Water Dispersible Phase Change Ink for UV Masking
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Solution Overview
Problem
The commercial screen printing industry lacks an improved method and materials for preparing photo-imaging stencils that offer better UV blocking capabilities and ease of use, particularly in replacing traditional imaged films with digital solutions.
Innovation Solution
A water dispersible phase change ink composition comprising a hydrophilic wax with ethoxyl moieties, a low viscosity wax with hydroxyl groups, an optional stabilizer, and a colorant that absorbs light in the desired range, allowing for direct printing on photo-sensitive emulsion films, exposure to UV radiation, and subsequent water removal to form durable UV masks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If traditional imaged films are used for UV masking, then UV blocking capability is achieved, but the process complexity and material cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the essential function of UV blocking from complex traditional imaged films and implements it through a simple water-soluble ink composition that can be directly applied and removed, eliminating the need for complex film handling processes
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the physical-chemical parameters of the masking material by using water-soluble ink components (surfactants, alcohols, glycols) that allow the mask to be applied in liquid form and removed by water, simplifying the overall process
2Ease of operation
If water dispersible phase change ink is used, then ease of cleanup and jetting reliability improve, but formulation complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a composite ink formulation combining multiple water-soluble components (surfactants, alcohols, glycols, colorants) that work together to provide both ease of cleanup and stable jetting performance
Solution Approach 2:
The ink utilizes phase change properties, transitioning from liquid during jetting to solidified form on the substrate, then back to liquid state when exposed to water for cleanup, enabling easy removal while maintaining operational stability
3Object-affected harmful factors
If colorant is added for UV absorption, then UV blocking capability improves, but ink composition complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent achieves multi-functionality by selecting colorants that simultaneously provide both coloring and UV absorption capabilities, eliminating the need for separate UV blocking agents and simplifying the overall formulation
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 provides improved jetting reliability, durability, and optical contrast, enabling easy water cleanup and thermal stability, thus enhancing the production of UV masks with improved UV blocking capabilities.
Implementation Method 1
a colorant, wherein the colorant is selected to absorb light in a region that one wants to block
Implementation Method 2
water dispersible phase change ink composition
Data Source
AI summary
A water dispersible phase change ink composition including a hydrophilic wax having at least one ethoxyl moiety; a low viscosity wax having at least one hydroxyl group, wherein the low viscosity wax is miscible with the hydrophilic wax; an optional stabilizer; and a colorant, wherein the colorant is selected to absorb light in a region that one wants to block. An ink jet printer stick or pellet comprising the water dispersible phase change ink composition. A process for forming a photo-imaged stencil using the water dispersible phase change ink composition.