the last panel is removed. In other forms the text 118 may be printed on each panel. A barcode 120, forming a further part of the graphic, is located adjacent to a corner of the stack. The barcode 120 is oriented so as to run vertically across all of the panels 112 in the stack 110. In this way, splitting up the stack 110 into single panels 112 does not affect the readability of the barcode 120 (e.g. to a barcode scanner). The barcode 120 may be used to track the location of the entire stack 110, or individual panels 112 in the stack 110 for the purposes of manufacturing, logistics, sales, etc.

The graphic is a "picture", the definition of which is set forth above. The photograph, logo, barcode, etc. have intentionally been positioned to provide an aesthetically pleasing arrangement. The graphic does more than simply provide a user with information about the product; it has visual appeal and, in this respect, also acts to attract a consumer.

Also facilitating this attraction is the fact that the graphic (i.e. containing the photograph, logo, text, barcode, etc.) visually covers a substantial portion of the side of the stack. Whilst the graphic is physically printed on to only a portion (e.g. approximately 50%) of the side of the stack, it visually covers a major portion of the side of the stack (e.g.

approximately 80% to 100%).

This is further illustrated by the embodiment shown in Figure 2A. In this

embodiment the graphic only comprises a company logo 216a ("ABC"). The physical printed area of the graphic might only be 10% of the side of the stack, but visually the logo covers approximately 30% of the side of the stack. In other words, whilst the whitespace between the letters is not printed, it still forms part of the visual perception of the graphic. In some cases, the perceived area of the graphic may be represented by the axis-aligned minimum bounding box 222a, which is a hypothetical box aligned so as to correspond to the sides of the stack and extending so as to encompass the graphic. This difference is even more prevalent in the embodiment shown in Figure 2B, which comprises only an outline of the letters of the company logo 216b. Thus, the actual printed area forms a very small percentage of the area of the side of the stack 210b (e.g. 5%), but the graphic covers (i.e. as defined in this specification) a much larger portion (e.g. 30%).

Referring now to Figure 3, a printer 324 is arranged at a side of a stack 310 of building elements, in the form of panels 312. Although not apparent from the figure, the printer 324 comprises five print heads 326 that are able to print a graphic on to the building panels 312. Four of the print heads 326 correspond to cyan, yellow, magenta and blank ink so as to be suitable for printing according to a CMYK colour model. The fifth print head 326 is designated as a spot colour print head 326. The print heads 326 are arranged on vertical 326 and horizontal 328 rails that allow them to move relative to the stack 310 in order to print the graphic. Whilst not illustrated, this system could be arranged on e.g. a fork lift, such that the printing of the graphic may occur during moving of the stack from a first location (e.g. on a shelving unit) to a second location (e.g. a truck). In some embodiments, the printer may comprise even more print heads, which may increase the speed at which a graphic can be printed.

Figure 4 depicts the process for manufacturing plasterboard panels and arranging them into a stack. Within this process, there are four options (430a, b, c and d) for when the printing of the graphic may occur. The first option 430a is to print the graphic on the paper prior to it entering the manufacturing process. The graphic may, for example, be printed on the paper at a printing facility and then transported to the location where the plasterboard panels are manufactured.

The second option 430b is to print onto the panels after they have been fully formed (i.e. after the paper has been wrapped around the core). At this point, the core may still be relatively soft (from the forming process) and minimal contact of a print head with the paper may be desirable. An inkjet printing process, which provides the ability to print on to the paper without physical contact of the components of the printer head, may be suitable in this case.

The third option 430c is to print onto the plasterboard panels after they are heated and dried. At this point, the core is harder (i.e. than prior to drying) and may provide a firmer surface for printing. A portion of the graphic may be printed on the plasterboards so that, when they are subsequently arranged in stacks, the graphic is positioned appropriately on the side of the stack. The printing may be controlled so that test panels (e.g. being blank or having calibration markings) are intermittently printed at a predetermined rate. For example, every 50^th panel may be a designated test panel. These test panels can then be removed from the manufacturing process (i.e. for quality control) without affecting the final appearance of the graphic when the panels are arranged in stacks. The calibration marking (i.e. registration marks) on the test panels may allow an operator to ensure that the alignment of the printer (or the print heads of the printer) is correct.

