Digital Inkjet Embossing via Electromagnetic Radiation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing inkjet printing methods fail to create visually and haptically discernible 3D structures simultaneously, lacking a cost-efficient and automated process for embossing patterns without mechanical dies.
Innovation Solution
The method involves applying ink to an object's surface using digital image information and treating it with electromagnetic radiation, which directly heats the ink and indirectly heats the material, causing a volume change that forms a relief structure, creating a 3D surface that is both visually and haptically perceivable.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Shape
If traditional inkjet printing methods are used, then the printing process is simple and fast, but the printed image lacks haptic discernibility and 3D relief structure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines inkjet printing with electromagnetic radiation treatment in a single integrated process. The inkjet print head deposits ink on the object surface, and electromagnetic radiation (UV, IR, or microwave) simultaneously cures/dries the ink and heats the underlying material to create relief structure. This merging of functions eliminates the need for separate embossing equipment while achieving both 2D printing and 3D relief effects.
Solution Approach 2:
The electromagnetic radiation source serves multiple functions: it cures or dries the ink, heats the material to induce volume change and relief structure formation, and can be controlled to create different embossing patterns. This multi-functionality replaces what would traditionally require separate printing and embossing systems, reducing device complexity while achieving combined 2D/3D effects.
2Productivity
If mechanical embossing dies are used to create relief structures, then the 3D structure is achieved, but the process becomes slow and costly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical embossing dies with electromagnetic radiation-based heating. Instead of using physical contact between embossing dies and the object surface, the system uses UV, IR, or microwave radiation to heat the ink and underlying material, causing volume change and relief structure formation. This substitution eliminates mechanical wear, reduces setup time, and enables faster production without costly mechanical embossing equipment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent controls the relief structure formation by adjusting electromagnetic radiation parameters such as wavelength, power, exposure time, and scanning speed. By changing these parameters, different embossing depths and patterns can be achieved without mechanical tool changes or die replacements, significantly improving productivity and reducing manufacturing costs associated with mechanical embossing systems.
3Reliability
If electromagnetic radiation is applied to cure the ink, then the ink is effectively cured or dried, but the material underneath experiences unintended heating and volume change
Solution Approach 1:
The patent exploits the selective absorption characteristics of different materials to achieve local heating. The ink is formulated to absorb electromagnetic radiation strongly, converting it to heat that cures or dries the ink. The underlying material has different absorption properties, allowing controlled thermal conduction from the ink layer. This local quality difference enables the ink to be cured efficiently while the material underneath experiences controlled heating that creates desired relief structures without excessive temperature rise.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes phase transitions of the material (melting, softening, or volume change) induced by controlled heating from the ink layer. The electromagnetic radiation heats the ink, which conducts heat to the underlying material, causing localized phase transitions that create relief structures. By controlling the radiation parameters, the phase transition occurs at the desired location and extent, achieving reliable ink curing with controlled material transformation rather than unintended heating.
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 a fast, cost-efficient digital embossing process that enhances the printed image with new haptic properties and visual effects, such as Braille text or patterns, and allows for realistic 3D structures without mechanical embossing dies, using infrared or UV radiation to control the material's volume change.
Implementation Method 1
The ink is directly heated by the irradiation
Implementation Method 2
The ink is treated with electromagnetic radiation to be cured or dried. The ink is directly heated by the irradiation
Implementation Method 3
The material of the surface in a region underneath the ink is indirectly heated by the irradiation due to thermal conduction from the ink
Implementation Method 4
causing a region of the material to experience a volume change
Implementation Method 5
The heat that is introduced in that process causes the ink and material to soften
Data Source
AI summary
A method for printing on an object, for instance on an object made of a foamed material, includes applying ink to a surface of the object in accordance with digital image information in an inkjet printing process and irradiating the ink by electromagnetic radiation, preferably containing an IR proportion, to cure or dry the ink. The ink is directly heated by the irradiation and the material of the surface is indirectly heated by the irradiation by thermal conduction from the ink, causing the material in a region to experience a volume change. In this way, it is possible to simultaneously print on the material and to provide the material with a relief structure/to digitally emboss it.