Method for producing ink jet-recorded material and apparatus for producing ink jet-recorded material

Abstract

To provide a method for producing ink jet-recorded materials that enables production of high-quality recorded materials with narrowly and uniformly aligned cut widths when cutting a resin film-containing recording medium on which an image is recorded by an ink jet system by a laser die cutting method.SOLUTION: A method for producing an ink jet-recorded material having a step of applying an aqueous reaction liquid to a resin film-containing recording medium, a step of applying an aqueous ink by an ink jet system so as to overlap at least a portion of a region of the recording medium to which the reaction liquid has been applied, thereby recording an image, and a step of irradiating a region to which the reaction liquid and the aqueous ink have been applied with laser light to cut the recording medium, wherein the reaction liquid contains an inorganic metal salt and the aqueous ink contains titanium oxide.SELECTED DRAWING: None

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a method and an apparatus for producing an inkjet recorded matter. [Background technology]

[0002] An inkjet recording device is a device that records images on a recording medium by ejecting minute ink droplets from the nozzles of a recording head. In recent years, the use of inkjet recording devices has been considered in the fields of sign and display, such as printing posters and large advertisements, as well as label and package printing. Inkjet recording devices are required to be able to record images on a wide range of recording media, including not only recording media that absorb water-based inks, but also non-absorbent recording media that barely absorb water-based inks. Examples of non-absorbent recording media that barely absorb water-based inks include resin films.

[0003] The recorded material obtained by recording an image on a recording medium is processed, such as by cutting or clipping, depending on the intended use to become a final product. For example, when used as a product label, a recording medium having an image-recorded support, an adhesive layer, and a release paper is half-cut around the portion to be used as the product label. The portion not to be used as the product label is then peeled off from the release paper, a process known as scraping, to produce the final product. In recent years, laser die-cutting has attracted attention as a method for cutting recording media with recorded images. Laser die-cutting is a method for cutting an object using a high-power laser. Mechanical die-cutting requires the creation of a mold that matches the cut shape. In contrast, laser die-cutting involves directly irradiating a laser onto the recording medium while controlling the cut shape using a computer, thereby eliminating the need for mold creation. Furthermore, because the laser beam can be controlled to be extremely fine, it is easy to cut complex shapes.

[0004] For example, a method has been proposed for processing label paper in which a cutting trajectory and a print pattern that follow the outline of the cut shape are printed on the label paper using black ink, and then a laser beam is irradiated to trace the cutting trajectory, thereby half-cutting the label paper (Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2014-218040 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] The present inventors investigated the processing method proposed in Patent Document 1. Specifically, an image was recorded on a resin film using color inks and white ink, and a cutting path (cut area) following the outline of the cut shape was recorded using black ink. Then, using a laser die-cutting device, the film was half-cut along the cutting path by irradiating it with laser light. As a result, it was found that the cut width was prone to variation, and the cutting path recorded with black ink was damaged by the laser light, resulting in a cut width larger than the spot diameter of the laser light. Furthermore, it was found that cutting using a laser die-cutting method without recording a cutting path was also prone to variation in the cut width, resulting in a cut width larger than the spot diameter of the laser light. Furthermore, it was found that a difference occurred between the cut width of the printed area printed with white ink and the cut width of the printed area printed with only color ink and the unprinted area where no ink was applied. Such enlarged or varied cut widths resulted in uneven edges formed by the cut, impairing the appearance of the resulting recorded product.

[0007] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a method for producing inkjet recorded matter, which is capable of producing high-quality recorded matter with narrow and uniform cut widths when cutting a recording medium including a resin film on which an image has been recorded by an inkjet system by a laser die-cutting method. Another object of the present invention is to provide an inkjet recorded matter production apparatus used in this method for producing inkjet recorded matter. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] That is, according to the present invention, there is provided a method for producing an inkjet recorded matter, comprising the steps of: applying an aqueous reaction liquid to a recording medium including a resin film; applying an aqueous ink by an inkjet method so as to overlap at least a portion of the area of ​​the recording medium to which the reaction liquid has been applied, thereby recording an image; and irradiating the area to which the reaction liquid and the aqueous ink have been applied with laser light to cut the recording medium, wherein the reaction liquid contains an inorganic metal salt and the aqueous ink contains titanium oxide. [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] According to the present invention, there is provided a method for producing an inkjet recorded product, which can produce high-quality recorded products with narrow and uniform cut widths when a recording medium including a resin film on which an image has been recorded by an inkjet system is cut by a laser die-cutting method. Furthermore, according to the present invention, there is provided an inkjet recorded product production apparatus for use in this method for producing an inkjet recorded product. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0010] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of an inkjet recording apparatus. [Figure 2] FIG. 1 is a perspective view illustrating an example of a liquid deposition device. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional perspective view showing an example of a discharge element substrate. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a liquid supply system. [Figure 5] 3A and 3B are diagrams showing an image pattern to be recorded on a recording medium and a laser beam irradiation position. [Figure 6] 3A and 3B are diagrams showing an image pattern to be recorded on a recording medium and a laser beam irradiation position. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0011] The present invention will be described in further detail below with reference to preferred embodiments. In the present invention, when the compound is a salt, the salt is present in the ink as dissociated ions, but for convenience it will be expressed as "containing a salt." In addition, aqueous inkjet ink and reaction liquid may be simply referred to as "ink" and "reaction liquid." Physical property values ​​are values ​​at room temperature (25°C) unless otherwise specified. When "(meth)acrylic acid" and "(meth)acrylate" are written, they mean "acrylic acid, methacrylic acid" and "acrylate, methacrylate," respectively.

[0012] The present inventors have investigated cutting a recording medium including a resin film having an image recorded thereon by a laser die-cutting method. As a result, it has been found that the cut width (i) and the cut width (ii) shown below tend to increase or vary. The present inventors speculate as follows about the reason why the cut width tends to increase or vary depending on whether or not an image is present at the irradiation position of the laser beam. (i) Cut width of the printed area where white ink is applied (white ink applied area) (ii) Cut width of the printed area where only color ink is applied (color ink applied area) and the unprinted area where no ink is applied (ink non-applied area)

[0013] Titanium oxide, used as a colorant in white ink, has a high decomposition temperature of approximately 2,000°C, so it is less likely to burn out when exposed to laser light and generate heat, resulting in a narrower cut width. On the other hand, organic pigments and carbon black, used as colorants in resin films and colored and black inks, tend to burn and disappear more easily when exposed to laser light and generate heat, resulting in a wider cut width. This is thought to result in an increase or variation between the cut width of (I) the printed area with white ink and (II) the printed and unprinted areas with colored ink.

[0014] The present inventors have investigated a method for suppressing the occurrence of enlargement and variation in the cut width even when a recording medium including a resin film on which an image has been recorded by applying white ink and color inks is cut using a laser die-cutting method. As a result, they have discovered the following configuration of the present invention. Specifically, in the method for producing an inkjet recorded product of the present invention, an aqueous reaction liquid containing an inorganic metal salt and an aqueous ink containing titanium oxide are applied to a recording medium including a resin film using an inkjet method to record an image. Laser light is then irradiated onto the area to which the reaction liquid and aqueous ink have been applied to cut the recording medium. By applying a reaction liquid containing an inorganic metal salt and an ink containing titanium oxide to the area to be cut by irradiating with laser light, thermal deformation of the resin film included in the recording medium due to laser light irradiation, etc., is suppressed. This is believed to suppress the occurrence of enlargement and variation in the cut width. Furthermore, by agglomerating the ink containing titanium oxide using a reaction liquid containing an inorganic metal salt, the amount of titanium oxide present in the area to be cut can be uniformly controlled. This allows for the production of a high-quality recorded product with a narrow and uniform cut width. On the other hand, if the area to be cut by laser light irradiation is not coated with white ink containing titanium oxide but with color ink containing organic pigment or black ink containing carbon black, it will be difficult to suppress the difference in the amount of deformation caused by laser light irradiation, and therefore it will be difficult to suppress the expansion and variation of the cut width.

[0015] <Inkjet Recorded Material Manufacturing Method and Inkjet Recorded Material Manufacturing Device> The method for producing an inkjet recorded matter of the present invention includes a reaction liquid application step, an image recording step, and a step of cutting the recording medium by irradiating a laser beam onto the area where the reaction liquid and aqueous ink have been applied. In the reaction liquid application step, an aqueous reaction liquid is applied to a recording medium including a resin film. In the image recording step, an aqueous ink is applied by an inkjet method so as to overlap at least a portion of the area of ​​the recording medium where the reaction liquid has been applied, thereby recording an image. The reaction liquid contains an inorganic metal salt, and the aqueous ink contains titanium oxide.

[0016] The inkjet recorded material manufacturing apparatus of the present invention includes a reaction liquid application device, an ink application device, and a laser light irradiation device. The reaction liquid application device is a device that applies an aqueous reaction liquid to a recording medium including a resin film. The ink application device is a device that records an image by applying aqueous ink using an inkjet method so as to overlap at least a portion of the area of ​​the recording medium to which the reaction liquid has been applied. The laser light irradiation device is a device that irradiates laser light onto the area to which the reaction liquid and aqueous ink have been applied, thereby cutting the recording medium. The reaction liquid contains an inorganic metal salt, and the aqueous ink contains titanium oxide. The inkjet recorded material manufacturing method and inkjet recorded material manufacturing apparatus of the present invention (hereinafter also referred to as the "recorded material manufacturing method" and the "recorded material manufacturing apparatus") will be described in detail below.

