Apparatus and method for printing on articles having a non-planar surface

摘要

A method for printing on an article having a non-planar surface in an embodiment includes obtaining coordinates or a geometry for a non-planar surface of an article; determining a tangent orientation for a print head in three dimensions; and using the tangent orientation and positioning the print head relative to the non-planar surface of the article. Embodiments of apparatus for printing on articles having non-planar surfaces are also disclosed.

主权项

1. A method for printing on an article having a non-planar surface, the method comprising:
obtaining coordinates or a geometry for a non-planar surface of an article; determining a tangent orientation for a print head using a sabre angle based upon a specified or desired print density (dpi) and calculations of a tangent/slope for a range of points on the non-planar surface that are within an intended print region or area; measuring or determining offset distances between successive points along or about the sabre line; using the tangent orientation and positioning the print head relative to the non-planar surface of the article; and printing on the intended print region or area of said article.