Hybrid photon curing device for a printing apparatus

Abstract

The utility model discloses a kind of hybrid photon curing device of printing equipment, including printing unit, the rear of printing unit is equipped with the preheating unit for preheating substrate, the rear of preheating unit is equipped with the light solid lamp box for irradiating hybrid photon material to make hybrid photon material occur ion reaction to form ion crystallization, air extraction device between light solid lamp box and preheating unit is equipped with the hot air in light solid lamp box is input preheating unit to preheat substrate, by hybrid photon technology, ion crystallization is formed on substrate surface, make ink adhesion improve, while eliminate free radical system's deinking phenomenon while edition fog incidence rate reduces. By air extraction device construction closed loop thermal management system, the waste heat generated by light solid lamp box is directed back to preheating unit, can improve the surface activity of hybrid photon material, improve crystallization efficiency and ensure ion crystallization process uniformity;Produced waste gas can be completely dissolved in water, reduce waste gas treatment cost.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of printing technology, and in particular to a hybrid photonic curing device for printing equipment. Background Technology

[0002] In traditional printing processes, UV-curable ink systems primarily employ free radical curing or cationic curing technologies, but these technologies face numerous technical bottlenecks in practical applications. Specifically: 1. While free radical curing systems achieve faster curing speeds, their adhesion to non-polar substrates is poor, making it difficult to meet high-quality printing requirements; 2. Although cationic curing systems improve adhesion, they significantly exacerbate fogging during the curing process, particularly in high-precision halftone printing, easily leading to dart defects; 3. Existing engraving processes often employ shallow cell structures to control fogging, but this design easily causes plate clogging during prolonged printing, especially in transition areas where ink transfer rates decrease; 4. Conventional preheating and curing equipment suffers from inefficient thermal management, resulting in energy waste and affecting process stability.

[0003] Therefore, there is an urgent need to develop a new curing process that can synergistically solve the three major technical problems of adhesion, plate fogging, and plate clogging, in order to meet the stringent requirements of modern precision printing for high quality, high efficiency, and low energy consumption.

[0004] This utility model is based on the above-mentioned circumstances. Utility Model Content

[0005] This invention overcomes the shortcomings of the prior art and provides a hybrid photonic curing device for printing equipment that can synergistically solve three major technical problems: adhesion, plate fogging, and plate clogging, while also possessing the characteristics of efficient thermal cycling.

[0006] This utility model is achieved through the following technical solution:

[0007] A hybrid photonic curing apparatus for a printing device includes a printing unit for printing hybrid photonic materials onto a substrate. In the transmission direction of the substrate, a preheating unit for preheating the substrate is located behind the printing unit. Behind the preheating unit is a light-curing lamp box for irradiating the hybrid photonic materials, causing them to undergo an ion reaction and form ion crystals. An exhaust device is provided between the light-curing lamp box and the preheating unit to input hot air from the light-curing lamp box into the preheating unit to preheat the substrate.

[0008] In the hybrid photonic curing device of the printing equipment described above, both the preheating unit and the photocuring lamp box are equipped with conveying guide rollers for conveying the substrate.

[0009] As described above, a hybrid photonic curing device for printing equipment includes a preheating unit comprising a transition box and a hot air box. The transition box has a first inlet for substrate to enter on one side and a first outlet for connecting to the input end of the photonic curing lamp box on the other side. The hot air box has a first air distribution chamber connected to the output end of the exhaust device. The hot air box also has a first air duct that can input the hot air in the first air distribution chamber into the transition box.

[0010] As described above, in a hybrid photonic curing device for printing equipment, the hot air box is further provided with a second air distribution chamber, the hot air box is provided with a second air duct that connects the second air distribution chamber to the inner cavity of the transition box, and the hot air box is also provided with a first air duct that connects the second air distribution chamber to a waste gas treatment device or an exhaust device.

[0011] As described above, in a hybrid photonic curing device for printing equipment, the first air duct output end is a plurality of mesh holes that enable hot air to act more evenly on the substrate.

[0012] As described above, a hybrid photonic curing device for printing equipment includes a curing light box comprising a housing, with a UV lamp above the housing capable of irradiating the substrate inside the housing.

[0013] In the hybrid photonic curing device of the printing equipment described above, the distance H between the substrate and the UV lamp inside the chamber is 50-500mm.

[0014] The hybrid photonic curing device of the printing equipment described above has a hybrid photonic material with a viscosity of 20 cP-31 cP when tested using a Zahn cup numbered 3#, a particle size of less than 1 μm, and a peak value of 500 nanometers.

[0015] The hybrid photonic curing apparatus of a printing device as described above, wherein the hybrid photonic material includes white ink.

[0016] As described above, in a hybrid photonic curing device for printing equipment, the UV lamp has multiple LED beads arranged in a matrix.

