Post printing apparatus and method for drying and curing printed textiles
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current digital textile printing systems use a single, universal drying and curing setup that is inefficient for varying fabric types and ink densities, leading to overprocessing, energy waste, and reduced print quality, as they are designed for the worst-case scenario rather than specific print conditions.
Innovation Solution
A post-printing apparatus with separate drying and curing stages, controlled by a controller that adjusts parameters based on data from printing processes, including fabric type, ink density, and other variables, allowing for customized drying and curing for each garment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a single universal drying and curing setup is used for all garments, then the system can handle all fabric types and ink densities, but energy consumption increases and processing time is extended due to worst-case scenario design
Solution Approach 1:
The drying and curing system transitions from static fixed parameters to dynamic adjustable parameters. The controller receives data about fabric type, ink density, and print area, then dynamically adjusts drying temperature, curing temperature, and processing time to match each garment's specific requirements, eliminating the need to operate at worst-case settings for all garments.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes operating parameters (temperature, time) based on input data about the garment and print conditions. Different fabric types and ink densities trigger different parameter combinations, allowing the system to optimize energy consumption while maintaining print quality across diverse printing scenarios.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a single universal drying and curing setup is used for all garments, then the system can handle all fabric types and ink densities, but processing time is extended due to worst-case scenario design
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts processing time based on the specific garment and print conditions. Fast-drying fabrics with low ink density receive shorter processing times, while slow-drying fabrics with high ink density receive longer times, optimizing throughput without sacrificing print quality.
Solution Approach 2:
The controller receives and processes printing data (fabric type, ink density, print area) in advance before the garment enters the drying and curing chamber. This preliminary information allows the system to pre-calculate optimal processing parameters, eliminating the need for trial-and-error or conservative worst-case timing.
3Reliability
If high temperature and extended drying time are used for all garments, then all fabrics and ink densities are adequately processed, but print quality deteriorates due to overprocessing of sensitive fabrics
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies different processing conditions tailored to each fabric type. Sensitive fabrics like polyester receive lower temperatures and adjusted timing, while durable fabrics receive higher temperatures. This localized quality approach ensures each garment receives exactly what it needs, preventing damage to sensitive materials while maintaining reliability across all fabric types.
4Ease of operation
If a single fixed drying and curing setup is used, then the system is simple to operate, but it cannot optimize for specific print conditions leading to energy waste
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically receives printing data from the digital textile printer and uses this information to self-adjust its drying and curing parameters. The operator simply needs to load the garment; the controller automatically determines the optimal processing conditions based on the printed data, maintaining ease of operation while eliminating energy waste through optimization.
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 approach reduces energy consumption, shortens processing times, and improves print quality by optimizing drying and curing conditions for each garment, minimizing overprocessing and ensuring efficient use of resources.
Implementation Method 1
The printed garments may then undergo a drying and curing process, where all or most of the fluids are evaporated to dry the textile
Implementation Method 2
the ink materials are cured, specifically molecularly crosslinked to create the final print
Data Source
AI summary
A post printing apparatus for drying and curing printed textiles, comprises a first, pre-curing, section to dry a printed textile, a second, curing, section to cure the dried textile from the first section, and a controller. The controller obtains data of the printing of the printed textile and uses that data to control timing and/or temperature of one or both of the first section and the curing section. The apparatus may thus provide a customized post printing process for different kinds and colors of garments and the different printing processes that they may have undergone.