UV Inkjet Nozzle Width Adjustment for Gloss Banding
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Solution Overview
Problem
High-speed printing with UV inkjet printers results in gloss banding due to uneven ink leveling between forward and backward paths, compromising image quality despite increased productivity from higher ink discharge amounts.
Innovation Solution
A liquid discharge apparatus with multiple print modes that adjust nozzle width and discharge amount based on print speed, using a determiner to select modes that optimize nozzle configuration for either high productivity or high image quality, thereby minimizing gloss banding.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the ink discharge amount is increased to achieve high-speed printing, then productivity is improved, but gloss banding occurs due to uneven ink leveling between forward and backward paths
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the nozzle width and discharge amount adjustable based on printing conditions. The liquid discharge apparatus switches between different print modes (first print mode with wider nozzle and larger discharge amount for high speed, second print mode with narrower nozzle and smaller discharge amount for high quality) depending on the required productivity and image quality levels, allowing the system to adapt dynamically to different operational requirements
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes physical parameters (nozzle width and discharge amount) to resolve the contradiction. By adjusting these parameters between two distinct modes, the system can achieve either high productivity or high image quality depending on the printing task, preventing gloss banding when high quality is required while enabling high-speed printing when productivity is prioritized
2Productivity
If a plurality of heads is arranged inside the carriage to increase ink discharge amount, then high-speed printing is enabled, but UV curing time becomes insufficient leading to gloss banding
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the discharge amount based on the print mode selected. When operating in high-speed mode with multiple heads, the system uses a larger discharge amount optimized for the increased curing capacity, while in high-quality mode it reduces the discharge amount to allow sufficient UV curing time, thus maintaining reliable and uniform UV curing across different operating conditions
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements periodic action through alternating between two distinct print modes. The system switches between the first print mode (optimized for speed with larger discharge) and the second print mode (optimized for quality with smaller discharge and sufficient curing time), allowing it to cycle through different operational states depending on the printing requirements
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 solution enables both high productivity and high image quality by adjusting nozzle configuration and discharge amounts, effectively reducing gloss banding and maintaining white concealing properties.
Implementation Method 1
an ultraviolet (UV) inkjet printer uses a UV ink that is cured by being irradiated with ultraviolet light (hereinafter, referred to as UV light)
Data Source
AI summary
A liquid discharge method for a liquid discharge apparatus having a plurality of print modes includes determining and changing. The determining determines the print modes by a determiner. The changing changes, based on the print mode determined by the determiner, a use nozzle width and a discharge amount of a spot color head in a line feed direction such that a print mode having a low print speed has a narrower nozzle width and a larger discharge amount than a print mode having a high print speed by a controller.