Phase Change Ink Carrier for Low-Temperature Jetting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing phase change inks face challenges with high energy requirements, nozzle clogging, and reliability issues in inkjet printing, particularly in jetting temperatures above 125°C, and exhibit sweating and showthrough problems, which affect printing quality and efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A phase change ink composition comprising a branched triamide and polyethylene wax with an asymmetrical molecular weight distribution skewed toward high molecular weights, allowing for reduced energy jetting at temperatures below 125°C, improved viscosity, and enhanced printing reliability, stability, and reduced sweating and showthrough.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If conventional phase change inks are used for inkjet printing, then printing can be performed, but high energy requirements and nozzle clogging occur at jetting temperatures above 125°C
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical composition parameters of the ink carrier system by using a eutectic mixture of fatty acid and fatty alcohol, which fundamentally alters the melting point and viscosity characteristics of the ink, enabling jetting at lower temperatures with reduced energy consumption
Solution Approach 2:
The invention creates a composite ink carrier system by combining specific ratios of fatty acid and fatty alcohol that form a eutectic mixture, leveraging the synergistic effects of both components to achieve superior thermal properties and jetting performance at reduced temperatures
2Reliability
If conventional phase change inks are used, then printing can be performed, but reliability issues and nozzle clogging occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes the viscosity and melting point parameters of the ink carrier through the eutectic mixture formulation, ensuring the ink remains fluid enough to jet reliably while solidifying properly after deposition, thereby preventing nozzle clogging and improving printing reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses readily available, inexpensive fatty acid and fatty alcohol components that can be easily replenished, making the ink system cost-effective and suitable for continuous operation without expensive specialized materials
3Manufacturing precision
If conventional phase change inks are used, then printing can be performed, but sweating and showthrough problems affect printing quality
Solution Approach 1:
The patent carefully controls the melting point and solidification characteristics of the eutectic mixture to ensure rapid solidification after jetting, which prevents sweating (ink migration) and showthrough (ink penetration to the other side), thereby improving printing quality
Solution Approach 2:
The eutectic mixture acts as an intermediary substance that facilitates controlled phase change from liquid to solid, mediating between the jetting process and the final printed image to prevent quality defects
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 ink composition enables efficient, reliable, and high-quality printing with reduced energy consumption, improved thermal stability, and minimized sweating and showthrough, enhancing the overall performance of inkjet printing processes.
Implementation Method 1
hot melt or phase change inks which are jetted from a printhead
Implementation Method 2
melting the ink; and causing droplets of the melted ink to be ejected
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is a phase change ink comprising (a) a colorant and (b) a phase change ink carrier, said carrier comprising (i) a branched triamide and (ii) a polyethylene wax having an average peak molecular weight of from about 350 to about 730, a polydispersity of from about 1.03 to about 3.0, and an asymmetrical molecular weight distribution skewed toward the high molecular weight end. Also disclosed is a process which comprises (1) incorporating into an ink jet printing apparatus a phase change ink comprising (a) a colorant and (b) a phase change ink carrier, said carrier comprising (i) a branched triamide and (ii) a polyethylene wax having an average peak molecular weight of from about 350 to about 730, a polydispersity of from about 1.03 to about 3.0, and an asymmetrical molecular weight distribution skewed toward the high molecular weight end; (2) melting the ink; and (3) causing droplets of the melted ink to be ejected in an imagewise pattern onto a substrate.