Toner Layer Mold Release Agents for Low-Temperature Fixing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image forming methods for high-value added printing face challenges in achieving low-temperature fixing properties and preventing color turbidity due to excessive thermal energy, which leads to separation failures and decreased image concentration.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a combination of ester wax and microcrystalline wax as mold release agents in the toner layer in contact with the fixing member, allowing for improved compatibility and thermal management during the fixing process, thereby enhancing low-temperature fixing properties and preventing color oozing and turbidity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If strong thermal energy is applied by increasing fixing roller temperature or transit time, then fixing properties of high attachment amount toner are improved, but cohesive force in toner layer is weakened and separation failure occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical composition parameters of the toner layer by incorporating specific mold release agents (ester wax and microcrystalline wax) in controlled amounts. This allows the fixing process to occur at lower temperatures while maintaining both fixing properties and toner layer cohesion, resolving the contradiction between improving fixing properties and maintaining strength.
2Reliability
If excessive thermal energy is applied during fixing, then fixing properties are improved, but fusion and compatibleness occur between toner layers causing color oozing and turbidity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent modifies the thermal and compositional parameters by introducing ester wax and microcrystalline wax as mold release agents. These additives control the thermal behavior during fixing, enabling sufficient fixing properties while preventing excessive fusion between layers, thus maintaining layer structure stability and preventing color turbidity.
Solution Approach 2:
The mold release agents (ester wax and microcrystalline wax) act as intermediary substances between the fixing member and the toner layers. They facilitate the fixing process by controlling thermal energy transfer and preventing direct excessive contact between the fixing member and toner, thereby preventing color oozing and maintaining layer stability.
3Manufacturing precision
If high attachment amount of toner is used for special color toners, then image quality and added value are improved, but fixing properties deteriorate requiring stronger thermal energy
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the compositional parameters of the toner by incorporating specific mold release agents (ester wax and microcrystalline wax) in optimized amounts. This enables high attachment amount toner to be fixed effectively at lower temperatures, maintaining both image quality and fixing properties without requiring excessive thermal energy.
Solution Approach 2:
The mold release agents serve as intermediary substances that improve the interface between the toner layer and the fixing member. They enhance the fixing properties of high attachment amount toner by controlling thermal energy transfer and preventing toner aggregation, thereby enabling effective fixing without compromising image quality.
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 use of ester wax and microcrystalline wax in the toner layer ensures excellent low-temperature fixing properties and separation properties, preventing color turbidity and maintaining image concentration in high-value added printing.
Implementation Method 1
a toner forming a layer in contact with a fixing member contains at least a first mold release agent composed of ester wax and a second mold release agent composed of microcrystalline wax
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is an image forming method, including: transferring and fixing a toner onto a recording medium, and forming an image including a plurality of layers, in which an attachment amount of the toner on the recording medium is greater than or equal to 8 g/m2 and less than or equal to 40 g/m2, a toner forming a layer in contact with a fixing member contains at least a first mold release agent containing ester wax and a second mold release agent containing microcrystalline wax, and a special color toner is contained in any layer of the plurality of layers.