Electrophotographic ink, liquid toner producing methods, and digital printing methods

An ink contains dispersed particles, individually including at least one thermoplastic first resin exhibiting a MFI less than or equal to 100, at least one thermoplastic second resin exhibiting a MFI greater than 100, and a white pigment. A liquid toner producing method includes forming a paste containing the resins, combining the paste with a white pigment, and after corn-biasing the paste and pigment, applying a shear force, encapsulating the pigment, and dispersing the encapsulated pigment. A digital printing method includes providing a liquid marking agent containing charged particles dispersed in a carrier liquid, individual particles including at least one thermoplastic first resin and at least one thermoplastic second resin encapsulating a white pigment, and printing a hard image on a substrate. At least a portion of the image has a white color.

Metallic lep inks and associated methods

The present disclosure provides metallic LEP inks and associated methods. In one example, a method of manufacturing a metallic LEP ink having reduced impurities can comprising adding a metallic pigment slurry and a resin to a stainless steel attritor, adding ceramic grinding beads to the attritor, and grinding the metallic pigment and the resin to form the metallic LEP ink.

Digital printing process

A printing process is disclosed which comprises directing droplets of an ink onto an intermediate transfer member to form an ink image, the ink including an organic polymeric resin and a coloring agent in an aqueous carrier, and the transfer member having a hydrophobic outer surface so that each ink droplet in the ink image spreads on impinging upon the intermediate transfer member to form an ink film. The ink is dried while the ink image is being transported by the intermediate transfer member by evaporating the aqueous carrier from the ink image to leave a residue film of resin and coloring agent. The residue film is then transferred to a substrate. The chemical compositions of the ink and of the surface of the intermediate transfer member are selected such that attractive intermolecular forces between molecules in the outer skin of each droplet and on the surface of the intermediate transfer member counteract the tendency of the ink film produced by each droplet to bead under the action of the surface tension of the aqueous carrier, without causing each droplet to spread by wetting the surface of the intermediate transfer member.

Digital printing process

A printing process is disclosed which comprises directing droplets of an ink onto an intermediate transfer member to form an ink image, the ink including an organic polymeric resin and a coloring agent in an aqueous carrier, and the transfer member having a hydrophobic outer surface so that each ink droplet in the ink image spreads on impinging upon the intermediate transfer member to form an ink film. The ink is dried while the ink image is being transported by the intermediate transfer member by evaporating the aqueous carrier from the ink image to leave a residue film of resin and coloring agent. The residue film is then transferred to a substrate. The chemical compositions of the ink and of the surface of the intermediate transfer member are selected such that attractive intermolecular forces between molecules in the outer skin of each droplet and on the surface of the intermediate transfer member counteract the tendency of the ink film produced by each droplet to bead under the action of the surface tension of the aqueous carrier, without causing each droplet to spread by wetting the surface of the intermediate transfer member.

INK FILM CONSTRUCTIONS

An ink film construction including: (a) a first printing substrate selected from the group consisting of an uncoated fibrous printing substrate, a commodity coated fibrous printing substrate, and a plastic printing substrate; and (b) an ink dot set contained within a square geometric projection projecting on the first printing substrate, the ink dot set containing at least 10 distinct ink dots, fixedly adhered to a surface of the first printing substrate, all the ink dots within the square geometric projection being counted as individual members of the set, each of the ink dots containing at least one colorant dispersed in an organic polymeric resin, each of the dots having an average thickness of less than 2,000 nm, and a diameter of 5 to 300 micrometers; each ink dot of the ink dots having a generally convex shape in which a deviation from convexity, (DC), is defined by: DC=1−AA/CSA, AA being a calculated projected area of the dot, the area disposed generally parallel to the first fibrous printing substrate; and CSA being a surface area of a convex shape that minimally bounds a contour of the projected area; wherein a mean deviation from convexity (DC) of the ink dot set is at most 0.05. 1. An ink film construction comprising:(a) a first printing substrate selected from the group consisting of an uncoated fibrous printing substrate, a commodity coated fibrous printing substrate, and a plastic printing substrate; and [{'sub': 'dot', 'claim-text': {'br': None, 'i': DC', 'AA/CSA,, 'sub': 'dot', '=1−'}, 'each ink dot of said ink dots having a generally convex shape in which a deviation from convexity, (DC), is defined by, 'AA being a calculated projected area of said dot, said area disposed generally parallel to said first fibrous printing substrate; and', 'CSA being a surface area of a convex shape that minimally bounds a contour of said projected area;, '(b) an ink dot set contained within a square geometric projection projecting on said first printing substrate, ...

INKJET INK FORMULATIONS

There are provided aqueous inkjet ink formulations comprising a solvent containing water and optionally a co-solvent, a water soluble or water dispersible polymeric resin and a colorant. The disclosed formulations are suitable for ink jet printing systems, and more particularly for indirect printing systems using an intermediate transfer member. 1. A water-based inkjet ink formulation comprising:(a) a solvent containing water and, optionally, a co-solvent, said water constituting at least 8 wt. % of the formulation;(b) at least one colorant dispersed or at least partly dissolved within said solvent, said colorant constituting at least 1 wt. % of the formulation; and(c) an organic polymeric resin, which is dispersed or at least partially dissolved within said solvent, the resin constituting 6 to 40 wt. % of the formulation, wherein the average molecular weight of said resin is at least 8,000,the ink formulation having at least one of (i) a viscosity of 2 to 25 cP at at least one temperature in the range of 20-60° C. and (ii) a surface tension of not more than 50 milliNewton/m at at least one temperature in the range of 20-60° C.;and wherein at least one of the following two statements is true:{'sup': 6', '8', '7, '(1) the ink is such that, when substantially dried, (a) at at least one temperature in the range of 90° C. to 195° C., the dried ink has a first dynamic viscosity in the range of 1,000,000 (1×10) cP to 300,000,000 (3×10) cP, and (b) at at least one temperature in the range of 50° C. to 85° C., the dried ink has a second dynamic viscosity of at least 80,000,000 (8×10) cP, wherein the second dynamic viscosity exceeds the first dynamic viscosity; and'}(2) the weight ratio of the resin to the colorant is at least 1:1.2. The inkjet ink formulation according to claim 1 , wherein the ink is such that claim 1 , when substantially dried claim 1 , (a) at at least one temperature in the range of 90° C. to 195° C. claim 1 , the dried ink has a first dynamic viscosity ...

INK FORMULATIONS AND FILM CONSTRUCTIONS THEREOF

Ink formulations suitable for deposition upon the intermediate transfer member of an indirect printing system and for transfer therefrom to a substrate. The inks are aqueous inkjet inks comprising an organic polymeric resin and a colorant. Ink film constructions including a plurality of continuous ink films fixedly adhered to the printing substrate that can be obtained with these inks are also disclosed. The inks and the printed constructions are such that the ink films and the dried inks composing them have a first dynamic viscosity within a range of 10cP to 5·10cP at at least a first temperature within a first range of 60° C. to 87.5° C., and a second dynamic viscosity of at least 6·10cP, for at least a second temperature within a second range of 50° C. to 55° C. 121-. (canceled)22. A water-based ink formulation comprising:(a) a solvent containing water;(b) at least one colorant dispersed or at least partly dissolved within the solvent; and(c) at least one organic polymeric resin, dispersed within the solvent; and{'sub': 'g', '(d) a softening agent selected to reduce a glass transition temperature (T) of said polymeric resin, the ink formulation forming, when dried, a substantially dry ink residue having{'sup': 6', '8, '(i) a first dynamic viscosity within a range of 10cP to 3·10cP over at least part of a first temperature range of 60° C. to 110° C.; and'}{'sup': '7', '(ii) a second dynamic viscosity of at least 6·10cP, over at least a part of a second temperature range of 50° C. to 55° C.;'}said second dynamic viscosity at 55° C. exceeding the first dynamic viscosity at 85° C.;said softening agent having a pure vapor pressure of at most 0.40 kPa at 150° C.;{'sub': 'g', 'at least one particular resin of said organic polymeric resin having an elevated glass transition temperature (T) of at least 56° C.'}wherein said softening agent is selected and/or added in an amount to reduce said elevated glass transition temperature by at least 5° C.;and wherein a weight ratio ...

Treatment of release layer

There is provided a method for treating a hydrophobic release layer of an intermediate transfer member for use in a printing process in which a negatively charged aqueous inkjet ink including a polymeric resin and a colorant is jetted onto said layer, the claimed method comprising contacting the release layer, prior to jetting the ink, with an aqueous solution or dispersion of a positively charged polymeric chemical agent reducing the tendency of a jetted ink droplet to bead up on the intermediate transfer member. Other embodiments, such as hydrophobic release layers having such chemical agents disposed thereupon and printed ink images comprising the same, are also described.

