DE102011122919A1 - Container for packaging i.e. sale packaging, of e.g. drinking bottle, has relief-like surface contours for decoration and/or marking are formed on wall sections, where contours and/or sections are selectively printed with inkjet printings - Google Patents

Abstract

The container (1) has relief-like surface contours (5a-5d) for decoration and/or marking formed on lateral wall sections (3a, 3b). The surface contours and/or the wall sections are selectively printed with inkjet printings (7a-7d). The inkjet printings are provided with a course of the surface contours for luminance contrast and/or color contrast. The surface contours comprise an elevation part and/or a recess, which diagonally runs in a two-dimensional (2D) projection part (8) i.e. cylinder projection part, of the wall sections around a vertical axis (1d) of the container. An independent claim is also included for a method for printing a container.

Description

The invention relates to a container for packaging products according to the preamble of claim 1 and a method for printing the container according to the invention.

It is known to provide packaging containers for products, such as drinks, toiletries and the like, in favor of a high-quality product presentation and / or improved handling in the lateral wall area with relief-like surface contours. This can contribute in particular to plastic container for stiffening the container wall and to an enhancement of the appearance and the feel of the container. As a rule, a value-added of the container can thus be achieved by a relief-like surface structure, for example an ornamental structure.

Further, containers are known to be printed for the purpose of labeling and / or decoration, for example, with characters, logos, patterns and color gradients. For example, this describes the WO 03/002349 A2 a method of inkjet printing on substantially cylindrical container sidewalls. Likewise it is from the DE 197 53 816 C2 known to imitate the impression of a natural Malachite stone or similar materials by printing on a flat container surface. From the DE 2 404 433 A1 Furthermore, a printing method is known in which the side wall of a plastic container is already printed in the production form by means of lateral nozzles. However, this undesirably limits the freedom of design and print quality.

For all these printing methods, only the imprint on smooth areas of the container side wall is described.

However, it would be desirable to further increase the added value of product packaging, especially plastic, over the known process. Particularly advantageous would be an increase in value with minimized use of materials and the greatest possible freedom of design with respect to the container shapes and imprints.

The stated object is achieved with a container for packaging, in particular for sales packaging, of products, in particular beverages, according to claim 1. By virtue of the fact that a relief-like surface contour designed for decorating and / or marking on the container is selectively printed with an ink-jet imprint around the relief-like surface contour, an optically advantageous impression which otherwise results on contrasts due to shadowing and / or light reflections is limited, can be improved by the imprint targeted. At the same time, the container wall can be stiffened for a given mechanical strength. Likewise, a selective impression on the relief-like surface contour enhances a haptic sense impression.

Such imprinting is particularly desirable in terms of color design and flexible adaptation to different containers and products. Color transitions and an enhancement of gloss effects and / or shadows can be emulated and / or enhanced particularly well with ink jet printing.

Thus, the valence of the container can be specifically enhanced by an interaction of the haptics predetermined by the relief-like surface structure and a selective printing. An ornamental contour is for example an ornamental structure, a contour for marking is for example a font or a level mark. The imprint can be designed such that it selectively changes a degree of gloss of the printed area, for example from matt to glossy or vice versa, and / or that it deliberately changes the surface structure, for example the roughness. This can be both decorating effects as well as produce markers. This is particularly advantageous for example in containers for drinks, cosmetics, cleaning agents and the like.

Under a relief-like surface contour is a three-dimensional structure to understand, which is opposite to a surrounding wall portion by targeted and / or reproducible producible elevations and / or depressions. Such relief-like surface contours preferably comprise contours in the macroscopic region, which can both be felt and recognized by the human eye, ie spatially resolved, at the viewing distances customary for the use or sale of the containers.

