System and method for providing three-dimensional features on large format print products

Abstract

The invention provides a system and method for producing large format print products having three-dimensional features. The system incorporates at least one micro-dispensing jet valve and optionally a cutting apparatus to provide an integrated, efficient printing system capable of producing large format print products having dramatic three-dimensional features.

1 . A system for making a print product having at least one three-dimensional feature, comprising:
 a) a table adapted to receive a large format printable substrate; and   b) at least one material dispensing module in operable communication with said table in a manner that permits said material dispensing module to dispense a material onto a large format printable substrate that is loaded onto said table.   
     
     
         2 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein said at least one material dispensing module includes at least one micro-dispensing jet valve. 
     
     
         3 . The system of  claim 2 , wherein said at least one micro-dispensing jet valve is adapted to dispense droplets that are between about 0.5 nl and about 5,000 nl in size. 
     
     
         4 . The system of  claim 2 , wherein said at least one micro-dispensing jet valve is adapted to dispense a material having a viscosity of at least 150 millipascal seconds. 
     
     
         5 . The system of  claim 2 , wherein said at least one micro-dispensing jet valve comprises a nozzle with an orifice that is between about 50 microns and about 600 microns in diameter. 
     
     
         6 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein said at least one material dispensing module comprises a heating element and at least one of a nozzle and a reservoir, wherein said heating element is adapted to heat at least one of said nozzle and said reservoir. 
     
     
         7 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein said system comprises a plurality of material dispensing modules. 
     
     
         8 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein said system further comprises a cutting tool, a creasing tool, a camera adapted to detect at least one registration mark on a large format printable substrate, a UV curing module, or combinations thereof. 
     
     
         9 . The system of  claim 8 , wherein said cutting tool is a blade, die, rotary knife, angle cutter, laser cutter, oscillating tool, or router. 
     
     
         10 . The system of  claim 8 , wherein said cutting tool is adapted to kiss cut a large format printable substrate. 
     
     
         11 . The system of  claim 8 , further comprising a bridge, wherein said bridge is adapted to traverse at least a portion of said table and said bridge is in operable communication with at least one of said material dispensing module, said cutting tool, said creasing tool, said camera, and said UV curing.