UV Inkjet Print Head Array for Gloss Banding Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Digital UV inkjet printers face the issue of gloss banding or tire tracking due to liquid-to-liquid interaction during ink deposition, which limits print speed and image quality, especially in high-resolution applications.
Innovation Solution
The arrangement of print heads in a longer array, where nozzles are positioned end-to-end rather than side-by-side, reduces ink density per square inch by applying ink over a larger distance, minimizing liquid-to-liquid interaction and thus reducing gloss banding artifacts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If multiple print heads are arrayed side-by-side to increase throughput and resolution, then print speed and resolution are improved, but gloss banding artifacts increase due to higher ink density and liquid-to-liquid interaction
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a two-dimensional side-by-side array of print heads to a one-dimensional end-to-end linear array. This dimensional reconfiguration spreads the same number of nozzles over a longer path, reducing ink density per unit area and eliminating the gloss banding artifacts caused by liquid-to-liquid interaction while maintaining the same throughput and resolution capabilities
2Productivity
If ink is applied densely to achieve compact image formation and high throughput, then productivity is improved, but gloss banding artifacts occur due to liquid-to-liquid interaction before curing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the spatial distribution parameter of ink application by rearranging print heads end-to-end instead of side-by-side. This parameter change reduces the ink density (ink volume per unit area) while maintaining the same total ink volume and throughput, thereby eliminating the liquid-to-liquid interaction that causes gloss banding artifacts
3Manufacturing precision
If the number of nozzles per color is increased to achieve higher resolution, then manufacturing precision is improved, but ink density increases leading to gloss banding
Solution Approach 1:
The patent resolves the contradiction between high resolution and low ink density by extending the print head array in the direction of substrate travel (end-to-end configuration) rather than across the substrate width (side-by-side). This allows high nozzle count for high resolution while spreading ink over a longer distance, maintaining low ink density and preventing gloss banding
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 maintains throughput while significantly reducing gloss banding and tire tracking, improving overall print quality and allowing for higher resolution without compromising speed.
Implementation Method 1
UV curable ink jet printing that improves the output quality of a printer by minimizing or eliminating a print artifact referred to as gloss banding or tire tracking. In the state of the art, as more ink is applied in a pass, there is liquid-to-liquid interaction before the substrate goes under a pinning lamp or a curing lamp
Data Source
AI summary
Improved output quality of a printer used in UV curable ink jet printing is achieved by minimizing or eliminating a print artifact referred to as gloss banding or tire tracking. A same or a similar number of nozzles as used in conventional printers is used to achieve a desired throughput, but the nozzles are arranged so that any given square inch of substrate to which ink is being applied receives a lower amount of ink. A longer effective print head is provided by arranging the print heads into a longer array, where the print heads are butted substantially end-to-end. As a result, the net throughput of the printer is the same as that of a conventional printer because the printer uses the same number of print heads, but the amount of ink that is applied to any given square inch is less on a pass.