Proofing method and proofing system for printed matter

Abstract

This invention provides a proofing method and system for printed materials. The proofing method includes coating a paper surface with a coating liquid compatible with a weak solvent-based water-based ink; printing on the paper surface coated with the coating liquid, wherein the printing uses a weak solvent-based water-based ink; subjecting the printed paper to corona treatment; and applying a pre-coated film to the corona-treated paper surface. By coating the paper surface with a coating liquid compatible with the weak solvent-based water-based ink, the print fastness of the weak solvent-based water-based ink can be improved; by corona treatment of the paper, different types of pre-coated films can be made available, thereby enabling the paper to adhere firmly to the pre-coated film and avoiding problems such as bubbles, curling edges, film peeling, and color bursting. This eliminates the need to modify existing laminating machines to increase lamination fastness; the pre-coated film can be applied using a small laminating machine, solving the problem of sharing a single machine for proofing and mass production, which affects production capacity; and the pre-coated film has high lamination efficiency and low cost.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of digital proofing, and in particular to a proofing method and system for printed materials. Background Technology

[0002] Mockup physical proofing equipment can print on various materials, achieving rapid proofing instead of traditional printing proofing. Mockup uses water-based inks with mild solvents. Before printing, a coating liquid needs to be applied to the paper surface to improve the print fastness of the water-based inks. However, the coating liquid on the paper surface necessitates the use of pre-coated film for subsequent lamination (pre-coated film suffers from problems such as bubbles and curling edges, resulting in poor lamination adhesion). Instant lamination machines have long setup times, the adhesive has a significant impact on color, making it difficult to meet the requirements for rapid proofing. Furthermore, each lamination process results in substantial adhesive waste (adhesive returned to the original container after lamination can easily cause the entire container of adhesive to deteriorate).

[0003] The content of the background section is merely the technology known to the inventor and does not necessarily represent the prior art in this field. Summary of the Invention

[0004] To address one or more deficiencies in the prior art, the present invention provides a proofing method for printed matter, comprising:

[0005] A coating solution compatible with weak solvent water-based inks is applied to the paper surface;

[0006] Printing is performed on the surface of paper coated with the coating liquid, wherein the printing is performed using the weak solvent water-based ink;

[0007] The printed paper is subjected to corona treatment;

[0008] A pre-coated film is applied to the surface of the corona-treated paper.

[0009] According to one aspect of the invention, the step of printing on the surface of paper coated with the coating liquid is performed by a mockup device.

[0010] According to one aspect of the invention, the step of corona treatment of the printed paper is carried out by a corona treatment device, wherein the paper moving speed is 20-30 mm / s and the corona output power of the corona treatment device is 0.4-0.6 KVA.

[0011] According to one aspect of the invention, the step of applying a pre-coated film to the corona-treated paper surface includes:

[0012] Record the coating temperature, coating pressure, and coating speed.

[0013] According to one aspect of the present invention, the prototyping method further includes:

[0014] Measure the dyne value of the paper;

[0015] The step of applying a pre-coated film to the surface of the corona-treated paper is performed after the dyne value of the paper reaches a preset threshold.

[0016] According to one aspect of the invention, the preset threshold is 40 dyn / cm.

[0017] According to one aspect of the present invention, the prototyping method further includes:

[0018] The paper that has been pre-coated is then die-cut.

[0019] According to one aspect of the present invention, the prototyping method further includes:

[0020] Repeatedly fold the pre-coated paper and check it for bubbles, curling edges, and / or color bleeding.

[0021] The present invention also provides a prototyping system, comprising:

[0022] Coating equipment, configured to coat the paper surface with a coating liquid compatible with weak solvent water-based ink;

[0023] A printing device configured to print on the surface of paper coated with the coating liquid, wherein the printing device uses the weak solvent water-based ink for printing;

[0024] A corona treatment device configured to corona treat printed paper; and

[0025] A laminating device configured to apply a pre-coated film to the surface of corona-treated paper.

[0026] According to one aspect of the invention, the printing device is a mockup device.