[0017] (Inkjet recording device) The inkjet recording device used in the method for producing a recorded material will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing an example of an inkjet recording device. An inkjet recording device that can be used in the method for producing a recorded material of the present invention is an inkjet recording device that records an image on a recording medium wound in a roll using a reaction liquid containing a reactant that reacts with the ink, a first ink, and a second ink. The X direction, Y direction, and Z direction respectively represent the width direction (total length direction), depth direction, and height direction of the inkjet recording device. The recording medium is transported in the X direction.

[0018] 1 includes a first recording unit 1100, a first heating unit 2000, a first cooling unit 3000, a second recording unit 1200, a second heating unit 2300, a second cooling unit 3300, and a winding unit 4000. In the first recording unit 1100, a first liquid application device 1101 applies various liquids, including a first ink, to a long recording medium 1000 that is transported from a paper feeder 1400 while being supported by a transport member 1300. In the first heating unit 2000, the recording medium 1000 is aligned with a first transport member 2200 to maintain tension, and the liquid applied to the recording medium 1000 is heated by a first heating device 2100, evaporating volatile components such as water in the liquid and drying it. Thereafter, the recording medium 1000 is cooled by the first cooling member 3100 while being supported by the first transport member 3200 of the first cooling section 3000 .

[0019] Next, in the second recording unit 1200, various liquids including the second ink are applied by the second liquid application device 1201 in the same manner as in the case of various liquids including the first ink. In the second heating unit 2300, the recording medium 1000 is aligned along the second transport member 2500 and tension is maintained, while the liquid applied to the recording medium 1000 is heated by the second heating device 2400, evaporating volatile components such as water in the liquid and drying it. Next, the recording medium 1000 is cooled by the second cooling member 3400 while supported by the second transport member 3500 of the second cooling unit 3300. The recording medium 1000 with the recorded image is transported in the winding unit 4000 while supported by the support member 4100, and then wound up by the winding device 4200.

[0020] The recording medium 1000 is a recording medium containing a resin film. The recording medium containing a resin film may consist solely of the resin film, or may contain other components such as an adhesive layer or release paper. When the recording medium contains other components than the resin film, it is preferable that the resin film be disposed on the surface of the recording medium. Examples of resins constituting the resin film include polyvinyl chloride, polyethylene terephthalate, polycarbonate, polystyrene, polyurethane, polyethylene, and polypropylene. The resin film may be transparent or opaque. Furthermore, the resin film may contain a colorant. Generally, when a recording medium containing a transparent resin film that does not contain inorganic materials is used, differences in the amount of deformation upon irradiation with laser light tend to occur between the printed area with white ink and the printed and unprinted areas with color inks, resulting in particularly significant enlargement and variation in the cut width. In contrast, the method for producing a recorded product of the present invention makes it possible to produce high-quality recorded products with narrow and uniform cut widths, even when using a transparent recording medium that does not contain inorganic materials. The basis weight (g / m) of the recording medium 1000 is 2 ) is 30g / m 2 More than 500g / m 2 Preferably, it is 50 g / m or less. 2 More than 450g / m 2It is more preferable that the following is true: The recording medium 1000 may be a roll of long recording medium or a sheet of paper.

[0021] [Recording Department] The recording unit includes a first recording unit 1100 that applies a liquid containing a first ink, and a second recording unit 1200 that applies a liquid containing a second ink. The first recording unit 1100 includes a first liquid applying device 1101. The first liquid applying device 1101 includes a first reaction liquid applying device 1102 and a first ink applying device 1103. The second recording unit 1200 includes a second liquid applying device 1201. The second liquid applying device 1201 includes a second reaction liquid applying device 1202 and a second ink applying device 1203. The first reaction liquid applying device 1102 and the second reaction liquid applying device 1202 shown in FIG. 1 are examples of units that use inkjet-type ejection heads. Alternatively, the reaction liquid applying device may be configured using a gravure coater, offset coater, die coater, blade coater, or the like. The application methods of the first reaction liquid application device 1102 and the second reaction liquid application device 1202 may be the same or different. The application of the reaction liquid by the first reaction liquid application device 1102 and the second reaction liquid application device 1202 may be either before or after application of the ink on the recording medium 1000, as long as it can contact the ink. However, in order to record high-quality images on various recording media with different liquid absorption characteristics, it is preferable to apply the reaction liquid before application of the ink. The first ink application device 1103 and the second ink application device 1203 use inkjet-type ejection heads (recording heads). Examples of the ejection methods of the ejection heads serving as the first liquid application device 1101 and the second liquid application device 1201 include a method of ejecting liquid by generating film boiling in the liquid using an electrothermal converter to form bubbles, and a method of ejecting liquid using an electromechanical converter. The ejection methods of the first ink application device 1103 and the second ink application device 1203 may be the same or different. Furthermore, the first reaction liquid used in combination with the first ink and the second reaction liquid used in combination with the second ink may be the same or different. If the recording medium is laminated with something other than a resin film, such as an adhesive layer or release paper, the reaction liquid, the first ink, and the second ink are applied to the surface of the recording medium on which the resin film is present.

[0022] The first liquid deposition device 1101 and the second liquid deposition device 1201 are line heads extending in the Y direction, and have ejection ports arranged in a range that covers the image recording area of ​​the widest usable recording medium. The ejection heads have an ejection port surface 1107 (FIG. 3) on which ejection ports are formed on their lower side (the recording medium 1000 side), and the ejection port surface faces the recording medium 1000 at a very small distance of about several millimeters.

[0023] The following description will be given taking as an example a case where the first ink (white ink) is ejected from the first ink applicator 1103 and the second ink (non-white ink) is ejected from the second ink applicator 1203. A plurality of second ink applicators 1203 may be provided to apply ink of each color to the recording medium 1000. For example, when yellow ink, magenta ink, cyan ink, and black ink are used as the second ink (non-white ink) to record images of each color, four second ink applicators 1203 that eject the above four types of ink are arranged in the X direction. The color tones of the first ink and second ink are not limited to those described above, and the order in which the inks are applied is also not limited to those described above. Hereinafter, ink and reaction liquid may be collectively referred to as "liquid."

[0024] Fig. 2 is a perspective view showing an example of a liquid deposition device. The first liquid deposition device 1101 and the second liquid deposition device 1201 can have the same configuration, so the following description will take the first liquid deposition device 1101 as an example. The first liquid deposition device 1101 shown in Fig. 2 is a line head, and has a plurality of ejection element substrates 1104, each having an ejection port array, arranged in a straight line. The ejection element substrate 1104 has a plurality of ejection port arrays arranged thereon.

[0025] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional perspective view showing an example of an ejection element substrate. The ejection element substrate 1104 shown in FIG. 3 includes an ejection port forming member 1106 having ejection ports 1105 formed therein, and a substrate 1108 on which ejection elements (not shown) are disposed. The ejection port forming member 1106 and the substrate 1108 are stacked together to form a first flow path 1109 and a second flow path 1110 through which liquid flows. The first flow path 1109 is a region extending from an inlet 1113, through which liquid flows from an inlet channel 1111, to a portion between the ejection port 1105 and the ejection element (the liquid chamber 1508 in FIG. 4). The second flow path 1110 is a region extending from a portion between the ejection port 1105 and the ejection element (the liquid chamber 1508 in FIG. 4) to an outlet 1114 through which liquid flows out to an outlet channel 1112. For example, by creating a pressure difference between the inlet 1113 and the outlet 1114, such as a high-pressure inlet 1113 and a low-pressure outlet 1114, liquid can be made to flow from the high-pressure side to the low-pressure side (in the direction of the arrow in FIG. 3). The liquid that has passed through the inlet 1111 and the inlet 1113 enters the first flow path 1109. Then, the liquid that has passed through the portion between the ejection port 1105 and the ejection element (liquid chamber 1508 in FIG. 4) flows through the second flow path 1110 and the outlet 1114 to the outlet 1112.

[0026] [Supply system] FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a supply system for a liquid such as ink. The supply unit 1500 of the first liquid deposition device 1101 shown in FIG. 4 is configured to include a first circulation pump (high-pressure side) 1501, a first circulation pump (low-pressure side) 1502, a sub-tank 1503, and a second circulation pump 1505. The sub-tank 1503, which is connected to a main tank 1504 serving as a liquid storage unit, has an air communication port (not shown) and is capable of discharging air bubbles mixed in the liquid to the outside of the circulation system. The sub-tank 1503 is also connected to a refill pump 1506. The first liquid deposition device 1101 consumes liquid by discharging (discharging) the liquid from the discharge port for image recording, suction recovery, etc. The refill pump 1506 transfers an amount of liquid corresponding to the consumed amount from the main tank 1504 to the sub-tank 1503.

[0027] The first circulation pump (high pressure side) 1501 and the first circulation pump (low pressure side) 1502 cause the liquid in the first liquid deposition device 1101, which is discharged from a connection part (inlet part) 1507, to flow into a sub-tank 1503. It is preferable to use a positive displacement pump having a quantitative liquid delivery capacity as the first circulation pump (high pressure side) 1501, the first circulation pump (low pressure side) 1502, and the second circulation pump 1505. Examples of such a positive displacement pump include a tube pump, a gear pump, a diaphragm pump, and a syringe pump. When the ejection element substrate 1104 is driven, the first circulation pump (high pressure side) 1501 and the first circulation pump (low pressure side) 1502 can cause the liquid to flow from a common inlet channel 1514 toward a common outlet channel 1515.

