Selective Plasma Treatment for Print Media
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current printing technologies face inefficiencies in pretreating print media, particularly in high-speed web presses, where plasma pre-treatment can significantly slow down image production and increase operational costs due to the need for continuous liquid pretreatment coating or extensive plasma treatment of the entire media surface.
Innovation Solution
A method utilizing a raster image processor to create pre-treatment plane rasterized image data and a plasma emitter to selectively apply plasma treatment to specific areas of the print media based on the image data, optimizing plasma application only where printing fluid is needed, thereby reducing processing time and costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If plasma pre-treatment is applied to the entire print media surface, then print quality is improved, but productivity decreases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies plasma treatment only to specific regions of the print media where printing fluid will be applied, rather than treating the entire surface. This is achieved by using a mask or selective application system that limits plasma exposure to relevant areas, thereby maintaining print quality while significantly reducing processing time and increasing productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the print media surface into treated and untreated regions based on the printing requirements. By dividing the surface treatment into selective zones corresponding to where printing fluid will be applied, the system achieves effective pretreatment without the need to treat the entire media surface, thus resolving the contradiction between quality and productivity.
2Manufacturing precision
If liquid pretreatment coating is applied continuously, then print quality is maintained, but operational costs and maintenance increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the liquid pretreatment coating system with a plasma treatment system. This substitution eliminates the need for continuous liquid coating application, resupply, and associated maintenance activities, thereby reducing operational costs and maintenance requirements while maintaining effective pretreatment for print quality.
Solution Approach 2:
The plasma treatment system provides on-demand pretreatment without requiring continuous liquid coating supply. The system activates plasma only when and where needed, eliminating the need for external liquid coating reservoirs, pumps, and distribution mechanisms, thus reducing operational complexity and maintenance needs.
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 approach enhances printing speed and reduces operational costs by applying plasma treatment only where necessary, improving print quality and allowing for the use of a wider variety of print media, including lower-cost options and those unsuitable for water-based printing.
Implementation Method 1
a plasma emitter to selectively apply a plasma treatment to a surface of a print media
Data Source
AI summary
A method may include with a raster image processor, creating pretreatment plane rasterized image data from source image data and, with a plasma emitter, selectively applying a plasma treatment to a surface of a print media based on the pre-treatment plane rasterized image data. A printing device may include a raster image processor to execute an image analysis module to create pre-treatment plane rasterized image data from source image data and a plasma emitting device to selectively apply a plasma treatment to a surface of a print media based on the pre-treatment plane rasterized image data.