Matte Coating Over Digital Foil for Metallic and Embossed Effects
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing matte finishes in printing are applied as ends unto themselves, limiting the creation of new visual effects and are expensive, while matte foil is scarce and twice as costly as digital foil, and mechanical embossing is required for raised patterns.
Innovation Solution
Applying a matte coating over digital foil and UV-curable polymer coatings to achieve matte metallic and embossed appearances without using matte foil, leveraging digital foil and inkjet printing to create new visual effects, eliminating the need for mechanical embossing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If matte foil is used to create a matte metallic finish, then the desired visual effect is achieved, but the cost increases significantly and material availability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses digital foil as a substitute for matte foil, creating a copied or simulated version of the desired matte metallic effect. Digital foil is applied and then covered with a matte coating to replicate the appearance of expensive matte foil at a fraction of the cost, making the visual effect accessible without the high material expenses
Solution Approach 2:
The invention combines digital foil with a matte coating layer to create a composite material structure. This combination produces the matte metallic visual effect that previously required expensive matte foil alone, thereby achieving the same aesthetic result through a cost-effective composite approach
2Shape
If mechanical embossing is used to create raised patterns, then the embossed appearance is achieved, but the device complexity and production steps increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical embossing system with a printing-based system. Instead of using mechanical rollers and embossing equipment to create raised patterns, the invention uses inkjet or analog printing to apply materials that create the embossed appearance, thereby eliminating complex mechanical devices and simplifying the production process
Solution Approach 2:
The invention creates a copied or simulated embossed effect through printing rather than actual mechanical embossing. The raised appearance is achieved through applied materials and optical effects rather than physical deformation, replicating the embossed look without the mechanical complexity
3Adaptability or versatility
If traditional printing methods are used to create visual effects, then the process is simple, but the versatility and variety of visual effects are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the matte coating layer serve multiple functions: it provides the matte visual effect, transforms the appearance of digital foil to create matte metallic finishes, enhances inkjet-printed patterns to create embossed appearances, and can be combined with various underlayers. This multi-functionality increases versatility without requiring separate processes for each visual effect
Solution Approach 2:
The invention creates various visual effects by combining the matte coating layer with different underlayers such as digital foil, inkjet-applied materials, and analog-printed patterns. These composite structures enable a wide variety of visual effects to be achieved through a single versatile printing process
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
Achieves cost-effective matte metallic and embossed appearances using digital foil and inkjet printing, reducing costs and eliminating the need for mechanical embossing, while providing new visual effects.
Implementation Method 1
applying a matte coating over raised patterns rendered by an inkjet printer using a clear UV-curable polymer coating
Data Source
AI summary
The invention is directed toward applying a matte finish over other under-layers of applied materials upon a substrate to create a finished article with entirely new visual effects. This invention has applications in the printing arts and significant applications to commercial printing. In one embodiment the matte finish transforms glossy digital foil to a visual effect of a matte appearance. In a second embodiment the matte finish imparts a visual effect of an embossed appearance to patterns and designs.