Ultraviolet Heating of Thermoplastic Print Agent
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Solution Overview
Problem
In print operations involving thermoplastic resin-based print agents, existing heating methods often cause thermal degradation of temperature-sensitive substrates, and there is a need for a power-efficient method to melt thermoplastic resin without damaging the substrate.
Innovation Solution
The method involves applying a fluid print agent with thermoplastic resin to a surface and using ultraviolet radiation to heat the print agent to at least 70°C, allowing the thermoplastic resin to melt and fuse, while minimizing direct heating of the substrate, thereby avoiding thermal degradation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If hot air drying or infrared irradiation is used to heat the print agent, then the thermoplastic resin melts and fuses, but the substrate experiences thermal degradation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies selective heating by making the print agent itself absorbive to the radiation, creating a localized heating effect only where the print agent is present. This allows the print agent to reach melting temperature while the substrate remains below degradation temperature, as the energy is absorbed locally by the print agent rather than heating the entire substrate surface
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an absorbive component (such as carbon black or other pigments) as an intermediary that mediates the energy transfer from the radiation source to the print agent. This intermediary absorbs the radiation energy and converts it to thermal energy within the print agent, preventing direct thermal transfer to the substrate and enabling selective heating
2Manufacturing precision
If conventional heating methods are used to melt thermoplastic resin, then the print agent fuses properly, but energy consumption is high
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces conventional thermal conduction heating (mechanical/thermal field) with radiant heating using electromagnetic radiation. This substitution allows for more efficient energy transfer directly to the print agent through absorption, reducing energy loss to the surrounding environment and substrate, thereby achieving proper fusion with lower overall energy consumption
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the heating method parameter from contact-based thermal conduction to radiation-based heating. By selecting appropriate radiation wavelengths that match the absorption characteristics of the print agent's absorbive component, the system achieves efficient energy coupling and rapid heating with reduced energy requirements compared to conventional methods
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 provides power-efficient heating and drying of the print agent, allowing the thermoplastic resin to fuse without significant substrate heating, thus preserving the substrate's integrity and reducing energy consumption.
Implementation Method 1
irradiating the print agent with ultraviolet radiation to heat the print agent to a temperature of at least 70° C. to melt the thermoplastic resin
Data Source
AI summary
A method is disclosed. The method may comprise applying a coating of electrically charged fluid print agent to a developer surface, the fluid print agent comprising particles of thermoplastic resin in a carrier fluid. The method may further comprise controlling migration of fluid print agent from the developer surface to form an image from fluid print agent on a first surface. The method may further comprise irradiating the print agent on the first surface with ultraviolet radiation to heat the print agent to a temperature of at least 70° C. to melt the thermoplastic resin. A print system and a heating unit are also disclosed.