Water-Based Edge Inks for Digital Printing with Primer Adhesion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing edge printing technologies for furniture, such as rotogravure, face challenges with multiple cylinders, limited speed, and environmental hazards from traditional inks, while digital inks face adhesion issues and long drying times.
Innovation Solution
A process involving a primer with polyurethane polymer, fixative agent, and additives, and ink with pigments, wetting agents, and biocides, applied via digital piezoelectric inkjet printing, ensuring high adhesion and fast drying.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional UV inks are used for digital printing on furniture edges, then good adhesion is achieved, but environmental harm increases due to hazardous materials
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical composition parameters of the ink from traditional UV-based hazardous materials to water-based non-UV formulations. This parameter change maintains the functional requirements (adhesion, drying performance) while eliminating the harmful environmental factors associated with traditional UV inks
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs disposable or biodegradable water-based ink formulations that eliminate the need for persistent UV-curing chemistry. The water-based system allows for easier disposal and reduced environmental persistence compared to traditional UV inks, aligning with the principle of using temporary or biodegradable materials
2Object-affected harmful factors
If non-UV inks are used for digital printing, then environmental impact is reduced, but print adhesion problems occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a primer as an intermediary substance between the substrate and the water-based ink. This primer layer mediates the interaction, providing a surface that enhances adhesion for the non-UV ink while maintaining the environmental benefits of water-based formulation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a composite system combining water-based ink with specific additives and potentially a primer layer. This composite formulation integrates multiple components to achieve the desired adhesion properties while maintaining the environmentally friendly water-based foundation
3Object-affected harmful factors
If non-UV inks are used for digital printing, then environmental impact is reduced, but drying times become too long
Solution Approach 1:
The patent modifies the chemical parameters of the water-based ink formulation by incorporating drying agents and adjusting the water-solvent balance. These parameter changes accelerate the drying process while maintaining the environmentally friendly water-based composition
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts or removes excessive water content from the ink formulation while maintaining the water-based foundation. By optimizing the solvent composition and removing excess water, the drying time is reduced without compromising the environmental benefits
4Manufacturing precision
If rotogravure printing is used for edge printing, then production speed is limited and device complexity increases, but manufacturing precision is maintained
Solution Approach 1:
The patent adopts digital printing technology that creates printed images through digital data rather than physical cylinder engravings. This copying approach eliminates the need for maintaining a stock of physical cylinders while preserving print quality through digital precision and flexibility
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a universal digital printing system that can handle multiple colors and designs through a single device using a fixed set of inks. This multi-functional approach replaces the need for separate cylinders for each color and design, reducing device complexity while maintaining manufacturing precision
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 process achieves high-quality, durable prints with improved adhesion and reduced environmental impact, using water-based inks suitable for furniture edges, meeting stringent safety and performance standards.
Implementation Method 1
the digital printing is piezoelectric inkjet printing
Implementation Method 2
the ink comprises at least one wetting agent
Implementation Method 3
said at least one primer comprises at least one polyurethane polymer in aqueous dispersion
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a process for printing on a substrate, comprising at least one step of applying at least one primer to at least one portion of the substrate and at least one step of applying at least one ink to said at least one portion of the substrate. Furthermore, the invention relates to a substrate obtained/obtainable with said process.