UV Cured Ink Transfer Method for High-Quality Printing
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing offset printing method using inkjet technology requires multiple transfer steps, which complicates the process and can disturb or deteriorate the print image during transfer, necessitating additional cleaning steps and potentially reducing image quality.
Innovation Solution
A printing method involving a UV curable resin-containing ink applied to an elastic transfer medium, where the image is partially cured to enhance adhesion, followed by a UV curable adhesive layer formation and curing, allowing for a single transfer step to a printing target with further curing of the adhesive layer, ensuring strong adhesion and maintaining image quality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If multiple transfer steps are used (from flat original sheet to elastic blanket, then to printing object), then the printing process can be completed, but the process complexity increases and additional cleaning steps are required
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts and eliminates the intermediate elastic blanket from the printing process. By using a flat original sheet that directly contacts the printing object, the patent removes the need for transferring the image to an intermediate carrier and back, thereby simplifying the overall process structure while maintaining printing functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The flat original sheet serves multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as both the substrate for ink application and the direct contact surface for transferring the printed image to the printing object. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate elastic blanket and cleaning mechanisms, reducing process complexity
2Ease of manufacture
If multiple transfer steps are used with pressing for transfer, then the image can be transferred to the printing object, but the print image is disturbed and deteriorated during transfer
Solution Approach 1:
By removing the intermediate elastic blanket, the invention eliminates the multiple pressing and releasing cycles that cause image disturbance. The direct contact method allows the image to be transferred in a single step without repeated mechanical stress, preserving image quality
Solution Approach 2:
The ink is applied and dried on the flat original sheet before the transfer step. This preliminary formation and drying of the image layer ensures that the image is stable and resistant to disturbance during the subsequent single transfer operation, maintaining manufacturing precision
3Productivity
If the flat original sheet and elastic blanket are cleaned after each transfer, then the printing process can continue, but the process complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
By eliminating the elastic blanket and its associated transfer mechanism, the invention removes the need for cleaning the blanket after each transfer. The flat original sheet requires minimal cleaning since it serves as both substrate and transfer surface, significantly reducing cleaning process complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The flat original sheet is designed to be easily replaceable and maintainable. Its simple flat structure allows for quick cleaning or replacement without complex mechanisms, enabling printing continuity while minimizing the complexity of maintenance operations
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 method enables the production of high-quality print images in a simplified process by preventing image disturbance during transfer and ensuring the image quality is maintained under pressure, with reduced printing time and easier handling of irregularly shaped targets.
Implementation Method 1
a first curing step of UV irradiating and curing the image layer
Implementation Method 2
a second curing step of UV irradiating and curing the adhesive layer
Implementation Method 3
a third curing step of UV irradiating and further curing the adhesive layer through the transfer medium and image layer from the side of the transfer medium
Data Source
Figure 1~1E
Figure 2~4
Figure 5
AI summary
The invention is intended to produce a high-quality print image in a simple fashion. As a solution, there is provided a printing method for transferring an applied ink on a transfer medium 1 to a printing target 5. The method includes a first applying step of forming an image layer 2 on the transfer medium 1; a first curing step of curing the image layer 2; a second applying step of forming an adhesive layer 4 on the image layer 2; a second curing step of curing the adhesive layer 4 to such an extent as to maintain the adhesiveness of the adhesive layer 4; a transfer step of transferring the image layer 2 to the printing target 15; and a third curing step of further curing the adhesive layer 4.