JP6278704B2 - Manufacturing method of printed matter - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a printed matter manufacturing method and a printed matter, in which printing is performed on a print medium having a plurality of print areas.

  Recently, there is a case where printing is performed on a print medium having a plurality of print areas, particularly a print medium having a plurality of print areas including a curved surface portion. For example, printing on a smartphone case or the like can be mentioned. As a printing method for printing on such a print medium, there is a technique described in Patent Document 1. In the printing method described in Patent Document 1, the distance between the inkjet head and the print medium is measured at predetermined intervals in the scanning direction using a distance detection sensor while the inkjet head is scanned, and the displacement amount of the distance is detected. Accordingly, printing is performed by changing the ink discharge amount or discharge interval from the inkjet head.

  As another printing method for printing on a print medium having a plurality of print areas, printing (first print) is performed on one print area of two print media adjacent to each other among the plurality of print areas, and the other There is a printing method in which continuous printing is performed in both print areas by performing printing (second printing) in the print area. In this printing method, in order to make the joint between the first print and the second print, that is, the joint between the two print areas inconspicuous, the following device is devised.

  First, two print areas adjacent to each other include the boundary between the two, a boundary area extending over both, the first area excluding the boundary area from one print area, and the boundary area excluded from the other print area The second area is partitioned. Then, a first print layer including the first gradation portion, in which the ink density is continuously decreased toward the second region with respect to the first region and the boundary region, including the first gradation portion in the boundary region is continuously formed. 1 is printed. Subsequently, the print layer including the second gradation portion that overlaps the first gradation portion, in which the ink density is continuously decreased toward the first region with respect to the second region and the boundary region, is continuously provided. Then, the second printing formed is performed. As a result, the first print and the second print are overlapped in the boundary area (that is, the first gradation part and the second gradation part overlap), and the boundary area is the same as the other areas. Printing is realized, and the joint between the first print and the second print, that is, the joint between the two print areas becomes inconspicuous.

JP 09-193368 A (published July 29, 1997)

  In some cases, after forming a base layer on which white printing has been performed for the purpose of forming a base on the print medium, an image layer on which desired printing has been performed may be formed on the base layer. FIG. 13 shows a cross-sectional view of the layer structure of a plurality of printing layers (underlayer and image layer) formed by a conventional printing method. As shown in FIG. 13, conventionally, when printing is performed on the first print region I1 and the second print region I2, a white print layer W1 is formed in the first print region I1 as a base layer, A white print layer W2 is formed in the print region I2. Then, a color print layer C1 is formed on the white print layer W1 as an image layer, and a color print layer C2 is formed on the white print layer W2. In this case, if the printing position cannot be accurately controlled at the boundary of the printing area, as shown in FIG. 13, between the white printing layer W1 and the white printing layer W2 or between the color printing layer C1 and the color printing layer C2. There is a problem that a gap is formed in the surface, and the surface of the print medium can be seen from the gap or the underlayer can be seen.

  In order to avoid this problem, as shown in FIG. 14, the joints of the white print layer W1 and the white print layer W2 and the joints of the color print layer C1 and the color print layer C2 are not overlapped with each other. It is desirable to form a printing layer. However, it is difficult to form such a layer structure with an ink jet printer. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 15, after forming the white print layer W1 in the first print region I1, the color print layer C1 is formed thereon, and the white print layer W2 is color printed in the second print region I2. There is a method of forming a color printing layer C2 on the layer C1 after being partially overlapped on the layer C1. However, in such a layer configuration, the white print layer W1 and the color print layer C1 and the white print layer W2 and the color print layer C2 are connected to each other, that is, between the first print region I1 and the second print region I2. Overlapping seams can result in rough printing and darker or lighter ink. As described above, even if the printing surfaces (the first printing area I1 and the second printing area I2) are flat, it is difficult to make the joints between the printing areas inconspicuous, and the first printing area I1 and It is even more difficult when the boundary of the second print region I2 is on the curved surface.

  Therefore, the present invention has been made in view of the above-described problems, and the object of the present invention is to form two print areas adjacent to each other when a plurality of print layers are formed on a print medium having a plurality of print areas. It is an object of the present invention to provide a printed matter manufacturing method and a printed matter that enable high-quality printing by making the joint inconspicuous.

  A printed matter manufacturing method according to an aspect of the present invention is a printing method for printing on a print medium having a plurality of print areas in order to solve the above-described problem. In contrast, the ink density is directed to the other print area with respect to the boundary area that includes the boundary between the two print areas and extends across the two print areas and the first area that excludes the boundary area from one print area. A first printing step of continuously forming a first printing layer including the first gradation portion, which is lowered as the boundary region is included, in the boundary region, and the boundary region and the first region. A second printing step of continuously forming on the first printing layer a second printing layer that includes a second gradation portion that is at least partly overlapped with the first gradation portion, and that has been lowered toward the printing area of A third ink overlapping the first gradation portion, in which the ink density is decreased toward the one print area with respect to the boundary area and the second area obtained by removing the boundary area from the other print area. With respect to the third printing step in which the third printing layer including the gradation portion is continuously formed, the boundary region, and the second region, the ink density is decreased toward the other printing region. And a fourth printing step of continuously forming a fourth printing layer including a fourth gradation portion overlapping the second gradation portion on the third printing layer.

  According to the above method, at least a part of the overlapping portion where the first gradation portion and the third gradation portion are overlapped and the overlapping portion where the second gradation portion and the fourth gradation portion are overlapped do not overlap each other. Therefore, the joint between two adjacent print areas can be made inconspicuous, and high-quality printing can be performed.

  Furthermore, in the method for manufacturing a printed material according to one aspect of the present invention, in the second printing step, the second printed layer including the second gradation portion that does not completely overlap the first gradation portion is formed. Also good.

  According to the above method, the uniform printed portion (printed portion other than the superimposed portion) of the second printed layer or the fourth printed layer is placed on the superimposed portion where the first gradation portion and the third gradation portion are overlapped. Is formed. A uniform print portion (print portion other than the overlap portion) of the first print layer or the third print layer is formed under the overlap portion where the second gradation portion and the fourth gradation portion are overlapped. Thereby, higher quality printing can be obtained.

