Printing Master Cleanliness via Blanket Solvent Treatment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional plate printing methods face challenges in achieving both satisfactory transfer performance and cleanliness of the printing master, particularly when using hard ink, as the silicone rubber blanket's transfer performance is poor with solidified ink, leading to contamination and increased maintenance.
Innovation Solution
A plate printing method that involves depositing ink on a printing master, transferring it to a blanket, and then to a surface, followed by cleaning and impregnating the blanket with a solvent or water, and subsequent air removal, allowing for effective ink transfer and maintenance of the printing master's cleanliness even with hard ink.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-generated harmful factors
If hard ink is used, then the printing master cleanliness is improved, but the transfer performance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by treating the blanket with a silicone release agent before ink transfer. This pre-treatment creates a controlled surface energy state that enables hard ink to transfer effectively without contaminating the printing master, resolving the contradiction between using hard ink for cleanliness and maintaining transfer performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the surface energy parameter of the blanket by applying a silicone release agent, which modifies the blanket's surface properties to accommodate hard ink transfer. This parameter change allows the system to use hard ink (88 PaS or more) while maintaining satisfactory transfer performance, thus resolving the contradiction between printing master cleanliness and ink transfer efficiency.
2Manufacturing precision
If the ink is softened to improve transfer performance, then the transfer performance is improved, but the printing master contamination increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-treating the blanket with a silicone release agent before ink application. This pre-treatment creates optimal surface conditions that enable hard ink to transfer effectively without softening, thereby preventing printing master contamination while maintaining transfer performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the blanket's surface energy parameter through silicone release agent treatment, which allows hard ink to be transferred effectively without requiring ink softening. This parameter modification resolves the contradiction by enabling both good transfer performance and printing master cleanliness using hard ink.
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 method ensures proper ink transfer performance without deteriorating the blanket's ability to handle hard ink, maintaining the cleanliness of the printing master and simplifying its maintenance.
Implementation Method 1
depositing or impregnating a part of water or a solvent impregnated into the absorbent on or into the blanket
Implementation Method 2
blowing air to the blanket with the part of the water or solvent deposited thereon or blowing air to the blanket with the part of the water or solvent deposited thereon or impregnated thereinto and removing a part of the water or solvent deposited on or impregnated into the blanket
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2(a)~3(c$)
Figure 4(a)~6
AI summary
A plate printing method 100 includes a repetition of a first step (S1) of depositing ink 2 on a printing master 10 to form a predetermined print pattern 1 on it, a second step (S2) of transferring the ink 2 to a blanket 20, a third step (S3) of pressing the blanket 20 against a surface 30 to be printed, a fourth step (S5) of pressing the blanket 20 against a cleaning surface 40, a fifth step (S5) of pressing the blanket 20 against an absorbent 50, a sixth step (S6) of blowing air to the blanket 20, and a seventh step (S7) of pressing the blanket 20 against a dry surface 70. In the first step, the blanket 20 with a proper amount of water or solvent impregnated into it is pressed against the printing master 10.