D E S C R I P T I O N

PRINTED GLASS, METHODS AND USES THEREOF

Technical field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a process for digital printing on glass, using ceramic inks and/or organic inks, a glass fixative composition, a method for printing decorative applications in glass.

Background

[0002] The document WO2018158483 relates to a machine and method for multi pass digital printing on glass sheets with minimised print travel. The machine is configured to recognise the largest dimension of the pattern to be printed in the X and Y directions, and to perform the multiple printing passes by moving the gantry in the X direction or by moving the carriage along the gantry in the Y direction.

[0003] These facts are disclosed in order to illustrate the technical problem addressed by the present disclosure.

General Description

[0004] The present disclosure relates to a printed glass comprising: a layer of the glass fixative solution for digital printing on glass; a layer of organic ink; a decorative application, a layer of ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA).

[0005] An aspect of the present disclosure relates to a digital printed glass composition comprising: a ceramic ink and/or organic ink layer bound to the glass; metal decorative applications wherein the metallic decorative applications are engraved in the ink layer; and the use of a glass fixative solution for bounding the ink layer on the glass wherein the said glass fixative comprises methoxipropanol, water and silane. [0006] Another aspect of the present discourse relates to a digital printed glass comprising: a first glass layer;

an organic ink layer bound to the glass;

metal decorative applications wherein the metallic decorative applications are engraved in the organic ink layer;

wherein said organic ink layer is bounded to the glass by an aqueous fixative solution for bounding the organic ink layer on the glass;

wherein the said aqueous fixative solution comprises methoxipropanol, water and a silane.

[0007] The use of the fixative composition of the present disclosure improved the resolution of the printed images. Additionally, the fixative solution of the present disclosure avoid the formation of air microbubbles and/ or the formation microcracks in the image in printed glass.

[0008] The organic ink of the present disclosure is made of fruit or vegetable-based pigments, also called "lake pigments". They are oil dispersible, which just means the colour dye will blend in with your skin more naturally with little to no clumping and will have a brighter colour effect as opposed to a dull, faded look.

[0009] In an embodiment, the digital printed glass comprising a layer of ethylene- vinyl acetate and a second glass layer making a sandwich structure.

[0010] In an embodiment, the metallic decorative engraved is gold, silver, bronze, copper, aluminium, platinum or mixtures thereof.

[0011] In an embodiment, the decorative applications, may further comprise a a first catalyst for adhesion promoter agent.

[0012] In an embodiment, the decorative applications mayfurther comprise a second catalyst as a crosslinker agent.

[0013] Another aspect of the present disclosure is a glass fixative solution for digital printing on glass comprising methoxipropanol, water and silane. [0014] In an embodiment, glass fixative solution may comprise 90-97% (wt./wt.) methoxipropanol.

[0015] In an embodiment, glass fixative solution may comprise between 5-10% (wt./wt.) of water.

[0016] In an embodiment, glass fixative solution may comprise between 1-5% (wt./wt.) of Silane.

[0017] In an embodiment, the digital printing may comprise decorative applications comprising water up to 10% (wt./wt.).

[0018] In an embodiment, the decorative applications comprise metallic purpurin.

[0019] In an embodiment, the decorative applications comprise at most 3 (wt./wt.) metallic purpurin.

[0020] Another aspect of the present disclosure is a method for digital printing on glass, comprising the following steps cleaning the glass surface,

applying the fixative composition described in any of the previous claims, dry the surface;

applied the digital printing ink with the desired design;

optionally applied the metallic ink with the desired design;

applying a layer of ethylene-vinyl acetate,

applying a second glass surface or apply a layer of protective paint instead of the glass

curing the obtained product in adequate conditions.

[0021] In an embodiment, the drying temperature is 20-27°C.

[0022] In an embodiment, the drying step has a duration between of 6-8 hours.

[0023] In an embodiment, the drying temperature is 20-27°C for the drying step has a duration of 15 minutes. [0024] Method according to the previous claims wherein the obtained product is placed in a kiln for 30-75 minutes, at 30-55°C.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0025] The following figures provide preferred embodiments for illustrating the description and should not be seen as limiting the scope of invention.

[0026] Figure 1 - Fluxogram of a method for glass digital printing.

[0027] Figure 2 - Layers of a digital printed glass.

[0028] Figure 3-Formation of air microbubbles and/ or the formation microcracks in a printed glass without the fixative composition of the present disclosure.

Detailed Description

[0029] The present disclosure is also further described, in particular, using embodiments of the disclosure. Therefore, the disclosure is not limited to the descriptions and illustrations provided. These are used so that the disclosure is sufficiently detailed and comprehensive. Moreover, the intention of the drawings is for illustrative purposes and not for the purpose of limitation.

[0030] The present disclosure relates to a process for digital printing on glass, using ceramic inks and/or organic inks, a glass fixative composition, a method for printing decorative applications in glass.

