Varnish Coverage Gradient to Reduce Handling Marks
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Solution Overview
Problem
In printing processes, the application of transparent or translucent varnishes on substrates can result in marks from substrate moving apparatus, such as suction cups, before the varnish is fully dry, leading to aesthetic issues.
Innovation Solution
A method involving identifying contact areas where the substrate moving apparatus will interact, defining a boundary area between these areas and the remaining substrate, and printing a varnish at a higher coverage in the remaining area and a lower coverage in the contact area, with a gradual reduction across the boundary area to ensure quicker drying and minimize marks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a transparent or translucent varnish is applied to the substrate, then the visual effect and protection are improved, but marks from substrate moving apparatus appear on the substrate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies a preliminary action by reducing the varnish coverage in the contact area before the substrate moving apparatus makes contact. This preventive measure ensures that even if marks occur, they will be on areas with reduced varnish coverage, minimizing their visibility and aesthetic impact.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements local quality by creating different varnish coverage levels in different areas of the substrate. The contact area has reduced varnish coverage compared to the non-contact area, allowing the substrate to be handled without significant visible marks while maintaining aesthetic appearance in the main visual areas.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the varnish coverage is reduced in the contact area, then the visibility of marks is reduced, but the coverage uniformity is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent deliberately creates local quality variations in varnish coverage, with different coverage levels in contact areas versus non-contact areas. This intentional non-uniformity is designed to minimize visible marks while maintaining overall aesthetic appearance, resolving the contradiction between mark visibility and coverage uniformity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the substrate surface into different zones: contact areas where the substrate moving apparatus will make contact, and non-contact areas. By applying different varnish coverage levels to these segmented zones, the patent optimizes both mark visibility and overall appearance.
3Productivity
If the substrate is moved quickly after printing, then the productivity is improved, but the varnish may not be fully dry leading to marks
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-reducing varnish coverage in contact areas before the substrate is moved. This allows the substrate to be handled at higher speeds without incurring significant marks, as the reduced varnish coverage in contact zones minimizes the harm of premature handling.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the varnish coverage parameter spatially across the substrate surface. By varying the coverage level depending on the location (contact vs. non-contact areas), the patent enables faster substrate handling while maintaining aesthetic quality, effectively resolving the productivity-quality trade-off.
Data Source
AI summary
In an example, a method includes identifying a contact area of a substrate within which an apparatus will make contact with the substrate and defining a boundary area of the substrate between the contact area and a remaining area of the substrate. Print agent may be printed on the substrate, wherein the print agent is printed at a first coverage in the remaining area, a second coverage less than the first coverage in the contact area; and a gradually reducing coverage across the boundary area from the first to the second coverage.