Relief-Like Printed Image Method Using Full Tone Inkjet Layering
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for producing relief-like printed images on containers require complex print templates and control algorithms, and involve a large number of printing steps, limiting flexibility and efficiency, especially when using certain inks on planar or curved substrates.
Innovation Solution
A method using inkjet printing with full tone printing, where print layers are applied in layers with uniform droplet sizes, allowing for efficient layer application and reduced printing steps, enabling the creation of distinctive relief structures with adaptable optical and haptic effects by varying contour sizes and layer thicknesses, suitable for various substrates including bottles, cans, and cups.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If half tone printing is used to produce relief-like printed images, then a wide variety of 3-dimensional structures can be designed, but complex print templates and control algorithms are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the conventional half-tone approach by using full-tone printing with multiple layers. Instead of varying droplet sizes to create gray scales, the invention uses uniform droplet sizes across all layers and creates relief structures through the stacking of multiple full-tone layers, thereby simplifying control algorithms while maintaining design flexibility
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from two-dimensional half-tone printing to three-dimensional full-tone layer stacking. By building relief structures in the vertical dimension through multiple layers rather than varying ink density in a single layer, the invention achieves complex 3D structures with simplified print control
2Reliability
If certain inks are used for relief printing, then specific printing requirements are met, but a relatively large number of printing steps are required to build up sufficient total layer thickness
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by using adhesives or primers in the initial layers to enhance substrate adhesion before applying subsequent paint layers. This preliminary bonding action ensures that thicker multi-layer structures can be built up without requiring excessive printing steps, as each layer adheres effectively to the previous one
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs composite material strategies by combining different types of coatings (adhesives, primers, paints, varnishes) in a multi-layer structure. Each material type serves a specific function, allowing the system to achieve sufficient total thickness with fewer printing steps compared to using a single ink type repeatedly
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple print layers are applied with varying contours, then adaptable optical and haptic effects are achieved, but print control complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the relief structure into multiple discrete print layers, each with its own contour definition. By dividing the overall relief structure into manageable layers that can be independently controlled, the system achieves adaptable optical and haptic effects while maintaining relatively simple print control through standardized layer application processes
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 method simplifies print control, reduces the number of printing steps, and allows for the creation of visually and haptically distinctive relief structures with enhanced optical and haptic effects, adaptable to different substrates, using a range of inks and adhesives, while being compatible with existing printing machines.
Implementation Method 1
print layers are layered onto each other by successively applying a paint, an ink, a varnish, or an adhesive from at least one print head onto a container in layers by way of jet application
Implementation Method 2
relief-like prints can be produced in inkjet printing processes using paints, inks, or varnishes that cure by UV irradiation/LED irradiation
Data Source
AI summary
A method for producing a relief-like printed image on containers is described in which print layers are layered onto one another by way of jet application of a printing paint, an ink, a varnish, or an adhesive from at least one print head onto a container, thereby producing elevated regions of the printed image. Due to the fact that the print layers are each applied in full tone printing, optical and haptic effects can be created on container surfaces with low equipment complexity and a minimal number of printing steps.