Ink Jet Recording Method with Localized UV Curing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ink jet recording methods using radiation-curable inks face issues with reduced printing speed, unsatisfactory glossiness, and bleeding when using multiple ink compositions cured at different irradiation energies, as they often require uniform irradiation energy and timing which can lead to suboptimal image quality.
Innovation Solution
An ink jet recording method employing a parallel arrangement of heads with dedicated light sources for each, where droplets are irradiated with active radiation within 500 ms at 5-10% of the energy required for 90% curing, followed by a second irradiation to ensure full curing, optimizing irradiation energy and timing for each ink composition.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If uniform irradiation energy is applied to all ink compositions, then printing speed is improved, but image quality (glossiness and color density) deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different irradiation energies to different ink compositions based on their specific curing requirements. Each ink composition receives a customized irradiation energy level, allowing optimal curing for each ink type while maintaining overall printing efficiency. This local quality approach resolves the contradiction by enabling both speed and quality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the irradiation energy parameter according to the specific ink composition being cured. By adjusting the irradiation energy to match the curing characteristics of each ink type, the system achieves both high printing speed and excellent image quality, resolving the trade-off between productivity and manufacturing precision.
2Productivity
If high irradiation energy is applied to cure all inks quickly, then printing speed is improved, but bleeding in the image increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent adjusts the irradiation energy parameter to match the specific curing requirements of each ink composition. By using lower irradiation energies for inks that are prone to bleeding, the system prevents this harmful effect while still achieving efficient curing and maintaining high printing speed.
3Manufacturing precision
If low irradiation energy is applied to prevent bleeding, then image quality is improved, but printing speed decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies locally optimized irradiation energies to different ink compositions. Inks that are prone to bleeding receive lower irradiation energies to maintain image quality, while inks that can tolerate higher energies receive increased irradiation to maintain printing speed. This local quality approach resolves the contradiction between image quality and productivity.
4Manufacturing precision
If multiple light sources are added to provide different irradiation energies, then image quality is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the irradiation function by providing dedicated light sources for different ink compositions. Each light source is optimized for specific ink types, allowing precise control of irradiation energy for each ink. This segmentation enables high image quality while maintaining manageable device complexity through functional specialization.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent designs a multi-functional irradiation system where light sources can serve multiple purposes - different light sources target different ink compositions, and the system as a whole handles multiple ink types with varying curing requirements. This multi-functionality approach improves image quality without proportionally increasing device complexity.
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 enhances image glossiness and color density while reducing bleeding, allowing for efficient curing of radiation-curable inks without increasing light source size and maintaining high print quality across multiple ink compositions.
Implementation Method 1
radiation-curable inks that can be cured by being irradiated with UV rays, electron beams, or other radiation... irradiating the droplets with active radiation to cure the ink
Implementation Method 2
an ink jet recording apparatus including a plurality of heads arranged in parallel in a first direction, each of which ejects droplets of a different radiation-curable ink composition... first light sources provided for corresponding heads so as to be disposed at a predetermined side of the corresponding heads
Data Source
AI summary
An ink jet recording method uses an ink jet recording apparatus including a plurality of heads arranged in parallel in a first direction, each of which ejects droplets of a different radiation-curable ink composition onto a recording medium, and first light sources provided for corresponding heads so as to be disposed at a predetermined side of the corresponding heads. The first light sources emit active radiation to irradiate the droplets on the recording medium. The method includes ejecting droplets of the ink compositions from the heads onto the recording medium, and performing a first irradiation by irradiating the droplets of each ink composition with the active radiation from the corresponding first light source at an irradiation energy within 500 ms after the droplets have landed. The irradiation energy is in the range of 5% to 10% of the energy E90 at which the ink composition is 90% cured.