The fourth option 430d is to print onto the plasterboards after they have been arranged in stacks. The printer can be arranged at a side of the stack and be moved relative to the stack to print onto the side of the stack. The printer may be located at the manufacturing facility, or alternatively, may be located at a storage facility, where the printing of the graphic can be performed once the final destination (e.g. retailer) of the stack is known. In this way, the graphic may be tailored specifically to the retailer (e.g. containing the retailer's logo) that will be selling the boards to consumers. Additionally, or alternatively, the printing of the graphic immediately prior to transportation may allow for customisation of the graphic based on live or unpredictable factors such as the weather, price changes, etc.

Referring to Figures 5 A and B, a stack 510 is shown comprising a plurality of building elements in the form of plasterboard panels 512. Each panel 512 comprises three types of indicator 532a, 532b and 532c, as shown in Figure IB which shows a close up view of Figure 5A (although the panels 512 could contain just one or two of such indicators). Each indicator 532a, 532b or 532c conveys information relating to its respective panel 512. These "first" indicators 532a, 532b and 532c may be printed, applied as a sticker, etched etc. to each panel 512 individually during manufacturing. Alternatively, they may be printed/applied once the panels 512 have been stacked.

Indicators 532a refer to the type of their respective panels 512. In the illustrated form, the panels are shown as being "PANEL TYPE A", but in other forms may, for example be the brand of panel or type of material that the panel is formed from.

Indicators 532b are barcodes that may be scanned in order to identify the panels. In the illustrated form, all of the barcodes 532b are the same and thus scanning of any one barcode 532b provides information that is common to all of the panels 512. In other forms, each panel 512 may have a unique barcode 532b. In this respect, each barcode 532b could be used to identify its respective panel 512 and be linked to a system or database whereby scanning of the barcode 532b can provide information related to the individual panel (e.g. for tracking purposes). Indicators 532c, in the illustrated form, are logos 532c which act as a badge of origin for the panels (i.e. in the illustrated form, and for exemplary purposes, this is "ABC"). The indicator 532c could refer to a brand of panel 512, retailer that sells such panels 512, manufacturer of the panel 512, etc. Figure 5 A is a side view of the panels 512 stacked on top of one another. The first indicators 532a, 532b, and 532c on each of the panels 512 in the stack 510 are aligned so as to create a "second" indicator 116, in the form of an ABC logo 116. This logo 116 will be most apparent when viewed from afar (i.e. when the stack 114 is viewed as a whole). When the panels are not stacked, and are thus viewed individually, the ABC logo is not apparent. In the illustrated form, the ABC logo 116 is formed in the whitespace between the first indicators 532a, 532b and 532c (i.e. where there is an absence of first indicators 532a, 532b and 532c). In other forms, the first indicators 532a, 532b and 532c may be arranged such that they form the logo (or barcode, pictogram etc.) itself. However, when arranged such that the logo 516 is formed in the whitespace (as in Figures 1A and B), the area covered by the first indicators 532a, 532b and 532c may be larger, thus ensuring that all of the panels comprise first indicators 532a, 532b and 532c (i.e. rather than only those that are covered by the logo 516).

The first indicators 532a, 532b and 532c provide the dual role of conveying information about their respective panels 512 (i.e. when the panels are viewed individually), and conveying information about the stack 510 when they are aggregated. Thus, information relating to the stack 510 does not necessarily need to, for example, be printed on each individual panel 512.

The arrangement shown may also reduce the cluttering of information. For example, the scale of the first indicators 532 is such that they are only perceivable when the panels 512 are viewed close-up. The scale of the second indicator (e.g. the logo 516) is such that it is perceivable at some distance away from the stack 510. In other words, the second indicator is perceivable when the whole stack is viewed (but not the first 532), and the first indicators 532 (but not the logo 516) are perceivable when the panels 110 are viewed individually.

Figure 6 shows a further embodiment of the system in which the building elements

612 are elongate (e.g. timber beams or metal sections) and, although not specifically indicated in the Figure, could be posts, beams etc. Both the first and second indicators in the illustrated form are "ABC" logos 632, 616 having different scales and located at an end of the stack 610. It would be clear from a distance that the elements 612 in the stack 610 are, for example, manufactured by ABC. If the elements 612 were to be separated (e.g. sold separately once they reach the retailer) it would still be clear from the first indicators 632 on each element 612, that the elements 612 are manufactured by ABC. Thus, this arrangement allows the same information to be conveyed at two different scales.