INK FILM CONSTRUCTIONS

An ink film construction comprising: (a) a printing substrate; and (b) at least one ink film, fixedly adhered to a top surface of the printing substrate, the ink film having an upper film surface distal to the top surface of the substrate, wherein a surface concentration of nitrogen at the upper film surface exceeds a bulk concentration of nitrogen within the film, the bulk concentration measured at a depth of at least 30 nanometers below the upper film surface, and wherein a ratio of the surface concentration to the bulk concentration is at least 1.1 to 1. 1. An ink film construction comprising:(a) a printing substrate; and(b) at least one ink film, fixedly adhered to a top surface of said printing substrate, said ink film having an upper film surface distal to said top surface of said substrate, wherein a surface concentration of nitrogen at said upper film surface exceeds a bulk concentration of nitrogen within said film, said bulk concentration measured at a depth of at least 30 nanometers below said upper film surface,and wherein a ratio of said surface concentration to said bulk concentration is at least 1.1 to 1.2. The ink film construction of claim 1 , said ratio being at least 1.2:1 claim 1 , at least 1.3:1 claim 1 , at least 1.5:1 claim 1 , at least 1.75:1 claim 1 , at least 2:1 claim 1 , at least 3:1 claim 1 , or at least 5:1.3. The ink film construction of claim 1 , wherein an atomic surface concentration ratio of nitrogen to carbon (N/C) at said upper film surface to an atomic bulk concentration ratio of nitrogen to carbon (N/C) at said depth claim 1 , is at least 1.1:1 claim 1 , at least 1.2:1 claim 1 , at least 1.3:1 claim 1 , at least 1.5:1 claim 1 , at least 1.75:1 claim 1 , or at least 2:1.4. The ink film construction of claim 1 , said ink film containing at least one colorant dispersed in an organic polymeric resin.5. The ink film construction of claim 1 , wherein at least one of the following is true: (a) a surface concentration of secondary ...

INK FORMULATIONS AND FILM CONSTRUCTIONS THEREOF

Ink formulations suitable for deposition upon the intermediate transfer member of an indirect printing system and for transfer therefrom to a substrate. The inks are aqueous inkjet inks comprising an organic polymeric resin and a colorant. Ink film constructions including a plurality of continuous ink films fixedly adhered to the printing substrate that can be obtained with these inks are also disclosed. The inks and the printed constructions are such that the ink films and the dried inks composing them have a first dynamic viscosity within a range of 10cP to 5·10cP at at least a first temperature within a first range of 60° C. to 87.5° C., and a second dynamic viscosity of at least 6·10cP, for at least a second temperature within a second range of 50° C. to 55° C. 121-. (canceled)22. A method of indirect printing comprising: (i) a solvent containing water;', '(ii) at least one colorant dispersed or at least partly dissolved within the solvent;', '(iii) at least one organic polymeric resin, dispersed within the solvent; and', {'sub': 'g', '(iv) a softening agent selected to reduce a glass transition temperature (T) Of said polymeric resin,'}], 'a. providing a water-based ink formulation comprisingwherein the ink formulation provides all of a first feature, a second feature, a third features, a fourth feature, and a fifth feature and feature, said first through fifth features being defined below;b. directing droplets of the ink formulation onto an intermediate transfer member (ITM) having a hydrophobic outer surface so as to form an ink image thereon;c. subjecting the ink image, on the hydrophobic outer surface of the ITM, to a heating-and-drying process so as to obtain an ink film;d. subjecting the ITM outer surface to pressurized contact with substrate so as to transfer the ink film thereto, i. according to the first feature, the ink formulation is either devoid of inorganic filler particles or has an inorganic filler particle concentration of less than 0.1 wt. ...

Digital printing process

A printing process is disclosed which comprises directing droplets of an ink onto an intermediate transfer member to form an ink image, the ink including an organic polymeric resin and a coloring agent in an aqueous carrier, and the transfer member having a hydrophobic outer surface so that each ink droplet in the ink image spreads on impinging upon the intermediate transfer member to form an ink film. The ink is dried while the ink image is being transported by the intermediate transfer member by evaporating the aqueous carrier from the ink image to leave a residue film of resin and coloring agent. The residue film is then transferred to a substrate. The chemical compositions of the ink and of the surface of the intermediate transfer member are selected such that attractive intermolecular forces between molecules in the outer skin of each droplet and on the surface of the intermediate transfer member counteract the tendency of the ink film produced by each droplet to bead under the action of the surface tension of the aqueous carrier, without causing each droplet to spread by wetting the surface of the intermediate transfer member.

INK FILM CONSTRUCTIONS

An ink film construction including: (a) a printing substrate; and (b) a plurality of continuous ink films, fixedly adhered to a surface of the printing substrate, the ink films containing at least one colorant dispersed in an organic polymeric resin; the ink films having a first dynamic viscosity within a range of 10cP to 3·10cP for at least a first temperature within a first range of 90° C. to 195° C., the ink films having a second dynamic viscosity of at least 8·10cP, for at least a second temperature within a second range of 50° C. to 85° C. 1. An ink film construction comprising:(a) a printing substrate; and(b) a plurality of continuous ink films, fixedly adhered to a surface of said printing substrate, said ink films containing at least one colorant dispersed in an organic polymeric resin;{'sup': 6', '8, 'said ink films having a first dynamic viscosity within a range of 10cP to 3·10cP for at least a first temperature within a first range of 90° C. to 195° C.,'}{'sup': '7', 'said ink films having a second dynamic viscosity of at least 8·10cP, for at least a second temperature within a second range of 50° C. to 85° C.;'}said ink films fulfilling at least one of the following structural properties:{'sup': '8', '(i) said second dynamic viscosity is at least 3·10cP;'}(ii) as temperature is decreased from 160° C., viscosity of said ink films monotonically increases; and(iii) an average single ink-film thickness of said ink films is at most 1,600 nm.2. The ink film construction of claim 1 , said first dynamic viscosity being at most 25·10cP claim 1 , at most 20·10cP claim 1 , at most 15·10cP claim 1 , at most 12·10cP claim 1 , at most 10·10cP claim 1 , at most 9·10cP claim 1 , at most 8·10cP claim 1 , or at most 7·10cP.3. The ink film construction of claim 1 , said first dynamic viscosity being within a range of 10cP to 2.5·10cP claim 1 , 10cP to 2.0·10cP claim 1 , 10cP to 10cP claim 1 , 3·10cP to 10cP claim 1 , 5·10cP to 3·10cP claim 1 , 5·10cP to 3·10cP claim 1 , 8· ...

Digital Printing Process

A printing system is disclosed which includes a plurality of rollers configured to support and move a loop-shaped, flexible intermediate transfer member of at least 10 meters in length along a printing system path. The printing system further includes an image forming station configured to form an image on a portion of the intermediate transfer member, and an impression station configured to enable substantial transfer of the deposited image to a substrate. The printing system also includes at least one high-speed motor associated with the plurality of rollers and configured to move the loop-shaped flexible intermediate transfer member at a speed of at least about one meter per second. Moreover, the printing system includes guiding channels configured for exerting a lateral tensioning force on the loop-shaped intermediate transfer member as it is received within the guiding channels and circulates at the speed of at least about one meter per second. 1. A printing system , comprising:a plurality of rollers configured to support and move a loop-shaped, flexible intermediate transfer member of at least 10 meters in length along a printing system path;an image forming station configured to retain a plurality of print heads opposite a region of the flexible intermediate transfer member and configured to enable deposit of ink droplets to form an image on a portion of the flexible intermediate transfer member;an impression station spaced from the image forming station configured to enable substantial transfer of the deposited image to a substrate;at least one high-speed motor associated with the plurality of rollers and configured to move the loop-shaped flexible intermediate transfer member of at least 10 meters in length at a speed of at least about one meter per second; andguiding channels located on opposing sides of the printing system path and configured for exerting a lateral tensioning force on the loop-shaped flexible intermediate transfer member as the ...

