U.S. patent application number 14/443395 was filed with the patent office on 2015-10-15 for printing method and printed product.
This patent application is currently assigned to MIMAKI ENGINEERING CO., LTD.. The applicant listed for this patent is MIMAKI ENGINEERING Co., Ltd.. Invention is credited to Tomotaka Furuhata.
Application Number | 20150290951 14/443395 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 50776194 |
Filed Date | 2015-10-15 |
United States Patent
Application |
20150290951 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Furuhata; Tomotaka |
October 15, 2015 |
PRINTING METHOD AND PRINTED PRODUCT
Abstract
The object is to obtain a printed product excellent in fastness
to washing. To achieve the object, a printing method is provided.
The printing method includes a forming step of forming a solvent UV
ink layer (2) on a printing target object (1), a drying step of
drying the solvent UV ink layer (2), a decorating step of forming a
decorative layer (3) on the dried solvent UV ink layer (2), and a
curing step of curing the decorated solvent UV ink layer (2) by
irradiating the same with ultraviolet.
Inventors: |
Furuhata; Tomotaka; (Nagano,
JP) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
MIMAKI ENGINEERING Co., Ltd. |
Tomi-city, Nagano |
|
JP |
|
|
Assignee: |
MIMAKI ENGINEERING CO.,
LTD.
Nagano
JP
|
Family ID: |
50776194 |
Appl. No.: |
14/443395 |
Filed: |
November 22, 2013 |
PCT Filed: |
November 22, 2013 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/JP2013/081554 |
371 Date: |
May 18, 2015 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
428/195.1 ;
347/104 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B41M 7/0081 20130101;
D06P 5/00 20130101; B41J 11/002 20130101; B41M 7/00 20130101 |
International
Class: |
B41J 11/00 20060101
B41J011/00 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Nov 22, 2012 |
JP |
2012-256890 |
Claims
1. A printing method, comprising: a forming step of forming a
solvent UV ink layer on a printing target object; a drying step of
drying the solvent UV ink layer; a decorating step of adhering a
decorative material to the dried solvent UV ink layer or forming a
decorative layer containing the decorative material on the dried
solvent UV ink layer; and a curing step of curing the decorated
solvent UV ink layer by ultraviolet irradiation.
2. The printing method according to claim 1, wherein in the drying
step, the solvent UV ink layer is preheated at a temperature equal
to or higher than 40.degree. C. and equal to or lower than
60.degree. C., the preheated solvent UV ink layer is heated at a
temperature equal to or higher than 35.degree. C. and equal to or
lower than 55.degree. C., and the heated solvent UV ink layer is
post-heated at a temperature equal to or higher than 40.degree. C.
and equal to or lower than 60.degree. C.
3. The printing method according to claim 1, wherein in the forming
step, the solvent UV ink layer is formed by using a solvent UV ink
which contains a resin of UV curing type and an organic solvent
selected from a group consisting of ketones, alcohols, ethers,
hydrocarbons, glycols, glycol ether acetates, glycol ethers,
esters, and pyrrolidones.
4. The printing method according to claim 3, wherein the solvent UV
ink contains the organic solvent by a weight percent equal to or
greater than 50 wt. % and equal to or less than 99 wt. % of a total
quantity of an ink composition.
5. The printing method according to claim 1, wherein the printing
target object is fabric.
6. A printed product, comprising: a solvent UV ink layer formed on
a printing target object, wherein a decorative material is adhered
to the solvent UV ink layer or a decorative layer containing the
decorative material is formed on the solvent UV ink layer.
7. The printing method according to claim 2, wherein in the forming
step, the solvent UV ink layer is formed by using a solvent UV ink
which contains a resin of UV curing type and an organic solvent
selected from a group consisting of ketones, alcohols, ethers,
hydrocarbons, glycols, glycol ether acetates, glycol ethers,
esters, and pyrrolidones.
8. The printing method according to claim 7, wherein the solvent UV
ink contains the organic solvent by a weight percent equal to or
greater than 50 wt. % and equal to or less than 99 wt. % of a total
quantity of an ink composition.
Description
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The invention relates to a printing method and a printed
product.
