Plasma Cured Inkjet Printing System
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Inkjet printing technologies face challenges in achieving durable prints due to the high cost of UV curing systems and the instability of photoinitiators in aqueous inks, which can lead to premature polymerization when exposed to UV light.
Innovation Solution
The use of a plasma generator, specifically a surface barrier discharge plasma generator, to cure inkjet inks by generating free radicals that polymerize or crosslink curable binders, eliminating the need for photoinitiators and reducing costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a UV curing lamp is incorporated to cure inkjet inks, then the durability of printed images is improved, but the cost of the printing system increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the UV curing lamp from the printing system by using an alternative plasma-based curing mechanism. The ink formulation includes a curable component that can be cured by plasma treatment instead of UV radiation, removing the need for expensive UV curing hardware while maintaining image durability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the curing parameter from UV radiation to plasma treatment. By modifying the curing mechanism from optical (UV) to plasma-based, the system achieves durable prints without requiring UV lamps, thereby reducing system cost and complexity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If photoinitiators are included in aqueous inkjet inks, then UV curing capability is improved, but the stability of the ink decreases due to premature polymerization
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes photoinitiators from the ink formulation entirely, replacing them with a plasma-curable curable component. This eliminates the risk of premature polymerization associated with photoinitiators while maintaining the ability to cure the ink through plasma treatment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces plasma as an intermediary curing mechanism between the ink application and final curing. Instead of using photoinitiators that directly trigger polymerization upon UV exposure, the plasma acts as a mediator that activates the curable component only when exposed to plasma treatment, preventing premature reactions.
3Ease of manufacture
If photoinitiators and curable components are combined in the ink, then curing functionality is improved, but the risk of premature polymerization increases when exposed to UV light
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the problematic combination of photoinitiators and curable components by using a plasma-curable alternative. The curable component is formulated to remain stable in the ink until exposed to plasma treatment, eliminating the harmful interaction between photoinitiators and UV light that causes premature polymerization.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the potential harm of UV light exposure (which causes premature polymerization) into a benefit by using plasma treatment as the curing mechanism. Plasma treatment provides the necessary energy to cure the curable component without causing premature reactions, turning a potential problem into a controlled curing 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
This method enhances the durability of printed images without the need for UV radiation, stabilizing the ink and increasing shelf-life, while providing a cost-effective solution for curing inkjet inks, as demonstrated by improved resistance to smudging and finger rubbing tests.
Implementation Method 1
a plasma generator to plasma treat the printed image
Implementation Method 2
The plasma generator can generate free radicals, which interact with the curable binder to begin the polymerization or crosslinking process
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
Figure 2A~2B
Figure 3~4
AI summary
The present disclosure is drawn to printing systems. In one example, a printing system can include an inkjet print head and a plasma generator. The inkjet print head can be used to form a printed image on a media substrate. The plasma generator can be positioned with respect to the inkjet print head to treat the printed image after application to the media substrate.