Radiation-Curable Composition Viscosity for Digital Printing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing digital printing methods for substrates like glasses and bottles face issues with unsatisfactory print quality, edge sharpness, resolution, mechanical robustness, and machine dishwasher resistance due to the limitations of known UV-curable compositions.
Innovation Solution
A radiation-curable composition comprising monofunctional and multifunctional acrylate/methacrylate monomers, oligomers, and polymers with a viscosity of ≥50 mPas at 40°C, which provides improved print quality, edge sharpness, and mechanical stability, and resistance to alcohols, achieved through UV curing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If digital printing using known UV-curable ink compositions is used for surface structuring, then the complexity and cost compared to casting molds is reduced, but print quality, edge sharpness, and resolution are unsatisfactory
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical-chemical parameters of the UV-curable composition, specifically increasing viscosity to ≥50 mPas at 40°C through specific monomer and oligomer selection. This parameter change prevents ink spread and maintains edge sharpness during digital printing, directly resolving the contradiction between using simpler digital printing equipment and achieving high manufacturing precision.
2Manufacturing precision
If repeated overprinting is performed to improve surface structure quality, then print quality may be improved, but printing speed is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The high viscosity composition enables sufficient ink deposition in a single printing pass to achieve the desired surface structure quality. The composition's properties allow one layer to provide adequate coverage and structural effect, eliminating the need for repeated overprinting and thereby maintaining high printing speed while achieving good surface structure quality.
3Ease of manufacture
If known UV-curable compositions are used for surface structuring, then the application process is simplified, but mechanical robustness and machine dishwasher resistance are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a composite UV-curable composition containing specific combinations of monofunctional and multifunctional acrylate monomers, oligomers, and optional additives. This composite material structure provides both ease of application and superior mechanical robustness and dishwasher resistance, resolving the contradiction between application simplicity and reliability.
4Ease of operation
If lower viscosity UV-curable compositions are used, then the composition is easier to apply, but print quality and edge sharpness deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes the viscosity parameter to ≥50 mPas at 40°C, which is neither too low nor too high. This specific parameter range maintains adequate flow for application while preventing excessive spread that would compromise edge sharpness. The viscosity is achieved through specific monomer and oligomer selection, resolving the contradiction between ease of operation and manufacturing precision.
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 composition ensures improved print quality, reduced layer requirements, increased print speed, enhanced mechanical stability, and machine dishwasher resistance, particularly beneficial for substrates like bottles and glasses.
Implementation Method 1
curing the radiation-curable composition applied by action of electromagnetic radiation or UV radiation
Data Source
AI summary
A radiation-curable composition includes at least one monofunctional acrylate monomer and/or methacrylate monomer and/or at least one monofunctional acrylamide monomer, at least one multifunctional acrylate monomer and/or methacrylate monomer and at least one oligomer and/or at least one polymer, wherein the composition at 40° C. has a viscosity of ≥50 mPas, in particular >50 mPas.