Eleven-Color Ink Set for Expanded Gamut Printing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current four-color ink sets in process printing are inadequate for reproducing the full gamut of colors, often requiring additional spot colors or increased ink sets, which complicate the printing process, increase costs, and result in color matching issues between sample and production prints.
Innovation Solution
An eleven-color ink set with specific CIELAB coordinates and a method of using this ink set for color separation and printing, which extends the color gamut and ensures precise color matching across different substrates by providing a standardized set of inks that can be combined and layered for desired visual effects.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If a four-color ink set is used for process printing, then the printing process is simple and costs are low, but the color gamut is limited and cannot reproduce the full range of colors
Solution Approach 1:
The ink set is segmented into seven distinct color components (cyan, magenta, yellow, black, and three spot colors: green, orange, purple) instead of using a traditional four-color CMYK set. This segmentation allows each color to be optimized for specific regions of the color gamut, enabling comprehensive color reproduction while maintaining a systematic printing process.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention adds a dimensional aspect to the traditional two-dimensional CMYK color model by incorporating spot colors that extend the color gamut in previously unreachable spectral regions. The seven-color ink set operates in an expanded color space that includes saturated greens, oranges, and purples beyond the capabilities of standard process colors.
2Quantity of substance
If spot colors are added to extend color gamut, then color reproduction improves, but printing complexity and costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The seven-color ink set is designed to serve multiple functions simultaneously: it provides both process printing capabilities for general areas and spot color capabilities for specialized color requirements. This universal ink set eliminates the need for separate spot color printing operations, as all seven colors are available in a single printing pass through the seven printing units.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention merges the functions of process printing and spot color printing into a single integrated system. The seven printing units are configured to apply all seven ink colors in one operation, combining what were traditionally separate printing processes into a unified workflow that maintains simplicity while expanding color capabilities.
3Manufacturing precision
If spot colors are used for custom colors, then color accuracy improves, but equipment cleaning requirements increase and ink waste occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The seven-color ink set is designed as a self-contained system where all necessary colors are permanently available in the printing units. The inks are formulated to be stable and compatible with each other, eliminating the need for equipment cleaning between different color jobs. The system serves itself by having all seven colors ready for any printing task without requiring external intervention or cleanup operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention eliminates the discarding of leftover spot color inks by integrating them into the permanent seven-color system. All seven inks are used in controlled quantities during each printing operation, and none are discarded as waste. The system recovers efficiency by using precise ink application methods that ensure optimal utilization of each color component.
4Manufacturing precision
If sample colors are printed and adjusted to match production colors, then color accuracy improves, but time and expense increase
Solution Approach 1:
The seven-color ink set is pre-configured with specific ink formulations and CIELAB coordinates that are optimized for accurate color reproduction from the outset. The printing system is pre-calibrated to apply the seven colors in precise combinations, eliminating the need for time-consuming sample printing and iterative color adjustments. The preliminary setup of the ink formulas and printing parameters ensures accurate color matching is achieved in the first production run.
Data Source
AI summary
An eleven-color printing ink set and method of use including an eleven-color ink set including a cyan ink with coordinates of L*=55, a*=−28, and b*=−43; a magenta ink with coordinates of L*=48, a*=61, and b*=1; a yellow ink with coordinates of L*=88, a*=−5, and b*=91; a black ink with coordinates of L*=27, a*=0.3, b*=0.7; an XG Purple 1 ink with coordinates of L*=41, a*=10, and b*=−53; an XG Purple 2 ink with coordinates of L*=33, a*=34, and b*=−48; an XG Orange 1 ink with coordinates of L*=67, a*=53, and b*=57; an XG Orange 2 ink with coordinates of L*=56, a*=61, and b*=35; an XG Green 1 ink with coordinates of L*=64, a*=−57, and b*=37; an XG Green 2 ink with coordinates of L*=63, a*=−65, and b*=6; and an XG Quinacridone ink with coordinates of L*=62, a*=49, and b*=−19.