Radiation-Curable Ink Composition for Overlap Print Transfer

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Solution Overview

Problem

The transfer of pigment between overlapping adhesive media during the application of radiation-curable ink compositions results in reduced optical density and potential damage to the print, known as glue-interaction.

Innovation Solution

A radiation-curable ink composition comprising a gellant formed by a condensation product of specific reactants, an amine acrylate oligomer derived from 2-aminoethanol and diacrylate, and additional components like a colorant, inhibitor, and solvent, which reduces pigment transfer and enhances curing efficiency.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Area of stationary object

If multiple adhesive media are applied in a partially overlapping way to cover large objects, then the image can be applied to objects exceeding the size of a single intermediate medium, but pigment transfer occurs between overlapping media causing reduced optical density and potential print damage

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecoverage areaVSAvoidpigment transfer
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent modifies the chemical composition parameters of the radiation-curable ink by incorporating specific gelling agents (polyols with 2-6 hydroxyl groups per molecule) and amine acrylate oligomers. These parameter changes alter the ink's rheological properties and curing characteristics, preventing pigment transfer while maintaining coverage area capabilities

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses a composite ink formulation combining multiple components: radiation-curable monomers, gelling agents, amine acrylate oligomers, pigments, and additives. This composite material approach allows the ink to exhibit both good flow properties for coverage and enhanced curing to prevent pigment transfer during the overlapping media application process

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

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 ink composition significantly decreases glue-interaction, resulting in improved print quality and durability by preventing pigment transfer and ensuring robust image formation.

Implementation Method 1

the gellant being a condensation product of a first reactant and a second reactant

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCondensation reaction: Chemical Bonding

Implementation Method 2

A radiation-curable ink composition comprising at least a radiation-curable medium

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPhotopolymerization: Photopolymerisation

Implementation Method 3

an amine acrylate oligomer, the amine acrylate oligomer being a reaction product between 2-aminoethanol and a diacrylate

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAddition polymerization: Chemical Bonding

Data Source

PatentEP3918012B1Method for printing
Publication Date: 2026.04.08 CANON PRODN PRINTING HLDG BV
  • EP3918012B1 patent drawingFigure 1A~1B

AI summary

The present invention relates to a method for printing on an adhesive medium. The present invention further relates to a printed product. In addition, the present invention relates to a method for applying an image onto an object. The present invention also relates to a radiation-curable ink composition.