ROLLING MATRIX FOR A POWDER COATING SYSTEM FOR FINISHING THE SURFACE OF A PRODUCT AND THE RELATIVE METHOD FOR ITS REALISATION

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a rolling matrix for a powder coating system roller, for the surface finishing of a product.

[0002] At present, powder coating has a wide range of applications for example in the field of imitation wood surface decoration on metal sections normally destined for' the production of door and window frames.

[0003] The reproduction of the decorative pattern can be obtained by means of a roller matrix composed of a layer of elastically deformable facing which can be applied to the side surface of a roller and which has on its surface, a plurality of ridges and depressions adapted to reproduce the decorative pattern, see e.g. US 6173496. The roller matrix is suitably adapted for application on a flat profile, but does not produce very good results on a curved profile because in this case the ridges are locally subjected to differential deformation that do not permit uniform contact with the profile.

[0004] Moreover, the roller matrix is generally realised using a die obtained by means of chip removal machining using a cutter.

[0005] The method for realising the die presents various problems, among which, a lack of clear definition and precision in the execution of the die impression, intrinsic to the type of machining and in particular with the tool employed.

[0006] Consequently, very often the reproduction of the decorative pattern does not resemble the original material sufficiently. Furthermore, different dies must be created for each decorative pattern required, and as is known, the realisation of dies produced in this manner is extremely laborious and costly.

[0007] The technical task of the present invention is therefore to create a roller matrix for a powder coating system roller for the surface finishing of a product.

[0008] In the context of this technical task, one aim of the invention is to create a roller matrix for a powder coating system roller for the surface finishing of a product which produces an identical, precise, and high-resolution reproduction of a decorative pattern on the surface of a product.

[0009] Another aim of the invention is to create a roller matrix for a powder coating system roller for the surface finishing of a product as well as a relative realisation method that permits the identical precise and high-resolution reproduction of a decorative pattern on both flat as well as curved surfaces of a product.

[0010] The technical task, as well as this and other aims of the invention is achieved with the realisation of a roller matrix for a powder coating system roller, characterised in that it comprises at least one elastic layer presenting a plurality of ridges and depressions adapted to reproduce a decorative pattern on the surface of a product, and an elastic substrate supporting said layer, said substrate presenting basically the same elastic deformability as said layer in a direction parallel to their lying plane, and elastic deformability higher than that of said layer in orthogonal direction to their lying plane.

[0011] Other characteristics of the present invention are defined in the following claims.

[0012] Further characteristics and advantages of the invention will result clearer from the description of a preferred, but by no means exclusive embodiment, of a roller matrix for a powder coating system roller for the surface finishing of a product as well as a relative method of realisation, illustrated as an example, but to be by no means considered as limiting, in the appended drawing wherein:

• figure 1 shows an enlarged view in perspective of an edge of a rolling matrix according to the present finding.

[0013] With reference to the mentioned figure, a rolling matrix is shown, generally indicated by the numeral 1, which can be wrapped around the roller in a powder coating system.

[0014] The rolling matrix 1 comprises at least one elastic layer 2, having a plurality of ridges 4 and depressions 6 adapted to reproduce the decorative pattern on the surface of a product. Preferably, the elastic layer 2 is composed of a silicone material inert to paints and containing no acetate.

[0015] The elastic layer 2 is supported by an elastic substrate 3, having basically the same elastic deformability as layer 2 in a direction parallel to their lying plane, and elastic deformability higher than that of layer 2 in orthogonal direction to their lying plane.

[0016] Layer 2 and substrate 3 are united in a homogeneous manner along their contact surface 7, preferably by means of gluing. The substrate 3 has a thickness that is greater than that of layer 2. The rolling matrix 1 also comprises a further stiffening layer 5 united with substrate 3 on the opposite side to elastic layer 2.

[0017] Substrate 3 and the stiffening layer 5 are united in a homogeneous manner along their whole contact surface 8, preferably by means of gluing.

