Printed Image Gloss Matte Effects via Pigment Surface Treatment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current printing technologies struggle to produce high-gloss and matte effects on substrates using non-metallic effect pigments without significant differences in material composition, and fail to incorporate non-optical functions in printed images.
Innovation Solution
A printed image is created with at least two area units on a substrate, each comprising flake-form effect pigments with different surface treatments: one with a non-metallic inorganic outer layer and the other with an organic surface modifier, allowing for distinct gloss and matte effects and potential non-optical functionalities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If non-metallic effect pigments are used in printing processes, then productivity and ease of manufacture are improved, but the ability to achieve high gloss effects and non-optical functions deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different surface treatments to different areas of the printed image. Area units with high-gloss effect use effect pigments with organic surface modifiers that promote alignment parallel to the substrate, while area units with matte effect use effect pigments with inorganic surface coatings that prevent alignment. This local differentiation allows conventional printing processes to produce both high-gloss and matte effects with the same printing technology.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the surface treatment parameters of the effect pigments to achieve different optical effects. By modifying the surface chemistry (organic vs. inorganic coatings) and physical properties (alignment behavior, refractive index) of the pigments, the patent enables conventional printing processes to produce both high-gloss and matte effects, as well as incorporate non-optical functions like electrical conductivity or magnetic alignability.
2Illumination intensity
If effect pigments are used to achieve high gloss effects, then optical appearance is improved, but material composition complexity and manufacturing difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the printed image into different area units, each using effect pigments with specific surface treatments tailored to the desired optical effect. High-gloss areas use pigments with organic surface modifiers, while matte areas use pigments with inorganic coatings. This segmentation allows each area to be optimized independently while using conventional printing processes, reducing overall manufacturing complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses effect pigments that can provide both optical effects (gloss, matte, interference colors) and non-optical functions (electrical conductivity, magnetic alignability) within the same printing process. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate materials and processes, simplifying manufacturing while achieving diverse effects.
3Illumination intensity
If different material compositions are used for high-gloss and matte areas, then optical differentiation is improved, but manufacturing complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different surface treatments to effect pigments used in different area units of the printed image. High-gloss areas use effect pigments with organic surface modifiers that enable alignment parallel to the substrate, while matte areas use effect pigments with inorganic surface coatings that prevent alignment. This local differentiation achieves striking optical contrast while maintaining compatibility with conventional printing processes.
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 achieves striking optical differentiation between areas with high gloss and matte effects, while maintaining similar material compositions and incorporating non-optical functions, enhancing the security and decorative features of printed products.
Implementation Method 1
The degree of reflection of a surface exposed to electromagnetic radiation is essentially determined by the phenomena reflection, scattering and refraction. Ideally, the highest degree of reflection is achieved in the case of virtually complete reflection of the incident directed light—for example to be observed in the case of the mirror effect of highly polished metal surfaces
Implementation Method 2
At planar non-metallic surfaces, the incident directed light is not only reflected, but also refracted. The magnitude of the degree of reflection depends on the angle of incidence and on the difference in the refractive indices
Implementation Method 3
The degree of reflection of a surface exposed to electromagnetic radiation is essentially determined by the phenomena reflection, scattering and refraction. The directed reflection of a surface is perceived as a gloss effect, the undirected diffuse reflection as a matt effect
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a printed image comprising flake-form effect pigments which has striking matt/gloss effects, to a process for the production of a printed image of this type, and to the use thereof, in particular in security printing.