White Toner Gloss Control via Fixing Temperature
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrophotographic technologies face challenges in producing high gloss and low gloss images using a single white toner, as they require multiple toner grades and complex processes, limiting their application in achieving desired gloss levels.
Innovation Solution
A white toner formulation with specific temperature ranges for gloss control, incorporating two binder resins and a tri-or more valent metal salt, which allows for the production of both high gloss and low gloss images by adjusting the fixing temperature, without the need for multiple toner grades.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If multiple toner grades are used to produce different gloss images, then image quality is improved, but device complexity and process complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The white toner is designed to perform multiple functions by producing both high gloss and low gloss images using the same toner formulation. The toner includes specific binder resins and metal salts that enable gloss control through temperature adjustment during fixing, eliminating the need for multiple toner grades and simplifying the imaging process
2Manufacturing precision
If multiple toner grades are used to produce different gloss images, then image quality is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The white toner enables users to obtain both high gloss and low gloss images with a single toner formulation by simply adjusting the fixing temperature. This eliminates the need for users to exchange toners or change imaging conditions, significantly improving ease of operation while maintaining image quality
3Adaptability or versatility
If fixing temperature is adjusted to control gloss, then versatility is improved, but manufacturing precision may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The invention controls gloss by changing the fixing temperature parameter. The white toner is formulated with specific binder resins and metal salts that respond predictably to temperature changes, allowing gloss control while maintaining stable image quality across different fixing temperatures
4Ease of operation
If a single white toner is used for both high gloss and low gloss images, then ease of operation is improved, but the ability to meet diverse gloss requirements deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The white toner achieves different gloss levels by changing the fixing temperature parameter. The toner formulation includes binder resins and metal salts that enable predictable gloss control across a range of temperatures, providing versatility while maintaining ease of operation
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
Enables the stable production of high gloss and low gloss images by controlling the fixing temperature within the toner's sufficient fixable temperature range, improving image quality and simplifying the process by eliminating the need for multiple toner grades.
Implementation Method 1
a first temperature range not less than 25°C in which 60° glossiness is 10 or less between a fixable minimum temperature and a fixable maximum temperature; and a second temperature range not less than 25°C in which 60° glossiness is from 30 to 60
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A~2B
Figure 3
AI summary
A white toner has a first temperature range not less than 25°C in which 60° glossiness is 10 or less between a fixable minimum temperature and a fixable maximum temperature thereof. The white toner has a second temperature range not less than 25°C in which 60° glossiness is from 30 to 60 therebetween.