BACKGROUND ART
[0002] The patent document 1 describes a method for forming a
pattern layer on fabric such as woven fabric or knitted fabric. The
method descried in the patent document 1 forms a pattern layer from
a pigment-containing resin of ultraviolet curing type on a fibrous
base material.
PRIOR ART DOCUMENT
Patent Document
[0003] Patent Document 1: Japanese Laid-Open Patent Application No.
2010-12777 (disclosed on Jan. 21, 2010).
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
Problems To Be Solved By The Invention
[0004] However, there is a problem with the method described in the
patent document 1 that since an ink of ultraviolet curing type is
used to foam a pattern layer on fabric, the fabric after the
pattern layer is formed thereon has poor fastness to washing,
possibly fading or blurring the pattern layer when the fabric is
washed.
[0005] When subjecting the ink of ultraviolet curing type spread on
the fabric to a decorating process, it is necessary to temporarily
cure the ink to increase its viscosity before the decorating
process, to prevent smearing of the ink of ultraviolet curing type.
Yet, curing the ink of ultraviolet curing type is still very
difficult to manage, in order to prevent smearing of the ink and
attain a degree of viscosity that ensures enough stickiness for the
decorating process.
[0006] The present invention has been accomplished to solve these
problems. The invention has an object to provide a printed product
excellent in fastness to washing, and a printing method for
obtaining the printed product.
SOLUTIONS TO THE PROBLEMS
[0007] To solve the problems, a printing method according to the
present invention includes a forming step of forming a solvent UV
ink layer on a printing target object; a drying step of drying the
solvent UV ink layer; a decorating step of adhering a decorative
material on the dried solvent UV ink layer or forming a decorative
layer containing the decorative material on the dried solvent UV
ink layer; and a curing step of curing the decorated solvent UV ink
layer by irradiating the same with ultraviolet.
[0008] According to the above configuration, the solvent UV ink
layer formed on the printing target object is dried and then
decorated. By drying the solvent UV ink layer, an organic solvent
contained in the solvent UV ink layer is volatilized, thus
viscosity of the solvent UV ink layer is increased. This can
effectively prevent smearing of the solvent UV ink layer.
[0009] The dried solvent UV ink layer is then decorated in the
decorating step. The solvent UV ink layer, though increased in
viscosity by drying, is still uncured, and its stickiness is
maintained. In the decorating step, therefore, the decorative
material or the decorative layer containing the decorative material
can be favorably securely adhered to the solvent UV ink layer.
Therefore, an additional material, for example, primer, is
unnecessary to make the decorative layer adhere to the solvent UV
ink layer.
[0010] Lastly, the decorated solvent UV ink layer is cured by
irradiating the same with ultraviolet to obtain a desired printed
product. The printed product thus obtained is excellent in fastness
to washing, and effectively preventing the printed pattern or
decorative layer from fading or blurring even after repeated
washes. This printing method is, therefore, advantageously suitable
for printing patterns on clothes such as T-shirts desirably
excellent in fastness to washing.
[0011] Preferably, in the drying step of the printing method
according to the present invention, the solvent UV ink layer is
preheated at a temperature between 40.degree. C. and 60.degree. C.,
and the preheated solvent UV ink layer is heated at a temperature
between 35.degree. C. and 55.degree. C., and then the heated
solvent UV ink layer is post-heated at a temperature between
40.degree. C. and 60.degree. C.
[0012] According to the above configuration, the solvent UV ink
layer is dried by heating in the drying step. At this time, the
solvent UV ink layer is heated at different temperatures in stages;
preheating at a temperature between 40.degree. C. and 60.degree.
C., heating at a temperature between 35.degree. C. and 55.degree.
C., and post-heating at a temperature between 40.degree. C. and
60.degree. C.
[0013] The solvent UV ink layer can accordingly be prevented from
smearing and suitably dried at the same time to a degree of
viscosity that ensures enough stickiness for the decorating
process.
[0014] Preferably, the forming step of the printing method
according to the present invention forms the solvent UV ink layer
from a solvent UV ink containing a resin of UV curing type and an
organic solvent selected from the group consisting of ketones,
alcohols, ethers, hydrocarbons, glycols, glycol ether acetates,
glycol ethers, esters, and pyrrolidones.
