Multi-layer Imaging Blanket with Sulfur-Containing Primer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current offset lithography and printing systems are limited in their ability to accommodate variable printing, as they require permanent patterned plates and cannot efficiently handle changes in images from one impression to another, and existing polymer topcoats struggle to form reimageable surfaces on sulfur-containing substrates like NBR carcasses.
Innovation Solution
A multilayer imaging blanket with a sulfur-containing base and a cured polyurethane topcoat layer, including isocyanate and hydroxyl components, IR-absorbing fillers, and a catalyst, which is compatible with dampening fluids and can be used in variable data lithography systems to create a reimageable surface for ink transfer.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional polymer topcoats are used on sulfur-containing substrates like NBR carcasses, then the substrate can be utilized, but the topcoat cannot form a proper reimageable surface due to sulfur inhibition
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a sulfur-containing primer layer as an intermediary between the sulfur-containing substrate and the polymer topcoat. This primer layer acts as a mediator that is specifically designed to be compatible with both the sulfur-containing substrate and the polymer topcoat, enabling proper adhesion and curing of the topcoat on sulfur-containing substrates without the sulfur inhibition problem that plagues direct topcoating.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a composite structure consisting of multiple layers: a sulfur-containing substrate base, a sulfur-containing primer layer, and a polymer topcoat layer. This composite material approach allows each layer to be optimized for its specific function - the substrate provides structural integrity, the primer ensures compatibility and adhesion, and the topcoat provides the reimageable surface properties, collectively solving the sulfur inhibition issue.
2Productivity
If offset lithography systems use permanent patterned plates, then high-speed printing is achieved, but variable printing capability is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by replacing the static, permanent patterned plate with a dynamic, reimageable surface. The imaging blanket's topcoat layer can be repatterned through laser irradiation during the printing process, allowing the same physical substrate to accommodate different images sequentially. This dynamic re patterning capability enables variable data printing while maintaining high-speed operation, as the reimageable surface can be rapidly repatterned without physical plate replacement.
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 multilayer imaging blanket enables stable operation at high temperatures and supports variable data printing by forming a durable, IR-absorbing surface that allows for efficient ink transfer and image formation, overcoming the limitations of traditional systems in terms of image variability and substrate compatibility.
Implementation Method 1
a cured topcoat layer including a polyurethane in contact with the sulfur-containing layer of the multilayer base
Implementation Method 2
a cured topcoat layer including a polyurethane in contact with the sulfur-containing layer
Data Source
AI summary
A multilayer imaging blanket for a variable data lithography system, including a multilayer base including a sulfur-containing layer; and a cured topcoat layer including a polyurethane in contact with the sulfur-containing layer of the multilayer base.