Printing on a garment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing DTG printing processes for garments, especially on dark fabrics, face challenges in maintaining high throughput and image quality due to the mixing and coalescence of first and second printing fluids when deposited in separate steps or different printing zones.
Innovation Solution
A one-step DTG printing process where a first printing fluid is partially dried on a support tray before applying a second fluid, using heat from the tray to increase viscosity and prevent mixing, while maintaining garment stability in a single print zone.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If a first printing fluid is deposited on a garment and then a second printing fluid is deposited on the first printing fluid in separate steps or different printing zones, then multi-color printing with sharp details is achieved, but the first and second printing fluids mix and coalesce, degrading image quality
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by partially drying the first printing fluid on the support tray before depositing the second printing fluid. This pre-drying step increases the viscosity of the first printing fluid, creating a more stable base that prevents mixing and coalescence when the second fluid is applied, thereby maintaining image quality while enabling multi-color printing
2Productivity
If a one-step printing process is used to deposit first and second printing fluids in the same printing zone, then productivity is improved, but the printing apparatus becomes more complex and larger in size
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the drying function and printing function into a single integrated support tray system. The support tray provides both mechanical support for the garment and thermal drying capability through an integrated heating element, allowing the first and second printing fluids to be deposited in the same printing zone without requiring separate drying chambers or complex multi-zone apparatus
3Loss of time
If a one-step printing process is used to deposit first and second printing fluids in the same printing zone, then curing time is reduced, but the printing apparatus requires larger space and more complex structure
Solution Approach 1:
The support tray is designed as a multi-functional component that simultaneously serves as the garment support structure, the printing surface platform, and the heating element carrier. This universal design allows drying and printing operations to occur concurrently in the same space, reducing curing time without requiring additional space for separate drying chambers or complex apparatus structure
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 enhances productivity and image quality by reducing curing time and preventing fluid mixing, achieving high throughput and compact apparatus design.
Implementation Method 1
providing heat from the support tray to the garment, after depositing the first printing fluid, to at least partially dry the first printing fluid
Implementation Method 2
at least partially dry the first printing fluid that has been deposited on the garment
Implementation Method 3
using heat from the tray to increase viscosity and prevent mixing
Data Source
AI summary
An example method for printing on a garment is described, comprising placing the garment on a support tray, depositing a first printing fluid on the garment and a second printing fluid on the first printing fluid, and providing heat from the support tray to the garment after depositing the first printing fluid and before depositing the second printing fluid, to dry the first printing fluid at least partially. An example apparatus for direct-to-garment printing is also described, comprising printheads for depositing a first printing fluid and a second printing fluid, and a support tray for the garment, the support tray comprising a heating element.