[0027] Compared with existing technologies, embodiments of the present invention provide a proofing method and system for printed materials. By coating the paper surface with a coating liquid compatible with weak solvent water-based inks, the printing fastness of weak solvent water-based inks can be improved. Printing using a mockup physical proofing device can increase proofing speed, reduce proofing time and cost, and improve customer satisfaction. By performing corona treatment on the paper, the paper can meet the requirements of different types of pre-coated films, thereby enabling the paper to adhere firmly to the pre-coated film and avoiding problems such as bubbles, curling edges, film peeling, and color bursting. There is no need to modify existing laminating machines to increase lamination fastness. The pre-coated film can be laminated using a small laminating machine, solving the problem of sharing a machine for proofing and mass production, which affects production capacity. Furthermore, the lamination efficiency of the pre-coated film is high and the cost is low. Attached Figure Description

[0028] The accompanying drawings are provided to further illustrate the invention and form part of the specification. They are used in conjunction with embodiments of the invention to explain the invention and do not constitute a limitation thereof. In the drawings:

[0029] Figure 1 A flowchart of a proofing method for printed matter according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown;

[0030] Figure 2 A schematic diagram of a prototyping system according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0031] In the diagram: 100, Prototyping method; 200, Prototyping system; 210, Coating equipment; 220, Printing equipment; 230, Corona treatment equipment; 240, Laminating equipment; 250, Die-cutting equipment. Detailed Implementation

[0032] In the following description, only certain exemplary embodiments are briefly described. As those skilled in the art will recognize, the described embodiments can be modified in various ways without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention. Therefore, the drawings and description are considered to be exemplary in nature and not restrictive.

[0033] In the description of this invention, it should be understood that the terms "center," "longitudinal," "lateral," "length," "width," "thickness," "upper," "lower," "front," "rear," "left," "right," "vertical," "horizontal," "top," "bottom," "inner," "outer," "clockwise," and "counterclockwise," etc., indicating orientations or positional relationships, are based on the orientations or positional relationships shown in the accompanying drawings and are only for the convenience of describing the invention and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation of the invention. Furthermore, the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of indicated technical features. Thus, a feature defined with "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of the stated features. In the description of this invention, "a plurality of" means two or more, unless otherwise explicitly specified.

[0034] In the description of this invention, it should be noted that, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," and "linking" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; they can refer to a mechanical connection, an electrical connection, or a connection that allows for communication; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; they can refer to the internal communication of two components or the interaction between two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this invention according to the specific circumstances.

[0035] In this invention, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, "above" or "below" the second feature can include direct contact between the first and second features, or contact between the first and second features through another feature between them. Furthermore, "above," "over," and "on top" the second feature includes the first feature directly above or diagonally above the second feature, or simply indicates that the first feature is at a higher horizontal level than the second feature. "Below," "below," and "under" the second feature includes the first feature directly above or diagonally above the second feature, or simply indicates that the first feature is at a lower horizontal level than the second feature.

[0036] The following disclosure provides many different embodiments or examples for implementing various structures of the invention. To simplify the disclosure, specific examples of components and arrangements are described below. These are merely examples and are not intended to limit the invention. Furthermore, reference numerals and / or letters may be repeated in different examples; such repetition is for simplification and clarity and does not in itself indicate a relationship between the various embodiments and / or arrangements discussed. In addition, examples of various specific processes and materials are provided in this invention, but those skilled in the art will recognize the application of other processes and / or the use of other materials.

[0037] The preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. It should be understood that the preferred embodiments described herein are for illustration and explanation only and are not intended to limit the present invention.

[0038] Figure 1 A flowchart illustrating a proofing method for printed matter according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown, as follows: Figure 1 As shown, the sampling method 100 includes the following steps, which are described in detail below.

[0039] In step S110: A coating liquid compatible with a weak solvent water-based ink is applied to the surface of the paper.