[0028] The negative pressure control unit 1509 has two pressure adjustment mechanisms set to different control pressures. The pressure adjustment mechanism (high pressure side) 1510 and the pressure adjustment mechanism (low pressure side) 1511 are each connected to a common inflow channel 1514 and a common outflow channel 1515 in the ejection element substrate 1104 via a supply unit 1513 provided with a filter 1512 that removes foreign matter from the liquid. The ejection element substrate 1104 is provided with the common inflow channel 1514, the common outflow channel 1515, as well as inflow channels 1111 and outflow channels 1112 that communicate with the liquid chamber 1508, which is the portion between the ejection port 1105 (FIG. 3) and the ejection element (not shown). Since the inlet channel 1111 and the outlet channel 1112 are respectively connected to the common inlet channel 1514 and the common outlet channel 1515, a flow (arrow in FIG. 4) occurs in which part of the liquid flows from the common inlet channel 1514 through the inside of the liquid chamber 1508 to the common outlet channel 1515. The arrows in FIG. 3 indicate the flow of liquid inside the liquid chamber 1508. That is, as shown in FIG. 3, the liquid in the first flow channel 1109 flows to the second flow channel 1110 via the gap between the ejection port 1105 and the ejection element.

[0029] 4, a pressure adjustment mechanism (high pressure side) 1510 is connected to the common inlet channel 1514, and a pressure adjustment mechanism (low pressure side) 1511 is connected to the common outlet channel 1515, so that a pressure difference occurs between the inlet channel 1111 and the outlet channel 1112. As a result, a pressure difference also occurs between an inlet 1113 (FIG. 3) communicating with the inlet channel 1111 and an outlet 1114 (FIG. 3) communicating with the outlet channel 1112. When liquid is caused to flow by the pressure difference between the inlet 1113 and the outlet 1114, it is preferable to control the flow velocity (mm / s) of the liquid to be 0.1 mm / s or more and 10.0 mm / s or less.

[0030] [Transport system] As shown in FIG. 1, the first recording unit 1100 is configured to include a first liquid deposition device 1101 and a transport member 1300 that transports the recording medium 1000. The first liquid deposition device 1101 deposits reaction liquid and ink at desired positions on the recording medium 1000 transported by the transport member 1300. The first reaction liquid deposition device 1102 and the first ink deposition device 1103 receive image signals of recording data and deposit the necessary reaction liquid and ink at each position. The second recording unit 1200 is configured to include a second liquid deposition device 1201 and a transport member 1300 that transports the recording medium 1000, and deposits the necessary reaction liquid and ink at each position, similar to the first recording unit 1100. While FIG. 1 shows the transport member 1300 in the form of a transport roller, it may also be a spur, belt, support plate, or the like, as long as it has the function of transporting the recording medium 1000. The shape and size of the transport members 1300 at various locations within the device can be set appropriately depending on the location where they are placed. In order to transport the roll-shaped recording medium 1000 with precision, it is preferable to arrange the transport members 1300 so that the recording medium 1000 is curved, thereby maintaining a state in which the recording medium 1000 is appropriately tensioned.

[0031] [Heating section] As shown in Fig. 1, the first heating section 2000 is configured to include a first heating device 2100 and a first conveying member 2200. Similarly, the second heating section 2300 is configured to include a second heating device 2400 and a second conveying member 2500. In the first heating section 2000 and the second heating section 2300 shown in Fig. 1, the recording medium 1000 is conveyed with the recording surface facing downward in the vertical direction. The recording medium 1000, to which reaction liquid and ink have been applied and an image has been recorded, is heated by the first heating device 2100 and the second heating device 2400 while being conveyed by the first conveying member 2200 and the second conveying member 2500, thereby evaporating and drying the liquid components of the image.

[0032] The first heating device 2100 and the second heating device 2400 may have any configuration as long as they can heat the recording medium 1000, and various conventionally known devices such as hot air dryers and heaters can be used. Among these, the use of non-contact heaters such as electric heating wires and infrared heaters is preferable from the standpoint of safety and energy efficiency. Furthermore, if a mechanism that incorporates a fan to spray heated gas onto the recording medium 1000 and sends hot air is used, the drying efficiency can be easily improved.

[0033] The heating method may be from the side of the recording medium 1000 to which the reaction liquid and ink have been applied (recording surface (front side)), or from the back side, or from both sides. The first conveying member 2200 and the second conveying member 2500 may be provided with a heating function. The heating temperature is preferably set so as to quickly evaporate the liquid components and to prevent over-drying in order to prevent deformation of the recording medium 1000. The temperature of the drying means can be set so that the recording medium reaches the desired temperature, taking into account the conveying speed and ambient temperature. Specifically, the temperature of the drying means (such as hot air) is preferably 40°C or higher and 100°C or lower, and more preferably 60°C or higher and 80°C or lower. When heated gas is blown onto the recording medium 1000 to heat it, the air velocity is preferably 1 m / s or higher and 100 m / s or lower. The temperature of the hot air or other air can be measured using a K-type thermocouple thermometer. A specific example of a measuring device is the "AD-5605H" (manufactured by A&D).

[0034] [Cooling section] The first cooling unit 3000 includes a first cooling member 3100 and a first transport member 3200, while the second cooling unit 3300 includes a second cooling member 3400 and a second transport member 3500 (FIG. 1). The first cooling unit 3000 and the second cooling unit 3300 cool the recording medium 1000, which has been heated to a high temperature after passing through the first heating unit 2000 and the second heating unit 2300. The first cooling member 3100 and the second cooling member 3400 may have any configuration capable of cooling the recording medium 1000, and methods such as air cooling and water cooling can be used. Among these, blowing unheated gas is preferable from the standpoint of safety and energy efficiency. Furthermore, incorporating a fan to spray gas onto the recording medium 1000 and using a blowing mechanism can easily improve cooling efficiency. The temperature of the cooling means can be set so that the image on the recording medium reaches the desired temperature, taking into account the transport speed and ambient temperature. Specifically, the temperature of the cooling means (such as air blower) is preferably 20° C. or higher and 60° C. or lower, and more preferably 25° C. or higher and 50° C. or lower. When cooling by blowing gas, the air speed is preferably 1 m / s or higher and 100 m / s or lower.

[0035] [Winding section] After the image is recorded, the recording medium 1000 is stored in a winding section 4000 (FIG. 1). After recording is performed in the first recording section 1100, the recording medium passes through a first heating section 2000 and a first cooling section 3000. Furthermore, after recording is performed in the second recording section 1200, the recording medium 1000 passes through the second heating section 2300 and the second cooling section 2200 and is then transported by a transport member 4100. The recording medium 1100 is ultimately stored in a state where it is wound into a roll by a winding device 4200. Two or more winding devices 4200 may be provided to store different recorded materials, etc.

[0036] [Laser light irradiation part] A CO2 laser is typically used in a laser die-cutting device as a laser beam irradiation unit (not shown) that irradiates a laser beam to cut a recording medium. By irradiating a high-power CO2 laser, the material in the laser beam path is decomposed and evaporated, allowing the recording medium to be cut. The laser die-cutting device may be provided separately from the inkjet recording device, or may be connected in-line with the inkjet recording device (i.e., the inkjet recording device may be equipped with a laser beam irradiation unit). When the inkjet recording device is equipped with a laser beam irradiation unit, the laser beam irradiation unit is preferably located downstream of the recording unit in the recording medium transport direction. For example, when the inkjet recording device shown in FIG. 1 is equipped with a laser beam irradiation unit, the laser beam irradiation unit is preferably located downstream of the second cooling unit 3300 in the recording medium transport direction and upstream of the winding device 4200.

[0037] A CO2 laser can be controlled to cut recording media using a Q-switch, a laser technology used to obtain intense pulsed light. Specifically, the Q-switch frequency, Q-release time, and cutting speed are controlled. The Q-switch frequency should be between 5 kHz and 20 kHz, the Q-release time between 10 μs and 50 μs, and the cutting speed by laser light irradiation should be between 500 mm / s and 2,000 mm / s.

[0038] The spot diameter of the laser light is preferably 0.1 mm or more and 0.4 mm or less. Furthermore, when a cutting area for cutting the recording medium is recorded by applying a reaction liquid and ink, the line thickness (width) of the recorded cutting area is preferably 15% or more larger than the spot diameter of the laser light. By making the width of the cutting area larger than the spot diameter of the laser light, the narrowness and uniformity of the cutting width can be further improved. Note that the reaction liquid and ink may be applied to the entire surface of the recording medium as a base. Furthermore, in the method for producing a recorded product, preferably, in the step of recording an image, a cutting area for cutting the recording medium is recorded, and in the step of cutting the recording medium, the cutting area is irradiated with laser light to cut the recording medium.

