Image forming method and apparatus for rapidly fixing ink on a recording medium

There is provided an image forming apparatus which fixes ink in a short time without deteriorating clearness or transparency of the ink. An ink image is formed on a recording medium by the ink containing a resin and a solvent miscible with the resin. An ink curing liquid is applied to contact the ink image on the recording medium. The ink curing liquid is miscible with the solvent, and has a molecular weight greater than a molecular weight of the solvent. Alternatively, an ink curing solid is applied to contact the ink image on the recording medium. The ink curing solid has a swelling property with respect to the solvent contained in the ink.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
1. Field of the Invention 
The present invention generally relates to an image forming method and 
apparatus for a printing machine a printer and the like and, more 
particularly, to an image forming method and apparatus in which ink is 
fixed on a recording medium such as print paper during or after formation 
of the ink image. 
2. Description of the Related Art 
In an image forming apparatus such as a printing machine, ink is used to 
print an image on a recording medium such as recording paper or film. 
Generally, ink used for printing does not dry rapidly since such ink 
contains solvents having a high-boiling point. Thus, the ink cannot be 
fixed on a recording medium in a short time. A problem arises in that a 
so-called set-off occurs when the recording media is laid on top of 
another immediately after printing. Additionally, there is a problem in 
that when recording is performed on both surfaces of the recording medium, 
it takes a long time to print on both surfaces since printing on one 
surface cannot be performed until the ink printed on the other surface is 
completely cured or dried. 
In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, there are conventional ink 
fixing methods as described below. 
(1) Oxidative Polymerization Drying Method 
A long time is needed to dry ink since vehicle molecules in drying oil and 
polymerized oil or resin varnish are slowly oxidative-polymerized in the 
presence of oxygen. Accordingly, if the recording papers stick to one 
another after being printed, the drying time is further extended, 
resulting in occurrence of set-off or blocking. This may be a big problem 
in trying to achieve a high-speed printing operation. In order to 
eliminate this problem, a powder coating may be applied. However, there is 
a problem in that the powder is scattered around the image forming 
apparatus, resulting in an adverse effect to humans body. 
(2) Photochemical Polymerization Drying Method 
This method solidifies ink by using an ink that can be cured by an 
ultraviolet beam and irradiating an ultraviolet beam to an ink image after 
printing. There is a problem in practice in that an expensive ink and an 
expensive ultraviolet beam irradiating apparatus are required. 
(3) Electron Beam Drying Method 
This method solidifies ink by using an ink that can be cured by an electron 
beam and irradiating an electron beam to an ink image after printing. 
There is a problem in practice in that an expensive ink and an expensive 
electron beam irradiating apparatus are required. 
(4) Heat Drying Method 
In order to achieve rapid drying, a recording paper must be heated within a 
very short time after printing of the ink image. Thus, a high power heat 
source must be used which is expensive. Additionally, there is a problem 
in that so-called heat wrinkles occur in a recording paper due to 
evaporation of water contained in the recording paper. 
In an ink fixing method disclosed in Japanese Laid-Open Patent Application 
No.2-16053, the drying time of the ink is shortened by transferring 
excessive ink on the recording paper to a transfer paper by laying the 
transfer paper on the recording paper. In this method, since a coloring 
agent is transferred from the recording paper to the transfer papers as 
well as the solvent, the transfer paper is required for each recording 
paper so as to prevent a reverse transfer of the coloring agent from the 
transfer paper to the recording paper. Thus, there is a problem of 
increased running cost. Additionally, the size of the printing apparatus 
is increased due to providing an additional space for accommodating a 
transfer paper roll. Further, since a part of the ink on the recording 
paper is transferred to the transfer paper, there is a possibility that 
concentration of the ink on the recording paper is reduced. 
In an ink fixing method disclosed in Japanese Laid-Open Patent Application 
No.59-29197, a drying action of ink is promoted by applying, after 
printing, a liquid type dryer containing metallic salts of fatty acid as a 
primary component. In this method, there is a problem in that the drying 
time is extended when humidity is high or when the immersion water is 
emulsified in the ink or when printing is performed with an acid paper. 
In an ink fixing method disclosed in Japanese Laid-Open Patent Application 
No.58-84794 (corresponding to Japanese Patent publication No.64-9959), ink 
is cured by extracting and removing a solvent (A) contained in a vehicle 
of the ink to dissolve a resin from the ink on a recording paper by using 
a solvent (B) which does not dissolve the resin and is not miscible with 
the solvent (A). When this method is use in practice, the recording medium 
(recording paper) is immersed in the solvent (B), or the solvent (B) is 
sprayed on the surface of the recording medium, or a roll carrying the 
solvent (B) is contacted to the recording medium. This is performed so as 
to supply a large amount of the solvent (B) on the surface of the 
recording medium. Accordingly, if a recording medium such as a recording 
paper which absorbs the solvent (B) is used, and if a solvent having a 
low-volatility is used for the solvent (B), a time period greater than 
that required for fixing the ink is needed to dry the recoding paper. On 
the other hand, if a solvent having a high-volatility is used foe the 
solvent (B), there is a problem with respect to environmental sanitation. 
Additionally, this method uses a large amount of solvent, and requires a 
mechanism for applying the solvent (B) and a mechanism for collecting the 
applied solvent (B). Thus, construction of the printing apparatus becomes 
complex. 
Further if water is used as the solvent (B), there is a problem in that the 
strength of the recording medium is decreased, the surface of the 
recording medium is deteriorated or the quality of the printed material 
itself is deteriorated. 
Additionally, the solvent (B) may penetrate into the resin of the vehicle 
when the solvent (B) contacts the vehicle contained in the ink. In this 
case, the vehicle may become cloudy, and the resin layer of the cured ink 
may become brittle. Additionally, the image quality is deteriorated since 
clearness or transparency of the ink is reduced. Further, there is a 
problem in that a mechanical strength of the fixed ink film is decreased, 
and the ink film may peel off the recording paper due to friction. 
In an ink fixing method disclosed in Japanese Laid-Open Patent Application 
No.54-49208, an oil base ink is used, and a drying action of the ink is 
promoted by contacting organic peroxide with the ink which has been 
transferred to the recording paper. In this method, since the ink is a 
special ink containing metallic salts of fatty acid, and the metallic 
salts of fatty acid gradually react with oxygen in the air, there is a 
problem in storing the ink for a long period of time. 
Japanese Laid-Open Patent Application No.3-178478 discloses a recording 
apparatus. In the recording apparatus disclosed in this patent document, 
if an oil base ink is used, the ink cannot be fixed or dried and it takes 
a long time to dry the ink. Specially, if the recording papers are laid on 
one another after printing, this causes a set-off or blocking and the 
drying time is further extended. Thus, there is a problem in achieving a 
high-speed printing. 
In an ink fixing method disclosed in Japanese Laid-Open Patent Application 
No.59-45157, a drying action of ink is promoted by applying porous fine 
powder onto a print surface so as to absorb solvent contained in the ink. 
However, a large amount of powder must be applied on the print surface so 
as to fix the ink. In this case, a large amount of powder is also fixed on 
the print surface. This causes deterioration of image quality. 
Additionally, there is an environmental sanitary problem in that the 
powder is scattered and float in the atmosphere. 
Additionally, a surface of a recording medium may be protected after 
printing by a resin layer applied thereon. The resin layer may be also 
applied to provide a visual effect to the printed matter such as glossy 
surface, a mat surface or an embossed surface. 
In a method for protecting a printed surface disclosed in Japanese 
Laid-Open Patent Application No.2-80279, a printed surface is protected by 
press coating a film after applying a liquid containing acrylic urethane 
type resin. In this method, a heat treatment process lasting about one 
hour is required to dry the liquid containing acrylic urethane type resin. 
This process is complex and an apparatus for performing this process is 
large. Additionally, there is a problem in that material cost is increased 
since a laminate film is needed. Further, this method is limited to a 
printed surface using a water base ink. 
In a method for protecting a printed surface disclosed in Japanese 
Laid-Open Patent Application No.3-173646, water resistance and weather 
resistance are achieved for a printed surface of the print paper in an ink 
jet print apparatus. In this method, a first liquid containing a coloring 
agent and a second liquid are projected separately so as to transfer an 
ink mixture onto a print surface. However, since two different liquids are 
projected to form a single dot, a diameter of the dot is enlarged due to 
an offset of positions. This may deteriorate gradation of the image. Thus, 
positional accuracy is required for the two liquid drops. However, there 
is a problem in that image quality is affected by a thickness of the 
recording paper. Additionally, this method is limited for use with an ink 
jet printing method. 
In a method for protecting a print surface disclosed in Japanese Laid-Open 
Patent Application No.4-21493, a glossy surface is provided to a desired 
area of a print surface by applying a film after applying varnish to the 
desired area and then peeled off the film. It takes about 15 hours at 
40.degree. C. to evaporate solvent contained in the varnish. Thus, this 
method requires a long time and a complex system. 
In a method for protecting a print surface disclosed in Japanese Laid-Open 
Patent Application No.5-269949, a laminate film is applied to the print 
surface with heat and pressure so as to provide a glossy and protected 
print surface. The laminate film comprises a resin layer formed by a 
polypropylene resin containing petroleum resin and an adhesive layer 
containing more than 25% of polyolefine resin. In this method, since a 
pressure of about 35 kg/cm.sup.2 with an elevated temperature of 
100.degree. C. is needed to adhere the laminate film to the print surface, 
a large-scale manufacturing facility is required. Additionally, there is a 
problem in that material cost of the laminate film is high. 
In a method for protecting a print surface disclosed in Japanese Laid-Open 
Patent Application No.8-39947, a mat processed laminate layer is formed on 
the print surface of the print paper. In this method, a transfer type 
laminate film is used which comprises a base material applied with a 
laminate layer. The base material is formed by a layered product 
comprising a polyester film and a mat processes polyolefine resin layer. 
Accordingly, the laminate film includes two films other than the laminate 
layer, and also includes the adhesive layer to adhere the laminate film. 
Thus, the material cost of the laminate film is increased. Additionally, 
processing speed of the lamination of the lamination film onto the print 
surface is as slow as 1 m/min. which provides low-productivity, and an 
additional process for peeling off the film is needed. Further, since the 
laminate layer is solid, there is a problem in that there is a low degree 
of adhesion with respect to a coarse print surface. 
In a method for protecting a print surface disclosed in Japanese Laid-Open 
Patent Application No.54-120005, an ultraviolet cure type coating agent is 
coated on a print surface printed with an oil base ink, and the coating 
agent is dried to provide a coating film on the print surface. The coating 
agent comprises a composite including a prepolymer and a photosensitizer 
to which composite a resin or a resin acid of 0.5 to 10.0% is added. The 
prepolymer may include a prepolymer having a radical cross-linking 
ethylene unsaturated double bond. The prepolymer may be added with a 
monomer having a radical cross-linking ethylene unsaturated double bond. 
In this method, since the ultraviolet cure type coating agent is used, 
running cost and facility cost for a curing process is increased. 
Additionally, use of this method is limited to a print surface printed by 
an oil base ink. 
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
The present invention generally relates to an image forming apparatus and 
method in which the above-mentioned problems are eliminated. 
A more specific object of the present invention is to provide an image 
forming apparatus and method in which fixation of ink can be performed in 
a short time. 
Another object of the present invention is to provide an image forming 
apparatus and method in which fixation of ink can be performed in a short 
time without deteriorating clearness or transparency of the ink. 
Another object of the present invention is to provide an image forming 
apparatus and method in which fixation of ink can be performed in a short 
time and with the fixed ink having sufficient strength of the fixed ink. 
A further object of the present invention is to provide an image forming 
apparatus and method in which fixation of ink can be performed in a short 
time without decreasing concentration of the ink. 
Yet another object of the present invention is to provide an image forming 
apparatus which can form a resin layer on a print surface in a short time 
so as to protect the print surface. 
In order to achieve the above-mentioned object, there is provided according 
to one aspect of the present invention, an image forming method for fixing 
an ink image on a recording medium, comprising the steps of: 
transferring ink to the recording medium so as to form the ink image on the 
recording medium, the ink containing a resin and a solvent miscible with 
the resin; and 
applying an ink curing liquid to contact the ink transferred to the 
recording medium, the ink curing liquid being miscible with the solvent, 
the ink curing liquid having a molecular weight greater than a molecular 
weight of the solvent. 
According to the above-mentioned invention, the ink can be rapidly cured by 
the application of the ink curing liquid which has a molecular weight 
greater than a molecular weight of the solvent contained in the ink. Thus, 
set-off of the ink can be prevented when a high-speed printing operation 
is performed. Additionally, the ink image fixed by the method according to 
the present invention is clear and has a sufficient mechanical strength. 
Additionally, there is provided according to another aspect of the present 
invention an image forming apparatus for fixing an ink image on a 
recording medium, comprising: 
an ink transfer mechanism which transfers ink to the recording medium so as 
to form the ink image on the recording medium, the ink containing a resin 
and a solvent miscible with the resin; and 
an ink fixing mechanism which applies an ink curing liquid to contact the 
ink transferred to the recording medium, the ink curing liquid being 
miscible with the solvent, the ink curing liquid having a molecular weight 
greater than a molecular weight of the solvent. 
According to the above-mentioned invention, the ink can be rapidly cured by 
the application of the ink curing liquid which has a molecular weight 
greater than a molecular weight of the solvent contained in the ink. Thus, 
set-off of the ink can be prevented when a high-speed printing operation 
is performed. Additionally, the ink image fixed by the method according to 
the present invention is clear and has a sufficient mechanical strength. 
In one embodiment of the present invention, the ink curing liquid may be a 
flowable silicone resin. 
The image forming apparatus according to the present invention may further 
comprise a cooling unit for cooling a contact area where the ink curing 
liquid contacts the ink transferred on the recording medium. The curing 
time of the ink is shortened by decreasing a temperature of the ink while 
the ink curing liquid is in contact with the ink. 
The cooling unit may cool the contact area to a temperature below an upper 
critical solution temperature when a temperature of the contact area 
exceeds the upper critical solution temperature, the upper critical 
solution temperature determined by the resin and the solvent contained in 
the ink. 
Alternatively, the image forming apparatus according to the present 
invention may further comprise a heating unit for heating a contact area 
where the ink curing liquid contacts the ink transferred on the recording 
medium. The curing time of ink is shortened by increasing a temperature of 
the ink while the ink curing liquid is in contact with the ink. 
The heating unit may heat the contact area to a temperature above a lower 
critical solution temperature when a temperature of the contact area is 
below the lower critical solution temperature, the lower critical solution 
temperature determined by the resin and the solvent contained in the ink. 
The image forming apparatus according to the present invention may further 
comprise: 
a conveying mechanism conveying the recording medium having an unfixed ink 
image thereon to the ink fixing mechanism; and 
an ejecting mechanism ejecting the recording medium externally of the image 
forming apparatus when the unfixed ink image is fixed. 
Additionally, in the image forming apparatus according to the present 
invention, a plurality of the ink fixing mechanisms may be provided on the 
recording medium. 
Further, the image forming apparatus may further comprise a removing unit 
for removing the ink curing liquid adhering on the recording medium after 
the ink curing liquid is applied to contact the ink image on the recording 
medium. 
Additionally, there is provided according to another aspect of the present 
invention an image forming method for fixing an ink image on a recording 
medium, comprising the steps of: 
transferring ink to the recording medium so as to form the ink image on the 
recording medium, the ink containing a resin and a solvent miscible with 
the resin; and 
applying an ink curing solid to contact the ink transferred onto the 
recording medium, the ink curing solid having a swelling property with 
respect to the solvent contained in the ink. 
According to the above-mentioned invention, the ink can be cured in a short 
time by the ink curing solid having a swelling property with respect to 
the solvent in the ink. Thus, a high-speed printing operation can be 
achieved without setoff of ink. This method provides a simple structure 
for printing and requires no special ink to reduce the curing time of the 
ink. Additionally, the ink image fixed by the method according to the 
present invention is clear and has a sufficient mechanical strength. 
In the above-mentioned image forming method, the ink curing solid may lack 
permeability with respect to the ink. 
Additionally, there is provided according to another aspect of the present 
invention an image forming apparatus for fixing an ink image on a 
recording medium, comprising: 
an ink transferring mechanism which transfers ink to the recording medium 
so as to form the ink image on the recording medium, the ink containing a 
resin and a solvent miscible with the resin; and 
a fixing mechanism applying an ink curing solid to contact the ink 
transferred to the recording medium, the ink curing solid having a 
swelling property with respect to a solvent contained in the ink. 
According to the above-mentioned invention, the ink can be cured in a short 
time by the ink curing solid having a swelling property with respect to 
the solvent in the ink. Thus, a high-speed printing operation can be 
achieved without setoff of ink. This method provides a simple structure 
for printing and requires no special ink to reduce the curing time of the 
ink. Additionally, the ink image fixed by the method according to the 
present invention is clear and has a sufficient mechanical strength. 
In the above-mentioned image forming apparatus, the ink curing solid may 
lack permeability with respect to the ink. 
In one embodiment according to the present invention, the image forming 
apparatus may further comprise a heating unit for heating the ink curing 
solid when the ink curing solid is applied to contact the ink transferred 
to the recording medium. The curing time of the ink can be reduced by 
increasing a temperature of the ink when the ink curing solid is in 
contact with the ink. 
The heating unit may heat the ink curing solid to a temperature above a 
lower critical solution temperature determined by the resin and the 
solvent contained in the ink. 
Alternatively, the image forming apparatus may further comprise a cooling 
unit for cooling the ink curing solid when the ink curing solid is applied 
to contact the ink transferred to the recording medium. The curing time of 
the ink can be reduced by decreasing a temperature of the ink when the ink 
curing solid is in contact with the ink. 
The cooling unit may cool the ink curing solid to a temperature below an 
upper critical solution temperature determined by the resin and the 
solvent contained in the ink. 
In one embodiment according to the present invention, the ink curing solid 
may be a silicone resin. Additionally, the ink curing solid may have a 
glossy surface. A plurality of ink curing solids may be provided in the 
fixing mechanism. Further, the ink curing solid may have a belt-like 
shape. 
In one embodiment according to the present invention, the image forming 
apparatus may further comprise a heating unit for heating the ink curing 
solid in the absence of an ink fixing operation performed in the image 
forming apparatus. 
Additionally, there is provided according to another aspect of the 
invention a resin layer forming apparatus for forming a resin layer on a 
printed surface of a recording medium, comprising: 
an applying unit for applying a resin liquid to the printed surface of the 
recording medium, the resin liquid containing a solvent and a resin 
dissolved in the solvent; and 
a curing unit for curing the resin liquid, the curing unit including a 
curing solid which contacts the resin liquid applied on the printed 
surface, the curing solid having a swelling property with respect to the 
solvent contained in the resin liquid. 
The resin liquid applied on the printed surface is considered to have a 
composition the same as that of a vehicle contained in ink. Thus, the 
method for curing ink according to the present invention can be applied to 
the method for curing the resin liquid. 
In one embodiment of the resin layer forming apparatus, the curing solid 
may be a silicone resin. Additionally, the curing solid may have a glossy 
surface. 
The resin layer forming apparatus according to the present invention may 
further comprise a forming unit for forming at least one of a matted and 
embossed surface on the resin layer. 
Additionally, in the resin layer forming apparatus, the applying unit may 
apply the resin liquid to a selected part of the printed surface. 
The applying unit may apply the resin liquid to the printed surface in a 
non-contact manner by using one of a spray and a jet nozzle. 
The curing unit may vary a contact pressure between the curing solid and 
the print surface based on at least one of a degree of roughness of the 
printed surface, a degree of infiltration of the ink into the recording 
medium and a degree of dryness of the ink on the printed surface. 
Additionally, there is provided according to another aspect of the present 
invention an image forming apparatus for forming a resin layer on a 
printed surface of a recording medium, comprising: 
a print unit for printing an ink image on the recording medium so as to 
form the printed surface; 
an applying unit for applying a resin liquid to the printed surface of the 
recording medium, the resin liquid containing a solvent and a resin 
dissolved in the solvent; and 
a curing unit for curing the resin liquid, the curing unit including a 
curing solid which contacts the resin liquid applied on the print surface, 
the curing solid having a swelling property with respect to the solvent 
contained in the resin liquid. 
Further, there is provided according to another aspect of the present 
invention a resin layer forming apparatus for forming a resin layer on a 
printed surface of a recording medium, comprising: 
an applying unit for applying a resin liquid on the printed surface of the 
recording medium, the resin liquid containing a solvent and a resin 
dissolved in the solvent; and 
a curing unit for curing the resin liquid, the curing unit applying a 
curing liquid to contact the resin liquid applied on the printed surface, 
the curing liquid being miscible with the solvent in which the resin is 
dissolved, the curing liquid having a molecular weight greater than a 
molecular weight of the solvent. 
In the resin layer forming apparatus, the curing liquid may be a flowable 
silicone resin. 
Additionally, the resin layer forming apparatus according to the present 
invention may further comprise a forming unit for forming at least one of 
a matted and embossed surface on the resin layer. 
In the resin layer forming apparatus according to the present invention, 
the applying unit may apply the resin liquid to a selected part of the 
printed surface. 
The applying unit may apply the resin liquid to the printed surface in a 
non-contact manner by using one of a spray and a jet nozzle. 
Further, there is provided according to another aspect of the present 
invention an image forming apparatus for forming a resin layer on a 
printed surface of a recording medium, comprising: 
a print unit for printing an ink image on the recording medium so as to 
form the printed surface; 
an applying unit for applying a resin liquid to the printed surface of the 
recording medium, the resin liquid containing a solvent and a resin 
dissolved in the solvent; and 
a curing unit for curing the resin liquid, the curing unit applying a 
curing liquid to contact the resin liquid applied on the printed surface, 
the curing liquid being miscible with the solvent, the curing liquid 
having a molecular weight greater than a molecular weight of the solvent. 
Other objects, features and advantages of the present invention will become 
more apparent from the following derailed description when read in 
conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
(Description of First Embodiment) 
FIGS. 1 to 7 are illustrations for explaining a first embodiment according 
to the present invention. In the figures, a reference numeral 1 indicates 
a substrate, or a recording medium or a single piece of paper such as a 
postcard; 2 indicates ink or an ink layer; 3 indicates a ink curing 
liquid; 4 indicates a dropping pipet, 10 indicates an ink transfer 
mechanism, 11 indicates a recording layer; 12 indicates a substrate; 13 
indicates a plate; 14 indicates a blanket; 15 indicates a letterpress; 16 
indicates a stencil; 20 indicates an ink fixing mechanism; 21 indicates a 
rubber roller; 22 indicates an ink curing liquid layer; 23 indicates an 
ink curing liquid impregnated porous member; 24 indicates an ink curing 
liquid storing vessel; 25 indicates a group of rollers; 26 indicates a 
grip; 27 indicates an ink curing liquid spray; and 28 indicates a pressing 
roller. In the present embodiment, fixation of ink is achieved by 
contacting or applying the ink curing liquid 3 to the ink transfer surface 
of the recording medium 1 such as a recording paper after an ink image is 
transferred onto the ink transfer surface. 
