Printing system

Abstract

To carry out printing so that post-processing control information that is unnecessary for a customer is deleted, and so that only necessary information remains, according to a simple device configuration.SOLUTION: A printing system includes: first printing means 15a for printing with a ratio of weights of pre-processing liquid and ink at which washing fastness is enhanced; second printing means 15b for printing with a ratio of weights of pre-processing liquid and ink at which washing fastness is lower than the washing fastness of the first printing means 15a; and controlling means 25 which causes a printer 1 to print based on image information using the first printing means 15a, and causes the printer 1 to print control information of a post-processing device as post-processing control information by using the second printing means 15b, and which further, causes a reading unit 22 to read the printed post-processing control information in order to control a drying device 2 according to the read post-processing control information.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a printing system with a simple device configuration that erases unnecessary control information and prints while leaving only necessary information. [Background technology]

[0002] Generally, garment printers that can print on T-shirts and other items are well known.

[0003] When printing on a T-shirt with this garment printer, for example, there is not only the printing process, but also pre- and post-processing. In particular, the post-processing requires drying the shirt after printing, and the drying temperature and time must be changed depending on the material of the T-shirt and other conditions.

[0004] Patent Document 1 discloses technology related to an on-demand printing service that uses a garment printer to print on print objects such as T-shirts, hoodies, and sweatshirts, and performs printing based on target information that includes information about the color of the print object.

[0005] Patent document 2 discloses a technology relating to a system that reads identification information from a contactless electronic tag that has identification information set thereon to identify a predetermined print image, identifies the predetermined print image based on the identification information, and causes a printer to print the identified predetermined print image. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0006] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 7335625 [Patent Document 2] Patent No. 6823325 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0007] However, with the technologies described in Patent Documents 1 and 2, information must be written onto RFID tags or paper forms each time printing is completed, which raises the risk of RFID tags or paper forms being lost. Furthermore, using RFID tags or other similar technologies requires a large-scale system.

[0008] In particular, in the case of on-demand printing where the medium for each shirt is different, if the drying time for each shirt is different, management becomes extremely complicated.

[0009] Therefore, if a production control code (number, QR code (registered trademark), etc.) is printed on each shirt and the optimal drying conditions for the next process can be specified by reading this code, a large-scale system would not be required and the workload of workers would be reduced.

[0010] On the other hand, the production control code is an image that customers do not need, and it is not desirable for the image to remain on the T-shirt semi-permanently.

[0011] The present invention has been made in consideration of such problems, and aims to provide a printing system with a simple device configuration that erases unnecessary control information such as production management codes and prints in a manner that leaves only the necessary information. [Means for solving the problem]

[0012] In order to achieve the above object, the printing system according to the present invention is characterized by: A printing system including: a printing device that prints image information and post-processing control information using a pre-treatment liquid and ink; and a post-processing device that reads the post-processing control information with a reading unit and performs post-processing based on the read post-processing control information, a first printing means for printing the pretreatment liquid and the ink in a weight ratio that enhances washing fastness; a second printing means for printing the pretreatment liquid and the ink at a weight ratio such that the washing fastness is lower than the washing fastness of the first printing means; a control means for causing the printing device to print based on the image information using the first printing means and for causing the printing device to print control information for the post-processing device using the second printing means as the post-processing control information, causing the reading unit to read the printed post-processing control information, and controlling the post-processing device based on the read post-processing control information; The purpose is to provide the following. [Effects of the Invention]

[0013] According to the features of the printing system of the present invention, it is possible to erase unnecessary control information and print so as to leave only necessary information with a simple device configuration. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0014] [Figure 1] 1 is a diagram illustrating the overall configuration of a printing system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] 1 is a schematic configuration diagram of a printing device and a drying device included in a printing system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3] 1 is a schematic configuration diagram of a printing unit of a printing device included in a printing system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of settings of post-processing control information in the printing system according to the present embodiment. [Figure 5A] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the results of evaluation of fastness to washing in the printing systems of Examples 1 to 4 of the present invention. [Figure 5B] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the results of evaluation of fastness to washing in the printing systems of Examples 5 and 6 of the present invention and a comparative example. [Figure 6] 1 is a flowchart showing processing content in a printing system according to an embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0015] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. The same or equivalent parts and components are designated by the same or equivalent reference numerals throughout the drawings. However, it should be noted that the drawings are schematic and may differ from the actual product. Furthermore, the drawings may include parts with different dimensional relationships and ratios.

[0016] Furthermore, the embodiments shown below are merely examples of devices that embody the technical concept of the present invention, and the technical concept of the present invention does not limit the arrangement of each component to that shown below. Various modifications can be made to the technical concept of the present invention within the scope of the claims.

[0017] Fig. 1 is an overall configuration diagram of a printing system 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention, Fig. 2 is a schematic configuration diagram of a printing device and a drying device provided in the printing system 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention, and Fig. 3 is a schematic configuration diagram of a printing unit of the printing device shown in Fig. 2. In Fig. 3, the direction perpendicular to the paper surface is the up-down direction, and the front side of the paper surface is the upside. In Fig. 3, the front-rear and left-right directions are the front-rear and left-right directions.

