scholarly journals Determining the Print Quality Due to Deformation of the Halftone Dots in Flexography

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (22) ◽  
pp. 10601
Author(s):  
Dean Valdec ◽  
Krunoslav Hajdek ◽  
Lucia Vragović ◽  
Robert Geček
Keyword(s):  
Reference Value ◽  
Print Quality ◽  
Printing Plate ◽  
Transparent Films ◽  
Flexible Packaging ◽  
Correct Ratio ◽  
Light Area

This paper researches the issues related to the print quality in flexography, especially the influence of the print run and inadequate printing settings on dot deformation. Dot deformation can lead to inconsistencies in print quality, such as a loss of highlight tones or an unpredictable increase in tonal value. This research was conducted on two concrete examples of flexible packaging printed on transparent films. All significant parameters of dot deformation were evaluated, including dot coverage, dot sharpness and the uniformity of the ink density. The increase in the coverage values in the midtones was linear throughout the entire print run, while in the light tones, it was more logarithmic. The overall percentage deviations from the reference value were 6.3% in the midtones and 52.6% in the light area. The increase in dot coverage was due to the wear of the polymer plate, which caused the side shoulders of the dot to become a part of the printing surface. An analysis of the ink density showed a much more homogeneous shape of the dot at the beginning of the print run. The correct ratio of the anilox roller line screen to the line ruling of the printing plate is important in order to ensure a minimum dot size in print.

scholarly journals Influence of Some Flexographic Printing Process Conditions on the Optical Density and Tonal Value Increase of Overprinted Plastic Films

Coatings ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (9) ◽  
pp. 816
Author(s):  
Zuzanna Żołek-Tryznowska ◽  
Maciej Rombel ◽  
Georgij Petriaszwili ◽  
Sandra Dedijer ◽  
Nemanja Kašiković
Keyword(s):  
Optical Density ◽  
Least Square ◽  
Process Conditions ◽  
Print Quality ◽  
Coverage Area ◽  
Printing Plate ◽  
Printing Process ◽  
Fitting Method ◽  
Flexographic Printing ◽  
Printing Ink

The print quality of prints performed with flexographic printing technology is influenced by various parameters such as viscosity of the printing inks, printing substrates, plates, anilox rolls, etc. The aim of this work is to analyze the influence of ink viscosity, printing plate and printing base on selected properties of print quality, such as optical density of full tone area and the increase of tonal value (TVI). Additionally, the printed dots on 5, 15, 30, 50 and 75% of half tone area were investigated using digital microscopy. The least square fitting method in a matrix form was successfully used in order to confirm the influence of printing process parameters on print quality. The results obtained reveal the significant influence of the printing plate and printing substrate characteristics and the lesser influence of printing ink viscosity for 40–100% coverage area. The values of the optical densities of full tone areas are mainly influenced by the properties of the printing plate and the printing base. Furthermore, the optical density decreases when the value of flow time decreases, which is related to the lower thickness of dried ink film. The TVI on light tones (0 to 20%) is mainly influenced by the ink viscosity.

Preparation of Paper-Based Printing Plate and its Ink-Water Balance Performance Analysis

2013 ◽  
Vol 765-767 ◽  
pp. 156-159
Author(s):  
Xiao Xiu Hao ◽  
Na Wei ◽  
Cheng Sun
Keyword(s):  
Performance Analysis ◽  
Water Balance ◽  
Balance Theory ◽  
Print Quality ◽  
Balance Performance ◽  
Offset Printing ◽  
Printing Plate ◽  
Coating Performance ◽  
Base Paper ◽  
Coating Formulations

The principle of offset printing is the graphic part lipophilicity and the blank part oleophobic hydrophilic. Based on the ink-water balance theory, this paper mainly discusses the base paper and the coating formulations of paper-based printing plate. In this paper the properties of the paper-based printing plate of the different coating formulations were detected and evaluated, meanwhile these plates were tested in the offset printing. Based on the detection of print quality, plate coating performance and the number of copies printed, the base paper and coating formulations of this plate was be determined. The results of this study for this plate have some significance in the actual production.

Morphological transformations in solution-cast Styrene-Butadiene-Styrene (SBS) triblock copolymer thin films

1995 ◽  
Vol 53 ◽  
pp. 184-185
Author(s):  
Ginam Kim ◽  
W. Marsillo ◽  
M. Libera
Keyword(s):  
Thin Films ◽  
Triblock Copolymer ◽  
Annealing Treatment ◽  
Minor Component ◽  
Solvent Evaporation ◽  
Single Crystal Substrate ◽  
Transparent Films ◽  
Crystal Substrate ◽  
Solution Cast ◽  
Morphological Transformations

The fact that block copolymers can assume a range of morphologies depending upon such variables as relative block length and molecular weight is now well known. In the case of poly(styrene)[PS]-poly(butadiene)[PB]-poly(styrene) (SBS) triblock copolymer, the morphologies range from spheres (roughly ~20% minor component), to cylinders (roughly 20%~35% minor component), to lamellae (roughly equal component fractions) Most recently, there has been increasing interest in transformations between morphologies by thermal annealing. This paper describes initial results studying the effect of solvent evaporation rate and post-casting annealing treatment on the morphology of SBS thin films.TEM specimens were prepared by solution casting electron transparent films. 50 μl of 0.1 wt% SBS (30% styrene, Mw=14,000, Scientific Polymer Products, Inc.) dissolved in toluene was deposited on a polished NaCl single crystal substrate placed in a small dish. After solvent evaporation the film was cut into small squares, floated from the salt in water, and each square was collected on a Cu grid.