[0017] Compared with the prior art, the present invention has the following advantages:

[0018] This invention utilizes a hybrid photonic process to form ion crystals on the surface of non-polar substrates such as BOPP, thereby improving ink adhesion and eliminating ink stripping caused by free radicals. The ionic reaction generated during the photocuring process effectively suppresses ink splatter, reducing the incidence of ink fogging. The printing plate employs a resolution technology, allowing the ink in the shallow halftone areas to dissolve rapidly and preventing plate clogging.

[0019] A closed-loop thermal management system is constructed by using an exhaust device to directionally return the waste heat generated by the light curing box to the preheating unit, thereby reducing preheating energy consumption. At the same time, substrate preheating can improve the surface activity of hybrid photonic materials, improve crystallization efficiency, ensure uniformity of the ion crystallization process, and reduce product color difference.

[0020] By replacing the traditional photoinitiator system with an ionic reaction, VOC emissions are eliminated, meeting the GB38507-2020 environmental standard for inks. The generated waste gas is entirely water-soluble, reducing waste gas treatment costs. Attached Figure Description

[0021] The specific embodiments of this utility model will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein:

[0022] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of this utility model. Figure 1 ;

[0023] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of this utility model. Figure 2 ;

[0024] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of this utility model. Figure 3 ;

[0025] Figure 4 This is a cross-sectional schematic diagram of the preheating unit in this utility model;

[0026] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the preheating unit in this utility model;

[0027] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram showing the distribution of LED beads on the UV lamp in this utility model. Detailed Implementation

[0028] The present invention will be further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings:

[0029] like Figures 1 to 6 The hybrid photonic curing apparatus of the printing equipment shown includes a printing unit 1 for printing hybrid photonic materials onto a substrate. In the substrate transport direction, a preheating unit 2 is located behind the printing unit 1 for preheating the substrate. Behind the preheating unit 2 is a curing lamp box 3 for irradiating the hybrid photonic material, causing it to undergo an ion reaction and form ion crystals. An exhaust device 4 is provided between the curing lamp box 3 and the preheating unit 2 to input hot air from the curing lamp box 3 into the preheating unit 2 to preheat the substrate. Both the preheating unit 2 and the curing lamp box 3 are equipped with conveyor rollers 5 for conveying the substrate. After passing through the curing lamp box 3, the substrate is conveyed to the next process, such as a cooling device.

[0030] This invention utilizes a hybrid photonic process to form ion crystals on the surface of non-polar substrates such as BOPP, improving ink adhesion and eliminating ink stripping caused by free radicals. The ion reaction generated during the photocuring process effectively suppresses ink splatter, reducing the incidence of ink fogging. The printing plate employs a resolution technology, allowing for rapid dissolution of ink in shallow areas and reducing clogging. A closed-loop thermal management system, constructed through an exhaust device 4, directionally returns the waste heat generated by the photocuring lamp box 3 to the preheating unit 2, thereby reducing preheating energy consumption. Simultaneously, substrate preheating enhances the surface activity of the hybrid photonic material, improving crystallization efficiency and ensuring uniformity in the ion crystallization process, reducing product color difference. By replacing the traditional photoinitiator system with an ion reaction, VOC emissions are eliminated, complying with the GB38507-2020 ink environmental standard. All generated waste gas is water-soluble, reducing waste gas treatment costs.

[0031] Hybrid photonics technology principle: Hybrid photonic materials undergo ionic reactions under specific wavelengths of light to form ionic crystals. In some embodiments, the hybrid photonic material described in this invention can be a commercially available white ink containing titanium dioxide. The UV lamp 32 used in this invention has a wavelength of 300-420nm. Of course, the hybrid photonic material in this invention can also be other colored inks containing hybrid photonics, and the UV lamp 32 is a UV lamp within the wavelength range that can cause ionic reactions in the corresponding colored ink.

[0032] When tested with Zahn cup #3, the hybrid photonic material in this case exhibited a viscosity of 20-31 cP, thus reducing plate clogging and fogging. The hybrid photonic material has a particle size of less than 1 μm and a peak wavelength of 500 nm. This narrow distribution design, with a particle size of less than 1 μm and a peak wavelength of 500 nm, improves the absorption efficiency of the hybrid photonic material in the UVA band (320-390 nm) to 85%-90%, achieving a curing energy efficiency ratio of 4.2-4.6 J / cm². 2 Energy consumption is reduced by 30%-35%; the fluidity is consistent with traditional solvent-based inks.

[0033] In one embodiment, the printing unit 1 is a commercially available gravure printing device.