Furthermore, in the printed matter manufacturing method according to an aspect of the present invention, in the third printing step, the third printed layer including the third gradation portion having the same density gradient as the first gradation portion is formed. ,
In the fourth printing step, the fourth print layer including the fourth gradation portion having the same density gradient as the second gradation portion may be formed.

  According to the above method, when the first gradation portion and the third gradation portion, and the second gradation portion and the fourth gradation portion are overlaid, the printing density can be made substantially constant.

  Furthermore, in the method for manufacturing a printed material according to one aspect of the present invention, the first region and the second region are planar portions that are in contact with each other at an angle, and the boundary region is the planar portion. It may be a curved surface part connecting the two.

  According to the above method, high-quality printing can be performed even on a print medium having a curved surface portion such as a smartphone case.

  Furthermore, in the method for producing a printed material according to one aspect of the present invention, the first printed layer, the second printed layer, the third printed layer, and the fourth printed layer may be formed by an inkjet printer. Good.

  In the printing method using transfer or airbrush, the printing position is positioned with respect to the boundary position between two adjacent printing areas, and the gradation position is clarified, and then a gradation portion in which the ink density is continuously reduced is formed. The printing process is difficult. Therefore, when printing is performed on each of a plurality of print areas, it is difficult to make the joint between two adjacent print areas inconspicuous. However, according to the above method, it is possible to accurately position the printing position with respect to the boundary position between two adjacent printing areas, and to perform printing processing for a gradation portion in which the ink density is continuously reduced. Is also available.

  Furthermore, in order to solve the above-described problem, the printed matter according to one aspect of the present invention includes a boundary between two print regions adjacent to each other among a plurality of print regions, and a boundary region straddling the two print regions, A first printing layer including a first gradation portion in the boundary region, the first gradation portion of which the ink density decreases toward the other printing region, with respect to the first region obtained by removing the boundary region from one printing region; and the boundary And a second print layer including a second gradation portion that does not overlap at least partly with the first gradation portion, the ink density of the region being lowered with respect to the first print region. The first graph in which the density of the ink decreases as it goes toward the one printing area with respect to the boundary area and the second area obtained by removing the boundary area from the other printing area. The second gradation part, wherein the density of the ink decreases as it goes to the other printing area with respect to the third printing layer including the third gradation part overlapping the application part, the boundary area, and the second area. And a fourth printing layer including a fourth gradation portion overlapping with the ink is formed by ink jet printing.

  According to the above configuration, at least a part of the overlapping portion where the first gradation portion and the third gradation portion are overlapped and the overlapping portion where the second gradation portion and the fourth gradation portion are overlapped do not overlap each other. Therefore, the joint between two adjacent print areas is not conspicuous, and the printing is high quality. The printed matter according to one aspect of the present invention can be preferably manufactured by the above-described method for manufacturing a printed matter according to one aspect of the present invention.

  According to the method for manufacturing a printed material according to one aspect of the present invention, when a plurality of print layers are formed on a print medium having a plurality of print areas, the connection between two adjacent print areas is made inconspicuous. This is advantageous in that high quality printing is possible.

1 is a perspective view showing a print medium according to an embodiment of the present invention. It is sectional drawing containing the curved surface part of the printing layer formed on the printing medium which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention. 1 is a schematic diagram of an inkjet head according to an embodiment of the present invention. 1 is a schematic diagram of an inkjet head according to an embodiment of the present invention. (A) in a figure is a figure which shows the process of performing 1st printing, (b) is a figure which shows the process of tilting a printing medium, (c) is the process of performing 2nd printing. FIG. It is a figure which shows the relationship between an ink discharge area | region and the density | concentration of an ink. It is a plane development view in the state where the 1st printing was performed on the printing medium concerning one embodiment of the present invention. It is a figure which shows the relationship between an ink discharge area | region and the density | concentration of an ink. It is a plane development view in the state where the 2nd printing was performed on the printing medium concerning one embodiment of the present invention. It is a plane development view in the state where the 1st printing and the 2nd printing were performed to the printing medium concerning one embodiment of the present invention. It is detail drawing of the overlap of the 1st gradation part and 2nd gradation part in a 1st printing layer, (a) is sectional drawing which expand | deploys and shows two printing layers which comprise a 1st printing layer FIG. 6B is a cross-sectional view illustrating a state in which two print layers constituting the first print layer are overlaid. It is detail drawing of the overlap of the 1st gradation part and 2nd gradation part in a 2nd printing layer, (a) is sectional drawing which expand | deploys and shows two printing layers which comprise a 2nd printing layer FIG. 6B is a cross-sectional view showing a state in which two print layers constituting the second print layer are overlaid. It is sectional drawing which shows the layer structure of the some printing layer formed by the conventional printing method. It is sectional drawing which shows the layer structure of a some printing layer. It is sectional drawing which shows the layer structure of the some printing layer formed by the conventional printing method.

  Embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. In the following description, members having the same function and action are denoted by the same reference numerals, and repeated description is omitted.

  The printed matter manufacturing method according to the present embodiment is a printing method for printing on a print medium having a plurality of print areas. In the present embodiment, as an example of a print medium having a plurality of print areas, a smartphone case formed using a resin will be described. However, the print medium is not limited to this, and may have any shape such as a planar shape or a three-dimensional shape. In addition, there is no particular limitation on the shape and size of each of the plurality of print areas of the print medium.