[0040] The paper can be printing paper (a general term for paper used in various printed materials), such as letterpress printing paper, offset printing paper, high-gloss cardstock, newsprint, writing paper, etc., and this invention is not limited thereto. In a specific embodiment, a coating device (e.g., a coating machine) can be used to coat the coating liquid onto the surface of the paper. The coating thickness of the coating liquid can be 0.3-0.6 mm. Specifically, Table 1 shows the coating parameters of one embodiment of the invention. As shown in Table 1, when using a coating device to perform the coating operation on the surface of the paper, the coating liquid can be applied to the surface of the paper in three stages (in other embodiments, the coating liquid can also be applied to the surface of the paper in two or more stages, the specific number of times depending on the coating thickness). After each coating is completed, the paper can be dried using an oven. The thickness of the coating liquid can be gradually increased with each coating, for example, 0.07 mm for the first coating, 0.15 mm for the second coating, and 0.3 mm for the third coating. The drying temperature and drying time (number of ovens) used after each coating are different. After the first coating, four ovens can be used for drying at a lower temperature, and the drying temperature is gradually increased to avoid excessive temperature changes in the paper, which may cause the paper to curl or turn yellow. After the second coating, a higher temperature can be used for drying. After the third coating, more ovens can be used for drying at a lower temperature to ensure that the paper is fully dried and to avoid the paper exiting temperature being too high.

[0041]

[0042]

[0043] Table 1

[0044] The coating solution can quickly absorb water-based inks with mild solvents, improving their print fastness and quality, resulting in clearer images and text. Water-based inks with mild solvents are a new type of ink developed from water-based and solvent-based inks, possessing significant safety and pollution-free characteristics. The coating solution can be made by mixing polyacrylate emulsion, water, and additives (such as wetting agents and defoamers). Polyacrylate emulsions have strong adhesion, smooth surface coating, strong gloss retention and film-forming ability, and produce a bright and full coating. Polyacrylate emulsions play an important role in the ink absorption performance and other application properties of water-based inks with mild solvents.

[0045] In step S120: Printing is performed on the surface of paper coated with a coating liquid, wherein a weak solvent water-based ink is used for printing.

[0046] In a specific implementation, a mockup physical proofing device (such as EPSON S80680) can be used to print on the surface of paper coated with a coating liquid. Mockup physical proofing devices have high printing efficiency, produce clear printed images and text, and can achieve rapid proofing.

[0047] In step S130: The printed paper is subjected to corona treatment.

[0048] In a specific implementation, a corona treatment device can be used to corona treat the printed paper, especially the side of the paper coated with the coating liquid (i.e., the side with printed graphics). During the corona treatment, the paper's moving speed can be 20-30 mm / s, and the corona output power of the corona treatment device can be 2 kW to ensure a good corona effect. The corona treatment device uses a discharge processing device to apply a high-voltage, high-frequency current to horizontally placed discharge electrodes, generating fine, dense blue-violet sparks between the electrodes, ionizing the air. These plasma particles generated by air ionization are accelerated and impact the polymer surface in the treated paper under the action of a strong electric field. The energy of the plasma particles can induce the breaking of chemical bonds and the degradation of molecules on the polymer surface, forming carbonyl and nitrogen-containing polar groups on the surface molecular chains. This significantly increases the surface tension of the paper, and the paper surface is roughened due to the strong ion impact, resulting in a significant improvement in paper adhesion, which is beneficial for the bonding of the paper with the pre-coated film.

[0049] After corona treatment of the paper, the dyne value of the paper can be measured. If the dyne value of the paper reaches a preset threshold, step S140 is executed; if the dyne value of the paper does not reach the preset threshold, the paper can be corona treated again. The preset threshold can be 30-50 dyn / cm, preferably 40 dyn / cm. The dyne value is a common term for dynes per centimeter, which describes the magnitude of the surface tension coefficient.

[0050] In step S140: a pre-coated film is applied to the surface of the corona-treated paper.