[0031] The disclosure relates to a novel process for digital printing in a glass surface with organic inks. The process includes a fixative step specifically for the inks used on a printer, and an additional process that may added decorative applications, providing a design/aesthetic solution for the final product, such as the imprinting of images or adding metallic effects like gold, cooper, bronze or mirroring. [0032] It is disclosed that there's no known equipment, specified for printing on glass, mainly because there is a technical issue fixing the inks on the surface. There are two options for printing in glass with different inks: ceramic and organic inks.

[0033] In an embodiment, with ceramic inks, after printing, the glass enters into a kiln to hardener the inks on the glass. With the hardening process, the colours loose brightness and definition.

[0034] In an embodiment, the organic inks, requires a different process. Starting by applying the fixative solution disclosed in the present disclosure on the surface to be printed, where this solution is a fixative that allows the print to be fixed on the glass. After printing a lamination step protects the print and secures the glass (the lamination is a process that acquires safety to the glass).

[0035] In an embodiment, according to the aim of the product of the present disclosure, other process can be used. Applying a layer of protective paint on the back

[0036] In an embodiment, there are no standard or specified fixative solutions for the printing, it needs to be prepared according to the equipment (printer) and inks used.

[0037] Besides this part of the process, for some projects, we may add some decorative techniques for some aesthetic/design purposes: gold, bronze, silver, mirror, among others. These decorative applications (DA) are applied locally with an airbrush. And the application process is specific for each type of decorative applications.

[0038] In an embodiment, on the digital printing as standard, the process guarantees the brightness of the colours and definition of the image/design. It can also be applied on humid areas once the print is protected by fixative solution.

[0039] In an embodiment, the decorative applications, is a distinguish finish giving other effects to the final product. DIGITAL PRINTING PROCESS

Preparation of the fixative composition for glass printing on a clean and without grease recipient:

1. Use a solvent methoxipropanol (93%) (wt./wt.);

2. Add deionized/ distilled water (5%) (wt./wt.);

3. Stir the solution moderately (200 rpm) and slowly add silane abll0806 (2%) (wt./wt.); continue to stir the solution for 1 hour.

Cleaning and treatment of the surface

1. Wash and clean the glass of all stains and grease;

2. Wash the glass on the washing machine and make sure it is stainless;

3. Place the glass on the printing area for 20 minutes;

4. Apply the fixative with the airbrush smoothly to achieve a homogeneous layer. After applying, the surface will have a lustreless finish;

5. Keep the glass on the printing area for 60 minutes for drying;

6. The surface is ready for printing. After printing no further heat treatment is necessary.

DECORATIVE APPLICATIONS (DA) PROCESS Product preparation:

[0040] Use a clean recipient with polished surface to apply decorative applications (DA), by the following steps:

Weight the DA according with the specifications of that product colour/area per m ² ; Add the first catalyst (adhesion promoter agent) and stir effectively;

Add the second catalyst (crosslinker agent) and stir again;

If necessary, add up to 5% of deionized/distilled water;

The solution has a lifetime of 6 to 8 hours. Composition and application conditions:

Table 1 - Composition and application conditions of the DA

⁽¹ > Standard weight may be changed according to the pretended aesthetic effect

[0041] Drying process steps

1. After the application, dry the surface at room temperature (minimum 20°C) and at least for 6 to 8 hours.

2. Alternatively keep the surface at room temperature for 15 minutes and put in the kiln at 35-50°C for 45-60 minutes. COMPOSITION AND APPLICATION MODE

[0042] Adding the decorative applications with an airbrush a) After applying the DA, dry the surface at room temperature of 20°C for 6-8 hours; or b) Keep the surface at room temperature20°C for 15min and place it in a kiln for 45 to 60 min with temperatures of 35-50°C.

[0001] Furthermore, where the claims recite a composition, it is to be understood that methods of using the composition for any of the purposes disclosed herein are included, and methods of making the composition according to any of the methods of making disclosed herein or other methods known in the art are included, unless otherwise indicated or unless it would be evident to one of ordinary skill in the art that a contradiction or inconsistency would arise.

[0002] Where ranges are given, endpoints are included. Furthermore, it is to be understood that unless otherwise indicated or otherwise evident from the context and/or the understanding of one of ordinary skill in the art, values that are expressed as ranges can assume any specific value within the stated ranges in different embodiments of the invention, to the tenth of the unit of the lower limit of the range, unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. It is also to be understood that unless otherwise indicated or otherwise evident from the context and/or the understanding of one of ordinary skill in the art, values expressed as ranges can assume any subrange within the given range, wherein the endpoints of the subrange are expressed to the same degree of accuracy as the tenth of the unit of the lower limit of the range.

[0003] The disclosure should not be seen in any way restricted to the embodiments described and a person with ordinary skill in the art will foresee many possibilities to modifications thereof.

[0004] The above described embodiments are combinable.

The following claims further set out particular embodiments of the disclosure