INK FILM CONSTRUCTIONS

An ink film construction comprising: (a) a printing substrate; and (b) at least one ink film, fixedly adhered to a top surface of the printing substrate, the ink film having an upper film surface distal to the top surface of the substrate, wherein a surface concentration of nitrogen at the upper film surface exceeds a bulk concentration of nitrogen within the film, the bulk concentration measured at a depth of at least 30 nanometers below the upper film surface, and wherein a ratio of the surface concentration to the bulk concentration is at least 1.1 to 1. 1111-. (canceled)112. A printing system for printing upon fibrous substrate , the fibrous substrate selected from the group consisting of an uncoated fibrous printing substrate and a commodity coated fibrous printing substrate , the printing system comprising:a. an intermediate transfer member (ITM) having a silicone release layer;b. a quantity of a water-based ink formulation comprising (i) a solvent containing water and, optionally, a co-solvent, said water constituting at least 8 wt. % of the formulation; (ii) at least one colorant dispersed or at least partly dissolved within said solvent, said colorant constituting at least 1 wt. % of the formulation; and (iii) an organic polymeric resin having an average molecular weight of at least 8,000 which is dispersed or at least partially dissolved within said solvent, the resin constituting 6 to 40 wt. % of the formulation, the ink formulation providing at least one of a first ink-formulation feature and a second ink-formulation feature,c. ink-jet printing heads configured to deposit liquid droplets of the water-based ink formulation onto the ITM release layer; and i. according to the first ink-dot-construction feature, each ink dot of the plurality is fixedly adhered to a top substrate surface of the fibrous printing substrate;', 'ii. according to the second ink-dot-construction feature, each ink dot of the plurality contains at least one colorant dispersed in an ...

DIGITAL PRINTING PROCESS

A printing system and method are provided. The printing system includes an image forming station for temporarily deposit an image on an intermediate transfer member when the intermediate transfer member in the image forming station is in a first temperature range. The system further includes a drying station configured to increase a temperature of the intermediate transfer member from a first temperature in the first temperature range to a second temperature in a second temperature range, the second temperature being substantially higher than the first temperature. The system further includes an impression station configured to transfer the temporarily deposited image from the intermediate transfer member onto a substrate when the intermediate transfer member in the impression station is in the second temperature range. The system further includes a cooling station for retaining a coolant configured to revert the intermediate transfer member to a temperature in the first temperature. 1. (canceled)2. A printing system configured to employ a moving intermediate transfer member comprising a seam that forms a loop , the system comprising:an image forming station for retaining a plurality of print heads configured to temporarily deposit at least one image on the intermediate transfer member;at least one impression station with at least one impression cylinder spaced from the image forming station and configured to transfer the at least one temporarily deposited image from the intermediate transfer member onto at least one substrate;at least one sensor configured to track a location of the seam of the intermediate transfer member; andat least one processor configured to control an operation of the printing system based on data from the at least one sensor to avoid at least one of: depositing one of the at least one image on the seam and flattening the seam against the at least one substrate by the at least one impression cylinder.3. The printing system of claim 2 , ...

RELEASE LAYER TREATMENT FORMULATIONS

There is disclosed a formulation for use with an intermediate transfer member of an indirect printing system, including: (a) a carrier liquid: (b) a positively chargeable polymeric chemical agent having amine functional groups; and (c) a resolubilizing agent selected to improve resolubilization of said chemical agent. Method of use thereof is also provided. 1. A formulation for use with an intermediate transfer member of a printing system , the formulation comprising:(a) a carrier liquid;(b) a positively chargeable polymeric chemical agent selected from the group consisting of polyethylene imine (PEΓ), a cationic guar or guar-based polymer and a cationic methacrylamide or methacrylamide-based polymer; and(c) a resolubilizing agent selected to improve resolubilization of said chemical agent;said polymeric chemical agent and said resolubilizing agent disposed within said carrier liquid;said polymeric chemical agent having an average molecular weight of at least 10,000 and a positive charge density of at least 0.1 meq/g;said resolubilizing agent having, in a pure state and at 90° C., a vapor pressure of less than 0.5 kPa;and wherein a weight ratio of said resolubilizing agent to said polymeric chemical agent, within the formulation, is at least 1:10.2. The formulation of claim 1 , said resolubilizing agent having a hydrogen-bonding functional group.3. The formulation of claim 2 , wherein a functional group density of said hydrogen-bonding functional group within said resolubilizing agent is at least 0.25 meq/g.4. The formulation of claim 1 , said resolubilizing agent having at least one functional group selected from the group consisting of a hydroxyl group claim 1 , an amine group claim 1 , an ether group claim 1 , a sulfonate group claim 1 , and combinations thereof.5. The formulation of claim 1 , said resolubilizing agent being selected from the group consisting of diols claim 1 , triols claim 1 , polyols claim 1 , alcohols claim 1 , sugars and modified sugars claim ...

IMPROVED AQUEOUS PIGMENT DISPERSIONS

There are disclosed aqueous pigment dispersions containing dispersant-improving-agents, and methods of preparing and using the same. 2. (canceled)3. The aqueous dispersion of claim 1 , wherein said pigment core particles constitute 2 wt. % to 60 wt. % of the aqueous dispersion claim 1 , or wherein the dispersant-laden particles constitute 2.5 wt. % to 75 wt. % of the aqueous dispersion.4. The aqueous dispersion of claim 1 , wherein said median size (D) of at least one of (i) the particulate population and (ii) said pigment core particles is within a range of 20 nm to 250 nm.56-. (canceled)7. The aqueous dispersion of claim 1 , wherein at least one of said standard CMC and said pH dependent CMC is within a range of 0.2 mM/l to 400 mM/l.8. (canceled)9. The aqueous dispersion of claim 1 , wherein said D-HLB number is within a range of 10 to 45.10. (cancelled)11. The aqueous dispersion of claim 1 , wherein said G-HLB number is within a range of 3.8 to 20.12. The aqueous dispersion of claim 1 , wherein a weight ratio of said salt to said dispersant is within a range of 0.05:1 to 0.60:1.13. The aqueous dispersion of claim 1 , wherein a zeta potential of said pigment core particles claim 1 , said dispersant claim 1 , and said salt is at most 15 eV.14. (canceled)15. The aqueous dispersion of claim 1 , wherein said salt of said substituted fatty acid is a sulfonate or a sulfate.16. The aqueous dispersion of claim 1 , wherein said cation of the salt is a monovalent cation selected from the group consisting of ammonium and an alkali metal.17. The aqueous dispersion of claim 1 , wherein said hydrophobic carbon chain is selected from the group consisting of dioctyl sodium sulfosuccinate claim 1 , stearate claim 1 , oleate claim 1 , palmitate claim 1 , myristate claim 1 , hexadecane sulfonate claim 1 , dodecyl sulfate claim 1 , dodecanoate claim 1 , and decanoate.18. (canceled)19. The aqueous dispersion of claim 1 , wherein the dispersant is selected from the group of dispersants ...

INK FORMULATIONS AND FILM CONSTRUCTIONS THEREOF

Ink formulations suitable for deposition upon the intermediate transfer member of an indirect printing system and for transfer therefrom to a substrate. The inks are aqueous inkjet inks comprising an organic polymeric resin and a colorant. Ink film constructions including a plurality of continuous ink films fixedly adhered to the printing substrate that can be obtained with these inks are also disclosed. The inks and the printed constructions are such that the ink films and the dried inks composing them have a first dynamic viscosity within a range of 10cP to 5·10cP at at least a first temperature within a first range of 60° C. to 87.5° C., and a second dynamic viscosity of at least 6·10cP, for at least a second temperature within a second range of 50° C. to 55° C. 1. A water-based ink formulation comprising:(a) a solvent containing water;(b) at least one colorant dispersed or at least partly dissolved within the solvent; and(c) at least one organic polymeric resin, dispersed within the solvent; and{'sub': 'g', '(d) a softening agent selected to reduce a glass transition temperature (T) of said polymeric resin,'}the ink formulation forming, when dried, a substantially dry ink residue having:{'sup': 6', '8, '(i) a first dynamic viscosity within a range of 10cP to 3·10cP over at least part of a first temperature range of 60° C. to 110° C.; and'}{'sup': '7', '(ii) a second dynamic viscosity of at least 6·10cP, over at least a part of a second temperature range of 50° C. to 55° C.;'}said second dynamic viscosity at 55° C. exceeding the first dynamic viscosity at 85° C.;said softening agent having a pure vapor pressure of at most 0.40 kPa at 150° C.2. The ink formulation of claim 1 , said softening agent having a vapor pressure of at most 0.35 kPa claim 1 , at most 0.25 kPa claim 1 , at most 0.20 kPa claim 1 , at most 0.15 kPa claim 1 , at most 0.12 kPa claim 1 , at most 0.10 kPa claim 1 , at most 0.08 kPa claim 1 , at most 0.06 kPa claim 1 , or at most 0.05 kPa claim 1 ...

