Image forming method, image forming apparatus, and image forming system
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
In Direct to Garment (DTG) printing, the use of white ink with organic solvents leads to ink seepage issues due to the difficulty in fixing the ink on permeable fabrics, resulting in unsightly traces around the printed images.
Innovation Solution
An image forming method and apparatus that applies a pretreatment liquid containing a coagulant to the fabric, followed by white ink to create a base, and then uses a colorless liquid containing water to diffuse the organic solvent from the ink, which is heated to fix the ink and remove excess moisture, thereby reducing ink seepage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If white ink containing organic solvent is applied to permeable fabric, then the ink can be applied to form an image, but the ink seeps into the fabric causing unsightly traces around the printed area
Solution Approach 1:
A pretreatment liquid is applied to the fabric before printing to prepare the surface and prevent ink seepage. This preliminary action modifies the fabric surface properties in the print area, creating a barrier that prevents the organic solvent in the white ink from penetrating into the fabric fibers, thereby eliminating unsightly traces while maintaining image quality
Solution Approach 2:
The pretreatment liquid acts as an intermediary substance between the white ink and the fabric. It creates a intermediate layer that controls the interaction between the ink's organic solvent and the fabric, preventing direct penetration and seepage while allowing the ink to maintain its intended appearance
2Object-affected harmful factors
If a pretreatment liquid is applied before printing, then ink seepage is prevented, but the process requires additional steps and time
Solution Approach 1:
The image forming apparatus integrates multiple functions including pretreatment liquid application, white ink printing, and color ink printing into a single device. This merging of functions allows the pretreatment and printing processes to be performed in one operation, reducing the overall process time and eliminating the need for separate pretreatment steps
3Reliability
If the ink is heated and pressed to fix the ink to the fabric, then the ink adhesion is improved, but the process becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The fixing process utilizes phase transition through heating and pressing to transform the ink from a liquid state to a fixed state on the fabric. The heat and pressure cause the ink components to undergo phase changes that enable permanent adhesion to the fabric fibers, ensuring durable image fixation
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
This method effectively prevents ink seepage and ensures the ink is firmly fixed on the fabric, maintaining the quality of the printed image without the need for additional washing or drying processes.
Implementation Method 1
a colorless-liquid applier to apply a colorless liquid containing water to the second area to diffuse the organic solvent in the second area
Implementation Method 2
the ink containing an organic solvent seeping into a second area around a circumference of the image in the first area
Data Source
AI summary
An image forming method includes applying a pretreatment liquid to a first area on an object having permeability, applying ink to the first area applied with the pretreatment liquid to form an image in the first area, the ink containing an organic solvent seeping into a second area around a circumference of the image in the first area and applying a colorless liquid containing water to the second area to diffuse the organic solvent in the second area.