An imprint around the relief-like surface contour is particularly effective for raised surface contours, such as lettering, in order to delineate them in color with respect to the printed wall section and thus emphasize them. The relief-like surface contour could additionally be self-printed. However, a variant is particularly advantageous in which the material of the associated wall section is already suitably colored, so that it is only necessary to print around the relief-like surface contour. An imprint around a transparent, relief-like surface contour would also be possible. The imprint could then interact favorably with the sales of the color of the contents and later use serve as a level mark or the like. It is also conceivable to print only partial sections of the wall section adjoining the surface contour, for example only areas below a lettering in order to achieve a shadow-like effect, or above a lettering in order to imitate a lighting situation. It can be printed according to the invention areas within and / or outside the relief-like surface contour. Such imprints can be implemented particularly effectively around raised structures by means of ink-jet printing.

Preferably, the inkjet overprint is provided with a brightness contrast and / or color contrast following the course of the relief-like surface contour. As a result, a brightness progression predetermined or indicated by the course of the surface contour, shadow cast or a light reflection can be purposefully intensified in its effect. In particular, a plastic impression, which is predetermined by the course of the surface contour, can be visually enhanced. Alternatively or additionally, the course of the relief-like surface contour could also be provided with the following boundaries, gradations or transitions of regions with different surface roughness, different gloss level and / or friction coefficients.

In a particularly favorable embodiment of the container according to the invention, the relief-like surface contour has at least one elevation and / or depression, which is curved and / or inclined in a two-dimensional projection of the lateral wall section, in particular in a cylindrical projection around the vertical axis of the container. Such surface contours stand out against the basic geometric shape of the container particularly effective. It can thereby achieve a particularly high increase in value by the contour and by the selective printing of the associated side wall portion.

The two-dimensional projection here corresponds approximately to the development on a printable flat surface. Cylinder projection, which is known, for example, from geographical map network designs as surface-true cylinder projection, angle-conforming cylinder projection or as cylinder projection that is true to the center, is suitable for most common container basic forms. In these projections, preferably at least a portion of the relief-like surface structure runs obliquely and / or curved. However, in principle, other projection methods for printing on the surface contour are also conceivable.

However, the projection according to the invention is in particular not limited to cylindrical container shapes. It is also possible, for example, to formulate shaped bottles having a non-rotationally symmetrical cross-section as a two-dimensional projection.

The two-dimensional projection defines printing areas on and / or in the area of the relief-like surface contour and forms the basis for printing instructions for printing on the container side wall.

Preferably, the relief-like surface contour is further formed for stiffening the container, in particular for radial and / or axial stiffening. As a result, an optical and haptic revaluation of the container and an improvement of the mechanical resistance can be achieved at the same time. Under a radial stiffening is to be understood here a stiffening, which counteracts in particular laterally in the direction of the vertical axis of the container forces acting, for example, when gripping the container. For example, axial stiffeners can improve the resistance of the container to stacking loads.

Preferably, the container made of plastic, in particular PET or HDPE. In these container materials, an optical and haptic revaluation by means of printed relief-like surface contours has a particularly advantageous effect. In particular, it is possible to improve an optical and haptic impression which is possibly perceived as detrimental to glass bottles. An inventive printing of glass bottles with relief-like surface structures is also conceivable.

Preferably, the container is made by stretch blow molding. In such containers, relief-like surface contours can be produced in a particularly varied and particularly simple manner. Likewise, the containers can be produced by using appropriate preforms from a material which is particularly suitable for printing, for example in a color which is particularly suitable for the background of the print. It is possible to provide opaque or transparent containers by simply exchanging the preforms. Thus, a synergy of appearance and feel of the container with blown containers can be achieved particularly well. Individual printed or unprinted wall sections may additionally differ in their surface roughness, for example to realize glossy and matt wall areas or clear and light-scattering wall areas. In principle, the invention can also be used advantageously on containers produced by means of injection blow molding or extrusion blow molding.

In this case, the container is preferably made of a preform comprising at least two produced differently colored wall sections. Thus, it is already possible to provide a multicolored container wall by blowing the container. Thus, the color of a suitably colored wall section can serve as background for the imprint according to the invention. This simplifies the subsequent printing of the lateral wall sections and can further improve the print quality or the appearance of the print. An additional Unterdrucken with a background color is thereby unnecessary. Colored differently is here also understood to mean a configuration in which the wall sections differ only or additionally with respect to the light transmission, for example a transparent and an opaque wall section. However, the overprint according to the invention generally also improves containers made of monochrome or continuously transparent preforms.

