Inkjet Recording Method Using Flocculant Processing Liquid
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional two-liquid type inkjet recording methods fail to adequately address color bleeding and outline character quality issues, particularly on low absorption or non-absorption recording media such as plastic, metal, or leather, due to differences in ink aggregation between printing and boundary regions.
Innovation Solution
An inkjet recording method where the processing liquid is applied to both the image forming region and the peripheral region, with the application amount controlled to be the same as that at the end portion of the image forming region, using a flocculant-containing processing liquid to enhance coalescence and prevent feathering.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If a relatively large amount of processing liquid is applied to an image boundary region to suppress color bleeding, then color bleeding resistance is improved, but a difference in ink aggregation occurs between printing and boundary regions, leading to decreased outline character quality
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by differentiating the processing liquid application strategy between boundary regions and end portions. Specifically, a relatively large amount of processing liquid is applied to boundary regions to suppress color bleeding, while the same amount is applied to end portions to maintain consistent ink aggregation and prevent outline character degradation. This localized differentiation resolves the contradiction by addressing color bleeding where needed without compromising overall image quality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements preliminary action by applying processing liquid to end portions of the image forming region, which are not traditionally treated in conventional methods. This preliminary application ensures that when ink is deposited at these locations, the processing liquid is already present to facilitate proper aggregation, thereby preventing outline character quality degradation before it occurs.
2Stability of the object's composition
If the same amount of processing liquid is applied to both printing region and boundary region, then ink aggregation consistency is improved, but color bleeding at image boundary regions is not sufficiently suppressed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent resolves this contradiction by applying local quality principles - recognizing that boundary regions have different requirements than end portions. While maintaining consistent processing liquid application across all regions to ensure uniform ink aggregation, the patent specifically addresses boundary regions where color bleeding is most problematic, ensuring both consistency and effective color bleeding suppression.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If processing liquid application amount varies between printing region and boundary region, then color bleeding is suppressed, but difference in ink aggregation occurs leading to decreased image quality
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by treating boundary regions and end portions differently based on their specific requirements. Boundary regions receive enhanced processing liquid application to suppress color bleeding, while end portions receive equivalent application to maintain consistent ink aggregation. This localized strategy suppresses color bleeding without compromising overall image quality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements preliminary action by ensuring processing liquid is applied to end portions before ink deposition, preventing potential outline character quality issues before they arise, while simultaneously addressing color bleeding at boundary regions.
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 improves color bleeding resistance and outline character quality by ensuring consistent ink aggregation across the image, particularly on low absorption or non-absorption media, resulting in sharper inkjet images.
Implementation Method 1
a processing liquid containing at least a flocculant is applied to an image forming region on which the image is formed and a peripheral region of the image forming region
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is an inkjet recording method comprising the step of forming an image by applying an ink containing at least a coloring material and a processing liquid containing at least a flocculant to a surface of a recording medium by a droplet discharge device, respectively, to coalescence the ink and the processing liquid, wherein the processing liquid is applied to an image forming region on which the image is formed and a peripheral region of the image forming region, and an application amount of the processing liquid to be applied to the peripheral region of the image forming region is controlled to be the same as an application amount of the processing liquid to be applied at an end portion of the image forming region.