[0015] According to the above configuration, the solvent UV ink
layer is formed from the solvent UV ink containing the resin of UV
curing type and the organic solvent selected from the group
consisting of ketones, alcohols, ethers, hydrocarbons, glycols,
glycol ether acetates, glycol ethers, esters, and pyrrolidones.
This allows the dried but still uncured solvent UV ink layer to
maintain a degree of stickiness necessary for the decorating
process, while effectively preventing smearing of the solvent UV
ink layer.
[0016] In the printing method according to the present invention,
the solvent UV ink preferably contains the organic solvent by a
weight percent equal to or greater than 50 wt. % and equal to or
less than 99 wt. % of a total quantity of the ink composition.
[0017] According to the above configuration, the solvent UV ink
layer is formed from the solvent UV ink preferably containing the
organic solvent by a weight percent equal to or greater than 50 wt.
% and equal to or less than 99 wt. % of a total quantity of the ink
composition. This allows the dried but still uncured solvent UV ink
layer to maintain a degree of stickiness necessary for the
decorating process, while effectively preventing smearing of the
solvent UV ink layer.
[0018] The printing method according to the present invention
preferably uses fabric as the printing target object, whereby a
fabric printed product excellent in fastness to washing can be
favorably obtained. This printing method is, therefore,
advantageously suitable for printing patterns on clothes such as
T-shirts desirably excellent in fastness to washing.
[0019] A printed product according to the invention includes a
solvent UV ink layer formed on a printing target object, wherein a
decorative material is adhered to the solvent UV ink layer or a
decorative layer containing the decorative material is formed on
the solvent UV ink layer.
[0020] According to the above configuration, the printed product
has the solvent UV ink layer formed in a desired shape by the
solvent UV ink and further decorated with the decorative material.
Such a printed product is advantageously less likely to smear,
excellent in fastness to washing, and favorably decorated. Thus, a
commercially valuable product printed with an elaborate pattern can
be obtained.
EFFECTS OF THE INVENTION
[0021] According to the invention, the solvent UV ink layer formed
on the printing target object is dried and then decorated, and then
cured by irradiating the same with ultraviolet. Therefore, a
printed product excellent in fastness to washing can be
obtained.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0022] [FIG. 1] FIGS. 1A to 1D are schematic drawings of a printing
method according to an embodiment of the invention.
EMBODIMENT OF THE INVENTION
[0023] An embodiment of the invention is hereinafter described in
detail.
Printing Method
[0024] A printing method according an embodiment of the invention
includes a forming step of forming a solvent UV ink layer on a
printing target object; a drying step of drying the solvent UV ink
layer; a decorating step of adhering a decorative material to the
dried solvent UV ink layer or forming a decorative layer containing
the decorative material on the dried solvent UV ink layer; and a
curing step of curing the decorated solvent UV ink layer by
irradiating the same with ultraviolet.
[0025] The printing method according to the embodiment is
hereinafter described referring to FIGS. 1A to 1D. FIGS. 1A to 1D
are schematic drawings showing an outline of the printing method
according to the embodiment.
Forming Step
[0026] As illustrated in FIG. 1A, the forming step forms a solvent
UV ink layer 2 on a printing target object 1. The solvent UV ink
layer 2 may be formed by applying a solvent UV ink on the printing
target object 1 in a desired shape. The solvent UV ink may be
applied onto the printing target object 1 by, for example, an
inkjet printing device.
Solvent UV Ink
[0027] The solvent UV ink is an ink containing a resin of UV curing
type (resin of ultraviolet curing type) and an organic solvent, in
which the resin of UV curing type is dissolved in the organic
solvent. The solvent UV ink may further contain a pigment, a
photopolymerization initiator, and/or a sensitizer.
Resin of UV Curing Type
[0028] The resin of UV curing type contained in the solvent UV ink
may be one selected from monomers, oligomers, and polymers cured by
polymerization. The resin of UV curing type may be any suitable one
selected from the commercially available monomers, oligomers, and
polymers.
[0029] Examples of the monomers, oligomers, and polymers cured by
polymerization initiated by ultraviolet irradiation include
cationically polymerizable materials, radically polymerizable
materials, and mixtures of such materials. Any suitable one of the
exemplified resins of ultraviolet curing type may be singly used,
or two or more of them may be mixed and used.
