Inkjet Curable Liquid Gloss Control via Two-Layer Curing
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing methods for applying curable recording liquids using inkjet printing struggle to control the gloss level independently of the recording medium, requiring trial and error and being unpredictable due to the medium's properties and printing parameters.
Innovation Solution
A method involving a two-layer application process where a first layer is applied and cured to create a controlled surface, followed by a second layer that spreads and coalesces to achieve a desired gloss level, with the droplet sizes and curing times optimized to achieve a consistent gloss finish independent of the recording medium.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a single layer of curable recording liquid is applied directly to the recording medium, then the application process is simple and quick, but the gloss level becomes unpredictable and dependent on the recording medium properties
Solution Approach 1:
The application process is divided into two distinct stages: first applying a curable recording liquid layer and curing it to create a stable base layer, then applying a second recording liquid layer for gloss formation. This segmentation allows each layer to serve a specific function, with the first layer providing a controlled surface and the second layer determining the final gloss level, thereby decoupling gloss control from recording medium variability.
Solution Approach 2:
The first recording liquid layer is applied and cured before applying the second layer. This preliminary action creates a stable, controlled surface that is independent of the recording medium properties. By establishing this base layer first, the subsequent gloss-forming second layer can achieve predictable results regardless of the underlying recording medium.
2Shape
If the recording liquid is allowed to spread and coalesce on the recording medium, then a smooth surface can be formed, but the spread is uncontrollable and varies with recording medium properties
Solution Approach 1:
The cured first recording liquid layer acts as an intermediary between the recording medium and the second recording liquid layer. This intermediate layer provides a controlled surface that mediates the spreading and coalescing of the second layer, ensuring that the spread is determined by the properties of the first layer rather than the variable properties of the recording medium.
3Manufacturing precision
If trial and error methods are used to achieve desired gloss level, then the gloss can be optimized for specific recording mediums, but the process becomes time-consuming and unpredictable for different mediums
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the fundamental parameter of the application process by introducing a two-layer system with curing in between. This parameter change transforms the process from one where gloss depends on recording medium properties to one where gloss is determined by controllable parameters of the recording liquid layers, such as composition, thickness, and curing conditions, making the process predictable across different recording mediums.
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 allows for a consistent and predictable gloss level, independent of the recording medium, by creating a known surface for the second layer to spread and coalesce on, ensuring a smooth and glossy finish.
Implementation Method 1
A commonly used radiation for curing is UV-radiation. After a predetermined period of time after application, the droplets are cured by irradiation of a suitable radiation.
Implementation Method 2
The droplets may spread and even coalesce with neighboring droplets, depending on the particular properties of the recording liquid and/or recording medium, while they are in such liquid phase.
Data Source
AI summary
In a method for applying a curable liquid using an inkjet printing method, a gloss level is controlled by first applying a first layer of liquid and curing the first layer. Having thus obtained a layer having known properties, a second layer is applied on the first layer. Droplets of the second layer are uncured for a predetermined period of time allowing the droplets to spread and coalesce to form a layer having a smooth and flat surface such to provide a desired gloss level, in particular a high gloss. Further, a printing apparatus configured to perform the method is provided.