Reimageable Offset Blanket for Variable Data Printing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional lithographic printing techniques are not suitable for high-speed variable data printing as they require permanently patterned plates, leading to higher costs per copy for shorter print runs and inability to accommodate changing images without replacing the print cylinder or plate.
Innovation Solution
Development of ink compositions with specific Hansen solubility parameters and curable compounds, compatible with non-aqueous dampening fluids, for use in variable lithographic printing, allowing for the creation of temporary patterns and efficient transfer of ink to substrates.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If permanently patterned plates are used for lithographic printing, then long print runs of the same image are enabled, but the cost per copy increases for shorter print runs and variable data printing is not possible
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by transitioning from static permanently patterned plates to dynamic reimageable surfaces that can be repeatedly imaged with different patterns. The offset blanket cylinder is designed with a reimageable surface coating that can accept multiple impressions, enabling both long print runs and variable data printing without requiring plate changes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements the copying principle by using a reimageable surface that can be repeatedly copied onto the offset blanket cylinder from different imaging plates or digital sources. This allows the same cylinder to serve multiple printing purposes by copying different images onto it, eliminating the need for permanently patterned plates for each print run.
2Manufacturing precision
If permanently patterned plates are used, then consistent image quality is achieved, but the ability to create temporary patterns for variable data printing is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The reimageable surface coating provides dynamic reconfigurability while maintaining image quality consistency through controlled formulation and application parameters, allowing the same surface to reliably reproduce different images across multiple print runs.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies parameter changes by optimizing the formulation of the reimageable surface coating and the dampening fluid to achieve desired wetting and release properties. By controlling parameters such as surface energy, viscosity, and chemical composition, the system maintains consistent image quality while enabling pattern reconfigurability for variable data printing.
3Adaptability or versatility
If non-aqueous dampening fluids are used with reimageable surfaces, then variable data printing is enabled, but ink compatibility and transfer efficiency must be optimized
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by systematically optimizing the chemical composition of both the ink and dampening fluid to achieve compatible interactions. The ink formulation is adjusted in terms of solvent composition, resin content, and additives to ensure proper wetting of the reimageable surface and efficient transfer to the substrate when used with non-aqueous dampening fluids.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements composite materials by formulating complex ink compositions that contain multiple components including resins, solvents, pigments, and additives designed to work synergistically with non-aqueous dampening fluids. The reimageable surface coating itself is a composite material engineered to provide the necessary wetting and release properties for reliable ink transfer.
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
Enables high-quality, high-speed printing with reduced costs per copy by allowing for variable data printing without the need for replacing plates, and provides improved wetting and release properties with non-aqueous dampening fluids.
Implementation Method 1
Each curable compound has Hansen solubility parameters as described herein... volume average Hansen fractional dispersion force parameter (fd) of from about 0.4 to about 0.62, a volume average Hansen fractional polar parameter (fp) of from about 0.1 to about 0.3, and a volume average Hansen fractional hydrogen bonding parameter (fh) of from about 0.2 to about 0.4
Implementation Method 2
The ink composition may further comprise from about 0.2 to about 5 wt % of a polyether modified acryl functional polydimethylsiloxane... from about 40 to about 55 wt % of a tetrafunctional acrylated polyester; from about 9 to about 11 wt % of a polyethylene glycol diacrylate
Data Source
AI summary
An ink composition useful for digital offset printing applications comprises a colorant and a plurality of curable compounds. The compounds have Hansen solubility parameters as described herein, and the resulting ink composition is both compatible with certain dampening fluids and has certain rheological properties, including a low viscosity.