Inkjet Print Curing Control for Localized Matt and Gloss
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for achieving controlled matt or gloss in inkjet printing either require a varnish layer that alters color tones or lack automation in achieving desired finishes.
Innovation Solution
A method involving partial and complete solidification of colored ink, combined with microfolding through varying curing radiation intensity, directly on the inkjet-printed image, allowing controlled matt or gloss without altering color tones.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If a curable varnish layer is applied and microfolding is created to achieve matt appearance, then the degree of matt is improved, but the device complexity and process steps increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the matt effect generation from the varnish layer and applies it directly to the inkjet-printed image through localized curing radiation. This eliminates the need for a separate varnish layer while achieving the same optical effect, thereby reducing device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention applies preliminary curing radiation to specific areas of the printed image before final curing. This preliminary action creates the microfolding structure that generates the matt effect, allowing control of gloss/matt appearance without requiring additional varnish application steps.
2Illumination intensity
If droplet size and curing intensity are adjusted to achieve matt finish, then the degree of matt is improved, but the color range and tones of the printout are affected
Solution Approach 1:
The invention applies different curing radiation intensities to different areas of the printed image. Areas requiring matt finish receive higher curing intensity to create microfolding, while areas requiring color accuracy receive lower intensity to preserve droplet integrity and color separation. This localized approach allows simultaneous optimization of both matt effect and color fidelity.
3Illumination intensity
If matting agents are incorporated in colored inks to obtain decorative printouts with required degree of matt, then the degree of matt is improved, but the automation and ease of control are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the parameter of curing radiation intensity as a controllable variable to achieve different degrees of matt finish. By adjusting the intensity of curing radiation applied to different areas, the system can automatically produce varying matt effects without requiring manual selection of different ink formulations with matting agents.
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
Enables automatic and easy production of decorative printouts with varying degrees of matt or gloss, enhancing resistance to wear through microfolding, while preserving color appearance and preventing varnish layer necessity.
Implementation Method 1
b) partial solidification of the coloured ink deposited; Steps b), c) and d), in other words the partial solidification, the microfolding of the surface and the complete solidification, are carried out by means of curing radiation
Implementation Method 2
d) complete solidification of the coloured ink deposited after microfolding of its surface
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3A~4
AI summary
Method and system for digital printing with control of matt. The method comprises: printing by inkjet of a digitalized image, depositing curable coloured ink on a substrate (2); and, by means of curing radiation, partial solidification of the coloured ink deposited; microfolding of the surface of the coloured ink deposited; and complete solidification of the coloured ink deposited after microfolding of its surface. To obtain printouts or printout areas with different degrees of matt, the curing radiation for partial solidification and/or the curing radiation for microfolding are applied with a level of radiation intensity that is different for each printout or printout area of the digitalized image.