In-Line Fluorescent Measurement of Coating Weight and Radiant Exposure
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for measuring coating weight and radiant exposure of energy curable inks and coatings are laborious and offline, leading to significant waste of materials due to delayed detection of inadequate application levels.
Innovation Solution
A method for continuous in-line monitoring using a fluorescent probe incorporated into the ink or coating, which changes its fluorescence properties upon exposure to actinic radiation, allowing real-time measurement of coating weight and radiant exposure through dual excitation light sources and detectors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If off-line gravimetric measurement methods are used to measure coating weight, then measurement accuracy can be achieved, but production time is lost and significant material waste occurs due to delayed detection
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical gravimetric measurement system (weighing, stripping, dissolving) with an optical measurement system using fluorescence detection. The fluorescent probe incorporated in the coating emits fluorescence signals that can be detected in-line, eliminating the need for physical sample removal and laboratory analysis, thus enabling real-time measurement without interrupting continuous production
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a fluorescent probe as an intermediary substance incorporated into the coating formulation. This probe acts as a mediator that translates coating weight information into detectable fluorescence signals, allowing indirect but real-time measurement of coating weight without requiring direct physical measurement of the coating itself
2Measurement precision
If off-line testing of radiant exposure is performed, then cure extent can be measured, but thousands of feet of coated substrate are wasted due to delayed detection of insufficient exposure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces off-line chemical testing methods for measuring cure extent with in-line optical fluorescence detection. The fluorescence signal changes as the coating cures, providing real-time feedback on radiant exposure effectiveness without requiring substrate removal or destructive testing
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the fluorescence detector continuously monitors the curing process and provides real-time information about radiant exposure effectiveness. This allows immediate adjustment of exposure parameters if insufficient curing is detected, preventing waste of subsequent substrate
3Productivity
If a fluorescent probe is incorporated into the coating for in-line measurement, then real-time monitoring capability is achieved, but device complexity increases due to additional light sources and detectors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the fluorescent probe serve multiple functions: it simultaneously enables coating weight measurement and radiant exposure monitoring. By incorporating the same fluorescent probe into the coating formulation, a single additive provides dual measurement capabilities, reducing the need for separate measurement systems
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes changes in fluorescence parameters (intensity, wavelength, lifetime) of the incorporated probe to differentiate between coating weight measurement and cure extent monitoring. The same probe provides different measurement information under different excitation conditions, reducing system complexity
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
Enables real-time, high-speed monitoring of coating weight and radiant exposure, reducing material waste by promptly detecting deviations and adjusting application levels.
Implementation Method 1
a fluorescent probe which is added to the ink or coating... exposing the ink or coating material to actinic radiation capable of initiating cure of the ink or coating material that also alters the luminescence of the at least one fluorescent probe
Implementation Method 2
exposing the ink or coating to a first source of excitation light with wavelength and luminance capable of absorption by the at least one fluorescent probe; measuring the emitted light from the at least one fluorescent probe
Data Source
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AI summary
A method for measuring the radiant exposure of energy curable inks or coatings on a printing press. The steps for measuring comprise: a) providing an ink or coating material comprising a fluorescent probe; b) transferring the ink or coating material onto a substrate using a printing process; c) exposing the ink or coating material to actinic radiation capable of initiating cure of the ink or coating material that also alters the luminescence of the probe; d) exposing the ink or coating to a first source of excitation light with wavelength and luminance capable of absorption by the fluorescent probe; and e) measuring the emitted light from the fluorescent probe by a first detector.