Image forming system

Abstract

To solve the problem that, when a recording material hardly applying varnish by a varnish application device is conveyed from an image forming apparatus to the varnish application device, surface processing treatment cannot be sufficiently performed and a desired result cannot be obtained by a user.SOLUTION: When varnish coating treatment for a recording material without a coating layer is received by receiving means for receiving an instruction concerning treatment content from a user, the varnish coating apparatus is controlled so as not to execute the varnish coating treatment.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an image forming system that applies a varnish coating process to a recording material on which a toner image has been formed. [Background technology]

[0002] Electrophotographic image forming apparatuses generally have multiple paper feed cassettes capable of transporting recording materials, allowing users to select and print on a variety of different sizes and types of recording materials. Taking advantage of their capabilities for small-lot production and variable data printing, these apparatuses have recently entered the production market, which was previously dominated by offset printing machines.

[0003] Furthermore, in recent years in the production market, recording materials on which images have been formed by image forming devices have been subjected to surface treatment using varnishes whose main components are resins and solvents, in order to impart gloss, protect the surface, or decorate it (Reference 1). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2007-176044 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] Recently, an image forming system has been proposed that realizes on-demand printing by connecting a post-processing device to an image forming apparatus that forms an image on a recording material, and performing the processes from image formation on the recording material to the post-processing in a continuous manner without interruption. Therefore, it has been considered to connect a varnish application device that performs the above-mentioned surface treatment using varnish as a post-processing device.

[0006] However, recording materials on which images can be formed by an image forming apparatus are not necessarily recording materials that can be surface-treated with varnish by a varnish application device. Therefore, if recording materials that are difficult to varnish by a varnish application device are transported from an image forming apparatus to a varnish application device, there is a risk that the surface treatment will not be sufficient and the user will not be able to obtain the desired product.

[0007] Therefore, the present invention aims to provide an image forming system that can prevent users from being unable to obtain the desired results in an image forming system that performs an in-line varnish application process on recording material on which an image has been formed by an image forming device. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] In order to achieve the above object, an image forming system according to the present invention forms an image on a recording material. and an image forming apparatus capable of executing an image forming process to form an image by the image forming apparatus. a varnish application device capable of applying varnish to the surface of a recording material; and a control means for controlling the varnish application device, When the print job is received, the printer judges whether or not to perform the varnishing process, and If it is determined that fabric processing is to be performed, whether the recording material is a first type recording material having a coating layer , it is determined whether the recording material is of the second type having no coating layer, and If there is, the varnish application process is executed, and if there is the second type of recording material, the varnish application process is executed. Run The image forming apparatus performs only the image forming process without any image forming operation. It is characterized by: [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] According to the present invention, in an image forming system that performs an in-line varnish application process on recording material on which an image has been formed by an image forming apparatus, it is possible to prevent a situation in which the user is unable to obtain the desired product. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0010] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 2] Control block diagram explaining the control unit [Figure 3] Figure showing the results of the evaluation of the adhesion between the paper and the varnish layer [Figure 4] 1 is a flowchart showing a control process according to a first embodiment; [Figure 5] Diagram showing the display screen of the operation unit [Figure 6] A graph showing the evaluation results of paper basis weight and curl amount [Figure 7] 10 is a flowchart showing a control process according to a second embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a display screen of an operation unit according to a second embodiment; DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0011] Preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings. However, unless otherwise specified, the dimensions, materials, shapes, relative positions, etc. of the components described in the embodiments are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention.

[0012] First Embodiment First, the configuration of an image forming system 1000 of this embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 1 and 2. In the image forming system 1000 of this embodiment, an image forming apparatus 100 that forms a toner image on a recording material S is connected to a varnish application device 200 that applies varnish to the recording material S on which the toner image has been fixed by the image forming apparatus 100.

[0013] The image forming apparatus 100 and the varnish application apparatus 200 are connected in series, and the varnish application apparatus 200 is capable of applying varnish to the recording material conveyed from the image forming apparatus 100. In other words, it is possible to apply varnish to the recording material from the time the recording material is fed by the image forming apparatus 100 until the time the recording material is discharged outside the image forming system 1000.

[0014] "Image forming device" 1 is a tandem-type electrophotographic full-color printer. The image forming apparatus 100 has image forming units Pa, Pb, Pc, and Pd that form yellow, magenta, cyan, and black images, respectively. The image forming apparatus 100 forms a toner image on a recording material S in response to an image signal from an external device (not shown) such as a document reading device (not shown) or a personal computer connected to the image forming apparatus 100 so as to be able to communicate with the image forming apparatus 100.

[0015] In this embodiment, the image forming units Pa to Pd, primary transfer rollers 24a to 24d, intermediate transfer belt 130, multiple rollers 13 to 15, and outer secondary transfer roller 11 constitute an image forming unit 300 that forms a toner image on recording material S. Examples of recording material S on which an image can be formed by image forming apparatus 100 include various types of sheet materials such as plain paper, cardboard, rough paper, textured paper, recycled paper, coated paper, plastic film (resin media), and cloth.

[0016] As shown in FIG. 1, the image forming units Pa, Pb, Pc, and Pd are arranged side by side along the direction of movement of the intermediate transfer belt 130. The intermediate transfer belt 130 is stretched around multiple rollers (13, 14, and 15) and configured to run in the direction of arrow R2. The intermediate transfer belt 130 carries and transports the toner image that has been primarily transferred. A secondary transfer outer roller 11 is arranged at a position opposite to the secondary transfer inner roller 14 that stretches the intermediate transfer belt 130, with the intermediate transfer belt 130 sandwiched therebetween, forming a secondary transfer unit T2 that transfers the toner image on the intermediate transfer belt 130 to the recording material S. A fixing device 8 is arranged downstream of the secondary transfer unit T2 in the recording material transport direction.

[0017] A cassette 10 containing a recording material S is disposed at the bottom of the image forming apparatus 100. The recording material S is conveyed from the cassette 10 toward a registration roller 12 by a conveyance roller 16. Thereafter, the registration roller 12 starts to rotate in synchronization with the toner image formed on the intermediate transfer belt 130 as described below, and the recording material S is conveyed to the secondary transfer unit T2. Note that although only one cassette 10 is shown here, a plurality of cassettes 10 may be disposed so as to be able to accommodate recording materials S of different sizes and thicknesses. In this case, the recording material S is selectively conveyed from one of the plurality of cassettes 10. Furthermore, the recording material S is not limited to being accommodated in the cassette 10, and a configuration may be adopted in which a recording material S placed on a manual feed unit (not shown) is conveyed, or a configuration in which a recording material S accommodated in a storage device connected externally to the image forming apparatus 100 is conveyed.

