SPI Ink Composition with Low Conductivity for Non-Charged Drop Deflection
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing inkjet printing technologies, particularly the deflected continuous jet technique, face limitations in using solvents with low dielectric constants for ink compositions due to the requirement for high electrical conductivity, which restricts the formulation options and stability of inks, and the SPI technique requires specific adaptations for non-charged drops that are not addressed by standard CIJ or DOD techniques.
Innovation Solution
A liquid composition with a solvent having a dielectric constant less than 15, combined with binders, dyes/pigments, and controlled conductivity, specifically designed for the SPI technique, allowing for the use of non-dissociative solvents and larger solid particles, enhancing formulation latitude and print quality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If standard CIJ technique is used with high electrical conductivity requirement, then deflection control is improved, but formulation options and stability are restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the electrical conductivity parameter from high (standard CIJ) to low (1-200 μS/cm), enabling the use of solvents with low dielectric constants less than 15 that were previously unsuitable for CIJ printing. This parameter change resolves the contradiction by allowing broader formulation options while maintaining adequate deflection control through the unique SPI technique mechanism.
2Adaptability or versatility
If solvents with low dielectric constant are used, then formulation latitude is improved, but electrical conductivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent accepts and utilizes the low electrical conductivity (1-200 μS/cm) as a defining characteristic rather than a defect, specifically adapting the SPI technique to work with this parameter range. This enables the use of volatile solvents with low dielectric constants while maintaining reliable printing through the dipole formation mechanism inherent to SPI technology.
3Manufacturing precision
If non-charged drops are used in SPI technique, then print quality is improved, but deflection mechanism becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional electrostatic charge-based deflection mechanism with a dipole formation mechanism. Non-charged drops form dipoles under the electric field, and this dipole interaction enables deflection without requiring net charge on the drops. This substitution maintains print quality while fundamentally changing the deflection approach to suit non-charged drop printing.
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 composition achieves excellent print quality with lower electrical conductivity than standard CIJ techniques, enabling the use of volatile solvents and larger particles, improving stability and printability on various substrates while maintaining high print quality.
Implementation Method 1
the liquid composition forms upon printing drops which are not charged by an electric field, which each have a zero electric charge, which each form a dipole under the effect of an electric field, and which are then deflected by said electric field
Data Source
AI summary
Liquid composition, such as an ink composition, liquid at room temperature, said liquid composition being a liquid composition specifically for printing with a binary deflected continuous jet printing technique wherein said liquid composition forms upon printing drops which are not charged by an electric field, which each have a zero electric charge, which each form a dipole under the effect of an electric field, and then are then deflected by said electric field, characterised in that said liquid composition comprises a solvent comprising one or more organic solvent compound(s) and optionally water, said solvent having globally a dielectric constant less than 15; a binder; one or more dyes and/or pigments; and in that said liquid composition has an electrical conductivity at 20°C less than or equal to 200 µS/cm, preferably less than or equal to 150 µS/cm, still preferably less than or equal to 100 µS/cm. Use of this liquid composition in a printer or printing head implementing said printing technique. Method for treating and/or marking a substrate by projection of said liquid composition on this substrate by said printing technique. Substrate, provided with a marking or treatment obtained by drying and/or absorption of said liquid composition.