(Print media)
Before describing the printing method according to the present embodiment, a printing medium on which printing is performed will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2. FIG. 1 is a perspective view illustrating a print medium 10 according to the present embodiment, and FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view including a curved surface portion of a print layer formed on the print medium 10.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the print medium 10 according to the present embodiment includes a front part A, a left side part B, and a right side part C. Here, the angle formed by the front part A and the left side part B and the angle formed by the front part A and the right side part C are both 90 °, but the front part A and the left side part B, and the front part A and There is no particular limitation as long as the right side surfaces C are in contact with each other at an angle. Here, the front part A and the left side part B of the print medium 10 include the boundary between them, the boundary region (curved surface part d) straddling both, and the first part obtained by removing the boundary region (curved surface part d) from the front part A. It can be divided into one region (plane portion a) and a second region (plane portion b) obtained by removing the boundary region (curved surface portion d) from the left side surface portion B.

  The print medium 10 has a plurality of print areas (a front part A, a left side part B, and a right side part C), and printing is performed on these print areas. As shown in FIG. 2, the print medium 10 is formed as a first print layer P1, after forming a base layer on which white printing has been performed for the purpose of forming the base, and then as the second print layer P2, the first print layer P1 An image layer subjected to desired printing is formed on the printing layer P1. The printing method according to the present embodiment is a method for performing printing on two adjacent print areas among a plurality of print areas. In the print medium 10, the printing method according to the present embodiment is used for the front part A and the left side part B adjacent to each other and the front part A and the right side part C adjacent to each other.

  In the print medium 10, the first print layer P1 is not limited to the base layer, and the second print layer P2 is not limited to the image layer. For example, an image layer may be formed as the first print layer P1, and a clear ink layer for protecting the image layer may be formed as the second print layer P2. Alternatively, a primer layer serving as an adhesive layer may be formed as the first print layer P1, and an image layer may be formed as the second print layer P2.

(Printer)
Printing on the print medium 10 can be performed using an inkjet printer. The inkjet printer according to the present embodiment includes a platen that supports a print medium, an inkjet head that ejects ink onto the printing surface of the print medium, a scanning unit that scans the inkjet head in the main scanning direction, and a main scan of the print medium. This is a known printer that includes a transport unit that transports in a direction orthogonal to the direction (medium transport direction) and a control unit that controls the operation of each unit. In an inkjet printer, printing on a print medium is performed by causing an inkjet head to scan in the main scanning direction and ejecting ink from the inkjet head.

  3 and 4 are schematic views of the ink jet head according to the present embodiment. An inkjet head 1a shown in FIG. 3 includes a carriage 2 that can reciprocate in the Y direction (main scanning direction), a plurality of nozzle rows mounted on the carriage 2, and ultraviolet irradiation devices 4a and 4b mounted on the carriage 2. Is provided. The ink jet printer transports the print medium 10 in the X direction (sub-scanning direction) orthogonal to the Y direction by the pass width, and moves the carriage 2 in the Y direction to eject ultraviolet curable ink from the nozzle row. At the same time, an image is formed on the print medium 10 by performing scanning that irradiates ultraviolet rays from the ultraviolet irradiation devices 4a and 4b. In addition, although the ultraviolet curable ink can be suitably used for the ink jet printer according to the present invention, this is merely an example, and the ink jet printer according to the present invention can use various inks.

  The plurality of nozzle rows are arranged along the Y direction, and from the left side of the paper surface to the right side of the paper surface in the Y direction, the nozzle row C, the nozzle row M, the nozzle row Y, the nozzle row K, and the two nozzle rows W It is arranged in the order. Since each of the plurality of nozzle rows is mounted on the carriage 2, it is possible to discharge ultraviolet curable ink when moving in the Y direction as the carriage 2 moves. From the nozzle rows C, M, Y, and K arranged on the left side of the paper in the Y direction, color ultraviolet curable ink (hereinafter also referred to as “color ink”) is ejected and 2 arranged on the left side of the paper in the Y direction. From one nozzle row W, white ultraviolet curable ink (hereinafter also referred to as “white ink”) is ejected. More specifically, cyan (C) color ink is ejected from the nozzle row C. From the nozzle row M, magenta (M) color ink is ejected. From the nozzle row Y, yellow (Y) color ink is ejected. From the nozzle row K, black (K) color ink is ejected. Also, white ink (W) is ejected from each nozzle row W.

  For example, printing is performed as follows by the printing apparatus according to the present embodiment. That is, among the nozzle rows C, M, Y, and K that discharge the color ink, the color ink is discharged only from the first discharge region D1 on the upper side of the paper in the X direction, and the color ink is discharged from the lower surface of the paper in the X direction. Is not discharged. On the other hand, of the two nozzle rows W that eject white ink, white ink is ejected only from the second ejection area D2 on the lower side of the paper in the X direction, and no white ink is ejected from the area on the upper side of the paper in the X direction. For this reason, on the printing medium 10 conveyed in the X direction (for example, the upward direction on the paper surface), first, the white ink ejected from the second ejection region D2 of the two nozzle rows W is applied to the surface of the printing medium 10, After the print medium 10 is conveyed in the X direction, the color ink ejected from the first ejection region D1 of the nozzle rows C, M, Y, and K is applied to the surface (upper layer) of the white ink.

  The ultraviolet irradiation devices 4a and 4b are for irradiating the ultraviolet curable ink applied to the printing medium 10 with ultraviolet rays and curing the ultraviolet curable ink. The ultraviolet irradiation devices 4a and 4b have ultraviolet light emitting diodes (hereinafter referred to as “UVLEDs”) as main components, and ultraviolet rays are emitted when the UVLEDs are turned on, and emission of ultraviolet rays is stopped when the UVLEDs are turned off. In the ultraviolet irradiation devices 4a and 4b, the UVLED is directed in the direction of a platen (not shown) to which the print medium 10 is conveyed. When the UVLED is turned on, ultraviolet rays are emitted to the print medium 10 conveyed to the platen. When the UV LED is turned off and the UV LED is turned off, the ultraviolet irradiation to the print medium 10 is stopped. Since the ultraviolet irradiation devices 4 a and 4 b are mounted on the carriage 2, it is possible to emit ultraviolet rays when moving in the Y direction as the carriage 2 moves.