[0018] The four image forming units Pa, Pb, Pc, and Pd included in the image forming apparatus 100 have substantially the same configuration except for the different developing colors. Therefore, the yellow image forming unit Pa will be described here as a representative, and descriptions of the other image forming units Pb, Pc, and Pd will be omitted.

[0019] The image forming unit Pa is provided with a cylindrical photosensitive drum 3a as a photosensitive member. The photosensitive drum 3a is driven to rotate in the direction of arrow R1. Around the photosensitive drum 3a, a charging device 2a, an exposure device La, a developing device 1a, a primary transfer roller 24a, and a drum cleaning device 4a are arranged.

[0020] The process of forming, for example, a full-color image using the image forming apparatus 100 will be described. First, when the image forming operation begins, the surface of the rotating photosensitive drum 3a is uniformly charged by the charging device 2a. The charging device 2a is, for example, a corona charger that irradiates charged particles associated with corona discharge to charge the photosensitive drum 3a to a uniform negative dark potential. Next, the photosensitive drum 3a is scanned and exposed to laser light corresponding to an image signal emitted from the exposure device La. As a result, an electrostatic latent image corresponding to the image signal is formed on the surface of the photosensitive drum 3a. The electrostatic latent image formed on the photosensitive drum 3a is developed into a visible toner image using a developer containing toner and carrier contained in the developing device 1a. In this embodiment, the developing devices 1a to 1d each use a two-component developer containing non-magnetic toner and magnetic carrier.

[0021] The toner image formed on the photosensitive drum 3a is primarily transferred onto the intermediate transfer belt 130 at a primary transfer section T1 formed between the photosensitive drum 3a and a primary transfer roller 24a disposed across the intermediate transfer belt 130. At this time, a primary transfer bias is applied to the primary transfer roller 24a. Any toner remaining on the surface of the photosensitive drum 3a after the primary transfer is removed by a drum cleaning device 4a.

[0022] This operation is performed sequentially at each of the yellow, magenta, cyan, and black image forming portions Pa to Pd, and the four color toner images are superimposed on the intermediate transfer belt 130. Thereafter, in synchronization with the formation of the toner images, the recording material S stored in the cassette 10 is conveyed to the secondary transfer portion T2. Then, by applying a secondary transfer bias to the outer secondary transfer roller 11, the full-color toner images formed on the intermediate transfer belt 130 are secondarily transferred all at once onto the recording material S. Any toner remaining on the intermediate transfer belt 130 after the secondary transfer is removed by a belt cleaning device 22.

[0023] Next, the recording material S onto which the toner image has been transferred is transported to the fixing device 8. In the fixing device 8, the recording material S carrying the toner image is nipped and transported in the fixing nip T3, whereby the recording material S is heated and pressurized, and the toner is melted and fixed to the recording material S. That is, the toner of the toner image formed on the recording material S is melted and mixed by the heat and pressure, and is fixed to the recording material S as a full-color image. In this way, a series of image formation processes is completed.

[0024] In this embodiment, the image forming apparatus 100 is capable of double-sided printing. In the case of single-sided printing, the recording material S that has passed through the fixing device 8 passes through the discharge conveyance path 31 and is discharged to the outside of the image forming apparatus 100. On the other hand, in the case of double-sided printing, the recording material S that has passed through the fixing device 8 is conveyed to the conveyance path 32 and sent to the reversal path 33. The recording material S sent to the reversal path 33 is switched back and conveyed toward the double-sided conveyance path 34, whereby the front and back sides of the recording material S are swapped. The recording material S with its front and back sides swapped is conveyed along the double-sided conveyance path 34 toward the registration roller 12, and a toner image is formed on the other side through a process similar to that when a toner image is formed on one side. Then, the recording material S with the toner images fixed on both sides passes through the discharge conveyance path 31 and is discharged to the outside of the image forming apparatus 100.

[0025] Here, we will explain the developer used to develop the electrostatic latent image formed on the photosensitive drum 3a into a toner image. In this embodiment, a two-component developer containing toner and carrier is used. The toner has a low melting point and contains a binder resin, a colorant, and a release agent (wax).

[0026] [Varnish application device] 1, in this embodiment, a varnish application device 200 serving as a surface processing device is connected to the image forming apparatus 100. The varnish application device 200 is configured to be freely connectable to the image forming apparatus 100 as one of peripheral devices (referred to as an optional unit, etc.) that can be added later to expand the functions of the image forming apparatus 100. The varnish application device 200 applies varnish to the recording material S discharged from the image forming apparatus 100 to coat the entire surface as a surface processing device for the purposes of imparting gloss and protecting the surface in order to increase the added value of the recording material S.

[0027] In addition, the varnish application device 200 does not have to be directly connected to the image forming device 100, and may be configured as an inline image system in which an inserter, image reading device, etc. is interposed between the image forming device 100 and the varnish application device 200.

[0028] The varnish application device 200 will now be described. The varnish application device 200 has a tank (not shown) that stores varnish, a supply means (not shown) that supplies varnish from the tank to the application roller 201, the application roller 201 and an opposing roller 202 that form a varnish application nip T4 where the varnish is applied to the recording material S, a pressure mechanism (not shown) that presses the application roller 201 and the opposing roller 202 against each other, and an ultraviolet lamp 203 that hardens the varnish applied to the recording material S.

[0029] The varnish application device 200 has a conveying path separated into a varnish application route 205 along which varnish is applied to the recording material S, and a varnish bypass route 204 along which varnish is not applied to the recording material S, and is capable of switching the conveying path of the recording material S to either one. That is, by switching a flapper 206, the recording material S can be conveyed to the varnish application route 205 when varnishing is to be performed, or to the varnish bypass route 204 when varnishing is not to be performed. The varnish used here can be a UV varnish that hardens with ultraviolet light, depending on the desired texture.

[0030] The application roller 201 is formed in a size that allows it to apply varnish supplied from a tank (not shown) over almost the entire width of the recording material S, which is perpendicular to the conveyance direction of the recording material S. The ultraviolet lamp 203 irradiates the varnish applied to the recording material S by the application roller 201 with UV light of a wavelength corresponding to the varnish, thereby curing the varnish. Like the application roller 201, the ultraviolet lamp 203 is capable of irradiating UV light over almost the entire width of the recording material S, and is only turned on when varnish is being applied.

