Dual-Head Inkjet Recording Layout for High-Speed Image Quality
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Solution Overview
Problem
High-speed ink jet recording methods face challenges in maintaining ink jettability and achieving high image quality due to nozzle drying and reduced landing intervals.
Innovation Solution
The method involves jetting a first ink from an upstream ink jet head and a second ink from a downstream head, with specific mass ratios of organic solvent to pigment and resin particle contents, and a controlled distance between heads to enhance jettability and image quality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If high-speed ink jet recording is performed with fast substrate transportation, then productivity is improved, but ink jettability deteriorates due to nozzle drying
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by positioning the first ink jet head upstream to deposit a preliminary ink layer containing organic solvent before the second ink jet head deposits the image-forming ink. This preliminary ink layer is applied in advance to prevent nozzle drying during high-speed transportation, ensuring continuous jettability without compromising productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the ink jet recording process into two distinct stages: a first ink jet head for applying preliminary ink with organic solvent to maintain nozzle wetness, and a second ink jet head for applying image-forming ink. This segmentation allows each head to perform its specific function optimally, resolving the contradiction between high-speed operation and jettability maintenance.
2Productivity
If high-speed ink jet recording is performed with fast substrate transportation, then productivity is improved, but image quality deteriorates due to reduced landing intervals
Solution Approach 1:
The first ink jet head performs preliminary action by depositing ink in advance on the substrate upstream, creating a preparatory layer that allows the second ink jet head to subsequently form high-quality images even at high transportation speeds. This preliminary deposition compensates for the reduced landing intervals, maintaining image quality while enabling high productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the recording process into preliminary ink application and image formation stages, with each stage optimized for its specific purpose. The first head handles preliminary wetting and the second head handles precise image deposition, allowing high-speed operation without sacrificing image quality.
3Productivity
If multiple ink jet heads are positioned close together for high-speed recording, then productivity is improved, but harmful factors increase due to ink drying and landing interference
Solution Approach 1:
The first ink jet head positioned upstream performs preliminary action by depositing organic solvent-containing ink that prevents drying. This preliminary protective layer is applied before the second head's ink, eliminating the harmful drying effect and reducing landing interference between the two heads during high-speed operation.
Data Source
AI summary
An ink jet recording method includes: jetting a first ink from a first ink jet head positioned on an upstream side in a transport direction to a substrate that is being transported at a transportation speed of 80 m/min or more; and jetting a second ink from a second ink jet head positioned on a downstream side in the transport direction to the substrate, in which a distance between the first ink jet head and the second ink jet head is 100 mm to 500 mm, both of the first ink and the second ink contain a pigment and an organic solvent, with the first ink having a solvent-to-pigment mass ratio (S1) of 0.5-1.6, and the second ink having a mass ratio (S2) of over 1.6-5.0.