  In the inkjet head 1a, as the carriage 2 moves, color ink is discharged from the first discharge area D1 of the nozzle rows C, M, Y, and K, and white ink is discharged from the second discharge area D2 of the two nozzle rows W. At the same time, ultraviolet rays are emitted from the ultraviolet irradiation devices 4a and 4b. At this time, the print medium 10 is sequentially conveyed in the X direction (for example, upward direction on the paper surface) by the pass width, whereby white ink is applied to the surface of the print medium 10 and the white print layer (first print layer P1). ) Is formed, and color ink is applied to the surface of the white print layer to form a color print layer (second print layer P2). If the control for switching and selecting the nozzle row for ejecting ink is performed as in the inkjet head 1a, simultaneous printing of a plurality of print layers can be supported. In addition, the inkjet head 1a can perform not only simultaneous printing of a plurality of printing layers but also normal color printing at high speed. Furthermore, the direction in the sub-scanning direction (that is, the conveyance direction of the print medium 10) can be selected.

  In addition, although the inkjet head 1a of FIG. 2 is provided with two ink nozzles W on the assumption that the white print layer is solid-printed as the first print layer P1, it is not necessarily limited to this. . For example, the inkjet head 1b shown in FIG. 4 further includes a nozzle row CL and a nozzle row P. The nozzle row CL and the nozzle row P are mounted side by side on the right side of the sheet of the two nozzle rows W in the Y direction. Clear ink (CL) is ejected from the nozzle array CL, and primer (P) is ejected from the nozzle array P. Thereby, clear ink for forming a protective layer can be discharged to the printing medium 10, or a primer for forming an adhesive layer can be discharged. In the inkjet head 1b, as the carriage 2 moves, the color ink from the first ejection area E1 of the nozzle rows C, M, Y, and K and the white ink and the clear from the second ejection area E2 of the nozzle rows W, CL, and P are cleared. The configuration in which ink or primer is discharged and ultraviolet rays are emitted from the ultraviolet irradiation devices 4a and 4b is the same as that of the inkjet head 1a.

  The ultraviolet curable ink used for the inkjet heads 1a and 1b is an ink that is cured by being irradiated with ultraviolet rays, and includes a resin such as a monomer or an oligomer that is polymerized by being irradiated with ultraviolet rays. Examples of such a resin include epoxy acrylate, urethane acrylate, and polyester acrylate.

(Process of printing method)
Next, steps of the printing method according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. (A) of FIG. 5 is a figure which shows the process of performing 1st printing, (b) is the process of tilting the printing medium 10 in order to change the area | region to print from the plane part a to the plane part b. (C) is a figure which shows the process of performing 2nd printing. Hereinafter, the printing method according to the present embodiment will be described by taking as an example a case where printing is performed on the two print areas of the front portion A and the left side portion B of the print medium 10.

[Arrangement process]
In the printing method according to the present embodiment, first, the print medium 10 is arranged at a predetermined position on a platen (not shown) of an inkjet printer. In the present embodiment, a method of using a jig (not shown) for fixing the print medium 10 on the platen when the print medium 10 is arranged on the platen is adopted (details will be described later). .

[First printing step and second printing step]
As shown in FIG. 5A, printing is performed while the inkjet head H is scanned from one side in the main scanning direction (Y direction) to the other side (the direction of the arrow y1 in FIG. 5A). Printing). The first printing includes the following first printing process and second printing process. These steps include a step of appropriately curing the landed ink.

  In the first printing step, the first printing layer P1 (first printing layer) is formed while discharging the first ink for forming the first printing layer P1 from the inkjet head H. In the second printing step, the second printing layer P2 (second printing layer) is ejected from the inkjet head H while the second ink for forming the second printing layer P2 is discharged from the first printing layer P1. Formed on (first printed layer). At this time, in the first printing step and the second printing step, the curved surface portion d includes a gradation portion in which the ink density is continuously decreased with respect to the flat surface portion c and the curved surface portion d toward the flat surface portion c. Layers are formed in succession.

  A specific relationship between the ink discharge area and the ink density is shown in FIG. In FIG. 6, the region α in FIG. As shown in FIG. 6, as the first print layer P1, the concentration (that is, unit) of the first ink (that is, the first ink that lands on the print medium 10) with respect to the flat surface portion a and the curved surface portion d. A printed layer (first layer) including a first gradation portion Q1 (first gradation portion) in the curved surface portion d, in which the first ink landing amount per area) is continuously decreased from a predetermined density toward the plane portion b. Printing layer) is formed continuously. That is, in the first gradation portion Q1, the density of the first ink is continuously reduced from the predetermined density, and in other areas, the density of the first ink is controlled to the predetermined density for printing.

  Further, as the second print layer P2, the density (that is, the second ink per unit area) of the second ink (that is, the second ink that lands on the print medium 10) with respect to the flat surface portion a and the curved surface portion d. The first gradation portion R1 (second gradation) at least partially overlapping the first gradation portion Q1 (first gradation portion), which is continuously reduced from a predetermined density toward the flat surface portion b. The printing layer (second printing layer) including the gradation portion) in the curved surface portion d is continuously formed. That is, in the first gradation portion R1, the density of the second ink is continuously decreased from the predetermined density, and in the other areas, the second ink density is controlled to the predetermined density for printing.

  In the present embodiment, the positions of the first gradation portion Q1 and the first gradation portion R1 in the curved surface portion d are not limited as long as at least a part thereof does not overlap each other. For example, in FIG. 6, the start position of the first gradation portion R1 (the position at which the control for reducing the density of the second ink is started) is the boundary position between the flat surface portion a and the curved surface portion d. However, the density may be controlled to decrease from a position near the boundary position between the plane portion a and the curved surface portion d (that is, a position closer to the plane portion c side than the boundary position). . The end position of the first gradation part Q1 (position where the first ink discharge ends) is the boundary position between the flat surface part b and the curved surface part d, but is not limited to this. You may perform control which reduces the said density | concentration from the vicinity position (namely, the vicinity position of the plane part a side rather than the said boundary position) of the boundary position of the plane part b and the curved surface part d. The ink density is controlled by the amount of ink landing, but may be controlled by the density of the coloring component of the ink itself.

