Printing apparatus, printing method, and non-transitory computer-readable recording medium therefor
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Solution Overview
Problem
DTG printers face challenges in maintaining ejection stability due to strong self-airflow caused by the high-density ejection of white ink, leading to ink mist adherence on nozzle surfaces and potential meniscus breaks, which affects the printing of base layers on fabrics.
Innovation Solution
A printing apparatus with two sets of nozzles, one for basic color inks and another for white ink, where the controller adjusts dot density and ink amount per dot, using techniques like dot density reduction and ink amount increase processes to manage airflow and prevent nozzle clogging.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If a large amount of white ink is ejected at high density to form a base layer, then the base layer coverage is improved, but self-airflow becomes stronger causing ink mist to adhere to nozzle surfaces
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the base layer formation process into two separate printing operations: a first printing that forms a first base layer and a second printing that forms a second base layer. This segmentation allows each printing operation to use optimized dot density settings, reducing the self-airflow effect in each individual operation while still achieving complete base layer coverage when both layers are combined.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs dot density reduction in the second printing operation, where the dot density is set lower than in the first printing. This partial action approach ensures that the base layer is sufficiently formed without excessive ink ejection that would generate harmful self-airflow effects.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If dot density is reduced to suppress self-airflow, then ink mist adherence is prevented, but base layer coverage may be insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the base layer formation into two printing operations with different dot density settings. The first printing uses higher dot density to ensure adequate coverage, while the second printing uses lower dot density to suppress self-airflow. Together, they achieve both complete coverage and airflow suppression.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the dot density parameter between the first and second printing operations. By adjusting this parameter differently for each operation, the system optimizes both coverage and airflow control for each stage of base layer formation.
3Quantity of substance
If ink amount per dot is increased in the second printing, then base layer formation is improved, but the risk of meniscus break increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dot density reduction in the second printing operation, using partial action to achieve sufficient base layer formation without excessive ink ejection. This prevents meniscus break while ensuring adequate coverage.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adjusts multiple parameters including dot density and ink amount per dot for the second printing operation. By carefully balancing these parameter changes, the system improves base layer formation while maintaining ejection stability and preventing meniscus break.
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 stabilizes ink ejection, reduces the impact of self-airflow, and ensures consistent base layer formation without compromising image quality by adjusting dot density and ink distribution.
Implementation Method 1
first nozzles configured to eject ink to form a first base layer on a printing medium, second nozzles configured to eject ink to form a second base layer different from the first base layer on the printing medium
Implementation Method 2
an effect of self-airflow caused by such ejection becomes stronger. Due to a relatively strong self-airflow, minute ink droplets generated during the printing of the base layer may adhere onto a nozzle surface of an ink ejection head as an ink mist
Data Source
AI summary
A printing apparatus has first nozzles configured to eject ink to form a first base layer on a printing medium, second nozzles configured to eject ink to form a second base layer on the printing medium, and a controller. The controller is configured to perform a first printing to form the first base layer with the first nozzles based on first image data, the first image data representing a first dot density per one pass, a second printing to form the second base layer with the second nozzles based on second image data, the second image data representing a second dot density per one pass, the second dot density being lower than the first dot density, and increasing an ink amount when the second printing is performed such that an ink amount per dot is increased compared to a case where the first printing is performed.