Meltable Polymeric Printing Blanket Reinforcing Layer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current printing blankets with fabric reinforcing layers suffer from non-uniform surface textures and chemical penetration issues, leading to suboptimal print quality and reduced lifespan due to the thickness and material properties of these layers.
Innovation Solution
A printing blanket with a meltable polymeric fabric or polymeric reinforcing layer that melts and flows during curing, forming a thinner, smoother surface, allowing for a thicker compressible layer and improved print stability, while preventing chemical penetration and heat buildup.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a traditional fabric reinforcing layer is used, then the blanket provides structural reinforcement, but the surface becomes non-uniform with threads and textures causing print quality problems
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material parameter from traditional fabric to polymeric material that melts and flows during curing, transforming the surface texture from non-uniform to uniformly smooth while maintaining structural reinforcement
Solution Approach 2:
The polymeric reinforcing layer undergoes phase transition from solid to molten state during curing, allowing the material to flow and form a smooth uniform surface, then solidifies to provide both surface uniformity and structural reinforcement
2Strength
If a traditional fabric reinforcing layer is used, then the blanket provides reinforcement, but liquid printing chemicals can wick into the fabric causing printing problems and reducing blanket life
Solution Approach 1:
Changing from fabric to polymeric material changes the surface energy and porosity parameters, making the reinforcing layer resistant to liquid chemical penetration while maintaining reinforcement properties
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extends blanket life by using a chemically resistant polymeric reinforcing layer that prevents chemical degradation, effectively making the blanket more durable and reusable
3Manufacturing precision
If the reinforcing layer thickness is reduced to improve print quality, then surface uniformity improves, but the compressible layer thickness must be increased which may cause compression set
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material properties of the reinforcing layer to have lower density and different mechanical properties, allowing thickness reduction while maintaining structural support, thereby enabling thicker compressible layer without increasing overall blanket thickness
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 results in enhanced print quality, increased blanket life, and reduced likelihood of image streaking by providing a uniformly smooth surface and stabilizing the printing surface, while allowing for a thicker compressible layer without increasing overall blanket thickness.
Implementation Method 1
The reinforcing layer may comprise a polymeric fabric reinforcing layer which is 'meltable,' i.e., it melts and flows at the temperatures used in the final curing step of forming the blanket
Data Source
AI summary
A printing blanket is provided which includes a reinforcing layer formed from a polymeric fabric reinforcing material which softens and flows at a temperature less than that used in the final curing step of forming the blanket or a polymeric reinforcing material having a thickness of between about 0.003 inches and 0.010 inches. The reinforcing layer provides a smooth surface to support an outer print surface layer and provides improved print performance while enabling a reduction in the overall thickness of the reinforcing layer.