FIG. 1 shows an example in which the thin ink layer 2 is formed on the 
substrate 1 and then the ink curing liquid 3 is dropped onto the ink layer 
2 by the pipet 4 so that the ink curing liquid 3 contacts the ink layer 2. 
FIGS. 2 to 4 show examples using the rubber roller 21 as an ink fixing 
roller. In the example shown in FIG. 2, the ink curing liquid layer 22 is 
formed on a surface of the rubber roller 21 by contact with the porous 
member 23 which is impregnated with the curing liquid so that the ink 
curing liquid is directly applied to contact a surface of the recording 
paper. In the example shown in FIG. 3, the ink curing liquid layer 22 is 
formed on a surface of the rubber roller 21 by the ink curing liquid 
impregnated member formed as a roller 23. In the example shown in FIG. 4, 
a roller formed by the ink curing liquid member 23 is used instead of the 
rubber roller 21. In the example shown in FIG. 5, the ink curing liquid 
stored in the ink curing liquid storing vessel 24 is supplied to the 
rubber roller 21 so as to form the ink curing liquid layer 22 on the 
rubber roller 21. FIGS. 6 and 7 show examples in which the ink 2 printed 
on the post card 1 is fixed by a manually operated mechanism. In the 
example shown in FIG. 6, the manually operated mechanism 20 is rolled on 
the post card 1 to supply the ink curing liquid impregnated in the roller 
23 so that the ink 2 on the post card 1 is fixed by the ink curing liquid 
layer 22 formed on a surface of the rubber roller 21. The manually 
operated mechanism 20 is operated by holding the grip 26 and rolling the 
roller 21 while the roller 21 is pressed against the post card 1. In the 
example shown in FIG. 7, the ink curing liquid 3 is sprayed by the spray 
27 device so that the ink 2 on the post card 1 is fixed. 
Preferably, an oil base ink is used in this embodiment such as a 
commercially available typographic ink, an offset ink, a waterless offset 
ink or a stencil ink. Other inks such as ink containing an unsaturated 
fatty acid, which is needed for oxidative polymerization drying, or other 
conventional ink curing agents. An ink which does not contain such an ink 
curing agent may also be used. The vehicle of the ink 2 contains at least 
a resin and a solvent which dissolves the resin. As examples of the resin, 
a natural resin such as rosin, shellac or gilsonite and a natural resin 
derivative such as rosin ester, maleic resin or fumaric resin may be used. 
Additionally, as a synthetic resin, a phenol resin such as a rosin 
denaturated phenol, an alkyd resin (fatty acid denaturated polyester 
resin), a petroleum resin such as an aromatic or aliphatic hydrocarbon 
resin, an acrylic resin, a polyester resin, a polyamide resin, a cyclized 
rubber, a chlorinated rubber, a urea resin and a melamine resin, a ketone 
resin, a polyvinyl chloride, a vinyl chloride-polyvinyl acetate copolymer 
resin, an epoxy resin, a polyurethane resin an a nitrocellulose may be 
used. 
A ratio of a weight of the resin to a weight of the vehicle is preferably 
5%-90%. Viscosity of the ink can range from 5 cp to 10.sup.6 cp. However, 
considering a curing time of the ink, a high-viscosity ink is preferred. 
In order to shorten the fixing time of the ink, when a resin and an ink 
solvent are mixed, it is preferred that the resin is swollen by absorbing 
the ink solvent, or the resin and the ink solvent are miscibly or 
compatibly dissolved substantially in a state where the resin is dispersed 
in the ink solvent rather than a state where the resin is completely 
dissolved in the ink solvent. The miscible or compatible state of the 
resin and the ink solvent varies by the combination of the resin and the 
ink solvent and their volumetric percentages. An appropriate composition 
of the ink may be determined by considering which printing method is to be 
used, the recording paper to be used, a necessary fixing time and other 
various conditions. 
Additionally, with respect to the ink solvent, a liquid which is a 
component of the vehicle and which dissolves the resin in the vehicle is 
used. Generally, an oil or a petroleum solvent is used. However, the oil 
or the solvent is dependent on the type of ink to be used. 
The inventors of the present invention found that separation of the resin 
in the vehicle from the ink solvent is remarkably promoted when the ink 
curing liquid contacts or is otherwise applied to the ink, and a fixing 
time of the ink is as short as from a few tens of milliseconds to five 
minutes. 
Additionally, when the ink curing liquid is put in contact with a colored 
or transparent vehicle, the resin and the ink solvent in the vehicle are 
immediately separated from each other, and the resin is formed as a film. 
This phenomenon appears in a state where the resin is completely or almost 
completely dissolved in the ink solvent as well as in a state where the 
resin is swollen by the ink solvent or the resin and the ink solvent are 
dissolved with each other substantially in a state where the resin is 
dispersed in the ink solvent. Thus the present invention provides a 
completely different and novel ink fixing method as compared to a 
conventional ink fixing method. 
It should be noted that as the ink curing liquid, a liquid is used which is 
miscible or compatible with the ink solvent and has a molecular weight 
sufficiently greater than a molecular weight of the ink solvent. The 
molecular weight of the ink curing liquid is preferably ten times or 
greater than that of the molecular weight of the ink solvent. For example, 
an oil such as mineral oil or engine oil or a grease may be used as the 
ink curing liquid. The miscibility or compatibility of the ink curing 
liquid with the resin is preferably zero or close to zero. However, if the 
time needed for separation of the resin from the ink solvent is 
sufficiently shorter than the time needed for dissolving the resin in the 
ink solvent, the ink curing liquid may be slightly miscible with the 
resin. 
As a method for supplying the ink curing liquid, the ink curing liquid may 
directly contact a surface of the recording paper as shown in FIG. 1, or 
the ink curing liquid may directly contact the surface of the recording 
paper by using a sponge, rubber cloth or paper which is impregnated with 
the ink curing liquid as shown in FIG. 4. Additionally, the ink curing 
liquid may be supplied by multiple stage rollers a shown in FIG. 5. 
Further, the ink curing liquid may be supplied by forming a layer of the 
ink curing liquid on a roller by contacting a porous member impregnated 
with the ink curing liquid to the roller as shown in FIGS. 2, 3 and 6. 
Additionally, the ink curing liquid may be applied in a non-contact manner 
by using a spray or a jet nozzle as shown in FIG. 7. 
The thickness of the layer of the ink curing liquid applied to the 
recording paper is preferably less than 500 .mu.m, and more preferably 
less than 100 .mu.m so as to facilitate removal of the ink curing liquid. 
In order to eliminate a mechanism for removing the ink curing liquid, the 
thickness should be less than 10 .mu.m. If a recording medium such as a 
recording paper which absorbs the ink curing liquid is used, the recording 
paper absorbs the ink curing liquid as a layer having a thickness about 10 
.mu.m. Thus, in this case, the removal of the ink curing liquid is not 
needed after fixation of ink. 
However, in order to shorten the ink fixing time, it is better to increase 
the thickness of the layer of the ink curing liquid. Thus, in practice, 
the thickness of the layer of ink curing liquid should be determined by 
considering the thickness of the ink on the recording paper, the types of 
ink used for printing, atmospheric conditions and a time required for 
fixing the ink. It should be noted that the recording paper includes a 
pulp paper, a synthetic paper as well as an OHP film and other materials 
used for printing. 
(Description of Second Embodiment) 
FIGS. 8 to 10 are illustrations for explaining a second embodiment 
according to the present invention. The second embodiment is related to 
the image forming apparatus having the ink fixing mechanism 20 using the 
ink fixing method described with reference to the first to seventh 
embodiments. In the figures, a reference numeral 10 indicates a transfer 
unit; 20 indicates an ink fixing unit; 31 indicates a recording paper; and 
32 indicates a recording paper after fixing the print. In the transfer 
unit 10, 10a indicates inking rollers; 10b indicates a plate drum; 10c 
indicates a blanket drum; and 10d indicates a press roller. Shown in FIG. 
8 is an example related to an apparatus for forming an image by a single 
color. Shown in FIG. 9 is an example in which a rolled paper 33 is used 
and color component image forming units (C, M, Y, K) are arranged in a 
line. FIG. 10 shows an example in which color component image forming 
units (K, C, M, Y) are arranged circumferentially around a drum. It should 
be noted that a method for forming an image can be a plate printing method 
such as a flat plate printing method, a letterpress printing method or a 
stencil printing method. A direct printing method may also be used. 
Additionally, a noncontact type printing method such as an ink jet method 
or an electrophotographic method and contact type printing method may also 
be used. Preferably, the ink to be used is an oil base ink. 
Regarding the ink fixing method, an appropriate method should be selected 
by considering physical properties of the recording paper and ink to be 
used, thickness of the ink layer formed on the recording paper, the types 
of ink, environmental conditions and a required ink fixing time. A time 
period to convey the recording paper from the ink fixing unit to an 
ejecting unit must be longer than a time period needed for fixing the ink. 
Accordingly, the conveying path from the fixing unit to the ejecting unit 
is determined based on printing speed and the time period needed for 
fixing the ink. It should be noted that convey rollers, which are used in 
the conveying path from the fixing unit to the ejecting unit and which 
contact a printed surface, are preferably formed by a material onto which 
the ink does not adhere. For example, a roller provided with a silicone 
resin having a good mold releasability on the surface thereof is 
preferred. 
(Description of Third Embodiment) 
In this embodiment, the fixation of ink is performed by contacting or 
applying a flowable silicone resin as the ink curing liquid used in the 
first or second embodiment. Since the flowable silicone is odorless and 
less harmful to human body as compared to the ink curing liquid used in 
the first or second embodiment, it is superior with respect to 
environmental sanitary. Additionally, there is little adverse effect to 
the printed surface as it is colorless. Further, since a sliding 
characteristic against the printed surface is improved, a flaw due to 
scratching is hardly generated on the printed surface. Thus, the flowable 
silicone has many advantages. 
With respect to the flowable silicon, a silicone oil or a silicone gum may 
be used. The silicone oil includes, other than a dimethyl silicone oil, 
methyl phenyl silicone oil and methyl hydrogen silicone oil, a denaturated 
silicone oil in which various organic bases are introduced into a part of 
a methyl base of a dimethyl silicon. For example, the denaturated silicone 
oil includes, for example, amino denaturated, alkyl denaturated, alcohol 
denaturated, epoxy denaturated, epoxy denaturated, epoxy-polyether 
denaturated, carboxyl denaturated or polyether denaturated species or 
other various denaturated species. The silicone gum is an extremely 
high-viscosity silicone oil, and includes a silicone oil which has both a 
liquid-like viscosity and a solid-like elasticity. 
The structure and supply method is similar to that of the first and second 
embodiments as shown in FIGS. 1 to 10. With respect to the silicone gum, 
since the silicone gum hardly penetrate a porous member, the silicone gum 
may contact a surface of the recording paper in a flat form or manner and 
thereafter is peeled off as shown in FIG. 1, or the silicone gum is rolled 
on the recording paper by forming the silicone gum in a spherical shape or 
a rod-like shape, or the silicone gum is applied or placed in contact with 
the surface of the recording paper by providing the silicone gum on a 
periphery of a roller. The size and thickness of the silicone gum to be 
applied is not limited, but, the fixing time of ink tends to be reduced if 
a diameter or a thickness is more than 100 .mu.m. 
(Description of Fourth Embodiment) 
FIG. 11 is an illustration of a part of a fourth embodiment according to 
the present invention. In this embodiment, ink fixation is performed while 
the ink 2 transferred to the recording paper 2 or an area where the ink 2 
contacts the ink curing liquid 3 is cooled by a cooling unit 40 before the 
ink curing liquid is applied or put in contact with the ink transferred 
surface of the recording paper, or during a process for contacting or 
applying the ink curing liquid, or after the ink liquid is contacted or 
applied. If the temperature is decreased when a resin and an ink solvent 
in a vehicle are dissolved, separation of the ink solvent from the resin 
is promoted. A temperature range where this phenomenon appears differs 
from combinations of a resin and an ink solvent. Thus, it is preferable to 
use ink comprising a combination of a resin and an ink solvent which 
requires relatively less energy for cooling and which are not separated 
from each other during storage or printing. Accordingly, a time period 
needed for fixing ink can be reduced by using such ink and cooling the ink 
on the recording medium in a fixing process or the area where the ink 
curing liquid contacts the ink as compared to a case where the ink curing 
liquid merely contacts or is applied to the ink. With respect to a method 
for cooling, a cooled air may be supplied. Additionally, a roller may be 
provided which has a surface provided with a silicone resin (an ink 
repellent member) which does not adhere to the ink, and which has the 
surface or an interior cooled by a Peltier element 42, a coolant or cooled 
air. Thus, a conventional cooling method can be used. 
(Description of Fifth Embodiment) 
FIG. 12 is an illustration for explaining a fifth embodiment according to 
the present invention. This embodiment is related to the cooling method of 
the fourth embodiment. In this embodiment, fixation of ink is performed by 
decreasing the cooling temperature below an upper critical solution 
temperature which is determined by the resin and the ink solvent. There is 
a temperature at which the ink solvent is separated from the resin 
depending on a combination of a resin and an ink solvent as shown in FIG. 
12. This temperature is referred to as an upper critical solution 
temperature. Accordingly, when ink having an appropriate upper critical 
solution temperature is used, a fixing time can be extremely reduced by 
cooling during the fixing process as compared to a case where the ink 
curing liquid is merely applied to contact the ink. 
(Description of Sixth Embodiment) 
FIGS. 13 and 14 are illustrations for explaining a sixth embodiment 
according to the present invention. In this embodiment, ink fixation is 
performed while the ink 2 transferred to the recording paper 1 or an area 
where the ink 2 contacts the ink curing liquid 3 is heated by a heating 
unit 50 before the ink curing liquid is contacted or applied to the ink 
transferred surface of the recording paper, or during a process for 
contacting or applying the ink curing liquid, or after the ink curing 
liquid is contacted or applied. Shown in FIG. 13 is an example in which 
the ink curing liquid is heated by contact a roller which has a surface or 
an interior heated by a heater 52 and which is provided with an ink 
repellent member 51 thereon. Shown in FIG. 14 is an example in which a 
printed surface is heated in a noncontact heating manner by a heat source. 
If the temperature is increased when a resin and an ink solvent in a 
vehicle are dissolved, separation of the ink solvent from the resin is 
promoted. A temperature range where this phenomenon appears differs in 
various combinations of a resin and an ink solvent. Thus, it is preferable 
to use ink comprising a combination of a resin and an ink solvent which 
requires relatively less energy for heating and which do not separate from 
each other during storage or printing. 
Accordingly, a time period needed for fixing ink can be reduced by using 
such ink and heating the ink on the recording medium in a fixing process 
or the area where the ink curing liquid contacts the ink as compared to a 
case where the ink curing liquid merely contacts the ink. With respect to 
a method for heating, as shown in FIG. 13, a roller 50 may be provided 
which has a surface provided with a silicone resin 51 which does not 
adhere to the ink, and which has the surface or an interior heated by a 
heater or a lamp 42 emitting heat. Additionally, heat may be applied by 
providing heated air or heat to the printed surface by a heat source 50 
shown in FIG. 14 in a noncontact manner. Thus, a conventional heating 
method can be used. 
(Description of Seventh Embodiment) 
This embodiment is related to the heating method of the sixth embodiment. 
In this embodiment, ink fixation is performed by increasing the heating 
temperature above a lower critical solution temperature which is 
determined by the resin and the ink solvent. There is a temperature at 
which the ink solvent is separated from the resin depending on various 
combinations of a resin and an ink solvent as shown in FIG. 12. This 
temperature is referred to as a lower critical solution temperature. 
Accordingly, when ink having an appropriate lower critical solution 
temperature is used, a fixing time can be extremely reduced by heating 
during the fixing process as compared to a case where the ink curing 
liquid merely contacts the ink. 
(Description of Eighth Embodiment) 
FIGS. 15 and 16 are illustrations for explaining an eighth embodiment 
according to the present invention. This embodiment is related to an ink 
fixing unit using the ink fixing method of the first to seventh 
embodiments. In the figures, 34 indicates printed matter before fixation; 
and 32 indicates printed matter after fixation. Shown in FIG. 15 is an 
example in which a roller-like member 20a is used for an ink curing liquid 
supplying unit. Shown in FIG. 16 is an example in which a flat member 20b 
is used for the ink curing liquid supplying unit. 
A description will be given below of an outline of the basic function of 
the ink fixing units mentioned above. 
The printed matter 34 on which a non-fixed ink image is formed by an image 
forming unit is set to a non-fixed recording paper inserting portion of 
the ink fixing unit, and a start switch for fixation of ink is turned on. 
Then, the recording paper is conveyed to the fixing section in which the 
ink on the recording paper is fixed by an appropriate method used in the 
embodiments 1 to 7. Thereafter, the fixed recording paper is ejected to an 
ejecting unit. 
It should be noted that a method for forming an image can be an offset 
printing method such as a flat plate printing method, a letterpress 
printing method or a stencil printing method. A direct printing method may 
also be used. Additionally, a noncontact type printing method such as an 
ink jet method or an electrophotographic method and contact type printing 
method may also be used. Preferably, the ink to be used is an oil base 
ink. 
Regarding the ink fixing method, an appropriate method should be selected 
from among the methods of the first through the seventh embodiments by 
considering physical properties of the recording paper and ink to be used, 
thickness of the ink layer formed on the recording paper, the number of 
types of ink, environmental conditions and a required ink fixing time. 
A time period for conveying the recording paper from the ink fixing unit to 
the ejecting unit must be longer than a time period needed for fixing the 
ink. Accordingly, the conveying path from the fixing unit to the ejecting 
unit is determined based on printing speed and the time period needed for 
fixing the ink. It should be noted that conveying rollers, which are used 
in the conveying path from the fixing unit to the ejecting unit and which 
contact a printed surface, are preferably formed by a material to which 
the ink does not adhere. For example, a roller provided with a silicone 
resin having a good mold releasability on the surface thereof is 
preferred. 
(Description of Ninth Embodiment) 
FIGS. 17 to 21 are illustrations for explaining a ninth embodiment 
according to the present invention. In this embodiment, ink fixation is 
performed by contacting or applying the ink curing liquid to the surface 
of the recording paper a plurality of times in the image forming unit or 
the ink fixing units used in the second to eighth embodiments. Shown in 
FIG. 17 is an example of the image forming unit having a plurality of ink 
fixing rollers 20a to perform a plurality of fixing operations after a 
single color printing is performed by the transfer unit 10. Shown in FIG. 
18 is an example of the image forming unit in which a plurality of fixing 
operations are performed after multi-color printing is performed. Shown in 
FIG. 19 is an example of the image forming unit in which an ink fixing 
operation is performed for each printed color component, and thus a 
plurality of fixing operations are performed as a whole. Shown in FIG. 20 
is an example of the image forming unit in which a plurality of ink fixing 
operations are performed for each printed color component when a 
multi-color printing is performed. Shown in FIG. 21 is an example of the 
ink fixing unit in which a plurality of ink fixing operations are 
performed. 
The ink fixing method used for each of the plurality of ink fixing units 
can be the same as that used in the second to eighth embodiments, but may 
differ from unit to unit. The number of fixing units should be determined 
by considering physical properties of the recoding paper and ink to be 
used, thickness of the ink layer on the recording paper, environmental 
conditions and a required ink fixing time. 
With respect to the ink fixing method, in a case of a single color printing 
unit as shown in FIG. 17, the ink fixing operation is performed a 
plurality of times after printing on the recording paper. In a case of a 
multi-color printing unit as shown in FIG. 18, the ink fixing operation 
may be performed a plurality of times after all color components are 
printed. Additionally, as shown in FIGS. 19 and 20, the ink fixing 
operation may be performed for printing each color component. Further, 
although not shown in the figures, the ink fixing operation may be 
performed for printing each color with a plurality of fixing operations 
performed after printing of all color component are completed. 
Although an ink fixing time is reduced as the number of the ink fixing 
units is increased, size of the unit is also increased. Thus, it is better 
to determine the number of the ink fixing units based on the required ink 
fixing time and a required configuration of the apparatus. 
(Description of Tenth Embodiment) 
FIGS. 22 to 24 are illustrations for explaining a tenth embodiment 
according to the present invention. In this embodiment, the ink curing 
liquid supplied during the ink fixing process on the recording paper or 
the ink curing liquid adhering on the recording paper and the ink solvent 
separated from the resin in the vehicle is removed by an ink curing liquid 
removing unit 60 after the fixation of ink. Shown in FIG. 22 is an example 
in which a porous roller 61 is used as means for removing the ink curing 
liquid from the recording paper. Shown in FIG. 23 is an example in which 
an absorbing endless member 62 is used. Shown in FIG. 24 is an example in 
which an absorbing sheet member 63 is used. 
With respect to the method of removing the ink curing liquid, a 
conventional method such as an absorption method, an evaporation method, a 
scratch method or a blow off method can be used. For example, a porous 
material such as a sponge, a rubber, a cloth or a paper can be used as a 
member for the absorption method. Additionally, the absorbing member may 
be a roller or a thin and flat material such as a cloth. If a roller-shape 
is used, the entire roller may be porous, or a metal roller provided with 
a porous layer formed thereon may be used. If the thin, flat shape is 
used, the entire member may be made of a porous material and a liquid 
absorbing layer may be formed on a surface of a film. 
With respect to the member which has absorbed the ink curing liquid, the 
ink curing liquid in the member can be removed by evaporating by heat 
provided by the heating unit 64 as shown in FIG. 23 or a squeezing 
operation. Thus, an exchange cycle of the consumable part can be extended 
by repeating use. 
A description will now be given of several tests according to the above 
mentioned embodiments. 
The following Table 1 shows examples of the ink which were used in tests 
according to the above-mentioned embodiment. It should be noted that a 
registered trade mark referred to in this specification is provided with a 
suffix ".sup.R ". 
TABLE 1 
______________________________________ 
1) Waterless Offset Ink 
1-1) Aqualess Super.sup.R KB, black, blue, red, 
yellow M (Toyo Ink Mfg Co., Ltd.) 
1-2) Aqualess V.sup.R K2, black, blue, red, 
yellow M (Toyo Ink Mfg Co., Ltd.) 
1-3) Aqualess Super.sup.R FC, black, blue, red, 
yellow Y XU (Toyo Ink Mfg Co., Ltd.) 
