Laser Transfer Printing Ink with Reflective Particles

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing laser-induced printing processes using absorption particles suffer from discoloration of ink and the formation of disruptive smaller particles, known as satellites, which degrade the printing quality.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating reflective particles with an aspect ratio greater than 25 and a soluble polymer into the ink layer, which are designed to absorb laser energy effectively while minimizing satellite formation, using a combination of reflective particles and a solvent with a polymer that enhances ink rheology.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If absorption particles are used to absorb laser energy for ink vaporization, then the productivity of the printing process is increased, but the ink undergoes discoloration and smaller satellite particles are formed which deteriorate printing quality

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveproductivity of printing processVSAvoidprinting quality

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The invention changes the key parameter of particle optical properties from absorption to reflection. By using reflective particles instead of absorptive particles, the system maintains laser energy absorption capability while preventing ink discoloration and satellite formation, thus resolving the contradiction between productivity and printing quality

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The invention converts the harmful effect of laser absorption (which causes discoloration and satellite formation) into a beneficial reflective mechanism. The reflective particles absorb laser energy through reflection and conversion to heat, achieving the desired ink vaporization without the harmful side effects of traditional absorptive particles

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

2Productivity

If absorption particles are used to boost laser-induced printing efficiency, then productivity is significantly increased, but disruptive smaller particles (satellites) are emitted which deteriorate printing quality

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprinting efficiencyVSAvoidsatellite particle formation

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The invention changes the particle optical property parameter from absorption to reflection. This parameter change eliminates the satellite formation mechanism while maintaining the laser energy absorption capability needed for high-speed printing, thus resolving the contradiction between productivity and harmful particle emission

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The invention converts the harmful satellite formation that occurs with absorptive particles into a beneficial process where reflective particles absorb laser energy through reflection and convert it to heat for controlled ink vaporization, eliminating disruptive satellite emissions while maintaining printing efficiency

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

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 reduces satellite formation and maintains the original color impression of the ink, improving printing quality and productivity by effectively absorbing laser energy without discoloration.

Implementation Method 1

the ink layer comprises reflective particles, a solvent, and a soluble polymer dissolved in the solvent... the reflective particles have an aspect ratio >25... the ink layer being irradiated regionally by a laser beam

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAbsorption of laser beam: Absorption (EM radiation)

Implementation Method 2

This causes vaporization of a part of the ink, and so the ink parts from the carrier

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectVaporization: Evaporation

Implementation Method 3

For targeted vaporization of the ink it is possible for the circulating ribbon to be coated with an absorption layer, in which the laser light is absorbed and is converted into heat

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAbsorption and conversion to heat: Absorption (EM radiation)

Data Source

PatentUS11999181B2Laser induced transfer printing process

Publication Date: 2024.06.04 DOTLINE GMBH

AI summary

Printing process in which a substrate to be printed is disposed opposite an ink carrier having an ink layer, the ink layer being irradiated regionally by a laser beam, said layer accelerating by absorption of the laser beam in the substrate direction, wherein for laser absorption the ink layer comprises reflective particles, a solvent, and a soluble polymer, wherein the reflective particles have an aspect ratio>25, the aspect ratio being defined as the average particle size/average particle thickness.