Functional Amine Release Agent for Solid Inkjet Imaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
In solid inkjet imaging systems, the tackiness of melted ink can cause residual ink to remain on intermediate imaging members, leading to image degradation, and the temperature variability of ink on the web during continuous-web direct-to-media printing results in inconsistent and non-uniform ink spread, affecting image quality. Additionally, conventional drum maintenance unit (DMU) oils interfere with post-printing coatings, causing poor uniformity and effectiveness.
Innovation Solution
A functional amine release agent comprising polydimethylsiloxane oil and pendant propylamines or N-(2-aminoethyl)-3-aminopropyl functional groups is used, with varying viscosities for upstream and downstream print engines to provide effective lubrication without interfering with downstream processes, ensuring consistent ink spread and coating adherence.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional DMU oils are used for lubrication, then ink transfer is enabled, but post-printing coatings are interfered with, causing poor uniformity and effectiveness
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical composition parameters of the DMU oil by incorporating specific functional groups (carboxyl, hydroxyl, amine, or isocyanate) that modify the oil's interaction with both ink and coatings. This allows the oil to maintain lubrication properties while becoming compatible with post-printing coatings, eliminating the interference effect.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a composite DMU oil formulation by combining base oils with specific functional group-containing additives. This composite structure enables the oil to simultaneously provide the necessary lubrication for ink transfer and chemical compatibility with downstream coating processes, resolving the conflict between these two functions.
2Manufacturing precision
If high ink coverage is used, then image density is improved, but ink temperature varies more, causing inconsistent spread and image defects
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a DMU oil with specific functional groups as an intermediary substance that mediates between the hot ink and the web. This oil modifies the thermal and rheological properties at the interface, helping to equalize ink temperature across different coverage areas and ensuring consistent ink spread regardless of local temperature variations.
3Productivity
If fast processing speeds are used, then productivity is improved, but ink temperature control becomes difficult, resulting in bleeding or poor adherence
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies DMU oil to the web surface before the ink is deposited. This preliminary action creates a conditioned surface that actively manages ink temperature and flow characteristics, allowing the system to operate at high speeds while maintaining proper ink temperature control through the oil's thermal properties and continuous presence at the interface.
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
The release agent improves ink and web temperature equalization, reduces image defects, and allows for rapid and uniform coating, maintaining high image quality and throughput without altering process temperatures or affecting printing functions.
Implementation Method 1
a drum maintenance unit (DMU), as shown in FIG. 1, that releases an oil or oil blend that lubricates the image receiving surface of the intermediate imaging member
Implementation Method 2
Release agent composition for tandem solid inkjet imaging systems having improved wettability
Data Source
AI summary
Functional amine release agents displaying improved wetting as compared to standard silicone oils comprise a polydimethylsiloxane oil and a functional amine selected from the group consisting of pendant propylamines and pendant N-(2-aminoethyl)-3-aminopropyl, in which the concentration of functional amine to polydimethylsiloxane oil is approximately less than 0.0006 meq/g and the release agents have a viscosity of 20 cSt and 10 cSt. In an in-line tandem print system, the 20 cSt release agent is used in the upstream print engine while the 10 cSt release agent is used in the downstream print engine.