DIGITAL PRINTING PROCESS

Embodiments of the invention relate to a method of indirect printing with an aqueous ink. Related apparatus, systems and treatment formulations are disclosed herein. Some embodiments relate to an aqueous treatment formulation for use with an intermediate transfer member of a printing system. In some embodiments, the system comprises a treatment station disposed downstream of the impression station and upstream of the image forming station for forming a uniform thin layer of a liquid treatment formulation onto a surface of an intermediate transfer member (ITM) at a lower run thereof. 170-. (canceled)71. A printing system comprising:a. an intermediate transfer member (ITM) comprising a flexible endless belt mounted over a plurality of guide rollers;b. an image forming station configured to form ink images upon a surface of the ITM,first and second of the guide rollers being arranged upstream and downstream of the image forming station to define an upper run passing through the image forming station and a lower run;b. an impression station through which the lower run of the ITM passes, the impression station being disposed downstream of the image forming station and configured to transfer the ink images from the ITM surface to substrate; and i. a coater for coating the ITM with the liquid treatment formulation; and', 'ii. a coating thickness-regulation assembly for removing excess liquid so as to leave only the desired uniform thin layer of treatment formulation, the coating thickness-regulation assembly comprising a rounded tip,, 'd. a treatment station disposed downstream of the impression station and upstream of the image forming station for forming a uniform thin layer of a liquid treatment formulation onto the ITM surface at the lower run thereof, the treatment station comprising A. the rounded tip faces, and is disposed below, the ITM surface at the lower run; and', 'B. the ITM surface, at a location facing the rounded tip, is downwardly urged towards the rounded ...

Treatment of release layer and inkjet ink formulations

Aqueous inkjet ink formulations comprising a solvent including water and a co-solvent, a water soluble or water dispersible polymeric resin and a colorant, and a method for facilitating the use of such an aqueous inkjet ink in an indirect printing system in which the ink is jetted onto a hydrophobic release layer of an intermediate transfer member before having the solvent removed therefrom and being transferred to a substrate, wherein prior to the jetting of the ink the release layer is brought into contact with an aqueous solution of a positively charged polymeric chemical agent. Other aspects are also described.

INK FILM CONSTRUCTIONS

An ink film construction comprising: (a) a printing substrate; and (b) at least one ink film, fixedly adhered to a top surface of the printing substrate, the ink film having an upper film surface distal to the top surface of the substrate, wherein a surface concentration of nitrogen at the upper film surface exceeds a bulk concentration of nitrogen within the film, the bulk concentration measured at a depth of at least 30 nanometers below the upper film surface, and wherein a ratio of the surface concentration to the bulk concentration is at least 1.1 to 1. 119-. (canceled)20. An ink film construction comprising:(a) a printing substrate; and(b) at least one ink film, fixedly adhered to a top surface of said printing substrate, said ink film containing at least one colorant dispersed in an organic polymeric resinsaid ink film having an upper film surface distal to said top surface of said substrate,wherein a surface concentration of nitrogen at said upper film surface exceeds a bulk concentration of nitrogen within said film, said bulk concentration measured at a depth of at least 30 nanometers below said upper film surface,and wherein a ratio of said surface concentration to said bulk concentration is at least 1.1 to 1.21111-. (canceled)112. The ink film construction of claim 20 , said ratio being at least 1.2:1 claim 20 , at least 1.3:1 claim 20 , at least 1.5:1 claim 20 , at least 1.75:1 claim 20 , at least 2:1 claim 20 , at least 3:1 claim 20 , or at least 5:1.113. The ink film construction of claim 20 , wherein an atomic surface concentration ratio of nitrogen to carbon (N/C) at said upper film surface to an atomic bulk concentration ratio of nitrogen to carbon (N/C) at said depth claim 20 , is at least 1.1:1 claim 20 , at least 1.2:1 claim 20 , at least 1.3:1 claim 20 , at least 1.5:1 claim 20 , at least 1.75:1 claim 20 , or at least 2:1.114. The ink film construction of claim 20 , said ink film containing at least one colorant dispersed in an organic polymeric ...

INK FILM CONSTRUCTIONS

An ink film construction including: (a) a first printing substrate selected from the group consisting of an uncoated fibrous printing substrate, a commodity coated fibrous printing substrate, and a plastic printing substrate; and (b) an ink dot set contained within a square geometric projection projecting on the first printing substrate, the ink dot set containing at least 10 distinct ink dots, fixedly adhered to a surface of the first printing substrate, all the ink dots within the square geometric projection being counted as individual members of the set, each of the ink dots containing at least one colorant dispersed in an organic polymeric resin, each of the dots having an average thickness of less than 2,000 nm, and a diameter of 5 to 300 micrometers; each ink dot of the ink dots having a generally convex shape in which a deviation from convexity, (DC), is defined by: DC=1−AA/CSA, AA being a calculated projected area of the dot, the area disposed generally parallel to the first fibrous printing substrate; and CSA being a surface area of a convex shape that minimally bounds a contour of the projected area; wherein a mean deviation from convexity (DC) of the ink dot set is at most 0.05. 117-. (canceled)19. The ink film construction of claim 18 , said DCbeing at most 0.04 claim 18 , at most 0.03 claim 18 , at most 0.025 claim 18 , at most 0.022 claim 18 , at most 0.02 claim 18 , at most 0.018 claim 18 , at most 0.017 claim 18 , at most 0.016 claim 18 , at most 0.015 claim 18 , at most 0.014 claim 18 , at most 0.013 claim 18 , at most 0.012 claim 18 , at most 0.011 claim 18 , or at most 0.010 claim 18 , for said uncoated substrate.20. The ink film construction of claim 19 , said DCbeing at least 0.0005 claim 19 , at least 0.001 claim 19 , at least 0.0015 claim 19 , at least 0.002 claim 19 , at least 0.0025 claim 19 , at least 0.003 claim 19 , at least 0.004 claim 19 , at least 0.005 claim 19 , at least 0.006 claim 19 , or at least 0.008 claim 19 , for said uncoated ...

INK FILM CONSTRUCTIONS

An ink film construction comprising: (a) a printing substrate; and (b) at least one ink film, fixedly adhered to a top surface of the printing substrate, the ink film having an upper film surface distal to the top surface of the substrate, wherein a surface concentration of nitrogen at the upper film surface exceeds a bulk concentration of nitrogen within the film, the bulk concentration measured at a depth of at least 30 nanometers below the upper film surface, and wherein a ratio of the surface concentration to the bulk concentration is at least 1.1 to 1. 1. An ink film construction comprising:(a) a printing substrate; and(b) at least one ink film, fixedly adhered to a top surface of said printing substrate, said ink film having an upper film surface distal to said top surface of said substrate, wherein a surface concentration of nitrogen at said upper film surface exceeds a bulk concentration of nitrogen within said film, said bulk concentration measured at a depth of at least 30 nanometers below said upper film surface,and wherein a ratio of said surface concentration to said bulk concentration is at least 1.1 to 1.2. The ink film construction of claim 1 , said ratio being at least 1.2:1 claim 1 , at least 1.3:1 claim 1 , at least 1.5:1 claim 1 , at least 1.75:1 claim 1 , at least 2:1 claim 1 , at least 3:1 claim 1 , or at least 5:1.3. The ink film construction of claim 1 , wherein an atomic surface concentration ratio of nitrogen to carbon (N/C) at said upper film surface to an atomic bulk concentration ratio of nitrogen to carbon (N/C) at said depth claim 1 , is at least 1.1:1 claim 1 , at least 1.2:1 claim 1 , at least 1.3:1 claim 1 , at least 1.5:1 claim 1 , at least 1.75:1 claim 1 , or at least 2:1.4. The ink film construction of claim 1 , said ink film containing at least one colorant dispersed in an organic polymeric resin.5. The ink film construction of claim 1 , wherein a surface concentration of secondary amines at said upper film surface exceeds a ...

TREATMENT OF RELEASE LAYER AND INKJET INK FORMULATIONS

Aqueous inkjet ink formulations comprising a solvent including water and a co-solvent, a water soluble or water dispersible polymeric resin and a colorant, and a method for facilitating the use of such an aqueous inkjet ink in an indirect printing system in which the ink is jetted onto a hydrophobic release layer of an intermediate transfer member before having the solvent removed therefrom and being transferred to a substrate, wherein prior to the jetting of the ink the release layer is brought into contact with an aqueous solution of a positively charged polymeric chemical agent. Other aspects are also described. 12-. (canceled)3. A printing process in which a negatively charged aqueous inkjet ink including a negatively charged polymeric resin and a colorant are jetted onto a hydrophobic release layer of an intermediate transfer , the process comprising; (a) contacting the release layer , prior to jetting the ink , with a solution or dispersion in an aqueous solvent of a chemical agent which reduces the tendency of a jetted ink droplet that spreads on impinging upon the intermediate transfer member to bead under the action of the surface tension of the aqueous carrier of the ink , the chemical agent having a charge density of at least 18 meq/g and a molecular weight of at least 500 and containing at least 1.4 wt. % positively charged nitrogen atoms; (b) removing eh aqueous solvent of the chemical agent; (c) jetting an aqueous inkjet ink image on the release layer having the chemical agent therapon , the aqueous inkjet ink comprising an aqueous solvent , a colorant and a negatively chargeable polymeric resin , the image being formed of a plurality of ink films formed from ink drops , the ratio of charges in each ink films to the charges in the chemical agent in the region covered by said ink film is at least 2:1 , at least 3:1 , at least 4:1 , at least 5:1 , at least 10:1 , at least 20:1 , at least 30:1 , at least 40:1 , at least 50:1 , at least 60:1 , at least 70: ...

