Digital Printing on Glass Fixative Composition
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing digital printing technologies on glass face challenges in fixing inks effectively, particularly with ceramic inks losing brightness and definition during hardening, and organic inks requiring additional processes for secure adhesion and protection.
Innovation Solution
A process using a glass fixative composition comprising methoxipropanol, water, and silane to bind organic ink layers to the glass, eliminating air microbubbles and microcracks, and incorporating metallic decorative applications applied with an airbrush, which are enhanced with adhesion and crosslinker catalysts for improved durability and aesthetic effects.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If ceramic inks are used for digital printing on glass, then the printed images can be hardened, but the inks lose brightness and definition during the hardening process
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical composition parameters of the fixative solution, using a specific formulation containing methoxipropanol (90-97% wt/wt), water (5-10% wt/wt), and silane (1-5% wt/wt) to bind organic inks to glass without requiring high-temperature hardening that degrades image quality
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses organic inks as a temporary, easily applied printing medium that can be fixed to the glass surface without permanent hardening, allowing for vibrant color deposition while avoiding the degradation issues of ceramic inks
2Illumination intensity
If organic inks are used for digital printing on glass, then vibrant colors can be achieved, but additional processes are required for secure adhesion and protection
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the adhesion promoter and protective functions into a single fixative solution application step. The fixative solution simultaneously binds the organic ink to the glass surface and provides protection, eliminating the need for separate lamination or additional protective coating processes
Solution Approach 2:
The fixative solution serves multiple functions: it acts as an adhesion promoter to bind organic ink to glass, provides protective coverage, and enables the vibrant color properties of organic inks to be maintained without requiring multiple separate process steps
3Strength
If traditional fixative methods are used for organic inks on glass, then adhesion can be achieved, but air microbubbles and microcracks form in the printed image
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical and chemical parameters of the fixative solution, specifically using methoxipropanol as the primary solvent with controlled water and silane content, to achieve adhesion without forming air microbubbles or microcracks that degrade image resolution
Solution Approach 2:
The fixative solution acts as an intermediary substance between the organic ink and the glass surface, facilitating adhesion through its silane content while its specific composition prevents the formation of air microbubbles and microcracks during the binding process
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 ensures vibrant and defined printed images without heat treatment, allowing for decorative enhancements like gold, silver, and bronze finishes, while preventing air microbubbles and microcracks, thus enhancing the overall quality and durability of digital printed glass.
Implementation Method 1
an aqueous fixative solution for bounding the organic ink layer on the glass
Implementation Method 2
the said aqueous fixative solution comprises methoxipropanol, water and a silane
Implementation Method 3
wherein the said aqueous fixative solution comprises methoxipropanol, water and a silane
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to a process for digital printing on glass, organic inks, a glass fixative composition, a method for printing decorative applications in glass.