Subtle Impact of Akt1 and Akt3 on Exploratory Behavior in Gene Targeted Mice

2015 ◽  
Vol 223 (3) ◽  
pp. 173-180 ◽  
Author(s):  
Christina Leibrock ◽  
Michael Hierlmeier ◽  
Undine E. Lang ◽  
Florian Lang
Keyword(s):  
Forced Swimming Test ◽  
Open Field Test ◽  
Wild Type ◽  
Average Speed ◽  
Closed Area ◽  
Light Area ◽  
Swimming Test ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Center Area ◽  
Dark Transition

Abstract. The present study explored the impact of Akt1 and Akt3 on behavior. Akt1 (akt1-/-) and Akt3 (akt3-/-) knockout mice were compared to wild type (wt) mice. The akt1-/- mice, akt3-/- mice, and wt mice were similar in most parameters of the open-field test. However, the distance traveled in the center area was slightly but significantly less in akt3-/- mice than in wt mice. In the light/dark transition test akt1-/- mice had significantly lower values than wt mice and akt3-/- mice for distance traveled, number of rearings, rearing time in the light area, as well as time spent and distance traveled in the entrance area. They were significantly different from akt3-/- mice in the distance traveled, visits, number of rearings, rearing time in the light area, as well as time spent, distance traveled, number of rearings, and rearing time in the entrance area. In the O-maze the time spent, and the visits to open arms, as well as the number of protected and unprotected headdips were significantly less in akt1-/- mice than in wt mice, whereas the time spent in closed arms was significantly more in akt1-/- mice than in wt mice. Protected and unprotected headdips were significantly less in akt3-/- mice than in wt mice. In closed area, akt3-/- mice traveled a significantly larger distance at larger average speed than akt1-/- mice. No differences were observed between akt1-/- mice, akt3-/- mice and wt-type mice in the time of floating during the forced swimming test. In conclusion, akt1-/- mice and less so akt3-/ mice display subtle changes in behavior.

Effect of ink and paperboard characteristics on flexographic print quality based on print density

TAPPI Journal ◽  
2011 ◽  
Vol 10 (9) ◽  
pp. 7-13
Author(s):  
KHODADAD MALMIRCHEGINI ◽  
FARSHAD SARKHOSH RAHMANI
Keyword(s):  
Water Absorption ◽  
Significant Influence ◽  
Particle Diameter ◽  
Print Quality ◽  
Printing Technology ◽  
Plastic Films ◽  
Printing Inks ◽  
Packaging Industry ◽  
Solids Content ◽  
Density Results

Flexography is an evolving printing technology that is suitable for printing on coated and uncoated paperboard and board, nonporous substrates including metalized and paperboard foils, and plastic films used especially in the packaging industry. This study evaluated the effect of paperboard and ink characteristics on flexographic print density in paperboard. Three commercial paperboards from different companies were prepared: brown kraft from Thailand, white kraft from Spain, and test liner from Iran. Four samples of process print inks from Iran were used in this investigation. Paperboard properties, such as roughness and water absorption, and ink characteristics, including solids content, PH and particle diameter, were measured. The inks were printed on paperboards using a roll no.15 applicator with a blade metering device, and the print densities were measured. Results showed that solids content, pH, and particle diameter of printing inks influenced print density, while the roughness and water absorption of the three types of paperboard had no significant influence on print density. Results also illustrated that two levels of ink viscosity (25–30 and 50–55 mPa·s) were insignificant to print density.

Flexographic ink-coating interactions: effects of latex variations in coating layers

TAPPI Journal ◽  
2016 ◽  
Vol 15 (4) ◽  
pp. 253-262 ◽  
Author(s):  
ERIK BOHLIN ◽  
CAISA JOHANNSON ◽  
MAGNUS LESTELIUS
Keyword(s):  
Contact Angles ◽  
High Ratio ◽  
Print Quality ◽  
Particle Sizes ◽  
Mixed Composition ◽  
Coating Surface ◽  
Covered Area ◽  
Surface Optical ◽  
Flexographic Printing ◽  
Coating Formulation