DIGITAL PRINTING PROCESS

A printing system and method are provided. The printing system includes an image forming station for temporarily deposit an image on an intermediate transfer member when the intermediate transfer member in the image forming station is in a first temperature range. The system further includes a drying station configured to increase a temperature of the intermediate transfer member from a first temperature in the first temperature range to a second temperature in a second temperature range, the second temperature being substantially higher than the first temperature. The system further includes an impression station configured to transfer the temporarily deposited image from the intermediate transfer member onto a substrate when the intermediate transfer member in the impression station is in the second temperature range. The system further includes a cooling station for retaining a coolant configured to revert the intermediate transfer member to a temperature in the first temperature. 1. A printing system configured to employ a moving intermediate transfer member , the system comprising:an image forming station for retaining a plurality of print heads configured to temporarily deposit an image on the intermediate transfer member when the intermediate transfer member in the image forming station is in a first temperature range;a drying station configured to increase a temperature of the intermediate transfer member from a first temperature in the first temperature range to a second temperature in a second temperature range, the second temperature being substantially higher than the first temperature;an impression station spaced from the image forming station and configured to transfer the temporarily deposited image from the intermediate transfer member onto a substrate when the intermediate transfer member in the impression station is in the second temperature range; anda cooling station for retaining a coolant, spaced from the impression station and from the image ...

NAIL METALLIZATION

Methods, kits and structures are disclosed for providing a desired protective and/or visual effect to natural or artificial nails. One method comprises applying a base coat to at least part of an outer surface of the nail substrate; providing a flexible support having disposed, on a surface thereof, a monolayer of metallic-looking particles of at least one metallic-looking pigment; and transferring the monolayer from the flexible support to an outer surface of the applied base coat, so as to form a coat of metallic looking particles on the nail substrate. 1. A method of providing a metallic appearance to a nail substrate , the method comprising:a) applying a base coat to at least part of an outer surface of the nail substrate;b) providing a flexible support having disposed, on a surface thereof, a monolayer of metallic-looking particles of at least one metallic-looking pigment; andc) transferring the monolayer from the flexible support to an outer surface of the applied base coat, so as to form a coat of metallic-looking particles on the nail substrate.2. The method according to claim 1 , wherein the metallic appearance of the metallic-looking particles transferred from to the base coat has a gloss value of 100 gloss units or more as measured at 20° from normal of said transferred particles.3. The method according to claim 2 , wherein said gloss value is within a range of 100 to 1800 gloss units.4. The method according to claim 1 , wherein said transferring is effected by contacting said monolayer with said outer surface and applying a relative pressure between the flexible support and the nail substrate.5. The method according to claim 1 , wherein said monolayer is disposed on an entirety of said surface of the flexible support or as a predetermined pattern on said surface of the flexible support.6. (canceled)7. The method according to claim 1 , wherein said surface of the flexible support includes a hydrophobic particle receptive surface.8. The method according to ...

DIGITAL PRINTING PROCESS AND SYSTEM

Embodiments of the invention relate to a method of indirect printing with an aqueous ink. In some embodiments, an intermediate transfer member (ITM) comprising a silicone-based release layer surface is employed. For example, the release layer surface satisfies at least one of the following properties: (i) a receding contact angle of a drop of distilled water deposited on the silicone-based release layer surface is at most 60°; and (ii) a 10-second dynamic contact angle (DCA) of a drop of distilled water deposited on the silicone-based release layer surface is at most 108°. Related apparatus, systems and treatment formulations are disclosed herein. 1. A method of printing comprising:a. providing an intermediate transfer member (ITM) comprising a silicone-based release layer surface that is sufficiently hydrophilic to satisfy at least one of the following properties: (i) a receding contact angle of a drop of distilled water deposited on the silicone-based release layer surface is at most 60°; and (ii) a 10-second dynamic contact angle (DCA) of a drop of distilled water deposited on the silicone-based release layer surface is at most 108°; i. at least 1%, by weight, of at least one water soluble polymer having a solubility in water of at least 5% at 25° C.; and', 'ii. a carrier liquid containing water, said water making up at least 50%, by weight of the aqueous treatment formulation;, 'b. providing an aqueous treatment formulation comprisingc. applying the aqueous treatment formulation to the silicone-based release layer surface of the ITM to form thereon a wet treatment layer having a thickness of at most 0.8 μm; i. the drying of the treatment solution is performed sufficiently rapidly to inhibit beading so that the dried hydrophilic treatment film formed therefrom is a cohesive polymer treatment film; and', 'ii. during the drying process of the wet treatment layer, a dynamic viscosity of the wet treatment layer increases by at least a factor of at least 500 within a ...

DIGITAL PRINTING PROCESS

A printing process is disclosed which comprises directing droplets of an ink onto an intermediate transfer member to form an ink image, the ink including an organic polymeric resin and a coloring agent in an aqueous carrier, and the transfer member having a hydrophobic outer surface so that each ink droplet in the ink image spreads on impinging upon the intermediate transfer member to form an ink film. The ink is dried while the ink image is being transported by the intermediate transfer member by evaporating the aqueous carrier from the ink image to leave a residue film of resin and coloring agent. The residue film is then transferred to a substrate. The chemical compositions of the ink and of the surface of the intermediate transfer member are selected such that attractive intermolecular forces between molecules in the outer skin of each droplet and on the surface of the intermediate transfer member counteract the tendency of the ink film produced by each droplet to bead under the action of the surface tension of the aqueous carrier, without causing each droplet to spread by wetting the surface of the intermediate transfer member. 136-. (canceled)37. A printing system comprising:a. an intermediate transfer member (ITM) comprising an endless flexible belt having upper and lower runs, the belt passing over guide and drive rollers;b. an image forming station at which droplets of ink are applied to an outer surface of the ITM to form ink images thereon, the image forming station comprising a plurality of print bars and a plurality of gas-blowers, each gas-blower respectively following a different associated print bar and configured to blow a gas-stream onto the ITM outer surface to only partially dry ink-droplets deposited by the associate print bar; andc. a main drying station disposed both (i) downstream of the image forming station and (ii) above an upper run of the belt, the main drying station for sufficiently drying the ink images to produce therefrom a residue ...

DIGITAL PRINTING PROCESS

An aqueous treatment composition for ITM (Intermediate transfer member) of a printing system and a method of printing comprising the step of applying said treatment composition to the surface of an ITM, wherein said treatment composition comprising: at least 3% wt quaternary ammonium salt, at least 1% wt water soluble polymer, and at least 65% wt water. Also disclosed, a printing system comprising a an ITM and treatment station for forming a thin layer of liquid treatment formulation on the ITM surface. 1. A method of printing comprising:a. providing an intermediate transfer member (ITM) comprising a silicone-based release layer surface that is sufficiently hydrophilic to satisfy at least one of the following properties: (i) a receding contact angle of a drop of distilled water deposited on the silicone-based release layer surface is at most 60°; and (ii) a 10-second dynamic contact angle (DCA) of a drop of distilled water deposited on the silicone-based release layer surface is at most 108°; i. at least 1.5%, by weight, of a quaternary ammonium salt having a solubility in water, at 25° C., of at least 5%;', 'ii. at least 1%, by weight, of at least one water soluble polymer having a solubility in water of at least 5% at 25° C.; and', 'iii. a carrier liquid containing water, said water making up at least 65%, by weight of the aqueous treatment formulation;, 'b. providing an aqueous treatment formulation comprising i. a static surface tension within a range of 20 and 40 dynes/cm at 25° C.;', 'ii. a 25° C. dynamic viscosity that is at least 10 cP; and', 'iii. a 60° C. evaporation load of at most 8:1, by weight;, 'the aqueous treatment formulation having the following propertiesc. applying the aqueous treatment formulation to the silicone-based release layer surface of the ITM to form thereon a wet treatment layer having a thickness of at most 0.8 μm;d. subjecting the wet treatment layer to a drying process to form a dried treatment film, from the wet treatment layer, ...

