Process for printing wood-based flat elements and production line

A process for printing a surface of a wood-based flat panel with a multi-colored image, comprising:

• a preliminary step of graphic composition of the multi-colored image using an electronic processor and relative software;
• and
• a printing step for printing the wood-based flat panel with the multi-colored image using an ink-jet printer provided with print heads;
• wherein the preliminary step of graphic composition involves forming graphic files from which a number of monochromatic images are obtained;
• wherein the colors employed by the ink-jet printer comprise the prime colors cyan, magenta, and yellow in addition to black;
• wherein the ink-jet printer is controlled by the electronic processor;
• wherein the wood-based flat panel moves relative to the ink-jet printer while at least one of the print heads propels ink micro-droplets onto the wood-based flat panel;
• wherein the print heads are stationary during the printing operation;
• wherein for each color employed in the ink-jet printer, the number of print heads used is that required to cover the entire width of that surface of the wood-based flat panel to be printed, the surface being provided with the multi-colored image with a single pass of the panel transiting through the ink-jet printer and underneath the print heads;
• wherein prior to the printing step, the process includes a step of treating with sealants that surface of the wood-based flat panel to be printed;
• wherein the printing step is followed by an additional step of applying coating products using a coating device to the printed surface of the wood-based flat panel to form a substantially transparent protective layer;
• and
• wherein the print heads propel ink only when the wood-based flat panel moves relative to the ink-jet printer.