Abstract: UV-LED ink composition compositions containing a matrix or binder system, one or more colorants, and one or more photo-initiators. In some embodiments, the matrix or binder system is cured using one or more UV-LED sources. In some embodiments, the matrix or binder system contains one or more materials that are polymerized, crosslinked, and/or cured upon exposure to the UV-LED source. This allows the ink composition to be free of any organic solvents. After polymerization and/or crosslinking, the ink is dry. UV-LED ink compositions can be better suited for curing black inks, improve/increase productivity due to its instant on/instant off capability, and produce little or no heat. Such compositions may have environmental benefits as well as the curing process does not produce ozone and requires less exhaust air surrounding the press.

Abstract: A printing system includes a media transport device to move a medium at a speed ranging from about 15.24 mpm to about 609.6 mpm. The system includes an ink applicator to apply ink on the medium, and a treatment applicator to apply a treatment composition (including liquid vehicle, polyvalent metal salt fixing agent, and latex resin having an acid number less than 20) before or after the ink is applied, to form a printed-on medium. The system further includes a heating system programmed to: i) dry the printed-on medium at a predetermined temperature for a reduced dwell time (from about 1 second to about 40 seconds); and ii) leave residual moisture in the printed-on medium for a predetermined time after the reduced dwell time. The residual moisture is at a level that is higher than an initial moisture content of the medium prior to treatment composition and ink application.

Abstract: A printing system includes a media transport device to move a medium at a speed ranging from about 15.24 mpm to about 609.6 mpm. The system includes an ink applicator to apply ink on the medium, and a treatment applicator to apply a treatment composition (including liquid vehicle, polyvalent metal salt fixing agent, and latex resin having an acid number less than 20) before or after the ink is applied, to form a printed-on medium. The system further includes a heating system programmed to: i) dry the printed-on medium at a predetermined temperature for a reduced dwell time (from about 1 second to about 40 seconds); and ii) leave residual moisture in the printed-on medium for a predetermined time after the reduced dwell time. The residual moisture is at a level that is higher than an initial moisture content of the medium prior to treatment composition and ink application.

Abstract: A printing system includes a media transport device to move a medium at a speed ranging from about 15.24 mpm to about 609.6 mpm. The system includes an ink applicator to apply ink on the medium, and a treatment applicator to apply a treatment composition (including liquid vehicle, polyvalent metal salt fixing agent, and latex resin having an acid number less than 20) before or after the ink is applied, to form a printed-on medium. The system further includes a heating system programmed to: i) dry the printed-on medium at a predetermined temperature for a reduced dwell time (from about 1 second to about 40 seconds); and ii) leave residual moisture in the printed-on medium for a predetermined time after the reduced dwell time. The residual moisture is at a level that is higher than an initial moisture content of the medium prior to treatment composition and ink application.

Abstract: According to an aspect, the present invention is directed to a method for applying a label to a substrate. The method includes applying an ink layer to a transfer mechanism; applying a binding layer to the ink layer; and contacting the binding layer to the substrate such that the binding layer and the ink layer are substantially removed from the transfer mechanism.

Abstract: A printing system includes a media transport device to move a medium at a speed ranging from about 15.24 mpm to about 609.6 mpm. The system includes an ink applicator to apply ink on the medium, and a treatment applicator to apply a treatment composition (including liquid vehicle, polyvalent metal salt fixing agent, and latex resin having an acid number less than 20) before or after the ink is applied, to form a printed-on medium. The system further includes a heating system programmed to: i) dry the printed-on medium at a predetermined temperature for a reduced dwell time (from about 1 second to about 40 seconds); and ii) leave residual moisture in the printed-on medium for a predetermined time after the reduced dwell time. The residual moisture is at a level that is higher than an initial moisture content of the medium prior to treatment composition and ink application.

Abstract: A method for forming a printable coating includes providing a calcium carbonate, combining a dispersant with the calcium carbonate, nanomilling the calcium carbonate and the dispersant to inhibit re-floccing of the nanomilled calcium carbonate, and combining the mixture with a binder at alkaline pH. According to one exemplary embodiment, the coating may be applied to one or more sides of a media substrate.

Abstract: A pattern is provided in coated printed media by flood coating a printed media with an overcoat material that hardens to form an overcoat coating and by controllably removing a portion of the overcoat coating from the printed media in a predetermined region with laser ablation. The printed media in the ablated region remains substantially intact. The ablated predetermined region provides the pattern in the coated printed media.

Abstract: A pattern is provided in coated printed media by flood coating a printed media with an overcoat material that hardens to form an overcoat coating and by controllably removing a portion of the overcoat coating from the printed media in a predetermined region with laser ablation. The printed media in the ablated region remains substantially intact.