[0031] The means for applying varnish to the recording material S is not limited to a roller system using the application roller 201 and the opposing roller 202, but may also be an injection-type line head, for example. When a line head is used, it is possible to apply varnish to any position on the recording material S, rather than the entire surface. Therefore, by using a line head, it is possible to form varnish images such as lines, symbols, and letters. Furthermore, although UV varnish is used as the varnish, it is not limited to this, and oil-based varnish or water-based varnish may also be used. However, when oil-based or water-based varnish is used, it is desirable to use an IR (infrared) lamp rather than an ultraviolet lamp 203 as a drying means for drying the varnish. Furthermore, the varnish may be dried using hot air, or an IR lamp and hot air may be used in combination.

[0032] [Control Unit] The image forming apparatus 100 is equipped with a control unit 80. The control unit 80 will be described with reference to Fig. 2. However, in addition to those shown in the figure, various devices such as motors and power supplies that operate the image forming apparatus 100 are connected to the control unit 80, but as this is not the main focus of the invention, illustration and description of these devices will be omitted here.

[0033] The control unit 80, which serves as a control means, performs various controls of the image forming apparatus 100, such as image formation operations. The control unit 80 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 81, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 82, and a ROM (Read Only Memory) 83. The ROM 83 stores, for example, various programs and various data used to control the image forming system 1000. The CPU 81 executes the various programs stored in the ROM 83 to operate the image forming apparatus 100 and the varnish application device 200.

[0034] In this embodiment, as will be described later, the CPU 81 can control the temperatures of the fixing roller 40 and the pressure roller 41 in the fixing device 8. Working data and input data are stored in the RAM 82. The RAM 82 can also temporarily store the results of calculations performed when various programs are executed.

[0035] In addition to RAM 82 and ROM 83, the CPU 81 is connected via a bus 84 to an input / output interface (I / F) 85, a varnish application device control unit 86, an input reception unit 87, a temperature detection unit 88, a motor control unit 90, and other components. The CPU 81 can receive print signals from an external device (not shown), such as a PC, or from an operation unit 95 via the I / F 85. The print signals are generated based on the process settings specified by the user, and include whether or not to execute each process (e.g., image formation process, varnish application process), the number of sheets to be processed, and the type of recording material to be used for each process. The operation unit 95 includes a selection unit 93 and a display unit 94. The selection unit 93 receives user instructions for executing various programs, such as image formation process, and various data inputs. The I / F 85 receives print signals in response to user input via the operation unit 95. The display unit 94 is, for example, a liquid crystal display that can appropriately display various screens such as a display screen that displays the operating status of the image forming apparatus 100 and the varnish application apparatus 200, and a menu screen that presents various executable programs.

[0036] In this embodiment, when a user instructs the execution of an image formation job, the user can input information such as whether to print in color or monochrome mode, the type of recording material S, and whether to perform a varnishing process to finish the surface with varnishing. Virtual controls simulating the switches of the operation unit 95 may be displayed on the display unit 94, and these virtual controls may be used to accept user operations to execute various programs and input various data. In other words, the operation unit 95 may be a so-called touch panel. Alternatively, the operation unit 95 may also be used as the display device of an external device 91, such as a personal computer, connected via a wired or wireless communication network.

[0037] The CPU 81 can acquire image signals and various data from the external device 91 via the input acceptance unit 87. In this embodiment, when an execution command for an image formation job is acquired from the external device 91, information on whether to execute a varnish application process can be acquired. Although not shown, the image forming apparatus 100 may be equipped with a document reading device, and the CPU 81 may be able to acquire an image signal of a document read by the document reading device via the input acceptance unit 87. The acquired image signal is stored in the RAM 82 as image data.

[0038] The temperature detection unit 88 detects the temperatures of the fixing roller 40 and the pressure roller 41 based on the detection results of the thermistors 42a and 42b. The CPU 81 controls the heater control unit 89 based on the temperatures detected by the temperature detection unit 88. The heater control unit 89 controls the heaters 40a and 41a so that the temperatures of the fixing roller 40 and the pressure roller 41 become target temperatures. In this embodiment, the CPU 81 controls the heater 40a using the heater control unit 89 so that the surface temperature of the fixing roller 40 becomes a desired temperature within a range of, for example, 140 to 190°C, which is a target temperature at which a toner image can be fixed to the recording material S. The target temperature of the fixing roller 40 is set to a predetermined temperature depending on the type and basis weight of the recording material S to achieve both the fixability of the toner on the recording material S and the gloss of the fixed toner image. On the other hand, the CPU 81 controls the heater 41a using the heater control unit 89 so that the surface temperature of the pressure roller 41 becomes, for example, 100 to 120°C.

[0039] The motor control unit 90 controls the rotation of the motor 92. The CPU 81 controls the rotation speed of the fixing roller 40 via the motor control unit 90, thereby adjusting the conveying speed of the recording material S in the fixing device 8 when the toner image is fixed.

[0040] The varnish application device control unit 86 controls the varnish application device 200 connected to the image forming device 100. The CPU 81 controls the varnish application device 200 by sending and receiving electrical signals via the bus 84. Therefore, if electrical signals cannot be sent and received between the image forming device 100 and the varnish application device 200 via the bus 84, the CPU 81 can determine that the image forming device 100 and the varnish application device 200 are not connected.

[0041] In this embodiment, the image forming apparatus 100 is configured to have a varnish application device control unit 86, but the varnish application device 200 may be configured to have a varnish application device control unit 86 that can communicate with the CPU 81, thereby electrically connecting the image forming apparatus 100 and the varnish application device 200.

[0042] The drive control unit 96 performs conveyance control by controlling conveyance units such as the conveyance roller 16 and registration roller 12 of the image forming apparatus 100. The drive control unit 96 also performs control related to image processing via the image processing unit 150. The drive control unit 96 also controls drive motors (not shown) and the like provided in the image forming apparatus 100 to rotate the image forming units Pa, Pb, Pc, Pd, the intermediate transfer belt 130, and the like.

[0043] In this embodiment, as an example, the drive control unit 96 is configured to control the transport and image forming processes of the image forming apparatus 100, but each of these may be controlled by a plurality of control units.