DIGITAL PRINTING PROCESS

An aqueous treatment composition for ITM (Intermediate transfer member) of a printing system and a method of printing comprising the step of applying said treatment composition to the surface of an ITM, wherein said treatment composition comprising: at least 3% wt quaternary ammonium salt, at least 1% wt water soluble polymer, and at least 65% wt water. Also disclosed, a printing system comprising a an ITM and treatment station for forming a thin layer of liquid treatment formulation on the ITM surface. 170-. (canceled)71. A printing system comprising:a. an intermediate transfer member (ITM) comprising a flexible endless belt mounted over a plurality of guide rollers;b. an image forming station configured to form ink images upon a surface of the ITM,first and second of the guide rollers being arranged upstream and downstream of the image forming station to define an upper run passing through the image forming station and a lower run;b. an impression station through which the lower run of the ITM passes, the impression station being disposed downstream of the image forming station and configured to transfer the ink images from the ITM surface to substrate; and i. a coater for coating the ITM with the liquid treatment formulation; and', 'ii. a coating thickness-regulation assembly for removing excess liquid so as to leave only the desired uniform thin layer of treatment formulation, the coating thickness-regulation assembly comprising a rounded tip facing the ITM surface at the lower run., 'd. a treatment station disposed downstream of the impression station and upstream of the image forming station for forming a uniform thin layer of a liquid treatment formulation onto the ITM surface at the lower run thereof, the treatment station comprising72. The system of claim 71 , wherein the rounded tip is a tip of a doctor blade.73. The system of claim 72 , wherein the doctor blade is oriented normal to the ITM surface.7475-. (canceled)76. The system of claim 71 , wherein the ...

Liquid toner, electrophoretic ink, and methods of making and use

LEP ink includes a carrier and particles dispersed in the carrier. Particles contain polymeric resin and dendritic macromolecule having functional groups. Some dendritic macromolecule functional groups are coupled to some resin functional groups. Other dendritic macromolecule functional groups are not coupled to any component of the resin. Other resin functional groups are not coupled to any component of the dendritic macromolecule. Liquid toner producing methods include forming a paste containing a carrier liquid and a thermoplastic resin having a polymeric backbone and functional groups. The paste is combined with a colorant and an adhesion promoting dendritic macromolecule having functional groups. After combining the paste and dendritic macromolecule, the method includes coupling the dendritic macromolecule functional groups with resin functional groups, encapsulating the colorant in the resin/dendritic macromolecule, and dispersing the encapsulated colorant in the carrier liquid. The dendritic macromolecule increases durability in printed images using the ink or toner.

Ink film constructions.

Una estructura de película de tinta que incluye: (a) un sustrato de impresión; y (b) una pluralidad de películas de tinta continuas, fijamente adheridas a una superficie de dicho sustrato de impresión, dichas películas de tinta contienen al menos un colorante disperso en una resma polimérica orgánica; las películas de tinta tienen una primera viscosidad dinámica dentro de un rango de 106 cP a 3 108 cP para al menos una primera temperatura dentro de un primer rango de 90°C a 195°C, las películas de tinta tienen una segunda viscosidad dinámica de por lo menos 8.107 cP, para al menos una segunda temperatura dentro de un segundo rango de 50°C a 85°C.

Ink formulations and film constructions thereof

Ink formulations suitable for deposition upon the intermediate transfer member of an indirect printing system and for transfer therefrom to a substrate. The inks are aqueous inkjet inks comprising an organic polymeric resin and a colorant. Ink film constructions including a plurality of continuous ink films fixedly adhered to the printing substrate that can be obtained with these inks are also disclosed. The inks and the printed constructions are such that the ink films and the dried inks composing them have a first dynamic viscosity within a range of 106cP to 5·107cP at at least a first temperature within a first range of 60°C to 87.5°C, and a second dynamic viscosity of at least 6·107cP, for at least a second temperature within a second range of 50°C to 55°C.

PRINT ON TRANSPARENT FILM

Digital printing process

An aqueous treatment composition for ITM (Intermediate transfer member) of a printing system and a method of printing comprising the step of applying said treatment composition to the surface of an ITM, wherein said treatment composition comprising: at least 3% wt quaternary ammonium salt, at least 1% wt water soluble polymer, and at least 65% wt water. Also disclosed, a printing system comprising a an ITM and treatment station for forming a thin layer of liquid treatment formulation on the ITM surface.

Image transfer system and liquid toner for use therewith

A printing method comprising: forming a first image utilizing a liquid toner comprising carrier liquid and pigmented polymer particles having a first color; transferring the first image to an intermediate transfer member; forming at least one additional image utilizing a liquid toner comprising at least one carrier liquid and pigmented polymer particles having a second color, different from the first color; transferring the at least one additional image to the intermediate transfer member overlaid on the first image, to form a composite image on the intermediate transfer member; and further transferring the composite image to a further substrate, wherein said polymer particles in said first liquid toner and in at least one of said additional liquid toners have different compositions, aside from colorants, the differences in composition including at least one of different polymers or blends of polymers, different amounts or types of placticizers, different amounts of solvated liquid and different compositions of solvated liquid.

Digital printing process

A printing process is disclosed which comprises directing droplets of an ink onto an intermediate transfer member to form an ink image, the ink including an organic polymeric resin and a coloring agent in an aqueous carrier, and the transfer member having a hydrophobic outer surface so that each ink droplet in the ink image spreads on impinging upon the intermediate transfer member to form an ink film. The ink is dried while the ink image is being transported by the intermediate transfer member by evaporating the aqueous carrier from the ink image to leave a residue film of resin and coloring agent. The residue film is then transferred to a substrate. The chemical compositions of the ink and of the surface of the intermediate transfer member are selected such that attractive intermolecular forces between molecules in the outer skin of each droplet and on the surface of the intermediate transfer member counteract the tendency of the ink film produced by each droplet to bead under the action of the surface tension of the aqueous carrier, without causing each droplet to spread by wetting the surface of the intermediate transfer member.

Digital printing process

A printing process is disclosed which comprises directing droplets of an ink onto an intermediate transfer member to form an ink image, the ink including an organic polymeric resin and a coloring agent in an aqueous carrier, and the transfer member having a hydrophobic outer surface so that each ink droplet in the ink image spreads on impinging upon the intermediate transfer member to form an ink film. The ink is dried while the ink image is being transported by the intermediate transfer member by evaporating the aqueous carrier from the ink image to leave a residue film of resin and coloring agent. The residue film is then transferred to a substrate. The chemical compositions of the ink and of the surface of the intermediate transfer member are selected such that attractive intermolecular forces between molecules in the outer skin of each droplet and on the surface of the intermediate transfer member counteract the tendency of the ink film produced by each droplet to bead under the action of the surface tension of the aqueous carrier, without causing each droplet to spread by wetting the surface of the intermediate transfer member.

Method for security printing

Method for security printing. A digital model of a feature for printing is received, wherein the feature is for authentication by an external device. Deviation from the digital model is compensated for, to a printed instance of the feature.

Improved aqueous pigment dispersions

Digital printing process

A printing process is disclosed which comprises directing droplets of an ink onto an intermediate transfer member to form an ink image, the ink including an organic polymeric resin and a coloring agent in an aqueous carrier, and the transfer member having a hydrophobic outer surface so that each ink droplet in the ink image spreads on impinging upon the intermediate transfer member to form an ink film. The ink is dried while the ink image is being transported by the intermediate transfer member by evaporating the aqueous carrier from the ink image to leave a residue film of resin and coloring agent. The residue film is then transferred to a substrate. The chemical compositions of the ink and of the surface of the intermediate transfer member are selected such that attractive intermolecular forces between molecules in the outer skin of each droplet and on the surface of the intermediate transfer member counteract the tendency of the ink film produced by each droplet to bead under the action of the surface tension of the aqueous carrier, without causing each droplet to spread by wetting the surface of the intermediate transfer member.

Digital printing process

A printing process is disclosed which comprises directing droplets of an ink onto an intermediate transfer member to form an ink image, the ink including an organic polymeric resin and a coloring agent in an aqueous carrier, and the transfer member having a hydrophobic outer surface so that each ink droplet in the ink image spreads on impinging upon the intermediate transfer member to form an ink film. The ink is dried while the ink image is being transported by the intermediate transfer member by evaporating the aqueous carrier from the ink image to leave a residue film of resin and coloring agent. The residue film is then transferred to a substrate. The chemical compositions of the ink and of the surface of the intermediate transfer member are selected such that attractive intermolecular forces between molecules in the outer skin of each droplet and on the surface of the intermediate transfer member counteract the tendency of the ink film produced by each droplet to bead under the action of the surface tension of the aqueous carrier, without causing each droplet to spread by wetting the surface of the intermediate transfer member.

Ink film constructions

An ink film construction comprising: (a) a printing substrate; and (b) at least one ink film, fixedly adhered to a top surface of the printing substrate, the ink film having an upper film surface distal to the top surface of the substrate, wherein a surface concentration of nitrogen at the upper film surface exceeds a bulk concentration of nitrogen within the film, the bulk concentration measured at a depth of at least 30 nanometers below the upper film surface, and wherein a ratio of the surface concentration to the bulk concentration is at least 1.1 to 1.