Figure 7 shows a third embodiment of the system. The first indicators 732 are not individually shown in this Figure, but are indicated by the darker area formed on the side of the stack 710. The second indicator, formed by the whitespace between the first indicators 732, is a pictogram 734. The pictogram 734 is a flame, which indicates that the panels 712 in the stack 710 are fire resistant. In the illustrated form, the first 732 and second 734 indicators are present on multiple sides of the stack 710.

Figure 8 shows a rear view of a truck 836 for transporting glass panels. The truck 836 is loaded on either side with two stacks 810a, 810b of glass panels. As opposed to previous Figures, the stacks 810a, 810b are oriented such that each glass panel is oriented generally vertically (although on a slight incline). The stack 810a loaded onto the left side of the truck 836 comprises a plurality of first indicators 832a that are represented by the grey shaded area. Although not apparent from the Figure, the first indicators 832a are in the form of brand logos that certify the glass panels as being genuine, and are printed using a CMYK colour model. The stack 810a further comprises a second indicator in the form of the manufacturer's name 816a. The second indicator is formed by the arrangement of the first indicators, in that it is the whitespace on the side of the stack where no first indicators are printed. During transport, the

manufacturer's name is visible to viewers, whilst when the stack 810a is broken apart, the first indicators are visible to a viewer (thereby indicating that each individual panel is genuine). The stack 810b that is loaded onto the right side of the truck 836 comprises the manufacturer's name 816b printed in a vertical orientation that may facilitate reading of the name 816b. Although not apparent from the Figure, the name is printed using a CMYK process and comprises a plurality of colours.

Variations and modifications may be made to the parts previously described without departing from the spirit or ambit of the disclosure.

For example, the second indicator may convey several types of information (e.g. logo, pictogram etc.) Further, the first indicators may be such that they are an aggregation of some further indicators (i.e. of a smaller scale). Similarly, the second indicators may be such that when several stacks are e.g. loaded on to a truck, the second indicators of each stack aggregate to form a further indicator.

Further, all of the elements in a stack may comprise first indicators, or only some of the elements may comprise first indicators. The indicators may further comprise (i.e. in addition to that set forth above) QR codes, retail price (e.g. the first indicator may be a price per element, whilst the second indicator may be a price per stack), weight, safety information etc.

The embodiments shown comprise only a single printed side, however, other forms may have multiple printed sides. Similarly, the top and bottom surfaces of the stack may have graphics printed thereon.

In the claims which follow and in the preceding summary except where the context requires otherwise due to express language or necessary implication, the word "comprising" is used in the sense of "including", that is, the features as above may be associated with further features in various embodiments.

Claims

1. A stack of building elements, the stack comprising a graphic printed directly thereon, wherein the graphic is printed using a CMYK colour model.

2. A stack as claimed in claim 1, wherein the colour model further comprises one or more spot colours.

3. A stack as claimed in claim 1 or 2, wherein the graphic comprises at least one picture.

4. A stack as claimed in claim 3 wherein the picture comprises or is of artistic subject matter.

5. A stack as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the building elements are panels such as plasterboard or fibre cement panels, or wherein the building elements are elongate construction members such as timber beams.

6. A stack as claimed in claim 5, wherein a portion of the graphic is printed on the edges of a plurality of the plasterboard or fibre cement panels in the stack such that the full graphic is formed when the panels are stacked.

7. A method for printing onto building elements, the method comprising printing, using a CMYK colour model, onto an outer surface of a plurality of the building elements such that, when the building elements are arranged into a stack, a graphic is arranged on a surface of the stack of building elements.

8. A method as claimed in claim 7, further comprising the step of printing one or more spot colours onto the outer surface of the building elements.

9. A method as claimed in any one of claims 7 or 8, wherein the graphic comprises at least one picture.

10. A method as claimed in claim 9 wherein the picture comprises or is of artistic subject matter.

11. A method as claimed in any one of claims 7 to 10 wherein the building elements are plasterboard panels having a plaster core wrapped in a layer of paper, and whereby the method comprises printing on to the layer of paper.

12. A method as claimed in claim 12, wherein the step of printing onto the paper is performed: (i) prior to wrapping of the paper around the core; and/or (ii) after the paper has been wrapped around the core.

13. A method as claimed in claim 13 wherein, in (ii), the step of printing on to the paper is performed once the panels have been arranged in a stack of panels.