[0044] [Evaluation of adhesion between paper and varnish layer] Next, we will explain the evaluation of adhesion between paper and varnish layer. We evaluated the adhesion between paper and varnish layer for various types of paper that had been varnished. The adhesion between paper and varnish layer was evaluated using scratch hardness (pencil method) standardized in "JIS K5600-5-4."

[0045] The papers used were plain paper without a coated layer and thick paper (uncoated paper), such as "OK Prince Wood-Free" manufactured by Oji Paper Co., Ltd., with a basis weight of 52.3 g / m. 2 ", 64g / m 2 ", 81.4g / m 2 ", 104.7g / m 2 ", 127.9g / m 2 ", 157g / m 2 ", 209.3g / m 2 The coated paper used was "View High Corona A" manufactured by Oji F-Tex Co., Ltd., with a basis weight of 52.3 g / m 2 " and Oji Paper Co., Ltd.'s "OK Top Coat Plus" basis weight "52.3 g / m 2 ", 73.3g / m 2 ", 84.9g / m 2 ", 104.7g / m 2 ", 127.9g / m 2 ", 157g / m 2 " and UPM FINESSE GLOSS "200g / m 2 The synthetic paper used was "New Yupo" manufactured by Yupo Corporation, with a basis weight of 51.4 g / m 2 ", 73.2g / m 2 ", 84.7g / m 2 ", "100.1g / m 2 ", 115.5g / m 2 ", 158g / m 2 ", "200g / m 2 ", and as a resin media, "VF-1420N" manufactured by Kokuyo Co., Ltd., with a basis weight of 144 g / m 2 ", Folex "BG-72 WO" thickness "0.125 mm" (basis weight 180 g / m 2 ), "Thickness 0.180 mm" (basis weight 250 g / m 2 ) was used.

[0046] The scratch hardness of a reference sample obtained by coating the varnish used here on a glass plate without a toner image and curing it was measured. It showed a hardness of 6H, so a scratch hardness of 6H or higher was considered acceptable for this evaluation. The results are shown in Figure 3. As Figure 3 shows, the scratch hardness was 6H or higher on coated paper, synthetic paper, and resin media, but the scratch hardness on plain paper and cardboard was 3H or lower, failing to meet the 6H standard.

[0047] Because the above-mentioned coated paper, synthetic paper, and resin media have a coating layer on their surface, it is difficult for varnish to penetrate into the interior of the recording material S, and when varnish (UV) is applied by the application roller 201, the varnish tends to remain on the surface of the recording material S. In this evaluation, the scratch hardness of the coated paper, synthetic paper, and resin media was "6H" or higher, which is thought to be because the varnish remained on the surface of the recording material S, allowing the UV light irradiated by the ultraviolet lamp 203 to sufficiently harden the varnish on the recording material S.

[0048] Furthermore, since the above-mentioned plain paper and thick paper do not have a coating layer on their surfaces, when varnish (UV) is applied by the application roller 201, the varnish easily penetrates into the interior of the recording material S. In this evaluation, the scratch hardness of plain paper and thick paper was "3H" or less, which is thought to be because even when UV light is irradiated from the ultraviolet lamp 203, the UV light cannot reach the interior of the recording material S, and the varnish cannot be sufficiently hardened.

[0049] The above evaluation results show that when uncoated paper such as plain paper or thick paper without a coating is used as the recording material S, the varnish does not adhere well to the recording material S and is easily peeled off. Furthermore, because varnish easily penetrates uncoated paper, it is difficult to achieve the three-dimensional effect and glossiness that can be achieved with varnish on recording materials with a coating, such as coated paper. Therefore, even if a varnish application process is performed on uncoated paper, it is highly likely that the end product will not be what the user desires.

[0050] However, the above-mentioned uncoated paper such as plain paper and thick paper, coated paper, synthetic paper, and resin media are all recording materials on which images can be formed using the image forming apparatus 100. Therefore, there is a risk that a user may make a setting error and input an instruction to perform varnishing on plain paper or thick paper. As a result, the image forming system 1000 may perform varnishing on uncoated paper, resulting in a product that is prone to varnish peeling or that does not have the desired three-dimensional effect or gloss, and the user may not be able to obtain the product they desire.

[0051] Therefore, in this embodiment, the execution of the varnish application process on uncoated paper is suppressed, thereby preventing the user from being unable to obtain the desired product.

[0052] [Image formation system control] Next, the operation and control of the image forming system 1000 in this embodiment will be described with reference to a flowchart in FIG.

[0053] The control flow shown in Fig. 4 starts when a print signal is received in a standby state in which the entire image forming system 1000 has been adjusted. Here, the standby state refers to a state in which the temperature of the fixing device 8 in the image forming apparatus 100 has reached a predetermined temperature at which a toner image can be fixed, and an image can be formed on a recording material immediately upon receiving a print signal. The standby state also refers to a state in which the varnish application device 200 has supplied varnish to the varnish application roller 201, and the irradiation power of the ultraviolet lamp 203 has reached a predetermined irradiation power, allowing varnish to be applied to a recording material and the applied varnish to be cured.

[0054] When the CPU 81 receives a print signal from the operation unit 95 or an external device via the I / F unit 85 (Yes in S101), it acquires processing information regarding the image forming process and the varnishing process contained in the print signal (S102). If the CPU 81 has not received a print signal (No in S101), the CPU 81 waits until it receives a print signal, and maintains the standby state of the image forming system 1000.

[0055] Then, the CPU 81 determines whether or not to execute the varnishing process based on the processing information acquired in S102 (S103). If the varnishing process is not to be executed (S103 No), the CPU 81 controls the drive control unit 96 based on the information acquired in S102 to feed the recording material S corresponding to the processing information acquired in S102 from the cassette 10 or another recording material storage device, and executes the image forming process (S104).

[0056] Thereafter, the CPU 81 causes the varnish application device control unit 86 to operate the flapper 206 so that the recording material S that has been subjected to the image formation process in S104 passes through the varnish bypass route 204, and conveys the recording material S to the varnish bypass route 204 (S105). Thereafter, the CPU 81 determines whether all processes included in the print signal received in S101 have been completed (S106). If all processes have been completed (S106), the CPU 81 transitions the image forming system 1000 to a standby state. If all processes have not been completed (S106No), the CPU 81 returns to S103 and executes the process on the next recording material.