Preferably, a printed image in the color of one of the differently colored wall sections continues without transition in at least the second wall section. This makes it possible to achieve a homogeneous appearance even with complicated relief-like surface structures with comparatively little effort for the printing. In other words, the print image picks up the hue and the shape or outline of an adjacent suitably colored wall portion to form together with it an ornament, mark or the like.

In containers with at least two wall sections, which consist of base materials or materials with different optical properties, for example with different colors, transparency, light scattering and the like, particularly advantageous effects can be achieved by a seamlessly adjoining an adjacent wall section printing also for the case that the container has no relief-like surface structures or the imprint according to the invention is not provided in areas with relief-like surface structures. Thus, an increase in the value of the container can also be achieved by printing on regular and / or smooth surfaces, for example of essentially smooth-surfaced cylindrical side wall regions.

For this purpose, a hue of a first wall area is preferably continued without transition by the imprint on a second wall area, which is made of a material of a different hue. In the second wall region, the hue of the imprint, starting from the hue of the first wall region and at a suitable distance from this, then vary as desired, for example as a gradual or flowing transition in the hue of the material of the second wall region. As a result, raised or recessed three-dimensional structures can be imitated particularly effectively and with little effort two-dimensionally, for example a shadow or the like.

Due to the seamless transition of the imprint to a correspondingly colored base material of an adjacent wall section, the total area to be printed on can be minimized without having to accept a disadvantageous visual impression in the transition area between the imprint and the adjacent wall area with corresponding coloring. By a seamlessly adjacent imprint could also be a refraction of light and / or light scattering of an adjacent wall area imitated, for example, a frosted, ie diffusely scattering wall area. Thus, an independent technical task can be achieved by a transition of the imprint to the adjoining wall area which is optically seamless at usual viewing distances, especially in areas without relief-like structures in the sense of the above definition. Nonetheless, such imprinting is particularly effective in areas having relief-like surface textures.

The lateral wall section preferably consists of a pigmented base material. On such wall sections can be particularly easy to print, especially without previously suppressing the selective printed surface with a color. A pigmented base material here is to be understood as meaning a material which produces a suitable contrast to the imprint by means of a color and / or a pigment so that a negative pressure with a separate ink layer is dispensed with. For example, an otherwise colored or colorless base material could be lightened by white pigmentation to facilitate selective printing. In general, however, a bright imprint on a comparatively darker background is possible. Likewise, transparent and / or colorless wall sections can be printed, for example if the imprint is to be adapted to the color of the medium.

In a particularly favorable embodiment, the container further comprises at least one contrasting wall section, which consists of a base material with a different color and / or gray scale and / or light transmission from the lateral wall section. By such a combination of the contrasting wall portion with the selective printing, a particularly advantageous optical effect can be achieved. For example, a predetermined by the contrasting wall section relief-like and / or ornamental structure continued by the selective imprint be formed or in a complementary shape or color, in the sense of a negative.

Preferably, the side wall portion is selectively printed with the color and / or gray level of the base material of the contrasting wall portion. This makes it possible to achieve a particularly advantageous optical effect. Likewise, the use of material in printing can be reduced by, for example, the contrasting wall section need not be printed due to the color match with the side wall area. However, the contrasting wall section can also be printed in order to further increase the freedom of design.

In a particularly favorable embodiment, the relief-like surface structure comprises a marking for filling level indication or the like. As a result, an optical and / or haptic enhancement can be combined with improved handling during use of the container. In particular, by means of a selective printing, a marking for indicating the fill level or for displaying the residual amount of the filled product can be combined particularly effectively with the color of the product and / or produce a particularly good contrast to the filled product.

Preferably, the relief-like surface structure comprises a character and / or a symbol and / or a logo. Characterized characteristic features can be highlighted on the container particularly effective. For example, the recognizability of a character, the signal effect of a symbol and the recognition value of a logo can be purposefully intensified by a combination of appearance and feel.

