Shrink Film Printing With Radiation-Curable Fixing Patterns
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for printing and wrapping shrink films require manual adjustment of the film and jig setup for each container size and shape, leading to inefficiencies in small-lot, high-mix production.
Innovation Solution
A method for printing shrink films using a first radiation-curable ink by ink jet printing, followed by applying a second radiation-curable ink to form a fixing pattern on the film surface, which is then wrapped around objects.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If a jig is used to align shrink film with container, then positioning precision is improved, but device complexity and setup time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The shrink film itself serves the alignment function through printed markers that are visible during the shrinking process. The film's own surface features (printed patterns) are used as reference marks for positioning, eliminating the need for external jigs or alignment tools. This self-service approach resolves the contradiction by providing alignment capability inherent to the film rather than requiring additional complex positioning devices.
Solution Approach 2:
Alignment information is copied onto the shrink film surface in the form of printed markers or patterns. These printed features serve as visual references that replicate the alignment requirements, allowing operators to position the film correctly without complex mechanical jigs. The copying of alignment data onto the film surface itself simplifies the positioning process while maintaining precision.
2Adaptability or versatility
If manual adjustment is performed for each container size, then adaptability is improved, but productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The printed markers on the shrink film are designed with scalable parameters that can accommodate different container sizes. By varying the size, position, or configuration of the printed alignment markers rather than changing physical jigs, the system adapts to different container dimensions. This parameter-based adaptation maintains productivity by avoiding manual reconfiguration of mechanical alignment devices for each container size.
3Loss of time
If radiation-curable ink is used for printing, then drying time is reduced, but equipment complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The conventional thermal drying process is replaced with radiation curing (UV or other radiation sources). Instead of using heat and time to evaporate solvents, radiation energy directly initiates polymerization of the ink. This substitution of the drying mechanism dramatically reduces drying time while the added equipment complexity is offset by the elimination of lengthy drying cycles and improved production throughput.
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 simplifies the printing and wrapping process by eliminating the need for manual adjustments, improving efficiency and reducing setup time for small-lot, high-mix production.
Implementation Method 1
forming an image on a shrink film with a first radiation-curable ink by an ink jet method
Implementation Method 2
forming a fixing pattern by applying a second radiation-curable ink onto a surface of the shrink film
Implementation Method 3
the shrink film is put around a container or another object and heated to shrink along the periphery of the container
Data Source
AI summary
A printing method is used for printing a shrink film with radiation-curable ink. The printing method includes forming an image on the shrink film with a first radiation-curable ink by an ink jet method, and forming a fixing pattern by applying a second radiation-curable ink onto a surface of the shrink film that is to come into contact with an object to be wrapped with the shrink film.