[0018] As shown in FIG. 1, a printing system 100 according to this embodiment includes a printing device 1, drying devices 2A to 2C, and a packaging device 3.

[0019] The printing device 1 is a garment printer that uses an inkjet method to print on a cloth printing medium P such as a T-shirt based on an image (such as image information and post-processing control information, which will be described later) acquired from a computer via a network (not shown).

[0020] The drying devices 2A to 2C are examples of post-processing devices, such as hot air dryers, IR dryers, heat presses, and warm air dryers. The drying devices 2A to 2C read post-processing control information and perform drying processing based on the read post-processing control information. The post-processing control information includes a job ID and drying conditions (drying temperature, drying time, air volume, press pressure, etc.).

[0021] Here, the drying process requires changing the drying temperature and drying time depending on conditions such as the material of the print medium. However, because it takes time to change the drying temperature, the drying devices 2A-2C are each set to a different drying temperature. Because the drying devices 2A-2C are installed in parallel, the printing medium P can be transported to one of the drying devices 2A-2C that matches the drying temperature included in the post-processing control information without changing the drying temperature, and the drying process can be performed by the transported drying device. Note that the above is an example of installing multiple drying devices, but in cases where the installation space is small, it is also possible to install one heater drying device with a relatively fast temperature change and set the above drying conditions.

[0022] The packaging device 3 folds the print media P that have been dried in the drying devices 2A to 2C and packages them for each job ID, thereby producing print media P for each job ID.

[0023] As shown in FIG. 2, the printing device 1 according to this embodiment includes a printing unit 11, a transport unit 12, an operation panel 13, and a control unit 15.

[0024] The printing unit 11 performs printing by inkjet printing on the fabric printing medium P. The printing unit 11 includes a head unit 111 and a rail unit 112.

[0025] Examples of fabrics include natural fibers such as cotton, silk, wool, and linen; chemical fibers such as polyester, acrylic, polyurethane, nylon, rayon, cupra, and acetate; and blends of these fibers. The fabric may be woven, knitted, or nonwoven.

[0026] The head unit 111 performs printing by ejecting a pretreatment liquid, white ink, and color inks onto the fabric. The head unit 111 includes a pretreatment liquid ejection head 113, a white ink ejection head 114, a plurality of color ink ejection heads 115, and a head holder 116. Details of the pretreatment liquid, white ink, and color inks will be described later.

[0027] The pretreatment liquid ejection head 113 ejects the pretreatment liquid. The pretreatment liquid ejection head 113 has a plurality of nozzles (not shown) that open on its lower surface (ejection surface) and are arranged along the front-rear direction (sub-scanning direction), and ejects the pretreatment liquid from the nozzles. The pretreatment liquid will be described in detail later.

[0028] The white ink ejection head 114 ejects white ink. The white ink ejection head 114 has the same configuration as the pretreatment liquid ejection head 113, except for the liquid that it ejects. The white ink ejection head 114 is disposed behind the pretreatment liquid ejection head 113 in the front-rear direction (sub-scanning direction). Details of the white ink will be described later.

[0029] The color ink ejection heads 115 eject color inks. In this embodiment, four color ink ejection heads 115 are provided, each ejecting black, cyan, magenta, and yellow ink. The color ink ejection heads 115 have the same configuration as the pretreatment liquid ejection head 113, except that the liquids they eject are different. The four color ink ejection heads 115 are arranged behind the white ink ejection head 114 in the front-to-rear direction (sub-scanning direction). The four color ink ejection heads 115 are arranged side by side in the left-to-right direction (main scanning direction). Details of the color inks will be described later.

[0030] The head holder 116 holds the pretreatment liquid ejection head 113 , the white ink ejection head 114 , and the four color ink ejection heads 115 .

[0031] The rail portion 112 moves the head unit 111 back and forth in the left and right direction (main scanning direction).

[0032] The transport unit 12 has a support unit (not shown) that supports the fabric, and transports the fabric supported by the support unit below the head unit 111 in a transport direction (sub-scanning direction) from the front side to the rear side.

[0033] The operation panel 13 accepts input operations from the user and displays various screens, etc. The operation panel 13 includes a display unit 131 and an input unit 132. The display unit 131 displays various screens, etc. The display unit 131 includes a liquid crystal display panel, etc. The input unit 132 accepts input operations from the user and outputs operation signals corresponding to the operations. The input unit 132 includes various operation keys, a touch panel, etc.

[0034] The control unit 15 controls the overall operation of the printing device 1. The control unit 15 is configured with a CPU, RAM, ROM, a hard disk, etc. Based on image information and post-processing control information, the control unit 15 performs printing on a printing medium P, such as a T-shirt, by ejecting pretreatment liquid, white ink, and color inks onto the printing medium.

