UV Gel Ink Overcoating for Textured Print Finishes
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current printing technologies, such as thermographic printing and xerographic systems, are cumbersome and costly due to their hardware-intensive processes, high labor demands, and inability to add texture to pre-existing rendered prints effectively.
Innovation Solution
A modular marking subsystem that uses a full-width array scanner and UV curable gel ink to overcoat rendered images, allowing for the addition of texture to pre-existing prints through a modular and efficient process that includes image detection, registration, and UV curing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Shape
If thermographic printing is used to create a raised textured surface, then texture is added to the print, but the process becomes cumbersome and hardware-intensive requiring numerous operational steps and multiple machines
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple separate operations (printing, texturing, curing) into a single integrated electrophotographic printing system. The printing apparatus performs all functions inline, eliminating the need for multiple machines and operational steps required by traditional thermographic printing processes.
Solution Approach 2:
The electrophotographic printing system is designed to perform multiple functions through a single apparatus: it can print images, apply clear toner for texturing, and cure the toner all in one process. This multi-functional approach reduces hardware requirements and simplifies the overall printing workflow.
2Shape
If thermographic printing is used to add texture, then a raised textured surface is achieved, but operational costs and labor demands increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
By integrating texturing and printing operations into a single inline process, the system eliminates the need for separate texturing machines and multiple operational steps. This consolidation reduces hardware costs, labor requirements, and operational expenses while maintaining the ability to produce textured surfaces.
3Shape
If clear toner is applied in xerographic printers to add texture, then texture is added to the print, but the system cannot effectively add texture to pre-existing rendered prints
Solution Approach 1:
The system includes a scanning device that scans the pre-existing rendered print before the printing operation. This preliminary scanning allows the system to detect the existing image and plan the texturing operation accordingly, enabling accurate overlay of clear toner to create texture that aligns with the existing print content.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses scan data from the pre-existing print as feedback to control the subsequent printing and texturing operations. The controller uses this information to determine where to apply clear toner and how much to apply, ensuring the texture enhances rather than obscures the original image.
4Shape
If multiple machines and operational steps are used in thermographic printing, then texture is achieved, but productivity decreases and run costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple sequential operations into a single inline electrophotographic printing process. The apparatus performs printing, clear toner application, and curing in one continuous operation, eliminating the time losses and handling required when using multiple separate machines. This significantly improves productivity while maintaining textured surface output.
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
Enables the efficient and cost-effective addition of texture to rendered prints, reducing operational complexity and costs while providing a high-quality, tactilely discernible finish.
Implementation Method 1
A modular marking subsystem that uses a full-width array scanner and UV curable gel ink to overcoat rendered images
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus and process overcoats a rendered image on a substrate with a liquid material. The apparatus includes a scanning device and a marking module aligned with the scanning device. The scanning device is used to scan the substrate including the rendered image to acquire scan data. A movable transport member moves the scanned substrate including the rendered image to a location underneath the marking subsystem. A controller uses registration and image data, generated from the scan data, to overcoat the rendered image on the substrate.