  FIG. 7 shows a plan development view in a state in which the first printing is performed on the print medium 10 (a diagram in which the flat surface portion a and the curved surface portion d in the three-dimensional print medium 10 are displayed in a flat shape). As shown in FIG. 7, in the first print layer P1, the area other than the first gradation part Q1 in the Y direction is ejected at a normal ink density, and the first gradation part Q1 is the second as described above. The ink is discharged so that the density of one ink is continuously reduced. In the second print layer P2, the area other than the first gradation part R1 in the Y direction is ejected at a normal ink density, and the density of the second ink as described above in the first gradation part R1. To discharge continuously.

[Tilt process]
Next, in order to perform printing on the flat portion b of the print medium 10, the print medium 10 is tilted by a predetermined angle as shown in FIG. 5B. In the present embodiment, the print medium 10 is tilted (rotated) by a predetermined angle (here, 90 °) in the direction shown in the drawing so that the flat portion b faces the lower surface of the inkjet head H. Since the inkjet head H is fixed, it is possible to perform printing by ejecting ink from the inkjet head H onto the flat portion b of the print medium 10 by tilting the print medium 10.

  In this step, the print medium 10 is fixed on the platen using a jig (not shown) for fixing the print medium 10 on the platen. According to this, it becomes possible to stably fix the print medium 10 in a desired direction. In addition, as said jig | tool, a tilting process can be performed, for example using the BBQ system of UJF-3042HG by Mimaki Engineering.

[Third printing step and fourth printing step]
As shown in FIG. 5C, printing is performed while the inkjet head H is scanned from the other side in the main scanning direction (Y direction) to one side (the direction of the arrow y2 in FIG. 5C). Printing). Note that the second printing includes the following third printing step and fourth printing step. These steps include a step of appropriately curing the landed ink.

  Also in the third printing step, the first printing layer P1 (third printing layer) is formed while discharging the first ink for forming the first printing layer P1 from the inkjet head H. In the fourth printing step, the second printing layer P2 (fourth printing layer) is discharged from the inkjet head H while discharging the second ink for forming the second printing layer P2. It is formed on P1 (third printing layer). At this time, in the third printing step and the fourth printing step, the curved surface portion d includes a gradation portion in which the ink density is continuously decreased with respect to the flat surface portion b and the curved surface portion d toward the flat surface portion a. Layers are formed in succession.

  A specific relationship between the ink ejection area and the ink density is shown in FIG. In FIG. 8, the region β in FIG. 5C is enlarged. As shown in FIG. 8, as the first printing layer P1, the concentration (that is, unit) of the first ink (that is, the first ink that lands on the printing medium 10) with respect to the flat surface portion b and the curved surface portion d. The second gradation portion Q2 (first gradation portion) that overlaps the first gradation portion Q1 (first gradation portion), in which the landing amount of the first ink per area) is continuously decreased from the predetermined density toward the plane portion a. A printing layer (third printing layer) including 3 gradation portions) in the curved surface portion d is continuously formed. That is, in the second gradation portion Q2, the density of the first ink is continuously reduced from the predetermined density, and in other areas, the first ink density is controlled to the predetermined density for printing.

  Further, as the second print layer P2, the density of the second ink (that is, the second ink that lands on the print medium 10) with respect to the flat surface portion b and the curved surface portion d (that is, the second per unit area). The second gradation portion R2 (fourth gradation portion) that overlaps the first gradation portion R1 (second gradation portion), in which the ink landing amount) is continuously reduced from a predetermined density toward the plane portion a. A print layer (fourth print layer) included in the curved surface portion d is continuously formed. That is, in the second gradation portion R2, the density of the second ink is continuously decreased from the predetermined density, and in other areas, the second ink density is controlled to the predetermined density and printing is performed.

  In the present embodiment, the positions of the second gradation portion Q2 and the second gradation portion R2 are not limited as long as at least a portion thereof does not overlap each other. For example, in FIG. 8, the start position of the second gradation portion Q2 (the position at which control for reducing the density of the first ink is started) is the boundary position between the flat surface portion b and the curved surface portion d. However, the density may be controlled to decrease from a position near the boundary position between the flat surface portion b and the curved surface portion d (that is, a position closer to the flat surface portion a side than the boundary position). . Further, the end position of the second gradation portion R2 (the position where the second ink ejection ends) is the boundary position between the flat surface portion a and the curved surface portion d, but is not limited to this. You may perform control which complete | finishes discharge of 2nd ink in the vicinity position (namely, the vicinity position of the plane part b side rather than the said boundary position) of the boundary position of the plane part a and the curved surface part d. The ink density is controlled by the amount of ink landing, but may be controlled by the density of the coloring component of the ink itself.

  FIG. 9 shows a plan development view in a state where the second printing is performed on the print medium 10 (a diagram in which the flat surface portion b and the curved surface portion d in the three-dimensional print medium 10 are expanded and displayed in a flat shape). As shown in FIG. 9, in the first print layer P1, the area other than the second gradation part Q2 in the Y direction is ejected at a normal ink density, and the second gradation part Q2 is the second as described above. The ink is discharged so that the density of one ink is continuously reduced. In the second printed layer P2, the area other than the second gradation part R2 in the Y direction is ejected at a normal ink density, and the density of the second ink as described above in the second gradation part R2. To discharge continuously.

  Here, a plan development view in a state in which the first printing and the second printing are performed on the print medium 10 (the flat part a, the flat part b, and the curved part d in the three-dimensional print medium 10 are developed in a flat shape. FIG. 10 shows a diagram displayed as above. As shown in FIG. 10, the first gradation portion Q1 and the second gradation portion Q2 are formed to overlap each other, and similarly, the first gradation portion R1 and the second gradation portion R2 are formed to overlap each other. . FIG. 11 shows a detailed view of the overlap between the first gradation portion Q1 and the second gradation portion Q2, and FIG. 12 shows a detailed view of the overlap between the first gradation portion R1 and the second gradation portion R2.

