Ink Receptive Layer for Direct Inkjet Printing on Rigid Substrates
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for producing stretched or framed pictures are labor-intensive, time-consuming, and costly, requiring specialized equipment and limited to specific rigid substrates that can withstand high temperatures, restricting the variety of materials that can be used.
Innovation Solution
A system and method for direct inkjet printing on various rigid substrates by applying an ink receptive layer composed of a binder system, pigment system, and additives onto substrates like metal, wood, or plastic, allowing standard inkjet printers to print directly onto these layers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional heat press transfer method is used, then artwork can be transferred to rigid substrate, but the process is time-consuming and requires expensive equipment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the heating step from the transfer process by using inkjet inks that cure through UV light or air drying instead of heat pressing. This removes the time-consuming heat press equipment requirement while maintaining artwork transfer quality to rigid substrates.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical heat press system with a chemical/curing-based inkjet printing system. The inks are formulated to bond directly to rigid substrates through UV curing or air drying, eliminating the need for mechanical pressure and high heat application.
2Reliability
If high heat press is used for transfer, then artwork can be transferred to rigid substrate, but the substrate selection is limited to heat-resistant materials
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the curing parameter from high heat (400°F) to alternative methods such as UV light curing or ambient air drying. This parameter change enables the use of a wide variety of rigid substrates including acrylic glass, wood, metal, and plastic that would be damaged by high heat, while still achieving reliable artwork transfer quality.
3Reliability
If conventional lamination process is used, then substrate can be mounted on frame, but specialized heaters and extensive steps are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the heating and lamination steps from the mounting process. By using inkjet inks that cure without heat, the complex lamination equipment and multi-step heating/cooling process are eliminated, while still achieving reliable substrate mounting quality on rigid surfaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the thermal lamination system with a direct inkjet printing and curing system. The inks are applied directly to the substrate and cured through UV light or air drying, eliminating the need for specialized heating equipment and complex lamination procedures.
4Reliability
If stretchers are used to mount substrate, then substrate can be positioned on frame, but significant skill and time are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables the rigid substrate to serve itself as the printing surface through the ink receptive layer. The substrate's own surface properties are enhanced to accept inkjet inks directly, eliminating the need for external stretching or framing operations that require manual skill and time.
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 reduces production time and costs, enables printing on a wide range of rigid substrates, and eliminates the need for expensive heat press equipment, thereby increasing production capacity and versatility.
Implementation Method 1
an ink receptive layer comprising a binder system, a pigment system, and additives
Data Source
AI summary
A method of fixing an artwork on a surface of a rigid substrate includes providing an ink receptive layer comprised of a dispersing pigment in a binder selected from the group consisting of: PVOH, EVA, PUD, latex polymer, and combinations of these, applying the ink receptive layer to the surface of the rigid substrate, drying the ink receptive layer, and printing the artwork onto the ink receptive layer by inkjet.