Suction array layouts
In an example, there is provided a method including: receiving, at a processor, data specifying the shape of a blank to form a folded article; and determining, using the processor, based on the received data, a suction array layout to hold the blank against a media support, wherein the suction array layout conforms to the shape of the blank.
1. An apparatus for a printer comprising:
a vacuum platen having multiple suction holes therein and a sealing sheet on the platen over an area that includes all of the suction holes in the platen, the sealing sheet comprising:
a first part defining an operative area of the platen to be covered by a pre-fabricated blank for printing, the first part of the sheet having:
multiple first holes therein each substantially aligned with a suction hole in the platen such that the sheet covers some but not all of the suction holes in the operative area of the platen;
multiple second holes therein each not substantially aligned with a suction hole in the platen; and
a passage from each of the second holes to a suction hole in the platen; and
a second part defining a non-operative area of the platen, the second part of the sheet covering all of the suction holes in the non-operative area of the platen.
2. An apparatus as claimed in claim 1 , wherein at least some of the holes in the first part of the sheet comprise suction cups.
3. An apparatus as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the sheet comprises a flexible sheet.
4. An apparatus as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the passages from the second holes to suction holes in the platen include a passage from one or more of the second holes to a corresponding one or more of the suction holes in the non-operative area of the platen.
5. An apparatus as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the passages from the second holes to suction holes in the platen include a passage from one or more of the second holes to a corresponding one or more of the suction holes in the operative area of the platen.
6. An article for a printer vacuum platen having suction holes, the article comprising a sheet to extend over an area that includes all of the suction holes in the platen, the sheet comprising:
a first part configured to, when the sheet is placed on the platen, define an operative area of the platen to be covered by a pre-fabricated blank for printing, the first part of the sheet having:
multiple first holes therein each substantially aligned with a suction hole in the operative area of the platen such that the sheet covers some but not all of the suction holes in the operative area of the platen;
multiple second holes therein each not substantially aligned with a suction hole in the platen; and
a passage from each of the second holes to a suction hole in the platen; and
a second part configured to, when the sheet is placed on the platen, define a non-operative area of the platen and cover all of the suction holes in the non-operative area of the platen.
7. An article as claimed in claim 6 , wherein at least some of the holes in the first part of the sheet comprise suction cups.
8. An article as claimed in claim 6 , wherein the sheet comprises a flexible sheet.
9. An article as claimed in claim 6 , wherein the passages from the second holes to suction holes in the platen include a passage from one or more of the second holes to a corresponding one or more of the suction holes in the non-operative area of the platen.
10. An article as claimed in claim 6 , wherein the passages from the second holes to suction holes in the platen include a passage from one or more of the second holes to a corresponding one or more of the suction holes in the operative area of the platen.