Preferably, the selective ink jet imprint comprises individually adjustable print areas. As a result, particularly high-quality containers can be produced. The customizable areas may include, for example, images, barcodes, dedications, messages, and the like. Thus, certain areas of the container can be particularly effectively highlighted and / or read particularly well.

• a) Transformieren der reliefartigen Oberflächenkontur in eine zweidimensionale Projektion;
• b) Erstellen einer Druckanweisung zum selektiven Bedrucken der reliefartigen Oberflächenkontur auf Grundlage der zweidimensionalen Projektion; und
• c) Ausrichten des seitlichen Wandabschnitts in eine Druckposition und Bedrucken der reliefartigen Oberflächenkontur, auf der Grundlage der Druckanweisung, mittels Tintenstrahldruck.

The stated object is further achieved by a method according to claim 14 for printing the container according to the invention, with the steps:

• a) transforming the relief-like surface contour into a two-dimensional projection;
• b) creating a printing instruction for selectively printing the relief-like surface contour based on the two-dimensional projection; and
• c) aligning the lateral wall portion in a printing position and printing the relief-like surface contour, on the basis of the printing instruction, by means of ink-jet printing.

This also makes it possible for relief-like surface contours with surfaces that can not be developed mathematically to position the container and / or a printing device in three-dimensional space in order to selectively and reproducibly apply an imprint in the region of the relief-like surface contour. Thus, a particularly precise and reproducible pressure is possible.

Preferably, in step a), at least one surface of the relief-like surface contour that can not be developed mathematically is defined as a surface to be printed in the two-dimensional projection. Thereby, printing instructions for conventional printers for printing flat surfaces can be calculated and suitable relative positions between the relief-like surface contour and the printer can be approached during printing.

The two-dimensional projection is preferably a cylinder projection or a prism projection, in particular a projection based on an area-parallel cylinder projection, an angle-conforming cylinder projection and / or a cylinder projection that is true to the center. The prism projection projects the relief-like surface contour on the side surfaces of a prism, whose base can be equilateral or non-equilateral. The true-to-area cylinder projection is, for example, a projection according to Lambert. The angle-true cylinder projection is, for example, a Mercator projection. The mittabstanstueige cylinder projection is for example a so-called square Plattkarte. However, other projections in the sense of geographical map network designs and the like as well as arbitrary combinations of the mentioned projection models are also suitable.

The two-dimensional projection may refer to an imaginary datum face or footprint of the relief-like surface contour that extends between the highest elevations of the deepest relief areas, for example, substantially midway between the largest elevations and valleys. This makes it possible to achieve a high-quality print image despite inaccuracies and / or tolerances in the projection and the printing.

Preferably, the step of aligning comprises scanning at least a portion of the relief-like surface contour. The scanning can be done without contact by means of light scanning, for example. This improves the assignment of the areas to be printed with respect to the printing pattern.

Advantageous embodiments of the container according to the invention are shown in the drawing. Show it:

1 a side view of a first embodiment;

2 a two-dimensional projection of the relief-like surface structure of the first embodiment;

3 a side view of a second embodiment; and

4 a two-dimensional projection of the relief-like surface contour of the second embodiment.

As the 1 includes, includes the first exemplary embodiment 1 of the container according to the invention, which is made for example of PET or HDPE in the stretch blown, in a known manner a side wall 1a , a mouth area 1b and a floor area 1c , In the area of the side wall 1a is at least a side wall section 3a . 3b provided, in whose outer surface in each case at least one relief-like surface contour 5a to 5d is trained. The container 1 could also be made of a different material, such as glass.

In the example of 1 are the relief-like surface contours 5a . 5b as depressions in the lateral wall sections 3a . 3b formed, the relief-like surface contours 5c . 5d on the other hand, as surveys. However, there are any combinations of raised and recessed sections in a relief-like surface contour 5a to 5d conceivable. Likewise, the ornamental character of the imaged surface contours 5a to 5d only as an example. These could also include characters, symbols, logos, patterns, surface structures characteristic of certain materials or natural products, such as snakeskin, and the like.