PRINT ON TRANSPARENT FILM

Aqueous pigment dispersions

There are disclosed aqueous pigment dispersions containing dispersant-improving-agents, and methods of preparing and using the same.

Digital printing process

An aqueous treatment composition for ITM (Intermediate transfer member) of a printing system and a method of printing comprising the step of applying said treatment composition to the surface of an ITM, wherein said treatment composition comprising : at least 3% wt quaternary ammonium salt, at least l%wt water soluble polymer, and at least 65%wt water. Also disclosed, a printing system comprising a an ITM and treatment station for forming a thin layer of liquid treatment formulation on the ITM surface.

Multi-colored images viewable under non-visible radiation

A set of colorants for printing a multi-colored image when viewed under non-visible radiation outside of the visible spectrum can include a first colorant and a second colorant. The first colorant can be capable of absorbing non-visible radiation and shifting the wavelength of the non-visible radiation to a visible wavelength, thus producing a visible color. Likewise, the second colorant can be capable of absorbing the non-visible radiation and shifting the wavelength to a second visible wavelength, thus producing a different visible color.

Printing on transparent film

Ink film constructions

An ink film construction including: (a) a printing substrate; and (b) a plurality of continuous ink films, fixedly adhered to a surface of the printing substrate, the ink films containing at least one colorant dispersed in an organic polymeric resin; the ink films having a first dynamic viscosity within a range of 106cP to 3108cP for at least a first temperature within a first range of 90°C to 195°C, the ink films having a second dynamic viscosity of at least 8107cP, for at least a second temperature within a second range of 50°C to 85°C.

Ink film constructions

An ink film construction including: (a) a first printing substrate selected from the group consisting of an uncoated fibrous printing substrate, a commodity coated fibrous printing substrate, and a plastic printing substrate; and (b) an ink dot set contained within a square geometric projection projecting on the first printing substrate, the ink dot set containing at least 10 distinct ink dots, fixedly adhered to a surface of the first printing substrate, all the ink dots within the square geometric projection being counted as individual members of the set, each of the ink dots containing at least one colorant dispersed in an organic polymeric resin, each of the dots having an average thickness of less than 2,000nm, and a diameter of 5 to 300 micrometers; each ink dot of the ink dots having a generally convex shape in which a deviation from convexity, (DCdot), is defined by: DCdot = 1 - AA/CSA, AA being a calculated projected area of the dot, the area disposed generally parallel to the first fibrous printing substrate; and CSA being a surface area of a convex shape that minimally bounds a contour of the projected area; wherein a mean deviation from convexity (DCdot mean) of the ink dot set is at most 0.05.

Toner particles

A printing process for forming high contrast color images on polymer surfaces, comprising: (a) forming a layer of substantially opaque liquid toner comprising polymer based toner particles and a carrier liquid, on an imaging surface; (b) transferring the layer to an intermediate transfer member; (c) heating the layer on the intermediate transfer member to a temperature at which the toner particles at least partially coalesce; (d) repeating (a) to (c) sequentially for at least one subsequent layer in at least one color, said at least one subsequent layer being transferred to the intermediate transfer member onto the opaque layer to form multiple layers on the intermediate transfer member; and (e) transferring the multiple layers to a polymer surface.

Digital printing process

Embodiments of the invention relate to a method of indirect printing with an aqueous ink. Related apparatus, systems and treatment formulations are disclosed herein. Some embodiments relate to an aqueous treatment formulation for use with an intermediate transfer member of a printing system. In some embodiments, the system comprises a treatment station disposed downstream of the impression station and upstream of the image forming station for forming a uniform thin layer of a liquid treatment formulation onto a surface of an intermediate transfer member (ITM) at a lower run thereof.

Ink film constructions

The invention provides an ink film construction comprising: (a)a first printing substrate selected from the group consisting of an uncoated fibrous printing substrate and a commodity coated fibrous printing substrate; and (b)an ink film having an ink dot set contained within a square geometric projection projecting on said first printing substrate, said ink dot set containing at least 10 distinct ink dots, fixedly adhered to a surface of said first printing substrate, all said ink dots within said square geometric projection being counted as individual members of said set, each of said ink dots containing at least one colorant dispersed in an organic polymeric resin, each of said dots having a diameter of 5 to 300 micrometers; each ink dot of said ink dots having a generally convex shape in which a deviation from convexity, (DCdot), is defined by: DCdot = 1 - AA/CSA, AA being a calculated projected area of said dot, said area disposed generally parallel to said first fibrous printing substrate; and CSA being a surface area of a convex shape that minimally bounds a contour of said projected area; each ink dot of said ink dots fulfilling a structural condition wherein, with respect to a direction normal to the surface over all of said calculated projected area, the ink dot is disposed entirely above said calculated projected area; wherein a mean deviation from convexity (DCdot mean) of said ink dot set is at most 0.05.

Ink Film Constructions

Una construcción de película de tinta que comprende: (a) un primer sustrato de impresión seleccionado del grupo que consiste en un sustrato de impresión fibroso no revestido, un sustrato de impresión fibroso revestido de forma básica y un sustrato de impresión de plástico; y (b) un conjunto de puntos de tinta contenido dentro de una proyección geométrica cuadrada que se proyecta sobre dicho primer sustrato de impresión, conteniendo dicho conjunto de puntos de tinta al menos 10 puntos de tinta distintos, adheridos de forma fija a una superficie de dicho primer sustrato de impresión, contándose todos de dichos puntos de tinta dentro de dicha proyección geométrica cuadrada como miembros individuales de dicho conjunto, conteniendo cada uno de dichos puntos de tinta al menos un colorante dispersado en una resina polimérica orgánica, en donde una razón en peso de dicha resina polimérica a dicho colorante dentro de dichos puntos de tinta es al menos 1,5:1 y en donde dicha resina polimérica tiene una temperatura de transición vítrea (Tg) por debajo de 47ºC, teniendo cada uno de dichos puntos un espesor promedio de 100 a 1.200 nm y un diámetro de 5 a 300 micrómetros; teniendo cada punto de tinta de dichos puntos de tinta una forma generalmente convexa en la cual una desviación de la convexidad (DCpunto), se define por: DCpunto = 1 - AA/CSA, siendo AA un área proyectada calculada de dicho punto, estando dispuesta dicha área generalmente paralela a dicho primer sustrato de impresión fibroso; y siendo CSA un área superficial de una forma convexa que limita mínimamente un contorno de dicha área proyectada; en donde una desviación media de la convexidad (DCpunto media) de dicho conjunto de puntos de tinta es como máximo 0,05. An ink film construction comprising: (a) a first printing substrate selected from the group consisting of an uncoated fibrous printing substrate, a base coated fibrous printing substrate, and a plastic printing substrate; and (b) a set of ink dots contained ...

Improved aqueous pigment dispersions

There are disclosed aqueous pigment dispersions containing dispersant-improving- agents, and methods of preparing and using the same.

Digital printing process

Embodiments of the invention relate to a method of indirect printing with an aqueous ink. Related apparatus, systems and treatment formulations are disclosed herein. Some embodiments relate to an aqueous treatment formulation for use with an intermediate transfer member of a printing system. In some embodiments, the system comprises a treatment station disposed downstream of the impression station and upstream of the image forming station for forming a uniform thin layer of a liquid treatment formulation onto a surface of an intermediate transfer member (ITM) at a lower run thereof.

Ink film constructions

An ink film construction comprising: (a) a printing substrate; and (b) at least one ink film, fixedly adhered to a top surface of the printing substrate, the ink film having an upper film surface distal to the top surface of the substrate, wherein a surface concentration of nitrogen at the upper film surface exceeds a bulk concentration of nitrogen within the film, the bulk concentration measured at a depth of at least 30 nanometers below the upper film surface, and wherein a ratio of the surface concentration to the bulk concentration is at least 1.1 to 1.

Ink formulations and film constructions thereof

Ink formulations suitable for deposition upon the intermediate transfer member of an indirect printing system and for transfer therefrom to a substrate. The inks are aqueous inkjet inks comprising an organic polymeric resin and a colorant. Ink film constructions including a plurality of continuous ink films fixedly adhered to the printing substrate that can be obtained with these inks are also disclosed. The inks and the printed constructions are such that the ink films and the dried inks composing them have a first dynamic viscosity within a range of 106 cP to 5·107 cP at at least a first temperature within a first range of 60° C. to 87.5° C., and a second dynamic viscosity of at least 6·107 cP, for at least a second temperature within a second range of 50° C. to 55° C.