[0030] In the solvent UV ink, the content of any suitable one
selected from the monomers, oligomers, and polymers cured by
polymerization initiated by ultraviolet irradiation is preferably
equal to or greater than 3 wt. % and equal to or less than 90 wt. %
of a total quantity of the ink composition. The content is more
preferably equal to or greater than 5 wt. % and equal to or less
than 30 wt. % of a total quantity of the ink composition. The
solvent UV ink containing the resin of UV curing type by a weight
percent in the range of values can be more favorably cured by
ultraviolet irradiation.
Organic Solvent
[0031] The organic solvent contained in the solvent UV ink may be
any suitable one selected from the UV-curing resin soluble
materials that are volatilized by heat-drying the solvent UV ink.
Examples of such an organic solvent include, but are not limited
to, ketones, alcohols, ethers, hydrocarbons, glycols, glycol ether
acetates, glycol ethers, esters, and pyrrolidones.
[0032] Examples of the ketones include acetone, methyl ethyl
ketone, cyclohexanon, and 2-heptanone. Examples of the alcohols
include methanol, ethanol, isopropanol, n-hexyl alcohol, isoheptyl
alcohol, 2-ethylhexyl alcohol, n-octyl alcohol,
3-methyl-3-methoxybutanol, and 3 -methoxybutanol.
[0033] Examples of the ethers include cellosolve and butyl
cellosolve. Examples of the hydrocarbons include toluene, xylene,
turpentine oil, limonene, industrial volatile oils,
tetrahydronaphthalene, and decahydronaphthalene. Examples of the
glycols include ethylene glycol, diethylene glycol, thiodiethylene
glycol, triethylene glycol, propylene glycol, dipropylene glycol,
and tripropylene glycol.
[0034] Examples of the glycol acetates include ethylene glycol
monoethyl ether acetate, ethylene glycol monobutyl ether acetate,
diethylene glycol monoethyl ether acetate, and diethylene glycol
monobutyl ether acetate.
[0035] Examples of the glycol ethers include ethylene glycol
monohexyl ether, ethylene glycol-2-ethylhexyl ether, ethylene
glycol phenyl ether, propylene glycol monoethyl ether, propylene
glycol propyl ether, propylene glycol monobutyl ether, diethylene
glycol monomethyl ether, diethylene glycol monoethyl ether,
diethylene glycol monobutyl ether, diethylene glycol hexyl ether,
diethylene glycol-2-ethylhexyl ether, dipropylene glycol monomethyl
ether, dipropylene glycol monoethyl ether, dipropylene glycol
monobutyl ether, dipropylene glycol propyl ether, triethylene
glycol monomethyl ether, triethylene glycol monoethyl ether,
triethylene glycol monobutyl ether, and tripropylene glycol
monomethyl ether.
[0036] Examples of the esters include
2,2,4-trimethyl-1,3-pentanediol monoisobutyrate, triethylene glycol
di(2-ethyl butyrate), propylene carbonate, ethyl lactate, butyl
lactate, methyl acetoacetate, ethyl acetoacetate, dibasic acid
ester DBE, and 3-methyl-3-methoxybutyl acetate. An example of the
pyrrolidones is N-methyl-2-pyrrolidone.
[0037] One selected from the exemplified organic solvents may be
singly used, or two or more of them having different boiling points
may be suitably combined and used in consideration of solubility of
an infiltration-proof material to be used, discharge stability of
the ink, and drying property of the ink on a target medium.
Preferably, the content of the organic solvent in the solvent UV
ink is equal to or greater than 50 wt. % and equal to or less than
99 wt. % of a total quantity of the ink composition.
Pigment
[0038] The pigment usable in the solvent UV ink may be one selected
from the conventional pigments including black and color pigments.
An example of the black pigments is carbon black. Examples of the
color pigments include anthraquinones, phthalocyanine blues,
phthalocyanine greens, diazos, monoazos, pyranthrones, perylenes,
heterocyclic yellows, quinacridones, and (thio)indigoids. Any
suitable one may be selected from these pigments or two or more of
them may be combined, and then mixed with the ink. If a clear ink
is desirably prepared and used as the solvent UV ink, the pigment
is preferably not used. Preferably, the content of the pigment in
the solvent UV ink is equal to or greater than 3 wt. % and equal to
or less than 5 wt. % of a total quantity of the ink
composition.
