Ink Setting Method for Packaging Printing Color Accuracy

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Solution Overview

Problem

In packaging printing, the color image on transparent films deviates from the desired target image due to the influence of carrier materials and adhesives, leading to inconsistencies in the final printed product.

Innovation Solution

A method that captures the color image impression on printing material, substrate impression, and carrier material impression, calculates the expected printed image, and adjusts the color to account for the effects of carrier materials and adhesives, using spectral analysis and a multispectral camera to ensure accurate color alignment with the target image.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If color is adjusted on transparent film during printing, then color supply can be controlled, but the printed image deviates from target image due to carrier material and adhesive influence

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecolor accuracyVSAvoidcolor consistency
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent measures the color impression of the carrier material and adhesive before printing, and uses these measurements to calculate compensation values that are applied during the printing process. This preliminary characterization of the substrate and adhesive allows the printing system to pre-compensate for their color-influencing effects, ensuring the final printed image matches the target image despite the presence of these interfering materials.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the actual color impression on the transparent film is measured during or after printing, compared to the desired target image, and used to adjust subsequent printing parameters. This closed-loop control system continuously corrects for deviations caused by carrier material and adhesive variations, maintaining color consistency across the production run.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

2Measurement precision

If spectral analysis is used to adjust color image on transparent film, then color can be monitored, but the process becomes expensive and complicated

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecolor measurement accuracyVSAvoidcolor adjustment complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of performing complex spectral analysis on every printed piece, the patent performs preliminary measurements of the carrier material and adhesive properties once, stores these characteristics, and uses them to calculate compensation values for the printing process. This approach achieves accurate color control without the need for continuous expensive spectral analysis equipment during production.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an intermediary calculation model that translates simple measurements of carrier material and adhesive into compensation values for the printing system. This mathematical model acts as a mediator between the physical materials and the printing controls, avoiding the need for direct complex spectral analysis of every printed output while maintaining measurement precision.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 method allows for precise prediction and correction of color deviations, ensuring the printed image on finished packaging closely matches the target image, improving color consistency and quality.

Implementation Method 1

The color is analyzed for its spectral properties

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSpectral analysis: Absorption Spectroscopy

Data Source

PatentEP2988938B1Method for ink setting
Publication Date: 2019.11.27 WINDMOELLER & HOELSCHER GMBH
  • EP2988938B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2d

AI summary

The invention relates to a method for ink setting on a printing press (10), in particular on a packaging printing press (10) having the following steps: a) detection of a colour image print (R1) of a colour image (21) on a printing material (20), b) detection of a substrate print (R2) on the printing material (20) without a colour image (21), c) detection of a carrier material print (R3) on the printing material (20) without a colour image (21), which printing material (20) is joined to a carrier material (30), d) calculation of a printing image print (R4) to be expected of a printed image (24) on the printing material (20) which is joined to the carrier material (30).