[0039] By irradiating laser light using a laser die-cutting device, recording media can be cut and the desired areas separated. Alternatively, label paper consisting of a label section with an adhesive layer on a resin film and a release paper can be used as the recording medium, and laser light can be irradiated to cut and separate only the label section, a process known as half-cutting. In this case, the laser light is directed toward the surface of the recording medium on which the resin film is located. When half-cutting a recording medium, differences in the amount of deformation caused by laser light irradiation tend to occur between the printed section with white ink and the printed and unprinted sections with color inks, resulting in significant increases and variations in the cut width. When half-cutting a recording medium, only the label section is separated without cutting the release paper, so it is necessary to control the laser light so as not to affect the release paper. In this case, the cut width of the printed section with white ink, which is resistant to decomposition and deformation by laser light, becomes narrower, while the difference between the cut width of the printed section with color ink, which is more susceptible to decomposition and deformation by laser light, and the cut width of the unprinted section with color ink, which is more susceptible to decomposition and deformation by laser light, becomes larger, resulting in significant increases and variations in the cut width. In contrast, according to the method for producing a recorded matter of the present invention, even when the recording medium is half-cut, it is possible to produce a high-quality recorded matter with a narrow and uniform cut width.

[0040] [Recording method] The amount of ink applied to the area irradiated with laser light (the area where the recording medium is cut) is preferably 20 ng / 600 dpi or more and 100 ng / 600 dpi or less. The term "ng / 600 dpi" refers to the amount of ink applied per dot at a recording resolution of 600 dpi. By applying an ink amount of 20 ng / 600 dpi or more, the titanium oxide contained in the cutting area can suppress thermal deformation of the recording medium due to laser light irradiation, further suppressing expansion and variation of the cut width. Furthermore, by applying an ink amount of 100 ng / 600 dpi or less, the recording medium can be cut securely by laser light irradiation. Furthermore, it is preferable that an image or cut area is recorded in the entire area irradiated with laser light, where an aqueous ink containing titanium oxide and an aqueous reaction liquid containing an inorganic metal salt are applied. This allows for the production of a recorded product in which the edges formed by cutting are neatly aligned across the entire area. However, as long as the appearance of the recording material formed by cutting is not substantially impaired, it is not necessary for part of the area irradiated with laser light to have an image or cut area recorded using an aqueous ink containing titanium oxide and an aqueous reaction liquid containing an inorganic metal salt.

[0041] The amount of reaction liquid applied relative to the amount of ink applied is preferably 0.05 to 0.3 times the mass ratio. By setting the mass ratio of the reaction liquid applied to the amount of ink applied at this level, the reaction liquid can more effectively aggregate the ink, and the amount of titanium oxide contained in the area irradiated with laser light (the area to be cut) can be controlled to be more uniform. This makes it possible to produce higher-quality inkjet recorded materials with narrower and more uniform cut widths.

[0042] (Reaction solution) The method for producing a recorded matter of the present invention includes a step of applying an aqueous reaction liquid to a recording medium (a reaction liquid application step). This reaction liquid application step is preferably carried out before the ink application step.

[0043] [Reactant] The reaction liquid reacts with the ink upon contact with it, causing the components in the ink (components having anionic groups, such as resins, surfactants, and self-dispersing pigments) to aggregate, and contains a reactant. The presence of the reactant destabilizes the state of the components in the ink having anionic groups when the ink and the reactant come into contact on the recording medium, thereby promoting the aggregation of the ink. Examples of the reactant include cationic components such as polyvalent metal ions and cationic resins, and organic acids. One reactant may be used alone, or two or more may be used in combination.

[0044] Examples of polyvalent metal ions that constitute polyvalent metal salts include Ca. 2+ , Cu 2+ , Ni 2+ , Mg 2+ , Sr 2+ , Ba 2+ , and Zn 2+ Divalent metal ions such as Fe 3+ , Cr 3+ , Y 3+ , and Al 3+ Examples of the trivalent metal ions include trivalent metal ions such as Cl. To add polyvalent metal ions to the reaction solution, a water-soluble polyvalent metal salt (which may be a hydrate) formed by combining a polyvalent metal ion with an anion can be used. Examples of the anion include Cl. - , Br - , I - , ClO - , ClO2 - , ClO3 - , ClO4 - , NO2 - , NO3 - , SO4 2- , CO3 2- , HCO3 - , PO4 3- , HPO4 2- , and H2PO4 - Inorganic anions such as HCOO - , (COO - )2, COOH(COO - ), CH3COO - , CH3CH(OH)COO -, C2H4(COO - )2, C6H5COO - , C6H4(COO - )2, and CH3SO3 - and other organic anions.

[0045] The reaction liquid used in the method for producing a recorded material of the present invention contains an inorganic metal salt. It is preferable to use a polyvalent metal salt formed by combining the above-mentioned polyvalent metal ions and inorganic anions as the inorganic metal salt. The inorganic metal salt is resistant to burning and is not easily extinguished, even when exposed to high temperatures due to irradiation with laser light. Therefore, by applying a reaction liquid containing an inorganic metal salt to the area to be cut, thermal deformation of the recording medium during laser light irradiation can be suppressed, and the narrowness and uniformity of the cut width can be improved.

[0046] When a polyvalent metal ion is used as a reactant, the content (% by mass) of the polyvalent metal salt in the reaction solution is preferably 1.0% by mass or more and 20.0% by mass or less, based on the total mass of the reaction solution. In this specification, when the polyvalent metal salt is a hydrate, the "content (% by mass) of the polyvalent metal salt" in the reaction solution means the "content (% by mass) of the anhydrous polyvalent metal salt," excluding water as the hydrate.

[0047] The organic acid-containing reaction solution has buffering properties in the acidic range (less than pH 7.0, preferably pH 2.0 to 5.0), thereby efficiently converting anionic groups present in the ink into the acid form and causing them to aggregate. Examples of organic acids include monocarboxylic acids and salts thereof, such as formic acid, acetic acid, propionic acid, butyric acid, benzoic acid, glycolic acid, lactic acid, salicylic acid, pyrrolecarboxylic acid, furancarboxylic acid, picolinic acid, nicotinic acid, thiophenecarboxylic acid, levulinic acid, and coumaric acid; dicarboxylic acids and salts thereof, such as oxalic acid, malonic acid, succinic acid, glutaric acid, adipic acid, maleic acid, fumaric acid, itaconic acid, sebacic acid, phthalic acid, malic acid, and tartaric acid; tricarboxylic acids and salts thereof, such as citric acid and trimellitic acid; and tetracarboxylic acids and salts thereof, such as pyromellitic acid. When an organic acid is used as a reactant, the content (mass %) of the organic acid in the reaction liquid is preferably 1.0 mass % or more and 50.0 mass % or less based on the total mass of the reaction liquid.

[0048] Examples of cationic resins include resins having a primary, secondary, or tertiary amine structure and resins having a quaternary ammonium salt structure. Specific examples include resins having structures such as vinylamine, allylamine, vinylimidazole, vinylpyridine, dimethylaminoethyl methacrylate, ethyleneimine, guanidine, diallyldimethylammonium chloride, and alkylamine-epichlorohydrin condensates. To enhance solubility in the reaction solution, the cationic resin can be used in combination with an acidic compound or the cationic resin can be subjected to a quaternization treatment. When a cationic resin is used as a reactant, the content (mass %) of the cationic resin in the reaction solution is preferably 0.1% by mass or more and 10.0% by mass or less, based on the total mass of the reaction solution.

[0049] [Aqueous medium] The reaction liquid is an aqueous reaction liquid containing at least water as the aqueous medium. Examples of aqueous media used in the reaction liquid include the same aqueous media that can be contained in the ink, as described below. The aqueous medium used in the reaction liquid can contain the water-soluble organic solvent that can be contained in the ink, as described below. The content (mass %) of the water-soluble organic solvent in the reaction liquid is preferably 1.0 mass % or more and 45.0 mass % or less, based on the total mass of the reaction liquid. The water-soluble organic solvent preferably contains a specific water-soluble hydrocarbon compound, as described below. The content (mass %) of the water-soluble hydrocarbon compound in the reaction liquid is preferably 1.0 mass % or more and 20.0 mass % or less, based on the total mass of the reaction liquid. Furthermore, the content (mass %) of water in the reaction liquid is preferably 50.0 mass % or more and 95.0 mass % or less, based on the total mass of the reaction liquid.

[0050] [Other ingredients] The reaction liquid may contain various other components as needed, including the same components as those that can be contained in the ink, as described below.

[0051] [Physical properties of reaction solution] The reaction liquid is an aqueous reaction liquid that can also be applied to the inkjet method. Therefore, from the viewpoint of reliability, it is preferable to appropriately control its physical properties. Specifically, the surface tension of the reaction liquid at 25°C is preferably 20 mN / m or more and 60 mN / m or less. Furthermore, the viscosity of the reaction liquid at 25°C is preferably 1.0 mPa·s or more and 10.0 mPa·s or less. The pH of the reaction liquid at 25°C is preferably 5.0 or more and 9.5 or less, and more preferably 6.0 or more and 9.0 or less.

[0052] (ink) The ink used in the method for producing a recorded matter of the present invention is a water-based inkjet ink containing titanium oxide. Hereinafter, each component used in the ink will be described in detail.

[0053] [Colorant] The ink preferably contains a colorant. Pigments or dyes can be used as the colorant. The content (mass %) of the colorant in the ink is preferably 0.5% by mass or more and 15.0% by mass or less, and more preferably 1.0% by mass or more and 10.0% by mass or less, based on the total mass of the ink.