Photopolyrnerization Initiator
[0039] The photopolymerization initiator usable in the solvent UV
ink is preferably a material capable of efficiently initiating
polymerization of the resin of UV curing type in response to
ultraviolet irradiation. Any suitable one selected from the
conventional photopolymerization initiators may be used. Examples
of the photopolymerization initiators include alkylphenone-based
photopolymerization initiators, thioxanthone-based
photopolymerization initiators, acyl phosphine oxide-based
photopolymerization initiators, and titanocene-based
photopolymerization initiators. Any suitable one may be selected
from these photopolymerization initiators or two or more of them
may be combined, and then mixed with the ink.
Sensitizer
[0040] The sensitizer usable in the solvent UV ink is preferably a
material capable of efficiently initiating reactions of the
photopolymerization initiator in response to ultraviolet
irradiation. Any suitable one selected from the conventional
sensitizers may be used. Examples of such a sensitizer include
amines such as trimethylamine, methyldimethanolamine,
triethanolamine, p-diethylaminoacetophenone, ethyl
p-dimethylaminobenzoate, isoamyl p-dimethylaminobenzoate, and
N,N-dimethylbenzylamine. Any suitable one may be selected from
these examples of the sensitizer or two or more of them may be
combined, and then mixed with the ink.
Other Additives
[0041] If necessary, the solvent UV ink may contain other additives
in addition to the additives so far described, for example, a
diluent, an anti-foaming agent, a pigment dispersant, a slipping
agent, a leveling agent, and/or a polymerization inhibitor.
Preferably, a summed content of the photopolymerization initiator
and the other additives in the solvent UV ink is approximately 10
wt. % of a total quantity of the ink composition.
Printing Target Object 1
[0042] The printing target object on which the solvent UV ink layer
2 is formed may be any suitable one selected from a variety of
different types of products. A particularly preferable example is
fabric. The fabric is a fiber base material of woven fabric,
knitted fabric, and unwoven fabric, for forming clothes such as
T-shirts. The printing method according to this embodiment can
provide a fabric printed product excellent in fastness to washing.
In the printing method, therefore, clothes more desirably excellent
in fastness to washing, such as T-shirts, are suitably used as the
printing target object.
Drying Step
[0043] As illustrated in FIG. 1B, in the drying step, the solvent
UV ink layer 2 formed on the printing target object 1 is dried. In
the drying step, the solvent UV ink layer 2 is dried by, for
example, heating the solvent UV ink layer 2 to volatilize the
organic solvent contained in the solvent UV ink layer 2. FIG. 1B
illustrates the solvent UV ink layer 2 is directly heated from the
solvent UV ink layer 2 side, but it is not limited to this, the
solvent UV ink layer 2 may be heated from the opposite side through
the printing target object 1.
[0044] Optionally, in the drying step, the solvent UV ink layer 2
is preheated at a temperature between 40.degree. C. and 60.degree.
C., the preheated solvent UV ink layer 2 is heated at a temperature
between 35.degree. C. and 55.degree. C., and then the heated
solvent UV ink layer 2 is post-heated at a temperature between
40.degree. C. and 60.degree. C. Preferably, the heating
temperatures in the drying step are 60.degree. C. for preheating,
55.degree. C. for heating, and 60.degree. C. for post-heating. By
thus heating and drying the solvent UV ink layer 2 at the varying
heating temperatures, the solvent UV ink layer 2 can be moderately
dried to such an extent that fulfills the purposes; preventing
smearing of the ink, and attaining a degree of viscosity that
ensures enough stickiness for the solvent UV ink layer 2 to be
decorated in the subsequent decorating step.
[0045] The length of drying time in the drying step may be suitably
decided to impart a desired viscosity to the solvent UV ink layer
2.
[0046] Drying the solvent UV ink layer 2 in the drying step
increases the viscosity of the solvent UV ink layer 2. This
effectively prevents smearing of the solvent UV ink layer 2 on the
printing target object 1, and further ensures a moderate degree of
viscosity that allows the solvent UV ink layer 2 to be favorably
decorated with the decorative material in the subsequent decorating
step.