1-4) New ALPO.sup.R G, black, blue, red, yellow, M 
(T&K Toka Co., Ltd) 
1-5) Waterless S PL, black S (The Inktec Inc.) 
1-6) Waterless S GT, black N (The Inktec Inc.) 
2) Offset Ink 
2-1) F Gloss 85, black (Dainippon Ink & 
Chemicals Inc.) 
2-2) Master Black (Nikken Chemical 
Laboratories) 
3) Typographic Ink 
3-1) Typographic Ink Graf-G, black (Dainippon 
Ink & Chemicals Inc.) 
4) Screen Ink 
4-1) Print Gocco.sup.R Ink (Riso Ink (cyan)) 
(Riso Kagaku Corp.) 
4-2) Print Gocco.sup.R Ink (Riso HM Ink (black)) 
(Riso Kagaku Corp.) 
5) Other Oil Ink 
5-1) Rosin modified phenol resin + 
#0-Solvent(H) + Tridecanol + Carbon black 
5-2) Rosin modified phenol resin + #AF7- 
Solvent + Carbon black 
5-3) Rosin modified phenol resin + #AF5- 
Solvent + Carbon black 
5-4) Rosin modified phenol resin + Dialen 168.sup.R + 
Carbon black 
5-5) Rosin modified phenol resin + Alkyl 
Benzen 253 + Carbon black 
______________________________________ 
The following Table 2 shows examples of the vehicle which were used in 
tests according to the above-menitoned embodiments. 
TABLE 2 
______________________________________ 
No Resin Solvent Ratio 
______________________________________ 
1) Rosin modified phenol resin + 
#0-Solvent(H) 
2/3 
(KG1829, Arakawa Chemical 
Industries Ltd.) 
2) Rosin modified phenol resin + 
#AF7-Solvent 
2/3 
(KG1829, Arakawa Chemical 
Industries Ltd.) 
3) Rosin modified phenol resin + 
#AF5-Solvent 
1/1, 
(KG1829, Arakawa Chemical 2/3, 
Industries Ltd.) 3/7 
4) Rosin modified phenol resin + 
Dialen 168.sup.R 
2/3 
(KG1829, Arakawa Chemical 
Industries Ltd.) 
5) Rosin modified phenol resin + 
Alkyl Benzen 253 
2/3 
(KG1829, Arakawa Chemical 
Industries Ltd.) 
6) Rosin ester resin + 
#0-Solvent(H) 
1/1 
(KE100 Arakawa Chemical 
Industries Ltd.) 
7) Rosin ester resin + 
Dialen 168.sup.R 
1/1 
(KE100 Arakawa Chemical 
Industries Ltd.) 
8) Rosin ester resin + 
Alkyl Benzen 253 
1/1 
(KE100 Arakawa Chemical 
Industries Ltd.) 
9) Petroleum resin + #0-Solvent(H) 
1/1 
(C5-type resin, Quintone.sup.R 
A100, Nippon Zeon Co., Ltd.) 
10) Petroleum resin + Dialen 168.sup.R 
1/1 
(C5-type resin, Quintone.sup.R 
A100, Nippon Zeon Co., Ltd.) 
11) Petroleum resin + Alkyl Benzen 253 
1/1 
(C5-type resin, Quintone.sup.R 
A100, Nippon Zeon Co., Ltd.) 
12) DCPD resin + #0-Solvent(H) 
1/1 
(C5-type resin, Quintone.sup.R 
A1345, Nippon Zeon Co., Ltd.) 
13) DCPD resin + #AF5-Solvent 
1/1 
(C5-type resin, Quintone.sup.R 
A1345, Nippon Zeon Co., Ltd.) 
14) DCPD resin + Dialen 168.sup.R 
1/1 
(C5-type resin, Quintone.sup.R, 
A1345, Nippon Zeon Co., Ltd.) 
15) DCPD resin + Alkyl Benzen 253 
1/1 
(C5-type resin, Quintone.sup.R 
A1345, Nippon Zeon Co., Ltd.) 
______________________________________ 
The following Table 3 shows examples of the recording paper which were used 
in tests according to the above-mentioned embodiments. 
TABLE 3 
______________________________________ 
1) Plain paper (Type 6200, Ricoh Corp.) 
2) Wood free paper 
3) Coat paper 
4) Art paper 
5) Synthetic paper (Peach Coat.sup.R, Nisshinbo Industry 
Inc.) 
6) OHP sheet (Type PPC-DX, Ricoh Corp.) 
7) PET film 
8) Glass board 
9) Metal foil (Ni, SUS, Al, Cu) 
______________________________________ 
Test No.1 
Printing Plate Structure: 
recording layer: Perfluoro-alkylaclyrate polymer LS317, emulsion 
copolymerization type, (Asahi Glass Co., Ltd.), thickness: 1 .mu.m 
recording member substrate: Non-grazed PET film, size: 350.times.220 mm, 
thickness: 25 .mu.m 
Ink: 
(1) Waterless Offset Ink 
1-1) Aqualess Super.sup.R KB, black, blue, red, yellow M (Toyo Ink Mfg Co., 
Ltd.) 
1-2) Aqualess V.sup.R K2, black, blue, red, yellow M (Toyo Ink Mfg Co., 
Ltd.) 
1-3) Aqualess Super.sup.R FC, black, blue, red, yellow Y XU (Toyo Ink Mfg 
Co., Ltd.) 
1-4) New ALPO.sup.R G, black, blue, red, yellow, M (T&K Toka Co., Ltd) 
1-5) Waterless S PL, black S (The Inktec Inc.) 
1-6) Waterless S GT, black N (The Inktec Inc.) 
(2) Ink Vehicle 
2-1) Polymer (Rosin modified phenol resin)+Solvent (Dialen 168.sup.R 
:#0-Solvent(H)=4:1) 2-2) Polymer (Rosin modified phenol resin)+Solvent 
(#AF7-Solvent:Dialen 168.sup.R =1:4) 
Recording Paper: 
1) Plain paper (Type 6200, Ricoh Corp.) 
2) Synthetic paper (Peach Coat.sup.R, Nisshinbo Industry Inc.) 
3) OHP sheet (Type PPC-DX, Ricoh Corp.) 
4) PET film 
Flowable Silicon and Means for Supplying the Silicon: 
1) Silicon Oil (KE-1031-A, Shin-Etsu Chemical Co., Ltd.)+Sponge 
(Rubycell.sup.R, Toyo Polymer Co., Ltd.)+Rubber Roller (60.degree.) 
2) Silicon Gel (mixture of SE1891K A and B, Dow Corning Toray Silicone Co., 
Ltd.)+Sponge+Rubber Roller 
3) Silicon Gum (Dow Corning Toray Silicone Co., Ltd.)+Sponge+Rubber Roller 
Results: 
In the above-mentioned condition, ink fixing operations were performed by 
using the arrangement in FIG. 2. Any ink and vehicles were cured within 
about 5 seconds when any one of the flowable silicons were used. No setoff 
or blocking occurred when the printed recording papers were laid one on 
another. Thus, a good fixation of ink was performed. 
It should be noted that the printing plate used in this test had a surface 
characteristic in which a receding contact angle is decreased when the 
printing plate is contacted with a contact member such as a liquid or a 
solid generating a liquid under a heated condition, and the receding 
contact angle is increased when there is no contact with a contact member 
such as a liquid or a solid generating a liquid under a heated condition. 
Test No.2 
Ink: 
(1) Waterless Offset Ink 
1-1) Aqualess Super.sup.R KB, black, blue, red, yellow M (Toyo Ink Mfg Co., 
Ltd.) 
1-2) Aqualess V.sup.R K2, black, blue, red, yellow M (Toyo Ink Mfg Co., 
Ltd.) 
1-3) Aqualess Super.sup.R FC, black, blue, red, yellow Y XU (Toyo Ink Mfg 
Co., Ltd.) 
1-4) New ALPO.sup.R G, black, blue, red, yellow, M (T&K Toka Co., Ltd) 
1-5) Waterless S PL, black S (The Inktec Inc.) 
1-6) Waterless S GT, black N (The Inktec Inc.) 
(2) Offset Ink 
2-1) F Gloss 85, black (Dainippon Ink & Chemicals Inc.) 
2-2) Mater black (Nikken Chemical Laboratories) 
(3) Ink Vehicle 
3-1) Polymer (Rosin modified phenol resin)+Solvent (Dialen 168.sup.R 
:#0-Solvent(H)=4:1) 
3-2) Polymer (Rosin modified phenol resin)+Solvent (#AF7-Solvent:Dialen 
168.sup.R =1:4) 
Recording Paper: 
1) Plain paper (Type 6200, Ricoh Corp.) 
2) Synthetic paper (Peach Coat.sup.R, Nisshinbo Industry Inc.) 
3) OHP sheet (Type PPC-DX, Ricoh Corp.) 
4) PET film 
Flowable Silicon and Means for Supplying the Silicon: 
1) Silicon Oil (SE200, Dow Corning Toray Silicone Co., Ltd.)+Sponge Roller 
(Rubycell.sup.R, Toyo Polymer Co., Ltd.)+Rubber Roller (60.degree.) 2) 
Silicon Gel (mixture of SE1891K A and B, Dow Corning Toray Silicone Co., 
Ltd.)+Sponge+Rubber Roller (60.degree.) 3) Silicon Gum (Dow Corning Toray 
Silicone Co., Ltd.)+Sponge+Rubber Roller (60.degree.) 
Results: 
In the above-mentioned condition, ink fixing operations were performed by 
using the arrangement of the printing unit and the fixing rollers in the 
offset printing apparatus as shown in FIG. 3. The above-listed ink was 
directly applied to the recording paper. Any ink other than the offset ink 
was cured within about 5 seconds when any one of flowable silicons were 
used. The offset ink was cured within 1 minute. No setoff or blocking 
occurred when the printed recording papers were laid one on another. Thus, 
a good fixation of ink was performed. 
Test No.3 
Ink: 
Typographic Ink 
3-1) Typographic Ink Graf-G, black (Dainippon Ink & Chemicals Inc.) 
Recording Paper: 
1) Plain paper (Type 6200, Ricoh Corp.) 
2) Synthetic paper (Peach Coat.sup.R, Nisshinbo Industry Inc.) 
3) OHP sheet (Type PPC-DX, Ricoh Corp.) 
4) PET film 
Flowable Silicon and Means for Supplying the Silicon: 
1) Silicon Oil (SE200, Dow Corning Toray Silicone Co., Ltd.)+Sponge Roller 
(Rubycell.sup.R, Toyo Polymer Co., Ltd.) 
2) Silicon Gel (mixture of SE1891K A and B, Dow Corning Toray Silicone Co., 
Ltd.)+Sponge+Rubber Roller 
3) Silicon Gum (Dow Corning Toray Silicone Co., Ltd.)+Sponge+Rubber Roller 
Results: 
In the above-mentioned condition, ink fixing operations were performed by 
using the arrangement of the printing unit and the fixing rollers in the 
typographic printing apparatus as shown in FIG. 4. The above-listed ink 
was directly applied to the recording paper. The ink was cured within 1 
minute when any one of the flowable silicons were used. No setoff or 
blocking occurred when the printed recording papers were laid one on 
another. Thus, a good fixation of ink was performed. 
Test No.4 
Ink Vehicle: 
1) Polymer (Rosin modified phenol resin)+Solvent (Dialen 168.sup.R 
:#0-Solvent(H)=4:1) 
2) Polymer (Rosin modified phenol resin)+Solvent (#AF7-Solvent:Dialen 
168.sup.R =1:4) 
Recording Paper: 
1) Plain paper (Type 6200, Ricoh Corp.) 
2) Synthetic paper (Peach Coat.sup.R, Nisshinbo Industry Inc.) 
3) OHP sheet (Type PPC-DX, Ricoh Corp.) 
4) PET film 
Flowable Silicon and Means for Supplying the Silicon: 
1) Silicon Oil (KE-1031-A, Shin-Etsu Chemical Co., Ltd.)+Rubber Roller (60 
degrees) 
2) Silicon Gel (mixture of SE1891K A and B, Dow Corning Toray Silicone Co., 
Ltd.)+Rubber Roller 
3) Silicon Gum (Dow Corning Toray Silicone Co., Ltd.)+Rubber Roller 
Results: 
In the above-mentioned condition, ink fixing operations were performed by 
using the arrangement of the printing unit and the fixing rollers in the 
stencil printing apparatus as shown in FIG. 5. Ink containing the 
above-listed vehicles as a component was directly applied to the recording 
paper. The ink containing the above-listed vehicle was cured within about 
5 seconds when any one of the flowable silicons were used. No setoff or 
blocking occurred when recording papers were laid one on another. Thus, a 
good fixation of ink was performed. 
Test No.5 
Ink: 
4-1) Print Gocco.sup.R Ink (Riso Ink (cyan)) (Riso Kagaku Corp.) 
4-2) Print Gocco.sup.R Ink (Riso HM Ink (black)) (Riso Kagaku Corp.) 
Recording Paper: 
Postcard 
Flowable Silicon and Means for Supplying the Silicon: 
1) Silicon Oil (KE-1031-A, Shin-Etsu Chemical Co., Ltd.)+Sponge Roller 
(Rubycell.sup.R, Toyo Polymer Co., Ltd.)+Rubber Roller (60.degree.) 
2) Silicon Gel (mixture of SE1891K A and B, Dow Corning Toray Silicone Co., 
Ltd.)+Sponge Roller+Rubber Roller 
3) Silicon Gum (Dow Corning Toray Silicone Co., Ltd.)+Sponge Roller+Rubber 
Roller 
Results: 
In the above-mentioned condition, ink fixing operations were performed by 
using the Print Gocco.sup.R and the roller as shown in FIG. 6. The 
above-listed ink was directly applied to the recording paper. The ink was 
cured within about 1 minute when any one of the flowable silicons were 
used. No setoff occurred when the printed postcards were laid one on 
another. Thus, a good fixation of ink was performed. 
Test No.6 
Ink: 
4-1) Print Gocco.sup.R Ink (Riso Ink (cyan)) (Riso Kagaku Corp.) 
4-2) Print Gocco.sup.R Ink (Riso HM Ink (black)) (Riso Kagaku Corp.) 
Recording Paper: 
Postcard 
Flowable Silicon and Means for Supplying the Silicon: 
1) Silicon Oil (KE-1031-A, Shin-Etsu Chemical Co., Ltd.)+Spray 
Results: 
In the above-mentioned condition, ink fixing operations were performed by 
using the Print Gocco.sup.R and the roller as shown in FIG. 7. The 
above-listed ink was directly applied to the recording paper. The ink was 
cured within about 2 minutes when any one of the flowable silicons were 
used. No setoff occurred when the printed postcards were laid one on 
another. Thus, a good fixation of ink was performed. 
Test No.7 
Ink Curing Liquid: 
TABLE 4 
______________________________________ 
Ink Curing Liquid 
No Name 
______________________________________ 
1 Machine Oil 
2 Grease 
3 Engine Oil 
______________________________________ 
Porous Member for Supplying Ink and Rubber Roller: 
1) Sponge: Rubycell.sup.R (Toyo Polymer Co., Ltd.) 
2) Rubber Roller: 
Nitryl Rubber (hardness 60.degree.) 
Fluoro Rubber (hardness 80.degree.) 
Silicon rubber (hardness 40.degree.) 
Results: 
1) A thin layer of the ink (No.1 to No.5) listed in the above Table 1 was 
formed on the recording paper listed in the above Table 3 as shown in FIG. 
l. The thin layer of the ink was maintained for a few seconds to about 3 
minutes while the thin layer of the ink was contacted to one of the ink 
curing liquids listed in the above Table 4. The ink was cured as indicated 
in the following Table 5, and a good fixation of ink was achieved which 
provides a good concentration, clearness and a mechanical strength to the 
cured ink. 
TABLE 5 
______________________________________ 
Ink Fixation Test Result 1 
Ink Curing Liquid 
Type of Ink 
Machine Oil Grease Engine Oil 
______________________________________ 
1-1 B B B 
1-2 B B B 
1-3 B B B 
1-4 B B B 
1-5 B B B 
1-6 B B B 
2-1 B B B 
2-2 C-B C-B C-B 
3-1 B B B 
4-1 B B B 
4-2 B B B 
5-1 B B B 
5-2 B B B 
5-3 B B B 
5-4 B B B 
5-5 B B B 
______________________________________ 
It should be noted that, in the above-mentioned test result and test 
results provided in the following description, a letter "A" indicates that 
the ink remains on a recording paper after the printed surface of the 
recording paper is rubbed by a nonwoven fabric cloth with a strong force 
ten times; a letter "B" indicates that the ink on a recording paper is 
completely removed after the printed surface of the recording paper is 
rubbed by a nonwoven fabric cloth with a strong force ten times; a letter 
"C" indicates that the ink on a recording paper is completely removed 
after the printed surface of the recording paper is rubbed by a nonwoven 
fabric cloth with a relatively strong force ten times; and a letter "D" 
indicates that the ink on a recording paper is completely removed after 
the printed surface of the recording paper is rubbed by a nonwoven fabric 
cloth with a weak force ten times; 
It should be noted that a good ink fixation was achieved when a thickness 
of the ink curing liquid is 3-8 .mu.m. In this condition, an operator's 
hand was not stained with the ink curing liquid when contacting the 
printed surface even when a process for moving the ink curing liquid 
remaining on the printed surface was not performed. 
In addition to the above-mentioned test, a test using the arrangement shown 
in FIGS. 2, 3, 6 and 7 with ink No.1, 2 or 5, a test using the arrangement 
shown in FIGS. 4, 6 and 7 with ink No.3 or 5, and a test using the 
arrangement shown in FIGS. 5, 6 and 7 with the ink No.4 or 5 was 
performed. The results were similar to that shown in the above-mentioned 
test result, that is, the ink was cured, and a good vehicle fixation was 
achieved which provides a good concentration, clearness and a mechanical 
strength to the cured vehicle. 
2) A thin layer of the vehicle listed in the above Table 2 was formed on 
the recording paper listed in the above Table 3 as shown in FIG. 1. The 
thin layer of the vehicle was maintained for a few seconds to about 3 
minutes while the thin layer of the vehicle was in contact with one of the 
ink curing liquids listed in the above Table 4. The vehicle was cured as 
indicated in the following Table 6, and a good fixation of the vehicle was 
achieved which provides a good concentration, clearness and mechanical 
strength to the cured vehicle. 
Additionally, tests were performed on the vehicles shown in the Table 2 by 
using the arrangement shown in FIGS. 2-7. The vehicles were cured as 
indicated in the following Table 6, and a good fixation of the vehicle was 
achieved which provided a good concentration, clearness and a mechanical 
strength to the cured vehicle. 
TABLE 6 
______________________________________ 
Vehicle Fixation Test Result 1 
Ink Curing Liquid 
Type of Vehicle 
Machine Oil Grease Engine Oil 
______________________________________ 
1 B B B 
2 B B B 
3 B B B 
4 B B B 
5 B B B 
6 B B B 
7 B B B 
8 B B B 
9 B B B 
10 B B B 
11 B B B 
12 B B B 
13 B B B 
14 B B B 
15 B B B 
______________________________________ 
Test No.8 
Ink Curing Liquid: 
TABLE 7 
______________________________________ 
Silicon Oil 
No Type Cat. No. Mfg 
______________________________________ 
1 Dimethyl Silicon Gum 
BY16-140 DT 
2 Dimethyl Silicon Oil 
KF-96-CS100 to 
S 
KF-96-CS1000000 
3 Methyl Phenyl Silicon Oil 
SH710 DT 
4 Methyl Hydrogen Silicon Oil 
SH1107 DT 
5 Amino Denaturated SF8417 DT 
6 Polyether Denaturated 
SF8427 DT 
7 Polyether Denaturated 
SF8428 DT 
8 Polyether Denaturated 
SH3746 DT 
9 Polyether Denaturated 
SH3749 DT 
10 Polyether Denaturated 
SH8400 DT 
11 Alkyl Denaturated SH203 DT 
12 Alkyl Denaturated SH230 DT 
13 Carboxyl Denaturated 
SF8418 DT 
14 Epoxy Denaturated SF8411 DT 
15 Epoxy Denaturated BY16-839 DT 
16 Epoxy-polyether Denaturated 
SF8421 DT 
______________________________________ 
In the above Table 7, a letter "DT" represents "Dow Corning Toray Silicone 
Co., Ltd.", and a letter "S" represents "Shin-Etsu Chemical Co., Ltd.". 
Results: 
1) A thin layer of the ink (No.1 to No.5) listed in the above Table 1 was 
formed on the recording paper listed in the above Table 3 as shown in FIG. 
1. The thin layer of the ink was maintained for a few seconds to about 3 
minutes while the thin layer of the ink was contacted by one of the ink 
curing liquids listed in the above Table 7. The ink was cured as indicated 
in the following Table 8, and a good ink fixation was achieved which 
provided a good concentration, clearness and mechanical strength to the 
cured ink. Additionally, there was no color change recognized in the image 
due to the flowable silicon. Further, a flaw was hardly formed when the 
printed surface is scratched by hand, and a mechanical strength of the 
printed surface was improved. 
TABLE 8 
__________________________________________________________________________ 
Ink Fixation Test Result 2 
Silicon 
Ink 
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 
11 
12 
13 
14 
15 
16 
__________________________________________________________________________ 
1-1 
A A B A A B A B B B A B A B A B 
1-2 
A A B A A B A B B B A B A B A B 
1-3 
A A B A A B A B B B A B A B A B 
1-4 
A A B A A B A B B B A B A B A B 
1-5 
A A B A A B A B B B A B A B A B 
1-6 
A A B A A B A B B B A B A B A B 
2-1 
A A B A A B A B B B A B A B A B 
2-2 
A A B A A B A B B B A B A B A B 
3-1 
A A B A A B A B B B A B A B A B 
4-1 
A A B A A B A B B B A B A B A B 
4-2 
A A B A A B A B B B A B A B A B 
5-1 
A A B A A B A B B B A B A B A B 
5-2 
A A B A A B A B B B A B A B A B 
5-3 
A A B A A B A B B B A B A B A B 
5-4 
A A B A A B A B B B A B A B A B 
5-5 
A A B A A B A B B B A B A B A B 
__________________________________________________________________________ 
In addition to the above-mentioned test, a test using the arrangement shown 
in FIGS. 2, 3, 6 and 7 with ink No.1, 2 or 5, a test using the arrangement 
shown in FIGS. 4, 6 and 7 with ink No.3 or 5, and a test using the 
arrangement shown in FIGS. 5, 6 and 7 with the ink No.4 or 5 were 
performed. The results were similar to that indicated in the above Table 
8, that is, the ink was cured, and a good ink fixation was achieved which 
provided a good concentration, clearness and mechanical strength to the 
cured ink. 
