Water-Based Ink Head Clogging and Abrasion Resistance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Ink jet recording methods face challenges with head clogging and inadequate abrasion resistance when using water-based inks on non-absorbing or low-absorbing recording media, due to poor drying properties and resin particle aggregation, which complicates the removal of adhered resin from the recording head.
Innovation Solution
A water-based ink composition with a limited content of organic solvents having a standard boiling point of 280° C. or more (0.5% by mass or less) is used, combined with a contact angle of 30° or less between the ink and the head's surface material, and a surfactant with an HLB value of 8 to 16, to enhance peeling properties and prevent resin aggregation, thereby improving drying efficiency and abrasion resistance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a high boiling point solvent is added to the ink composition to improve head clogging resistance, then the clogging resistance is improved, but the drying property on the recording medium deteriorates and image quality decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical composition parameters of the ink by incorporating specific surfactants (silicone-based or fluorine-based) and controlling the content of high boiling point solvents to 0.5% by mass or less. This parameter optimization allows the ink to achieve both good drying properties and head clogging resistance without compromising image quality
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a composite ink composition containing multiple components: water, pigment, ink-soluble resin, surfactant (silicone-based or fluorine-based), and controlled amounts of high boiling point solvent. This composite formulation synergistically improves both drying performance and anti-clogging properties while maintaining image quality
2Strength
If resin is added to the water-based ink composition to improve abrasion resistance, then the abrasion resistance is improved, but the resin particles aggregate and adhere to the head wall surface causing head clogging
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces surfactants (silicone-based or fluorine-based) as intermediary substances that mediate between the resin particles and the head wall surface. These surfactants reduce the adhesion of resin to the head, preventing clogging while allowing the resin to maintain its abrasion-resistant function on the recorded image
Solution Approach 2:
The patent optimizes the concentration parameters of resin and surfactant in the ink composition. By controlling the resin content and using appropriate surfactant concentrations, the ink achieves sufficient abrasion resistance without excessive resin aggregation that would lead to head clogging
3Manufacturing precision
If the content of organic solvent with high boiling point is reduced to improve drying property, then the drying property and abrasion resistance are improved, but the head clogging resistance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent precisely controls the parameter of high boiling point solvent content to 0.5% by mass or less, and compensates by optimizing surfactant concentration and resin content. This parameter adjustment maintains drying performance and abrasion resistance while preventing head clogging through the balanced formulation
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 effectively suppresses head clogging and enhances the abrasion resistance of the recorded image by ensuring easy removal of adhered resin and improved ink spreading on the recording medium.
Implementation Method 1
a water-based ink composition where a content of an organic solvent having a standard boiling point of 280° C. or more is 0.5% by mass or less from a head nozzle and attaching the ink composition to a recording medium, in which the contact angle between at least a part of the surface of the member in contact with the water-based ink composition
Implementation Method 2
the contact angle between at least a part of the surface of the member in contact with the water-based ink composition in the members in the head and the water-based ink composition is 30° or less
Implementation Method 3
ejecting a water-based ink composition where a content of an organic solvent having a standard boiling point of 280° C. or more is 0.5% by mass or less from a head nozzle and attaching the ink composition to a recording medium
Data Source
AI summary
An ink jet recording method according to the present embodiment includes ejecting a water-based ink composition where a content of an organic solvent having a standard boiling point of 280° C. or more is 0.5% by mass or less from a head nozzle and attaching the water-based ink composition to a recording medium, in which a contact angle between at least a part of the surface of the member in contact with the water-based ink composition in the members in the head and the water-based ink composition is 30° or less, and the surface of the member in contact with the water-based ink composition is formed of a material having an SP value of 9 or less.