Methods and apparatus for improving inkjet print quality
First Claim
1. A method of improving image quality in a printer that applies ink comprising a colorant and a carrier to a print medium, comprisinguniformly applying a treatment fluid to the medium, the treatment fluid selected to interact with the ink by causing rapid precipitation of the colorant from the carrier and to chemically increase the hydrophilicity of the print medium surface;
- and applying the ink to the medium, wherein the ink is applied to the print medium within about one minute after the treatment fluid is applied.
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Abstract
Methods and apparatus for in-line conditioning of swellable print media prior to printing. Treatment with an amphiphilic solvent increases the hydrophilicity of the media surface, thereby accelerating ink penetration and improving image quality in high throughput printing. In addition, ionic components in the treatment fluid can be used to accelerate precipitation of pigment or dye from the ink.
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Citations
11 Claims
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1. A method of improving image quality in a printer that applies ink comprising a colorant and a carrier to a print medium, comprising
uniformly applying a treatment fluid to the medium, the treatment fluid selected to interact with the ink by causing rapid precipitation of the colorant from the carrier and to chemically increase the hydrophilicity of the print medium surface; - and
applying the ink to the medium, wherein the ink is applied to the print medium within about one minute after the treatment fluid is applied. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6)
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7. A method of improving image quality in a printer that applies ink comprising an anionic colorant and a carrier to a print medium, comprising:
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applying a treatment fluid to the print medium, wherein the treatment fluid includes a polyvalent metal cation that interacts with the anionic colorant and causes rapid precipitation of the anionic colorant from the carrier and wherein the treatment fluid acts to chemically increase the hydrophilicity of the print medium surface; and
applying the ink to the medium, wherein the ink is applied to the print medium within about one minute after the treatment fluid is applied. - View Dependent Claims (8, 9, 10, 11)
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Specification