Radiation-Curable Inkjet Inks for Warm-Color Reproducibility

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing ink jet methods struggle with improving color reproducibility, particularly in warm colors, for applications like labels and signage, where high color fidelity is required.

Innovation Solution

An ink jet method using radiation curable ink compositions containing colorants and polymerizable compounds, including orange and red ink compositions, which are adhered to a recording medium with radioactive rays to form a cured coating film, enhancing color reproducibility in warm hues.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If conventional ink jet methods are used, then printing can be performed, but color reproducibility in warm colors is poor

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecolor reproducibilityVSAvoidcolor fidelity in warm hues
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies parameter changes by introducing specific orange and red ink compositions with optimized colorant and polymerizable compound ratios. These parameter modifications enable accurate reproduction of warm colors while maintaining curing performance through radiation-curable chemistry.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses composite materials by formulating multi-component ink systems that combine colorants with polymerizable compounds. This composite approach allows simultaneous achievement of color accuracy in warm hues and proper curing properties through the synergistic interaction of components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

2Reliability

If radiation curable ink compositions are used, then curing properties are enhanced, but color reproducibility in warm colors remains difficult to improve

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecuring propertiesVSAvoidcolor reproducibility in warm hues
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by optimizing the chemical composition specifically for warm color inks (orange and red) while maintaining general radiation curability. This localized optimization allows warm color inks to have both accurate color reproduction and proper curing properties through tailored colorant and monomer selections.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes parameters by adjusting the types and ratios of polymerizable compounds and colorants in warm color inks. This parameter optimization enables the ink to maintain radiation curability while achieving superior color reproduction in the warm hue range.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Manufacturing precision

If multiple printing operations are used to achieve full-color image formation, then color reproducibility may improve, but productivity decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecolor reproducibilityVSAvoidprinting speed
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple color printing operations into a single printing pass by using a multi-color ink jet system that deposits cyan, magenta, yellow, orange, and red inks simultaneously. This combining approach achieves full-color image formation with warm color enhancement while maintaining high productivity through one-step printing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies universality by designing an ink jet system that handles multiple ink types (including specialized warm color inks) through a single printing operation. This multi-functional approach enables the system to achieve both accurate warm color reproduction and full-color imaging capabilities in one pass.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 achieves improved color reproducibility in warm colors and enables full-color image formation by using specific polymerizable compounds and colorants, resulting in enhanced curing properties and adhesive properties.

Implementation Method 1

ink jet compositions containing colorants and polymerizable compounds to be cured with radioactive rays

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPhotopolymerisation: Photopolymerisation

Data Source

PatentUS12552190B2Ink jet method and ink jet apparatus
Publication Date: 2026.02.17 SEIKO EPSON CORP
  • US12552190B2 patent drawing

AI summary

An ink jet method includes a step of adhering ink jet compositions containing colorants and polymerizable compounds to be cured with radioactive rays to a recording medium by one printing operation, and the ink jet compositions includes an orange ink composition and a red ink composition.