[0054] Specific examples of pigments include inorganic pigments such as carbon black and titanium oxide, and organic pigments such as azo, phthalocyanine, quinacridone, isoindolinone, imidazolone, diketopyrrolopyrrole, dioxazine, etc. One type of pigment may be used alone, or two or more types may be used in combination.

[0055] The ink contains titanium oxide. Titanium oxide has a high decomposition temperature of approximately 2,000°C, so it does not burn out easily even when heated by laser irradiation. Therefore, by uniformly applying ink containing titanium oxide to the area that will be cut by laser irradiation, thermal deformation of the recording medium during laser irradiation can be suppressed, further improving the narrowness and uniformity of the cut width.

[0056] As the pigment, resin-dispersed pigments using a resin as a dispersant, self-dispersed pigments in which hydrophilic groups are bonded to the pigment particle surface, etc. can be used. Also usable are resin-bonded pigments in which organic groups containing a resin are chemically bonded to the pigment particle surface, and microencapsulated pigments in which the pigment particle surface is coated with a resin or the like. It is also possible to use a combination of these pigments with different dispersion methods. In particular, it is preferable to use resin-dispersed pigments in which a resin as a dispersant is physically adsorbed onto the pigment particle surface, rather than resin-bonded pigments or microencapsulated pigments.

[0057] As the resin dispersant for dispersing the pigment in the aqueous medium, it is preferable to use one that can disperse the pigment in the aqueous medium by the action of anionic groups. As the resin dispersant, a resin having anionic groups can be used, and it is preferable to use a resin such as those described below, especially a water-soluble resin. The content (mass %) of the pigment in the ink is preferably 0.3 to 10.0 times the content (mass %) of the resin dispersant.

[0058] Self-dispersing pigments can be used in which an anionic group such as a carboxylic acid group, sulfonic acid group, or phosphonic acid group is bonded to the surface of the pigment particle directly or via another atomic group (-R-). The anionic group may be either an acid type or a salt type, and if it is a salt type, it may be either partially dissociated or completely dissociated. When the anionic group is a salt type, examples of the cation that serves as the counter ion include alkali metal cations, ammonium, and organic ammonium. Specific examples of the other atomic group (-R-) include linear or branched alkylene groups having 1 to 12 carbon atoms; arylene groups such as phenylene and naphthylene; carbonyl groups; imino groups; amide groups; sulfonyl groups; ester groups; and ether groups. Furthermore, combinations of these groups may also be used.

[0059] The dye preferably has an anionic group. Specific examples of the dye include azo, triphenylmethane, (aza)phthalocyanine, xanthene, and anthrapyridone dyes. The dye may be used alone or in combination of two or more. The colorant is preferably a pigment, and more preferably a resin-dispersed pigment or a self-dispersed pigment.

[0060] [Titanium oxide] The content (mass %) of titanium oxide in the ink is preferably 0.1% to 20.0% by mass based on the total mass of the ink, more preferably 1.0% to 20.0% by mass, and particularly preferably 1.0% to 15.0% by mass.

[0061] Titanium oxide is a white pigment and exists in three crystalline forms: rutile, anatase, and brookite. Of these, rutile titanium oxide is preferred. Titanium oxide can be industrially produced by the sulfuric acid method or the chlorine method, and titanium oxide obtained by either method may be used.

[0062] The volume-based cumulative 50% particle diameter (hereinafter also referred to as "average particle diameter") of titanium oxide (titanium oxide particles) is preferably 200 nm or more and 500 nm or less, and more preferably 200 nm or more and 400 nm or less. The volume-based cumulative 50% particle diameter (D 50 ) is the diameter of the particle that is 50% of the total volume of the measured particles in the particle size cumulative curve, calculated from the smallest particle size side. 50 can be measured, for example, using a particle size distribution measuring device under the following conditions: Set Zero: 30 seconds, number of measurements: 3, measurement time: 180 seconds, shape: aspheric, refractive index: 2.60. As the particle size distribution measuring device, a particle size analyzer using a dynamic light scattering method can be used. Of course, the measurement conditions are not limited to those described above.

[0063] Inorganic oxides such as titanium oxide react with water molecules constituting the aqueous medium in the ink to generate hydroxyl groups (hereinafter also referred to as "surface hydroxyl groups") on their surfaces. Therefore, to utilize the generated surface hydroxyl groups to improve the storage stability of the ink, it is preferable to use titanium oxide that has been surface-treated with an inorganic oxide such as alumina or silica. The surface hydroxyl groups of titanium oxide have unique properties corresponding to the inorganic compound used in the surface treatment, and the isoelectric point, which is an indicator of the acid strength, varies depending on the type of inorganic compound. Therefore, the surface of titanium oxide particles exhibits properties corresponding to the inorganic compound used in the surface treatment, and the surface charge of titanium oxide is strongly dependent on the pH of the aqueous medium, the type of surface treatment agent, and the amount of surface treatment agent used.

[0064] Surface treatment of titanium oxide is expected to suppress photocatalytic activity and improve dispersibility. In this specification, "alumina" is a general term for aluminum oxides such as aluminum oxide. Also, in this specification, "silica" is a general term for silicon dioxide or a substance composed of silicon dioxide. Most of the alumina and silica that coat titanium oxide exists in the form of silicon dioxide and aluminum oxide.

[0065] The titanium oxide content (mass%) in the titanium oxide particles is preferably 90.0% by mass or more and 98.5% by mass or less, based on the total mass of the titanium oxide particles. The alumina content (mass%) in the titanium oxide particles is preferably 0.5 to 1.0 times the mass ratio of the silica content (mass%). The alumina content (mass%) in the titanium oxide particles is preferably 0.5 to 4.0% by mass or less, and more preferably 1.0 to 4.0% by mass or less, based on the total mass of the titanium oxide particles. The content (mass %) of silica in the titanium oxide particles is preferably 1.0 mass % or more and 4.0 mass % or less based on the total mass of the titanium oxide particles.

[0066] The total content of alumina and silica in titanium oxide particles, i.e., the coating amount of alumina and silica, can be measured and calculated, for example, by quantitatively analyzing aluminum and silicon using inductively coupled plasma (ICP) emission spectrometry. In this case, assuming that all of the atoms (aluminum and silicon) coating the particle surface are oxidized, the amounts of aluminum and silicon obtained can be converted into their oxides (alumina and silica) for calculation. The aluminum content (mass%) in titanium oxide particles measured by ICP emission spectrometry is preferably 0.57 to 1.13 times the mass of the silicon content (mass%). Furthermore, the alumina content (mass%) in titanium oxide particles is preferably 0.50 to 1.00 times the mass of the silica content (mass%).

[0067] Surface treatment methods for titanium oxide include wet treatment methods and dry treatment methods. For example, titanium oxide can be surface-treated by dispersing it in a liquid medium and then reacting it with a surface treatment agent such as sodium aluminate or sodium silicate. The properties of titanium oxide can also be adjusted by appropriately changing the ratio of the surface treatment agent. In addition to alumina and silica, titanium oxide may also be surface-treated with inorganic oxides such as zinc oxide or zirconia; or organic substances such as polyols, if necessary.

[0068] [resin] The ink can contain a resin. By using an ink containing a resin, it is possible to record an image with improved scratch resistance. The resin can be added to the ink (i) to stabilize the dispersion state of the pigment, that is, as a resin dispersant or its auxiliary. Also, (ii) they can be added to the ink to improve various properties of the recorded image.

[0069] The resin content (mass %) in the ink is preferably 0.1 mass % or more and 20.0 mass % or less, and more preferably 0.5 mass % or more and 15.0 mass % or less, based on the total mass of the ink.

[0070] When the ink contains a resin, the titanium oxide content (mass %) in the ink is preferably 0.15 or more times the resin content (mass %) in terms of mass ratio. By setting the mass ratio to 0.15 or more, thermal deformation of the recording medium due to irradiation with laser light can be further suppressed, and the narrowness and uniformity of the cut width can be further improved.

[0071] Examples of the resin form include block copolymers, random copolymers, graft copolymers, and combinations thereof. The resin may be a water-soluble resin that can be dissolved in an aqueous medium, or may be resin particles that are dispersed in an aqueous medium. One type of resin may be used alone, or two or more types may be used in combination.

[0072] [Resin Composition] Examples of the resin include acrylic resins, urethane resins, olefin resins, etc. Among these, acrylic resins and urethane resins are preferred, and acrylic resins composed of units derived from (meth)acrylic acid or (meth)acrylate are more preferred.

[0073] The acrylic resin is preferably one having a hydrophilic unit and a hydrophobic unit as constituent units. Among these, a resin having a hydrophilic unit derived from (meth)acrylic acid and a hydrophobic unit derived from at least one of a monomer having an aromatic ring and a (meth)acrylic acid ester-based monomer is preferred. In particular, a resin having a hydrophilic unit derived from (meth)acrylic acid and a hydrophobic unit derived from at least one of a styrene and an α-methylstyrene monomer is preferred. These resins are likely to interact with pigments, and can therefore be suitably used as resin dispersants for dispersing pigments.