2) A thin layer of the vehicle listed in the above Table 2 was formed on 
the recording paper listed in the above Table 3 as shown in FIG. 1. The 
thin layer of the vehicle was maintained for 15 seconds to about 2 minutes 
while the thin layer of the vehicle was contacted by the dimethyl silicone 
oil listed in Table 7. The vehicle was cured as indicated in the following 
Tables 9 and 10, and a good fixation of the vehicle was achieved which 
provides a good concentration, clearness and mechanical strength to the 
cured vehicle. 
TABLE 9 
______________________________________ 
Vehicle Fixation Test Result 2-1 
degree of cure 
Vehicle No. 15 sec. 
______________________________________ 
1 A 
2 B 
3 C-B 
4 A 
5 C 
______________________________________ 
Ink Curing Liquid: Dimethyl Silicon Oil (KF-96-300CS, Shin-Etsu Chemical 
Co., Ltd.) 
A thickness of the layer of the vehicle was about 10 .mu.m. 
TABLE 10 
______________________________________ 
Vehicle Fixation Test Result 2-2 
Ink Curing Liquid: Dimethyl Silicon Oil 
(KF-96-300CS, Shin-Etsu Chemical Co., Ltd.) 
degree of cure 
Vehicle No. 15 sec. 3 min. 
______________________________________ 
6 C A 
7 C A 
8 C A 
9 B A 
10 B A 
11 C A 
12 A A 
13 B A 
14 A A 
15 C A 
______________________________________ 
A thickness of the layer of the vehicle was about 5 .mu.m. 
Additionally, similar tests were performed on the vehicles listed in Table 
2 by using the arrangement shown in FIGS. 2 to 7. The vehicles were also 
cured as indicated in Tables 9 and 10, and a good vehicle fixation was 
achieved which provided clearness and mechanical strength to the cured 
vehicle. 
2) A thin layer of the vehicle (No.1 to No.15) listed in the above Table 2 
was formed on the recording paper listed in the above Table 3 as shown in 
FIG. 1. The thin layer of the vehicle was maintained for a few seconds to 
about 3 minutes and cooled at 5.degree. C. while the thin layer of the 
vehicle was contacted by one of the ink curing liquids listed in the 
Tables 4 and 7. The curing speed of the vehicle was improved, and a good 
fixation of the vehicle was achieved which provided clearness and 
mechanical strength to the cured vehicle. 
Test No.9 
A thin layer of the ink (No.5) listed in the above Table 1 was formed on 
the recording paper listed in the above Table 3 as shown in FIG. 1. The 
thin layer of the ink was cooled at about 5.degree. C. by means of a 
refrigerator and maintained for about 5 seconds while the thin layer of 
the ink was contacted to a silicone gum. The curing speed of the ink was 
increased, and a good fixation of ink was achieved which provided a good 
concentration, clearness and mechanical strength to the cured ink. 
Additionally, similar tests were performed with the structure shown in FIG. 
ll. The ink was cured in the same manner, and a good ink fixation was 
achieved which provided a good concentration, clearness and mechanical 
strength to the cured ink. 
Test No.10 
1) A thin layer of the ink (No.5) listed in the above Table 1 was formed on 
the recording paper listed in the above Table 3 as shown in FIG. 1. The 
thin layer of the ink was heated by means of a hot plate for about 15 
seconds while the thin layer of the ink was contacted to a dimethyl 
silicone oil. The curing speed of the ink was increased as indicated in 
Table 11, and a good fixation of ink was achieved which provides a good 
concentration, clearness and a mechanical strength to the cured ink. 
TABLE 11 
______________________________________ 
Ink Fixation Test Result at Increased Temperature 
Ink: No. 5-1 listed in Table 1 
Ink Curing Liquid: Dimethyl Silicon Oil 
(KF-96-300CS, Shin-Etsu Chemical Co., Ltd.) 
temperature degree of cure 
______________________________________ 
room temp. B 
40.degree. C. B-A 
50.degree. C. A 
60.degree. C. A 
______________________________________ 
Additionally, similar tests were performed with the structures shown in 
FIGS. 13 and 14. The ink was cured in the same manner, and a good ink 
fixation was achieved which provided a good concentration, clearness and 
mechanical strength to the cured ink. 
2) A thin layer of the vehicle (No.1 to No.15) was formed on the recording 
paper listed in the above Table 3 as shown in FIG. 1. The thin layer of 
the vehicle was heated by means of a hot plate for about 15 seconds while 
the thin layer of the vehicle was contacted to a dimethyl silicone oil. 
The curing speed of the vehicle was increased as indicated in Table 11, 
and a good vehicle fixation was achieved which provided a good clearness 
and mechanical strength to the cured vehicle. 
Additionally, similar tests were performed with the structures shown in 
FIGS. 13 and 14. The vehicle was cured in the same manner, and a good 
vehicle fixation was achieved which provided good clearness and mechanical 
strength to the cured vehicle. 
Test No.11 
An offset printing arrangement was constructed by using image forming units 
shown in FIGS. 8 to 10 and ink No.1, No.2 or No.5. An ink image was formed 
on the recording papers listed in Table 3. The ink curing liquids or the 
silicone oils were applied to contact the ink image by the method shown in 
FIG. 3. The ink on the printed surface was cured, and a good fixation of 
the ink was achieved which provided a good concentration, clearness and 
mechanical strength to the cured ink. 
Similar tests were performed on the vehicles listed in Table 2. The 
vehicles were similarly cured, and a good fixation of the vehicles was 
achieved which provided clearness and mechanical strength to the cured 
vehicle. 
Test No.12 
An ink image was formed on the recording paper listed in the Table 3 by 
using the ink No.1 to No.5. Thereafter, the ink curing liquids listed in 
the Table 4 or the silicone oils were applied to contacted the printed 
surface by using the ink fixing units shown in FIGS. 15 and 16. As a 
result, the ink on the printed surface was cured, and a good ink fixation 
was achieved which provides a good concentration, clearness and mechanical 
strength to the cured ink. 
Similar tests were performed on an image formed by the vehicles listed in 
Table 2 which image was formed on the recording papers listed in Table 3. 
The vehicles were cured similarly, and a good fixation of the vehicles was 
achieved which provided clearness and mechanical strength to the cured 
vehicle. 
Test No.13 
1) An offset printing arrangement was constructed by using image forming 
units shown in FIGS. 17 and 18 and ink No.1, No.2 or No.5. An ink image 
was formed on the recording papers listed in the Table 3. The ink curing 
liquids listed in the Table 4 or the silicone oils were applied to contact 
the ink image by providing two ink fixing units using the method shown in 
FIG. 3. The contact of the ink curing liquids or the silicone oils was 
performed twice by providing two units using the method shown in FIG. 3. 
The ink on the printed surface was cured in a shorter time, and a good ink 
fixation was achieved which provided a good concentration, clearness and 
mechanical strength to the cured ink. 
Similar tests were performed on the vehicles listed in the Table 2. The 
vehicles were cured in a shorter time, and a good vehicle fixation was 
achieved which provided clearness and a mechanical strength to the cured 
vehicle. 
2) An offset printing arrangement was constructed by using the image 
forming unit shown in FIG. 19 and ink No.1, No.2 or No.5. An ink image was 
formed on the recording papers listed in the Table 3. The silicone oil was 
applied to contact the ink image by providing a single unit using the 
method shown in FIG. 5 after forming each color component image. The ink 
on the printed surface was cured in a shorter time, and a good fixation of 
the ink was achieved which provided a good concentration, clearness and 
mechanical strength to the cured ink. 
Similar tests were performed on the vehicles listed in the Table 2. The 
vehicles were cured in a shorter time, and a good vehicle fixation was 
achieved which provided clearness and mechanical strength to the cured 
vehicle. 
3) An offset printing arrangement was constructed by using the image 
forming unit shown in FIG. 20 and the ink No.1, No.2 or No.5. An ink image 
was formed on the recording papers listed in the Table 3. The ink curing 
liquids listed in the Table 4 were applied to contact the ink image by 
providing two units using the method shown in FIG. 5 after forming each 
color component image. The ink on the printed surface was cured in a 
shorter time, and a good fixation of the ink was achieved which provided a 
good concentration, clearness and mechanical strength to the cured ink. 
Similar tests were performed on the vehicles listed in the Table 2. The 
vehicles were cured in a shorter time, and a good fixation of the vehicles 
was achieved which provided clearness and mechanical strength to the cured 
vehicle. 
4) An ink image was formed on the recording paper listed in the Table 3 by 
using ink No.1 to No.5. Thereafter, the ink curing liquids listed in Table 
4 or the silicone oils were applied to contact the printed surface by 
providing five ink fixing units using the method shown in FIG. 2 as shown 
in FIG. 21. As a result, the ink on the printed surface was cured, and a 
good fixation of the ink was achieved which provided a good concentration, 
clearness and mechanical strength to the cured ink. 
Similar tests were performed on an image formed by the vehicles listed in 
the Table 3 which image was formed on the recording papers listed in the 
Table 3. The vehicles were cured similarly, and a good fixation of the 
vehicles was achieved which provides clearness and a mechanical strength 
to the cured vehicle. 
Test No.14 
Structural Parts: 
1) a porous member for removing ink curing liquid shown in FIG. 22: 
Rubycell.sup.R, Toyo Polymer CO., Ltd 
2) a member for removing ink curing liquid shown in FIG. 23: Pictrico.sup.R 
3) a member for removing ink curing liquid shown in FIG. 24: cotton cloth 
or paper 
Results: 
1) An offset printing arrangement was constructed by using image forming 
units shown in FIGS. 8-10 and ink No.1, No.2 or No.5. An ink image was 
formed on the recording papers listed in the Table 3. The ink curing 
liquids or silicone oils were applied to contact the ink image to cure the 
ink. Thereafter, the ink curing liquids were removed by the arrangement 
shown in FIG. 22. As the result, it was recognized that no ink curing 
liquid adhered to an operator's hand when the printed surface was touched, 
and pollution of the surrounding atmosphere is prevented. 
2) An offset printing arrangement was constructed by using image forming 
units shown in FIGS. 8-10 and ink No.1, No.2 or No.5. An ink image was 
formed on the recording papers listed in the Table 3. The ink curing 
liquids or silicone oils were applied to contact the ink image to cure the 
ink. Thereafter, the ink curing liquids were removed by the arrangement 
shown in FIG. 23. As a result, it was recognized that no ink curing liquid 
adhered to an operator's hand when the printed surface was touched, and 
pollution of the surrounding atmosphere is prevented. 
Additionally, it was also recognized that the absorbed ink curing liquid 
was evaporated by heating an ink absorbing film, and the ink absorbing 
film can be used repeatedly. 
3) An image was formed on the recording papers listed in Table 3 by using 
ink No.1 to No.5. The printed surface of the recording paper was put in 
contact with the ink curing liquids listed in Table 4 or the silicone oils 
by using the fixing unit shown in FIG. 24 so as to cure the ink curing 
liquids. Thereafter, the ink curing liquids on the printed surface were 
removed. As the result, it was recognized that no ink curing liquid 
adhered to an operator's hand when the printed surface was touched, and 
pollution of the surrounding atmosphere is prevented. 
In the above-mentioned embodiments, a liquid is used for rapidly curing the 
resin in the ink or vehicle contained in the ink. On the other hand, the 
embodiments described below use a solid to be contacted to an ink image so 
as to rapidly cure the ink or vehicle in the ink. 
(Description of Eleventh Embodiment) 
FIGS. 25 to 29 are illustrations for explaining an eleventh embodiment 
according to the present invention. In the figures, a reference numeral 
101 indicates a recording medium; 102 indicates ink; 103 indicates a 
recording layer; 104 indicates a substrate; 105 indicates a printing 
plate; 110 indicates an ink fixing unit; 111 indicates a contacting solid 
member and 112 indicates a press roller. FIG. 25 illustrates an example of 
flat plate printing (direct printing). FIG. 26 illustrates an example of 
flat plate printing (offset printing). FIG. 27 illustrates an example of 
letterpress printing. FIG. 28 illustrates an example of stencil printing. 
FIG. 29 illustrates an example of a simplified printing. In the examples 
of these figures, the recording medium 1 is conveyed in a direction 
indicated by an arrow A. 
In the present embodiment, the ink 2 is fixed by contacting or applying the 
solid member 111 to the ink 2 after the ink 2 is transferred to the 
recording medium 1, the solid member having a swelling property with 
respect to a solvent contained in the ink. The ink 2 used in this 
embodiment contains a resin and a solvent miscible with the resin. As for 
the resin, a rosin denaturated phenol resin, a rosin denaturated ester 
resin, a petroleum resin, an DCPD resin or an alkyd resin is suitable. As 
for the solvent miscible with the resin, either a polar solvent or a 
nonpolar solvent can be used such as aliphatic hydrocarbon, aromatic 
hydrocarbon, ketone or alcohol. Preferably, the solvent is a fixed solvent 
having a boiling point of 100.degree. C. or more. As an example of the 
ink, there is oily ink such as commercially available offset ink, 
typographic ink, waterless offset ink and stencil ink. Additionally, the 
solvent may either contain or not contain a drying oil (nonsaturated fatty 
acid) needed for oxidative polymerization drying and other curing agents. 
With respect to the solid member having a swelling property, the swelling 
property means that when a solvent is dropped onto the solid member, the 
area of the solid member contacted by the solvent exhibits a volumetric 
expansion within about 1 minute. As for a solid member having this 
characteristic, either an organic material or a nonorganic material may be 
used which is preferably a resin member. As for the resin contained in the 
solvent, a polymer, a polymer blend or a polymer alloy, or a crosslinking 
material or a vulcanized material thereof is suitable. Specifically, 
silicone resin (polymer or rubber), butyl rubber, chloroprane rubber, 
natural rubber, semi-natural rubber, or olefin elastomers may be suitable. 
The inventors found that an ink layer is immediately cured after the solid 
member made of the above-mentioned materials is put in contact with the 
ink layer on a recording medium. Additionally, it was found that the ink 
did not adhere to the contacting solid member after the ink was cured and 
the contacting solid member was separated from the ink layer. There was no 
change in the concentration of the ink on the recording medium. Further, 
it was found that when a solid member which did not have the swelling 
property but having permeability with respect to a solvent was put in 
contact with the ink layer, the ink did not or substantially did not cured 
for a long contact time such as about 3 minutes. Additionally, when the 
contacting solid member was separated from the ink after the ink was cured 
to a certain degree, the ink adhered on the surface of the contacting 
solid member and the concentration of the ink on the recording medium was 
decreased. Further, in the case of a solid member having no swelling 
property and permeability with respect to the solvent, it was found that 
the ink was not cured for a long contacting time as long as about 10 
minutes. The present embodiment utilizes the above-mentioned phenomena. 
The above-mentioned ink curing phenomenon can be explained as follows. 
The inventors found that the an amount of solvent contained in the ink 
decreases in the time between before and after the ink is cured. 
Accordingly, it can be assumed that the cure of the ink is achieved by the 
decrease in the amount of solvent contained in the ink due to diffusion of 
the solvent in the solid member which is caused by the contact of the 
solid member with the ink. Thus, it is assumed that the ink is 
substantially not diffused in a solid member which does not have either a 
swelling property or permeability with respect to the ink, and it is 
easily understandable that the ink is not cured by contact with such a 
solid member. 
On the other hand, the diffusion of the solvent occurs in a solid member 
having either a swelling property or permeability with respect to the 
solvent when the solid member is in contact with the ink. However, the 
degree of cure provided by either type of solid member is different from 
each other. The inventors considered the difference as follows. 
In many cases, a member having no swelling property but having permeability 
with respect to a solvent is, typically, a porous member. Thus, when such 
a solid member is in contact with the ink, it is assumed that the ink as a 
whole penetrates into the contacting solid member. On the other hand, many 
solid members having a swelling property have molecular chains with a 
dense mesh. Thus, it is assumed that the ink as a whole substantially does 
not diffuse into the contacting solid member, but only the solvent 
contained in the ink diffuses into the contacting solid member. 
Additionally, the swelling property of a solid member with respect to a 
solvent can be optimized by a solubility parameter (SP value). If a 
solvent of the ink is known, an efficient cure of the ink can be achieved 
be selecting a solid member having an SP value which is approximately the 
SP value of the solvent. 
(Description of Twelfth Embodiment) 
This embodiment corresponds to the eleventh embodiment in which the ink is 
cured by contacting a solid member to the surface of the recording medium 
after the ink is transferred onto the recording medium, the contacting 
solid member having a swelling property with respect to the solvent 
contained in the ink but lacking permeability with respect to the ink as a 
whole. The solid member having a swelling property with respect to the 
solvent contained in the ink cures the ink. However, if the surface of the 
solid member is porous or rough which permits the ink as a whole to 
permeate or infiltrate into the solid member, a small portion of the ink 
moves to the solid member. This may reduce the concentration of the ink on 
the recording medium. Accordingly, it is preferable that at least a 
surface or a portion near the surface of the contacting solid member lacks 
permeability with respect to the ink. 
(Description of thirteenth embodiment) 
This embodiment is related to a recording apparatus using the method of the 
eleventh embodiment. The principle of the curing method according to this 
embodiment is the same as that of the eleventh embodiment. FIG. 30 is an 
illustration of an example of an exclusive fixing apparatus performing a 
fixing operation after printing. In the figure, 110 indicates the fixing 
apparatus which operates similar to the fixing unit 110 shown in FIGS. 25 
to 28; 121 indicates printed matter before it is fixed; 122 indicates the 
printed matter after it is fixed; and 113 and 114 indicate guide rollers. 
The rollers 113 are provided before the contacting solid member 111, and 
the rollers 114 are provided after the contacting solid member 111. The 
guide rollers 113 contact only edge portions of the printed matter 121 to 
guide the printed matter 121 since the ink on the printed matter 121 may 
adhere to the guide rollers 113 if the guide rollers 13 contact the 
surface of the printed matter 121. Additionally, it is better to form the 
guide roller 114 from material which is the same as that of the solid 
member 111 so as to improve reliability of the fixation. 
Preferably, the contacting solid member 111 has a roller-like shape as it 
has a simple configuration. However, some kinds of solid members require a 
relatively long time for curing the ink. In this case, the ink may adhere 
to the contacting solid member 111 when the contacting solid member 111 is 
separated from the ink layer before the ink is completely cured. In order 
to eliminate such a problem, it is preferable to use a contacting solid 
member 111' and a printed matter supporting member 112' shown in FIG. 31 
so that the contacting solid member 111' contacts the entire surface of 
the recording medium (the printed matter) and the contacting solid member 
111 is separated after the ink is completely cured. 
FIG. 32 is an illustration of an example of a recording apparatus in which 
the fixing unit 110 is incorporated into a recording apparatus 130. In the 
figure, a reference numeral 120 indicates a printing unit; 122 indicates 
the printed matter after it is fixed; and 123 indicates a recording paper. 
The printing unit 120 comprises inking rollers 120a, a printing drum 120b, 
a blanket drum 120c and a pressing roller 120d. The recording paper 123 is 
printed by the printing unit 120, and thereafter fixed by the fixing unit 
110. Although the fixing apparatus having a structure shown in FIG. 30 is 
used in the example shown in FIG. 32 as the fixing unit 110, the fixing 
unit shown in FIG. 31 may instead be used. 
In an example shown in FIG. 33, fixation of ink is performed by providing 
the ink fixing unit 10 at each position between ink transfer units C 
(cyan), M (magenta), Y (yellow) and K (black). In this structure, since a 
color component ink image can be transferred onto the recording paper 
after the ink previously transferred on the recording paper is cured to a 
certain level. Thus, the preceding ink is not transferred to the printing 
plate or the blanket in the subsequent color ink printing process, 
resulting in a high speed multi-color printing. Additionally, the ink 
fixing efficiency is increased since the ink is fixed for each color 
component ink. However, if the color component ink is not substantially 
mixed, the fixing unit 110 may be provided after the last color component 
ink is printed as shown in FIG. 34. 
FIGS. 35 and 36 are examples to which the fixing apparatus according to the 
present embodiment is applied to multi-color printing. In the example 
shown in FIG. 35, multi-color printing is performed by using a paper roll 
124 as in a rotary press. In the example shown in FIG. 36, multi-color 
printing is performed by using stacked recording papers 123. In either 
example shown in FIG. 35 or 36, the ink is fixed by the solid member 111 
being applied to contact the ink after the multi-color printing is 
completed. 
It should be noted that, in the examples shown in FIGS. 35 and 36, 
reliability of the fixation can be increased by preforming a fixing 
operation for printing of each color component rather than performing a 
single fixing operation at the end of the printing. Additionally, the 
present embodiment can be applied not only to an offset printing apparatus 
but also other types of printing apparatus using ink containing a resin 
and a solvent dissolving the resin such as typographic printing, stencil 
printing or gravure printing. 
(Description of Fourteenth Embodiment) 
This embodiment corresponds to the recording apparatus according to the 
thirteenth embodiment in which the ink on the recoding medium is fixed by 
contacting a solid member to the surface of the recording medium, the 
solid member having a swelling property with respect to the solvent 
contained in the ink and having no permeability with respect to the ink as 
a whole. As mentioned above, a solid member having a swelling property 
with respect to the solvent contained in the ink cures the ink. However, 
if the surface of the solid member is porous or rough which permits the 
ink as a whole to permeate or infiltrate into the solid member, a small 
portion of the ink moves to the solid member. This may reduce the 
concentration of the ink on the recording medium. Accordingly, it is 
preferable that at least the surface or a portion near the surface of the 
contacting solid member is impermeable with respect to the ink. 
(description of Fifteenth Embodiment) 
This embodiment corresponds to the thirteenth embodiment or the fourteenth 
embodiment in which the ink on the recording medium is cured in the 
thirteenth or fourteenth embodiment by heating the recording medium before 
or during the contact period when solid member contacts the recording 
medium. Generally, the correlation of the miscibility between a resin and 
a solvent dissolving the resin is represented as shown in a graph 
presented in FIG. 37. That is, even if the resin and the solvent are 
dissolved with each other, the resin and the solvent are separated from 
each other at a temperature above a lower critical solution temperature or 
a temperature below an upper critical solution temperature. For example, 
if a ratio of resin is set to P % as shown in FIG. 37 and if the resin 
liquid which is a mixture of the resin and the solvent is heated at a 
temperature above the lower critical solution temperature T2c or cooled at 
a temperature below the upper critical solution temperature, the resin 
liquid is separated to the resin and the solvent. 