[0057] On the other hand, if varnishing processing is to be performed (S103 Yes), the process determines whether the type of recording material for which varnishing processing is instructed, acquired in S102, is uncoated paper (S107). Here, uncoated paper is defined as paper that is not coated on the surface. In this embodiment, uncoated paper includes plain paper, cardboard, rough paper, textured paper, recycled paper, and cloth. Coated paper includes coated paper with a surface coating, resin media such as OHT and film, which are primarily made of plastic film, and synthetic paper.

[0058] If the type of recording material for which varnishing processing is instructed is not uncoated paper (S107 No), that is, if it is a recording material with a coating layer, the CPU 81 controls the drive control unit 96 based on the information obtained in S102, feeds the recording material S corresponding to the processing information obtained in S102 from the cassette 10 or another recording material storage device, and performs the image formation processing (S108).

[0059] Then, the varnish application device control unit 86 operates the flapper 206 so that the recording material S that has been subjected to the image formation process in S108 passes through the varnish application route 205, and the recording material S is transported to the varnish application route 205 (S109). The CPU 81 controls the varnish application device control unit 86 to perform a varnish application process on the recording material that has been transported to the varnish application route (S110). Thereafter, the process proceeds to S106 described above.

[0060] If the type of recording material for which varnish application processing is instructed is uncoated paper (S107 No), that is, if the recording material does not have a coating layer, the CPU 81 displays the "warning screen" shown in Figure 5(a) on the display unit 94 of the operation unit 95 (S111).

[0061] As shown in Fig. 5(a), the "warning screen" displays a message that the selected recording material S is not compatible with varnishing processing by the varnishing device 200, and also allows the user to select the processing for the received print signal. The CPU 81 accepts input operations from the user when the user operates the "Print only" software key or the "Cancel" software key displayed on the display unit 94 as shown in Fig. 5(a). Note that these user input operations may be accepted by software keys displayed on a touch panel, or via the selection unit 93.

[0062] The "print only" process is a process in which only the image forming process is performed by the image forming device 100, without performing the varnish application process by the varnish application device 200. The "cancel" process is a process in which the image forming process by the image forming device 100 and the varnish application process by the varnish application device 200 are not performed, and the processing of the received print signal is stopped.

[0063] Then, the CPU 81 determines whether an instruction to "execute printing only" has been received from the user on the warning screen displayed in S111 (S112). If an instruction to "execute printing only" has been received (S112 Yes), the CPU 81 controls the drive control unit 96 based on the information acquired in S102 to feed the recording material S corresponding to the processing information acquired in S102 from the cassette 10 or another recording material storage device, and executes image formation processing (S113).

[0064] Thereafter, the CPU 81 causes the varnish application device control unit 86 to operate the flapper 206 so that the recording material S on which the image formation processing has been performed in S113 passes through the varnish bypass route 204, and conveys the recording material S to the varnish bypass route 204 (S114). Therefore, the image formation processing is performed on the recording material S, but the varnish application processing is not performed on the recording material S. In other words, the recording material S on which only the image formation processing by the image forming device 100 has been performed is output.

[0065] Thereafter, the CPU 81 determines whether all processes included in the print signal received in S101 have been completed (S106), and if not all processes have been completed (S106 No), returns to S103 and executes the process on the next recording material. In this way, by returning to S103 again after the varnishing process, it is also possible to alternately output a product on which the recording material S has been varnishing processed and a product on which the varnishing process has not been processed.

[0066] Furthermore, when the "print only" process is executed by S112 to S114, as shown in Figure 5(b), the selected recording material S is not a recording material S that can be used for varnishing processing, so it may be displayed that the recording material S has not been varnishing processed but an image has been formed.

[0067] On the other hand, if the instruction to "print only" has not been received (S112 No), that is, if the instruction to "cancel" has been received, all processing for the recording material S determined to have been varnished in S103 is stopped. Thereafter, the CPU 81 determines whether all processing included in the print signal received in S101 has been completed (S106), and if all processing has not been completed (S106 No), the process returns to S103 and the processing for the next recording material is performed.

[0068] Furthermore, when the "cancel" process is executed by S115, as shown in Figure 5(c), since the selected recording material S is not a recording material S that is compatible with the varnish application process, it may be displayed that the process for the specified recording material S has been canceled.

[0069] As described above, if the processing information included in the received print signal includes processing information for performing a varnishing process on uncoated paper that does not have a coating layer, the CPU 81 displays a warning to the user. In other words, if the processing information included in the received print signal includes processing information for performing a varnishing process on uncoated paper that does not have a coating layer, the CPU 81 does not allow the varnishing process to be performed.

[0070] This allows the user to confirm the operation without varnishing the uncoated paper, even if the user accidentally inputs a command to apply varnish to the uncoated paper. This prevents the user from obtaining the desired result, such as a result of the varnish peeling off easily or a result that does not have the desired three-dimensional effect or gloss. Furthermore, this warning display provides the user with an opportunity to cancel the operation and resend the command from the operation unit 95 or an external device, preventing the user from obtaining the desired result.

[0071] In addition, after outputting the finished product obtained by performing a varnish application process on uncoated paper, the user can be prompted to input processing information that reconfigures the recording material S, thereby preventing a decrease in workability due to the need to re-output the finished product obtained by performing a varnish application process on coated paper.

[0072] In this embodiment, a warning screen is displayed in S111 to accept instructions from the user, but if an instruction to perform a varnish application process on a recording material other than coated paper is received, the configuration may be such that a "print only" process is automatically performed, or a "cancel" process is automatically performed.

[0073] Second Embodiment Next, a different embodiment of the present invention will be described. Note that this embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that it uses a configuration that allows the thickness of the varnish layer applied to the recording material S to be varied by the varnish application device 200. In the image forming system described below, the main configurations of the image forming device 100 and the varnish application device 200 are the same as those in the first embodiment, so the same reference numerals will be used and the description will be omitted.

[0074] The image forming system of this embodiment differs from the first embodiment described above in that the thickness of the varnish layer on the recording material S can be set as desired by changing the amount of varnish supplied to the application roller 201 by setting a supply means (not shown) and the contact pressure between the application rollers 201 and 202 by setting a pressure mechanism (not shown). In this embodiment, as an example, the supply means and pressure mechanism of the varnish application device 200 can be set so that the varnish layer thickness is 10 μm, 20 μm, or 30 μm. Such changes to the varnish layer thickness during the varnish application process by the varnish application device 200 are included as processing information in the print signal input by the user.

