Methods, apparatus, and systems for spreading radiation curable gel ink
US8628177B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Aug 1, 2011 |
| Grant date | Jan 14, 2014 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jan 26, 2032 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB41M7/009
- WIPO fieldTextile and paper machines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A radiation curable gel ink spreading system includes a print head for jetting radiation curable gel ink onto a front side of a substrate, a heated re-flow drum for contacting a back side of the substrate to heat the gel ink and cause the ink to re-flow, and at least one radiation source that irradiates the heated ink to reduce or stop re-flow. A re-flow drum temperature, amount of radiation emission per unit time, radiation source location including a substrate wrap angle with respect to the re-flow drum and/or the radiation source, a distance between a re-flow zone start and the radiation source, and a gap distance between the radiation source and the substrate, and a process speed or substrate translation speed are adjustable for achieving desired spreading characteristics.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.