Treatment of release layer

There is provided a method for treating a hydrophobic release layer of an intermediate transfer member for use in a printing process in which a negatively charged aqueous inkjet ink including a polymeric resin and a colorant is jetted onto said layer, the claimed method comprising contacting the release layer, prior to jetting the ink, with an aqueous solution or dispersion of a positively charged polymeric chemical agent reducing the tendency of a jetted ink droplet to bead up on the intermediate transfer member. Other embodiments, such as hydrophobic release layers having such chemical agents disposed thereupon and printed ink images comprising the same, are also described.

剥離層の処理

【課題】中間転写部材の疎水性剥離層処理に適する組成物を提供する。【解決手段】印刷プロセスで使用する中間転写部材の疎水性剥離層を処理する方法であって、ポリマー樹脂および色素を含む負に帯電した水性インクジェットインクが前記層に吐出され、インクの吐出前に、吐出したインク小滴が中間転写部材に凝集する傾向を減少させる正に帯電したポリマー化学薬剤の水溶液または分散液と剥離層を接触させる工程を含むクレームの方法が提供される。他の実施形態、例えばその上に配置されたそのような化学薬剤を有する疎水性剥離層、およびそれを含む印刷インク画像も記載される。【選択図】図５

Electrophotographic ink, liquid toner producing methods, and digital printing methods

An ink contains dispersed particles, individually including at least one thermoplastic first resin exhibiting a MFI less than or equal to 100, at least one thermoplastic second resin exhibiting a MFI greater than 100, and a white pigment. A liquid toner producing method includes forming a paste containing the resins, combining the paste with a white pigment, and after combining the paste and pigment, applying a shear force, encapsulating the pigment, and dispersing the encapsulated pigment. A digital printing method includes providing a liquid marking agent containing charged particles dispersed in a carrier liquid, individual particles including at least one thermoplastic first resin and at least one thermoplastic second resin encapsulating a white pigment, and printing a hard image on a substrate. At least a portion of the image has a white color.

Bilddruck mit selektivem glanz und toner dafür

Compositions comprising biodegradable polymers

Disclosed are compositions comprising macroparticles of swelled polymer matrix, the macroparticles comprising a thermoplastic biodegradable polymer swelled with at least one non-aqueous polar swelling agent, the macroparticles further comprising a plurality of pigment particles dispersed and embedded therein. The pigment particles may provide a color and/or a radiation protective effect to the composition. Methods of preparation and uses of such compositions are also provided.

Digital printing process

Embodiments of the invention relate to a method of indirect printing with an aqueous ink. Related apparatus, systems and treatment formulations are disclosed herein. Some embodiments relate to an aqueous treatment formulation for use with an intermediate transfer member of a printing system. In some embodiments, the system comprises a treatment station disposed downstream of the impression station and upstream of the image forming station for forming a uniform thin layer of a liquid treatment formulation onto a surface of an intermediate transfer member (ITM) at a lower run thereof.

Bilddruck mit selektivem glanz und toner dafür

Printing of images with selective gloss and toners therefor

A matte liquid toner suitable for use in a liquid toner printer, comprising a carrier liquid, toner particles comprising a resin and substantially uncolored additive particles of average diameter between 1 and 20 micrometers dispersed in the resin.

Printing of images with selective gloss and toners therefor

A matte liquid toner suitable for use in a liquid toner printer, comprising a carrier liquid, toner particles comprising a resin and substantially uncolored additive particles of average diameter between 1 and 20 micrometers dispersed in the resin.

Covert label

A covert label. A substrate comprises a field of ink. Disposed within the field of ink, is ink that can be preferentially removed according to a preconfigured pattern. The preconfigured pattern comprises information associable with at least one object.

Digital printing process and system

Embodiments of the invention relate to a method of indirect printing with an aqueous ink. In some embodiments, an intermediate transfer member (ITM) comprising a silicone-based release layer surface is employed. For example, the release layer surface satisfies at least one of the following properties: (i) a receding contact angle of a drop of distilled water deposited on the silicone-based release layer surface is at most 60°; and (ii) a 10-second dynamic contact angle (DCA) of a drop of distilled water deposited on the silicone-based release layer surface is at most 108°. Related apparatus, systems and treatment formulations are disclosed herein.

Tonerzusammensetzungen zur reduzierung der hintergrundentwicklung bei elektrostatischem flüssigkeitsdruck und herstellungsverfahren dafür

Digital printing process and system

An aqueous treatment composition for ITM (Intermediate transfer member) of a printing system and a method of printing comprising the step of applying said treatment composition to the surface of an ITM, wherein said treatment composition comprising : at least 3% wt quaternary ammonium salt, at least l%wt water soluble polymer, and at least 65%wt water. Also disclosed, a printing system comprising a an ITM and treatment station for forming a thin layer of liquid treatment formulation on the ITM surface.

Compositions comprising biodegradable polymers

Disclosed are compositions comprising macroparticles of swelled polymer matrix, the macroparticles comprising a thermoplastic biodegradable polymer swelled with at least one swelling agent, the macroparticles further comprising a plurality of pigment particles dispersed and embedded therein. The pigment particles may provide a color and/or a radiation protective effect to the composition. Method of preparation and uses of such compositions are also provided.

Compositions comprising biodegradable polymers

Disclosed are compositions comprising macroparticles of swelled polymer matrix, the macroparticles comprising a thermoplastic biodegradable polymer swelled with at least one swelling agent, the macroparticles further comprising a plurality of pigment particles dispersed and embedded therein. The pigment particles may provide a color and/or a radiation protective effect to the composition. Method of preparation and uses of such compositions are also provided.

Digital printing process and system

An aqueous treatment composition for ITM (Intermediate transfer member) of a printing system and a method of printing comprising the step of applying said treatment composition to the surface of an ITM, wherein said treatment composition comprising : at least 3% wt quaternary ammonium salt, at least l%wt water soluble polymer, and at least 65%wt water. Also disclosed, a printing system comprising a an ITM and treatment station for forming a thin layer of liquid treatment formulation on the ITM surface.

Inkjet ink formulations

There are provided aqueous inkjet ink formulations comprising a solvent containing water and optionally a co-solvent, a water soluble or water dispersible polymeric resin and a colorant. The disclosed formulations are suitable for ink jet printing systems, and more particularly for indirect printing systems using an intermediate transfer member.

Inkjet ink formulations

There are provided aqueous inkjet ink formulations comprising a solvent comprising water and a co-solvent, a water soluble or water dispersible polymeric resin and a colorant. The said formulations are suitable for inkjet printing systems, and more particularly for indirect printing system using an intermediate transfer member.

デジタル印刷処理

【課題】印刷システムのＩＴＭ（中間転写部材）のための水性処理組成物、および該処理組成物をＩＴＭの表面に塗布するステップを含む印刷方法。【解決手段】該処理組成物は、少なくとも３重量％の第四級アンモニウム塩、少なくとも１重量％の水溶性ポリマー、および少なくとも６５重量％の水を含む。ＩＴＭ、およびＩＴＭ表面上に液体処理調合物の薄い層を形成するための処理ステーションも開示される。【選択図】図２

Digital printing process

Embodiments of the invention relate to a method of indirect printing with an aqueous ink. Related apparatus, systems and treatment formulations are disclosed herein. Some embodiments relate to an aqueous treatment formulation for use with an intermediate transfer member of a printing system. In some embodiments, the system comprises a treatment station disposed downstream of the impression station and upstream of the image forming station for forming a uniform thin layer of a liquid treatment formulation onto a surface of an intermediate transfer member (ITM) at a lower run thereof.

Release layer treatment formulations

There is disclosed a formulation for use with an intermediate transfer member of an indirect printing system, including: (a) a carrier liquid: (b) a positively chargeable polymeric chemical agent having amine functional groups; and (c) a resolubilizing agent selected to improve resolubilization of said chemical agent. Method of use thereof is also provided.

Metallic LEP inks and associated methods

The present disclosure provides metallic LEP inks and associated methods. In one example, a method of manufacturing a metallic LEP ink having reduced impurities can comprising adding a metallic pigment slurry and a resin to a stainless steel attritor, adding ceramic grinding beads to the attritor, and grinding the metallic pigment and the resin to form the metallic LEP ink.

Covert label

A covert label. A substrate comprises a field of ink. Disposed within the field of ink, is ink that can be preferentially removed according to a preconfigured pattern. The preconfigured pattern comprises information associable with at least one object.

Treatment of release layer

There is provided a method for treating a hydrophobic release layer of an intermediate transfer member for use in a printing process in which a negatively charged aqueous inkjet ink including a polymeric resin and a colorant is jetted onto said layer, the claimed method comprising contacting the release layer, prior to jetting the ink, with an aqueous solution or dispersion of a positively charged polymeric chemical agent reducing the tendency of a jetted ink droplet to bead up on the intermediate transfer member. Other embodiments, such as hydrophobic release layers having such chemical agents disposed thereupon and printed ink images comprising the same, are also described.