Abstract: Inkjet ink compositions and methods for increasing inkjet ink particle stability are disclosed herein. In an embodiment, a latex polymer-containing inkjet ink composition comprises a secondary alcohol ethoxylate and a fluoro-surfactant at a concentration ratio effective to increase particle stability of the inkjet ink composition when the pigment particles are substantially electrostatically dispersed. In another embodiment, an inkjet ink composition comprises a latex dispersion having a conductivity of no more than about 1.5 mS/cm.

Abstract: There is disclosed an ink set and method for printing an inkjet ink image on a nonporous substrate. The inkset and method comprise one or more inkjet inks comprising at least one first pigment-based inkjet ink having a first colorant load of a pigment and a polymeric latex binder; and at least one second pigment-based inkjet ink having a second colorant load of the pigment and a polymeric latex binder, the second colorant load being less than the first colorant load, and the second pigment-based inkjet ink applied to a substrate in an amount to provide a total ink loading of from about 10 g/m2 to about 30 g/m2.

Abstract: A system for forming a microporous ink receptive coating includes a fusible latex configured to coat a substrate, wherein the fusible latex includes a hard core material and a soft shell material, wherein the latex exhibits self-adhesive properties at a system operation temperature.

Abstract: A method of forming a print medium comprising coating at least one side of a base substrate with anionically-charged nano-milled calcium carbonate that has been mixed with a cationic conversion agent to convert the coating to a cationically-charged coating, where a primary size of particles of the nano-milled calcium carbonate is 10-20 nm or smaller.

Abstract: Print media and systems for preparing a fused ink-jet image are disclosed. One exemplary print medium, among others, includes a substrate, a porous ink-receiving layer disposed on the substrate, and a porous surface layer disposed on the porous ink-receiving layer. The porous surface layer includes polymer particles and a non-ionic stabilizing surfactant.

Abstract: Inkjet ink compositions and methods for increasing inkjet ink particle stability are disclosed herein. In an embodiment, a latex polymer-containing inkjet ink composition comprises a secondary alcohol ethoxylate and a fluoro-surfactant at a concentration ratio effective to increase particle stability of the inkjet ink composition when the pigment particles are substantially electrostatically dispersed. In another embodiment, an inkjet ink composition comprises a latex dispersion having a conductivity of no more than about 1.5 mS/cm.

Abstract: There is disclosed an ink set and method for printing an inkjet ink image on a nonporous substrate. The inkset and method comprise one or more inkjet inks comprising at least one first pigment-based inkjet ink having a first colorant load of a pigment and a polymeric latex binder; and at least one second pigment-based inkjet ink having a second colorant load of the pigment and a polymeric latex binder, the second colorant load being less than the first colorant load, and the second pigment-based inkjet ink applied to a substrate in an amount to provide a total ink loading of from about 10 g/m2 to about 30 g/m2.

Abstract: A fusible print medium for use in inkjet printing. The fusible print medium includes a substrate and a fusible layer, the fusible layer comprising at least one organic pigment and at least one solid plasticizer. A method of producing the fusible print medium and a method of producing a photographic quality image are also disclosed.

Abstract: Briefly described, embodiments of this disclosure include fusible print media, methods of making fusible print media, and systems for preparing a fused ink-jet image. One exemplary embodiment of the fusible print medium, among others, includes a substrate and an ink-receiving layer disposed on the substrate. The ink-receiving layer includes a plurality of hollow polymer beads having substantially the same diameter.

Abstract: A method of producing a print medium to reduce problems associated with the gradual dye-fade and color-shift of inks over time, and to provide improved resistance to physical handling is provided Specifically, a method can comprise steps of coating a media substrate with a porous coating composition of semi-metal oxide or metal oxide particulates to form a porous ink receiving layer, coating the porous ink-receiving layer with a latex layer configured to allow an ink-jet ink to be received at the porous ink-receiving layer, printing ink-jet ink on at least a portion of the latex layer to form ink-associated latex regions exclusive of non-printed latex regions, and heating the latex layer. The ink-jet ink can include an ink vehicle, a colorant, and a film promoting additive that lowers the film forming temperature of the latex particulates in the ink-associated latex regions. Upon heating, the ink-associated latex regions form a continuous film, and non-printed latex regions do not form a continuous film.

Abstract: Fusible print media, systems for preparing a fused ink-jet image, and methods of preparing a fused ink-jet image, are provided. One exemplary fusible print medium, among others, includes a substrate and an ink-receiving layer disposed on the substrate. The ink-receiving layer includes a first layer having ultrafine polymer particles and a second layer having hollow beads.