System and method for printing an extruded sheet
AssigneeBosler Designs Inc.
InventorsKenneth Bosler, Robert Bosler, Ralph Bosler
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
The present invention relates to a system and method for printing an extruded sheet in which ink is applied over the extruded sheet. The extruded sheet is at an elevated temperature. The ink cures immediately upon contact with the extruded sheet having an elevated temperature. In one embodiment, at least one print roller applies a background color to the sheet and a plurality of print rollers apply one or more additional colors for forming a pattern or image on the sheet. For example, the pattern or image can have a wood grain appearance. The extruded sheet can be sized for use as a vinyl siding product.
Claims39
A method for printing an extruded sheet comprising the steps of:
- extruding an extruded sheet having an elevated temperature in the range of about 250° F. to about 450° F.;
- and
- applying heat curable ink over said extruded sheet having an elevated temperature with at least one print roller,
- wherein said heat curable ink cures immediately upon contact with said extruded sheet.
A system for printing an extruded sheet comprising:
- means for receiving an extruded sheet having an elevated temperature in the range of about 250° F. to about 450° F.;
- and
- means for applying heat curable ink over said extruded sheet with at least one print roller,
- wherein said heat curable ink cures immediately upon contact with said extruded sheet.
A printing apparatus comprising:
- a rotating drum having a plurality of perforations on the surface thereof for receiving an extruded sheet against said drum;
- said extruded sheet having an elevated temperature in the range of about 250° F. to about 450° F.;
- means for applying a vacuum to said rotating drum to retain said extruded sheet against said drum;
- and
- at least one print roller positioned adjacent said drum for applying heat curable ink over said extruded sheet,
- wherein said ink cures immediately upon contact with said extruded sheet.
A printing apparatus comprising:
- a rotating belt having a plurality of perforations for receiving an extruded sheet against said belt;
- said extruded sheet having an elevated temperature in the range of about 250° F. to about 450° F.;
- means for applying a vacuum to said rotating belt to retain said extruded sheet against said belt;
- and
- at least one print roller positioned adjacent said belt for applying heat curable ink over said extruded sheet,
- wherein said ink cures immediately upon contact with said extruded sheet.
A method for printing an extruded sheet comprising the steps of:
- extruding an extruded sheet having an elevated temperature in the range of about 250° F. to about 450° F.;
- and
- applying an evaporable ink over said extruded sheet having an elevated temperature with at least one print roller,
- wherein said evaporable ink cures immediately upon contact with said extruded sheet.
A system for printing an extruded sheet comprising:
- means for receiving an extruded sheet having an elevated temperature in the range of about 250° F. to about 450° F.;
- and
- means for applying evaporable ink over said extruded sheet with at least one print roller,
- wherein said evaporable ink cures immediately upon contact with said extruded sheet.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.