[0074] The hydrophilic unit is a unit having a hydrophilic group such as an anionic group. The hydrophilic unit can be formed, for example, by polymerizing a hydrophilic monomer having a hydrophilic group. Specific examples of hydrophilic monomers having a hydrophilic group include acidic monomers having a carboxylic acid group such as (meth)acrylic acid, itaconic acid, maleic acid, and fumaric acid, and anionic monomers such as anhydrides and salts of these acidic monomers. Examples of cations constituting the salts of acidic monomers include ions of lithium, sodium, potassium, ammonium, and organic ammonium. The hydrophobic unit is a unit not having a hydrophilic group such as an anionic group. The hydrophobic unit can be formed, for example, by polymerizing a hydrophobic monomer not having a hydrophilic group such as an anionic group. Specific examples of hydrophobic monomers include monomers having an aromatic ring such as styrene, α-methylstyrene, and benzyl (meth)acrylate; and (meth)acrylic acid ester monomers such as methyl (meth)acrylate, butyl (meth)acrylate, and 2-ethylhexyl (meth)acrylate.

[0075] The urethane resin can be obtained by reacting, for example, polyisocyanate with a polyol. Alternatively, a chain extender may be further added to the urethane resin. Examples of the olefin resin include polyethylene and polypropylene.

[0076] [Resin properties] As used herein, the term "a resin is water-soluble" means that when the resin is neutralized with an alkali equivalent to its acid value, it exists in an aqueous medium in a state in which it does not form particles whose particle size can be measured by dynamic light scattering. Whether a resin is water-soluble or not can be determined according to the following method. First, a liquid (resin solids content: 10% by mass) containing the resin neutralized with an alkali (sodium hydroxide, potassium hydroxide, etc.) equivalent to the acid value is prepared. Next, the prepared liquid is diluted 10 times (by volume) with pure water to prepare a sample solution. When the particle size of the resin in the sample solution is measured by dynamic light scattering, if no particles having a particle size are measured, the resin can be determined to be water-soluble. Measurement conditions can be, for example, Set Zero: 30 seconds, number of measurements: 3, and measurement time: 180 seconds. Furthermore, a particle size analyzer using dynamic light scattering (e.g., product name "UPA-EX150" manufactured by Nikkiso) can be used as the particle size distribution measuring device. Of course, the particle size distribution measuring device and measuring conditions to be used are not limited to those described above.

[0077] The water-soluble resin preferably has an acid value of 100 mgKOH / g or more and 250 mgKOH / g or less, and a weight-average molecular weight of 3,000 or more and 15,000 or less.

[0078] The acid value of the resin constituting the resin particles is preferably 5 mgKOH / g or more and 100 mgKOH / g or less. The weight average molecular weight of the resin constituting the resin particles is preferably 1,000 or more and 3,000,000 or less, more preferably 100,000 or more and 3,000,000 or less. The volume-based cumulative 50% particle diameter (D 50 ) is preferably 50 nm or more and 500 nm or less. The volume-based cumulative 50% particle diameter of resin particles is the diameter of the particles that is 50% of the total volume of the measured particles when integrated from the small particle diameter side in a particle diameter integration curve. The volume-based cumulative 50% particle diameter of resin particles can be measured using the dynamic light scattering particle size analyzer and measurement conditions described above. The glass transition temperature of the resin particles is preferably 30°C or more and 120°C or less, and more preferably 50°C or more and 100°C or less. When the glass transition temperature of the resin particles is within the above range, the narrowness and uniformity of the cut width can be further improved. The glass transition temperature (°C) of the resin particles can be measured using a differential scanning calorimeter (DSC). The resin particles do not need to contain a colorant.

[0079] [Wax particles] The ink can contain particles formed from wax (wax particles). By using an ink containing wax particles, it is possible to record images with further improved abrasion resistance. The wax in this specification may be a composition containing components other than wax, or may be the wax itself. The wax particles may be dispersed using a dispersant such as a surfactant or resin. One type of wax may be used alone, or two or more types may be used in combination. The content (mass %) of wax particles in the ink is preferably 0.1% by mass or more and 10.0% by mass or less, and more preferably 1.0% by mass or more and 5.0% by mass or less, based on the total mass of the ink.

[0080] In a narrow sense, wax is an ester of a water-insoluble higher monohydric or dihydric alcohol and a fatty acid, and includes animal waxes and vegetable waxes, but excludes oils and fats. In a broad sense, wax includes high-melting-point fats, mineral waxes, petroleum waxes, and blends and modified products of various waxes. In the present invention, any wax in the broad sense can be used without particular limitation. Wax in the broad sense can be classified into natural waxes, synthetic waxes, blends thereof (blended waxes), and modified products thereof (modified waxes).

[0081] Examples of natural waxes include animal waxes such as beeswax, spermaceti, and wool wax (lanolin); plant waxes such as Japan wax, carnauba wax, sugarcane wax, palm wax, candelilla wax, and rice wax; mineral waxes such as montan wax; and petroleum waxes such as paraffin wax, microcrystalline wax, and petrolatum. Examples of synthetic waxes include hydrocarbon waxes such as Fischer-Tropsch wax and polyolefin wax (e.g., polyethylene wax and polypropylene wax). Blended waxes are mixtures of the above waxes. Modified waxes are those obtained by modifying the above waxes through oxidation, hydrogenation, alcohol modification, acrylic modification, urethane modification, or other such processes. One of the above waxes may be used alone, or two or more may be used in combination. The wax is preferably at least one selected from the group consisting of microcrystalline wax, Fischer-Tropsch wax, polyolefin wax, paraffin wax, and modified or blended versions thereof. Among these, a blend of multiple types of wax is more preferred, and a blend of petroleum wax and synthetic wax is particularly preferred.

[0082] The wax is preferably solid at room temperature (25°C). The melting point (°C) of the wax is preferably 40°C or higher and 120°C or lower, and more preferably 50°C or higher and 100°C or lower. The melting point of the wax can be measured in accordance with the test method described in 5.3.1 (Melting Point Test Method) of JIS K2235:1991 (Petroleum Wax). For microcrystalline wax, petrolatum, and mixtures of multiple waxes, the test method described in 5.3.2 can be used for more accurate measurement. The melting point of the wax is easily affected by properties such as molecular weight (the higher the molecular weight, the higher the melting point), molecular structure (linear chains have a high melting point, and branched chains have a lower melting point), crystallinity (the higher the crystallinity), and density (the higher the crystallinity). Therefore, by controlling these properties, a wax with the desired melting point can be obtained. The melting point of the wax in the ink can be measured, for example, by ultracentrifuging the ink, washing and drying the separated wax, and then measuring it in accordance with the above test method.

[0083] [Aqueous medium] The ink used in the method for producing a recorded material of the present invention is an aqueous ink containing at least water as the aqueous medium. The ink can contain water or an aqueous medium that is a mixed solvent of water and a water-soluble organic solvent. Deionized water or ion-exchanged water is preferably used as the water. The water content (mass %) in the aqueous ink is preferably 50.0% to 95.0% by mass based on the total mass of the ink. Furthermore, the water-soluble organic solvent content (mass %) in the aqueous ink is preferably 2.0% to 40.0% by mass based on the total mass of the ink. As the water-soluble organic solvent, any of those usable for inkjet inks, such as alcohols, (poly)alkylene glycols, glycol ethers, nitrogen-containing solvents, and sulfur-containing solvents, can be used. The water-soluble organic solvents may be used alone or in combination of two or more.

[0084] [Other ingredients] The ink may contain various other components as needed. Examples of other components include various additives such as antifoaming agents, surfactants, pH adjusters, viscosity adjusters, rust inhibitors, preservatives, antifungal agents, antioxidants, and antireducing agents. However, it is preferable that the ink does not contain the reactants contained in the reaction liquid.

[0085] [Ink properties] The ink is an aqueous ink used in inkjet printing. Therefore, from the viewpoint of reliability, it is preferable to appropriately control its physical properties. Specifically, the surface tension of the ink at 25°C is preferably 20 mN / m or more and 60 mN / m or less. Furthermore, the viscosity of the ink at 25°C is preferably 1.0 mPa·s or more and 10.0 mPa·s or less. The pH of the ink at 25°C is preferably 7.0 or more and 9.5 or less, and more preferably 8.0 or more and 9.5 or less. [Example]

[0086] The present invention will be described in more detail below with reference to examples and comparative examples, but the present invention is not limited to the following examples as long as the gist of the invention is not exceeded. The terms "parts" and "%" used to describe the amounts of components are based on mass unless otherwise specified.

[0087] <Preparation of reaction solution> The components listed below were mixed and thoroughly stirred, then pressure filtered through a 3.0 μm pore size cellulose acetate filter (manufactured by Advantec) to prepare each reaction solution. The surfactant used was an acetylene glycol-based nonionic surfactant (trade name "Acetylenol E100" manufactured by Kawaken Fine Chemicals). "Cationic Polymer (PQ40U05NV)" is the trade name for an aqueous solution of diallyldimethylammonium chloride polymer with a quaternary ammonium salt structure (cationic resin content: 40%) manufactured by KATPOL.