The inventor found that the curing time of the ink can be further reduced 
by combining the above-mentioned property and the curing operation of the 
ink using the solid member. The heating method has an advantage over the 
cooling method in that the heating method can use an inexpensive apparatus 
as compared to the cooling method. Thus, in the present embodiment, the 
curing action of the ink on the recording medium is promoted by heating 
the ink before or while the solid member is in contact with the ink. It is 
most effective to increase the heating temperature above the lower 
critical solution temperature T2c. However, this requires a large amount 
of electric power for heating. The inventors found that the combination of 
heating and the contact of the solid member allows a reduction of ink 
curing time by heating the ink but not heating up to the lower critical 
solution temperature. The reason for this is considered that the 
uniformity of miscibility of the resin and the solvent tends to be lost by 
heating, and further the solvent diffuses into the solid member which 
promotes curing of the ink. As for the possibility that evaporation of the 
solvent due to heating promotes the curing action of the ink, the 
temperature used in experiments performed by the inventors is considerably 
lower than the temperature at which the solvent contained in the ink is 
evaporated, and the heating at a relatively low temperature promotes 
curing action. Thus, it is considered that the contribution of evaporation 
of the solvent to the curing of the ink is less than the combination of 
using the solid member and a lower temperature heat source. 
(Description of Sixteenth Embodiment) 
This embodiment corresponds to the recording apparatus according to the 
fifteenth embodiment in which the ink on the recording medium is cured by 
heating the recording medium at a temperature above the lower critical 
solution temperature T2c which is determined by the combination of a resin 
and a solvent before or while the solid member is in contact with the ink. 
As mentioned above, this increases power consumption. However, the ink is 
cured in a very short time, and a remarkable effect is obtained. 
(Description of Seventeenth Embodiment) 
This embodiment corresponds to the recording apparatus according to the 
thirteenth embodiment or fourteenth embodiment in which the ink on the 
recording medium is cured by cooling the recording medium before or while 
the solid member is in contact with the ink. In the method for promoting 
curing of ink by heating as mentioned above, temperature inside the 
apparatus is increased when means for fixing ink is incorporated into a 
recoding apparatus. Thus, there is a possibility that an occurrence of 
background stain due to an increase in the viscosity of the ink while 
printing. Accordingly, in this embodiment, cure of the ink on the 
recording medium is promoted by cooling the ink before or while the solid 
member is in contact with the ink. It is most effective to decrease the 
cooling temperature below the upper critical solution temperature T1c. 
However, this requires a large amount of electric power for cooling. The 
inventors found that the combination of cooling and the contact of the 
solid member allows a reduction of ink curing time by cooling the ink but 
not cooling below the upper critical solution temperature. The reason for 
this is considered that the uniformity of miscibility of the resin and the 
solvent tends to be lost by cooling, and further the solvent diffuses into 
the solid member which promotes cure of the ink. 
(Description of Eighteenth Embodiment) 
This embodiment corresponds to the recording apparatus according to the 
seventeenth embodiment in which the ink on the recording medium is cured 
by cooling the recording medium at a temperature below the upper critical 
solution temperature T1c which is determined by the combination of a resin 
and a solvent before or while the solid member is in contact with the ink. 
As mentioned above, this increases power consumption. However, the ink is 
cured in a very short time, and a remarkable effect is obtained. 
(Description of Nineteenth Embodiment) 
This embodiment corresponds to the recording apparatus according to one of 
the thirteenth to eighteenth embodiments in which the solid member is made 
of a silicone resin. The inventor investigated various solid members 
having a swelling property, and found that a silicone resin has a 
particular superiority. 
The silicone resin provides a shorter curing time among various contacting 
solid members. Additionally, the silicone resin does not allow adherence 
of the ink on the surface thereof when a solid member made of the silicone 
resin is separated when the ink has not completely cured yet, whereas 
other solid member materials allow adherence of a small amount of ink on 
the surface thereof when they are separated from the ink layer when the 
ink has not completely cured yet. That is, it can be said that the 
silicone resin provides the highest reliability when a method for fixing 
ink is performed without reducing the concentration of the ink. It is 
assumed that a low surface energy of the silicone resin and formation of 
an extremely thin silicone oil layer on the silicone resin as indicated by 
WBFL theory contribute to the lack of adherence of the ink onto the 
silicone resin, when the silicone resin is separated from the ink when the 
ink has not completely cured. There are some other materials having a low 
surface energy such as fluororesin. However, the fluororesin does not 
provide a good effect since the fluororesin lacks the swelling property 
with respect to a solvent contained in ink. Accordingly, the silicone 
resin has a unique property in that no ink adheres thereto and it has a 
swelling property with respect to a solvent contained in ink. Thus, 
reliability of fixation of ink is remarkably increased by using the 
silicone resin. 
The silicone resin to be used may be any one of a crosslinking material and 
a vulcanized material such as a chain polymer having a siloxene structure 
as a unit, a branching polymer or heat vulcanized silicone rubber. 
Additionally, any one of dimethyl, methyl vinyl and methyl vinyl phenyl 
denaturated silicone resins may be used. The silicone resin may be in the 
form of a rigid member, an elastic member such as rubber or a semi-solid 
such a gel. Additionally, an elastic member containing a silicone resin 
also provides superior results. Further, when a crosslinking type silicone 
resin is used, the one which has a low crosslinking density is more 
preferable since it is superior in swelling property with respect to 
solvent. 
(Description of Twentieth Embodiment) 
This embodiment corresponds to the recording apparatus according to one of 
the thirteenth to nineteenth embodiments in which the surface of the solid 
member is formed as a glossy surface. If the surface of the solid member 
is rough, the ink penetrates into the a recess of the surface when 
contacted by the solid member. Thus, the concentration of the ink may be 
decreased since a small amount of the ink on the recording medium is 
caught by the soil member. In order to eliminated this problem, the 
surface of the solid member is preferably a glossy surface. The glossy 
surface herein refers to a surface having a 10-point average roughness of 
2 .mu.m or less. 
(Description of Twenty-first Embodiment) 
This embodiment corresponds to the ink fixing unit or recording apparatus 
according to one of the thirteenth to twentieth embodiments in which a 
plurality of solid member contacting means are provided. An example is 
shown in FIG. 38. In FIG. 38, parts that are the same as the parts shown 
in FIG. 32 are given the same reference numerals. In the example shown in 
FIG. 38, the fixing unit 110 comprises a plurality of contacting solid 
members 111. When a single solid member is used which does not provide 
cure of the ink unless a certain long time elapses, a moving speed of the 
printed matter relative to the contacting solid member after printing must 
be reduced so as to perform a sufficient fixation of ink. Thus, as shown 
in FIG. 38, the time period for contacting can be extended by providing a 
plurality of contacting solid members 111. This structure is not limited 
to this example, and is applied to the exclusive ink fixing apparatus 
shown in FIG. 30. Additionally, the present embodiment is not limited to 
offset printing, and can be applied to other recording apparatuses using 
ink containing a resin and a solvent missible with the resin, such as 
typographic printing, stencil printing or a gravuer printing machine. 
(Description of Twenty-second Embodiment) 
This embodiment corresponds to the ink fixing unit or recording apparatus 
according to one of the thirteenth to twentieth embodiments in which the 
solid member is in the form of a belt. An example is shown in FIG. 39. In 
FIG. 39, a reference numeral 115 indicates a belt-like solid member, and 
other parts that function the same as the parts shown in FIG. 31 are given 
the same reference numerals. As mentioned above, when a single solid 
member is used which does not provide cure of ink unless a certain time 
has elapsed, a moving speed of the printed matter relative to the 
contacting solid member after printing must be reduced so as to perform a 
sufficient fixation of ink. Thus, as shown in FIG. 39, the time period for 
contacting can be equivalently extended by increasing the contacting area 
by forming the contacting solid member as a belt-like solid member 115 so 
that the fixing speed is not reduced. This structure is not limited to 
this example, and can be applied to a case in which the fixing unit is 
incorporated into a recording apparatus. Additionally, the present 
embodiment is not limited to offset printing, and can be applied to other 
recording apparatuses using ink containing a resin and a solvent missible 
with the resin, such as typographic printing, stencil printing or a 
gravure printing machine. 
(Description of Twenty-third Embodiment) 
This embodiment corresponds to the recording apparatus according to one of 
the thirteenth to twentieth embodiments in which the solid member is 
heated continuously or for a necessary time after the solid member 
contacts the ink. As mentioned above, the solid member swells due to 
diffusion of the solvent into the solid member. When a thickness of the 
solid member is large, the solvent sufficiently diffuses in the solid 
member. However, if the solid member is thin, the solvent is collected 
within the solid member, resulting in a decrease in the diffusion 
capability. Thus, in this embodiment, the solvent collected in the solid 
member is removed by heating the solid member continuously or for a 
necessary time. Generally, the solvent contained in ink is the fixed 
solvent. However, the solvent slowly evaporates even at room temperature, 
and considerable amount of solvent is removed from the solid member after 
it is left for only one day. Accordingly, the heating temperature is not 
always above the boiling point of the solvent. That is, the solvent 
diffused in the solid member is evaporated at a temperature higher than 
the room temperature. 
FIG. 40 shows an example of a recording apparatus in which a heating device 
is incorporated. In FIG. 40, a reference numeral 140 indicates a heat 
source which comprises a heating roller having a mechanism which is 
detachably attached to the contacting solid member 111. In this example, 
the solvent is removed by contacting the heating roller to the solid 
member in response to an amount of solvent collected in the solid member. 
FIG. 41 is an illustration for another example of the heating structure for 
the solid member. In this example, a heater 142 is provided in a hollow 
supporting member (roller) 141. The contacting solid member 111 is formed 
on the supporting member 141. Since the solid member 111 is heated from 
inside by providing the heat source inside the contacting solid member 
111, there is an advantage that the size of the apparatus can be reduced. 
Additionally, as an example of the seventeenth embodiment, FIG. 42 shows an 
example of the recording apparatus in which a cooling device is 
incorporated. In FIG. 42, a reference numeral 150 indicates a cooling 
source which comprises a Peltier element. There is a structure by which 
the Peltier element 150 can be contact the solid member 111. Various 
conventional cooling means may be used such as a structure in which a 
roller cooled by a coolant or cooled air contacts the solid member. 
Test No.15 
Printing Plate Structure: 
recording layer: Perfluoro-alkylaclyrate polymer LS317, emulsion 
copolymerization type, (Asahi Glass Co., Ltd.), thickness: 1 .mu.m 
recording member substrate: Non-grazed PET film, size: 350.times.220 mm, 
thickness: 25 .mu.m 
Ink: 
(1) Waterless Offset Ink 
1-1) Aqualess Super.sup.R KB, black, blue, red, yellow M (Toyo Ink Mfg Co., 
Ltd.) 
1-2) Aqualess V.sup.R K2, black, blue, red, yellow M (Toyo Ink Mfg Co., 
Ltd.) 
1-3) Aqualess Super.sup.R FC, black, blue, red, yellow Y XU (Toyo Ink Mfg 
Co., Ltd.) 
1-4) New ALPO.sup.R G, black, blue, red, yellow, M (T&K Toka Co., Ltd) 1-5) 
Waterless S PL, black S (The Inktec Inc.) 1-6) Waterless S GT, black N 
(The Inktec Inc.) 
(2) Ink Vehicle 
2-1) Polymer (Rosin modified phenol resin)+Solvent (Dialen 168.sup.R 
:#0-Solvent(H)=4:1) 
2-2) Polymer (Rosin modified phenol resin)+Solvent (#AF7-Solvent:Dialen 
168.sup.R =1:4) 
Recording Paper: 
1) Plain paper (Type 6200, Ricoh Corp.) 
2) Synthetic paper (Peach Coat.sup.R, Nisshinbo Industry Inc.) 
Contacting Member A: 
1) Vinyl chloride Roller (.phi.30 mm, hardness 30 degrees) 
2) Chloroprene rubber Roller (.phi.40 mm, hardness 20 degrees) 
Results: 
In accordance with the above-mentioned conditions, ink fixing operations 
were performed by using the arrangement shown in FIG. 25. All of the inks 
and vehicles were cured within about 1 minute when one of the two kinds of 
contacting member was used. No setoff or blocking occurred when the 
printed recording papers were laid one on another. Thus, a good fixation 
of ink was performed. 
It should be noted that the printing plate used in this test had a surface 
characteristic in which a receding contact angle is decreased when the 
printing plate is placed in contact with a contact member such as a liquid 
or a solid generating a liquid under a heated condition, and the receding 
contact angle is increased when there is no contact with a contact member 
such as a liquid or a solid generating a liquid under a heated condition. 
Test No.16 
Ink: 
(1) Waterless Offset Ink 
1-1) Aqualess Super.sup.R KB, black, blue, red, yellow M (Toyo Ink Mfg Co., 
Ltd.) 
1-2) Aqualess V.sup.R K2, black, blue, red, yellow M (Toyo Ink Mfg Co., 
Ltd.) 
1-3) Aqualess Super.sup.R FC, black, blue, red, yellow Y XU (Toyo Ink Mfg 
Co., Ltd.) 
1-4) New ALPO.sup.R G, black, blue, red, yellow, M (T&K Toka Co., Ltd) 
1-5) Waterless S PL, black S (The Inktec Inc.) 
1-6) Waterless S GT, black N (The Inktec Inc.) 
(2) Offset Ink 
2-1) F Gloss 85, black (Dainippon Ink & Chemicals Inc.) 
2-2) Mater black (Nikken Chemical Laboratories) 
(3) Ink Vehicle 
3-1) Polymer (Rosin modified phenol resin)+Solvent (Dialen 168.sup.R 
:#0-Solvent(H)=4:1) 3-2) Polymer (Rosin modified phenol resin)+Solvent 
(#AF7-Solvent:Dialen 168.sup.R =1:4) 
Recording Paper: 
1) Plain paper (Type 6200, Ricoh Corp.) 
2) Synthetic paper (Peach Coat.sup.R, Nisshinbo Industry Inc.) 
Contacting Member A: 
1) Vinyl chloride Roller (.phi.40 mm, hardness 50 degrees) 
2) Chloroprene rubber Roller (.phi.40 mm, hardness 
Results: 
In the above-mentioned condition, ink fixing operations were performed by 
using the arrangement of the printing unit and the fixing rollers in the 
offset printing apparatus as shown in FIG. 26. The above-listed ink was 
directly applied to the recording paper. All of the inks and vehicle were 
cured within about 5 minutes when either one of the two kinds of 
contacting member was used. The offset ink was cured within 1 minute. No 
setoff or blocking occurred when the printed recording papers were laid 
one on another. Thus, a good fixation of ink or vehicle was performed. 
Test No.17 
Ink: 
Typographic Ink 
3-1) Typographic Ink Graf-G, black (Dainippon Ink & Chemicals Inc.) 
Recording Paper: 
1) Plain paper (Type 6200, Ricoh Corp.) 
2) Synthetic paper (Peach Coat.sup.R, Nisshinbo Industry Inc.) 
Contacting Member A: 
1) Vinyl chloride Roller (.phi.40 mm, hardness 50 degrees) 
2) Chloroprene rubber Roller (.phi.40 mm, hardness 40 degrees) 
Results: 
In the above-mentioned condition, ink fixing operations were performed by 
using the arrangement of the printing unit and the fixing rollers in the 
typographic printing apparatus as shown in FIG. 27. The above-listed ink 
was directly applied to the recording paper. The ink was cured within 5 
minutes when one of the two kinds of contacting members was used. No 
setoff or blocking occurred when the printed recording papers were laid 
one on another. Thus, a good fixation of ink was performed. 
Test No.18 
Ink Vehicle: 
1) Polymer (Rosin modified phenol resin)+Solvent (Dialen 168.sup.R 
:#0-Solvent(H)=4:1) 
2) Polymer (Rosin modified phenol resin)+Solvent (#AF7-Solvent:Dialen 
168.sup.R =1:4) 
Recording Paper: 
1) Plain paper (Type 6200, Ricoh Corp.) 
2) Synthetic paper (Peach Coat.sup.R, Nisshinbo Industry Inc.) 
Contacting Member A: 
1) Vinyl chloride Roller (.phi.30 mm, hardness 30 degrees) 
2) Chloroprene rubber Roller (.phi.40 mm, hardness 20 degrees) 
Results: 
In the above-mentioned condition, ink fixing operations were performed by 
using the arrangement of the printing unit and the fixing rollers in the 
stencil printing apparatus as shown in FIG. 28. Ink containing the 
above-listed vehicles as a component was directly applied to the recording 
paper. The ink containing the above-listed vehicle was cured within about 
5 minutes when either one of the two kinds of contacting members was used. 
No setoff or blocking occurred when recording papers were laid one on 
another. Thus, a good fixation of ink was performed. 
Test No.19 
Ink: 
4-1) Print Gocco.sup.R Ink (Riso Ink (cyan)) (Riso Kagaku Corp.) 
4-2) Print Gocco.sup.R Ink (Riso HM Ink (black)) (Riso Kagaku Corp.) 
Recording Paper: 
Postcard 
Contacting Member A: 
1) Vinyl chloride Roller (.phi.40 mm, hardness 50 degrees) 
2) Chloroprene rubber Roller (.phi.40 mm, hardness 40 degrees) 
Results: 
In accordance with the above-mentioned conditions, ink fixing operations 
were performed by using the Print Gocco.sup.R and the roller as shown in 
FIG. 29. The above-listed ink was directly applied to the recording paper. 
The ink was cured within about 5 minutes. No setoff occurred when the 
printed postcards were laid one on another. Thus, a good fixation of ink 
was performed. 
Test No.20 
Printing Plate Structure: 
recording layer: Perfluoro-alkylaclyrate polymer LS317, emulsion 
copolymerization type, (Asahi Glass Co., Ltd.), thickness: 1 .mu.m 
recording member substrate: Non-grazed PET film, size: 350.times.220 mm, 
thickness: 25 .mu.m 
Ink: 
(1) Waterless Offset Ink 
1-1) Aqualess Super.sup.R KB, black, blue, red, yellow M (Toyo Ink Mfg Co., 
Ltd.) 
1-2) Aqualess V.sup.R K2, black, blue, red, yellow M (Toyo Ink Mfg Co., 
Ltd.) 
1-3) Aqualess Super.sup.R FC, black, blue, red, yellow Y XU (Toyo Ink Mfg 
Co., Ltd.) 
1-4) New ALPO.sup.R G, black, blue, red, yellow, M (T&K Toka Co., Ltd) 
1-5) Waterless S PL, black S (The Inktec Inc.) 
1-6) Waterless S GT, black N (The Inktec Inc.) 
(2) Ink Vehicle 
2-1) Polymer (Rosin modified phenol resin)+Solvent (Dialen 168.sup.R 
:#0-Solvent(H)=4:1) 
2-2) Polymer (Rosin modified phenol resin)+Solvent (#AF7-Solvent:Dialen 
168.sup.R =1:4) 
Recording Paper: 
1) Plain paper (Type 6200, Ricoh Corp.) 
2) Synthetic paper (Peach Coat.sup.R, Nisshinbo Industry Inc.) 
Contacting Member B: 
Silicone rubber Roller (.phi.20 mm, hardness 20 degrees) provided with one 
component RTV (Shin-Etsu chemical Co., Ltd.) of 1 mm thickness on an outer 
surface. The RTV was cured by maintaining at a room temperature for one 
half day. 
Results: 
In accordance with the above-mentioned conditions, ink fixing operations 
were performed by using the arrangement shown in FIG. 25. All of the inks 
and vehicles were cured within about 10 seconds. No setoff or blocking 
occurred when the printed recording papers were laid one on another. Thus, 
a good fixation of ink was performed. 
It should be noted that the printing plate used in this test had a surface 
characteristic in which a receding contact angle is decreased when the 
printing plate is in contact with a contact member such as a liquid or a 
solid generating a liquid under a heated condition, and the receding 
contact angle is increased when there is no contact with a contact member 
such as a liquid or a solid generating a liquid under a heated condition. 
Test No.21 
Ink: 
(1) Waterless Offset Ink 
1-1) Aqualess Super.sup.R KB, black, blue, red, yellow M (Toyo Ink Mfg Co., 
Ltd.) 
1-2) Aqualess V.sup.R K2, black, blue, red, yellow M (Toyo Ink Mfg Co., 
Ltd.) 
1-3) Aqualess Super.sup.R FC, black, blue, red, yellow Y XU (Toyo Ink Mfg 
Co., Ltd.) 
1-4) New ALPO.sup.R G, black, blue, red, yellow, M (T&K Toka Co., Ltd) 
1-5) Waterless S PL, black S (The Inktec Inc.) 
1-6) Waterless S GT, black N (The Inktec Inc.) 
(2) Offset Ink 
2-1) F Gloss 85, black (Dainippon Ink & Chemicals Inc.) 
2-2) Mater black (Nikken Chemical Laboratories) 
(3) Ink Vehicle 
3-1) Polymer (Rosin modified phenol resin)+Solvent (Dialen 168.sup.R 
:#0-Solvent(H)=4:1) 
3-2) Polymer (Rosin modified phenol resin)+Solvent (#AF7-Solvent:Dialen 
168.sup.R =1:4) 
Recording Paper: 
1) Plain paper (Type 6200, Ricoh Corp.) 
2) Synthetic paper (Peach Coat.sup.R, Nisshinbo Industry Inc.) 
Contacting Member B: 
Silicone rubber Roller (.phi.20 mm, hardness 20 degrees) provided with one 
component RTV (Shin-Etsu chemical Co., Ltd.) of 1 mm thickness on an outer 
surface. The RTV was cured by maintaining at a room temperature for one 
half day. 
Results: 
In accordance with the above-mentioned conditions, ink fixing operations 
were performed by using the arrangement of the printing unit and the 
fixing rollers in the offset printing apparatus as shown in FIG. 26. The 
above-listed inks and vehicles were directly applied to the recording 
paper. All of the inks and vehicles were cured within about 10 seconds. No 
setoff or blocking occurred when the printed recording papers were laid 
one on another. Thus, a good fixation of ink or vehicle was performed. 
Test No.22 
Ink: 
Typographic Ink 
3-1) Typographic Ink Graf-G, black (Dainippon Ink & Chemicals Inc.) 
Recording Paper: 
1) Plain paper (Type 6200, Ricoh Corp.) 
2) Synthetic paper (Peach Coat.sup.R, Nisshinbo Industry Inc.) 
Contacting Member B: 
Silicone rubber Roller (.phi.20 mm, hardness 20 degrees) provided with one 
component RTV (Shin-Etsu chemical Co., Ltd.) of 1 mm thickness on an outer 
surface. The RTV was cured by maintaining at a room temperature for one 
half day. 
Results: 
In accordance with the above-mentioned conditions, ink fixing operations 
were performed by using the arrangement of the printing unit and the 
fixing rollers in the typographic printing apparatus as shown in FIG. 27. 