In the areas of relief-like surface contours 5a to 5d can the wall thickness of the tank sidewall 1a have a different thickness than in the surface contours 5a to 5d surrounding areas of the lateral wall areas 3a . 3b , However, this is not mandatory. For example, a stiffening effect with the help of the relief-like surface contours even with substantially unchanged wall thickness in the region of the relief-like surface contours 5a to 5d be achieved, for example, radially acting forces, for example when gripping the container 1 counteract.

As the 1 can also be seen from the blackened or hatched areas are the relief-like surface contours 5a to 5c selectively with at least one print 7a to 7c Mistake. Furthermore, within the relief-like surface contour 5d a print 7d on the side wall area 3a intended. The imprint preferably follows, but not necessarily, the course of the relief-like surface contours 5a to 5c to have a contrasting effect on the respective surrounding areas of the lateral wall areas 3a . 3b to reinforce. For example, the imprints 7a to 7c one by shadow, reflection and / or by the container 1 einzüllende product caused brightness contrast and / or color contrast enhance or complement synergistically. Thus, a plastic effect of the relief-like surface structures can be 5a to 5c by the imprint 7a to 7c reinforce targeted.

There is also the possibility, in general, of the relief-like surface contours 5a to 5d to print around to highlight them. The surface contours 5a to 5d itself could be omitted in the printed image. For example, around the raised surface contour 5d also only be printed around the outside. Reprinting would be particularly effective with relief-like, particularly raised surface contours in the form of branded logos, logos and the like in order to improve the recognition value of a product or a brand through the container in a simple and effective manner.

It is also possible a favorable interaction of the appearance and the feel of the relief-like surface contour 5a to 5d and / or the respective adjacent lateral wall areas 3a . 3b , such as in the area of the surface contour 5d is indicated. Thus, generally, a value-enhancing effect can be achieved, for example, by producing a signal effect or surprising visual impressions, by pretending to be high-quality perceived materials and / or structures, improving the recognition value, and the like.

The 2 shows the relief-like surface contours 5a to 5d in a two-dimensional projection 8th , which in the example shown a cylinder projection around the vertical axis 1d of the container 1 is. In the strict mathematical sense, the relief-like surface contour according to the invention is characterized 5a to 5d just by the fact that they each comprise at least one not exactly developable surface. This can also be done for the side wall areas 3a . 3b even apply, so for the relief-like surface contours 5a to 5d adjacent surfaces, as based on the curvature of the container side wall 1a in the 1 becomes clear.

For selective printing of the lateral wall areas 3a . 3b and in particular the relief-like surface contours 5a to 5d Therefore, they are preferably in the two-dimensional projection 8th transferred. Suitable models for curved container cross sections are based, for example, on known card network designs. In particular, the true-to-area cylinder projection, the angle-true cylinder projection and the cylindrical projection, the so-called square flat map, in which circular areas on the three-dimensional surface remain circular even in the two-dimensional projection, as well as modifications and combinations of these models. Depending on the shape of the container 1 but also other two-dimensional projections 8th be advantageous, for example, in substantially polygonal container cross-sections a prism projection on the respective side surfaces of a container side wall enclosing prism. Depending on the container shape such two-dimensional projections are suitable, which is a conversion of the spatial coordinates of the imprint 7a to 7d into a two-dimensional print or print pattern 9a to 9d allow that exemplified by the hatched areas in the 2 is indicated.

Approximately, the two-dimensional projection 8th a settlement of the container side wall 1a correspond. The projection 8th comprises at least one printed image or printed pattern 9a to 9d to provide a printing instruction for a printer (not shown). Crucial here is that a printing instruction for printing a curved in two dimensions relief-like surface contour 5a to 5d can be created. Realization can be a precise position printing of the relief-like surface contours 5a to 5d then, for example, by means of a corresponding orientation of the container 1 before printing in three-dimensional space and the subsequent, the pressure instruction corresponding tracking of the container 1 or the printing device, which may include, for example, ink jet printheads and the like.