[0018] The stiffening layer 5 is preferably composed of a sheet of plastic material.

[0019] The stiffening layer 5 could also be encased inside substrate 3 instead of united to it.

[0020] The substrate 3 has a greater elastic deformability than that of layer 2 in orthogonal direction to their lying plane in such a manner, so that during use, when the rolling matrix 1 is engaged with the product to be finished, it is able to absorb most of the counterthrust exercised by the product.

[0021] In this manner, the crushing of layer 2 is prevented or at least limited.

[0022] As a result, not only is the deformation of the ridges 4 prevented or limited in a manner to avoid distorting the decorative pattern that is being, reproduced, but it also preserves the integrity of layer 2.

[0023] Instead, substrate 3 basically has the same elastic deformability as layer 2 in a direction parallel to their lying plane so that, during use, when the rolling matrix 1 is engaged with the product to be finished, a uniform contact is ensured between the work surface of layer 2 and the surface of the product to be finished whether the surface is flat or curved or has difference in the surface levels.

[0024] In fact, thanks to this characteristic, during the deformation of the rolling matrix 1 parallel to its lying plane, no relative sliding occurs between layer 2 and substrate 3 which, if present, would create interfacing tension between layer 2 and substrate 3 resulting in a distortion of the work surface of layer 2.

[0025] Lastly, the thickness of substrate 3 is greater than that of layer 2 in proportion with how deeply layer 2 penetration must be increased according to the difference in the surface levels of the product to be finished.

[0026] Rolling with the rolling matrix according to the present invention can be performed in the following manner.

[0027] During the travel wherein the roller follows the product, layer 2 exercises contact pressure against the product surface to be decorated, thus applying a layer of paint from the surface of the ridges 4 and at the same time, paint is accumulated inside the depressions 6.

[0028] In this manner the powder coating accumulated in the depressions 6 creates a plurality of lines in relief on the surface to be decorated.

[0029] The rolling can be performed by rotation with or without sliding the matrix 1 on the surface of the product.

[0030] In the former case the possible grades of shading are improved.

[0031] If necessary, rolling can be preceded by a brushing stage. The matrix of the present finding is particularly advantageous because it provides an accurate and precise reproduction of the desired decorative pattern in a simple, economical and highly productive manner.

[0032] The rolling matrix illustrated in the present invention can be subjected to various changes and modifications while remaining within the context of the present inventive concept, moreover, all details can be replaced by technically equivalent elements. Practically speaking, the materials used, as well as their size, can be of any type according to requirements and state of the art.

Claims

1. Rolling matrix (1) for a roller for a powder coating system characterised in that it comprises at least one elastic layer (2) presenting a plurality of ridges (4) and depressions (6) adapted to reproduce a decorative pattern on the surface of a product, and an elastic support substrate (3) for said layer, said substrate presenting basically the same elastic deformability as said layer in a direction parallel to their lying plane, and elastic deformability higher than that of said layer in the orthogonal direction to their lying plane.

2. Rolling matrix according to claim 1 characterised in that said substrate has a thickness greater than that of said layer.

3. Rolling matrix according to one or more of the previous claims characterised in that said layer is composed of a silicone material containing no acetate.

4. Rolling matrix according to one or more of the previous claims characterised in that said layer and said substrate are homogeneously united along their whole contact surface by means of gluing.

5. Rolling matrix according to one or more of the previous claims characterised in that said substrate bears, on the opposite side to said layer, a further stiffening layer adapted to conform said matrix to said roller.

6. Rolling matrix according to one or more of the previous claims characterised in that said further layer is composed of a sheet of plastic material.

7. Rolling matrix according to one or more of the previous claims characterised in that said stiffening layer and said substrate are homogeneously united along their contact surface by means of gluing.

8. Rolling matrix according to one or more of the previous claims characterised in that said plurality of ridges and said plurality of depressions are created by means of laser engraving.

