Anisotropic Halftone Varnish for Direction-Dependent Gloss
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing methods for producing high-quality, optically appealing and functionally enhanced printed products are limited in their ability to create complex effects quickly, inexpensively, and in large quantities, often requiring coordination with underlying grids or complex application processes.
Innovation Solution
A method involving the gridded application of fluids to substrates, where a first transparent varnish with an anisotropic halftone image is applied, followed by a second transparent lacquer that collects in the grid gaps, creating direction-dependent optical and tactile effects without relying on underlying grids, and optionally enhanced with effect pigments or metallic foils.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If a paint grid is applied to create lenticular effects, then optical effects are achieved, but the grid must be precisely matched to the underlying print grid which complicates the process
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the grid structure from the functional layer (UV varnish) and places it in the background layer (base paint). This allows the UV varnish to be applied as a solid layer without screening, eliminating the need to match grids between layers while maintaining the lenticular optical effect.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of applying the grid to the functional layer as in conventional methods, the invention inverts the approach by applying the grid to the base paint layer first. This reversal allows the subsequent solid UV varnish layer to conform to the pre-existing grid structure without requiring precise alignment.
2Illumination intensity
If complex optical effects are produced using known methods, then the effects are achieved, but the production is slow and expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The invention applies UV varnish in excess as a solid layer without screening, allowing the material to naturally conform to the grid structure of the base paint. This eliminates the need for precise screening and alignment processes, significantly speeding up production while maintaining optical quality.
Solution Approach 2:
The grid structure is copied from the base paint layer to the UV varnish layer through the wet-on-wet application process. The UV varnish naturally follows the contours of the underlying grid without requiring separate screening, simplifying the process and increasing productivity.
3Manufacturing precision
If screened images are applied to create precise patterns, then manufacturing precision is improved, but the process becomes more complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The grid pattern is preliminarily established in the base paint layer before applying the UV varnish. This pre-formed grid serves as a template that guides the subsequent solid UV varnish application, ensuring precision without requiring complex screening or alignment during the second application.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention merges the pattern-forming function into the base paint layer, eliminating the need for separate screening equipment and alignment mechanisms for the UV varnish. The two layers are applied in sequence without intermediate drying or realignment steps, simplifying the overall process.
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 method allows for the creation of complex, appealing effects such as direction-dependent shine and tactile patterns on conventional printed products, enhancing their visual and haptic qualities without the need for complex interactions with underlying structures, and can be used to replicate expensive features cost-effectively.
Implementation Method 1
a first transparent varnish with an anisotropic halftone image is applied
Implementation Method 2
a second transparent lacquer that collects in the grid gaps
Implementation Method 3
creating direction-dependent optical and tactile effects
Data Source
Figure 1~1D
Figure 2~2D
AI summary
A method according to the invention for the screened application of fluids to substrates is a method wherein, in case i) of a substrate (1) or a coating (2) of the substrate (1) that is unscreened in at least one section (3), a screened first image (5') of a first fluid (5) is applied to the substrate (1) in the section (3), or in case ii) of a substrate (1) or a coating (2) of the substrate (1) that is screened in at least one section (3), a differently screened first image (5') of a first fluid (5) is applied to the substrate (1) in the section (3) (in both cases preferably with an offset printing plate), an unscreened second image (6') of a second fluid (6) (preferably a transparent varnish) covering the first image (5') is applied to the substrate. (1) in section (3) is applied (preferably using a flexographic printing plate),and the formation (8) of the second fluid (6) on the substrate (1) in section (3) is essentially determined by the grid of the first image (5') in section (3). Particularly preferably, the first image (5') exhibits anisotropy, e.g., due to the use of a line grid, and thus the second image (6') has a direction-dependent gloss. More preferably, the substrate (1) is first coated with printing ink (2) or cold foil transfer material (2). In this way, effects similar to those of holograms or structured (brushed, polished) metal surfaces, but much more cost-effective and producible inline, can be achieved using known printing techniques.