Recyclable Blanket for Digital Inkjet Fabric Transfer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional digital transfer printing methods separate printing and transferring into discontinuous steps, leading to high costs and environmental concerns due to disposable carriers, and suffer from limitations in pattern fineness and ink carrying capacity.
Innovation Solution
A digital inkjet transfer printing apparatus using a recyclable blanket with a transfer printing pressure bearing layer and coating layer, which integrates digital inkjet printing with cold transfer printing, allowing for improved pattern transfer quality and reduced carbon consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If digital inkjet printing is used to print patterns on fabrics directly, then the pattern fineness and ink carrying capacity are improved, but the process complexity and cost increase due to the need for specialized equipment and materials
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a blanket as an intermediary carrier between the digital inkjet printing system and the fabric. The blanket receives the ink pattern from the digital inkjet machine and then transfers it to the fabric under pressure. This mediator allows the use of standard digital inkjet technology while achieving high-quality fabric printing, resolving the contradiction between pattern fineness and equipment complexity.
2Ease of manufacture
If transfer printing is performed using disposable carriers such as paper or membrane, then the printing process is simplified, but the cost increases and environmental friendliness deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a reusable blanket that can be used repeatedly for transfer printing. After transferring the ink pattern to the fabric, the blanket is cleaned and reused for subsequent printing operations. This eliminates the need for disposable carriers, reducing material consumption and environmental impact while maintaining process simplicity.
3Manufacturing precision
If high transfer printing pressure is applied to ensure complete ink transfer, then the ink transfer quality is improved, but the blanket deforms and forms bulges that affect subsequent printing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates a pressure bearing layer with elastic properties in the blanket structure. This layer is designed to deform elastically under the high pressure applied during ink transfer, absorbing the compressive force and then recovering its original shape after pressure is released. This pre-designed elastic response prevents permanent deformation and bulge formation, allowing high-quality ink transfer without compromising blanket integrity.
4Reliability
If the blanket structure is made rigid to maintain shape during high-speed operation, then the operational stability is improved, but the ink carrying capacity and transfer quality deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a composite blanket structure consisting of multiple layers with different properties: a rigid outer layer for structural stability and shape maintenance during high-speed operation, and an elastic pressure bearing layer for ink carrying and transfer. This composite design combines the advantages of both rigid and elastic materials, achieving operational stability while maintaining excellent ink transfer quality.
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 solution enables high-quality decorative pattern printing with reduced costs and environmental impact by using a recyclable blanket that maintains ink transfer quality and avoids bulging issues during high-speed operation, enhancing the efficiency and sustainability of the printing process.
Implementation Method 1
A coating layer may be arranged on the transfer printing pressure bearing layer and is configured to adsorb the ink ejected by the digital inkjet machine
Implementation Method 2
The press roller is configured to generate a pressure facing the back-up roller when a fabric enters a transfer printing area between the press roller and the back-up roller to press a surface to be printed of the fabric towards the surface of the blanket with the ink pattern so as to transfer the ink pattern on the blanket to the surface to be printed of the fabric
Implementation Method 3
The blanket may include an external transfer printing pressure bearing layer, the transfer printing pressure bearing layer is configured to generate vertical compression when a transfer printing pressure is applied onto the transfer printing pressure bearing layer, so as to avoid formation of a bulge at the blanket due to extrusion
Data Source
AI summary
A digital inkjet transfer printing apparatus used for performing transfer printing on fabrics by virtue of digital inkjet printing is provided. The digital inkjet transfer printing apparatus includes: a blanket inkjet printing assembly, where the blanket inkjet printing assembly includes a digital inkjet machine for ejecting ink to a surface of a blanket to form an ink pattern; and a counterpressure transfer printing assembly, where the counterpressure transfer printing assembly includes a press roller and a back-up roller, the press roller generates a pressure towards the back-up roller when a fabric enters a transfer printing area between the press roller and the back-up roller to press a surface to be printed of the fabric against a surface of the blanket with the ink pattern, so as to transfer the ink pattern on the blanket to the surface to be printed of the fabric.