[0035] Control unit 15 has functions including first printing means 15a and second printing means 15b, and switches between and controls first printing means 15a and second printing means 15b depending on the image to be printed. Specifically, control unit 15 causes printing unit 11 to print based on image information using first printing means 15a, and causes printing unit 11 to print control information for drying device 2 as post-processing control information using second printing means 15b.

[0036] FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of settings of post-processing control information in printing system 100 according to the present embodiment.

[0037] As shown in FIG. 4, the content to be embedded in the post-processing control information changes depending on the printing environment, the material of the print medium P to be printed on (cotton or polyester), and the dryer type (heat press or warm air dryer).

[0038] For example, if the printing environment is between 20°C and 80°C and printing is performed on cotton using a heat press, the drying conditions are set as follows: drying temperature: 170°C, drying time: 90°C, and press pressure: 20 psi. Also, if the printing environment is between 20°C and 80°C and printing is performed on cotton using a hot air dryer, the drying conditions are set as follows: drying temperature: 170°C, drying time: 180°C, and air flow rate: 3 m / s.

[0039] The control unit 15 determines the setting contents (drying conditions) based on the printing environment, the material of the print medium P to be printed, and the dryer type, and embeds the setting contents (drying conditions) in the post-processing control information, based on the setting contents shown in Fig. 4. Specifically, the control unit 15 converts the setting contents (drying conditions) into an identification code such as a barcode (registered trademark).

[0040] The first printing means 15a causes the head unit 111 to print at a weight ratio between the pretreatment liquid and the ink that provides high wash fastness. Here, the white ink and the color ink are collectively referred to simply as ink.

[0041] The second printing means 15b causes the head unit 111 to print by setting the weight ratio of the pretreatment liquid and the ink so that the washing fastness is lower than that of the first printing means 15a.

[0042] Here, washing fastness is an index that indicates the resistance of dyed fabric to fading and color transfer, and here, the washing fastness measured by the first printing means 15a is defined as discoloration grade 3 or higher in JIS L 0844 A-2, and the washing fastness measured by the second printing means 15b is defined as discoloration grade 1 or lower in JIS L 0844 A-2.

[0043] More specifically, the weight ratio of the application amount of the pretreatment liquid to the ink (white ink and color ink) is 0.4 or less for the first printing means 15a and 0.55 or more for the second printing means 15b.

[0044] This makes it possible to obtain a print medium P on which image information G01 and post-processing control information G02 are printed. Because image information G01 is printed by first printing means 15a, it has high wash fastness and is resistant to color fading and color transfer even when washed. On the other hand, post-processing control information G02 is an image that customers do not need, and it is not desirable for the image to remain semi-permanently on print medium P. Therefore, because post-processing control information G02 is printed by second printing means 15b, it has low wash fastness and is more likely to come off when washed.

[0045] The drying devices 2A to 2C each include a drying section 21, an image reading section 22, and a control section 25.

[0046] The drying unit 21 is a dryer such as a hot air dryer, an IR dryer, a heat press, or a warm air dryer, and dries the print medium P printed by the printing device 1.

[0047] The image reading unit 22 reads the post-processing control information G02 printed on the print medium P.

[0048] The control unit 25 controls the overall operation of the drying device 2. The control unit 25 is configured with a CPU, RAM, ROM, a hard disk, etc. The control unit 25 causes the image reading unit 22 to read the post-processing control information printed on the print medium P, and controls the drying unit 21 based on the read post-processing control information.

[0049] The post-processing control information is printed by the second printing means 15b with low wash fastness, and therefore, after being read, the information will be erased as it is unsightly to customers because it will fade when washed.

[0050] Here, the drying devices 2A to 2C have been described as each including a drying unit 21, an image reading unit 22, and a control unit 25, but this is not limiting, and the drying devices 2A to 2C may each be provided with one image reading unit 22, which is electrically connected to the drying device 2A to 2C including the drying unit 21 and the control unit 25. In this case, the post-processing control information may be sent to the control unit 25 of one of the drying devices 2A to 2C that matches the drying conditions indicated by the post-processing control information read by the image reading unit 22.

[0051] Furthermore, although the drying devices 2A to 2C have been used as examples of post-processing devices here, the post-processing devices are not limited to drying devices and may be any post-processing device that requires control changes depending on the printing medium P printed by the printing device 1.

[0052] FIG. 5A is a diagram showing the evaluation results of washing fastness in the printing systems of Examples 1 to 4 of the present invention, and FIG. 5B is a diagram showing the evaluation results of washing fastness in the printing systems of Examples 5 and 6 of the present invention and a comparative example.

[0053] 5A and 5B show the washing fastness of the image information and post-processing control information when printed and dried under the printing conditions, the ejection amounts of ink and pre-processing liquid, the weight ratio of pre-processing liquid to ink based on these ejection amounts, the printing material of the printing medium P to be printed on, and the drying conditions indicated by the post-processing control information, for Examples 1 to 6, respectively.

