Fluorescent Phase Change Ink for Security Printing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional phase change inks are not effective for producing robust image quality on coated substrates, which is a challenge for security applications requiring durable and authentic printing solutions.
Innovation Solution
A phase change ink composition comprising a blend of crystalline and amorphous components with fluorescent additives, which changes color under UV light, providing robustness and authenticity verification, is developed. The ink has a crystalline component for rapid crystallization and an amorphous component for tackiness, along with fluorescent materials that maintain high jetting efficiency and visibility under UV exposure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional phase change inks are used, then the ink remains solid at room temperature and can be stored without clogging, but the image quality on coated substrates is not robust
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a composite ink formulation combining crystalline components (providing robustness on coated substrates) and amorphous components (providing jetting performance), along with fluorescent additives for security applications. This composite approach resolves the contradiction by integrating materials with complementary properties.
2Reliability
If fluorescent additives are added to phase change ink, then security verification capability is improved, but the ink composition complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent modifies the ink composition parameters by incorporating specific fluorescent additives at controlled concentrations into the phase change ink matrix. This parameter adjustment enables security verification functionality while maintaining the fundamental phase change properties and jetting performance of the ink.
3Productivity
If the ink is designed for high jetting efficiency, then printing speed is improved, but the ink may not provide sufficient robustness on coated substrates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the ink formulation into distinct functional components: crystalline components for robustness on coated substrates, amorphous components for jetting efficiency and flow, and fluorescent additives for security features. This segmentation allows each component to optimize its specific function without compromising the others.
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 ink achieves robust image quality on both coated and uncoated substrates, ensuring security features are visible only under UV light, preventing counterfeiting and providing high-speed printing capabilities without nozzle clogging or excessive showthrough.
Implementation Method 1
The ink changes color when exposed to UV light, reversibly and multiple times
Implementation Method 2
phase change ink compositions characterized by being solid at room temperature and molten at an elevated temperature
Data Source
AI summary
A phase change ink composition comprising an amorphous component, a crystalline material, a fluorescent material and optionally, a non-fluorescent colorant, which are suitable for ink jet printing, including printing on coated paper substrates. The novel phase change ink formulation allows the ink to change color when exposed to UV light, reversibly and multiple times, providing an ink suitable for use in security applications.