Flexographic Developer Solution Using Diisopropylbenzene

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current flexographic printing solutions face issues with swelling, long drying times, hazardous chemicals, and high VOC content, which affect the quality and environmental sustainability of the printing process.

Innovation Solution

A processing solution comprising diisopropylbenzene and an aliphatic dibasic acid ester, such as dimethyl-2-methylglutarate, is used to develop flexographic printing plates, offering improved handling, disposal, and lower odor while maintaining effective cleanout of non-polymerized material.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If traditional organic solvent processing solutions are used, then effective removal of non-polymerized material is achieved, but surface swelling of the relief image occurs and fine detail deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefine detail in relief imageVSAvoidsurface swelling

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the chemical parameters of the processing solution by formulating a specific composition with dipropylene glycol dimethyl ether as the primary solvent (50-90 wt%) combined with co-solvents including aliphatic dibasic acid esters (5-30 wt%), alcohols (5-30 wt%), and aromatic hydrocarbons (5-30 wt%). This parameter change in solvent composition resolves the contradiction by achieving effective non-polymerized material removal while preventing surface swelling and preserving fine detail in the relief image.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Productivity

If traditional processing solutions are used, then non-polymerized material is removed, but drying time is extended

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedrying timeVSAvoidprocessing time

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent modifies the physical parameters of the processing solution by selecting dipropylene glycol dimethyl ether as the base solvent, which has favorable evaporation characteristics. The specific formulation with co-solvents including aliphatic dibasic acid esters, alcohols, and aromatic hydrocarbons creates a balanced composition that removes non-polymerized material effectively while reducing drying time, thus improving productivity without excessive time loss.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Reliability

If conventional solvents are used, then development effectiveness is maintained, but flashpoint is low creating safety hazards

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevelopment effectivenessVSAvoidflashpoint

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the safety parameters of the processing solution by using dipropylene glycol dimethyl ether as the primary solvent, which has a higher flashpoint compared to traditional solvents like chlorohydrocarbons and aromatic hydrocarbons. The formulated composition with co-solvents including aliphatic dibasic acid esters, alcohols, and aromatic hydrocarbons maintains effective development capability while improving the flashpoint to reduce fire hazards and enhance operational safety.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

4Ease of manufacture

If traditional processing solutions are used, then non-polymerized material is cleaned out, but VOC content is high causing environmental and health issues

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecleanout effectivenessVSAvoidVOC content

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the environmental parameters of the processing solution by formulating a composition with dipropylene glycol dimethyl ether (50-90 wt%) as the primary solvent, which has lower VOC content compared to traditional solvents. The inclusion of co-solvents such as aliphatic dibasic acid esters (5-30 wt%), alcohols (5-30 wt%), and aromatic hydrocarbons (5-30 wt%) maintains effective cleanout of non-polymerized material while reducing overall VOC content, thereby minimizing environmental impact and improving worker safety regarding odor and handling.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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 provides a more environmentally friendly and efficient means for producing flexographic printing plates with reduced surface swelling, faster drying, and higher throughput, while ensuring sharp relief images and low VOC content.

Implementation Method 1

exposing a flexographic printing plate precursor comprising on a support a photopolymerizable elastomeric layer comprising a photopolymerizable composition to curing radiation to provide exposed and non-exposed regions

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPhotopolymerization: Photopolymerisation

Implementation Method 2

removing the non-exposed regions with a developer solution to provide a relief image in the photopolymerizable elastomeric layer

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSolvation: Solvation

Data Source

PatentEP2470963B1Method for providing flexographic printing plates using a developer solution

Publication Date: 2017.11.01 EASTMAN KODAK CO

AI summary

A processing solution is used to provide flexographic relief printing plates. This solution includes diisopropylbenzene, and one or more organic co-solvents, at least one of which is an aliphatic dibasic acid ester. The processing solution may also include one or more alcohols as co-solvents.