Methods and systems for ink-based digital printing with multi-component, multi-functional fountain solution
US8919252B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Aug 31, 2012 |
| Grant date | Dec 30, 2014 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Feb 7, 2033 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB41N3/08
- WIPO fieldTextile and paper machines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
An Ink-based digital printing system comprises an external fluid applicator for applying multi-component, multi-functional fountain solution to a surface of an imaging plate. The plate is image wise exposed using a high power laser to remove primary components of the fountain solution from select regions of the plate according to digital image data, leaving a layer of the secondary components at said select regions. The plate is then inked with ink useful in printing. The ink adheres to the select regions from which the primary components have been removed to form an ink image. The ink image is transferred at an image transfer step wherein the secondary components enable efficient transfer of the ink to a medium with reduced image quality defects. The multi-component fountain solution comprises primary components that reject or repel ink, and secondary components that function as a release agent.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.