[0075] Using the image forming system of this embodiment, coated paper of different basis weights was varnished with different thicknesses of varnish applied. The results of measuring the amount of curl of the paper after the varnish application process are shown in Figure 6.

[0076] The coated paper used was "View High Corona A" manufactured by Oji F-Tex Co., Ltd., with a basis weight of 52.3 g / m 2 " and "OK Top Coat Plus" manufactured by Oji Paper Co., Ltd., with a basis weight of 73.3 g / m 2 " and "79.1g / m 2 " and "84.9g / m 2 " and "104.7g / m 2 " and "127.9g / m 2 All recording materials were A3 size.

[0077] When the stiffness of these recording materials was measured by the Gurley method specified in "J.TAPPI Paper and Pulp Test Method No. 40-83: Testing Method for Stiffness of Paper and Paperboard by Load Bending Method," it was found that the stiffness of the recording material depends on the basis weight or thickness of the recording material. In other words, the stiffness of the recording material can be estimated from the basis weight or thickness of the recording material.

[0078] The thickness of the applied varnish was changed by adjusting the amount of varnish supplied to the application roller 201 and the contact pressure between the application roller 201 and the recording material S.

[0079] Regarding curl of the recording material, the recording material after varnish coating was placed on a flat plate with the varnished surface facing up, and the maximum distance from the surface of the flat plate to the edge of the paper was taken as the curl amount. In this embodiment, the maximum allowable curl amount was set to "10 mm."

[0080] According to Figure 6, when the thickness of the applied varnish is "10 μm", the basis weight is "73.3 g / m 2 If the coated paper was larger than 20 μm, the maximum allowable curl amount was not exceeded. Also, when the thickness of the applied varnish was 20 μm and 30 μm, the basis weight was 79.1 g / m. 2 For coated papers larger than 1 / 2" the maximum allowable curl amount was not exceeded.

[0081] That is, when varnishing thin paper with low stiffness, even coated paper, depending on the thickness of the varnish layer, shrinkage as the varnish dries or hardens can cause curling or waviness in the recording material. Recording material with significant curling or waviness can degrade the quality of the finished product. Furthermore, curling in the recording material can cause the recording material to jam in the transport path, resulting in poor transport. When performing other processes, such as binding or folding, on recording material varnished by the varnish application device 200, the curling in the recording material can prevent the other processes from being performed. Thus, this embodiment prevents curling that occurs when varnishing prevents users from obtaining the desired finished product.

[0082] [Image formation system control] Next, the operation and control of the image forming system 1000 in this embodiment will be described with reference to a flowchart. Fig. 7 is a flowchart showing the control flow of the image forming system in the second embodiment.

[0083] 7 starts when a print signal is received in a standby state in which the image forming system 1000 has been adjusted as a whole. The standby state refers to a state in which the temperature of the fixing device 8 in the image forming apparatus 100 has reached a predetermined temperature at which a toner image can be fixed, and an image can be formed on a recording material immediately upon receiving a print signal. The standby state also refers to a state in which the varnish application device 200 has supplied varnish to the varnish application roller 201, and the irradiation power of the ultraviolet lamp 203 has reached a predetermined irradiation power, allowing varnish to be applied to a recording material and the applied varnish to harden.

[0084] When the CPU 81 receives a print signal from the operation unit 95 or an external device via the I / F unit 85 (Yes in S201), it acquires processing information regarding the image forming process and the varnishing process contained in the print signal (S202). If the CPU 81 has not received a print signal (No in S201), the CPU 81 waits until it receives a print signal, and maintains the standby state of the image forming system 1000.

[0085] Then, the CPU 81 determines whether or not to execute the varnishing process based on the processing information acquired in S202 (S203). If the varnishing process is not to be executed (S203 No), the CPU 81 controls the drive control unit 96 based on the information acquired in S202 to feed the recording material S corresponding to the processing information acquired in S202 from the cassette 10 or another recording material storage device, and executes the image forming process (S204).

[0086] Thereafter, the CPU 81 causes the varnish application device control unit 86 to operate the flapper 206 so that the recording material S that has been subjected to the image formation process in S204 passes through the varnish bypass route 204, and conveys the recording material S to the varnish bypass route 204 (S205). Thereafter, the CPU 81 determines whether all processes included in the print signal received in S201 have been completed (S206). If all processes have been completed (S206), the CPU 81 transitions the image forming system 1000 to a standby state. If all processes have not been completed (S206No), the CPU 81 returns to S203 and executes the process for the next recording material.

[0087] On the other hand, if varnishing processing is to be performed (Yes in S203), it is determined whether the type of recording material for which varnishing processing is instructed, acquired in S202, is uncoated paper (S207). Here, uncoated paper is defined as paper that has no coating on its surface. In this embodiment, uncoated paper includes plain paper, cardboard, rough paper, textured paper, recycled paper, and cloth. Coated paper includes coated paper with a coating on its surface, resin media such as OHT and film, which are primarily made of plastic film, and synthetic paper.

[0088] If the type of recording material for which varnish application processing is instructed is not uncoated paper (S207 No), that is, if it is a recording material with a coating layer, the CPU 81 determines the basis weight of the recording material S based on the information acquired in S102 (S208).

[0089] The recording material that is instructed to be varnished is "73.0 g / cm 2 ” or more “78.9g / cm 2 If it is within the predetermined range less than "10 μm", the CPU 81 determines whether the thickness of the varnish layer applied to the recording material S is "10 μm" (S209).

[0090] If the thickness of the varnish layer to be applied to the recording material S is "10 μm" (NO in S209), the CPU 81 controls the drive control unit 96 based on the information acquired in S202, feeds the recording material S corresponding to the processing information acquired in S202 from the cassette 10 or another recording material storage device, and executes the image formation process (S210).

[0091] Then, the varnish application device control section 86 operates the flapper 206 so that the recording material S that has been subjected to the image formation process in S210 passes through the varnish application route 205, and the recording material S is conveyed to the varnish application route 205 (S211). The CPU 81 controls the varnish application device control section 86 to apply varnish to the recording material conveyed to the varnish application route (S212). Thereafter, the process proceeds to S206 described above. As described above, if the basis weight of the recording material S having the coating layer is "73.0 g / cm 2 ” or more “78.9g / cm 2 " and when a varnish layer having a thickness of "10 μm" is formed by the varnish application process, the curl of the recording material after the varnish application process is within the allowable range.