[0034] In one embodiment, the preheating unit 2 includes a transition box 21 and a hot air box 22. The transition box 21 has a first inlet 211 on one side for the substrate to enter, and a first outlet 212 on the other side that connects to the input end of the light-curing box 3. The hot air box 22 has a first air distribution chamber 221 connected to the output end of the exhaust device 4. The hot air box 22 also has a first air duct 222 for inputting hot air from the first air distribution chamber 221 into the transition box 21. The hot air box 22 also has a second air distribution chamber 223, and a second air duct 224 connecting the second air distribution chamber 223 to the inner cavity of the transition box 21. The hot air box 22 also has a first duct 225 connecting the second air distribution chamber 223 to a waste gas treatment device or the exhaust device 4. The output ends of the first air duct 222 and the second air duct 224 are multiple mesh holes 226 that allow the hot air to act more evenly on the substrate.

[0035] The 226 mesh reduces hot air turbulence, resulting in more uniform heating of the substrate surface. The diffusion angle of the 226 mesh can be set to 15°-30°, thereby creating a laminar flow coverage effect, eliminating the large temperature difference at the substrate edge caused by traditional air knife-type air outlets, and preventing the BOPP film from shrinking and deforming due to heat.

[0036] Furthermore, the exhaust device 4 also includes a second duct 227 for discharging the light curing box 3 to the waste gas recovery device, which can be a water curtain spray tower or other devices.

[0037] Furthermore, the first duct 225 and the second duct 227 are equipped with control valves 228 that control the on / off state of the two ducts respectively. The exhaust device 4 also includes an exhaust fan that can improve the exhaust efficiency.

[0038] In one embodiment, the light-curing light box 3 includes a box body 31, and a UV lamp 32 is disposed above the box body 31 to irradiate the substrate inside the box body 31. The distance H between the substrate inside the box body 31 and the UV lamp 32 is 50-500 mm. By limiting the distance between the substrate and the UV lamp 32, a dynamic balance between the ion reaction rate and crystal growth rate of the hybrid photonic material is achieved, improving the energy utilization rate of the UV lamp 32 and reducing energy consumption per unit area.

[0039] Furthermore, the UV lamp 32 has multiple LED beads 321 arranged in a matrix, thereby improving the uniformity of illumination, enhancing the curing effect, and improving the printing quality of the product pattern.

Claims

1. A hybrid photonic curing device for printing equipment, characterized in that: The system includes a printing unit (1) for printing hybrid photonic materials onto a substrate. In the transmission direction of the substrate, a preheating unit (2) for preheating the substrate is provided behind the printing unit (1). A light-curing lamp box (3) for irradiating the hybrid photonic materials to induce ion reactions and form ion crystals is provided behind the preheating unit (2). An exhaust device (4) is provided between the light-curing lamp box (3) and the preheating unit (2) to input hot air from the light-curing lamp box (3) into the preheating unit (2) to preheat the substrate.

2. The hybrid photonic curing apparatus for printing equipment according to claim 1, characterized in that: Both the preheating unit (2) and the light curing box (3) are equipped with conveying guide rollers (5) for conveying substrates.

3. The hybrid photonic curing apparatus for printing equipment according to claim 2, characterized in that: The preheating unit (2) includes a transition box (21) and a hot air box (22). One side of the transition box (21) is provided with a first inlet (211) for the substrate to enter. The other side of the transition box (21) is provided with a first outlet (212) that is connected to the input end of the light curing box (3). The hot air box (22) is provided with a first air distribution chamber (221) that is connected to the output end of the exhaust device (4). The hot air box (22) is also provided with a first air duct (222) that can input the hot air in the first air distribution chamber (221) into the transition box (21).

4. The hybrid photonic curing apparatus for printing equipment according to claim 3, characterized in that: The hot air box (22) is also provided with a second air distribution chamber (223), and the hot air box (22) is provided with a second air duct (224) that can connect the second air distribution chamber (223) with the inner cavity of the transition box (21). The hot air box (22) is also provided with a first air duct (225) that connects the second air distribution chamber (223) with the waste gas treatment equipment or exhaust device (4).

5. The hybrid photonic curing apparatus for printing equipment according to claim 3, characterized in that: The first air duct (222) has multiple mesh holes (226) at its output end, which enable hot air to act more evenly on the substrate.

6. A hybrid photonic curing apparatus for printing equipment according to any one of claims 1-5, characterized in that: The light curing box (3) includes a box body (31), and a UV lamp (32) that can irradiate the substrate inside the box body (31) is provided above the box body (31).

7. The hybrid photonic curing apparatus for printing equipment according to claim 6, characterized in that: The distance H between the substrate inside the housing (31) and the UV lamp (32) is 50-500mm.

8. The hybrid photonic curing apparatus for printing equipment according to claim 6, characterized in that: When the hybrid photonic material was tested using a Zahn cup (number 3), the viscosity was 20 cP-31 cP, the particle size was less than 1 μm, and the peak value reached 500 nm.

9. The hybrid photonic curing apparatus for printing equipment according to claim 8, characterized in that: The hybrid photonic material includes white ink.

10. The hybrid photonic curing apparatus for printing equipment according to claim 7, characterized in that: The UV lamp (32) has multiple LED beads (321) arranged in a matrix.

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