Printed Material Light Blocking Layer Suppresses Undulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional printed materials with images on both sides of a transparent base member suffer from surface undulation due to varying ink application, leading to visibility issues when trying to print high-quality images on both sides efficiently.
Innovation Solution
A printed material structure comprising a transparent base member with a first image layer, an intermediate light blocking layer with uneven thickness matching the undulation, and a second image layer, where the intermediate layer's surface is flat, preventing the undulation of the first image layer from being visible from the second image layer side.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If images are printed on both sides of a transparent base member by stacking multiple image layers, then visual recognition from both sides is achieved, but surface undulation appears in the printed material
Solution Approach 1:
A flat intermediate layer is introduced between the first image layer and the second image layer. This intermediate layer acts as a mediator that transfers the flat surface to the second image layer, preventing the undulation of the first image layer from being visually recognized while maintaining the ability to print images on both sides of the transparent base member.
2Manufacturing precision
If the amount of ink is varied to create different gray levels, then image quality is improved, but micro-undulation appears on the ink surface
Solution Approach 1:
The harmful surface undulation caused by varying ink amounts is extracted and isolated to the first image layer. By placing a flat intermediate layer between the first and second image layers, the undulation is effectively removed from the visible surface that the second image layer rests upon, allowing high-quality ink variation without visible surface defects.
3Productivity
If ultraviolet curable ink is used for printing, then printing efficiency is improved, but undulation of the first image layer becomes larger and more visible
Solution Approach 1:
The flat intermediate layer serves as a mediator that compensates for the increased undulation caused by ultraviolet curable ink. It ensures that even when the first image layer exhibits larger undulations due to the ink type, the surface at which the second image layer is formed remains flat, preventing visible undulation while maintaining high printing efficiency.
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 solution effectively suppresses the visual recognition of undulation in the first image layer from the second image layer side, enhancing the printing efficiency and quality by ensuring a flat surface for the second image layer, even when using ultraviolet curable ink.
Implementation Method 1
an intermediate layer formed on the first image layer... a light blocking layer having uniform color
Data Source
AI summary
A printed material has a transparent base member, a first image layer formed on the base member, an intermediate layer formed on the first image layer, and a second image layer formed on the intermediate layer. The intermediate layer has a lower white background layer positioned above the first image layer, a light blocking layer positioned above the lower white background layer, and an upper white background layer positioned above the light blocking layer. In the printed material, a thickness of the light blocking layer is uneven in conformity with undulation of the first image layer, and therefore a surface of the intermediate layer which is in contact with the second image layer is flat. With this structure, it is possible to prevent or suppress the undulation of the first image layer from appearing in the second image layer.