[0088] (Reaction solution 1) Magnesium sulfate heptahydrate: 8.0% 1,2-butanediol: 3.0% Surfactant: 0.1% Ion-exchanged water: 88.9%

[0089] (Reaction solution 2) Calcium chloride hexahydrate: 7.8% 1,2-butanediol: 3.0% Surfactant: 0.1% Ion-exchanged water: 89.1%

[0090] (Reaction solution 3) Magnesium chloride hexahydrate: 8.5% 1,2-butanediol: 3.0% Surfactant: 0.1% Ion-exchanged water: 88.4%

[0091] (Reaction solution 4) Aluminum sulfate hexadecahydrate: 7.4% 1,2-butanediol: 3.0% Surfactant: 0.1% Ion-exchanged water: 89.5%

[0092] (Reaction solution 5) Cationic polymer (PQ40U05NV): 10.0% 1,2-butanediol: 3.0% Surfactant: 0.1% Ion-exchanged water: 86.9%

[0093] (Reaction solution 6) Malonic acid: 4.0% 1,2-butanediol: 3.0% Surfactant: 0.1% Ion-exchanged water: 92.9%

[0094] <Preparation of pigment dispersion> (Pigment dispersion 1) 40.0 parts of rutile titanium dioxide, 2.0 parts of 3-(methoxy(polyoxyethylene)9-12)propyltrimethoxysilane, and ion-exchanged water were mixed to make a total of 100.0 parts of the components. The titanium dioxide used was "TITANIX JR-403" (manufactured by Teika, surface treatment: alumina, silica). After pre-dispersing using a homogenizer, the mixture was dispersed at 25°C for 12 hours using a paint shaker (0.5 mm zirconia beads). After filtering off the zirconia beads, an appropriate amount of ion-exchanged water was added as needed to prepare Pigment Dispersion 1, which had a titanium dioxide content of 40.0%.

[0095] (Pigment dispersion 2) A styrene-ethyl acrylate-acrylic acid copolymer (Resin 1) with an acid value of 200 mgKOH / g and a weight-average molecular weight of 8,000 was prepared. 20.0 parts of Resin 1 were neutralized with potassium hydroxide in an amount equal to the acid value, and an appropriate amount of pure water was added to prepare an aqueous solution of Resin 1 with a resin (solids) content of 20.0%. 40.0 parts of rutile titanium dioxide (trade name "TITANIX JR-600A", Teika Co., Ltd., surface treatment: alumina), 10.0 parts of the aqueous solution of Resin 1, and 50.0 parts of pure water were mixed and pre-dispersed using a homogenizer. The mixture was then dispersed (main dispersion) at 25°C for 12 hours using a paint shaker (0.5 mm zirconia beads). After filtering the zirconia beads, an appropriate amount of ion-exchanged water was added as needed to prepare Pigment Dispersion 2 with a titanium dioxide content of 40.0% and a resin dispersant (Resin 1) content of 2.0%.

[0096] (Pigment dispersion 3) A styrene-ethyl acrylate-acrylic acid copolymer (Resin 2) with an acid value of 150 mgKOH / g and a weight-average molecular weight of 8,000 was prepared. 20.0 parts of Resin 2 were neutralized with potassium hydroxide in an amount equal to the acid value, and an appropriate amount of pure water was added to prepare an aqueous solution of Resin 2 with a resin (solids) content of 20.0%. A mixture was obtained by mixing 10.0 parts of pigment (carbon black), 10.0 parts of the aqueous solution of Resin 2, and 80.0 parts of pure water. The resulting mixture and 200 parts of 0.3 mm diameter zirconia beads were placed in a batch-type vertical sand mill (Imex) and dispersed for 5 hours with water cooling. After centrifuging to remove coarse particles, the mixture was pressure-filtered through a 3.0 μm pore-size cellulose acetate filter (Advantec) to prepare Pigment Dispersion 3 with a pigment content of 10.0% and a resin dispersant (Resin 2) content of 2.0%.

[0097] <Preparation of resin particles> (Aqueous dispersion of resin particles 1) 100.0 parts of ion-exchanged water was placed in a flask equipped with a stirrer, reflux condenser, thermometer, and nitrogen gas inlet tube. Nitrogen gas was then introduced into the flask, and the temperature was raised to 80°C while stirring. A monomer emulsion was prepared by mixing 100.0 parts of ion-exchanged water, 1.0 parts of sodium lauryl sulfate (emulsifier), 18.0 parts of 2-ethylhexyl acrylate, 31.0 parts of methyl methacrylate, 48.0 parts of styrene, and 3.0 parts of acrylic acid. The monomer emulsion and 10.0 parts of a 5.0% aqueous potassium persulfate solution were added dropwise to the flask over 3 hours. After aging for 2 hours, an appropriate amount of ion-exchanged water was added to adjust the solid content, yielding an aqueous dispersion of resin particles 1 (resin particle (solid content) 25.0%). The glass transition temperature (Tg) of resin particles 1 in the resulting aqueous dispersion was 70°C, and the volume average particle size (D50) was 86 nm.

[0098] (Aqueous dispersion of resin particles 2) A monomer emulsion was prepared by mixing 100.0 parts of water, 1.0 part of sodium lauryl sulfate (emulsifier), 34.0 parts of 2-ethylhexyl acrylate, 34.0 parts of methyl methacrylate, 25.0 parts of styrene, and 3.0 parts of acrylic acid. An aqueous dispersion of resin particles 2 (resin particle (solid content) 25.0%) was obtained in the same manner as the aqueous dispersion of resin particles 1, except that the monomer emulsion thus prepared was used. The glass transition temperature (Tg) of resin particles 2 in the obtained aqueous dispersion was 31°C, and the volume average particle size (D50) was 90 nm.

[0099] (Aqueous dispersion of resin particles 3) A monomer emulsion was prepared by mixing 100.0 parts of water, 1.0 part of sodium lauryl sulfate (emulsifier), 35.0 parts of 2-ethylhexyl acrylate, 32.0 parts of methyl methacrylate, 30.0 parts of n-butyl acrylate, and 3.0 parts of acrylic acid. An aqueous dispersion of resin particles 3 (resin particle (solid content) 25.0%) was obtained in the same manner as the aqueous dispersion of resin particles 1, except that the monomer emulsion thus prepared was used. The glass transition temperature (Tg) of resin particles 3 in the obtained aqueous dispersion was −60° C., and the volume average particle size (D50) was 88 nm.

[0100] (Measurement of glass transition temperature Tg of resin particles) The glass transition temperature of the resin particles was measured according to the following procedure. First, a measurement sample was prepared by drying and solidifying an aqueous dispersion of resin particles at 25°C. Then, a differential scanning calorimeter (trade name "DSC-Q1000", manufactured by TA Instruments Japan) was used to perform thermal analysis according to the temperature program shown below to create a temperature rise curve. In the created temperature rise curve (horizontal axis: temperature, vertical axis: heat quantity), the temperature at the intersection of a straight line extending from two points on the low-temperature side of the curve to the high-temperature side and a tangent drawn at the point where the gradient of the step-like change in the curve is maximum was taken as the glass transition temperature Tg (°C) of the resin particles.

[0101] <Ink Preparation> Each ink was prepared by mixing the components (unit: parts) shown in Table 1, thoroughly stirring, and then filtering under pressure using a cellulose acetate filter (manufactured by Advantec) with a pore size of 3.0 μm. In Table 1, "Acetylenol E100" is the trade name of a surfactant manufactured by Kawaken Fine Chemicals. Inks 4 to 7 were prepared by mixing and stirring the components (unit: parts) shown in Table 1, and then evaporating the water so that the total amount was 100 parts.

[0102] TIFF2025168285000001.tif82170

[0103] <Preparing the recording medium> The following recording media 1 to 3 were prepared: Recording media 1 and 2 are label papers each having an adhesive layer and release paper on the backside of a surface substrate (resin film) shown below. Recording medium 1: Transparent polyester film (product name "PET50(A)PAT1 8LK", manufactured by Lintec) Recording medium 2: White polyester film (product name "PETWH50(A)PAT1 8LK2", manufactured by Lintec) Recording medium 3: Transparent polyester film (product name "Lumirror T60", manufactured by Toray)

[0104] <Evaluation> In the inkjet recording apparatus 100 having the configuration shown in FIG. 1, the first reaction liquid deposition device 1102 was filled with reaction liquid A, and the first ink deposition device 1103 was filled with ink A. Furthermore, the second reaction liquid deposition device 1202 was filled with reaction liquid B, and the second ink deposition device 1203 was filled with ink B. Under the recording conditions (amounts deposited) and evaluation conditions shown in Tables 2 and 4, reaction liquid A, ink A, reaction liquid B, and ink B were deposited in this order onto a recording medium, and the image shown in FIGS. 5(A) and (B) or 6(A) and (B) was recorded. The recording medium on which the image was recorded was then cut at the laser light irradiation position shown in FIG. 5(C) or 6(C). The image recording method and recording medium cutting method will be described in detail below with reference to FIGS. 5 and 6.

[0105] FIG. 5 shows an image pattern recorded on a recording medium and the irradiation position of the laser beam. FIG. 5(A) shows an image pattern recorded on a recording medium using reaction liquid A and ink A. FIG. 5(B) shows an image pattern recorded on a recording medium using reaction liquid B and ink B. FIG. 5(C) shows the area (irradiation position of the laser beam) to be cut by a laser die-cutting device on the recording medium on which the image has been recorded. In FIGS. 5(A) to 5(C), reference numeral 501 indicates an image recorded by applying reaction liquid A and ink A. As shown in FIG. 5(A), the image 501 is recorded on the entire surface of the recording medium. In FIGS. 5(B) and 5(C), reference numeral 502 indicates an image recorded by applying reaction liquid B and ink B. As shown in FIG. 5(B), the image 502 is recorded on the right half of the recording medium on which the image 501 has been recorded, so as to partially overlap the image 501. In FIG. 5(C), reference numeral 503 indicates the irradiation position of the laser beam (irradiation area of ​​the laser beam) for cutting the recording medium on which the image has been recorded. As shown in FIG. 5(C), an image 501 recorded by applying at least reaction liquid A and ink A exists at the irradiation position 503 of the laser light.

