A German SME active in the development of machines and expendable materials for the production of car number plates is looking for material and cost-efficient solutions for the inking of the characters on car number plates. State of the art solution is the application of a hot stamping foil on the embossed parts of the prefabricated raw number plate and the already applied reflection layer. The current process requires a complete inking foil with the size of the raw plate, the foil parts without characters are waste. Additionally, the current processing equipment for the inking of the characters requires high temperatures. Therefore, the preheated machines have to be heated continuously during the complete day.
The SME is looking for a supplier or R and D partner for the development of a material efficient solution for the application of ink on the embossed parts of the mainly metal plates which are coated with a reflective foil to meet their sustainability targets. The SME is looking for solution which are more material and energy efficient than the state-of-the-art process. The targeted solution must be available at reasonable costs, to enable also the smaller clients of the company to produce individual numberplate with an acceptable initial investment. The company has already discussed digital printing solute a, but so far the investment cost are too high.
Advantages and innovation
New inking process for embossed license plates with lower operating costs and lower environmental impact.
Technical Specification or Expertise Sought
The SME is looking for technical cooperation with suppliers or technology developers who deliver or develop a material and energy efficient application of ink on a reflective foil on metal plate. The solutions must be available at reasonable investment costs.