The above-listed ink was directly applied to the recording paper. The ink 
was cured within about 10 seconds. No setoff or blocking occurred when the 
printed recording papers were laid one on another. Thus, a good fixation 
of ink was performed. 
Test No.23 
Ink Vehicle: 
1) Polymer (Rosin modified phenol resin)+Solvent (Dialen 168.sup.R 
:#0-Solvent(H)=4:1) 
2) Polymer (Rosin modified phenol resin)+Solvent (#AF7-Solvent:Dialen 
168.sup.R =1:4) 
Recording Paper: 
1) Plain paper (Type 6200, Ricoh Corp.) 
2) Synthetic paper (Peach Coat.sup.R, Nisshinbo Industry Inc.) 
Contacting Member B: 
Silicon rubber Roller (.phi.20 mm, hardness 20 degrees) provided with one 
component RTV (Shin-Etsu chemical Co., Ltd.) of 1 mm thickness on an outer 
surface. The RTV was cured by maintaining at a room temperature for one 
half day. 
Results: 
In accordance with the above-mentioned conditions, ink fixing operations 
were performed by using the arrangement of the printing unit and the 
fixing rollers in the stencil printing apparatus as shown in FIG. 28. Ink 
containing the above-listed vehicles as a component was directly applied 
to the recording paper. The ink containing the above-listed vehicle was 
cured within about 10 seconds. No setoff or blocking occurred when 
recording papers were laid one on another. Thus, a good fixation of ink 
was performed. 
Test No.24 
Ink: 
4-1) Print Gocco.sup.R Ink (Riso Ink (cyan)) (Riso Kagaku Corp.) 
4-2) Print Gocco.sup.R Ink (Riso HM Ink (black)) (Riso Kagaku Corp.) 
Recording Paper: 
Postcard 
Contacting Member B: 
Silicon rubber Roller (.phi.20 mm, hardness 20 degrees) provided with one 
component RTV (Shin-Etsu Chemical Co., Ltd.) of 1 mm thickness on an outer 
surface. The RTV was cured by maintaining at a room temperature for one 
half day. 
Results: 
In accordance with above-mentioned conditions, ink fixing operations were 
performed by using the Print Gocco.sup.R and the roller as shown in FIG. 
29. The above-listed inks were directly applied to the recording paper. 
The inks were cured within about 10 seconds. No setoff occurred when the 
printed postcards were laid one on another. Thus, a good fixation of ink 
was performed. 
Test No.25 
Ink fixing operations were performed by using the following silicone rubber 
roller as a contacting member having a glossy surface. The conditions of 
the tests and apparatus structures were similar to that of the 
above-mentioned tests Nos.20 to 24. The amount of ink transferred was 
minimized, and any ink was cured within about 5 seconds. No setoff 
occurred when the printed postcards were laid one on another. Thus, a good 
fixation of ink was performed. 
Test No.26 
Ink Composition: 
Ink 1 
Resin: Rosin denaturated phenol resin 
(Arakawa Chemical Industries Ltd.) 
31 weight % 
Solvent: Aliphatic hydrocarbon (Dialene 168.sup.R) 
51 weight % 
Pigment: Carbonblack 
18 weight % 
Ink 2 
Resin: Petroleum resin (Nippon Zeon CO., Ltd.) 31 weight % 
Solvent: Aliphatic hydrocarbon (Dialene 168.sup.R) 51 weight % 
Pigment: Carbonblack 
18 weight % 
Ink 3 
Resin: DCPD resin 
(Nippon Zeon co., Ltd.) 
31 weight % 
Solvent: Aliphatic hydrocarbon (#7AF) 
51 weight % 
Pigment: Carbonblack 
18 weight % 
Ink 4 
Resin: Rosin ester resin 
(Arakawa Chemical Industries Ltd.) 
31 weight % 
Solvent: Aliphatic hydrocarbon (Dialene 168.sup.R) 
51 weight % 
Pigment: Carbonblack 
18 weight % 
Contacting Solid Member: 
Plate member made of butyl rubber, chloroprene rubber, natural rubber, 
semi-natural rubber and olefin elastomer as a material having a swelling 
property with respect to a solvent contained in the ink. (A thickness of 
each plate member is about 1 mm.) 
Plate member made of Cellsolve.sup.R, oil absorbent paper and a porous 
teflon filter as a material having no swelling property but having 
permeability. 
Plate member made of urethane rubber, fluoro rubber, NBR and etylene 
propylene as a material having no swelling property and no permeability. 
Evaluation Method: 
Each ink was tempered by a hand roller made of fluoro carbon (Viton.sup.R), 
and the tempered ink was applied onto art paper by rolling the hand 
roller. Immediately after that, the above-mentioned contacting member was 
put in contact with the inked art paper for a predetermined time. After 
the predetermined time elapsed, the contacting member was separated. The 
fixation of the ink was evaluated by wiping the ink surface by a cloth. 
Evaluation Results: 
The results of evaluation are shown in Table 12 which indicate that only 
the ink having a swelling property is fixed. 
TABLE 12 
______________________________________ 
Contact Cure Test Result 
Contacting member 
P S Ink 1 Ink 2 Ink 3 Ink 4 
______________________________________ 
Butyl Rubber 
*** yes H H H H 
Chloroprene Rubb. 
*** yes H H H H 
Natural Rubber 
*** yes H H H H 
Semi-natu. Rubb. 
*** yes H H H H 
Olefin Elastomer 
*** yes H H H H 
Cellsolve.sup.R 
yes no L L L L 
Oil Abso. Paper 
yes no L L L L 
Porous Tef. Filter 
yes no L L L L 
Urethane Rubber 
no no N N N N 
Fluoro Rubber 
no no N N N N 
NBR no no N N N N 
Ethylene Propylene 
no no N N N N 
______________________________________ 
P . . . permeability 
S . . . swelling property 
H . . . cured 
L . . . little cured 
N . . . no cure 
Test No.27 
Ink Composition: 
Ink 1 
Resin: Rosin denaturated phenol resin 
(Arakawa Chemical Industries Ltd.) 
31 weight % 
Solvent: Aliphatic hydrocarbon (Dialene 168.sup.R) 
51 weight % 
Pigment: Carbonblack 
18 weight % 
Contacting Solid Member: 
Plate members made of butyl rubber having a thickness of 1 mm are used. One 
of the plate members had an extremely rough surface, and the other one of 
plate members had a relatively glossy surface. 
Evaluation Method: 
Each ink was tempered by a hand roller made of fluoro carbon (Viton.sup.R), 
and the tempered ink was applied onto an art paper by rolling the hand 
roller. Immediately after that, the above-mentioned contacting member was 
put in contact with the art paper for a predetermined time. After the 
predetermined time elapsed, the contacting member was separated. The 
fixation of the ink was evaluated by wiping the ink surface by a cloth. 
Evaluation Results: 
The results of evaluation are shown in Table 13. As indicated in Table 13, 
the butyl rubber (rough surface) having a permeability with respect to the 
ink was cured. However, when the cure was not complete, the ink adhered 
onto the contacting member which resulted in a decrease in concentration 
of the ink. 
TABLE 13 
______________________________________ 
Contacting Contacting Contacting 
Contacting Member 
Time 5 sec Time 15 sec 
Time 30 sec 
______________________________________ 
Butyl Rubber 
AC C C 
(glossy surface) 
NA NA NA 
Butyl Rubber 
AC C C 
(rough surface) 
A SA NA 
______________________________________ 
AC . . . Ink was almost cured. 
C . . . Ink was cured. 
NA . . . Ink did not adhere onto the contacting member. 
SA . . . Small amount of ink adhered onto the contacting member. 
A . . . Ink adhered onto the contacting member. 
Test No.28 
Ink Composition: 
Ink 1 
Resin: Rosin denaturated phenol resin 
(Arakawa Chemical Industries Ltd.) 
31 weight % 
Solvent: Aliphatic hydrocarbon (#0-solvent) 
51 weight % 
Pigment: Carbonblack 
18 weight % 
Contacting Solid Member: 
Plate member made of butyl rubber, chloroprene rubber, natural rubber, 
semi-natural rubber and olefin elastomer as a material having a swelling 
property with respect to a solvent contained in the ink. (A thickness of 
each plate member is about 1 mm.) 
Evaluation Method: 
Each ink was tempered by a hand roller made of fluoro carbon (Viton.sup.R), 
and the tempered ink was applied onto art paper by rolling the hand 
roller. Thereafter, the art paper was placed on a hot plate, and was put 
in contact with a contacting solid member for a predetermined time while 
being heated. After the predetermined time elapsed, the contacting member 
was separated. The fixation of the ink was evaluated by wiping the ink 
surface by a cloth. 
Evaluation Results: 
The results of evaluation are shown in Table 14. As indicated in Table 14, 
a curing time of the ink for any contacting member was reduced by heating. 
TABLE 14 
______________________________________ 
Heating Heating Heating 
Contacting Member 
Temp. 25.degree. 
Temp. 45.degree. C. 
Temp. 60.degree. C. 
______________________________________ 
Butyl Rubber 
8 sec. 5 sec. 1 sec. 
Chloroplene Rubb. 
15 sec. 8 sec. 1 sec. 
Natural Rubber 
5 sec. 3 sec. 1 sec. 
Semi-natural Rubb. 
5 sec. 3 sec. 1 sec. 
Olefin Elastomer 
8 sec. 5 sec. 1 sec. 
______________________________________ 
Test No.29 
Ink Composition: 
Ink 1 
Resin: Rosin denaturated phenol resin 
(Arakawa Chemical Industries Ltd.) 
31 weight % 
Solvent: Aliphatic hydrocarbon (#0-solvent) 
51 weight % 
Pigment: Carbonblack 
18 weight % 
Contacting Solid Member: 
Plate member made of butyl rubber, chloroprene rubber, natural rubber, 
semi-natural rubber and olefin elastomer as a material having a swelling 
property with respect to a solvent contained in the ink. (A thickness of 
each plate member is about 1 mm.) 
Evaluation Method: 
Each ink was tempered by a hand roller made of fluoro carbon (Viton.sup.R), 
and the tempered ink was applied onto art paper by rolling the hand 
roller. Thereafter, the art paper was placed in a refrigerator to be 
cooled. 
After cooling, the above-mentioned contacting member was put in contact 
with the art paper for a predetermined time. After the predetermined time 
elapsed, the contacting member was separated. The fixation of the ink was 
evaluated by wiping the ink surface with a cloth. 
Evaluation Results: 
The results of evaluation are shown in Table 15. As indicated in Table 15, 
a curing time of the ink for any contacting member was reduced by cooling. 
TABLE 15 
______________________________________ 
Cooling Cooling Cooling 
Contacting Member 
Temp. 25.degree. 
Temp. 10.degree. C. 
Temp. 5.degree. C. 
______________________________________ 
Butyl Rubber 
8 sec. 5 sec. 1 sec. 
Chloroplene Rubb. 
15 sec. 8 sec. 1 sec. 
Natural Rubber 
5 sec. 3 sec. 1 sec. 
Semi-natural Rubb. 
5 sec. 3 sec. 1 sec. 
Olefin Elastomer 
8 sec. 5 sec. 1 sec. 
______________________________________ 
Test No.30 
Ink Composition: 
Ink 1 
Resin: Rosin denaturated phenol resin 
(Arakawa Chemical Industries Ltd.) 
31 weight % 
Solvent: Aliphatic hydrocarbon (#0-solvent) 
51 weight % 
Pigment: Carbonblack 
18 weight % 
Contacting Solid Member: 
A roller member made of silicone is used as a member having a swelling 
property with respect to ink. 
Evaluation Method: 
Each ink was tempered by a hand roller made of fluoro carbon (Viton.sup.R), 
and the tempered ink was applied onto art paper by rolling the hand 
roller. Thereafter, the silicone rubber roller was rolled on the art paper 
so that the silicone roller contacted the ink. After that, the contacting 
member was separated. The fixation of the ink was evaluated by wiping the 
ink surface by a cloth. 
Evaluation Results: 
The ink did not adhere to the silicone roller when the silicone roller was 
rolled on the art paper even when the cure was not complete. The ink was 
cured rapidly. 
Test No.31 
Ink Composition: 
Ink 1 
Resin: DCPD resin 
(Nippon Zeon co., Ltd.) 
60 weight % 
Solvent: Aliphatic hydrocarbon (#0-solvent) 
22 weight % 
Pigment: Carbonblack 
18 weight % 
Ink 2 
Resin: DCPD resin 
(Nippon Zeon co., Ltd.) 
41 weight % 
Solvent: Aliphatic hydrocarbon (#0-solvent) 
41 weight % 
Pigment: Carbonblack 
18 weight % 
Contacting Solid Member: 
A roller member made of silicone was used as a member having a swelling 
property with respect to ink. A silicone rubber roller having a surface 
roughness of 0.5 .mu.m was prepared as a glossy surface, and a silicone 
rubber roller having a surface roughness of 10 .mu.m was prepared as a 
rough surface member. 
Evaluation Method: 
Each ink was tempered by a hand roller made of fluoro carbon (Viton.sup.R), 
and the tempered ink was applied onto art paper by rolling the hand 
roller. Thereafter, the silicone rubber roller was rolled on the art paper 
so that the silicone roller contacted the ink. After that, the contacting 
member was separated. The fixation of the ink was evaluated by wiping the 
ink surface by a cloth. 
Evaluation Results: 
Table 16 shows the results of evaluation. As shown in table 16, the ink was 
cured without ink adhering onto the contacting member by providing a 
glossy surface to the silicone rubber roller even when a soft ink was 
used. 
TABLE 16 
______________________________________ 
Contacting Member 
Ink 1 (hard) 
Ink 2 (soft) 
______________________________________ 
Silicon Roller NA A 
(rough surface) C C 
Silicon Roller NA NA 
(glossy surface) 
C C 
______________________________________ 
NA . . . Ink did not adhere on the contacting member. 
A . . . Ink adhered on the contacting member. 
C . . . Ink was cured. 
Test No.32 
Ink Composition: 
Aqualess Super.sup.R KB, black, blue, red, yellow M (Toyo Ink Mfg Co., 
Ltd.) 
New ALPO.sup.R G, black, blue, red, yellow, M (T&K Toka Co., Ltd) 
Printing Plate: 
Waterless offset plate 
Contacting Solid Member: 
A roller member made of silicone was used as a member having a swelling 
property with respect to a solvent contained in ink. (The surface 
roughness was 0.5 .mu.m. The diameter of the roller was 150 mm. Hardness 
of the silicone rubber was 20 degrees.) 
Recording paper: 
Art paper 
Evaluation Method: 
The silicone rubber roller was provided at an eject section in the 
recording apparatus shown in FIG. 32. A commercially available offset 
printer (Ricoh type 1310) was modified. The above-mentioned ink was 
printed in the form of 1 cm.times.1 cm solid pattern. The fixation of the 
ink was evaluated by wiping the print surface by a cloth. 
Evaluation Results: 
The ink on the recording paper was sufficiently cured by operating the ink 
fixing unit at a printing speed of 40 ppm/A4. 
Test No.33 
Ink Composition: 
Print Gocco.sup.R Ink (Riso Kagaku Corp.) 
Printing Plate: 
Print Gocco.sup.R Master 
Contacting Solid Member: 
A roller member made of silicone is used as a member having a swelling 
property with respect to a solvent contained in ink. (The surface 
roughness was 0.5 .mu.m. The diameter of the roller was 150 mm. Hardness 
of the silicone rubber was 20 degrees.) 
Recording paper: 
Postcard 
Evaluation Method: 
An exclusive ink fixing apparatus was prepared by arranging the fixing unit 
as shown in FIG. 30. The above-mentioned ink was printed in the form of a 
1 cm.times.1 cm solid pattern. The printed postcard was passed through the 
ink fixing apparatus 5 minutes after printing. The fixation of the ink was 
evaluated by wiping the print surface by a cloth after the postcard had 
passed the exclusive ink fixing apparatus. 
Evaluation Results: 
The ink on the recording paper was sufficiently cured by operating the ink 
fixing apparatus so that the postcard is passed through the exclusive ink 
fixing apparatus at a speed of 5 mm/sec. 
Test No.34 
Ink Composition: 
Commercially available offset ink F Gloss 85, black (Dainippon Ink & 
Chemicals Inc.) 
Printing Plate: 
Pink Master 
Contacting Solid Member: 
A roller member made of silicone was used as a member having a swelling 
property with respect to a solvent contained in ink. (The surface 
roughness was 0.5 .mu.m. The diameter of the roller was 40 mm. Hardness of 
the silicone rubber was 20 degrees.) 
Recording paper: 
Wood free paper 
Evaluation Method: 
Twenty silicone rubber rollers were provided at an eject section in the 
recording apparatus shown in FIG. 38. A commercially available offset 
printer (Ricoh type 1310) was modified. The above-mentioned ink was 
printed in the form of 1 cm.times.1 cm solid pattern. The fixation of the 
ink was evaluated by wiping the print surface by a cloth. 
Evaluation Results: 
The ink on the recording paper was sufficiently cured by operating the ink 
fixing unit at a printing speed of 140 ppm/A4. The fixation of the ink was 
achieved at a higher speed than the test No.21 
Test No.35 
Ink Composition: 
Aqualess Super.sup.R KB, black, blue, red, yellow M (Toyo Ink Mfg Co., 
Ltd.) 
New ALPO.sup.R G, black, blue, red, yellow, M (T&K Toka Co., Ltd) 
Printing Plate: 
Waterless offset plate 
Contacting Solid Member: 
A belt-like member made of silicone was used as a member having a swelling 
property with respect to a solvent contained in ink. (surface roughness: 
0.5 .mu.m, thickness of the belt: 3 mm, hardness of the silicone rubber: 
20 degrees, diameter of roller for moving belt: 30 mm, distance between 
rollers; 200 mm) 
Recording Paper: 
Fine coating paper 
Evaluation Method: 
The silicone rubber belt was provided at an eject section in the recording 
apparatus which was modified using a commercially available offset printer 
(Ricoh type 1310). The above-mentioned ink was printed in the form of a 1 
cm.times.1 cm solid pattern. The fixation of the ink was evaluated by 
wiping the print surface by a cloth. 
Evaluation Results: 
The ink on the recording paper was sufficiently fixed by operating the ink 
fixing unit at a printing speed of 70 ppm/A4. 
Test No.36 
Ink Composition: 
Aqualess Super.sup.R KB, black, blue, red, yellow M (Toyo Ink Mfg Co., 
Ltd.) 
New ALPO.sup.R G, black, blue, red, yellow, M (T&K Toka Co., Ltd) 
Printing Plate: 
Waterless offset plate 
Contacting Solid Member: 
A roller member made of silicone was used as a member having a swelling 
property with respect to a solvent contained in ink. (surface roughness: 
0.5 .mu.m, hardness of the silicone rubber: 20 degrees, diameter of the 
roller: 150 mm) 
recording paper: 
Art paper 
Heating Device for Contacting Member: 
A hollow silicone rubber roller provided with a heater therein. 
(corresponds to a fixing unit of a regular paper copy machine) Setting 
temperature for heating was 60.degree. C. 
Evaluation Method: 
The silicone rubber roller and the heater were provided, as shown in FIG. 
40, at an eject section in the recording apparatus which was modified 
using a commercially available offset printer (Ricoh type 1310). The 
heater was placed in contact with the contacting member after the print 
was performed. The rollers were mutually rolled for 5 minutes. The 
above-mentioned ink was printed in the form of 1 cm.times.1 cm solid 
pattern. The fixation of the ink was evaluated by wiping the print surface 
with a cloth. 
Evaluation Results: 
The ink on the recording paper was sufficiently fixed by operating the 
recording apparatus at a printing speed of 40 ppm/A4. When heat was not 
applied, the fixing ability was decreased after 50 repetitions of 1,000 
pieces from the printing operations. However, there was no problem, when 
heat was applied, after 100 repetition of 1,000 pieces from the printing 
operations. 
A description will now be given of a resin layer forming apparatus 
according to the present invention. The resin layer forming apparatus is 
used for applying a thin resin layer on a printed surface so as to protect 
the printed surface. The resin layer may be formed for providing a 
water-proof function or a desired surface finish to the print surface. 
(Description of Twenty-fourth Embodiment) 
FIG. 43 is an illustration of a resin layer forming apparatus according to 
the twenty-fourth embodiment of the present invention. In FIG. 43, a 
reference numeral 201 indicates a resin layer forming unit; 202 indicates 
a recording medium (recording paper); 202' indicates a laminated recording 
paper; 205 indicates a feed roller; 210 indicates means for supplying 
resin liquid; and 220 indicates means for curing resin liquid. The 
recording paper 202 is conveyed in a direction indicated by an arrow X. 
FIGS. 44A to 44C are illustrations for explaining various resin layer 
forming methods applicable to the resin layer forming apparatus shown in 
FIG. 43. FIG. 44A shows a method using a porous member impregnated with 
the resin liquid as a method for applying the resin liquid. FIG. 44B shows 
a method in which a thin layer of the resin liquid is applied by 
multiple-stage rollers. FIG. 44C shows a method in which a thin layer of 
the resin liquid is formed by a blade provided to a first roller so as to 
transfer the thin layer to a second roller. 
In FIGS. 44A to 44C, a reference numeral 203 indicates ink; 204 indicates a 
resin liquid; 204' indicates a resin layer (after curing or being cured); 
211 indicates a pressing roller; 212 indicates a porous member impregnated 
with resin liquid; 213, 214 and 214' indicate rubber rollers; 215 
indicates a blade; 220A indicate a contacting member; and 221 indicates a 
pressing roller. 
In the resin layer forming apparatus according to the present embodiment, a 
thin layer of the resin liquid is formed on the printed surface of the 
recording medium such as a recording paper. Thereafter, the contacting 
member 220A is placed in contact with the thin layer of the resin liquid 
so as to cure the resin liquid so that a thin resin layer is formed on the 
printed surface. 
An outline of a process performed in the resin layer forming apparatus 
according to the present embodiment is shown in FIG. 43. In the process, 
the printed recording paper 2 is fed to the resin liquid applying means 
210 by the feed roller 205. The resin liquid is coated on the printed 
surface of the recording paper 202. Then, the coated recording paper 202 
is conveyed to the resin liquid curing means 220 where the coated resin 
liquid is cured by being placed in contact with the contacting member 
220A. Lastly, the recording paper 202' which is coated with the resin is 
ejected from the apparatus. 
As for the resin liquid used in the present embodiment, a conventional over 
print varnish such an oxidative polymerization drying type over print 
varnish, a solvent type over print varnish or an ultraviolet curing type 
over print varnish can be used. Additionally, a resin, a solvent or a oil 
contained in print ink may also be used. Examples of the resin are; a 
natural resin such as rosin, shellac or gilsonite and a natural resin 
derivative such as rosin ester, maleic resin or fumaric resin. 