[0106] FIG. 6 shows an image pattern recorded on a recording medium and the irradiation position of the laser beam. FIG. 6(A) shows an image pattern recorded on a recording medium using reaction liquid A and ink A. FIG. 6(B) shows an image pattern recorded on a recording medium using reaction liquid B and ink B. FIG. 6(C) shows an area (irradiation position of the laser beam) to be cut by a laser die-cutting device on the recording medium on which the image has been recorded. In FIGS. 6(A) to 6(C), reference numeral 601 indicates an image recorded by applying reaction liquid A and ink A. As shown in FIG. 6(A), the image 601 is recorded on the recording medium in the shape of a rectangular outline. In FIGS. 6(B) and 6(C), reference numeral 602 indicates an image recorded by applying reaction liquid B and ink B. As shown in FIG. 6(B), the image 602 is recorded on the right half of the recording medium on which the image 601 has been recorded so as to partially overlap the image 601. In FIG. 6(B), the image 601 is displayed so that the overlapping portion with the image 602 can be seen, but in reality, the image 602 is recorded on top of the image 601 in the right half of the recording medium, so the image 601 is not visible. In FIG. 6(C), reference numeral 603 indicates the irradiation position (laser light irradiation area) of the laser light for cutting the recording medium on which the image has been recorded. As shown in FIG. 6(C), the image 601, which has been recorded by applying at least reaction liquid A and ink A, exists at the laser light irradiation position 603. The image 601 corresponds to the cutting area. In FIGS. 6(A) to 6(C), reference numeral 604 indicates a blank image area where the images 601 and 602 are not recorded.

[0107] In Table 2, under "recording condition 16," reaction liquid A and ink A were not applied to the region of image 601 in FIG. 6(A). Under "recording condition 17," reaction liquid B and ink B were applied to the region of image 601 in FIG. 6(A) instead of reaction liquid A and ink A. Under "recording condition 18," only reaction liquid A was applied to the region of image 601 in FIG. 6(A), and ink A was not applied. Under "recording condition 19," only ink A was applied to the region of image 601 in FIG. 6(A), and reaction liquid A was not applied.

[0108] In the inkjet recording apparatus 100 used in this example, an image recorded under the condition of depositing one 3.0 ng ink droplet per unit area of ​​1 / 1,200 inch x 1 / 1,200 inch is defined as having a recording duty of 100%. The recording medium conveyance speed was 0.3 m / s. The drying temperature of the heating sections 2000 and 2300 was 90°C, and the air speed was 10 m / s. The temperature of the cooling sections 3000 and 3300 was 30°C. In the present invention, the following evaluation criteria for each item were used: "AAA," "AA," "A," and "B" were considered acceptable levels, and "C" was considered unacceptable. The evaluation results are shown in Table 4.

[0109] (Uniformity of cutting width by laser light) A laser die-cutting device was used to irradiate laser light at laser light irradiation positions 503 and 603 on a recording medium on which an image had been recorded under the recording conditions shown in Table 2, resulting in cut records. The cutting conditions for the laser die-cutting device are shown in Table 3. A CO2 laser with a spot diameter of 0.2 mm was used as the laser light for the laser die-cutting device. The average cut widths of the records obtained by cutting at the laser light irradiation positions shown in Figures 5(C) and 6(C) and the difference between these values ​​(difference in cut widths) were calculated, and the uniformity of the laser cut widths was evaluated according to the evaluation criteria shown below. In Table 3, for "half cut," if the recording medium was label paper, the cut was performed by cutting only the surface substrate (label portion) of the label paper without cutting the release paper. If the recording medium was not label paper, the cut was performed by cutting the entire recording medium. AAA: The difference in cut width was less than 20 μm. AA: The difference in cut width was 20 μm or more and less than 40 μm. A: The difference in cut width was 40 μm or more and less than 60 μm. B: The difference in cut width was 60 μm or more and less than 80 μm. C: The difference in cut width was 80 μm or more.

[0110] (Narrow cutting width by laser light) The maximum cut width of the recorded material obtained in the evaluation of "uniformity of cut width by laser light" above was measured, and the narrowness of the cut width by laser light was evaluated according to the following evaluation criteria. A: The ratio of the cut width to the laser light spot diameter (0.2 mm) was less than 180%. B: The ratio of the cut width to the laser light spot diameter (0.2 mm) was 180% or more and less than 240%. C: The ratio of the cut width to the laser light spot diameter (0.2 mm) was 240% or more.

[0111] TIFF2025168285000002.tif145170

[0112] TIFF2025168285000003.tif56170

[0113] TIFF2025168285000004.tif195170

[0114] The disclosure of this embodiment includes the following methods and configurations. (Method 1) A step of applying an aqueous reaction liquid to a recording medium including a resin film; a step of applying a water-based ink by an inkjet method to record an image on the recording medium so as to overlap at least a part of the region on the recording medium to which the reaction liquid has been applied; and cutting the recording medium by irradiating a laser beam onto an area to which the reaction liquid and the aqueous ink have been applied, the reaction liquid contains an inorganic metal salt, The method for producing an inkjet recorded matter, wherein the water-based ink contains titanium oxide. (Method 2) The water-based ink further contains a resin, The method for producing an inkjet recorded matter according to Method 1, wherein the content (mass %) of the titanium oxide in the aqueous ink is 0.15 times or more in mass ratio to the content (mass %) of the resin. (Method 3) The method for producing an inkjet recorded matter according to Method 1 or 2, wherein the amount of the aqueous ink applied to the area irradiated with the laser light is 20 ng / 600 dpi or more and 100 ng / 600 dpi or less. (Method 4) The method for producing an inkjet recorded matter according to any one of Methods 1 to 3, wherein the amount of the reaction liquid applied relative to the amount of the aqueous ink applied is 0.05 to 0.3 times in mass ratio. (Method 5) The method for producing an inkjet recorded matter according to any one of Methods 1 to 4, wherein the recording medium does not contain an inorganic material. (Method 6) A method for producing an inkjet recorded matter according to any one of Methods 1 to 5, in which the recording medium is half-cut by irradiating the laser light. (Method 7) In the step of recording the image, a cutting area for cutting the recording medium is recorded; 7. The method for producing an inkjet recorded matter according to any one of Methods 1 to 6, wherein in the step of cutting the recording medium, the recording medium is cut by irradiating the cutting area with the laser light. (Configuration 1) A reaction liquid applying device that applies an aqueous reaction liquid to a recording medium including a resin film; an ink applying device that applies a water-based ink by an inkjet method so as to overlap at least a part of the area of ​​the recording medium to which the reaction liquid has been applied, thereby recording an image; a laser light irradiation device that irradiates a laser light onto an area to which the reaction liquid and the aqueous ink have been applied, thereby cutting the recording medium, the reaction liquid contains an inorganic metal salt, The apparatus for producing inkjet recorded matter, wherein the water-based ink contains titanium oxide.

Claims

1. applying an aqueous reaction liquid to a recording medium including a resin film; a step of applying a water-based ink by an inkjet method to record an image on the recording medium so as to overlap at least a part of the region on the recording medium to which the reaction liquid has been applied; and cutting the recording medium by irradiating a laser beam onto an area to which the reaction liquid and the aqueous ink have been applied, the reaction liquid contains an inorganic metal salt, The method for producing an inkjet recorded matter, wherein the water-based ink contains titanium oxide.

2. the water-based ink further contains a resin, 2. The method for producing an inkjet recorded matter according to claim 1, wherein the content (% by mass) of the titanium oxide in the aqueous ink is 0.15 or more times the content (% by mass) of the resin in terms of a mass ratio.

3. 2. The method for producing an inkjet recorded matter according to claim 1, wherein the amount of the aqueous ink applied to the region irradiated with the laser light is 20 ng / 600 dpi or more and 100 ng / 600 dpi or less.

4. The method for producing an inkjet recorded matter according to claim 1, wherein the amount of the reaction liquid applied relative to the amount of the aqueous ink applied is 0.05 to 0.3 times in mass ratio.

5. The method for producing an inkjet recorded matter according to claim 1 , wherein the recording medium does not contain an inorganic material.

6. The method for producing an inkjet recorded matter according to claim 1 , wherein the recording medium is half-cut by irradiating the laser light.

7. In the step of recording the image, a cutting area for cutting the recording medium is recorded; The method for producing an inkjet recorded matter according to claim 1 , wherein in the step of cutting the recording medium, the recording medium is cut by irradiating the cutting area with the laser light.

8. a reaction liquid applying device that applies an aqueous reaction liquid to a recording medium including a resin film; an ink applying device that applies a water-based ink by an inkjet method so as to overlap at least a part of the area of ​​the recording medium to which the reaction liquid has been applied, thereby recording an image; a laser light irradiation device that irradiates a laser light onto an area to which the reaction liquid and the aqueous ink have been applied, thereby cutting the recording medium, the reaction liquid contains an inorganic metal salt, The apparatus for producing inkjet recorded matter, wherein the water-based ink contains titanium oxide.

Images