Inkjet Ink Set for Decorative Panels

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Solution Overview

Problem

Analog gravure printing for decorative panels is costly and time-consuming to switch between designs due to the need for new cylinders and ink formulations, and digital inkjet printing can cause metamerism and adhesion issues when transitioning from analog to digital, especially with excessive ink load during lamination.

Innovation Solution

A set of inkjet inks comprising cyan, yellow, and black pigments, with specific red pigments (e.g., C.I. Pigment Red 144, 254, 176) that reduce metamerism and ink consumption, and a two-tiered black ink system with varying pigment loads to enhance color gamut and adhesion, used on a paper substrate for decorative panels.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If digital inkjet printing with CMYK inks is used to enable flexible design switching, then adaptability improves, but metamerism issues and adhesion problems occur due to excessive ink load

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedesign switching flexibilityVSAvoidadhesion quality
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the pigment composition parameters by replacing magenta with red and adjusting pigment particle sizes to below 300nm, which modifies the ink's optical and adhesive properties to reduce metamerism and improve lamination adhesion

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies different pigment characteristics to different color channels (cyan, yellow, red, black) with specific particle size ranges optimized for each, creating locally optimized ink formulations that collectively solve the adhesion and metamerism problems

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

2Manufacturing precision

If higher pigment load is used to correct metamerism effects, then color accuracy improves, but adhesion issues worsen during lamination

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecolor accuracyVSAvoidadhesion quality
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent optimizes the pigment load parameter to a specific range (2-7% by weight) and controls particle size below 300nm, achieving a balance where sufficient pigment is present for color accuracy while maintaining adequate adhesion properties for lamination

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Adaptability or versatility

If traditional CMYK ink set is used for broad color gamut, then color versatility improves, but metamerism between analog and digital printing worsens

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecolor gamutVSAvoidcolor consistency
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent modifies the color model parameters by substituting magenta with red pigments and adjusting the spectral characteristics of each ink, thereby reducing metamerism while preserving broad color gamut capability for both wood and stone decors

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses composite pigment formulations combining multiple pigment types with complementary spectral properties to achieve consistent color reproduction across different lighting conditions and printing methods

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

Data Source

PatentEP4442776A1A set of ink for inkjet printing a paper sheet for being used in the manufacturing of decorative panels, a method for printing on a paper sheet, a printed paper sheet and a decorative panel
Publication Date: 2024.10.09 UNILIN BVBA
  • EP4442776A1 patent drawingFigure 1~3
  • EP4442776A1 patent drawingFigure 4
  • EP4442776A1 patent drawing

AI summary

A set of inks for inkjet printing on a paper substrate, for example a paper sheet for being used in laminated panel, preferably floor, wall or furniture panels, said inks being pigmented inks, wherein said set of inks comprises: a cyan ink, a yellow ink, at least a red ink and at least a black ink.