Decorating Step
[0047] As illustrated in FIG. 1C, the decorating step makes the
decorative material adhere to the dried solvent UV ink layer 2 or
forms a decorative layer 3 containing the decorative material on
the dried solvent UV ink layer 2. In the decorating step, the dried
solvent UV ink layer 2 is decorated with the decorative material.
The solvent UV ink layer 2, though increased in viscosity by
drying, is still uncured, maintaining its stickiness. Therefore, an
additional material, such as primer, is unnecessary to decorate the
solvent UV ink layer 2.
[0048] The decorative material may be any suitable one selected
from the known lacquerware materials for decoration purpose that
can be sprinkled on and adhered to the solvent UV ink layer 2.
Examples of such decorative materials include particles or
fragments of materials such as pigments, metals, beads, gemstones
(for example, pearl), and wool yarns. The decorative layer 3
containing the decorative material may be a metallic thin film such
as a metallic foil, or a sheet containing particles or fragments of
non-metal materials.
[0049] By decorating the solvent UV ink layer 2 with the decorative
material in the decorating step, a printed product of a higher
commercial value can be obtained.
Curing Step
[0050] In the curing step, as illustrated in FIG. 1D, the solvent
UV ink layer 2 decorated with the decorative layer 3 is cured by
irradiating the same with ultraviolet (UV). As a result, a desired
printed product can be obtained. The printed product thus obtained
is excellent in fastness to washing, effectively preventing the
printed pattern or decorative layer from fading or blurring even
after repeated washes. This printing method is, therefore,
advantageously suitable for printing patterns on clothes such as
T-shirts desirably excellent in fastness to washing.
[0051] A conventional technique using, for example, LED or metal
halide lamp, may be employed to irradiate the solvent UV ink layer
2 with ultraviolet. The wavelength of ultraviolet delivered on the
solvent UV ink layer 2 is not particularly limited as far as the
solvent UV ink layer 2 is adequately cured.
[0052] FIG. 1D illustrates the ultraviolet irradiation on the
solvent UV ink layer 2 through the decorative layer 3 formed
thereon, but the present invention is not limited to this. In the
case where the printing target object 1 is an ultraviolet
transmittable medium, ultraviolet may be delivered on the solvent
UV ink layer 2 from the opposite side through the printing target
object
[0053] In the printed product after the curing step, urethane resin
coating or doming, for example, may be applied to the decorative
layer 3 to improve the decorative layer 3 in luster and weather
resistance.
[0054] As described so far, the printing method according to the
embodiment of the present invention can successfully produce a
printed product less likely to smear, excellent in fastness to
washing, and favorably decorated.
Printed Product
[0055] A printed product according to an embodiment of the prevent
invention includes a solvent UV ink layer formed on a printing
target object, wherein a decorative material is adhered to the
solvent UV ink layer or a decorative layer containing the
decorative material is formed on the solvent UV ink layer.
[0056] This embodiment of the printed product according to the
present invention is effectuated by the printing method according
to the present invention described earlier. For details of the
embodiment of the printed product according to the present
invention, the above description of the printing method according
to the present invention may be referenced.
Supplementary Notes
[0057] The printing method includes a forming step of forming the
solvent UV ink layer 2 on the printing target object 1, a drying
step of drying the solvent UV ink layer 2, a decorating step of
adhering the decorative material to the dried solvent UV ink layer
2 or forming the decorative layer 3 containing the decorative
material on the dried solvent UV ink layer 2, and a curing step of
curing the decorated solvent UV ink layer 2 by irradiating thereon
ultraviolet.
[0058] According to the above configuration, the solvent UV ink
layer 2 formed on the printing target object 1 is dried and then
decorated. The solvent UV ink layer 2 is dried to volatilize the
organic solvent contained in the solvent UV ink layer 2, thus
increasing its viscosity. This effectively prevents smearing of the
solvent UV ink layer 2.
[0059] The dried solvent UV ink layer 2 is then decorated in the
decorating step. The dried solvent UV ink layer 2, though increased
in viscosity by drying, is still uncured, maintaining its
stickiness. In the decorating step, therefore, the decorative
material or the decorative layer 3 containing the decorative
material can be favorably securely adhered to the solvent UV ink
layer 2. This makes it unnecessary to use an additional material,
for example, primer, to adhere the decorative layer to the solvent
UV ink layer 2.
