High Opacity Laser Printable Facestock with Static Dissipation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing high opacity filmic labels used in laser printers are not heat resistant and tend to store electrical charge, making them unsuitable for applications requiring moisture resistance and concealment of underlying indicia.
Innovation Solution
A high opacity multilayer laminate is developed using a combination of titanium dioxide pigment and optical brighteners, with a pressure sensitive adhesive layer between the facestock and liner, which is die-cut to form labels that are resistant to heat and static charges, ensuring opacity and whiteness while preventing underlying indicia from being visible.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If high opacity filmic labels are used to conceal underlying indicia, then opacity is improved, but the labels tend to store electrical charge and are not heat resistant
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies composite materials by combining multiple layers with distinct functions: a filmic facestock layer (0.5-2.0 mils) for opacity and concealment, a heat-resistant polymer layer for thermal stability during laser printing, and an adhesive layer for bonding. This multi-layer composite structure resolves the contradiction by integrating materials that individually provide opacity while collectively ensuring heat resistance and reduced static charge storage through proper material selection and layering.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs parameter changes by optimizing the thickness of the filmic facestock to a specific range (0.5-2.0 mils) to achieve sufficient opacity without excessive material that would increase static charge storage. Additionally, the refractive index of the adhesive layer is controlled (1.35-1.65) to enhance opacity while maintaining appropriate material properties for heat resistance and adhesive performance, thereby resolving the contradiction through precise parameter optimization.
2Reliability
If filmic labels are used to meet moisture resistant requirements, then moisture resistance is improved, but opacity and concealment of underlying indicia are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses composite materials by combining a filmic facestock (providing moisture resistance) with a specially formulated adhesive layer having controlled refractive index (1.35-1.65) and specific thickness. This composite structure achieves both moisture resistance from the filmic substrate and enhanced opacity/concealment through the optical properties of the adhesive layer, resolving the contradiction between moisture resistance and concealment capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The adhesive layer serves as an intermediary between the filmic facestock and the substrate, providing dual functionality: it bonds the label to the substrate while its controlled refractive index creates optical interference that enhances opacity and conceals underlying indicia. This intermediary layer resolves the contradiction by adding concealment functionality without compromising the moisture resistance provided by the filmic facestock.
3Loss of information
If high pigment loading is used to achieve high opacity, then opacity is improved, but static shocks are generated during laser printing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an adhesive layer as an intermediary between the pigmented facestock and the substrate. This intermediate layer has controlled thickness and refractive index (1.35-1.65) that optimizes optical properties for opacity while electrically grounding or dissipating static charges generated during laser printing, thereby resolving the contradiction between opacity and static shock prevention.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies parameter changes by controlling the thickness of the adhesive layer and its refractive index to optimize both optical and electrical properties. The specific refractive index range (1.35-1.65) and thickness parameters create conditions that enhance opacity through optical interference while simultaneously providing a pathway for static charge dissipation, resolving the contradiction between high opacity and static shock generation.
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 labels with high opacity, brightness, and whiteness, effectively concealing underlying information and resisting heat and static charges, making them suitable for reuse on shipping containers and other substrates.
Implementation Method 1
A high opacity multilayer laminate is developed using a combination of titanium dioxide pigment and optical brighteners
Implementation Method 2
A high opacity multilayer laminate is developed using a combination of titanium dioxide pigment and optical brighteners
Implementation Method 3
a pressure sensitive adhesive layer between the facestock and liner
Data Source
Figure 1~2A
Figure 3~5
Figure 6~7
AI summary
A multilayer laminate such as a label assembly having high opacity and desirable appearance characteristics is described. The laminate includes a facestock layer, an adhesive layer, and a liner layer. The facestock layer includes a print-receiving top coat layer that includes a combination of titanium dioxide and one or more optical brighteners. The combination of these materials avoids build up of static charges upon laser printing on the facestock.