# US 2019/0315087 A1 · Method and apparatus for generating a superficial structure > Agents: this data is available as JSON from the patentgrep API and MCP server — see https://patentgrep.com/llms.txt - Number: US 2019/0315087 A1 - Document ID: US20190315087A1 - Status: Published application - Kind: A1 - Application number: 16/340,712 - Filed: 2017-10-13 - Published: 2019-10-17 - Earliest claimed: 2016-10-13 - Inventors: Giorgio Macor - Web page: https://patentgrep.com/patent/US20190315087A1 ## CPC - B32B 3/30: characterised by a layer formed with recesses or projections, e.g. {hollows, grooves, protuberances, ribs (apertured layer B32B3/266; layer with cavities or internal voids B32B3/26)} - B05D 1/36: Successively applying liquids or other fluent materials, e.g. without intermediate treatment - B05D 1/42: by non-rotary members - B05D 3/067: {Curing or cross-linking the coating} - B05D 5/02: to obtain a matt or rough surface - B29C 35/08: by wave energy or particle radiation {(B29C64/00, B29C71/04 take precedence)} - B29C 35/0894: {provided with masks or diaphragms} - B29C 37/0053: {Moulding articles characterised by the shape of the surface, e.g. ribs, high polish (mould construction therefor B29C33/42; surface shaping of articles B29C59/00; by incorporating filler in or near the surface B29C70/64)} - B29C 59/022: {characterised by the disposition or the configuration, e.g. dimensions, of the embossments or the shaping tools therefor} - B32B 21/042: {of wood (B32B21/13 takes precedence)} - B32B 38/06: Embossing - B29C 2035/0827: {using UV radiation} - B29C 2059/023: {Microembossing} - B32B 2255/08: on wood layer - B32B 2255/26: Polymeric coating - B32B 2307/402: Coloured - B32B 2307/554: Wear resistance - B32B 2307/584: Scratch resistance - B32B 2307/75: Printability - B32B 2553/00: Packaging equipment or accessories not otherwise provided for - B32B: LAYERED PRODUCTS, i.e. PRODUCTS BUILT-UP OF STRATA OF FLAT OR NON-FLAT, e.g. CELLULAR OR HONEYCOMB, FORM - B05D: PROCESSES FOR APPLYING FLUENT MATERIALS TO SURFACES, IN GENERAL (conveying articles or workpieces through baths of liquid B65G, e.g. B65G49/02) - B29C: SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING (making preforms B29B11/00; making laminated products by combining previously unconnected layers which become one product whose layers will remain together B32B37/00 - B32B41/00) ## Abstract A method and related apparatus for producing an embossing on a substrate using a digital printing technology includes the application of an embossing liquid, for example a water-based liquid, on a non-polymerized resin layer and the subsequent polymerization of the resin with UV curing. ## Claims ### Claim 1 A method for producing a three dimensional surface on a substrate comprising the steps of: A) applying a photocurable resin, or a paint or ink containing the photocurable resin, on a surface of a substrate, thus forming a coating; B) applying a water-based embossing liquid on a portion of the coating; C) polymerizing the photocurable resin by irradiation with UV beams; and D) removing the embossing liquid. ### Claim 2 (depends on 1) The method according to claim 1, wherein the photocurable resin is configured to be polymerized in a radical and/or cationic way. ### Claim 3 (depends on 2) The method according to claim 2 wherein the photocurable resin is selected from the group consisting of acrylate resins, acrylate monomers, vinyl monomers and mixtures thereof, epoxy resins, polyols, oxetanic monomers, vinyl monomers, and mixtures thereof. ### Claim 4 (depends on 2) The method according to claim 2, wherein the photocurable resin is selected from the group consisting of epoxy acrylates, urethane acrylates, polyester acrylates, polyether acrylates, amino acrylates, silicone acrylates, polyisoprene acrylates, polybutadiene acrylates, acrylate monomers and mixtures thereof, and vinyl resins are selected from the group consisting of N-vinyl caprolactam (NVC), acryloyl morpholine (ACMO), diethylene glycol divinyl ether (DVE-2), and triethylene glycol divinyl ether (DVE-3) and mixtures thereof. ### Claim 5 (depends on 1) The method according to claim 1, wherein the photocurable resin comprises one or more expanding agents, which are expanded prior to the applying of the embossing liquid. ### Claim 6 (depends on 1) The method according to claim 1, wherein the embossing liquid is water-based or consists of water. ### Claim 7 (depends on 6) The method according to claim 6 wherein the embossing liquid contains at least one substance selected from the group consisting of surface tension modifiers, acrylic resins, photocurable resins, photoinitiators, slip agents, wetting agents, oils, light stabilizers, antioxidants, antifoams, humectants, biocides, colorants, fillers, and pigments and mixtures thereof. ### Claim 8 (depends on 1) The method according to claim 1, wherein the embossing liquid comprises silicones and/or silicone acrylates. ### Claim 9 (depends on 1) The method according to claim 1, wherein the embossing liquid has a higher surface tension than a paint to be embossed. ### Claim 10 (depends on 1) The method according to claim 1, wherein said photocurable resin is contained in a colored and/or pigmented paint. ### Claim 11 (depends on 1) The method according to claim 1, wherein the embossing liquid is applied with an inkjet printhead. ### Claim 12 (depends on 1) The method according to claim 1, wherein the embossing liquid is applied in two or more distinct steps using different inkjet printing systems. ### Claim 13 (depends on 1) The method according to claim 1, wherein the method comprises embossing performed in line with a printing and finishing of a material. ### Claim 14 (depends on 1) The method according to claim 1, wherein the method comprises embossing applied in register with a printed image. ### Claim 15 (depends on 1) The method according to claim 1, wherein the steps of polymerizing the photocurable resin or of the paint containing the photocurable resin and of removing of the embossing liquid takes place simultaneously. ### Claim 16 (depends on 1) The method according to claim 1, wherein the step of polymerizing the photocurable resin or of the paint containing the photocurable resin takes place in several distinct steps, comprising a first pre-polymerization/gelation step and, subsequently, a polymerization step. ### Claim 17 (depends on 1) The method according to claim 1, further comprising the step of generating a matt surface. ### Claim 18 (depends on 1) The method according to claim 1, further comprising the step of generating glossy and matt areas simultaneously on a surface of the paint. ### Claim 19 (depends on 1) The method according to claim 1, further comprising the step of generating an embossed surface, and wherein, after removal of the embossing liquid, a cover paint is applied on the embossed surface so as to provide further protection and/or to matt the embossed surface. ### Claim 20 (depends on 1) The substrate or article obtained by the method according to claim 1, wherein the substrate is adapted to produce or coat floors, furniture, design and architectural surfaces, commercial and/or packaging printing, or is adapted to produce sensors and functional for use in microfluidics. ### Claim at position 21 -22. (canceled) ### Claim 23 (depends on 1) An apparatus for producing a three dimensional surface on a substrate according to claim 1, comprising: one or more inkjet printing systems, a mobile photopolymerization system positionable near an application area of an embossing liquid, and optionally, an embossing liquid evaporation system and/or a photopolymerization system.