[0060] Lastly, the decorated solvent UV ink layer 2 is cured by
irradiating the same with ultraviolet to obtain a desired printed
product. The printed product thus obtained is excellent in fastness
to washing, effectively preventing the decorative layer or printed
pattern from fading or blurring even after repeated washes. This
printing method is, therefore, advantageously suitable for printing
patterns on clothes such as T-shirts desirably excellent in
fastness to washing.
[0061] In the drying step of the printing method, the solvent UV
ink layer 2 is preheated at a temperature between 40.degree. C. and
60.degree. C., the preheated solvent UV ink layer is heated at a
temperature between 35.degree. C. and 55.degree. C., and then the
heated solvent UV ink layer is post-heated at a temperature between
40.degree. C. and 60.degree. C.
[0062] According to the above configuration, in the drying step,
the solvent UV ink layer 2 is heated and thereby is dried.
Specifically, the solvent UV ink layer 2 is heated in this step at
different temperatures in stages; preheating at a temperature
between 40.degree. C. and 60.degree. C., heating at a temperature
between 35.degree. C. and 55.degree. C., and post-heating at a
temperature between 40.degree. C. and 60.degree. C.
[0063] The solvent UV ink layer 2 can accordingly be prevented from
smearing and dried at the same time to a degree of viscosity that
ensures enough stickiness for the solvent UV ink layer 2 to be
subsequently decorated.
[0064] The forming step of the printing method forms the solvent UV
ink layer 2 from the solvent UV ink containing the resin of UV
curing type and the organic solvent selected from the group
consisting of ketones, alcohols, ethers, hydrocarbons, glycols,
glycol ether acetates, glycol ethers, esters, and pyrrolidones.
[0065] According to the above configuration, the solvent UV ink
layer 2 is formed from the solvent UV ink containing the resin of
UV curing type and the organic solvent selected from the group
consisting of ketones, alcohols, ethers, hydrocarbons, glycols,
glycol ether acetates, glycol ethers, esters, and pyrrolidones.
This allows the dried but still uncured solvent UV ink layer 2 to
maintain a degree of stickiness necessary for the decorating
process, while effectively preventing smearing of the solvent UV
ink layer 2.
[0066] In the printing method, the solvent UV ink contains the
organic solvent by a weight percent equal to or greater than 50 wt.
% and equal to or less than 99 wt. % of a total quantity of the ink
composition.
[0067] According to the above configuration, the solvent UV ink
layer 2 is formed from the solvent UV ink containing the organic
solvent by a weight percent equal to or greater than 50 wt. % and
equal to or less than 99 wt. % of a total quantity of the ink
composition. This allows the dried but still uncured solvent UV ink
layer 2 to maintain a degree of stickiness necessary for the
decorating process, while effectively preventing smearing of the
solvent UV ink layer 2.
[0068] In the printing method, the printing target object 1 may be
fabric, in which case a fabric printed product excellent in
fastness to washing can be favorably obtained. This printing method
is, therefore, advantageously suitable for printing patterns on
clothes such as T-shirts desirably excellent in fastness to
washing.
[0069] The printed product includes the solvent UV ink layer 2
formed on the printing target object 1, wherein the decorative
material is adhered to the solvent UV ink layer 2 or the decorative
layer 3 containing the decorative material is formed on the solvent
UV ink layer 2.
[0070] According to the above configuration, the printed product
has the solvent UV ink layer 2 formed in a desired shape by the
solvent UV ink, and the solvent UV ink layer 2 is decorated with
the decorative material. Such a printed product is advantageously
less likely to smear, excellent in fastness to washing, and
favorably decorated. Thus, a commercially valuable product printed
with an elaborate pattern can be obtained.
[0071] The invention is not necessarily limited to each embodiment
described so far and may be carried out in many other forms. The
technical scope of the invention encompasses any modifications
within the scope of the invention defined by the appended claims
and embodiments obtained by variously combining the technical means
disclosed herein.
INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY
[0072] The invention is advantageously applicable to printing
techniques.
DESCRIPTION OF REFERENCE SIGNS
[0073] 1 Printing target object
[0074] 2 Solvent UV ink layer
[0075] 3 Decorative layer
* * * * *