UV-Curable Ink Gloss Control via Illuminance and Polymer Interaction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for controlling gloss in printed matter using UV curable inkjet inks face challenges in accurately reproducing the glossiness of original images, as the gloss is difficult to control and often depends on the ink type and surface irregularities, limiting the range of gloss variation and leading to curing failures.
Innovation Solution
A method involving the irradiation of active energy ray curable composition droplets with specific illuminance levels, followed by application and solidification, to control the gloss from glossy to matte tones by managing the surface curing state and wettability, utilizing a disproportionation curing process to separate unreacted monomers and polymers, thereby broadening the gloss range and preventing curing failures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If UV light is irradiated onto clear ink to control gloss by adjusting emission timing and levelling time, then gloss control is improved, but the process complexity increases and curing failures may occur
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the chemical composition parameters of the ink by incorporating a specific polymer component with carboxyl groups that reacts with basic pigments. This chemical parameter change enables gloss control through the interaction between the polymer and pigment rather than through complex UV irradiation timing control, thereby reducing process complexity while maintaining manufacturing precision
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces the mechanical/control system of UV light emission timing and levelling time control with a chemical system based on polymer-pigment interaction. The gloss control is achieved through the chemical reaction between the carboxyl-containing polymer and basic pigment, substituting the need for complex irradiation timing mechanisms
2Adaptability or versatility
If spot coating with clear ink is used to provide partial decoration, then gloss selection is improved, but the glossiness control range is limited and texture differs greatly
Solution Approach 1:
The invention applies local quality by incorporating the carboxyl-containing polymer specifically in regions where gloss control is needed. The polymer interacts with basic pigments locally to modify surface properties and gloss characteristics, enabling differentiated gloss control in different areas of the printed material without requiring separate clear ink coating steps
Solution Approach 2:
The invention creates a composite ink system by combining the carboxyl-containing polymer with basic pigments. This composite material approach integrates multiple functions (coloration and gloss control) into a single ink formulation, expanding the glossiness control range while maintaining texture consistency with the original print
3Manufacturing precision
If curing inhibition due to oxygen is used to change gloss by partial curing, then gloss variation is improved, but additional irradiation steps are required increasing process complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The invention enables the ink system to self-regulate gloss properties through the inherent chemical interaction between the carboxyl-containing polymer and basic pigments. The gloss control occurs automatically during the printing and drying process without requiring additional UV irradiation steps or external intervention, thereby maintaining manufacturing precision while improving productivity
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 allows for precise control of gloss variation from glossy to matte tones, ensuring the physical properties of the coated film are achieved without curing failures, enabling the production of printed matter with recognizable and consistent gloss changes.
Implementation Method 1
irradiating applied droplets of an active energy ray curable composition with an active energy ray having an illuminance less than 0.8 times a maximum gloss illuminance
Data Source
AI summary
A method for manufacturing printed matter is provided. The method includes the steps of: irradiating applied droplets of an active energy ray curable composition with an active energy ray having an illuminance less than 0.8 times a maximum gloss illuminance; and applying droplets of the active energy ray curable composition onto the applied droplets irradiated in the irradiating.