14. A method as claimed in any one of claims 7 to 10 wherein the building elements are fibre cement panels or elongate construction members such as timber beams.

15. A method as claimed in claim 14 wherein the step of printing onto the building elements is performed once the fibre cement panels or elongate construction members have been arranged in a stack.

16. A method as claimed in claim 13 or 15 further comprising the step of moving the stack from a first location to a second location, and wherein this step is performed concurrently with the step of printing on to the building element.

17. A method as claimed in any one of claims 13 to 16 wherein the printing of the graphic is performed by one or more print heads configured to move relative to the stack to print thereon.

18. A method as claimed claim 17 wherein, during the step of printing on to the stack, the stack remains stationary and the one or more print heads move across a surface of the stack to print the graphic.

19. A system for printing onto a plurality of building elements to be formed into a stack, the system comprising a printer arranged with respect to a surface of one or more of the building elements such that the printer is able to print a graphic directly onto the surface of one or more of the building elements according to a CMYK colour model.

20. A system as claimed in claim 19 wherein the printer comprises at least four print heads, each print head for printing one of cyan, magenta, yellow and black ink onto the building elements according to the CMYK colour model.

21. A system as claimed in claim 20, wherein the printer is able to print one or more spot colours separate to the CMYK colour model.

22. A system as claimed in claim 21 wherein the printer comprises at least one dedicated print head for printing the one or more spot colours.

23. A system as claimed in any one of claims 19 to 22 wherein the panels are plasterboard panels comprising a plaster core wrapped in a layer of paper, the printer able to print directly onto the layer of paper.

24. A system as claimed in any one of claims 20 to 23 wherein the system comprises a drive assembly to move the print heads across the surface of the one or more building elements to print the graphic.

25. A system as claimed in claim 24 wherein the drive assembly is able to move the print heads independently of one another.

26. A system as claimed in claim 24 or 25, further comprising a transporter to move the stack from a first location to a second location, the printer arranged with respect to the transporter to print the graphic whilst the stack is being moved from the first location to the second location.

27. A system as claimed in any one of claims 19 to 26 wherein the printer is able to print onto a side surface of a stack of building elements.

28. A system comprising a plurality of building elements, each building element comprising one or more first indicators arranged thereon such that the building elements are able to be arranged in a stack so as to cause the first indicators of the building elements to aggregate to form a second indicator.

29. A system as claimed in claim 28, wherein each first indicator comprises information relating to its respective building element.

30. A system as claimed in claims 28 or 29, wherein the second indicator comprises information relating to the stack of building element.

31. A system as claimed in any one of claims 28 to 30 wherein the first indicator of each building elementcomprises information that relates to a property of that building element.

32. A system as claimed in claim 31 wherein the first indicator comprises a logo that is indicative of the origins of its respective building element, a barcode and/or a pictogram.

33. A system as claimed in any one of claims 28 to 32 wherein the second indicator comprises information that relates to a property that is common to all building elements in the stack.

34. A system as claimed in claim 33 wherein the second indicator comprises a logo that is indicative of the origins of the stack, a barcode and/or a pictogram.

35. A stack comprising a plurality of stacked building elements, the stack having a second indicator thereon, and each building element having a respective first indicator thereon, wherein the first indicators are arranged on their respective building elements, when stacked, such that the second indicator results from an aggregation of the first indicators.

36. A stack as claimed in claim 35, wherein each first or second indicator is as otherwise defined in claims 28 to 35.

37. A method of printing onto building elements, the method comprising the steps of:

printing first indicators onto a plurality of the building elements, each indicator being printed on its respective building element in a predetermined position; and

arranging the building elements in a stack in a predetermined order;

wherein the arrangement of the first indicators, resulting from the predetermined positioning of first indicators and predetermined order of building elements, causes an aggregation of the first indicators to form a second indicator.

38. A stack as claimed in claim 37, wherein each first or second indicator is as otherwise defined in claims 28 to 35.

39. A method of printing onto building elements, the method comprising the steps of:

arranging the building elements in a stack;

printing one or more first indicators onto a plurality of the building elements;

wherein the arrangement of the first indicators in the stack is such that they aggregate to form a second indicator.

40. A stack as claimed in claim 39, wherein each first or second indicator is as otherwise defined in claims 28 to 35.