Additionally, as a synthetic resin and others, there is a phenol resin 
such as a rosin denaturated phenol, an alkyd resin (fatty acid denaturated 
polyester resin), a petroleum resin such as an aromatic or aliphatic 
hydrocarbon resin, an acrylic resin, a polyester resin, a polyamide resin, 
a cyclized rubber, a chlorinated rubber, a urea resin and a melamine 
resin, a ketone resin, a polyvinyl chloride, a vinyl chloride-polyvinyl 
acetate copolymer resin, an epoxy resin, a polyurethane resin an a 
nitrocellulose. 
As an example of the oil, vegetable oil such as linseed oil, china wood 
oil, soybean oil or castor oil can be used. Additionally, copolymer oil or 
waterless castor oil may be used. Further, processed oil or mineral oil 
such as malein oil, urethan oil or vinyl oil may be used. 
As an example of the solvent, a fatty acid hydrocarbon such as petroleum 
solvent, alcohol, ester, ketone or glycol can be used. It should be noted 
that various kinds of additives such as plasticizer, wax, dryer, 
dispersant, thickener, gelatinizer, antistatic agent or lubricant may be 
added to the above-mentioned resin liquid. 
A ratio of a weight of the resin to a weight of the resin liquid is 
preferably 5%-90%. Viscosity of the resin liquid can range from 5 cp to 
10.sup.6 cp. However, considering a curing time of the resin liquid, one 
having a high-viscosity is preferred. Additionally, the thickness of the 
resin layer is preferably 0.5 to 100 .mu.m. Considering the curing time of 
the resin liquid, a thin layer is preferred. When the resin liquid having 
a low viscosity is used, the thickness of the resin layer can be in the 
range of 0.1 to 2 .mu.m. In such a case, since a large amount of solvent 
is contained in the resin liquid, it is preferred to let a few seconds to 
a few tens of seconds pass before the contacting member is placed in 
contact with the resin liquid. Thus, in this case, the time required for 
forming a resin layer is increased. When a resin liquid having a high 
viscosity is used, the thickness of the resin layer can be in a large 
range from 1 .mu.m to 100 .mu.m. Thus, the curing time of the resin liquid 
can be reduced. 
With respect to the dissolved state of the solvent and the resin, in order 
to reduce the curing time of the resin liquid, it is better that the resin 
is swollen by the solvent or the resin is dispersed in the solvent rather 
than a state where the resin is completely dissolved in the solvent. It 
should be noted that the soluble state of the resin and the solvent is 
varied by a combination of a resin and a solvent and a volumetric 
percentage of the resin and the solvent. Thus, it is better to determine 
the composition of the resin liquid based on a printing method and a 
recording paper, a necessary curing time and other various conditions. 
Additionally, as the solvent, a liquid which dissolves the resin in the 
resin liquid and becomes a component of the resin liquid is used. An oil 
or petroleum solvent is typically used for the solvent. However, the 
solvent to be used may be varied according to applications. 
With respect to the means for applying the resin liquid to the printed 
surface, a porous member, such as a sponge, a cloth or a paper, which is 
impregnated with the resin liquid can directly contact the printed surface 
as shown in FIG. 44A. Additionally, a thin layer of the resin liquid may 
be applied to the printed surface by using multi-stage rollers as shown in 
FIG. 44B. Further, as shown in FIG. 44C, a thin layer of the resin liquid 
may be formed on a first roller, and then the thin layer may be 
transferred to a second roller so as to consequently transfer the thin 
layer of the resin liquid to the printed surface. Additionally, in a case 
where the printed material is large material, such as a wall paper or a 
poster, the resin liquid may be applied by a paint brush, a hand roller or 
a squeegee. The resin layer is preferably transparent and colorless. 
However, the resin layer may be slightly colored by adding a coloring 
agent such as dye or pigment if necessary. 
As the contacting solid member, natural rubber, semi-natural rubber, olefin 
elastomer, butyl rubber or chloroprene rubber is preferable. With respect 
to the method for making the contacting material contact the printed 
surface, the contacting material may be formed in a roller-like shape, an 
arc-like shape or a plate-like shape. 
The inventors found that the resin liquid is cured rapidly by being 
contacted with a contacting solid member made of one of the materials 
listed above. This is because separation of the solvent from the resin is 
remarkably promoted when the contacting solid member contacts the resin 
liquid. Additionally, it was found that the resin liquid did not adhere to 
the contacting solid member after the resin liquid was cured and the 
contacting solid member was separated from the resin layer. Further, it 
was found that when a contacting solid member having no swelling property 
but having permeability with respect to a solvent is placed in contact 
with the resin liquid layer, the ink resin was not or substantially not 
cured during a long contact time of about 3 minutes. Additionally, when 
the contacting solid member was separated from the ink after the resin 
liquid was cured to a certain degree, the resin liquid adhered on the 
surface of the contacting solid member. This decreases smoothness of the 
surface of the resin layer formed on the printed surface which results in 
deterioration of an image quality and a large decrease in the protection 
of the printed surface. Further, in the case of a contacting solid member 
having no swelling property and permeability with respect to the solvent, 
it was found that the resin liquid was not cured for a contacting time as 
long as about 10 minutes. 
The present embodiment utilizes the above-mentioned phenomena which is the 
same as the phenomena described in the above-mentioned eleventh embodiment 
which is directed to rapidly curing ink on a recording paper. That is, the 
resin liquid related to the present embodiment is considered to correspond 
to the vehicle contained in the ink related to the eleventh embodiment. 
Accordingly, various methods for reducing the curing time of ink described 
in the above-mentioned twelfth to twenty-third embodiments can be applied 
to the present embodiment so as to further shorten the curing time of the 
resin liquid. 
One of the methods is to provide a plurality of contacting members so as to 
substantially increase the period for contacting the contacting solid 
member with the resin liquid. 
Another method is to cool the resin liquid as is described in the 
above-mentioned seventeenth and eighteenth embodiments. The structure of a 
cooling device and the effect of the cooling can be appreciated by 
substituting the resin liquid for the ink or the vehicle in the 
seventeenth and eighteenth embodiments. 
Similar to the ink and the vehicle mentioned in the previous embodiments, 
the resin liquid related to the present embodiment has an upper critical 
solution temperature as shown in a graph of FIG. 45. The resin and the 
solvent contained in the resin liquid are separated from each other when 
the temperature of the resin liquid is decreased below the upper critical 
solution temperature. 
FIG. 46 shows an example of a structure for cooling the resin liquid. In 
FIG. 46, a surface of the solid member 220A is cooled by a cooling device 
which comprises a Peltier element 270 and a heat conductive member 272. 
The cooling device is positioned very close to the contacting solid member 
220A so as to cool the surface of the contacting solid member. The 
contacting member can be cooled by other conventional methods. For 
example, the surface of the contacting member may be cooled by blowing 
cooled air to the surface of the contacting member. Cooled air or coolant 
may be introduced into an interior of the contacting member, or a Peltier 
element may be placed inside the contacting member so as to cool the 
contacting member from inside. 
A further method to reduce the curing time of the resin liquid is to heat 
the resin liquid as is described in the above-mentioned fifteenth and 
sixteenth embodiment. The structure of a heating device and the effect of 
the heating can be appreciated by substituting the resin liquid for the 
ink or the vehicle in the fifteenth and sixteenth embodiments. 
Similar to the ink and the vehicle mentioned in the previous embodiments, 
the resin liquid related to the present embodiment has a lower critical 
solution temperature as shown in the graph of FIG. 45. The resin and the 
solvent contained in the resin liquid are separated from each other when 
the temperature of the resin liquid is increased above the upper critical 
solution temperature. 
FIGS. 47 and 48 show examples of a structure for heating the resin liquid. 
In the example of FIG. 47, the contacting solid member 220A is heated by a 
heater 280 provided inside the contacting member formed as a roller. A 
surface of the contacting solid member may be heated by a lamp emitting an 
infrared ray. In the example of FIG. 48, a heat source 282 is provided 
between the resin liquid applying roller 212 and the contacting solid 
member 220A. The resin liquid 204 is heated in a noncontact manner by the 
heat source 382 before the contacting solid member 220A is contacted with 
the resin liquid 204. The heat source 282 may be a conventional heating 
device such as a heater, a lamp emitting an infrared ray or a hot air 
blower. 
It should be noted that, in the present embodiment, a pulp paper, a coated 
paper or a synthetic paper can be used as well as other materials such as 
an OHP film, a plastic member or a metal member. 
(Description of Twenty-fifth Embodiment) 
This embodiment corresponds to the resin layer forming apparatus according 
to twenty-fourth embodiment in which the contacting solid member is made 
of a silicone resin. The inventor investigated various solid members 
having a swelling property, and found that a silicone resin has a 
particular superiority among them. 
The silicone resin has a shorter curing time among contacting solid 
members. Additionally, the silicone resin does not allow adherence of the 
resin liquid on the surface thereof when the contacting solid member made 
of the silicone resin is separated in a state where the resin liquid has 
not completely cured yet, whereas other solid member materials allow 
adherence of a small amount of resin liquid on the surface thereof when 
they are separated from the resin layer when the resin liquid has not 
completely cured yet. That is, it can be said that the silicone resin 
provides the highest reliability when a method for fixing the resin liquid 
is performed. It is assumed that a low surface energy of the silicone 
resin and formation of an extremely thin silicone oil layer on the 
silicone resin as indicated by WBFL theory contribute to the lack of 
adherence of the ink onto the silicone resin, when the silicone resin is 
separated from the resin liquid in a state where the resin liquid has not 
completely cured. There are some other materials having a low surface 
energy such as a fluororesin. However, the fluororesin does not provide a 
good effect since the fluororesin lacks a swelling property with respect 
to a solvent contained in the resin liquid. Accordingly, the silicone 
resin has a unique property in that no resin liquid adheres thereto and it 
has a swelling property with respect to a solvent contained in the resin 
liquid. Thus, reliability of fixation of the resin liquid is remarkably 
increased by using the silicone resin. 
The silicone resin to be used may be any one of a crosslinking material and 
a vulcanized material such as a chain polymer having a siloxene structure 
as a unit, a branching polymer or heat vulcanized silicone rubber. 
Additionally, any one of dimethyl, methyl vinyl and methyl vinyl phenyl 
denaturated silicone resins may be used. The silicone resin may be in the 
form of a rigid member, an elastic member such as rubber or a semi-solid 
such as a gel. Additionally, an elastic member containing a silicone resin 
also provides superior results. Further, when a crosslinking type silicone 
resin is used, the one which has a low crosslinking density is more 
preferable since it is superior in swelling property with respect to a 
solvent. 
(Description of Twenty-sixth Embodiment) 
This embodiment corresponds to the resin layer forming apparatus according 
to one of the twenty-fourth and twenty-fifth embodiments in which the 
surface of the contacting solid member is formed as a glossy surface. If 
the surface of the contacting solid member is rough as shown in FIG. 49A, 
the ink penetrates into the a recess of the surface when the contacting 
solid member is contacted with the resin liquid. Thus, a surface roughness 
of the resin layer after curing may be increased since a part of the resin 
liquid on the recording paper is caught by the contacting solid member. In 
order to eliminated this problem, the surface of the solid member is 
preferably formed as a glossy surface as shown in FIG. 49. The glossy 
surface herein refers to a surface having a 10-point average roughness of 
2 .mu.m or less. 
(Description of Twenty-seventh Embodiment) 
This embodiment is related to a resin layer forming apparatus in which a 
thin resin layer is formed on a printed surface of a recording paper by 
applying a resin liquid onto the printed surface and thereafter a 
contacting liquid is contacted with the resin liquid so as to rapidly cure 
the resin liquid. 
The inventors of the present invention found that separation of a resin in 
the resin liquid from a solvent is remarkably promoted when the contacting 
liquid is put in contact with the resin liquid, and a fixing time of the 
resin liquid is shortened from a period as short as a few tens of 
milliseconds to five minutes. 
Additionally, when the contacting liquid is placed in contact with a 
colored or transparent resin liquid, the resin and the solvent in the 
vehicle are immediately separated from each other, and the resin is formed 
like a film. This phenomenon appears in a state where the resin is 
completely or almost completely dissolved in the solvent as well as in a 
state where the resin is swollen by the solvent or the resin and the 
solvent are dissolved with each other almost in a state where the resin is 
dispersed in the solvent. Thus, the present invention provides a 
completely different and novel resin liquid fixing method as compared to a 
conventional resin layer forming method. 
It should be noted that as the contacting liquid, a liquid is preferred 
which is miscible with the solvent and has a molecular weight sufficiently 
greater than a molecular weight of the solvent contained in the resin 
liquid. The molecular weight of the contacting liquid should preferably be 
ten times or more of the molecular weight of the solvent contained in the 
resin liquid. For example, an oil such as a mineral oil or an engine oil 
or a grease may be used as the contacting liquid. The miscibility of the 
contacting liquid with the resin is preferably zero or close to zero. 
However, if a time needed for separation of the resin from the solvent is 
sufficiently shorter than a time needed for dissolving the resin in the 
solvent, the contacting liquid may be slightly miscible with the resin. 
As a method for supplying the contacting liquid, the contacting liquid may 
be directly contacted to a surface of the recording paper, or the 
contacting liquid may be directly contacted to the surface of the 
recording paper by using a roller 222 made of a sponge, a rubber, a cloth 
or a paper which is impregnated with the contacting liquid as shown in 
FIG. 50A. Additionally, the contacting liquid may be supplied by multiple 
stage rollers 224, 224' and 223 as shown in FIG. 50B. Further, the 
contacting liquid may be supplied by forming a layer of the contacting 
liquid on the roller 223 by contacting a porous member 225 impregnated 
with the contacting liquid to the roller 223 as shown in FIG. 50C. 
Additionally, the contacting liquid may be applied in a non-contact manner 
by using a spray or a jet nozzle as shown in FIG. 50D. 
A thickness of the layer of the contacting liquid applied to the recording 
paper is preferably less than 500 .mu.m, and more preferably less than 100 
.mu.m to facilitate removal of the ink curing liquid. In order to 
eliminate a mechanism for removing the contacting liquid, the thickness 
should be less than 10 .mu.m. If a recording medium such as a recording 
paper which absorbs the contacting liquid is used, the recording paper 
absorbs the ink contacting liquid formed as a layer having about 10 .mu.m. 
Thus, in this case, the removal of the contacting liquid is not needed 
after cure of the resin liquid. 
However, in order to shorten the curing time of the resin liquid, it is 
better to increase the thickness of the layer of the contacting liquid. 
Thus, in practice, the thickness of the layer of contacting liquid should 
be determined by considering the thickness of the resin liquid on the 
recording paper, the number of types of ink used for printing, atmospheric 
conditions and a time required for curing the resin liquid. It should be 
noted that the recording paper includes a pulp paper, a synthetic paper as 
well as an OHP film and other materials used for printing. 
The present embodiment utilizes the phenomena which is the same as the 
phenomena described in the above-mentioned first embodiment which is 
directed to rapidly cure ink on a recording paper. That is, the resin 
liquid related to the present embodiment is considered to correspond to 
the vehicle contained in the ink related to the first embodiment. 
Accordingly, various methods for reducing the curing time of resin liquid 
described in the above-mentioned first to tenth embodiments can be applied 
to the present embodiment so as to further shorten the curing time of the 
resin liquid. 
One of the methods is to provide a plurality of contacting liquid applying 
means or to contact the resin liquid with the contacting liquid a 
plurality of times so as to substantially increase the period for the 
contacting liquid to be in contact with the resin liquid. 
Another method is to cool the resin liquid as is described in the 
above-mentioned fourth and fifth embodiments. The structure of a cooling 
device and the effect of the cooling can be appreciated by substituting 
the resin liquid for the ink or the vehicle in the fourth and fifth 
embodiments. 
Similar to the ink and the vehicle mentioned in the previous embodiments, 
the resin liquid related to the present embodiment has an upper critical 
solution temperature as shown in a graph of FIG. 45. The resin and the 
solvent contained in the resin liquid are separated from each other when 
the temperature of the resin liquid is decreased below the upper critical 
solution temperature. 
The resin liquid can be cooled by using the structure shown in FIG. 46. 
That is, in this case, the contacting liquid is supplied to the printed 
surface of the recording paper by the roller 220B, and a surface of the 
roller 220B is cooled by the cooling device which comprises the Peltier 
element 270 and the heat conductive member 272. The cooling device is 
positioned very close to the roller 220B so as to cool the surface of 
roller 220B and also the resin liquid on the roller 220B. The contacting 
member can be cooled by other conventional methods. For example, the 
surface of the contacting member may be cooled by blowing cooled air to 
the surface of the contacting member. Cooled air or coolant may be 
introduced into an interior of the roller 220B, or a Peltier element may 
be placed inside the roller so as to cool the roller 220B from inside. 
A further method to reduce the curing time of the resin liquid is to heat 
the resin liquid as is described in the above-mentioned sixth and seventh 
embodiments. The structure of a heating device and the effect of the 
heating can be appreciated by substituting the resin liquid for the ink or 
the vehicle in the sixth and seventh embodiments. 
Similar to the ink and the vehicle mentioned in the previous embodiments, 
the resin liquid related to the present embodiment has a lower critical 
solution temperature as shown in the graph of FIG. 45. The resin and the 
solvent contained in the resin liquid are separated from each other when 
the temperature of the resin liquid is increased above the lower critical 
solution temperature. 
The resin liquid may be heated by the structures shown in FIGS. 47 and 48. 
In the example of FIG. 47, the resin liquid is heated by the roller 220B 
which is heated by the heater 280 provided inside the roller 220B. A 
surface of the roller 220B may be heated by a lamp emitting a heat ray. In 
the example of FIG. 48, the heat source 282 is provided after the resin 
liquid applying means 212. The resin liquid 204 is heated in a noncontact 
manner by the heat source 382. In this case, the contacting solid member 
220A is not used. The heat source 282 may be a conventional heating device 
such as a heater, a lamp emitting a heat ray or a hot air blower. 
It should be noted that, in the present embodiment, a pulp paper, a coated 
paper or a synthetic paper can be used as well as other materials such as 
an OHP film, a plastic member or a metal member. 
(Description of Twenty-eighth Embodiment) 
In this embodiment, cure of the resin liquid is performed by contacting or 
applying a silicone resin having flowability (a flowable silicon) as the 
contacting liquid used in the twenty-seventh embodiment. The flowable 
silicone is odorless and less harmful to the human body as compared to 
other contacting liquids used in the twenty seventh embodiment, it is also 
superior with respect to environmental sanitary. Additionally, there is 
little adverse effect to the printed surface as it is colorless. Further, 
since a sliding characteristic against the printed surface is improved, a 
flaw due to scratching is hardly generated on the printed surface. Thus, 
the flowable silicone has many advantages. 
Examples of the flowable silicone are a silicone oil or a silicone gum. The 
silicone oil includes, other than a dimethyl silicone oil, methyl phenyl 
silicone oil and methyl hydrogen silicone oil, a denaturated silicone oil 
in which various organic bases are introduced into a part of a methyl base 
of a dimethyl silicon. For example, the denaturated silicone oil includes, 
for example, amino denaturated, alkyl denaturated, alcohol denaturated, 
epoxy denaturated, epoxy denaturated, epoxy-polyether denaturated, 
carboxyl denaturated or polyether denaturated species or other various 
denaturated species. The silicone gum is an extremely high-viscous 
silicone oil, and includes a silicone oil which has both a liquid-like 
viscosity and a solid-like elasticity. 
A structure and a supply method is similar to that of the twenty-seventh 
embodiment. FIG. 51 is an example of a structure for applying a silicone 
gum 290. Since the silicone gum 290 hardly penetrate into a porous member, 
the silicone gum 290 is placed in contact with a surface of the recording 
paper in a flat manner and thereafter the silicone gum 290 is peeled off. 
Alternatively, the silicone gum can be rolled on the recording paper by 
forming the silicone gum in a spherical shape or a rod-like shape, or the 
silicone gum is placed in contact with the surface of the recording paper 
by providing the silicone gum on a periphery of a roller. A size and a 
thickness of the silicone gum is not limited, but, a fixing time of ink 
tends to be reduced if a diameter or a thickness is more than 100 .mu.m. 
(Description of Twenty-ninth Embodiment) 
This embodiment is related to the resin layer forming apparatus according 
to one of the twenty-fourth to twenty-eighth embodiments in which means 
for providing a matted or embossed surface to the surface of the resin 
layer is provided. 
FIGS. 52A, 52B, 52C and 52D show the means for providing matted or embossed 
surface. In these figures, reference numeral 230 indicates fine powder; 
231 and 232 indicate hard rollers having a matted or embossed surface; and 
233 indicates a porous roller member impregnated with the resin liquid. 
FIG. 52A shows a method for forming a matted surface by applying fine 
powder onto the surface of the resin layer. FIG. 52B shows a method for 
forming a matted or embossed surface on the resin layer by forming a 
matted or embossed surface on the roller 231 which is made of a material 
which cures the resin liquid. FIG. 52C shows a method for forming a matted 
or embossed surface on the resin layer by forming a matted or embossed 
surface on the roller 232 which forms a layer made of a material which 
cures the resin liquid. FIG. 52D shows a method for forming a matted or 
embossed surface on the resin layer by applying the contacting liquid from 
the porous roller 33 to the roller 232 which applies the contacting liquid 
to the printed surface. It should be noted that the matted or embossed 
surface can be easily formed on the surface of the rollers 231 and 232 by 
a conventional method such as an integral molding or a die press. 
(Description of Thirtieth Embodiment) 
FIG. 53 is an illustration of a resin liquid applying mechanism. In the 
figure, reference numeral 216 indicates a printing plate and 217 indicates 
an offset roller. In this embodiment, the printing plate 216 is formed in 
a predetermined shape so that a layer of the resin liquid is formed on a 
part of the printed surface corresponding to the shape of the printing 
plate 216 by utilizing an offset printing method. 
It should be noted that the printing plate used in this embodiment can be 
formed by a stencil printing plate which is easily formed by a thermal 
head. A printing plate having a surface characteristic may also be used in 
which a receding contact angle is decreased when the printing plate is in 
contact with a contact member such as a liquid or a solid generating a 
liquid under a heated condition, and the receding contact angle is 
increased when there is no contact with a contact member such as a liquid 
or a solid generating a liquid under a heated condition. 
(Description of Thirty-first Embodiment) 
FIGS. 54A and 54B show methods for applying the resin liquid onto the 
printed surface of the recording paper. In the figures, reference numeral 
218 indicates a spray and 219 indicates a jet nozzle. 