Suitable technical means for positioning during printing are, for example, optical sensors, such as laser scanners, camera systems, mechanical stops, such as surfaces integrated in the container wall, recesses or grooves, mechanical scanning of edges of the container surface and / or the detection of contrasts, color transitions and The like with colored and / or opaque containers 1 ,

Particularly advantageous is the in the 3 exemplified second embodiment 11 the container according to the invention, in which the material of the lateral container wall 11a in at least two mutually separate and with respect to the container surface juxtaposed wall portions 13a . 13b . 14 different in terms of their optical properties. It is like the first embodiment 1 , side wall areas 13a . 13b with selectively printed relief-like surface contours 15a to 15d provided and in addition at least one contrasting wall area 14 in terms of its color and / or brightness and / or gray level and / or light transmission from the lateral wall areas 13a . 13b different. In the contrasting wall area 14 can also relief-like surface contours (not shown) may be provided.

In the example, the annular surface contour 15a sublime, the other contours 15b to 15d are formed as depressions. On or within the relief-like surface contours 15a to 15d are imprints 17a to 17c selectively provided. That is, the relief-like surface contours 15a to 15d may be printed in whole or in part and / or from the imprint 17a to 17c be surrounded. Here, the imprint 17a to 17c the course of the relief-like surface contour 15a to 15d follow, cut, and / or continue.

The imprint 17a to 17c preferably comprises a hue and / or a gray level of the contrasting wall area 14 , Thus, one through the contrasting wall area 14 predetermined shape and / or color in a particularly simple manner in the area of the relief-like surface contours 15a to 15d be continued and / or supplemented, for example by means of mirror-image or parallel shapes and the like. As a result, optically and / or haptically attractive and / or functionally increasing the value of three-dimensional surface contours can be realized. An example of this is the relief-like surface contour 15d , which is designed as a level indicator or residual quantity indicator.

By the selective printing of the relief-like surface contours 15a to 15d can thus be combined with at least one contrasting wall area 14 in a simple way versatile visual, haptic and functional improvements to increase the value of the container 11 realize at comparatively low production cost and material usage. It can be any number of contrasting wall areas 14 be provided whose optical properties, such as their color, can differ as needed.

In particular, the applications are not on two-color container side walls 11a limited. Differently colored sidewalls 11a can be easily produced by blowing from partially differently colored or pigmented preforms (not shown). In this case, any areas of the preforms may consist of different material components, as long as a production of the container 11 in the stretch blown process is possible. For example, prior to blowing, multicolor preforms may be properly conditioned by microwave radiation regardless of the coloration.

In the 4 are those in the 3 shown relief-like surface contours 15a to 15d in a two-dimensional projection 18 shown as already for the first embodiment 1 has been described. Based on the hatched print image in the form of the print areas 19a to 19c can be seen that the selective imprint 17a to 17c in the area of relief-like surface contours 15a to 15d not necessarily follow their course.

Another option would be other selective imprints 17a to 17c that are transversely, obliquely or partially overlapping with respect to the relief-like surface contours 15a to 15d run. It can both raised areas as well as recessed areas of the relief-like surface contours 15a to 15d be printed. Likewise, the imprint 17a to 17c in areas surrounding raised and / or recessed structures. For printing, digital printing using a color jet is particularly suitable. In principle, screen printing or pad printing would also be possible. Particularly suitable for printing complex patterns and color gradients are colors that can be applied according to the invention with the aid of the inkjet method.

The stretch blow molding process is particularly suitable for the production of containers 1 . 11 , Such as beverage bottles or containers for cosmetics, detergents and the like, with relief-like surface contours 5a to 5d . 15a to 15d in particular also using multi-component preforms, around the containers 11 provide with wall areas of different coloration and / or gray levels. In general, plastic containers according to the invention could also be produced by injection molding and the like. In addition, the container according to the invention 1 . 11 made of plastics other than PET and HDPE or glass.

The described embodiments can be combined with one another in a technically meaningful manner in order to increase the value of containers by the combination of imprints and relief-like surface contours and / or to improve their functionality.