[0051] Pre-coated film refers to a type of adhesive film formed by pre-coating a plastic film with adhesive and then rewinding it. In specific embodiments, laminating equipment (such as a laminator) can be used to apply the pre-coated film to the surface of the paper. Because the paper has undergone corona treatment, its surface adhesion and surface tension (dyne value) are strong, so the pre-coated film can adhere firmly to the paper, and problems such as bubbles, curling edges, film peeling, and color bursting are less likely to occur. Compared with the method of applying the film directly to the paper surface, the lamination speed is faster, does not cause glue waste, and is less likely to have an adverse effect on the graphics and text on the paper. By applying a pre-coated film to the paper surface, the paper surface can be made smoother, shinier, more resistant to stains, water, and abrasion, extending the service life of the paper. It can also protect the graphics and text on the paper, making them more vibrant and eye-catching, and can largely compensate for quality defects in printed products. Many surface defects on the paper can be covered after lamination, especially after applying a matte film.

[0052] During the lamination process, it is crucial to strictly control the lamination temperature, pressure, and speed. Among these, lamination temperature is the primary factor affecting the quality of pre-coated film lamination. This is because the adhesive on the pre-coated film is mostly hot melt adhesive, and the lamination temperature determines the melting state of the hot melt adhesive, its penetration ability into the film and paper, and its resistance to scattering. Since the paper surface may be uneven, only under appropriate lamination pressure can the molten hot melt adhesive completely cover the paper surface, resulting in a brighter laminated product and a better lamination effect. The lamination speed determines the melting time of the adhesive (hot melt adhesive) on the pre-coated film on the heated roller and the contact time between the film and paper. If the lamination speed is fast, the adhesive on the film is heated for a short time on the heated roller, resulting in a short pressing time between the film and paper and poor adhesion. Conversely, if the lamination speed is slow, the adhesive on the film is heated for a longer time, resulting in a longer pressing time between the film and paper and better adhesion, but lower production efficiency. Therefore, during the lamination process, the lamination temperature, lamination pressure, and lamination speed can be recorded for subsequent inspection and adjustment.

[0053] In step S150: The paper that has been pre-coated is die-cut.

[0054] In a specific embodiment, the paper can be die-cut using a die-cutting device (e.g., a die-cutting machine) to obtain the desired size and pattern. In other embodiments, a paper cutter can also be used to cut the paper, which is also within the scope of protection of this invention.

[0055] In step S160: Repeatedly fold the paper that has been coated with the pre-coated film and check the paper for bubbles, curling edges and / or color bleeding.

[0056] In a specific implementation, the paper can be repeatedly folded along the crease lines. The number of folds can be two, three, or more, depending on the actual situation. After repeatedly folding the paper, if bubbling, curling edges, and / or color bleeding are found, a new sample can be made, and the lamination temperature, lamination pressure, and lamination speed of the pre-coated film can be adjusted. The relevant parameters of the corona treatment can also be adjusted accordingly to improve the dyne value of the paper surface.

[0057] Figure 2 A schematic diagram of a prototyping system 200 according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown below, in conjunction with... Figure 2 Provide a detailed description.

[0058] like Figure 2 As shown, the proofing system 200 includes a coating device 210, a printing device 220, a corona treatment device 230, and a laminating device 240. The coating device 210 is configured to coat the paper surface with a coating liquid compatible with water-based, low-solvent inks. The coating liquid can quickly absorb the water-based inks, improving their print fastness and print quality, resulting in clearer printed images. The printing device 220 is configured to print using water-based, low-solvent inks on the paper surface coated with the coating liquid. The corona treatment device 230 is configured to perform corona treatment on the printed paper. During the corona treatment, the paper's movement speed can be 20-30 mm / s, and the corona output power of the device can be 0.4-0.6 KVA to ensure a good corona effect. The laminating device 240 is configured to apply a pre-coated film to the corona-treated paper surface. During the laminating process, the laminating temperature, laminating pressure, and laminating speed can be recorded for subsequent inspection.

[0059] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the coating thickness of the coating liquid is 0.3-0.6 mm. Weak solvent water-based ink is a new type of ink developed based on water-based ink and solvent-based ink, possessing significant safety and pollution-free characteristics. The coating liquid can be prepared by mixing and stirring polyacrylate emulsion, water, and additives (such as wetting agents and defoamers). Polyacrylate emulsion has strong adhesion, a smooth surface coating, strong gloss retention and film-forming ability, and a bright and full coating film. Polyacrylate emulsion plays an important role in the ink absorption performance and other application properties of weak solvent ink.

