Segmented Radiation Curing for Ink Printing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing printing methods using radiation-curable ink can cause damage to parts of the printing system and recording medium due to unwanted exposure to radiation in areas without ink, leading to issues like thermal expansion and damage.
Innovation Solution
A method and printer system that controls the curing unit to be in curing mode only where the recording medium is present, using individually controllable radiation emitting units to prevent radiation exposure in areas without ink, and adjusts based on the thermal conductivity of the medium.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If a page-wide curing unit is used to cure the entire width of the recording medium, then curing coverage is improved, but areas without ink are exposed to radiation causing thermal expansion and damage
Solution Approach 1:
The curing unit is divided into multiple independently controllable radiation emitting units arranged across the width of the recording medium. Each unit can be selectively activated or deactivated based on whether ink is present in its corresponding area, allowing localized curing only where needed rather than uniform illumination across the entire width.
Solution Approach 2:
The curing unit is segmented into multiple discrete radiation emitting units that can be independently controlled. This segmentation allows the system to activate only the specific segments (emitting units) corresponding to areas where ink is detected, while keeping other segments inactive to avoid exposing non-ink areas to radiation.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If a scanning curing unit is used to reduce radiation exposure to non-ink areas, then radiation damage is reduced, but curing speed and productivity decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the activation state of each radiation emitting unit based on real-time detection of ink presence. This dynamic control allows the curing unit to operate in a stationary position while selectively activating only the emitting units corresponding to inked areas, combining the benefits of reduced radiation exposure with high curing speed.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses feedback from ink detection to control the activation of radiation emitting units. The controller receives information about where ink is present and automatically activates only the corresponding emitting units, creating a closed-loop system that optimizes both radiation exposure and curing efficiency.
3Reliability
If radiation is emitted across the entire curing zone, then curing effectiveness is improved, but thermal expansion of the recording medium increases
Solution Approach 1:
Radiation is emitted locally only in areas where ink is present, rather than uniformly across the entire curing zone. This localized emission approach maintains effective curing where needed while minimizing the total area exposed to radiation, thereby reducing overall thermal expansion of the recording medium.
Solution Approach 2:
The system applies partial action by activating only the necessary portion of the radiation emitting units corresponding to inked areas. This partial activation achieves sufficient curing effectiveness for the actual print content while avoiding excessive radiation exposure to non-ink areas that would cause unnecessary thermal expansion.
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
Prevents damage to the printing system and recording medium by ensuring effective curing only where ink is applied, reducing thermal expansion and enhancing print quality with glossy images.
Implementation Method 1
The radiation is used to induce a polymerization reaction in ink applied onto a recording medium, thereby curing the ink
Data Source
AI summary
A method for printing and curing an image uses a printer having a curing unit including at least one controllable radiation emitting unit. The printer includes a medium support configured to, in operation, support the recording medium. The method includes applying a predetermined pattern of a radiation-curable ink composition onto a recording medium to form an image; curing the image in a curing zone, wherein in the curing zone the recording medium covers a first area of the medium support, the medium support further having a second area not covered by the recording medium; controlling the curing unit to be in a curing mode in the first area of the medium; and controlling the curing unit to be in a non-curing mode in the second area of the medium support. A printer and a software product are also disclosed.