[0054] As described above, in all of Examples 1 to 6, the weight ratio of the pre-treatment liquid to the ink (white ink and color ink) is 0.4 or less for the first printing means 15a that prints the image information, and 0.55 or more for the second printing means 15b that prints the post-processing control information. For example, in Example 1, the weight ratio is 0.1 for the first printing means 15a that prints the image information, and 0.6 for the second printing means 15b that prints the post-processing control information.

[0055] Regarding washing fastness, in all of Examples 1 to 6, the washing fastness achieved by first printing means 15a that prints image information is JIS L 0844 A-2 discoloration grade 3 or higher, and the washing fastness achieved by second printing means 15b that prints post-treatment control information is JIS L 0844 A-2 discoloration grade 1 or lower. For example, in Example 1, the washing fastness achieved by first printing means 15a that prints image information is grade 4, and the washing fastness achieved by second printing means 15b that prints post-treatment control information is grade 1.

[0056] This makes it possible to print image information that has high washing fastness and is unlikely to fade or transfer color even after washing, and post-treatment control information that has low washing fastness and is likely to fade after washing, without changing the hardware configuration.

[0057] On the other hand, in the comparative example, the washing fastness of the first printing unit 15a that prints the image information is Grade 2 in discoloration, and the washing fastness of the second printing unit 15b that prints the post-processing control information is also Grade 2 in discoloration. In other words, the washing fastness of the first printing unit 15a is Grade 3 or higher, and the washing fastness of the second printing unit 15b is Grade 1 or lower is not met. Therefore, in this comparative example, the image information may fade more easily than expected when washed, which may result in the design being lost. Furthermore, the post-processing control information may fade less easily than expected, which may result in unwanted images remaining for the customer.

[0058] FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing the processing contents in the printing system 100 according to the embodiment of the present invention.

[0059] As shown in FIG. 6, in step S101, the printing device 1 acquires image information and post-processing control information from a computer via a network.

[0060] In step S103, the printing device 1 ejects the pretreatment liquid onto the printing medium P. Specifically, the control unit 15 of the printing device 1 controls the first printing unit 15a to eject the pretreatment liquid from the pretreatment liquid ejection head 113 of the printing unit 11 based on the image information, at an ejection rate that improves the weight ratio of the pretreatment liquid to the ink. Also, the control unit 15 of the printing device 1 controls the second printing unit 15b to eject the pretreatment liquid from the pretreatment liquid ejection head 113 of the printing unit 11 based on the post-treatment control information, at an ejection rate that improves the weight ratio of the pretreatment liquid to the ink.

[0061] In step S105, the printing device 1 ejects ink (white ink and color inks) onto the printing medium P. Specifically, the control unit 15 of the printing device 1 causes the first printing means 15a to eject white ink from the white ink ejection head 114 of the printing unit 11 based on the image information at an ejection volume that provides a ratio between the weights of the pretreatment liquid and the ink that improves washing fastness, and also causes the first printing means 15a to eject color ink from the color ink ejection head 115 of the printing unit 11 based on the image information at an ejection volume that provides a ratio between the weights of the pretreatment liquid and the ink that improves washing fastness.

[0062] Furthermore, the control unit 15 of the printing device 1 causes the second printing means 15b to eject white ink from the white ink ejection head 114 of the printing unit 11 based on the post-processing control information at an ejection volume such that the ratio between the weights of the pre-treatment liquid and the ink reduces the washing fastness, and also causes the second printing means 15b to eject color ink from the color ink ejection head 115 of the printing unit 11 at an ejection volume such that the ratio between the weights of the pre-treatment liquid and the ink reduces the washing fastness.

[0063] In step S107, one of the drying devices 2A to 2C performs the drying process by having the image reading unit 22 read the post-processing control information printed on the print medium P and controlling the drying unit 21 based on the read post-processing control information.

[0064] As described above, according to the printing system 100 of the embodiment of the present invention, the printing device 1 causes the first printing means 15a to print on the head unit 111, based on image information, a ratio of the weights of the pretreatment liquid and the ink that results in high washing fastness, and causes the second printing means 15b to print on the head unit 111, based on post-treatment control information, a ratio of the weights of the pre-treatment liquid and the ink that results in lower washing fastness than the washing fastness of the first printing means 15a, and the drying device 2 causes the image reading unit 22 to read the post-treatment control information printed on the printing medium P and controls the drying unit 21 based on the read post-treatment control information.

[0065] This makes it possible to print image information that has high washing fastness and is resistant to color fading and color transfer even when washed, and post-processing control information that has low washing fastness and is prone to fading when washed, without changing the hardware configuration. Therefore, with a simple device configuration, it is possible to erase post-processing control information that is unnecessary for the customer, and print so that only the necessary information (image information) remains.

[0066] <About the pretreatment solution> Next, the pretreatment liquid will be described.

[0067] The pretreatment liquid is a liquid that aggregates the ink, and preferably contains an aggregating agent and water.

