Inkjet Print Method Using Controlled Solvent Boiling Points
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing inkjet printing methods for non-permeable recording media, such as plastic film, face challenges with solvent-based inks that harm the environment and ultraviolet-curable inks with limited polymerizable monomer options, and require long drying times to prevent color bleed, which affects print speed and quality.
Innovation Solution
A print method using an ink set with a first ink containing urethane resin particles and a water-soluble organic solvent with a boiling point between 100 to 180 degrees C, or β-alkoxy propionamide, applied in a sequence to achieve a drying ratio of 30% or less, preventing color bleed and allowing for faster drying without compromising image quality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a long drying time is used to achieve a drying ratio of 40 to 80 percent, then color bleed is suppressed, but print speed decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the chemical composition parameters of the ink by incorporating specific additives (polymer particles, surfactants, and solvents with controlled boiling points) to modify the drying characteristics. This allows achieving sufficient drying ratio with shorter drying time, thus improving print speed while maintaining color bleed suppression
Solution Approach 2:
The ink is formulated as a composite material containing multiple components working together: polymer particles for film formation, surfactants for surface tension control, and a mixture of solvents with different boiling points. This composite structure enables optimized drying performance that prevents color bleed while reducing required drying time
2Productivity
If the drying ratio is reduced to 30 percent or less to improve print speed, then productivity increases, but color bleed may occur
Solution Approach 1:
The ink formulation includes pre-dispersed polymer particles and surfactants that prepare the ink for rapid drying and film formation. These preliminary preparations in the ink composition enable the ink to achieve sufficient drying ratio quickly upon application, preventing color bleed even with reduced drying time
Solution Approach 2:
By adjusting the solvent composition to include components with specific boiling point ranges and incorporating film-forming agents, the invention changes the drying kinetics parameters. This allows the ink to reach the necessary drying ratio faster, enabling shorter drying cycles without causing color bleed
3Productivity
If solvent-based inks are used to improve drying speed, then productivity increases, but environmental harm increases due to organic solvent evaporation
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the solvent type parameter from traditional organic solvents to a specific mixture including water and organic solvents with controlled boiling points (100-180°C). This parameter change maintains adequate drying speed while reducing environmental harm by selecting solvents with lower volatility and better environmental profiles
Solution Approach 2:
The ink uses a composite solvent system combining water and carefully selected organic solvents. This composite approach balances drying performance with environmental considerations, achieving sufficient drying speed without relying on highly volatile organic solvents that cause environmental harm
4Productivity
If ultraviolet-curable inks are used to reduce drying time, then productivity increases, but the choice of polymerizable monomers is limited due to safety concerns
Solution Approach 1:
The invention substitutes the ultraviolet curing mechanism with a thermal evaporation mechanism. By using solvents with controlled boiling points and incorporating film-forming agents, the ink dries through controlled evaporation and film formation rather than UV polymerization. This substitution enables shorter drying times while providing broader material selection flexibility without safety concerns associated with limited monomer choices
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
The method produces images free of color bleed at lower drying ratios, enabling higher print performance and quality without the trade-offs of traditional methods, with the potential for even faster drying and improved durability.
Implementation Method 1
drying the first ink print layer to a drying ratio of 30 percent or less
Implementation Method 2
applying a first ink to a recording medium to form a first ink print layer
Data Source
AI summary
A print method includes applying a first ink to a recording medium to form a first ink print layer, drying the first ink print layer to a drying ratio of 30 percent or less, and applying a second ink having a color different from that of the first ink to the first ink print layer to form a second ink print layer thereon, wherein the first ink includes a urethane resin particle and a water-soluble organic solvent having a boiling point of from 100 to 180 degrees C. or .beta.-alkoxy propionamide of Chemical formula I, ##STR00001## where R.sub.1 represents a methyl group, an ethyl group, a propyl group, or a butyl group and R.sub.2 and R.sub.3 each, independently represent alkyl groups having one to six carbon atoms, and the first ink and the second ink includes no organic solvent having a boiling point of 280 degrees C. or higher under 1 atm.