Image forming apparatus, ink set, and image forming method
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing techniques for forming images on fabrics using discharge printing ink and color ink suffer from poor washing fastness, with the color ink peeling off easily during washing, thereby impairing the image-formed area.
Innovation Solution
An image forming apparatus and method that involves ejecting a color ink containing an aqueous resin emulsion followed by a discharge printing ink with a reducing agent, where the controller sequences these steps to enhance the washing fastness of the image on the fabric.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If color ink and discharge printing ink are ejected simultaneously or in the wrong sequence, then the image formation process is simplified, but the washing fastness of the image deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The color ink is ejected first as a preliminary step before ejecting the discharge printing ink. This preliminary action allows the color ink to penetrate and entangle with fabric fibers first, creating a foundation that improves washing fastness when the discharge printing ink is subsequently applied.
Solution Approach 2:
The image formation process is segmented into two distinct sequential steps: first ejecting color ink, then ejecting discharge printing ink. This segmentation allows each ink type to perform its specific function optimally, with the color ink providing fiber entanglement and the discharge printing ink providing coloration, thereby resolving the washing fastness issue.
2Reliability
If color ink is ejected first followed by discharge printing ink, then washing fastness is improved, but the processing time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The color ink ejection is performed as a preliminary action before the discharge printing ink ejection, ensuring that the color ink has sufficient time to penetrate and entangle with fabric fibers. This sequential approach optimizes washing fastness while maintaining efficient processing by eliminating the need for additional treatment steps.
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
The proposed solution significantly improves the washing fastness of the image-formed area by ensuring the color ink penetrates and entangles with fabric fibers, reducing peeling and maintaining image quality.
Implementation Method 1
a discharge printing ink containing a reducing agent
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure provides an image forming apparatus that improves washing fastness of an image forming portion of a fabric on which a discharge printing ink and a color ink are ejected. An image forming apparatus of the present disclosure includes: a color ink ejector; a discharge printing ink ejector; and a controller, wherein the color ink ejector is configured to eject a color ink containing an aqueous resin emulsion on a fabric, the discharge printing ink ejector is configured to eject a discharge printing ink containing a reducing agent on the fabric, and the controller is configured to control the color ink ejector and the discharge printing ink ejector to eject the color ink on the fabric in a first step, and after the first step, to eject the discharge printing ink on the fabric in a second step.