Water-Based Ink Label Layers for Preserved Design Appearance
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The formation of a second printed base layer using water-based ink on a first printed base layer in existing plastic labels can impair the design appearance, and there is a need to improve this while reducing environmental impact.
Innovation Solution
A label design with a base material having a first and second surface, where a first indication and first printed base layer are on one surface, and a second printed base layer with a larger area than the first, both using water-based ink, with the second indication on the second printed base layer, and optionally a third layer for protection, all formed through flexographic printing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If water-based ink is used for printing the second printed base layer on the first printed base layer, then environmental load is reduced by suppressing VOC generation, but the design appearance of the label is impaired
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by making the second printed base layer extend beyond the boundaries of the first printed base layer. This localized extension ensures that the water-based ink layer provides sufficient coverage and shielding for the second indication without compromising the overall design appearance, while still achieving the environmental benefit of using water-based ink throughout the labeling system.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent resolves the contradiction by transitioning from a two-dimensional overlay approach to a three-dimensional layered structure where the second printed base layer extends beyond the first in the planar dimension. This dimensional extension ensures proper shielding and coverage while maintaining design integrity, allowing the water-based ink system to function effectively without impairing appearance.
2Quantity of substance
If the second printed base layer has the same area as the first printed base layer, then material usage is optimized, but the shielding effect is insufficient and design appearance is impaired
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by strategically extending the second printed base layer beyond the first printed base layer only where necessary to achieve adequate shielding effect. This localized extension ensures that the water-based ink provides sufficient coverage for the second indication while minimizing unnecessary material usage, balancing both quantity and reliability requirements.
3Shape
If oil-based ink is used for printing, then design appearance is maintained, but environmental load increases due to VOC generation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by systematically replacing oil-based ink with water-based ink across all printed base layers. This parameter change in the ink composition is accompanied by adjustments in layer area and configuration to ensure that the shielding effect and design appearance are maintained despite the change in ink type, thereby reducing VOC generation while preserving aesthetic quality.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
To provide a label and a method for manufacturing the label that can help prevent the design of the appearance of the label from being impaired. A label (10) includes a first indication (2) which is a water-based-ink printed layer on at least one of a first surface (1a) and a second surface (1b) of the base material (1), a first printed base layer (3) which is a water-based-ink printed layer on the first surface (1a) of the base material (1), a second printed base layer (4) which is a water-based-ink printed layer on the first printed base layer (3), and a second indication (5) which is a water-based-ink printed layer on the second printed base layer (4). The first printed base layer (3) is in contact with the second printed base layer (4), and an area of the second printed base layer (4) is larger than an area of the first printed base layer (3) in a plan view from the first surface (1a) side or the second surface (1b) side of the base material (1).