Inkjet Dot Redistribution for Substrate-Adaptive Digital Printing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Inkjet printing methods are limited by the dependency of ink on the priming of the substrate, lacking versatility, and are constrained by the predetermined droplet volume levels and printing resolution, which affects the quality and adaptability to different substrates and coatings.
Innovation Solution
A method that redistributes droplet volume levels between original and generated print dots, allowing controlled reduction of ink droplet volume and minimizing the dependency on substrate priming, while maintaining printing quality and resolution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If predetermined droplet volume levels are used for printing, then printing resolution and quality are maintained, but versatility and adaptability to different substrates are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts droplet volume levels based on substrate characteristics. Instead of using fixed predetermined volume levels, the invention allows real-time modification of droplet volumes according to the specific substrate being printed on, enabling adaptability while maintaining quality through controlled adjustments.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the parameter of droplet volume from a fixed predetermined value to a variable parameter that can be adjusted according to substrate properties. This allows the system to optimize printing for different substrates by modifying droplet volume levels while preserving the underlying printing resolution structure.
2Adaptability or versatility
If ink droplet volume is reduced to minimize substrate priming dependency, then versatility improves, but printing quality and resolution may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The invention segments the ink deposition process into multiple smaller droplets distributed across multiple nozzles. Instead of using fewer large droplets, it uses many small droplets that collectively provide the same or greater ink coverage, thereby maintaining printing quality while reducing dependency on substrate priming.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from controlling ink deposition through a single dimension (droplet volume) to multiple dimensions (droplet volume, number of droplets, spatial distribution). By distributing ink across multiple smaller droplets from different nozzles, the system achieves the same ink coverage with reduced individual droplet volumes, minimizing substrate priming requirements while maintaining quality.
3Ease of operation
If multiple nozzles are used to redistribute ink volume, then control over ink deposition improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention makes existing nozzles perform multiple functions. Each nozzle not only deposits ink at its designated location but also contributes to redistributing ink volume across the print area. This multi-functionality allows the system to achieve enhanced control over ink deposition using the existing nozzle infrastructure, avoiding the need for additional specialized components.
Data Source
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AI summary
Method and system for digital printing with control over the volume of ink, by means of an inkjet printer (10) provided with ink ejection nozzles to produce a printing resolution and ink droplet volume levels per nozzle which are predetermined. The method is characterized in that it comprises reprocessing the ejection commands such that the droplet volume level corresponding to each one of at least one of the original print dots (P) is redistributed between the original print dot itself (P) and/or at least one generated print dot (Q). The generated print dots (Q) are introduced close to said original print dot (P).