Citation
Rigelsford, J. (2002), "Printing on plastic windows", Industrial Robot, Vol. 29 No. 6. https://doi.org/10.1108/ir.2002.04929fad.012
Publisher
:Emerald Group Publishing Limited
Copyright © 2002, MCB UP Limited
Printing on plastic windows
Printing on plastic windows
Applicant: Exatec LLC (US)Patent number: WO0078520Publication date: 28 December 2000Title: Process for providing decorative imprinting on a molded plastic automotive window panel
This patent relates to a process which makes the decorative masking border on curved automotive window panels less vulnerable to scratches when handling during manufacture, or when the window is in service. Such panels are often provided with a perimeter band of an opaque coating (referred to as blackout), in order to conceal the adhesive joint used to secure the panel in place in the body window opening. Blackout treatment is also used to improve the aesthetic appeal of the border and may consist of a fade out design comprising a dot pattern.
The blackout and decorative border is printed on the perimeter of the moulded plastic panel with thermally curable ink. An ink jet process using a robot manipulator is used to print onto the curved surfaces of the window panel. A hard protective coating is then applied over the panel surfaces and overlying the printed border.
Jon Rigelsford