Additive Color Printing Using Intermixed White and Color Ink Layers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional color printing techniques require printing multiple layers of white ink on nonwhite substrates to achieve color accuracy, which increases printing time, ink usage, and costs, and results in high contrast when the printed color is scratched or damaged, as the underlying white layers are exposed.
Innovation Solution
A method of printing multiple layers of intermixed white and color inks with varying ratios of white to color ink, allowing for color accuracy on nonwhite substrates without the need for a white substrate, using a combination of translucent and opaque inks to build up opacity and achieve durable, abrasion-resistant colors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If multiple layers of white ink are printed on nonwhite substrates to achieve color accuracy, then color accuracy is improved, but printing time and ink usage increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the parameter of ink composition by using translucent color inks mixed with opaque white ink in varying ratios across different printed layers. This parameter change allows the system to achieve color accuracy on nonwhite substrates without requiring multiple pure white layers, thereby reducing printing time while maintaining color fidelity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs composite ink materials consisting of translucent color inks combined with opaque white ink. This composite approach creates a new material property that simultaneously provides color accuracy and reduces the need for excessive white ink layers, resolving the contradiction between color accuracy and printing time.
2Manufacturing precision
If multiple layers of white ink are printed on nonwhite substrates to achieve color accuracy, then color accuracy is improved, but ink usage increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent modifies the ink composition parameter by formulating translucent color inks mixed with opaque white ink in optimized ratios. This parameter optimization reduces the total volume of ink required while maintaining color accuracy, directly addressing the contradiction between color accuracy and ink usage.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by varying the ratio of white ink to color ink in different printed layers based on the specific color requirements and substrate characteristics. This localized optimization ensures ink is used efficiently only where needed, reducing overall ink consumption while maintaining color accuracy.
3Manufacturing precision
If multiple layers of white ink are printed on nonwhite substrates, then color accuracy is improved, but the printed color shows high contrast when scratched or damaged
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical parameter of ink translucency by using translucent color inks that allow light to penetrate through multiple layers. When the printed material is scratched or damaged, the translucent nature of the ink reduces the stark contrast between damaged and undamaged areas, while the opaque white ink mixed in maintains color accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements beforehand cushioning by intermixing opaque white ink with translucent color ink in multiple layers. This creates a buffer effect where the white ink is distributed throughout the color layers, providing a cushion that reduces the visual impact of scratches or damage while maintaining the intended color appearance.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This approach reduces the number of printed layers and ink usage, enhances color durability by minimizing contrast when damaged, and maintains color accuracy comparable to traditional methods, while being more cost-effective and less prone to high contrast exposure of underlying layers.
Implementation Method 1
printing multiple layers of intermixed white and color inks with varying ratios of white to color ink... using a combination of translucent and opaque inks to build up opacity
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and systems are provided for color printing onto nonwhite substrates and articles. For example, a method of color printing is provided, including printing multiple layers of ink each including a combination of a white ink and at least one color ink, and each printed layer having a ratio of white ink to color ink, wherein the ratio may be the same or may vary as a function of the number of layers and the color printed.