Ink Jet Recording Head Temperature Control for Uniformity and Abrasion Resistance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Ink jet recording methods using thermal energy on non-absorbent recording media face issues with uneven image quality due to temperature differences in recording heads, leading to reduced abrasion resistance and ejection stability, especially when using inks containing acrylic resin particles.
Innovation Solution
An ink jet recording method using an aqueous ink with polyester resin particles having a specific molecular weight ratio and glass transition temperature, where the ink is heated to a temperature higher than the recording head and the recording medium is heated to a temperature at least 10°C higher than the ink, ensuring sufficient heat quantity is applied to achieve both ejection stability and abrasion resistance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If temperature regulation is applied to the recording head to eliminate temperature differences between recording elements, then image uniformity is improved, but the ink becomes liable to stick in the vicinity of the ejection orifice and ejection stability is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the temperature parameter dynamically by implementing a pre-heating phase followed by a recording phase with different temperature settings. The recording head is pre-heated to a first temperature to prevent ink sticking, then maintained at a second, lower temperature during recording to ensure image uniformity. This temporal parameter change resolves the contradiction between preventing sticking and maintaining uniformity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies preliminary heating to the recording head before actual recording begins. This pre-heating action prepares the recording head by raising its temperature to prevent ink sticking, and this heated state is maintained throughout the recording process through controlled temperature regulation, thereby preventing sticking issues before they can occur.
2Strength
If acrylic resin particle ink is used to improve abrasion resistance, then image durability is improved, but unevenness is generated in the recorded image and abrasion resistance is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the temperature parameter to resolve the contradiction between abrasion resistance and image uniformity. By maintaining the recording head at an optimized temperature range, the ink's flow properties are controlled, allowing acrylic resin particles to be deposited uniformly without generating unevenness, while still achieving the desired abrasion resistance through proper particle distribution.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements temperature regulation that monitors and adjusts the recording head temperature to maintain it within an optimal range. This feedback control ensures that the temperature remains stable throughout the recording process, preventing the generation of unevenness while allowing the acrylic resin particles to form a durable, uniform image with good abrasion resistance.
3Strength
If solvent-based ink or curable ink is used on non-absorbent recording media to achieve good image quality, then image durability is improved, but environmental load and odor increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical composition parameter of the ink from solvent-based or curable formulations to aqueous-based formulations. By adjusting the ink's chemical properties while maintaining appropriate viscosity and particle distribution, the patent achieves good image durability on non-absorbent media without the environmental harm and odor associated with traditional ink types.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a composite ink formulation that combines aqueous medium with acrylic resin particles and other functional additives. This composite structure allows the ink to maintain durability and adhesion on non-absorbent media while using environmentally friendly aqueous components instead of harmful solvents or curables.
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 method provides stable ink ejection and improved abrasion resistance on non-absorbent recording media by optimizing the temperature relationships and molecular properties of the polyester resin particles, enhancing the overall image quality.
Implementation Method 1
ejecting an aqueous ink from a recording head of an ink jet system through action of thermal energy
Implementation Method 2
heating the recording medium having the aqueous ink applied thereto to a temperature TF (° C.)
Data Source
AI summary
The ink jet recording method includes ejecting an aqueous ink from a recording head to apply the aqueous ink to a recording medium, to thereby record an image. The ink jet recording method includes: ejecting the aqueous ink heated to a temperature TH (° C.) from the recording head to apply the aqueous ink to the recording medium; and heating the recording medium having the aqueous ink applied thereto to a temperature TF (° C.), the aqueous ink containing a pigment and a polyester resin particle, a glass transition temperature TG (° C.) of the polyester resin particle, the temperature TH (° C.) and the temperature TF (° C.) satisfying relationships of the following expressions (1) to (3).TG(° C.)>TH(° C.) (1)TF(° C.)≥TH(° C.)+10° C. (2)TF(° C.)≥TG(° C.)−10° C. (3)