[0092] The basis weight of the recording material S is 79.0 g / cm 2 If the value is equal to or greater than this, the curl will be within the allowable range no matter what thickness of varnish layer is formed, and therefore the image forming process and varnish application process are carried out on the recording material in steps S210 to S212 described above.

[0093] On the other hand, if the type of recording material for which varnishing processing is instructed is uncoated paper (Yes in S207), that is, if the recording material does not have a coating layer, or if the basis weight of the recording material S having a coating layer is “73.0 g / cm 2 ", or when the basis weight of the recording material S having a coating layer is less than "73.0 g / cm 2 ” or more “78.9g / cm 2If the thickness of the varnish layer is within a predetermined range of "73.0 g / cm" or less and the thickness of the varnish layer is "20 μm" or more, the CPU 81 displays a "warning screen" on the display unit 94 of the operation unit 95 (S212). Here, if the recording material S is uncoated paper, the CPU 81 displays the warning screen shown in FIG. 5(a) as in the first embodiment. Furthermore, the CPU 81 determines that the basis weight of the recording material S having a coating layer is "73.0 g / cm". 2 ", or when the basis weight of the recording material S having a coating layer is less than "73.0 g / cm 2 ” or more “78.9g / cm 2 If the thickness of the varnish layer is within a predetermined range of "20 μm" or less and the thickness of the varnish layer is "20 μm" or more, a warning screen shown in FIG. 8(a) is displayed.

[0094] As shown in Fig. 8(a), the "warning screen" displays a message that the selected recording material S may curl due to the varnishing process by the varnishing device 200, and also allows the user to select what to do with the received print signal. The CPU 81 accepts input operations from the user when the user operates the "Print only" software key or the "Cancel" software key displayed on the display unit 94 as shown in Fig. 8(a). Note that these user input operations may be accepted via software keys displayed on a touch panel, or via the selection unit 93.

[0095] The "print only" process is a process in which only the image forming process is performed by the image forming device 100, without performing the varnish application process by the varnish application device 200. The "cancel" process is a process in which the image forming process by the image forming device 100 and the varnish application process by the varnish application device 200 are not performed, and the processing of the received print signal is stopped.

[0096] Then, the CPU 81 determines whether an instruction to "print only" has been received from the user on the warning screen displayed in S212 (S213). If an instruction to "print only" has been received (S213 Yes), the CPU 81 controls the drive control unit 96 based on the information acquired in S202 to feed the recording material S corresponding to the processing information acquired in S202 from the cassette 10 or another recording material storage device, and executes image formation processing (S214).

[0097] Thereafter, the CPU 81 causes the varnish application device control unit 86 to operate the flapper 206 so that the recording material S on which the image formation processing has been performed in S214 passes through the varnish bypass route 204, and conveys the recording material S to the varnish bypass route 204 (S215). Therefore, the image formation processing is performed on the recording material S, but the varnish application processing is not performed on the recording material S. In other words, the recording material S on which only the image formation processing by the image forming device 100 has been performed is output.

[0098] Thereafter, the CPU 81 determines whether all processes included in the print signal received in S101 have been completed (S206), and if not all processes have been completed (S206 No), returns to S203 and executes the process on the next recording material. In this way, by returning to S203 again after the varnishing process, it is also possible to alternately output a product on which the recording material S has been varnishing processed and a product on which the varnishing process has not been processed.

[0099] Furthermore, when the "print only" process is executed by S213 to S215, as shown in Figure 8(b), there is a risk that the selected recording material S will curl due to the varnishing process, so it may be displayed that the recording material S has not been varnishing processed but an image has been formed.

[0100] On the other hand, if the instruction to "print only" has not been received (S213 No), that is, if the instruction to "cancel" has been received, all processing for the recording material S determined to have been varnished in S203 is stopped (S216). Thereafter, the CPU 81 determines whether all processing included in the print signal received in S201 has been completed (S206), and if all processing has not been completed (S206 No), the process returns to S203 and the processing for the next recording material is executed.

[0101] Furthermore, if the "cancel" process is executed by S216, as shown in Figure 8(c), since the selected recording material S may curl due to the varnishing process, it may be possible to display a message indicating that the process for the specified recording material S has been canceled.

[0102] As described above, if the processing information included in the received print signal includes processing information for varnishing uncoated paper that does not have a coating layer, or processing information for varnishing with a basis weight or varnish layer thickness that may cause curling, the CPU 81 displays a warning to the user. In other words, the CPU 81 allows varnishing to be performed on coated paper whose basis weight is equal to or greater than a predetermined value, but does not allow varnishing to be performed on coated paper whose basis weight is less than the predetermined value. Furthermore, even if the basis weight is equal to or greater than the predetermined value, the CPU 81 does not allow varnishing to be performed if the varnish layer thickness is greater than the predetermined value.

[0103] This allows the user to confirm the settings without executing the varnishing process, even if the user mistakenly inputs instructions for varnishing uncoated paper or settings for a recording material or varnish layer that is prone to curling. This prevents the user from achieving the desired result due to varnish peeling or a result that lacks the desired three-dimensionality or gloss. It also prevents the recording material from curling, which can prevent the user from achieving the desired result or from causing transport problems. Furthermore, this warning display provides the user with an opportunity to cancel the process and resend instructions from the operation unit 95 or an external device, preventing the user from achieving the desired result.

[0104] Furthermore, after outputting the finished product obtained by performing a varnish application process on uncoated paper or recording material that is prone to curling, the user can be prompted to input processing information that reconfigures the recording material S, thereby preventing a decrease in workability due to having to re-output the finished product obtained by performing a varnish application process on the recording material.

[0105] In this embodiment, a warning screen is displayed in S212 to accept instructions from the user, but if an instruction to perform a varnish application process on a recording material other than coated paper is received, the configuration may also be such that a "print only" process is automatically performed, or a "cancel" process is automatically performed.

[0106] In addition, for users who wish to apply varnish to uncoated paper, recording materials that curl easily, or varnish layer thickness settings, a software key for "Perform printing / varnish application process" may be provided on the warning screen displayed in S212, and the varnish application process may be performed on uncoated paper after the user has confirmed the process.

[0107] In addition, for users who wish to apply varnish to uncoated paper, a software key for "Perform printing / varnish application process" may be provided on the warning screen displayed in S111, and the varnish application process may be performed on the uncoated paper after the user has confirmed the process.