The effect of coating structure variations on flexographic print quality was studied using pilot-coated paperboard samples with different latex content and latex particle sizes. Two latexes, with particle sizes of 120 nm and 160 nm, were added at either 12 parts per hundred (pph) or 18 pph to the coating formulation. The samples were printed with full tone areas at print forces of 25 N and 50 N in a laboratory flexographic printing press using a waterbased ink. A high ratio of uncovered areas (UCAs) could be detected for the samples that contained 18 pph latex printed at a print force of 25 N. UCAs decreased with increased print force and with decreased amounts of latex in the coating formulation. The fraction of latex covered area on the coating surface was estimated to be 0.35–0.40 for the 12 pph, and 0.70–0.75 for the 18 pph samples. The ink penetration depth into the coating layer could be linked to the fraction of latex-free areas on the coating surface. Optical cross section microscopy indicated that a higher printing force did not increase the depth of penetrated ink to any greater extent. Higher printing force did increase contact between plate and substrate, leading to an improved distribution of the ink. This, in turn, increased print density and decreased UCAs. On closer inspection, the UCAs could be categorized as being induced by steep topographic changes. When appearing at other locations, they were more likely to be caused by poor wetting of the surface. To understand the wetting behavior of the coating surface, observed contact angles were compared with calculated contact angles on surfaces of mixed composition.

Use of confocal laser scanning microscopy and a computer model to understand ink cavitation and filamentation

TAPPI Journal ◽  
2010 ◽  
Vol 9 (10) ◽  
pp. 7-15
Author(s):  
HANNA KOIVULA ◽  
DOUGLAS BOUSFIELD ◽  
MARTTI TOIVAKKA
Keyword(s):  
Laser Scanning ◽  
Confocal Laser Scanning Microscope ◽  
Laser Scanning Microscopy ◽  
Confocal Laser Scanning ◽  
Confocal Laser ◽  
Print Quality ◽  
Length Scale ◽  
Offset Printing ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Printing Speed

In the offset printing process, ink film splitting has an important impact on formation of ink filaments. The filament size and its distribution influence the leveling of ink and hence affect ink setting and the print quality. However, ink filaments are difficult to image due to their short lifetime and fine length scale. Due to this difficulty, limited work has been reported on the parameters that influence filament size and methods to characterize it. We imaged ink filament remains and quantified some of their characteristics by changing printing speed, ink amount, and fountain solution type. Printed samples were prepared using a laboratory printability tester with varying ink levels and operating settings. Rhodamine B dye was incorporated into fountain solutions to aid in the detection of the filaments. The prints were then imaged with a confocal laser scanning microscope (CLSM) and images were further analyzed for their surface topography. Modeling of the pressure pulses in the printing nip was included to better understand the mechanism of filament formation and the origin of filament length scale. Printing speed and ink amount changed the size distribution of the observed filament remains. There was no significant difference between fountain solutions with or without isopropyl alcohol on the observed patterns of the filament remains.

Developing an inkjet printer IV: printer mechanism control for best print quality

2020 ◽  
Vol 2020 (15) ◽  
pp. 349-1-349-9
Author(s):  
Daulet Kenzhebalin ◽  
Baekdu Choi ◽  
Sige Hu ◽  
Yin Wang ◽  
Davi He ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Motor Control ◽  
Constant Velocity ◽  
Control Problems ◽  
Print Quality ◽  
Control Parameters ◽  
Test Page ◽  
Mechanism Control ◽  
Testing Accuracy ◽  
Inkjet Printer

Inkjet printer motor control consists of moving the printhead in the scan direction and in the process direction. Both movements have different objectives. Scan direction movement needs to have constant velocity and process direction movement needs to have accurate movement. In this paper, we discuss a method for controlling the velocity of the printhead and how to tune the motor control parameters. We also design six test pages for testing accuracy of the printhead movement and cartridge properties. For each test page, we discuss expected prints, common printer control problems that could alter the print quality, and how to identify them.

Lignin-Containing Photoactive Resins for 3D Printing by Stereolithography

2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jordan T. Sutton ◽  
Kalavathy Rajan ◽  
David P. Harper ◽  
Stephen Chmely
Keyword(s):  
Additive Manufacturing ◽  
New Products ◽  
High Surface ◽  
Fold Increase ◽  
Print Quality ◽  
Renewable Materials ◽  
Lignin Concentration ◽  
Environmentally Sustainable ◽  
Manufacturing Applications ◽  
Modified Lignin

Generating compatible and competitive materials that are environmentally sustainable and economically viable is paramount for the success of additive manufacturing using renewable materials. We report the successful application of renewable, modified lignin-containing photopolymer resins in a commercial stereolithography system. Resins were fabricated within operable ranges for viscosity and cure properties, using up to 15% modified lignin by weight with the potential for higher amounts. A four-fold increase in ductility in cured parts with higher lignin concentration is noted as compared to commercial SLA resins. Excellent print quality was seen in modified lignin resins, with good layer fusion, high surface definition, and visual clarity. These materials can be used to generate new products for additive manufacturing applications and help fill vacant material property spaces, where ductility, sustainability, and application costs are critical.

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