[0068] The flocculant may be a component that has the effect of flocculating the coloring material in the ink on the fabric, which is the printing medium. When ink is further applied to the fabric to which the pretreatment liquid has been applied, the coloring material in the ink will flocculate on the fabric, thereby increasing the image density and preventing image bleeding. Specific examples of the flocculant include metal salts, cationic polymers, organic acids, and the like, or combinations of these.

[0069] The content of the ink aggregating agent in the pretreatment liquid is adjusted appropriately depending on the type of ink aggregating agent, the composition of the ink to be applied to the fabric after the pretreatment liquid has been applied, and other factors, but may be, for example, 5% by mass or more, 10% by mass or more, or 15% by mass or more. It may also be 50% by mass or less, 45% by mass or less, or 40% by mass or less. The content of the ink aggregating agent in the pretreatment liquid may be, for example, in the range of 5 to 50% by mass.

[0070] The flocculant component is preferably a polyvalent metal salt, which makes it easy to adjust the washing fastness by the discharge amount and easily achieve the effects of the present invention.

[0071] Polyvalent metal salts are composed of divalent or higher polyvalent metal ions and anions. Examples of divalent or higher polyvalent metal ions include Ca2+, Mg2+, Cu2+, Ni2+, Zn2+, and Ba2+. Examples of anions include Cl-, NO3-, CH3COO-, I-, Br-, and ClO3-. Specific examples of polyvalent metal salts include calcium chloride, calcium nitrate, magnesium nitrate, copper nitrate, calcium acetate, and magnesium acetate.

[0072] As the cationic polymer, a cationic water-soluble resin can be preferably used. Examples of the cationic water-soluble resin include polyethyleneimine (PEI), polyvinylamine, polyallylamine and its salts, polyvinylpyridine, and cationic acrylamide copolymers. More specifically, for example, polydiallyldimethylammonium chloride can be used.

[0073] Examples of organic acids include formic acid, acetic acid, oxalic acid, malic acid, citric acid, and ascorbic acid.

[0074] The pretreatment liquid preferably contains water, but may contain a water-soluble organic solvent in addition to or instead of water.

[0075] The water is not particularly limited, but examples thereof include ion-exchanged water, distilled water, and ultrapure water.

[0076] The amount of water is preferably 30 to 90 mass %, more preferably 40 to 85 mass %, and even more preferably 50 to 80 mass %, based on the total amount of the pretreatment liquid.

[0077] As the water-soluble organic solvent, an organic compound that is liquid at room temperature (25°C) and dissolves in water can be used, and it is preferable to use a water-soluble organic solvent that is uniformly miscible with the same volume of water at 20°C under 1 atmosphere. For example, lower alcohols such as methanol, ethanol, 1-propanol, isopropanol, 1-butanol, 2-butanol, isobutanol, 1,3-propanediol, 1,3-butanediol, 1,2-butanediol, 1,2-pentanediol, 1,2-hexanediol, and 2-methyl-2-propanol; Glycols such as ethylene glycol, diethylene glycol, triethylene glycol, tetraethylene glycol, polyethylene glycol, propylene glycol, dipropylene glycol, tripropylene glycol, and polypropylene glycol; Glycerols such as glycerin, diglycerin, triglycerin, and polyglycerin; acetins such as monoacetin and diacetin; glycol ethers such as ethylene glycol monomethyl ether, ethylene glycol monoethyl ether, ethylene glycol monopropyl ether, ethylene glycol monobutyl ether, diethylene glycol monomethyl ether, diethylene glycol monoethyl ether, diethylene glycol monopropyl ether, diethylene glycol monobutyl ether, triethylene glycol monomethyl ether, triethylene glycol monoethyl ether, triethylene glycol monopropyl ether, triethylene glycol monobutyl ether, tetraethylene glycol monomethyl ether, tetraethylene glycol monoethyl ether, tetraethylene glycol dimethyl ether, and tetraethylene glycol diethyl ether; Examples of usable solvents include β-thiodiglycol and sulfolane. The boiling point of the water-soluble organic solvent is preferably 100°C or higher, and more preferably 150°C or higher.

[0078] These water-soluble organic solvents may be used alone or in combination of two or more. When two or more water-soluble organic solvents are contained, the total content of the water-soluble organic solvents is preferably 10 to 50 mass %, more preferably 15 to 40 mass %, and even more preferably 15 to 30 mass %, based on the total amount of the pretreatment liquid.

[0079] The pretreatment liquid may further contain a surfactant. The surfactant may be an anionic surfactant, a cationic surfactant, an amphoteric surfactant, or a nonionic surfactant, with a nonionic surfactant being more preferred. Furthermore, either a low-molecular-weight surfactant or a high-molecular-weight surfactant may be used.

[0080] The HLB value of the surfactant is preferably 5-20, and more preferably 10-18.

