Illuminating the Invisible: UV-visible Marking on Recycled Paper

Desired outcome

We seek an innovative solution for marking recycled paper with UV-visible ink codes to enable automated quality control and product tracking in our high-speed production process. The challenge lies in ensuring that the UV code remains clearly scannable despite interference from fluorescent particles in the recycled paper.

Initial Problem Description

In our automated printing facility, we can produce up to 10,000 different instruction booklets per shift. Each booklet varies in content and page count, and each set consist of a varying number of booklets in different sequential orders, requiring precise tracking throughout production.

To improve our process control, we aim to apply an invisible UV code that does not alter the product’s appearance but allows for inline tracking and quality assurance. However, existing UV inks become unreadable due to light-scattering particles in recycled paper, making scanning unreliable.

We are searching for a solution that ensures our UV code remains clearly scannable for a short period before fading.

Context

The ability to apply temporary, invisible markings is important for production tracking and quality control. The UV-reacting ink should be easily readable under controlled conditions and is allowed to disappear naturally before the product reaches the customer. Our production speed is quite fast, approximately 100 m/min, but if the code is of sufficient size and on standard paper, it can be reliably read by the scanner.
The challenge is in the varying composition of recycled paper, which often contains fluorescent particles that disrupt UV readability. It is important that we use any kind of invisible ink, for it must not interfere with the appearance of the product and it is also important that the paper is recycled.

Connection to cross-cutting areas

This challenge aligns with several key industry trends:

Circularity & Sustainability: use of recycled paper, reducing/minimizing waste, ISO 14001 compliance
Industry 4.0 & Digitalisation: Automated workflow and production processes, virtual production data tracking & intelligent/ automated data analysis

Input

We will provide:

* