Digital printing and finishing method for fabrics and the like

Abstract

A method of digital printing and finishing for fabrics is provided. The method includes a step of unwinding a fabric from a first reel. A step of compensating the speeds and of spreading the fabric for its positioning on a conveyor belt provided with supporting elements on which a digital printing step occurs is provided. A step of drying the fabric is provided. A step of winding the fabric onto a second reel is provided. These steps are being executed at corresponding stations arranged in sequence with respect to each other and the fabric passing through them continuously, transversely to the conveyor belt, there being a plurality of bars provided with printing heads which are controlled electronically and synchronized with the movement of the conveyor belt.

1 .- 9 . (canceled) 
     
     
         10 . A digital printing and finishing method for fabrics and the like, the method comprising: a step of unwinding a fabric from a first reel, a step of compensating the speeds and of spreading the fabric in order to position it on a conveyor belt provided with supporting means on which a digital printing step occurs, followed by a step of drying the fabric and a step of winding the fabric onto a second reel, the steps being performed in corresponding stations arranged in sequence with respect to each other and the fabric passing through the stations continuously, transversely to the conveyor belt there being a plurality of bars provided with printing heads which are controlled electronically and synchronized with the movement of the conveyor belt. 
     
     
         11 . The method according to  claim 10 , wherein the supporting means are of the adhesive type. 
     
     
         12 . The method according to  claim 10 , wherein the printing heads are of the piezoelectric ink-jet type. 
     
     
         13 . The method according to  claim 10 , wherein the printing heads are arranged on each one of the bars in such a manner as to cover the width of the conveyor belt and allow continuous printing. 
     
     
         14 . The method according to  claim 10 , further comprising a step of immersing the fabric unwound from the first reel in a tank which contains an aqueous solution adapted to facilitate the fixing of the ink on the fabric, the immersion step being comprised between the unwinding step and the step of speed compensation and spreading. 
     
     
         15 . The method according to  claim 14 , wherein the aqueous solution comprises at least one or more substances selected from the group constituted by pH stabilization compounds and salts. 
     
     
         16 . The method according to  claim 14 , further comprising a step of pressing the fabric impregnated with the aqueous solution in such a manner as to eliminate the excess part of the aqueous solution from the fibers of the fabric, the pressing step being comprised between the immersion step and the speed compensation and spreading step. 
     
     
         17 . The method according to  claim 16 , further comprising a step of steaming the printed fabric impregnated with the aqueous solution through a steaming chamber to fix the ink to the fabric, the steaming step being comprised between the digital printing step and the drying step. 
     
     
         18 . The method according to  claim 17 , further comprising a step of washing the printed and steamed fabric which is adapted to eliminate from the fabric the excess part of the ink, the washing step being comprised between the steaming step and the drying step.