[0081] Examples of nonionic surfactants include ester surfactants such as glycerin fatty acid esters and fatty acid sorbitan esters; ether surfactants such as polyoxyethylene alkyl ethers, polyoxyethylene alkylphenyl ethers and polyoxypropylene alkyl ethers; ether ester surfactants such as polyoxyethylene sorbitan fatty acid esters; acetylene surfactants; silicone surfactants; fluorine surfactants; etc. Among these, acetylene surfactants such as acetylene glycol surfactants are preferably used.

[0082] Examples of the acetylene surfactant include an acetylene glycol surfactant, an acetylene alcohol surfactant, and a surfactant having an acetylene group.

[0083] The acetylene glycol surfactant is a glycol having an acetylene group, preferably a glycol having a symmetrical structure with the acetylene group located in the center, and may have a structure in which ethylene oxide is added to acetylene glycol.

[0084] Commercially available acetylene surfactants include, for example, the Surfynol series manufactured by Evonik Industries, such as "Surfynol 104E," "Surfynol 104H," "Surfynol 420," "Surfynol 440," "Surfynol 465," and "Surfynol 485," and the Olfin series manufactured by Nissin Chemical Industry Co., Ltd., such as "Olfin E1004," "Olfin E1010," and "Olfin E1020" (all trade names).

[0085] Examples of silicone surfactants include polyether-modified silicone surfactants, alkyl-aralkyl-co-modified silicone surfactants, and acrylic silicone surfactants.

[0086] Examples of commercially available silicone surfactants include "Silface SAG002" and "Silface 503A" manufactured by Nissin Chemical Industry Co., Ltd. (both are trade names).

[0087] Other nonionic surfactants include polyoxyethylene alkyl ether surfactants such as those in the Emulgen series manufactured by Kao Corporation, including "Emulgen 102KG," "Emulgen 103," "Emulgen 104P," "Emulgen 105," "Emulgen 106," "Emulgen 108," "Emulgen 120," "Emulgen 147," "Emulgen 150," "Emulgen 220," "Emulgen 350," "Emulgen 404," "Emulgen 420," "Emulgen 705," "Emulgen 707," "Emulgen 709," "Emulgen 1108," "Emulgen 4085," and "Emulgen 2025G" (all trade names).

[0088] Examples of anionic surfactants include the Emeral series, manufactured by Kao Corporation, such as "Emeral 0," "Emeral 10," "Emeral 2F," "Emeral 40," and "Emeral 20C," the Neopelex series, such as "Neopelex GS," "Neopelex G-15," "Neopelex G-25," and "Neopelex G-65," the Pelex series, such as "Pelex OT-P," "Pelex TR," "Pelex CS," "Pelex TA," "Pelex SS-L," and "Pelex SS-H," and the Demol series, such as "Demol N," "Demol NL," "Demol RN," and "Demol MS" (all of which are trade names).

[0089] Examples of cationic surfactants include the Acetamine series (manufactured by Kao Corporation) such as "Acetamine 24" and "Acetamine 86," the Cortamine series (manufactured by Kao Corporation) such as "Cortamine 24P," "Cortamine 86P," "Cortamine 60W," and "Cortamine 86W," and the Sanisol series (manufactured by Kao Corporation) such as "Sanisol C" and "Sanisol B-50" (all trade names).

[0090] Examples of amphoteric surfactants include the Amphitol series manufactured by Kao Corporation, such as Amphitol 20BS, Amphitol 24B, Amphitol 86B, Amphitol 20YB, and Amphitol 20N (all trade names).

[0091] The surfactants may be used alone or in combination of two or more.

[0092] The amount of the surfactant, in terms of active ingredient, is preferably 0.1 to 10 mass %, more preferably 0.2 to 5 mass %, based on the total amount of the pretreatment liquid. When two or more surfactants are used, the above content of the surfactants refers to the total content thereof.

[0093] The pretreatment liquid may further contain other components, such as a pH adjuster, a preservative, a rust inhibitor, and an antifoaming agent.

[0094] The method for producing the pretreatment liquid is not particularly limited, and the pretreatment liquid can be produced by any known method. For example, the pretreatment liquid can be obtained by dispersing all of the components in a mixer such as a Three-One Motor, either all at once or in portions, and then passing the mixture through a filter such as a membrane filter, if desired.

[0095] Here, the pretreatment liquid was prepared according to the formulation shown in Table 1.

[0096] [Table 1]

[0097] <About white ink> Next, the above-mentioned white ink will be described.

[0098] The white ink can contain a white pigment as a coloring material.

[0099] Examples of white pigments include inorganic pigments such as titanium oxide, zinc oxide, zinc sulfide, antimony oxide, and zirconium oxide. Furthermore, white pigments such as hollow resin microparticles and polymer microparticles can also be used. Among these, titanium oxide is preferably used from the viewpoint of hiding power. The average particle diameter of titanium oxide is preferably 50 nm or more from the viewpoint of hiding power, and preferably 500 nm or less from the viewpoint of ejection stability. When titanium oxide is used, it is preferable to use titanium oxide that has been surface-treated with alumina or silica to suppress photocatalytic activity. The amount of surface treatment is preferably 5 to 20 mass % of the pigment.