[0108] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the varnish application device 200 is configured to include a varnish bypass route 204, but other configurations are possible as long as the recording material can be transported without being varnished. For example, if the device is equipped with a varnish removal means that removes varnish from the surface of the varnish application roller 201 and the recording material S is uncoated paper, the supply of varnish to the varnish application roller 201 can be stopped, and after the varnish has been removed from the surface of the varnish application roller 201, the uncoated paper can be transported via the varnish application route 205, thereby discharging the recording material that has not been subjected to the varnish application process without switching the transport path.

[0109] Furthermore, when an inkjet type line head is used as a configuration for applying varnish to the recording material S, it is possible to stop the application of varnish at will by controlling the line head, and therefore, by transporting uncoated paper along the varnish application route 205, it is possible to discharge recording material that has not undergone the varnish application process without switching the transport path.

[0110] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the type and basis weight of the recording material S are determined by detecting type information of the recording material S included in processing information based on a print signal input by the user. However, other configurations may be used to determine the type of the recording material S. For example, a paper type detection unit may be disposed at least within the paper transport path from the cassette 10 to the fixing device 8, preferably within the paper transport path from the cassette 10 to the registration rollers 12, to directly detect the type of the recording material S being transported. The paper type detection unit may detect the surface smoothness of the recording material S using, for example, light, ultrasound, or infrared rays, and determine that the recording material S is uncoated paper if its surface is rougher than a predetermined smoothness. The paper thickness detection unit may also detect the thickness of the recording material S using, for example, ultrasound. The method using a paper type detection unit is expected to be effective in accurately detecting the type of recording material S even when the type information of the recording material S is incorrectly set or when multiple types of paper are mixed in the same cassette.

[0111] Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, an example has been described in which the control unit 80 provided inside the image forming apparatus 100 controls the entire image forming system, but other configurations are also possible. For example, the entire image forming system may be controlled by an external device housed in a different housing from the image forming apparatus 100 and connected to the image forming apparatus so as to be able to input and output data. Furthermore, the entire image forming system may be controlled by a control unit provided in the varnish application apparatus 200. [Explanation of symbols]

[0112] 8 Fixing device 10 cassettes 12 Registration roller 80 Control Unit 81 CPU 85 Input / Output Interface Section 86 Varnish application device control unit 87 Input reception section 94 Display section 95 Operation section 100 Image forming device 200 Varnish application device 201 Application roller 202 opposing roller 204 Niss Bypass Route 205 Varnish application route 206 Flapper S recording material

Claims

1. an image forming apparatus capable of performing an image forming process for forming an image on a recording material; a varnish application device capable of applying varnish to the surface of a recording material on which an image has been formed by the image forming device; Acceptance means for accepting a print job; A control means for controlling the varnish application device, The control means, upon receiving the print job, determines whether or not to perform the varnish application process, and if it determines that the varnish application process should be performed, determines whether the recording material is a first type of recording material having a coating layer or a second type of recording material having no coating layer, and if the recording material is the first type, performs the varnish application process, but if the recording material is the second type, does not perform the varnish application process and only performs the image formation process by the image forming device.

2. a display unit having a display screen; The image forming system according to claim 1, characterized in that when the control means determines that the varnish application process is to be performed, if the recording material is of the second type, it controls the display unit to display a warning message.

3. The image forming system described in claim 1 or 2, characterized in that when the control means determines that the varnish application process should be performed, if the recording material is of the first type, it allows the varnish application process to be performed if the first type recording material is of a third type whose basis weight is equal to or greater than a predetermined value, and does not allow the varnish application process to be performed if the first type recording material is of a fourth type whose basis weight is less than the predetermined value.

4. The receiving means is capable of receiving the thickness of the varnish layer in the varnish application process, The image forming system described in claim 3, characterized in that when the control means determines that the varnish application process should be performed, it allows the execution of the varnish application process if the recording material is of the fourth type and the thickness of the varnish layer accepted by the acceptance means is smaller than a predetermined thickness, and does not allow the execution of the varnish application process if the thickness of the varnish layer is greater than or equal to the predetermined thickness.

5. 5. The image forming system according to claim 1, wherein the varnish application device comprises an application roller that applies varnish to the recording material, and an opposing roller that transports the recording material together with the application roller.

6. 5. The image forming system according to claim 1, wherein the varnish applying device has a line head that injects varnish onto the recording material.

7. The varnish application device has a first transport path that performs the varnish application process and a second transport path that does not perform the varnish application process, The image forming system according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that, when the control means allows only the image forming device to perform image forming processing, the control means conveys the recording material on which the image has been formed by the image forming device to the second conveying path.

8. an image forming apparatus capable of performing an image forming process for forming an image on a recording material; a varnish application device capable of applying varnish to the surface of a recording material on which an image has been formed by the image forming device; Acceptance means for accepting a print job; A control means for controlling the varnish application device, when performing a varnish application process to apply a first application amount of varnish, if the recording material is a first type having a coating layer, the control means executes the varnish application process, and if the recording material is a second type having a coating layer, the control means does not execute the varnish application process; an image forming system, wherein the basis weight of the first type of recording material is greater than the basis weight of the second type of recording material;

9. a display unit having a display screen; 9. The image forming system according to claim 8, wherein said control means controls said display unit to display a warning message if the recording material is of the second type.

10. 10. The image forming system according to claim 8, wherein said control means executes only the image forming process by said image forming apparatus if the recording material is of the second type.

11. 10. The image forming system according to claim 8, wherein the control unit cancels the process content accepted by the accepting unit if the recording material is the second type.

12. An image forming system as described in any one of claims 8 to 11, characterized in that the control means allows the execution of the varnish application process when the first application amount is smaller than a predetermined value, and does not allow the execution of the varnish application process when the first application amount is greater than or equal to the predetermined value.

13. 13. The image forming system according to claim 8, wherein the varnish application device comprises an application roller that applies varnish to the recording material, and an opposing roller that transports the recording material together with the application roller.

14. 13. The image forming system according to claim 8, wherein the varnish applying device has a line head that injects varnish onto the recording material.

15. The varnish application device has a first transport path that performs the varnish application process and a second transport path that does not perform the varnish application process, The image forming system according to any one of claims 8 to 14, characterized in that, when the control unit allows only the image forming device to perform image forming processing, the control unit conveys the recording material on which the image has been formed by the image forming device to the second conveying path.

Images