[0060] According to one embodiment of the present invention, such as Figure 2 As shown, the printing device 220 can be a mockup physical proofing device (e.g., EPSON S80680).

[0061] According to one embodiment of the present invention, such as Figure 2As shown, the proofing system 200 also includes a die-cutting device 250, which can be a die-cutting machine, a paper cutter, etc. The die-cutting device 250 is configured to die-cut the paper to the required size and style. After cutting the paper, it can be repeatedly folded (preferably, repeatedly folded along the creases on the paper). The number of folds can be 2, 3, or more, depending on the actual situation. After repeatedly folding the paper, the folds can be checked for bubbling, curling, and / or color bleeding. If bubbling, curling, and / or color bleeding are found, the proofing can be redone, and the lamination temperature, lamination pressure, and lamination speed of the pre-coated film can be adjusted. The relevant parameters of the corona treatment can also be adjusted accordingly to improve the dyne value of the paper surface. If no bubbling, curling, or color bleeding is found, the paper can be delivered.

[0062] Compared with existing technologies, embodiments of the present invention provide a proofing method and system for printed materials. By coating the paper surface with a coating liquid compatible with weak solvent water-based inks, the printing fastness of weak solvent water-based inks can be improved. Printing using a mockup physical proofing device can increase proofing speed, reduce proofing time and cost, and improve customer satisfaction. By performing corona treatment on the paper, the paper can meet the requirements of different types of pre-coated films, thereby enabling the paper to adhere firmly to the pre-coated film and avoiding problems such as bubbles, curling edges, film peeling, and color bursting. There is no need to modify existing laminating machines to increase lamination fastness. The pre-coated film can be laminated using a small laminating machine, solving the problem of sharing a machine for proofing and mass production, which affects production capacity. Furthermore, the lamination efficiency of the pre-coated film is high and the cost is low.

[0063] Finally, it should be noted that the above descriptions are merely preferred embodiments of the present invention and are not intended to limit the present invention. Although the present invention has been described in detail with reference to the foregoing embodiments, those skilled in the art can still modify the technical solutions described in the foregoing embodiments or make equivalent modifications to some of the technical features. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of the present invention should be included within the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A method for proofing printed matter, comprising: A coating solution compatible with weak solvent water-based inks is applied to the paper surface; Printing is performed on the surface of paper coated with the coating liquid, wherein the printing is performed using the weak solvent water-based ink; The printed paper is subjected to corona treatment; A pre-coated film is applied to the surface of the corona-treated paper.

2. The sampling method according to claim 1, wherein, The step of printing on the surface of paper coated with the coating liquid is performed using a mockup physical proofing device.

3. The sampling method according to claim 1, wherein, The step of corona treatment on the printed paper is carried out by a corona treatment device, wherein the paper moving speed is 20-30 mm / s and the corona output power of the corona treatment device is 0.4-0.6 KVA.

4. The proofing method according to claim 1, wherein the step of applying a pre-coated film to the surface of the corona-treated paper comprises: Record the coating temperature, coating pressure, and coating speed.

5. The sampling method according to claim 1, further comprising: Measure the dyne value of the paper; The step of applying a pre-coated film to the surface of the corona-treated paper is performed after the dyne value of the paper reaches a preset threshold.

6. The sampling method according to claim 5, wherein, The preset threshold is 40 dyn / cm.

7. The sampling method according to claim 1 further includes: The paper that has been pre-coated is then die-cut.

8. The sampling method according to any one of claims 1-7, further comprising: Repeatedly fold the pre-coated paper and check it for bubbles, curling edges, and / or color bleeding.

9. A prototyping system, comprising: Coating equipment, configured to coat the paper surface with a coating liquid compatible with weak solvent water-based ink; A printing device configured to print on the surface of paper coated with the coating liquid, wherein the printing device uses the weak solvent water-based ink for printing; A corona treatment device configured to corona treat printed paper; and A laminating device configured to apply a pre-coated film to the surface of corona-treated paper.

10. The prototyping system according to claim 9, wherein, The printing equipment is a mockup physical proofing device.

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