Printable medium
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing large format print media for applications like wall coverings and banners face challenges in durability, mechanical resistance, and flame retardancy, particularly when used with inkjet printing, as they often lack the necessary mechanical strength and fire resistance standards, and may contain harmful materials like PVC.
Innovation Solution
A printable medium with a composite structure comprising a supporting base substrate, a substrate sizing layer, an image receiving layer, a fabric backing, and a barrel layer with flame retardancy, designed to meet Type-II commercial serviceability standards, which includes a combination of synthetic and natural fibers, polymeric binders, and specific flame retardant agents to enhance durability and fire resistance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If traditional substrates are used for large format printing, then printing capability is achieved, but mechanical strength and durability are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The substrate is divided into multiple functional layers including a base substrate layer, a sizing layer, and an image receiving layer. Each layer performs a specific function: the base substrate provides mechanical strength, the sizing layer controls ink absorption, and the image receiving layer enhances image quality. This segmentation allows optimization of each layer independently to achieve overall performance goals.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs composite material structures combining different materials with complementary properties. The base substrate uses high-strength materials while the sizing and image receiving layers use materials optimized for ink interaction. This composite approach achieves both mechanical strength and printing performance without requiring a single complex material.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If flame retardant materials are added to enhance fire resistance, then fire safety is improved, but mechanical strength may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
Flame retardant properties are localized to specific layers where they are most needed, particularly in the base substrate and sizing layers that are less directly involved in image reception. This allows the image receiving layer to maintain optimal mechanical properties for ink interaction while the other layers provide fire protection. The local application of flame retardant functionality avoids compromising overall mechanical strength.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If PVC-free materials are used to meet environmental standards, then environmental safety is improved, but durability and flame resistance may be reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses composite materials that combine PVC-free base substrates with durable sizing and image receiving layers. The composite structure achieves both environmental safety and durability by distributing functional requirements across different layers. The base substrate meets environmental standards while the sizing and image receiving layers provide the necessary durability and performance characteristics.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent modifies material parameters by selecting alternative polymers and chemical compositions that maintain durability without relying on PVC. Through careful selection of polymer types, cross-linking densities, and chemical treatments, the substrate achieves comparable or superior durability to traditional PVC-based materials while meeting environmental requirements.
Data Source
AI summary
A printable medium with a supporting base substrate that has, on its image side, a substrate sizing layer and an image receiving layer, and having, on its back-side a fabric backing and barrel layer with flame retardancy. Also disclosed are the method for making such printable medium and the method for producing printed images.