Curable Phase Change Ink Crystalline Polyester Resin Gel State
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Solution Overview
Problem
Phase change inks used in inkjet printing often exhibit microbanding due to uneven ink distribution, which can be exacerbated by contact leveling techniques that cause ink splitting and transfer issues, leading to poor print quality and the need for frequent maintenance of contact members.
Innovation Solution
A curable phase change ink composition incorporating a crystalline polyester resin with specific molecular weight and polydispersity ranges, along with a gellant and curable monomers, that forms a gel state upon cooling, reducing ink splitting and transfer during contact leveling and enhancing print quality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If contact leveling is applied to phase change ink, then ink distribution uniformity is improved, but ink splitting and transfer occur causing print quality degradation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent modifies the chemical composition parameters of the phase change ink by incorporating specific polymers (polyester, polyamide, polyurethane) with controlled molecular weights and ratios. This changes the ink's rheological properties to reduce splitting and transfer during contact leveling while maintaining distribution uniformity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a composite ink formulation combining phase change materials with multiple polymer types (polyester, polyamide, polyurethane) and optional additives. This composite structure provides both the phase change functionality for uniform distribution and the polymer matrix that prevents ink splitting and transfer
2Manufacturing precision
If contact leveling is used to address microbanding, then ink distribution is normalized, but ink accumulates on contact members requiring frequent maintenance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent adjusts the chemical composition parameters including polymer molecular weight (1,000-1,000,000 Da), polymer to phase change material ratio (1:99 to 99:1), and adds maintenance reduction agents. These parameter changes modify surface tension and adhesion properties to prevent ink accumulation on contact members
Solution Approach 2:
The patent formulates the ink with specific polymers and additives that create a self-cleaning effect, allowing the contact members to be easily cleaned or replaced less frequently. The ink composition itself helps prevent buildup, extending the operational life of contact members
3Reliability
If phase change ink is used for inkjet printing, then nozzle clogging is eliminated, but microbanding occurs due to uneven ink distribution
Solution Approach 1:
The patent modifies the rheological parameters of the phase change ink by incorporating polymers with specific molecular weights and ratios. This changes the ink's flow characteristics to ensure uniform distribution during jetting while maintaining the solid-phase stability that prevents nozzle clogging
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a composite formulation where the polymer matrix (polyester, polyamide, polyurethane) provides structural integrity for uniform distribution, while the phase change materials maintain the solid-liquid transition properties that prevent clogging. The combination achieves both reliability and precision
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 ink composition effectively minimizes ink splitting and transfer during contact leveling, maintaining print quality and reducing the need for frequent contact member maintenance by forming a stable gel state upon cooling, thus addressing microbanding and ink distribution issues.
Implementation Method 1
curable phase change inks... that comprise a curable gellant and a crystalline polyester resin
Implementation Method 2
forms a gel state upon cooling
Implementation Method 3
radiation-curable phase change inks, such as ultraviolet-light-curable phase change inks
Data Source
AI summary
This disclosure is generally directed to curable phase change inks, such as radiation-curable phase change inks, and their use in forming images, such as through inkjet printing. More specifically, this disclosure is directed to radiation-curable phase change inks, such as ultraviolet-light-curable phase change inks, that an ink vehicle and at least one crystalline polyester resin.