[0100] Here, the white ink was prepared according to the formula shown in Table 2.

[0101] [Table 2]

[0102] Alternatively, a pigment dispersion in which a pigment is dispersed in advance with a pigment dispersant may be used, or a pigment dispersion in which a pigment is dispersed with a pigment dispersant as described below may be used.

[0103] The white pigment may be used alone or in combination of two or more kinds.

[0104] From the viewpoint of hiding power, the amount of the white pigment is preferably 1% by mass or more, more preferably 3% by mass or more, and more preferably 5% by mass or more, of the total amount of ink in terms of active ingredients (pigment concentration). From the viewpoint of jetting performance, the amount of the white pigment is preferably 30% by mass or less, more preferably 20% by mass or less, and even more preferably 15% by mass or less, of the total amount of ink in terms of active ingredients (pigment concentration). The amount of the white pigment is preferably 1 to 30% by mass, more preferably 3 to 20% by mass, and even more preferably 5 to 15% by mass, of the total amount of ink in terms of active ingredients (pigment concentration).

[0105] In order to stably disperse the pigment in the ink, a pigment dispersant such as a polymer dispersant or a surfactant-type dispersant can be used.

[0106] Examples of commercially available polymer dispersants include the TEGO Disperse series manufactured by EVONIK, such as "TEGO Disperse 740W," "TEGO Disperse 750W," "TEGO Disperse 755W," "TEGO Disperse 757W," and "TEGO Disperse 760W," and the Solsperse series manufactured by Lubrizol Japan, such as "Solsperse 20000," "Solsperse 27000," "Solsperse 41000," "Solsperse 41090," "Solsperse 43000," "Solsperse 44000," and "Solsperse 46000." Examples include the JONCRYL series manufactured by BASF Japan Ltd., such as "JONCRYL 57," "JONCRYL 60," "JONCRYL 62," "JONCRYL 63," "JONCRYL 71," and "JONCRYL 501," and the like; manufactured by BYK Japan Co., Ltd., "DISPERBYK-102," "DISPERBYK-185," "DISPERBYK-190," "DISPERBYK-193," and "DISPERBYK-199," and the like; and manufactured by Dai-ichi Kogyo Seiyaku Co., Ltd., "Polyvinylpyrrolidone K-30" and "Polyvinylpyrrolidone K-90" (all trade names).

[0107] Examples of surfactant-type dispersants include anionic surfactants such as the Demol series manufactured by Kao Corporation, including "Demol P," "Demol EP," "Demol N," "Demol RN," "Demol NL," "Demol RNL," and "Demol T-45," and nonionic surfactants such as the Emulgen series manufactured by Kao Corporation, including "Emulgen A-60," "Emulgen A-90," "Emulgen A-500," "Emulgen B-40," "Emulgen L-40," and "Emulgen 420" (all trade names).

[0108] <About color ink> Next, the above-mentioned color inks will be described.

[0109] Color inks include magenta ink, cyan ink, yellow ink, and black ink. Examples of inks other than white ink include black ink and white ink.

[0110] The color ink may contain, as a colorant, a pigment, a dye, or a combination thereof, and preferably contains a pigment.

[0111] The pigment preferably includes a non-white pigment.

[0112] Examples of non-white pigments include organic pigments such as azo pigments, phthalocyanine pigments, dye pigments, condensed polycyclic pigments, nitro pigments, and nitroso pigments (such as Brilliant Carmine 6B, Lake Red C, Watching Red, Disazo Yellow, Hansa Yellow, Phthalocyanine Blue, Phthalocyanine Green, Alkali Blue, and Aniline Black); metals such as cobalt, iron, chromium, copper, zinc, lead, titanium, vanadium, manganese, and nickel, metal oxides and sulfides, and inorganic pigments such as ochre, ultramarine, and iron blue; and carbon blacks such as furnace carbon black, lamp black, acetylene black, and channel black.

[0113] Here, color inks were prepared according to the formulations shown in Table 3. Cyan ink is shown here as a representative example.

[0114] [Table 3]

[0115] The average particle size of the pigment is preferably 50 nm or more from the viewpoint of color development, and preferably 500 nm or less from the viewpoint of ejection stability. For example, the average particle size of the pigment is preferably 50 to 500 nm, and more preferably 50 to 200 nm.

[0116] A self-dispersing pigment may be blended as the pigment. A self-dispersing pigment is a pigment in which a hydrophilic functional group has been introduced onto the pigment surface by chemical or physical treatment. The hydrophilic functional group introduced into the self-dispersing pigment is preferably ionic, and by charging the pigment surface anionically or cationically, the pigment particles can be stably dispersed in water due to electrostatic repulsion. Preferred anionic functional groups include sulfonic acid groups, carboxy groups, carbonyl groups, hydroxy groups, and phosphonic acid groups. Preferred cationic functional groups include quaternary ammonium groups and quaternary phosphonium groups.