When the ink on the printed surface has a low viscosity and has not yet 
dried, it is possible that the ink is transferred to a roller applying the 
resin liquid. It such a transfer occurred, the printed surface may be 
polluted by the transferred ink. However, in this embodiment, since the 
resin liquid is applied in a noncontact manner, the ink on the printed 
surface cannot be transferred to a member such as roller for applying the 
resin liquid. 
In the example shown in FIG. 54A in which the spray 218 is used, the resin 
liquid to be used preferably has a viscosity ranging from 0.5 cp to 
10.sup.3 cp. In the example shown in FIG. 54B in which the jet nozzle 219 
is used, the resin liquid to be use preferably has a viscosity ranging 
from 0.5 cp to 10.sup.2 cp. It should be noted that the spray of the resin 
liquid may be applied to a desired area on the printed surface by 
controlling the spray in accordance with information indicating conditions 
of the printed surface. 
(Description of Thirty-second Embodiment) 
This embodiment relates to the resin layer forming apparatus according to 
one of the twenty-fourth to thirty-first embodiments in which a pressing 
force of the contacting member against the printed surface is controlled 
so as to maintain a good application of the resin liquid. 
FIGS. 55A and 55B show a part of a structure for curing the resin layer. 
FIG. 54A shows a case in which the ink 203 penetrates into the recording 
paper 202. FIG. 54B shows a case in which the ink 203 adheres on the 
recording paper 202. 
In this embodiment, the contacting or pressing force of the resin liquid 
curing means against the printed surface of the recording paper 202 is 
controlled to be greater than a predetermined level irrespective of a 
thickness and hardness of the recording paper 202. Additionally, the 
contacting or pressing force is varied in response to a surface roughness 
of the recording paper 202, a level of drying of the ink 203 and a level 
of penetration of the ink 203 into the recording paper 203. 
In order to maintain a constant contacting or pressing force irrespective 
of the thickness of the recording paper 203, a distance d between the 
contacting member 234 and the roller 210 supporting the recording member 
is increased as the thickness and hardness of the recording paper 202 is 
increased. On the other hand, the distance d is decreased as the thickness 
and hardness of the recording paper 202 is decreased. In order to achieve 
this, the thickness and hardness should may be detected by sensors, or 
information related to the thickness and hardness of the recording paper 
202 may be input to the apparatus by an operator. A pressure sensor may be 
provided to the table of the recording paper 202 so as to detect all 
factors at the same time. 
The factors which vary the contacting pressure of the contacting member 234 
against the printed surface are a surface roughness of the printed surface 
and a condition of the ink. In a case where the ink 203 is dried, the 
contacting force is decreased since a good contact is provided between the 
contacting member 234 and the printed surface. Additionally, when the 
viscosity of the ink is low and the ink penetrates into the recording 
paper 202, and when the printed surface is smooth as is in a ink jet 
printing or gravure printing, the contacting force is also decreased. On 
the other hand, when the printed surface is rough, the contacting force is 
increased since the ability to contact the rough surface is low. 
Additionally, the contacting force is decreased less than that in a case 
where the ink is dried when viscous and undried ink adheres on the printed 
surface as shown in FIG. 55B. This is because if the contacting force is 
large, the ink tends to spread which results in deterioration of the image 
quality. It should be noted that when the printed surface is rough, it is 
preferred to use a contacting liquid which can provide good contact with 
the printed surface and can cure the resin liquid at a low pressure. 
(Description of Thirty-third Embodiment) 
A description will now be given of a thirty-third embodiment according to 
the present invention. This embodiment is directed to an image forming 
apparatus provided with a resin layer forming apparatus according to one 
of the embodiments mentioned above. 
FIG. 56 is an illustration of an image forming apparatus according to the 
present embodiment. In the figure, reference numeral 240 indicates means 
for printing; 241 indicates means for supplying coloring powder; 242 
indicates a photosensitive member; and 243 indicates a light source. 
The sequence of processes performed by this apparatus is that printing is 
performed on the recording paper; the resin liquid is applied to the 
printed surface; the resin liquid is cured. The formation of the resin 
layer is performed immediately after the printing so as to prevent 
adherence of dust to the printed surface and pollution of the printed 
surface. 
FIG. 57 is an illustration of another image forming apparatus according to 
the present invention. In the figure, reference numeral 244 indicates 
means for recording by ink jet method. The printing means can be any type 
as long as it uses water base ink. For example, other than the ink jet 
method as shown in FIG. 57, a gravure printing method, a flexo printing 
method, a screen printing method (including digital stencil printing), or 
a plotter may be used. As for the means for applying the resin liquid, the 
method described in the twenty-fourth embodiment can be used if the 
recording paper having good ability to absorb a liquid is used. This is 
because there is no liquid layer formed on the printed surface and a 
coloring agent such as dye or pigment is adhered on the printed surface, 
and thus the resin liquid is easily adhered on the printed surface. On the 
other hand, if a material having low permeability with respect to a liquid 
is used for the recording paper such as an OHP film, it is preferred to 
apply the resin liquid after a time has passed to allow water contained in 
the ink to evaporate. Additionally, when the printed surface is wet due to 
ink, and if the resin liquid has a very high viscosity, the resin liquid 
is not substantially transferred from the applying roller in the resin 
liquid applying means 210 to the printed surface. On the other hand, if 
the viscosity is low, the resin liquid may be partially repelled. Thus, 
the viscosity of the resin liquid is preferably in the range of 10.sup.3 
to 10.sup.5 cp. Additionally, in order to prevent unevenness of the resin 
liquid on the printed surface, it is preferred to cure the resin liquid 
immediately after the resin liquid is applied. As for the means 220 for 
curing the resin liquid, any apparatus according to the twenty-fourth to 
thirty-first embodiments may be used. 
FIG. 58 is an illustration of another image forming apparatus according to 
the present invention. FIG. 59 is an illustration of the printing means 
which may be substituted for the printing means shown in FIG. 58. In the 
figures, reference numeral 245 indicates a printing plate and 246 
indicates a stencil printing plate. 
In this apparatus, the printing means uses oil base ink and the resin 
liquid is applied to the printed surface printed by the oil base ink. 
The printing means 240 may be any type using oil base ink such as, for 
example, an offset printer, a screen printer (including a digital stencil 
printer) as shown in FIG. 59, a letterpress printer or a plotter. As for 
the means for applying the resin liquid, a device described in the 
twenty-fourth embodiment can be used when the ink on the printed surface 
has been cured. However, in a state where the ink has not been cured yet, 
the ink tends to adhere on the resin liquid supplying side if the resin 
liquid has high viscosity. On the other hand, if the viscosity is low, the 
ink on the printed surface may dissolves in the solvent or the oil 
contained in the resin liquid which causes a blur. Thus, the viscosity of 
the resin liquid is preferably in the range of 10.sup.3 to 10.sub.5 cp. 
Additionally, in order to prevent a blur due to melting of ink on the 
printed surface, it is preferred to cure the resin liquid immediately 
after the resin liquid is applied. As for the means 220 for curing the 
resin liquid, any apparatus according to the twenty-fourth to thirty-first 
embodiments may be used. 
FIG. 60 is an illustration of another image forming apparatus according to 
the present invention. In the figure, a reference numeral 247 indicates 
means for transfer recording of a sublimation type. 
In this apparatus, the printing means uses sublimation type heat transfer 
ink, and the resin layer is formed on the printed surface on which the 
heat transfer ink of a sublimation type is printed. 
The printing means 240 may be any type using heat transfer ink of a 
sublimation type such as, for example, a sublimation heat transfer printer 
using a thermal head or a laser, a gravure printer or a sublimation 
transfer printer in which matter printed by offset printing is heated 
together with a cloth adhered thereon. In the printing method using the 
sublimation type heat transfer ink, viscosity of the resin liquid is 
preferably as high as 10.sup.4 to 10.sup.6 cp in order to prevent the 
curing time from being extended due to lack of adsorbability of the 
recording paper. As for the means 220 for curing the resin liquid, any 
apparatus described in the twenty-fourth to thirty-first embodiments may 
be used. However, in the printing method using sublimation type heat 
transfer ink, a finger print or flow may tend to be put on the printed 
surface since the surface of the recording paper is a glossy surface. 
Accordingly, the method for forming the resin layer as described in the 
twenty-ninth embodiment is particularly preferable. 
FIG. 61 is another example of an image forming apparatus provided with the 
resin layer forming apparatus according to the present invention. In this 
image forming apparatus, a mode is selectable in which formation of the 
resin layer is performed on a printed material supplied externally. FIGS. 
62 to 64 are flowcharts of operations performed in the image forming 
apparatus shown in FIG. 61. In FIG. 61, reference numeral 248 indicates a 
printer control unit; 250 indicates a position for setting printed matter; 
251 indicates a recording paper detecting sensor; and 252 indicates a 
signal output from the sensor 251. 
The printed material refers to a material output from a conventional 
printer or a manually written recording material. In this apparatus, 
formation of a resin layer on the printed matter supplied from outside can 
be preformed although the printing means 240 is provided in the apparatus. 
Thus, either one of a printing/resin layer forming mode and an exclusive 
resin layer forming mode can be selected. As shown in the flowchart of 
FIG. 62, an operator can set one of the modes by inserting instructs 
through an operational panel (not shown). Additionally, as shown in the 
flowchart of FIG. 63, the apparatus can be operated in the exclusive resin 
layer forming mode when the printed matter is set in a position different 
from a position where the recording paper to be printed is set. The 
position of the printed matter can be detected by a sensor such as a 
photodetector. Further, as shown in the flowchart of FIG. 64, execution of 
a printing operation can be determined by the presence of image data or a 
protocol signal when an instruction for performing the resin layer forming 
operation is issued. That is, when a printing operation is performed 
before the resin layer forming operation is performed, image data 
generated by a scanner is input through a bus line. On the other hand, 
when only the resin layer forming operation is required, only the printed 
matter is set to the apparatus. Thus, a request for performing only the 
resin layer forming operation can be determined by presence of the image 
data or a communication protocol signal transmitted from the scanner. 
Test No.37 (Twenty-fourth Embodiment) 
Printed Maternal: 
Printing means: Ink Jet Printer (Model MJ-5000C, Seiko-Epson) 
Ink: Four-color water base ink (C, M, Y, K) 
Recording paper: 
1) super fine paper 
2) fine paper 
3) wood free paper 
4) exclusive glossy film 
5) exclusive OHP sheet 
Resin Liquid: 
1) Resin (vinyl chloride-vinyl acetate copolymer+acrylic resin)+solvent 
(#0-solvent (H)) 
2) Solvent type over print varnish 
Resin liquid applying means: Sponge 
Contacting Member: 
1) Natural rubber roller 
(.phi.40 mm, hardness: 20 degrees) 
2) Semi-natural rubber roller 
(.phi.40 mm, hardness: 30 degrees) 
3) Olefin elastomer roller 
(.phi.40 mm, hardness: 50 degrees) 
4) Butyl rubber roller 
(.phi.30 mm, hardness: 40 degrees) 
5) Chloroprene rubber roller 
(.phi.40 mm, hardness: 40 degrees) 
Evaluation Results: 
A resin layer was formed on the printed surface of the recording papers 
with the structure shown in FIG. 43 by using the method shown in FIG. 44A. 
The resin liquid and over print varnish were cured within 2 minutes for 
any recording paper. A colorless and transparent resin layer was formed 
without blur of the ink when a water drop was applied to the surface of 
the resin layer. 
Test No.38 (Twenty-fourth Embodiment) 
Printed Maternal: 
Printing means: Offset printer 
Ink: Four-color water base ink (C, M, Y, K) 
Recording paper: 
1) coated paper 
2) wood free paper 
3) PET film 
Resin Liquid: 
1) Resin (rosin denaturated phenol resin)+solvent (Dialene.sup.R 168) 
2) Solvent type over print varnish 
Resin liquid applying means: 
Urethane rubber roller 
(.phi.30 mm, hardness: 60 degrees) 
blade (stainless steel) 
Contacting Member: 
1) Natural rubber roller 
(.phi.40 mm, hardness: 20 degrees) 
2) Semi-natural rubber roller 
(.phi.40 mm, hardness: 30 degrees) 
3) Olefin elastomer roller 
(.phi.40 mm, hardness: 50 degrees) 
4) Butyl rubber roller 
(.phi.30 mm, hardness: 40 degrees) 
5) Chloroprene rubber roller 
(.phi.40 mm, hardness: 40 degrees) 
Evaluation Results: 
A resin layer was formed on the printed surface of the recording papers 
with the structure shown in FIG. 43 by using the method shown in FIG. 44C. 
The resin liquid and over print varnish were cured within 2 minutes for 
any recording paper except for the PET film. With respect to the PET film, 
the resin liquid was cured for about 3 minutes. A colorless and 
transparent resin layer was formed without blur of ink when a water drop 
was applied to the surface of the resin layer. 
Test No.39 (Twenty-fifth Embodiment) 
Printed Maternal: 
Printing means: Offset printer 
Ink: Four-color water base ink (C, M, Y, K) 
Recording paper: 
1) coated paper 
2) wood free paper 
3) PET film 
Resin Liquid: 
1) Resin (rosin denaturated phenol resin)+solvent (Dialene.sup.R 168) 
2) Resin (ester resin)+solvent (Dialene.sup.R 168) 
Resin liquid applying means: 
Nitrile rubber roller 
(.phi.30 mm, hardness: 30 degrees) 
Contacting Member: 
1) Silicon gel roller (SE1821(two-liquid type), Dow Coring Toray Silicone 
Co., Ltd.) 
2) Silicon gel roller (SE1880(one-liquid type), Dow Coring Toray Silicone 
Co., Ltd.) 
3) Silicon rubber roller 
(.phi.40 mm, hardness: 20 degrees) 
4) One component RTV rubber roller 
(Shin-Etsu Chemical Co., Ltd.) 
Applied around a silicone rubber roller (.phi.20 mm, hardness: 20 degrees) 
with a thickness of 1 mm; cured for a half day at a room temperature. 
Evaluation Results: 
A resin layer was formed on the printed surface of the recording papers 
with the structure shown in FIG. 43 by using the method shown in FIG. 44B. 
The resin liquid and over print varnish were cured within 10 seconds for 
any recording paper except for the PET film. With respect to the PET film, 
the resin liquid was cured for about 20 seconds. A colorless and 
transparent resin layer was formed without blur of ink when a water drop 
was applied to the surface of the resin layer. 
Test No.40 (Twenty-sixth Embodiment) 
Conditions and apparatus were the same as that used in the Test No.39. A 
silicone rubber roller having a glossy surface was used as a contacting 
member. An amount of the resin liquid transferred to the contacting member 
was minimized. The resin liquids were cured for about 5 seconds. Glossy 
resin layers were formed on the printed surface. 
Contacting Member: 
Silicon rubber roller 
(.phi.20 mm, hardness: 20 degrees) 
10-point average roughness=about 1 .mu.m 
Test No.41 (Twenty-seventh Embodiment) 
Printed Material: 
Printing Means: Stencil printing machine 
Ink: Emulsion Ink 
Recording paper: 
1) exclusive paper 
2) wood free paper 
3) woody paper 
Resin Liquid: 
1) Resin (rosin denaturated phenol resin)+solvent (Dialene.sup.R 
168:#0-solvent(H)=4:1) 
2) Resin (rosin denaturated phenol resin)+oil (linseed oil)+solvent 
(AF7-solvent:Dialene.sup.R 168=1:4) 
3) Varnish (alkyd resin varnish)+oil (linseed oil)+solvent 
(AF7-solvent:Dialene.sup.R 168=1:4) 
4) Oxidative copolymerization dry type over print varnish 
Resin liquid applying means: 
Urethane rubber roller 
(.phi.30 mm, hardness 60 degrees) 
Contacting Member: 
1) Machine oil+sponge roller (Rubycell.sup.R, Toyo polymer Co., 
Ltd.)+rubber roller (60 degrees) 
2) Grease+sponge roller (Rubycell.sup.R Toyo polymer Co., Ltd.)+rubber 
roller (60 degrees) 
3) Engine oil+sponge roller (Rubycell.sup.R, Toyo polymer Co., Ltd.)+rubber 
roller (60 degrees) 
Evaluation Results: 
A resin layer was formed on the printed surface of the recording papers 
with the structure shown in FIG. 43 by using the method for applying the 
resin liquid shown in FIG. 44A and the method for curing the resin liquid 
shown in FIG. 50C. The resin liquid and over print varnish were cured for 
about 1 minute for any contacting members. The resin layer did not peel 
off when the surface of the resin layer wad rubbed. A colorless and 
transparent resin layer was formed. 
Test No.42 (Twenty-eighth Embodiment) 
Printed Material: 
Printing Means: Stencil printing machine 
Ink: Emulsion Ink 
Recording paper: 
1) exclusive paper 
2) wood free paper 
3) woody paper 
Resin Liquid: 
1) Resin (rosin denaturated phenol resin)+solvent (Dialene.sup.R 
168:#0-solvent(H)=4:1) 
2) Resin (rosin denaturated phenol resin)+oil (linseed oil)+solvent 
(AF7-solvent:Dialene.sup.R 168=1:4) 
3) Varnish (alkyd resin varnish)+oil (linseed oil)+solvent 
(AF7-solvent:Dialene.sup.R 168=1:4) 
4) Oxidative copolymerization dry type over print varnish 
Resin liquid applying means: 
Metal (stainless steel) blade+rubber rollers (2 stages) 
Contacting Member: 
1) Silicon oil (KE-1031-A+B, Shin-Etsu Chemical CO., Ltd.)+sponge roller 
(Rubycel.sup.R, Toyo polymer Co., Ltd.)+rubber roller (60 degrees) 
2) Silicon oil (KF96-50, Shin-Etsu Chemical Co., Ltd.)+sponge roller 
(Rubycell.sup.R, Toyo polymer Co., Ltd.)+rubber roller (60 degrees) 
3) Methyl hydrogen silicone oil (SH1107, Dow Corning Toray Silicone Co., 
Ltd)+sponge roller (Rubycell.sup.R, Toyo polymer Co., Ltd.) +rubber roller 
(60 degrees) 
4) Silicon gum (Dow Corning Toray Silicone Co., Ltd.) 
Evaluation Results: 
A resin layer was formed on the printed surface of the recording papers 
with the structure shown in FIG. 43 by using the method for applying the 
resin liquid shown in FIG. 44C and the method for curing the resin liquid 
shown in FIG. 50C. The resin liquid and over print varnish were cured for 
about 5 seconds for any contacting members. The resin layer did not peel 
off when the surface of the resin layer was rubbed. A colorless and 
transparent resin layer was formed. 
Test No.43 (Twenty-eighth Embodiment) 
Printed Material: 
Printing Means: Electrophotographic printer 
Ink: Dry toner 
Recording paper: 
1) regular paper 
(type6200, Ricoh) 
2) recycled paper 
(shigen, Ricoh) 
Resin Liquid: 
1) Resin (rosin denaturated phenol resin)+solvent (Dialene.sup.R 168) 
2) Oxidative copolymerization dry type over print varnish 
Resin liquid applying means: 
Metal (stainless steel) blade+rubber rollers (2 stages) 
Contacting Member: 
Silicon gum (Dow Corning Toray Silicone Co., Ltd.)+rubber roller 
Heating Means: 
Xenon Lamp 
Evaluation Results: 
A resin layer was formed on the printed surface of the recording papers 
with the structure shown in FIG. 43 by using the method for applying the 
resin liquid shown in FIG. 44C and the method for curing the resin liquid 
shown in FIG. 48. The resin liquid and over print varnish were cured for 
about 3 seconds for any contacting members. The resin layer did not peel 
off when the surface of the resin layer wad rubbed. A colorless and 
transparent resin layer was formed. 
Test No.44 (Twenty-ninth Embodiment) 
Operating conditions and the apparatus were the same as that used in the 
Test No.39. Printed matter printed by a sublimation type heat transfer 
method was used. As for the contacting member, a silicone rubber roller 
having an embossed surface as shown in FIG. 52B was used. A resin layer 
having an embossed surface was formed. A finger print or flaw was 
substantially not formed on the surface of the resin layer. 
Contacting Member: 
RTV rubber roller provided with an embossed surface formed by molding 
Test No.45 (Thirtieth Embodiment) 
Operating conditions and the apparatus were the same as that used in the 
Test No.40. The method for applying the resin liquid shown in FIG. 53 was 
used. A resin layer was formed in a desired area of the printed surface. 
Partially glossy and enhanced printed surface was obtained. 
The printing plate used in this test was made of the materials listed 
below. The printing plate had a surface characteristic in which a receding 
contact angle was decreased when the printing plate was contacted with a 
contact member such as a liquid or a solid generating a liquid under a 
heated condition, and the receding contact angle is increased when there 
is no contact with a contact member such as a liquid or a solid generating 
a liquid under a heated condition. 
Printing Plate Structure: 
Recording layer material: 
Perfluoro-alkylaclyrate polymer LS317 
(emulsion polymerization type) 
Recording material substrate 
Non-grazed PET film 
size: 350.times.220 mm, thickness 25 .mu.m 
Test No.46 (Thirty-first Embodiment) 
Conditions and apparatus were the same as that used in the Test No.38. The 
resin liquid was sprayed by a spray gun. The resin liquid had a viscosity 
described below. The tests were performed by the method shown in FIG. 54A. 
The resin liquid was easily applied on the printed surface even when the 
ink had not been cured or dried since the ink was not transferred to the 
resin liquid applying means. A resin layer was formed on a desired area of 
the printed surface. 
Viscosity of Resin Liquid: 10.sup.2 cp 
Resin Liquid Supplying Means: Spray Gun 
______________________________________ 
Test No. 47 (Thirty-second Embodiment) 
contacting pressure of the resin liquid 
curing means against the printed surface 
ink jet print 
offset print 
______________________________________ 
(non-dried ink) 
1) coated paper 
0.5 MPa/cm.sup.2 
0.3 MPa/cm.sup.2 
2) OHP film 0.3 MPa/cm.sup.2 
0.1 MPa/cm.sup.2 
(dried-ink) 
1) coated paper 
0.5 MPa/cm.sup.2 
0.7 MPa/cm.sup.2 
2) OHP film 0.5 MPa/cm.sup.2 
0.7 MPa/cm.sup.2 
______________________________________ 
Conditions and apparatus were the same as that used in the Test No.38. The 
resin liquid was cured by the method used in the test No.40. The resin 
liquid was cured with the contacting pressure mentioned in the above 
table. A good resin layer was formed without spread of ink and bad 
contact. 
Test No.48 (Thirty-third Embodiment) 
Printing was performed by the apparatus shown in FIG. 56. The resin liquid 
and the method for forming the resin layer are the same as that used in 
the Test No.37. A resin layer having an even and glossy surface was formed 
on the printed surface. 
The present invention is not limited to the specifically disclosed 
embodiments, and variations and modifications may be made without 
departing from the present invention.