Multi-layer printable film for UV acid resist ink transfer

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing multilayer ink receptive films fail to effectively manage ink droplet spread and absorption, particularly with UV curable acid resist inks, leading to issues in prototyping and transfer processes such as image distortion and adhesion failure.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating low surface energy polymers or particles, such as fluoropolymers and siloxanes, into the ink receptive layer to reduce surface energy and limit ink absorption, while using a multilayer film structure with a carrier layer for improved flexibility and adhesion, including sub-layers like ethylene vinyl acetate and acrylic adhesives for enhanced performance.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If conventional multilayer ink receptive films are used, then ink absorption occurs, but ink droplet spread increases and image quality deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveimage qualityVSAvoidink droplet spread

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the surface energy parameter of the ink receptive layer by incorporating low surface energy materials (fluoropolymers, siloxanes, waxes) to reduce ink droplet spread while maintaining controlled absorption. This parameter modification directly addresses the contradiction by altering the surface properties to achieve both reduced spread and maintained image quality

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses composite materials in the ink receptive layer, combining conventional ink-absorbing materials with low surface energy additives (0.1-10% by weight). This composite approach allows the layer to simultaneously absorb ink effectively while the low surface energy components prevent excessive droplet spread, resolving the contradiction between absorption and spread control

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

2Reliability

If ink absorption into substrate is increased, then ink retention improves, but ink droplet spread increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveink retentionVSAvoidink droplet spread

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent modifies the surface energy parameter of the ink receptive layer by incorporating low surface energy materials (fluoropolymers, siloxanes, waxes) to reduce ink droplet spread while maintaining controlled absorption. This parameter modification directly addresses the contradiction by altering the surface properties to achieve both reduced spread and maintained image quality

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses composite materials in the ink receptive layer, combining conventional ink-absorbing materials with low surface energy additives (0.1-10% by weight). This composite approach allows the layer to simultaneously absorb ink effectively while the low surface energy components prevent excessive droplet spread, resolving the contradiction between absorption and spread control

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

3Loss of substance

If surface energy is reduced to minimize ink spread, then ink droplet contact angle increases, but ink absorption may be insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveink droplet spreadVSAvoidink absorption

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of substanceVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the surface energy parameter of the ink receptive layer by incorporating low surface energy materials (fluoropolymers, siloxanes, waxes) to reduce ink droplet spread while maintaining controlled absorption. This parameter modification directly addresses the contradiction by altering the surface properties to achieve both reduced spread and maintained image quality

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses composite materials in the ink receptive layer, combining conventional ink-absorbing materials with low surface energy additives (0.1-10% by weight). This composite approach allows the layer to simultaneously absorb ink effectively while the low surface energy components prevent excessive droplet spread, resolving the contradiction between absorption and spread control

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

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 effectively reduces ink droplet spread, maintains high image quality, and ensures reliable adhesion and durability during the transfer and prototyping processes, preventing image distortion and adhesion failure.

Implementation Method 1

the media utilizes sub-micron dispersions of low surface energy polymers or particles to reduce the surface energy for reduced ink drop spread

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSurface energy reduction: Surface Tension

Implementation Method 2

a multilayer film structure with a carrier layer for improved flexibility and adhesion, including sub-layers like ethylene vinyl acetate and acrylic adhesives

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAdhesion: Adhesive

Data Source

PatentEP2964467B1Multi-layer printable film

Publication Date: 2021.02.17 IKONICS CORP

Figure 1~4

AI summary

Embodiments of the invention include ink receptive media for use in prototyping and transfer of a UV curable acid resist ink to surfaces for etching. Further embodiments are directed to an ink receptive media used for prototyping and transfer of a UV curable acid resist ink to surfaces for etching. In some implementations the films of the invention are useful for transfer of acid resist inks, maximizing ink droplet contact angle, and ink receptive surface for prototyping inks.