[0117] These hydrophilic functional groups may be bonded directly to the pigment surface or via other atomic groups. Examples of such other atomic groups include, but are not limited to, alkylene groups, phenylene groups, and naphthylene groups. Examples of methods for treating the pigment surface include diazotization, sulfonation, hypochlorous acid treatment, humic acid treatment, and vacuum plasma treatment.

[0118] Preferred examples of self-dispersing pigments that can be used include the CAB-O-JET series manufactured by Cabot Corporation, such as "CAB-O-JET200," "CAB-O-JET300," "CAB-O-JET250C," "CAB-O-JET260M," "CAB-O-JET270," and "CAB-O-JET450C," and products manufactured by Orient Chemical Industries Co., Ltd., such as "BONJET BLACK CW-1," "BONJET BLACK CW-2," "BONJET BLACK CW-3," and "BONJET BLACK CW-4" (all trade names).

[0119] (Addendum) The present application discloses the following inventions.

[0120] (Appendix 1) A printing system including: a printing device that prints image information and post-processing control information using a pre-treatment liquid and ink; and a post-processing device that reads the post-processing control information with a reading unit and performs post-processing based on the read post-processing control information, a first printing means for printing the pretreatment liquid and the ink in a weight ratio that enhances washing fastness; a second printing means for printing the pretreatment liquid and the ink at a weight ratio such that the washing fastness is lower than the washing fastness of the first printing means; a control means for causing the printing device to print based on the image information using the first printing means and for causing the printing device to print control information for the post-processing device using the second printing means as the post-processing control information, causing the reading unit to read the printed post-processing control information, and controlling the post-processing device based on the read post-processing control information; A printing system comprising:

[0121] This makes it possible to print image information that has high washing fastness and is resistant to color fading and color transfer even when washed, and post-processing control information that has low washing fastness and is prone to fading when washed, without changing the hardware configuration. Therefore, with a simple device configuration, it is possible to erase post-processing control information that is unnecessary for the customer, and print so that only the necessary information (image information) remains.

[0122] (Appendix 2) The washing fastness measured by the first printing means is JIS L 0844 A-2 grade 3 or higher, and the washing fastness measured by the second printing means is JIS L 0844 A-2 grade 1 or lower. 2. The printing system according to claim 1,

[0123] This makes it possible to clearly distinguish between image information that has high washing fastness and is unlikely to fade or transfer color even when washed, and post-treatment control information that has low washing fastness and is likely to fade when washed.

[0124] (Appendix 3) The weight ratio of the application amount of the pretreatment liquid to the ink is 0.4 or less for the first printing means and 0.55 or more for the second printing means. 2. The printing system according to claim 1,

[0125] This makes it possible to clearly distinguish between image information that has high washing fastness and is unlikely to fade or transfer color even when washed, and post-treatment control information that has low washing fastness and is likely to fade when washed.

[0126] (Appendix 4) 2. The printing system according to claim 1, wherein the post-treatment device is a drying device that dries the pretreatment liquid and the ink used by the printing device.

[0127] As a result, the drying device is controlled based on the read post-processing control information, so that the drying process can be carried out under appropriate drying conditions. [Explanation of symbols]

[0128] 1 Printing device 2(2A~2C) Drying device 3 Packaging equipment 11 Printing Department 12 Conveyor 13 Operation panel 15 Control Unit 15a First printing means 15b Secondary printing means 21 Drying section 22 Image reading unit 25 Control Unit 100 Printing Systems 111 Head Unit 112 Rail section 113 Pre-treatment liquid ejection head 114 White ink ejection head 115 Color ink ejection head 116 Head Holder 131 Display section 132 Input section

Claims

1. A printing system including: a printing device that prints image information and post-processing control information using a pre-treatment liquid and ink; and a post-processing device that reads the post-processing control information with a reading unit and performs post-processing based on the read post-processing control information, a first printing means for printing the pretreatment liquid and the ink in a weight ratio that enhances washing fastness; a second printing means for printing the pretreatment liquid and the ink at a weight ratio such that the washing fastness is lower than the washing fastness of the first printing means; a control means for causing the printing device to print based on the image information using the first printing means and for causing the printing device to print control information for the post-processing device using the second printing means as the post-processing control information, causing the reading unit to read the printed post-processing control information, and controlling the post-processing device based on the read post-processing control information; A printing system comprising:

2. The washing fastness measured by the first printing means is JIS L 0844 A-2, grade 3 or higher, and the washing fastness measured by the second printing means is JIS L 0844 A-2, grade 1.

2. The printing system according to claim 1.

3. The weight ratio of the application amount of the pretreatment liquid to the ink is 0.4 or less for the first printing means and 0.55 or more for the second printing means.

2. The printing system according to claim 1.

4. 2. The printing system according to claim 1, wherein the post-treatment device is a drying device that dries the pre-treatment liquid and the ink used by the printing device.

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