Intermediate Transfer Member for Digital Printing Image Quality
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Solution Overview
Problem
Digital printing systems face challenges in achieving high-quality images due to limitations in inkjet printing on fibrous substrates, such as paper, where ink wicking and wetting issues lead to poor image quality and difficulties in duplex printing, and indirect printing techniques are needed to maintain constant ink transfer distances and prevent substrate wetting.
Innovation Solution
A digital printing system using a moving intermediate transfer member (ITM), where ink images are formed on the ITM and transferred to a substrate, with control methods to maintain constant surface velocity and adjust locally to prevent alignment issues and synchronization with impression cylinders, and monitoring and regulation of non-uniform stretching of flexible belts to prevent image distortion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If inkjet printing is used directly on fibrous substrates, then printing process is simple, but image quality deteriorates due to ink wicking and wetting
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediate transfer member (ITM) as a mediator between the inkjet print head and the substrate. The ITM receives the inkjet image and transfers it to the substrate, preventing direct ink-substrate interaction that causes wicking and wetting. This intermediary approach maintains printing process simplicity while dramatically improving image quality by eliminating the harmful direct contact between liquid ink and fibrous substrate.
2Ease of operation
If inkjet printing is performed on porous paper, then printing is straightforward, but image quality worsens due to variation in distance between print head and substrate surface
Solution Approach 1:
The intermediate transfer member serves as a stable intermediary surface that provides a consistent, flat printing plane. By printing on the ITM rather than directly on the porous substrate, the system eliminates distance variation issues caused by substrate surface irregularities. The ITM's stable surface ensures uniform print head-to-surface distance, maintaining ease of operation while improving image quality consistency.
3Productivity
If liquid ink is applied directly to substrate, then ink transfer is direct, but substrate becomes wet causing cockling and handling difficulties
Solution Approach 1:
The ITM acts as an intermediary that decouples the ink application process from the substrate. Liquid ink is deposited on the ITM where it can be controlled and transferred in a managed manner, rather than directly wetting the substrate. This intermediary approach maintains efficient ink transfer while preventing substrate cockling and handling problems by isolating the substrate from excessive liquid ink exposure.
4Manufacturing precision
If coated substrates are used to control ink absorption, then ink wicking is reduced, but cost increases and additional drying steps are required
Solution Approach 1:
The intermediate transfer member provides a controlled environment for ink deposition and transfer without requiring specialized coated substrates. The ITM's surface properties are optimized for ink reception and transfer, eliminating the need for expensive coated papers and associated drying infrastructure. This approach achieves precise ink absorption control through the ITM-mediated process rather than through substrate modification, reducing overall 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
This approach enhances image quality by maintaining consistent ink transfer and preventing substrate wetting, allowing for improved duplex printing and reducing image distortion caused by substrate properties and belt stretching.
Implementation Method 1
The ink image is then transferred by way of a blanket cylinder onto paper or any other substrate
Implementation Method 2
The electrostatic charge attracts oil-based inks to form a color ink image on the image bearing cylinder
Implementation Method 3
an electrostatic image is produced on an electrically charged image bearing cylinder by exposure to laser light
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of the present invention relate to control apparatus and methods of a printing system, for example, comprising an intermediate transfer member (ITM) and to user-related features of a printing system. Some embodiments relate to regulation of a velocity and/or tension and/or length of the ITM. Some embodiments relate to regulation of deposition of ink on the moving ITM. Some embodiments regulate to apparatus configured to alert a user of one or more events related to operation of the ITM. Some embodiments relate to a time-line GUI for visualizing and/or manipulating queued print jobs which may be employed. Some embodiments relate to a reversed augmented reality GUI for visualization and/or control of the printing system. In some embodiments, a display screen is mounted to a printer housing and/or able to control access to moving parts of a printing system.