Two-Step UV Aqueous Inkjet Recording for Strong Mixed-Color Prints
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Solution Overview
Problem
Inkjet recording methods using ultraviolet-curable aqueous inks face challenges with weak coating film strength and insufficient image quality, particularly when using ink sets of two or more colors.
Innovation Solution
An inkjet recording method involving simultaneous application of an ultraviolet-curable aqueous ink and active energy ray irradiation, followed by adjusting the light amount and irradiance in two distinct steps to enhance curing and improve film strength and image quality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If ultraviolet-curable aqueous ink is used for inkjet recording, then environmental and safety properties are improved, but coating film strength becomes weak and image quality is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the curing process into two distinct stages: a first irradiation step with lower energy parameters and a second irradiation step with higher energy parameters. This segmentation allows the ink to be cured progressively, achieving both adequate film strength and good image quality without compromising environmental safety benefits of aqueous-based ink
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the irradiation parameters (light amount and maximum irradiance) between two distinct curing steps. The first step uses specific parameter ranges to initiate curing, while the second step uses different parameter ranges to complete curing and enhance film strength, resolving the contradiction between film strength and image quality
2Productivity
If ultraviolet-curable aqueous ink is used for simultaneous printing with multiple colors, then productivity is improved, but image quality becomes insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the curing process into two steps with different energy parameters, allowing all colors to be applied simultaneously while ensuring each color cures properly. The first irradiation step provides initial curing for all colors, and the second step completes the curing process, maintaining image quality despite simultaneous multi-color printing
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs periodic action by applying irradiation in two distinct periods or phases. The first period applies lower energy irradiation to all colors simultaneously, and the second period applies higher energy irradiation to complete curing, ensuring both productivity and image quality are maintained
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 method achieves a printed coating film with sufficient strength and good image quality, even with mixed-color images, leveraging the environmental and safety benefits of ultraviolet-curable aqueous inks.
Implementation Method 1
applying an inkjet ink containing at least a polymerizable compound, a polymerization initiator, and water to a recording medium and irradiating the recording medium with an active energy ray
Implementation Method 2
irradiating the inkjet ink applied to the recording medium with an active energy ray
Data Source
AI summary
An inkjet recording method including (1) applying an inkjet ink containing at least a polymerizable compound, a polymerization initiator, and water to a recording medium and irradiating the recording medium with an active energy ray simultaneously with the application of the inkjet ink; and (2) irradiating the inkjet ink applied to the recording medium with an active energy ray.