Leuco Dye Coated Printable Media for Dual Thermal Inkjet Printing
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Solution Overview
Problem
The incompatibility of printable media between direct thermal and inkjet printing technologies restricts user flexibility and increases costs due to the need for specialized paper in direct thermal printing, which is more expensive than standard paper used in inkjet printing.
Innovation Solution
A printable media with a leuco dye-based coating applied as a single, homogenous topcoat on a paper or film, compatible with both direct thermal and inkjet printers, allowing for flexible use without the need for distinct materials and methods.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If leuco dye-coated paper is used for direct thermal printing, then printing speed and reduced noise are achieved, but the cost of media increases and user flexibility decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by developing a printable media that functions with both direct thermal and inkjet printing technologies. The coating layer is specifically designed to be compatible with multiple printing methods, allowing users to use the same media type across different printer types, thereby increasing adaptability while maintaining printing performance
2Speed
If leuco dye-coated paper is used for direct thermal printing, then printing speed and reduced noise are achieved, but the cost of media increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by developing a printable media that functions with both direct thermal and inkjet printing technologies. The coating layer is specifically designed to be compatible with multiple printing methods, allowing users to use the same media type across different printer types, thereby increasing adaptability while maintaining printing performance
3Reliability
If different media are used for direct thermal and inkjet printing, then each printing process operates optimally, but device complexity and user error increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by developing a printable media that functions with both direct thermal and inkjet printing technologies. The coating layer is specifically designed to be compatible with multiple printing methods, allowing users to use the same media type across different printer types, thereby increasing adaptability while maintaining printing performance
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies homogeneity by creating a unified coating formulation that provides consistent performance across different printing technologies. The coating comprises specific components in defined proportions that work together to enable both thermal and inkjet printing, reducing the need for users to manage multiple specialized media types
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 solution streamlines manufacturing and reduces printing errors by enabling the same media to be used in both printer types, offering cost savings and increased flexibility without compromising print quality.
Implementation Method 1
The color of leuco dye can be manipulated, altered, or changed by applying heat or light... The leuco dye, upon contact with the contact points of the heated printing head, is heated above the melting point of the leuco-coating, resulting in a color change.
Implementation Method 2
inkjet printing relies on propelling droplets of ink from the printing head onto a printable media
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is a printable coating, printable media and printable labels thereof, usable in both inkjet and direct thermal printing applications. The coating comprises leuco dye blended into an inkjet coating formulation, wherein the coating is applied on the first face of an appropriate paper or film to form the printable media. The coating may be applied as a single, homogenous topcoat thereby streamlining the manufacturing process and reducing potential printing errors. The coating may provide a printable area compatible for use with both direct thermal printers and inkjet printers. On the opposite face of the paper or film, an adhesive may be applied, in combination with an optional release liner, to form printable label stock. Each step of the process, e.g. application of the coating, application of the adhesive and liner, and die-cutting of labels, may occur in any order combination relative to one another. In addition, reverse printing may also be utilized to print and form the labels.