  As shown in FIG. 11A, in the first printing step, the first ink concentration is continuously decreased with respect to the flat surface portion a and the curved surface portion d as it goes to the flat surface portion b. In the third printing step, the density of the first ink is increased toward the plane part a with respect to the plane part b and the curved part d in the third printing step. A print layer including the second gradation portion Q2 continuously lowered in the curved surface portion d is continuously formed. At this time, as shown in FIG. 11B, in the third printing step, a print layer including the second gradation portion Q2 is formed at a position overlapping the first gradation portion Q1. Thereby, as shown in FIG. 10, in the 1st printing layer P1, the printing similar to another area | region (namely, the plane part a and the plane part c) is realizable in the curved surface part d.

  Similarly, as shown in FIG. 12A, in the second printing step, the concentration of the second ink is continuously decreased from the flat surface portion a and the curved surface portion d toward the flat surface portion b. In the fourth printing step, the density of the second ink is set to the flat surface portion a with respect to the flat surface portion b and the curved surface portion d. The printed layer including the second gradation portion R2 continuously lowered as it goes to the curved surface portion d is continuously formed. At this time, as shown in FIG. 12B, in the fourth printing step, a print layer including the second gradation portion R2 is formed at a position overlapping the first gradation portion R1. As a result, as shown in FIG. 10, in the second print layer P2, it is possible to realize the same printing as in other regions (that is, the plane portion a and the plane portion c) in the curved surface portion d.

  Note that the first gradation portion Q1 and the second gradation portion Q2, and the first gradation portion so that the shade of printing becomes substantially constant when the first gradation portion R1 and the second gradation portion R2 are overlapped. It is preferable that the part Q1 and the second gradation part Q2 have the same density gradient, and the first gradation part R1 and the second gradation part R2 also have the same density gradient.

  As shown in FIG. 10, the overlapping portion M1 in which the first gradation portion Q1 and the second gradation portion Q2 are overlapped, and the overlapping portion M2 in which the first gradation portion R1 and the second gradation portion R2 are overlapped are as follows. , Do not overlap each other. Therefore, the overlapping portion M1 (joint) in the first print layer P1 and the overlap portion M2 (joint) in the second print layer P2 overlap each other, resulting in rough printing or dark ink. Alternatively, it can be prevented from becoming thin, and high-quality printing is possible. This is because a uniform print portion (print portion other than the overlap portion M2) of the second print layer P2 is formed on the overlap portion M1 in the first print layer P1, and the second print layer P2 is formed. This is because a uniform print portion (a print portion other than the overlap portion M1) of the first print layer P1 is formed under the overlap portion M2.

  Note that higher quality printing can be obtained unless the overlapping portion M1 in the first printing layer P1 and the overlapping portion M2 in the second printing layer P2 are completely overlapped. However, it is sufficient that the overlapping portion M1 and the overlapping portion M2 do not at least partially overlap each other. For example, even if the overlapping portion M1 in the first printing layer P1 and a part of the overlapping portion M2 in the second printing layer P2 overlap, the first overlapping portion M1 and the second overlapping portion M2 If a part of them does not overlap, sufficiently high quality printing is possible.

  Moreover, even if the position where the first printing or the second printing is performed is shifted from the predetermined position with respect to the second printing layer P2, since there is the overlapping portion M2, the first printing and the second printing are performed. Problems such as a gap between printing and the like can also be prevented. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the first printed layer P1 from being seen from the gap between the first printing and the second printing, and it is possible to perform printing with higher quality.

  In particular, the print medium 10 is, for example, a smartphone case, and in this type of article, an image having a continuous pattern is often printed. In this case, the continuity of the pattern between the plurality of print areas is regarded as important, but if the printing method according to the present embodiment is used, high-quality printing can be performed in which the pattern does not shift between the plurality of print areas. In addition, the printing medium used as the object of the manufacturing method of the printed matter which concerns on this invention is not limited to the case for smart phones, It can apply to the printing medium of various shapes.

(Simultaneous printing)
In the printing method according to the present embodiment, when the overlapping portion M1 in the first printing layer P1 and the overlapping portion M2 in the second printing layer P2 do not completely overlap, FIG. 3 or FIG. It is possible to simultaneously print the first print layer P1 and the second print layer P2 using the ink jet head as shown. When simultaneous printing is possible, the time required for printing can be shortened. Further, when simultaneous printing of the first print layer P1 and the second print layer P2 becomes possible with one inkjet head, it becomes easier to control the printing positions of the first print layer P1 and the second print layer P2, The shift between the first print layer P1 and the second print layer P2 can be prevented.

  In this case, when the first printing is performed, the first gradation portion Q1 is printed in the example of FIG. 6, and when the printing of the first gradation portion Q1 is completed, the portions other than the first gradation portion Q1 in the Y direction are finished. The printing of the area and the printing of the first gradation part R1 are performed simultaneously. When the printing of the first gradation portion R1 is completed, printing other than the first gradation portion Q1 in the Y direction and printing other than the first gradation portion R1 in the Y direction are simultaneously performed. In addition, it is also possible to perform the above process in reverse order.

  Further, when the second printing is performed, in the example of FIG. 8, the second gradation portion R2 is printed, and when the second gradation portion R2 is printed, the area other than the second gradation portion R2 in the Y direction. And the second gradation portion Q2 are simultaneously printed. When the printing of the second gradation portion Q2 is completed, the printing of the region other than the second gradation portion R2 in the Y direction and the printing of the region other than the second gradation portion Q2 in the Y direction are simultaneously performed. In addition, it is also possible to perform the above process in reverse order.

  However, the first print layer P1 and the second print layer P2 are not necessarily printed at the same time, and may be performed independently. In addition, when the first print layer P1 and the second print layer P2 are printed independently, the first print and the second print layer P2 are printed when the first print layer P1 and the second print layer P2 are printed. There is no particular limitation on the order of printing. That is, when forming the first printing layer P1, either the first printing or the second printing may be performed first, and when forming the second printing layer P2, the first printing is performed. Either the second printing or the second printing may be performed first.

