Ink Jet Head Viscosity Control for Transfer Printing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Ink jet recording systems face challenges in achieving excellent transferability and image quality due to issues with ink viscosity and ejection properties, particularly with high-viscosity inks that are difficult to eject effectively while maintaining image quality.
Innovation Solution
The method involves using an ink jet head with a recording element substrate that generates energy, a pressure chamber, and an ejection orifice, where the ink is circulated between the chamber and outside, maintaining a viscosity of 2 mPa·s to 20 mPa·s to enhance cohesion and ejection properties, and transferring the ink image onto a recording medium with a pressing member.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If high-viscosity ink is used to improve image quality and cohesion, then transferability deteriorates due to poor ejection properties
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by precisely controlling ink viscosity within the range of 2 to 20 mPa·s at 25°C, and adjusting the ink temperature to 40°C or higher during ejection. This dual parameter approach allows the ink to maintain excellent cohesion for high-quality images while achieving proper ejection properties through temperature-induced viscosity reduction.
2Reliability
If ink is circulated through the flow path to maintain ejection properties, then transferability improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a self-service circulation system where the ink jet head itself performs the circulation function. The ink flows naturally from the ink supply, through the pressure chamber containing the energy-generating element, and back to the supply, utilizing the existing structural components rather than adding separate circulation pumps or mechanisms.
3Productivity
If ink is ejected repeatedly, then productivity increases, but ink thickening occurs due to evaporation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent ensures continuous circulation of ink through the pressure chamber and flow path, maintaining constant movement of the ink. This continuous circulation prevents localized evaporation and thickening by constantly replenishing the ink supply, enabling repeated ejections without composition degradation.
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 approach improves the transferability and image quality by maintaining ink ejection properties and cohesion, even with high-viscosity inks, effectively addressing the limitations of existing technologies.
Implementation Method 1
an ink jet head in which a recording element substrate provided with an element generating energy to be used for ejecting the ink
Implementation Method 2
there is a case where a liquid component in the ink, such as moisture, is evaporated due to heat generated according to an ejection operation
Data Source
AI summary
An ink jet recording method of the present invention includes: forming an ink image by ejecting an ink onto a transfer body with an ink jet head in which a recording element substrate provided with an element generating energy to be used for ejecting the ink, a pressure chamber including the element inside, and an ejection orifice ejecting the ink is provided, and the ink in the pressure chamber is circulated between the pressure chamber and the outside of the pressure chamber; and transferring the ink image onto a recording medium by bringing the recording medium into contact with the transfer body on which the ink image is formed, wherein a viscosity of the ink is 2 mPa·s or more to 20 mPa·s or less.