Ansprüche

1. Rasterwalze (1) für ein Pulverbeschichtungssystem, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass sie aus mindestens einer elastischen Schicht (2), die eine Mehrzahl von zum Abdrucken eines Dekorationsmusters auf der Oberfläche eines Produktes geeigneten Stegen (4) und Mulden (6) aufweist, und einem elastischen Trägersubstrat (3) für genannte Schicht besteht, wobei genanntes Substrat grundsätzlich die gleiche elastische Verformbarkeit der genannten Schicht in paralleler Richtung zu ihrer liegenden Ebene und eine höhere elastische Verformbarkeit als die der genannten Schicht in rechtwinkliger Richtung zu ihrer liegenden Ebene aufweist.

2. Rasterwalze nach Anspruch 1 dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass genanntes Substrat eine grössere Stärke als die der genannten Schicht hat.

3. Rasterwalze nach einem oder mehreren vorhergehenden Ansprüchen dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass genannte Schicht aus einem Siliziumwerkstoff, der kein Azetat enthält, besteht.

4. Rasterwalze nach einem oder mehreren vorhergehenden Ansprüchen dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass genannte Schicht und genanntes Substrat homogen entlang ihrer gesamten Kontaktfläche durch Aufkleben verbunden sind.

5. Rasterwalze nach einem oder mehreren vorhergehenden Ansprüchen dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass genanntes Substrat an der gegenüberliegenden Seite der genannten Schicht eine weitere absteifende Schicht trägt, die geeignet ist, genannten Raster an genannte Walze anzupassen.

6. Rasterwalze nach einem oder mehreren vorhergehenden Ansprüchen dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass genannte weitere Schicht aus einer Kunststofffolie besteht.

7. Rasterwalze nach einem oder mehreren vorhergehenden Ansprüchen dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass genannte absteifende Schicht und genanntes Substrat entlang ihrer Kontaktfläche durch Ankleben homogen verbunden sind.

8. Rasterwalze nach einem oder mehreren vorhergehenden Ansprüchen dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass die genannte Mehrzahl von Stegen und die genannte Mehrzahl von Mulden durch Lasergravur erzeugt sind.

Revendications

1. Matrice (1) pour un rouleau d'un système de revêtement par pulvérisation caractérisée par le fait qu'elle comprend au moins une couche élastique (2) comportant une multitude d'arêtes (4) et de creux (6) aptes à reproduire un motif décoratif sur la surface d'un produit, et un substrat de support élastique (3) pour ladite couche, ledit substrat possédant fondamentalement la même déformabilité élastique que ladite couche dans une direction parallèle à leur plan de disposition, et une déformabilité supérieure à celle de ladite couche dans la direction orthogonale à leur plan de disposition.

2. Matrice selon la revendication 1, caractérisée par le fait que ledit substrat possède une épaisseur supérieure à celle de ladite couche.

3. Matrice selon une ou plusieurs des revendications précédentes, caractérisée par le fait que ladite couche se compose de matériau en silicone sans acétate.

4. Matrice selon une ou plusieurs des revendications précédentes, caractérisée par le fait que ladite couche et ledit substrat sont unis de manière homogène le long de toute leur surface de contact par encollage.

5. Matrice selon une ou plusieurs des revendications précédentes, caractérisée par le fait que ledit substrat comporte, du côté opposé à ladite couche, une couche de raidissement supplémentaire prévue pour conformer ladite matrice audit rouleau.

6. Matrice selon une ou plusieurs des revendications précédentes, caractérisée par le fait que ladite couche supplémentaire se compose d'une feuille de matériau plastique.

7. Matrice selon une ou plusieurs des revendications précédentes, caractérisée par le fait que ladite couche de raidissement et ledit substrat sont unis de manière homogène le long de leur surface de contact par encollage.

8. Matrice selon une ou plusieurs des revendications précédentes, caractérisée par le fait que ladite multitude d'arêtes et ladite multitude de creux sont créés par gravure au laser.

Drawing