Dual Cliché Roll Printing Apparatus for Tack Time Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Roll printing processes face inefficiencies due to high tack times, which limit production speed and productivity, especially when transitioning between printing rolls in semiconductor and display device manufacturing.
Innovation Solution
A roll printing apparatus with two cliché stages and a pattern transfer unit using roll-type printed film support units allows for continuous printing by alternating between two printing rolls, reducing tack time and improving productivity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a single printing roll is used in the roll printing apparatus, then the device complexity is low, but the productivity is reduced due to inevitable tack time between printing operations
Solution Approach 1:
The printing system is segmented into multiple independent printing rolls (first printing roll and second printing roll), each capable of independent operation. This allows the printing process to be divided into parallel operations, eliminating the need for sequential processing with tack time between operations.
Solution Approach 2:
While one printing roll is performing the printing operation, the other printing roll simultaneously performs coating and preparation operations. This continuous parallel operation eliminates idle tack time, ensuring that useful work is performed continuously without interruption or waiting periods.
2Productivity
If the number of printing rolls is increased to reduce tack time, then the productivity improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple printing rolls are merged into a single integrated apparatus with shared support structures, coating mechanisms, and control systems. The first and second printing rolls operate within a unified system framework, reducing the overall structural complexity compared to having separate independent printing devices.
Solution Approach 2:
Each printing roll serves multiple functions: coating the printing solution, maintaining the meniscus, performing the printing operation, and allowing for substrate replacement. The shared support units and coating mechanisms serve multiple printing rolls simultaneously, reducing redundant components and overall system complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
Provided are a roll printing apparatus and a roll printing method using the same. The roll printing apparatus according to the present invention comprises 1) a first cliché stage, 2) a second cliché stage, 3) a pattern transfer unit provided between the first cliché stage and the second cliché stage and comprising a roll type printed film support unit, 4) a first printing unit comprising a first printing roll moving to the pattern transfer unit on the first cliché stage, and 5) a second printing unit comprising a second printing roll moving the pattern transfer unit on the second cliché stage, in which the first cliché stage and the second cliché stage are disposed on the same line and a film substrate is comprised in the roll type printed film support unit. The roll printing apparatus according to the present invention can perform a continuous roll printing, thereby reducing a tack time and as a result, improving productivity.