(Additional notes)
Note that the printing method according to the present embodiment is a method of printing a continuous image in a plurality of print areas by printing an image on each of the plurality of print areas. The “continuous image” referred to herein means an image printed over a plurality of print areas, and does not mean only an image having a continuous pattern. Therefore, an image to be printed on each of the plurality of print regions may be an image obtained by dividing an image having a continuous pattern into a plurality of images, or images that are not related to each other.

  In addition, the number of print areas of the print medium 10 is not particularly limited, and the print method according to the present embodiment is applicable as long as the print medium 10 has a plurality (two or more) of print areas. In addition, the number of print layers formed on the print medium 10 is not particularly limited as long as it is plural. Although the example which forms two printing layers (1st printing layer P1 and 2nd printing layer P2) was mentioned above, you may form three or more printing layers.

  In the above, the configuration in which the ink density is continuously decreased in the first gradation portions Q1 and R1 and the second gradation portions Q2 and R2 has been described. However, the present invention is not necessarily limited thereto. For example, the ink density may be decreased stepwise or by changing the gradient. Therefore, in the first gradation portions Q1 and R1 and the second gradation portions Q2 and R2, it is only necessary to decrease the ink density as it goes toward the flat portion a or the flat portion c.

  In the printing method using transfer, airbrush, or the like, the printing position is positioned with respect to the boundary position between two adjacent printing regions, and a gradation portion in which the ink density is continuously reduced is formed at the boundary position. The printing process is difficult. Therefore, when printing is performed on each of a plurality of print areas, it is difficult to make the joint between two adjacent print areas inconspicuous. In particular, when printing an image having a pattern on each of a plurality of print areas, it is particularly difficult to make the joint between two adjacent print areas inconspicuous. However, the ink jet printer can accurately position the printing position with respect to the boundary position between two adjacent printing areas, and can also handle printing processing of a gradation portion in which the ink density is continuously reduced. It is. Therefore, the printing method according to this embodiment is preferably performed using an ink jet printer.

(Printed matter)
The printed matter according to the present invention includes a boundary between two print areas adjacent to each other among a plurality of print areas, a boundary area straddling the two print areas, and a first print area excluding the boundary area. With respect to one area, the first printing layer that includes a first gradation portion that decreases in the ink density toward the other printing area in the boundary area, the boundary area, and the first area, From the second printing layer including the second gradation part that does not overlap at least partly with the first gradation part, the boundary area, and the other printing area, the ink density decreases as it goes to the other printing area A third gradation overlapping the first gradation portion, where the ink density decreases toward the one print area with respect to the second area excluding the boundary area. A fourth gradation portion overlapping the second gradation portion, wherein the ink density decreases toward the other printing region with respect to the third printing layer including the boundary region and the second region. The fourth printing layer is formed by ink jet printing.

  According to the above configuration, the overlapping portion M1 in which the first gradation portion Q1 and the second gradation portion Q2 are overlapped, and the overlapping portion M2 in which the first gradation portion R1 and the second gradation portion R2 are overlapped are , At least some do not overlap each other. Therefore, the joint between two adjacent print areas is not conspicuous, and the printing is high quality. The printed material according to the present invention can be preferably manufactured by the above-described method for manufacturing a printed material according to the present invention.

  In addition, as described above, the printed matter manufacturing method according to one aspect of the present invention is a printing method for printing on a print medium having a plurality of print regions, and the two adjacent ones among the plurality of print regions. A boundary region (curved surface portion b) that includes the boundary of two print regions and straddles the two print regions, and a first region (plane portion a) that excludes the boundary region from one print region (for example, the front surface portion A) In contrast, a first print layer (first print layer P1) including a first gradation portion (first gradation portion Q1) in which the ink density is lowered toward the other print region in the boundary region is provided. The first gradation portion and at least a part of the first printing step that is continuously formed, the boundary region, and the first region, the ink density being reduced toward the other printing region Do not overlap A second printing step in which a second printing layer (second printing layer P2) including two gradation portions (second gradation portion R1) is continuously formed on the first printing layer; the boundary region; The first density in which the ink density is lowered toward the one print area with respect to the second area (plane part b) excluding the boundary area from the other print area (for example, the left side B). A third printing step of continuously forming a third printing layer (first printing layer P1) including a third gradation portion (second gradation portion Q2) overlapping the gradation portion; the boundary region; A fourth printed layer (second gradation) that includes a fourth gradation portion (second gradation portion R2) that overlaps the second gradation portion, the ink density of the region being lowered toward the other printing region. A printed layer P2) and a fourth print step of forming successively to the third printing layer.

  According to the above method, the overlapping portion M1 in which the first gradation portion Q1 and the second gradation portion Q2 are overlapped, and the overlapping portion M2 in which the first gradation portion R1 and the second gradation portion R2 are overlapped are obtained. , At least some do not overlap each other. Therefore, the joint between two adjacent print areas can be made inconspicuous, and high-quality printing can be performed.

  Furthermore, in the printed matter manufacturing method according to an aspect of the present invention, in the second printing step, the second gradation portion (first gradation) that does not completely overlap the first gradation portion (first gradation portion Q1). The second printed layer including the gradation portion R1) is formed.

  According to the above method, the uniform print portion (other than the overlap portion M2) of the second print layer P2 is placed on the overlap portion M1 in which the first gradation portion Q1 and the second gradation portion Q2 are overlapped. Printed portion) is formed. A uniform print portion (a print portion other than the overlap portion M1) of the first print layer P1 is formed under the overlap portion M2 in which the first gradation portion R1 and the second gradation portion R2 are overlapped. Is done. Thereby, higher quality printing can be obtained.

  Furthermore, in the method for manufacturing a printed material according to one aspect of the present invention, in the third printing step, the third gradation portion (second gradation) having the same density gradient as the first gradation portion (first gradation portion Q1). 2nd gradation part Q2) is formed, and the fourth gradation part (first gradation part R1) having the same density gradient as the second gradation part (first gradation part R1) is formed in the fourth printing step. The fourth printed layer including 2 gradation portions R2) is formed.

