Golf Ball Metallic Ink via Evaporative Curing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Large particle size metallic inks used for golf ball printing face processing issues and lack a desirable luster and sheen, with existing methods being costly or producing pigments with low color intensity or toxicity.
Innovation Solution
A vacuum-metallized pigmented ink with aluminum flakes oriented in one direction is applied to a golf ball, combined with a non-metallic ink and multiple coating layers, utilizing an evaporative curing process to achieve a shiny and reflective metallic appearance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If large particle size metallic inks are used for golf ball printing, then metallic appearance is achieved, but processing issues occur and luster and sheen are unappealing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the particle size parameter of metallic inks from large to fine particles (5-20 microns), and modifies the ink composition by combining fine metallic particles with pigmented inks. This parameter change resolves the contradiction by enabling both desirable metallic luster and ease of processing, as fine particles provide better flow and printing characteristics while still delivering metallic appearance when oriented correctly.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a composite ink system by combining fine metallic particles with pigmented inks in specific ratios. This composite approach allows the metallic particles to provide luster and sheen while the pigmented component ensures proper flow and processing characteristics, thereby resolving the contradiction between achieving metallic appearance and avoiding processing issues.
2Productivity
If UV curing process is used for metallic ink printing, then processing speed is improved, but the metallic appearance and sheen are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-orienting metallic particles in the ink formulation and using a multi-layer coating system where the metallic layer is applied first, followed by a protective clear coat. This preliminary structuring allows the use of faster curing methods while preserving metallic appearance, as the particle orientation and layer structure are established before the final curing step.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent modifies the curing parameters by using a combination of partial UV curing followed by thermal drying, rather than complete UV curing. This parameter change allows the metallic particles to settle and orient properly during the thermal drying phase, achieving both processing efficiency and desirable metallic appearance.
3Illumination intensity
If existing metallic ink methods are used, then metallic marks are achieved, but the methods are costly or produce pigments with low color intensity or toxicity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces expensive, toxic metallic pigments with fine aluminum particles and standard pigmented inks that are cheaper and less toxic. The fine aluminum particles provide the metallic effect temporarily through their physical properties rather than requiring expensive metallic compounds, thereby reducing cost and toxicity while maintaining metallic appearance.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the chemical composition parameters by substituting toxic metallic compounds with aluminum particles and organic pigments. This parameter change reduces toxicity and cost while the controlled particle size and orientation of aluminum particles maintain the desired metallic luster, resolving the contradiction between metallic appearance and manufacturing safety/economics.
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 golf ball with a visually appealing metallic appearance similar to hot foil stamping, overcoming the limitations of UV curing and achieving efficient processing and regulatory compliance.
Implementation Method 1
a vacuum-metallized pigmented ink having a particle size ranging from 10 microns to 12 microns. The vacuum metallized pigmented aluminum based ink comprises a plurality of aluminum flakes all oriented in one direction
Implementation Method 2
utilizing an evaporative curing process to achieve a shiny and reflective metallic appearance
Implementation Method 3
The aluminum pigments which are most frequently used are aluminum flakes or pigments based on flake-like Cu/Zn-alloys and coated mica flakes, wherein aluminum pigments exhibit a typical metal shine
Data Source
AI summary
A golf ball having an indicia composed of a novel metallic ink is disclosed herein. The first indicia is preferably composed of a vacuum metallized pigmented ink having a particle size ranging from 10 microns to 12 microns. The ink is preferably an aluminum based ink. The golf ball is preferably a two-piece solid golf ball or a three-piece solid golf ball. The novel ink preferably has a viscosity above about 300 centipoise.