Inkjet Dot Spacing for 3D Texture and Gloss Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing inkjet printing methods struggle to form decorative printed layers with a three-dimensional texture and varying gloss levels, such as matte and glossy surfaces, effectively.
Innovation Solution
The method involves forming a decorative printed layer with a three-dimensional texture by controlling the distance between adjacent dots to maintain independence or bonding depending on the desired gloss level using a multi-pass system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If the distance between adjacent dots is reduced to form a continuous layer, then the gloss level increases, but the three-dimensional texture and matte effect are lost
Solution Approach 1:
The continuous layer is segmented into discrete dots with controlled spacing. By maintaining a distance greater than the dot diameter between adjacent dots, the layer remains discontinuous and preserves three-dimensional texture while still providing coverage. This segmentation allows the surface to maintain matte characteristics through light scattering at dot interfaces.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the printed layer are given different dot spacing characteristics. In regions where matte effect and three-dimensional texture are desired, larger dot spacing is used. In regions where gloss is needed, smaller dot spacing or overlapping dots are used. This local variation in dot quality enables simultaneous achievement of multiple surface properties in different areas.
2Shape
If the distance between adjacent dots is increased to maintain dot independence, then the three-dimensional texture is preserved, but the gloss level decreases and coverage is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The dot spacing is made dynamic rather than uniform throughout the layer. The distance between adjacent dots varies based on position, desired gloss level, and coverage requirements. This dynamic adjustment allows the system to optimize between three-dimensional texture preservation and gloss enhancement in different regions of the printed material.
Solution Approach 2:
The key parameter of dot spacing distance is changed systematically to achieve different effects. By controlling the distance parameter to be greater than the dot diameter in matte regions and reducing it in glossy regions, the system achieves variable surface properties. This parameter control extends to dot size, layer thickness, and inter-layer spacing to fine-tune the balance between texture and gloss.
3Stability of the object's composition
If multiple layers are deposited to improve coverage and gloss, then the uniformity of the layer increases, but the formation time and processing complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The dot pattern and spacing are predetermined based on the desired final surface properties and coverage requirements. By calculating and setting the optimal dot spacing before deposition begins, the system can achieve uniform coverage in fewer passes. This preliminary planning prevents the need for multiple corrective layers and reduces total formation time while maintaining layer uniformity.
Solution Approach 2:
The dot deposition process is made continuous rather than intermittent. Instead of depositing complete layers sequentially with drying time between each, the system continuously deposits dots in a pattern that achieves uniform coverage. This continuous action reduces the number of discrete steps and overall processing time while maintaining composition uniformity through controlled dot placement.
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 the excellent formation of both matte and glossy layers with precise gloss and matte gloss levels and glossy surfaces.
Implementation Method 1
dots of curable ink that cure under a predetermined condition
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
Figure 2A~2C
Figure 3
AI summary
An inkjet printing method forming a decorative printed layer having a three-dimensional texture on a printing surface is described. The inkjet printing method includes: printing dots of curable ink that cure under a predetermined condition based on dot pattern data indicative of printed positions of the dots to be printed on the printing surface; and curing the printed dots. The dot pattern data indicates that: a distance between the adjacent dots becomes a distance where the adjacent dots before the curing are allowed to be maintained independently without bonding to one another in a first region; and the distance between the adjacent dots becomes a distance where the adjacent dots before the curing bond to one another in a second region different from the first region. Such a method may allow forming a decorative printed layer having a three-dimensional texture with a desired gloss level.