Reimageable Fluoroelastomer-Silicone Imaging Member for Variable Data Lithography
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional lithographic techniques are not suitable for high-speed variable data printing as they require permanently patterned plates, making them costly for short print runs and unable to accommodate changing images without replacing the print cylinder or imaging plate.
Innovation Solution
The development of an imaging member with a fluoroelastomer-silicone composite surface layer, which allows for a reimageable surface that can form temporary patterns with a dampening fluid using a focused radiation source, enabling efficient variable data lithography printing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If permanently patterned plates are used in traditional lithography, then printing reliability is improved, but adaptability to variable data and speed of operation deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The imaging member surface is made reimageable through the use of a fluoroelastomer-silicone composite that can be dynamically repatterned. The surface transitions from a permanently patterned state to a reimageable state, allowing the same physical surface to be used for multiple different images without replacement. This dynamic repatterning capability enables the system to adapt to variable data requirements while maintaining printing reliability through consistent surface properties.
Solution Approach 2:
The surface energy and chemical composition parameters of the imaging member are designed to be modifiable. The fluoroelastomer-silicone composite allows changes in surface properties through controlled interactions with fountain solution and ink, enabling the same physical surface to accommodate different patterns. This parameter modifiability resolves the contradiction by allowing adaptability without sacrificing the reliability needed for consistent printing.
2Manufacturing precision
If permanently patterned plates are used, then manufacturing precision is improved, but productivity and cost for short print runs deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The imaging member is designed as a universal component that can perform multiple functions: it can be used for different images, different print runs, and variable data requirements without replacement. The fluoroelastomer-silicone composite surface provides consistent manufacturing precision across all applications while enabling high productivity for short runs by eliminating the need to discard and replace plates after each use. This multi-functionality directly addresses both manufacturing precision and productivity concerns.
3Adaptability or versatility
If reimageable surface is used, then adaptability to variable data is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing difficulty worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The fluoroelastomer-silicone composite material is used to create the reimageable surface. This composite material combines the desirable properties of fluoroelastomers (chemical resistance, stability) with silicone properties (surface energy control, ink interaction). The composite structure enables reimageability through controlled surface chemistry while maintaining relatively simple device architecture, as the material itself provides the functional complexity rather than requiring complex mechanical or optical systems.
4Productivity
If reimageable surface is used, then productivity is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The imaging member is designed as a disposable or limited-life component that is replaced rather than repaired. This approach allows for high productivity through rapid reimageability while reducing the burden of maintaining extreme manufacturing precision over long periods. The fluoroelastomer-silicone composite provides sufficient surface uniformity for high-speed printing during its service life, and the entire imaging member can be replaced when degradation occurs, eliminating the need for precision maintenance.
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 solution enables high-speed variable data printing by allowing the creation of new patterns without replacing the imaging member, reducing costs for short print runs and improving the efficiency of ink transfer to the substrate.
Implementation Method 1
a reimageable surface that can form temporary patterns with a dampening fluid using a focused radiation source
Implementation Method 2
forming a latent image by evaporating the dampening fluid from selective locations on the imaging member surface
Implementation Method 3
image regions formed of a hydrophobic/oleophilic material, and non-image regions formed of a hydrophilic/oleophobic material
Implementation Method 4
the dampening fluid formed over the hydrophilic regions forms a fluid release layer for rejecting ink
Data Source
AI summary
An imaging member includes a surface layer comprising a fluoroelastomer-silicone composite formed from a reaction mixture comprising a fluoroelastomer, an oxyaminosilane, and an oxysilane-terminated compound. Methods of manufacturing the imaging member and processes for variable lithographic printing using the imaging member are also disclosed.