QUOTES INCLUDE IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list of the documents listed by the applicant has been generated automatically and is included solely for the better information of the reader. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions.

Cited patent literature

• WO 03/002349 A2 [0003]
• DE 19753816 C2 [0003]
• DE 2404433 A1 [0003]

Claims (17)

Container ( 1 . 11 ) for packaging, in particular sales packaging of products, in particular beverages, the container having at least one lateral wall section ( 3a . 3b . 13a . 13b ), in which a relief-like surface contour ( 5a - 5d . 15a - 15d ) is designed for decoration and / or marking; characterized in that the relief-like surface contour and / or the lateral wall portion around the relief-like surface contour selectively with an inkjet overprint ( 7a - 7d . 17a - 17c ) is printed. A container according to claim 1, wherein the ink jet printing ( 7a - 7d . 17a - 17c ) with a course of the relief-like surface contour ( 5a - 5d . 15a - 15d ) following brightness contrast and / or color contrast is provided. Container according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the relief-like surface contour ( 5a - 5d . 15a - 15d ) has at least one elevation and / or depression, which in a two-dimensional projection ( 8th ) of the lateral wall section ( 3a . 3b . 13a . 13b ), in particular in a cylinder projection about the vertical axis ( 1d ) of the container ( 1 ), curved and / or oblique. Container according to at least one of the preceding claims, wherein the relief-like surface contour ( 5a - 5d . 15a - 15d ) further for stiffening the container ( 1 ), in particular for radial and / or axial stiffening, is formed. Container according to at least one of the preceding claims, wherein the container ( 1 ) consists of plastic, in particular PET or HDPE. Container according to at least one of the preceding claims, wherein the container ( 1 ) is a container produced by stretch blow molding. A container according to claim 6, wherein the container is blown from a preform comprising at least two differently colored wall sections. A container according to claim 7, wherein a printed image ( 19a - 19c ) in the color of one of the differently colored wall sections ( 14 ) transitionless in at least the second wall portion ( 13a . 13b ) continues. Container according to at least one of the preceding claims, wherein the lateral wall section ( 3a . 3b . 13a . 13b ) consists of a pigmented base material. Container according to at least one of the preceding claims, further comprising at least one contrasting wall section ( 14 ) made of a base material with one of the lateral wall portion ( 13a . 13b ) deviating color and / or gray level and / or translucency exists. Container according to claim 10, wherein the lateral wall section ( 13a . 13b ) selectively with the color and / or gray level of the base material of the contrasting wall portion ( 14 ) is printed. Container according to at least one of the preceding claims, wherein the relief-like surface structure ( 15d ) comprises a mark for filling level display or the like and / or at least one character and / or at least one symbol and / or at least one logo. Container according to at least one of the preceding claims, wherein the selective ink jet printing ( 7a - 7d . 17a - 17c ) includes individually adjustable pressure ranges. Method of printing on a container ( 1 . 11 ) according to at least one of the preceding claims, comprising the steps of: a) transforming the relief-like surface contour ( 5a - 5d . 15a - 15d ) into a two-dimensional projection ( 8th . 18 ); b) creating a printing instruction for selectively printing the relief-like surface contour based on the two-dimensional projection; and c) aligning the lateral wall section ( 3a . 3b . 13a . 13b ) in a printing position and printing the relief-like surface contour ( 5a - 5d . 15a - 15d ), based on the printing instruction, by ink jet printing. The method of claim 14, wherein in step a) at least one mathematically unwindable surface of the relief-like surface contour ( 5a - 5d . 15a - 15d ) as area to be printed ( 9a - 9d . 19a - 19c ) in the two-dimensional projection ( 8th . 18 ) is defined. Method according to claim 14 or 15, wherein the two-dimensional projection ( 8th . 18 ) is a cylinder projection or a prism projection, in particular a projection on the basis of an area-parallel cylinder projection, an angle-conforming cylinder projection and / or a cylindrical pitch projection. The method of claim 14, wherein the step of aligning comprises scanning at least a portion of the relief-like surface contour ( 5a - 5d . 15a - 15d ).

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