Ink Composition for Embossed Patterns via Surface Tension Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for forming embossed patterns on vehicle interior parts are limited by the need for labor-intensive residue removal from clear paint, which hinders mass production and increases costs, especially when trying to achieve transparent embossing without modifying expensive injection molds.
Innovation Solution
An ink composition comprising silane-modified polyacrylate resin, silicone-modified polyacrylate resin, silicone oil-type additive, and silicone oil compound-type additive, which reduces surface tension to prevent clear paint adherence on printed surfaces, allowing for easy formation of embossed patterns without additional processing steps.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Shape
If clear paint is applied on ink composition to form embossed pattern, then embossed shape is formed, but clear paint residue remains on printed surface requiring labor-intensive removal
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the surface tension parameter of the ink composition by adding silicone oil-type and silicone oil compound-type additives. This parameter change creates extreme hydrophobicity and oleophobicity on the printed surface, preventing clear paint from adhering to it. As a result, clear paint residue is eliminated from the printed surface while still allowing embossed pattern formation through selective adhesion on non-printed surfaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention converts the potential harm of clear paint adhesion (which causes residue) into a beneficial selective adhesion effect. By creating extreme hydrophobicity and oleophobicity on printed surfaces, the clear paint is repelled from printed areas and only adheres to non-printed surfaces, which is exactly where embossed patterns should form. This eliminates the need for residue removal while achieving the desired embossed effect.
2Shape
If transparent material is used for injection molding, then transparent embossing can be achieved, but expensive mold modification is required
Solution Approach 1:
The invention uses ink composition printing as a template or copy of the desired embossed pattern. Instead of modifying the mold to create the embossed shape directly, the ink composition is printed on the transparent material surface to define the pattern areas. Subsequent clear paint application then creates the embossed effect by adhering only to non-printed areas, copying the inverse of the printed pattern as the embossed structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces the mechanical approach of mold corrosion/modification with a chemical/printing-based approach. Instead of physically altering the expensive injection mold to create embossed features, the invention uses ink composition printing followed by selective clear paint adhesion to create the same embossed effect on the final product, thereby avoiding mold modification costs.
3Ease of manufacture
If conventional ink composition is used, then printing is achieved, but clear paint adheres to printed surface creating residue
Solution Approach 1:
The invention fundamentally changes the surface tension parameter of the ink composition by incorporating silicone oil-type additives (3-7 wt%) and silicone oil compound-type additives (5-15 wt%). This parameter change creates extreme hydrophobicity and oleophobicity on the printed surface, which prevents polar substances like clear paint from adhering to it. The printing process itself remains simple, but the modified ink composition eliminates the harmful residue effect.
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 ink composition enhances water-repellency and oil-repellency, eliminating the need for residue removal, improving workability and cost competitiveness by allowing embossed patterns to be formed on non-printed surfaces, enabling efficient mass production and reduced manufacturing costs.
Implementation Method 1
the surface tension may be substantially reduced on a printed surface by printed by the ink composition to provide improved water-repellency and oil-repellency
Implementation Method 2
provide improved water-repellency and oil-repellency
Implementation Method 3
provide improved water-repellency and oil-repellency
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed are an ink composition and a method for forming embossments using the ink composition. Accordingly, a process of removing a clear residue on the printed pattern in the related arts may be eliminated. In particular, the ink composition for improving formation of embossment may include: a silane-modified polyacrylate resin in an amount of about 10 to 40 wt %; a silicone-modified polyacrylate resin in an amount of about 50 to 80 wt %; a silicone oil-type additive in an amount of about 3 to 7 wt %; and a silicone oil compound-type additive in an amount of about 5 to 15 wt %. The ink composition has substantially reduced surface tension to provide excellent water-repellency and oil-repellency. As such, a clear paint may not be adhered to the printed pattern surface of the ink composition, but instead, the clear paint may be adhered to the non-printed surface, thereby forming an embossed pattern.