Intermediate Transfer Member Cleaning via Rotatable Elements
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Solution Overview
Problem
In digital printing systems, residues of printing fluids left on intermediate transfer members (ITMs) can contaminate the system and reduce image quality, leading to defects and decreased productivity.
Innovation Solution
A method and system for cleaning ITMs, which involves transferring residues from the ITM to rotatable elements using a cleaning station with pairs of facing rollers and scraping blades, where the residues are removed and transferred to a waste container, utilizing specific materials and adhesion forces to enhance the cleaning process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If cleaning is performed continuously to maintain image quality, then image quality is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cleaning function is merged with the printing process by positioning rotatable cleaning elements between the print bars and the intermediate transfer member (ITM). The cleaning action occurs during normal printing operations, combining two functions (printing and cleaning) into a single integrated system, thereby improving image quality without proportionally increasing device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The cleaning system uses the ITM's own rotation and the natural passage of cleaning elements through the printing zone to perform cleaning automatically. The rotatable elements are positioned such that they contact the ITM surface during normal operation, enabling self-cleaning without requiring separate complex cleaning mechanisms
2Reliability
If cleaning is performed continuously to prevent contamination, then reliability is improved, but productivity decreases due to additional processing time
Solution Approach 1:
The cleaning action continues throughout the printing process without interrupting the printing workflow. The rotatable cleaning elements operate continuously as the ITM rotates and passes through the printing zone, ensuring constant cleaning while maintaining continuous printing operations, thus improving reliability without sacrificing productivity
Solution Approach 2:
Cleaning occurs preventively during the printing process itself, removing residues before they can cause contamination or image defects. By performing cleaning in advance of potential problems rather than as a separate post-processing step, the system maintains high reliability while avoiding productivity losses from interruptive cleaning cycles
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 improves image quality by reducing defects and contamination, increases productivity by cleaning during the printing process, and ensures system availability for continuous printing operations.
Implementation Method 1
the ITM includes: (i) a first outer layer made from a first material and having a first structure, and (ii) a second outer layer made from a second material and having a second structure, and the first and second outer layers are formed so as to transfer the residues from the first outer layer to the second outer layer
Implementation Method 2
the ITM includes a first outer layer having a first adhesion force to the residues, and at least one of the first and second rotatable elements includes a second outer layer having a second adhesion force to the residues, such that the second adhesion force is larger than the first adhesion force
Data Source
AI summary
A method of printing includes, applying to an intermediate transfer member (ITM) (44), one or more fluids that include at least a printing fluid for forming an image on the ITM (44). At least part of the image is transferred from the ITM (44) to a target substrate (50). Residues of the one or more fluids that were not transferred to the target substrate (50) and remained on the ITM (44), are transferred from the ITM (44) to one or more rotatable elements (112), and the residues are removed from the one or more rotatable elements (112).