Pre-curing Gradient for Particle Depth Control in Inkjet Printing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Inkjet printing systems face challenges in controlling the location, concentration, and orientation of particles within a liquid ink layer to achieve desired optical, chemical, and mechanical properties, particularly in achieving saturated colors and modifying surface textures and properties.
Innovation Solution
A printing system that includes a liquid ejector to deposit a curable layer on a substrate, a pre-curing device to pre-cure the layer with a gradient of curing, and a particle delivery device to control the depth and concentration of particles, allowing for precise control of particle placement and properties through pre-curing and curing parameters.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If particles are added to liquid ink to achieve desired optical and mechanical properties, then color saturation and surface texture are improved, but control over particle location, concentration, and orientation becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-curing a portion of the liquid ink layer before particle deposition. This creates a controlled environment where particles can be precisely placed at specific locations and orientations. The pre-cured region acts as a foundation that guides particle placement, enabling precise control over particle location and concentration without requiring complex deposition systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements local quality by creating regions with different curing states within the liquid ink layer. The pre-cured portion has different properties from the uncured portion, allowing particles to be deposited with specific orientations and concentrations in different areas. This local differentiation enables precise control over particle properties in specific regions while maintaining overall system simplicity.
2Manufacturing precision
If pre-curing is applied to control particle depth, then particle placement precision is improved, but process complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses preliminary curing to create a controlled interface between cured and uncured regions before particle deposition. This pre-curing step establishes a specific depth profile that guides particle placement, enabling precise control over particle depth and orientation. The preliminary action simplifies the overall process by creating a prepared substrate that naturally guides particle positioning.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies parameter changes by controlling the degree and extent of pre-curing through initiator concentration, curing time, and energy input. By adjusting these parameters, the system achieves precise control over particle depth and orientation without requiring complex mechanical positioning systems. The curing parameters are optimized to create the desired particle placement characteristics.
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
Enables precise control over the depth, thickness, and concentration of particles, thereby modifying optical, chemical, and mechanical properties of the printed articles, achieving high-quality surface characteristics and compatibility with various particles and substrates.
Implementation Method 1
The pre-curing device includes a pre-curing initiator source configured to generate a pre-curing initiator that polymerizes the layer
Implementation Method 2
The pre-curing device also includes a pre-curing inhibitor source configured to deliver an inhibitor that inhibits polymerization of the layer
Data Source
AI summary
A printing system includes a liquid ejector configured to deposit a curable layer on a surface of a substrate, the layer having a free surface and an interface between the layer and the substrate. A pre-curing device pre-cures the layer such that a first region closer to the free surface is less cured than a second region closer to the interface. The curing device includes a pre-curing initiator source configured to provide a pre-curing initiator that polymerizes the layer. The curing device also includes a pre-curing inhibitor source configured to deliver an inhibitor that inhibits polymerization of the layer. A particle delivery device delivers particles to the layer after the layer is pre-cured.