Electrostatic Label Overcoat for Chemical Resistance

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Solution Overview

Problem

Printed labels using electrostatic inks are vulnerable to chemical and water environments, leading to durability issues, especially in products like shampoo and beer bottles that remain in wet conditions for extended periods.

Innovation Solution

A method involving a radiation curable overcoat composition applied to electrostatically printed labels, comprising radiation curable monomers, a photoinitiator, and an organosilane with hydrolysable groups, which hardens upon exposure to water, enhancing scratch and rub resistance.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If electrostatic inks are used for printing labels, then printing efficiency and coverage are improved, but durability under chemical and water exposure deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprinting efficiencyVSAvoiddurability under chemical and water exposure

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies a multi-layer composite structure consisting of electrostatic printed ink layers combined with a radiation-curable overcoat layer. This composite approach allows the electrostatic ink to provide efficient printing coverage while the overcoat layer provides chemical and water resistance, resolving the contradiction between printing efficiency and durability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the physical-chemical parameters of the ink system by introducing radiation-curable monomers and oligomers with specific functional groups that can be crosslinked upon irradiation. This parameter change transforms the ink from a simple electrostatic deposit to a crosslinked network structure that resists chemical and water exposure while maintaining electrostatic printing efficiency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If radiation curable overcoat composition is applied to enhance durability, then resistance to chemical and water exposure is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveresistance to chemical and water exposureVSAvoidmanufacturing complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the printing and protective coating operations into a single integrated process. The radiation-curable overcoat composition is applied directly over the electrostatic printed label in one step, and both layers are cured simultaneously by passing through a radiation curing unit, thereby reducing manufacturing complexity despite the enhanced functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces traditional mechanical drying or thermal curing processes with radiation curing (UV or electron beam). This substitution eliminates the need for complex drying ovens or thermal processing equipment, reducing manufacturing complexity while achieving durable, chemical-resistant labels.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Device complexity

If traditional drying methods are used for electrostatic inks, then process simplicity is maintained, but durability and scratch resistance deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprocess simplicityVSAvoidscratch and rub resistance

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces mechanical drying methods with radiation curing technology. The radiation-curable composition forms a crosslinked network structure that provides superior scratch and rub resistance compared to traditionally dried inks, while the process remains simple by eliminating complex drying equipment and extending the conveyor system with a radiation curing unit.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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 solution significantly increases the durability of printed labels under chemical and water exposure, maintaining visibility and integrity even in harsh conditions.

Implementation Method 1

radiation curable monomers and/or oligomers; a photoinitiator

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPhotopolymerisation: Photopolymerisation

Implementation Method 2

an organosilane having at least one hydrolysable group which hardens upon exposure to water

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHydrolysis: Hydrolysis

Implementation Method 3

electrostatically printed ink

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrostatic deposition: Electrostatic Deposition

Data Source

PatentUS11326067B2Labels

Publication Date: 2022.05.10 HP INDIGO BV

AI summary

Herein is described a method of providing a printed label. The method comprises: providing a printed label substrate having disposed thereon an electrostatically printed ink; applying a radiation curable overcoat composition to the printed ink, wherein the radiation curable overcoat composition comprises: radiation curable monomers and/or oligomers; a photoinitiator; and an organosilane having at least one hydrolysable group. Printed labels and an ink and overcoat set are also described herein.