Decorated Lamina with Digital and Silkscreen Printing Layers

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing adhesive unit decoration methods, such as silkscreen and digital printing, face limitations in variety and quality of colors, accuracy, and the application of a protective resin results in a shiny, non-blending surface.

Innovation Solution

A decorated lamina with a transparent PVC sheet, where a first digital print layer is applied to the inner face and a second silkscreen print layer with fluorescent ink is added to specific areas, allowing for precise and varied color combinations without a glossy finish, and a bottom layer covers and protects the design.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If silkscreen printing is used to achieve wide color variety and special effects, then color versatility is improved, but manufacturing precision and image accuracy deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecolor versatilityVSAvoidimage accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the printing process into two distinct stages: first, digital printing is used to create a precise base layer with accurate photographic details and gradients; second, silkscreen printing is applied to add special effect colors and fluorescent elements. This segmentation allows each printing method to excel at its strengths without compromising the other.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies different printing qualities to different regions of the label. Digital printing provides high-precision areas requiring accurate color reproduction and fine detail, while silkscreen printing is used in specific zones where vibrant, flat colors and special effects are desired. This local differentiation resolves the contradiction by optimizing each region for its specific requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

2Manufacturing precision

If digital printing is used to achieve high image accuracy and detail, then manufacturing precision is improved, but color versatility and special effects capability deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveimage accuracyVSAvoidcolor versatility

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges two printing technologies into a single integrated decoration process. Digital printing handles the precision requirements for photographic accuracy and gradient transitions, while silkscreen printing contributes color versatility and special effect capabilities. The combination of both methods in one label achieves both high image accuracy and broad color versatility simultaneously.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Reliability

If a protective resin layer is applied to protect the printed decoration, then reliability is improved, but surface appearance deteriorates due to shiny and vitreous finish

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprotection of decorationVSAvoidsurface appearance

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts and eliminates the protective resin layer from the final label structure. Instead of applying a separate protective coating that creates an unwanted shiny finish, the design uses inherently durable printed layers that provide both decoration and protection without the aesthetic drawbacks of resin coatings.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies different surface qualities to different regions. The digital printed areas maintain their natural matte or semi-gloss finish without resin coating, preserving photograph accuracy and avoiding excessive shine. Only specific areas requiring enhanced protection or special effects receive additional treatment, allowing the majority of the surface to maintain an aesthetically pleasing, non-vitreous appearance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

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 enables high-precision, wide-range color options, including fluorescent effects, while avoiding a glossy surface and the need for a protective resin, resulting in aesthetically valuable labels that seamlessly integrate with applied surfaces.

Implementation Method 1

a first decorated layer (3) is provided for applied only to a portion of said inner face (2b) which, therefore, has one or more zones free of the first layer (3), i.e. not decorated by the first layer (3)

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectDigital printing:

Implementation Method 2

a second decorated layer (4) consisting of a print or impression obtained with traditional silkscreen printing, is provided for applied to at least part of at least one free zone of said inner face (2b), not engaged by the first layer (3)

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSilkscreen printing:

Implementation Method 3

a transparent sheet (2), in Polyvinylchloride (PVC), having a thickness to the order of one millimetre or less

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLight transmission:

Data Source

PatentEP3047966B1Decorated lamina of an adhesive unit and decoration process of said lamina

Publication Date: 2020.10.21 SOMASCHI GIOVANNI LUCA

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AI summary

A decorated lamina (1) of the type forming a visible upper portion of an adhesive unit or label is provided, comprising a transparent sheet (2) having a visible outer face (2a) and an inner face (2b), a first decorated layer (3) obtained with digital printing and a second decorated layer (4) obtained by silkscreen-printing and a bottom layer (5) covering the printed decorated layers being applied to the inner face (2b).