Water-Based Label Layering for Shielded Print Appearance
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Solution Overview
Problem
The formation of a second printed base layer using a water-based ink on a first printed base layer in existing plastic labels impairs the design appearance, and there is a need to reduce environmental impact by using water-based inks instead of oil-based inks.
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 indication and second printed base layer are on the other surface, with the second printed base layer covering a larger area than the first and containing a curing agent, and the second indication not containing a curing agent, to prevent visual recognition and maintain design integrity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If water-based ink is used instead of oil-based ink for environmental reasons, then environmental impact is reduced, but the design appearance of the label is impaired
Solution Approach 1:
The label is divided into multiple layers including a base material layer, first printed base layer, second printed base layer, and indication layers. Each layer serves a specific function: the printed base layers provide shielding to protect the design appearance, while the indication layers carry the actual label information. This segmentation allows water-based inks to be used throughout without compromising either environmental goals or design quality.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the label have different properties: the printed base layers are designed to be opaque or translucent for shielding purposes, while the indication layers are designed to be visible and legible. The second printed base layer specifically has an area larger than the first to provide enhanced shielding coverage. This local differentiation of properties allows the label to simultaneously achieve environmental sustainability and design integrity.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If a second printed base layer is formed by flexographic printing with water-based ink on the first printed base layer, then environmental impact is reduced, but the design appearance is impaired
Solution Approach 1:
The first printed base layer is formed first to establish a protective shielding layer. Then the second printed base layer is formed on top of it with a larger area to provide additional shielding coverage. This preliminary action of creating the first base layer ensures that subsequent printing operations do not compromise the design appearance, as the first layer already provides the necessary protection.
Solution Approach 2:
The label uses a composite structure combining multiple printed base layers with different areas and properties. The first printed base layer and second printed base layer are both made with water-based inks but have different area configurations. This composite approach allows the label to achieve both environmental sustainability through water-based inks and design integrity through the layered composite structure that provides effective shielding.
Data Source
AI summary
A label includes a first printed base layer which is a water-based-ink printed layer on the first surface of the base material and a second printed base layer which is a water-based-ink printed layer on the first printed base layer. The first printed base layer is in contact with the second printed base layer, and an area of the second printed base layer is larger than an area of the first printed base layer in a plan view from the first surface side or the second surface side of the base material.