Ink Jet Recording Ink Set Viscosity Surface Tension Cleaning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Ink jet recording apparatuses face challenges with clogging in ink flow paths, particularly when using recording inks containing glitter pigments or metal oxides, as these materials settle easily, leading to ejection defects and insufficient cleaning with conventional cleaning liquids.
Innovation Solution
An ink set comprising an ink composition with a glitter pigment or metal oxide and an auxiliary cleaning ink composition, where the dynamic viscosity and surface tension of the auxiliary ink are specifically formulated to exceed those of the recording ink, allowing for effective washing and cleaning of the ink flow path, including the use of surfactants and alkyl polyols to enhance cleaning properties.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional cleaning liquids are used to clean the ink flow path, then the cleaning process is simple, but the cleaning effectiveness is insufficient due to clogging caused by settled glitter pigment or metal oxide
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by carefully controlling the dynamic viscosity and surface tension of the cleaning liquid to specific ranges (viscosity: 0.5-5.0 mm²/s, surface tension: 20-40 mN/m). These parameter adjustments enable the cleaning liquid to effectively remove settled glitter pigment and metal oxide from the ink flow path while maintaining simple cleaning procedures.
2Reliability
If the ink flow path is cleaned frequently to prevent clogging, then the ejection stability is maintained, but the loss of time and productivity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by formulating the recording ink with specific viscosity (0.5-5.0 mm²/s) and surface tension (20-40 mN/m) parameters that prevent glitter pigment and metal oxide from settling in the first place. This preventive approach maintains ejection stability without requiring frequent cleaning interruptions, thus preserving productivity.
3Manufacturing precision
If the ink composition contains glitter pigment or metal oxide for desired recording effects, then the recording quality is improved, but the settling and clogging in the ink flow path increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent resolves this contradiction by controlling the physical parameters of the recording ink, specifically maintaining viscosity between 0.5-5.0 mm²/s and surface tension between 20-40 mN/m. These parameter ranges allow glitter pigment and metal oxide to be maintained in suspension for high-quality recording while preventing settlement and clogging in the ink flow path.
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 set ensures excellent cleaning of the ink flow path and stability of ink ejection by effectively washing away sedimented materials, reducing clogging and improving ejection reliability.
Implementation Method 1
the surface tension at 20° C. is γ1 (mN/m), and the dynamic viscosity at 20° C. in the auxiliary ink composition is η2 (mm2/s) and the surface tension at 20° C. is γ2 (mN/m), the following formula (1) and the following formula (2) are satisfied at the same time. γ1≧γ2 (2)
Data Source
AI summary
An ink jetting ink set includes an ink composition for recording supplied to and used in an ink flow path and containing at least one of a glitter pigment and a metal oxide as a coloring material, and an auxiliary ink composition used in cleaning of the ink flow path, in which, in cases where a dynamic viscosity at 20° C. in the ink composition for recording is η1 (mm2/s) and a surface tension at 20° C. is γ1 (mN/m), and the dynamic viscosity at 20° C. in the auxiliary ink composition is η2 (mm2/s) and the surface tension at 20° C. is γ2 (mN/m), the following formula (1) and the following formula (2) are satisfied at the same time.η1≦η2 (1)γ1≧γ2 (2)