  According to the above method, when the first gradation portion Q1 and the second gradation portion Q2, and the first gradation portion R1 and the second gradation portion R2 are overlapped, the shade of printing can be made substantially constant. it can.

  Furthermore, in the method for manufacturing a printed material according to one aspect of the present invention, the first region (planar portion a) and the second region (planar portion b) are planar portions that are in contact with each other at an angle. The boundary area (curved surface portion d) is a curved surface portion that connects the flat surface portions.

  According to the above method, high-quality printing can be performed even on a print medium having a curved surface portion such as a smartphone case.

  Furthermore, in the method for producing a printed material according to one aspect of the present invention, the first printed layer (first printed layer P1), the second printed layer (second printed layer P2), and the third printed layer. The (first print layer P1) and the fourth print layer (second print layer P2) are formed by an ink jet printer.

  In a printing method using transfer or airbrush, a printing process for positioning a printing position with respect to a boundary position between two printing areas adjacent to each other, and forming a gradation portion in which the ink density is continuously reduced at the boundary position. Is difficult. Therefore, when printing is performed on each of a plurality of print areas, it is difficult to make the joint between two adjacent print areas inconspicuous. However, according to the above method, it is possible to accurately position the printing position with respect to the boundary position between two adjacent printing areas, and to perform printing processing for a gradation portion in which the ink density is continuously reduced. Is also available.

  Furthermore, the printed matter according to one embodiment of the present invention includes a boundary between two print areas adjacent to each other among the plurality of print areas, the boundary area (curved surface portion b) straddling the two print areas, and one print area A first gradation in which the ink density decreases as it goes to the other print region (for example, the left side surface portion B) with respect to the first region (for example, the front surface portion A) excluding the boundary region (for example, the front portion A). With respect to the first printing layer (first printing layer P1) including a part in the boundary region, the boundary region, and the first region, the ink density decreases as it goes to the other printing region. A second print layer (second print layer P2) including a second gradation portion that does not at least partially overlap the first gradation portion, the boundary region, and a second region obtained by removing the boundary region from the other print region. 2 areas (flat A third printing layer (first printing layer P1) including a third gradation portion overlapping the first gradation portion, the ink density of which decreases with respect to the one printing region, with respect to the portion b) A fourth print layer (second print) including a fourth gradation portion that overlaps the second gradation portion, the ink density of the boundary region and the second region being decreased toward the other print region. The printing layer P2) is formed by inkjet printing.

  According to the above configuration, the overlapping portion M1 in which the first gradation portion Q1 and the second gradation portion Q2 are overlapped, and the overlapping portion M2 in which the first gradation portion R1 and the second gradation portion R2 are overlapped are , At least some do not overlap each other. Therefore, the joint between two adjacent print areas is not conspicuous, and the printing is high quality. The printed matter according to one aspect of the present invention can be preferably manufactured by the above-described method for manufacturing a printed matter according to one aspect of the present invention.

  The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications can be made within the scope shown in the claims. That is, embodiments obtained by combining technical means appropriately modified within the scope of the claims are also included in the technical scope of the present invention.

  The printed matter manufacturing method according to the present invention can be suitably used for printing on a print medium having a plurality of print areas such as a case for a smartphone.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1a Inkjet head 1b Inkjet head 2 Carriage 4a, 4b Ultraviolet irradiation apparatus 10 Print medium A Front part (one printing area, the other printing area)
B Left side (the other printing area, one printing area)
C right side surface portion P1 first printing layer (first printing layer, third printing layer)
P2 Second print layer (second print layer, fourth print layer)
Q1 First gradation part (first gradation part)
Q2 Second gradation part (second gradation part)
R1 1st gradation part (3rd gradation part)
R2 Second gradation part (fourth gradation part)
a Plane portion (first region)
b Plane portion (second region)
c Plane portion d Curved surface portion (boundary region)

Claims (4)

A method for producing a printed matter, which is printed on a print medium having a plurality of print areas,
The boundary between two print areas adjacent to each other among a plurality of print areas, the boundary area straddling the two print areas, and the first area excluding the boundary area from one of the print areas, A first printing step of continuously forming a first printing layer including a first gradation portion whose density is lowered toward the other printing area in the boundary area;
A second gradation part including a second gradation part at least partially overlapping with the first gradation part, wherein the ink density is lowered toward the other printing area with respect to the boundary area and the first area; A second printing step of continuously forming a printed layer on the first printed layer;
A third ink overlapping the first gradation portion, in which the ink density is decreased toward the one print area with respect to the boundary area and the second area obtained by removing the boundary area from the other print area. A third printing step of continuously forming a third printing layer including a gradation portion;
A fourth print layer including a fourth gradation portion overlapping the second gradation portion, wherein the ink density is lowered toward the other print region with respect to the boundary region and the second region. 3 seen including a fourth print step of continuously formed on the print layer,
The first region and the second region are planar portions that contact each other at an angle,
The boundary region is a curved surface portion that connects the planar portions,
In the first printing step and the second printing step, the ink is ejected from the inkjet head while scanning the inkjet head from the first region toward the boundary region, the third printing step, and the above In the fourth printing step, the ink is ejected from the inkjet head while scanning the inkjet head from the second region toward the boundary region .   2. The printed matter manufacturing method according to claim 1, wherein, in the second printing step, the second printed layer including the second gradation portion that does not completely overlap the first gradation portion is formed. Forming the third printed layer including the third gradation portion having the same density gradient as the first gradation portion in the third printing step;
3. The printed matter production according to claim 1, wherein in the fourth printing step, the fourth printed layer including the fourth gradation portion having the same density gradient as the second gradation portion is formed. Method. The first print layer, the second print layer, the third print layer, and the fourth print layer are formed by an ink jet printer, The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3 , Manufacturing method of printed matter.

Images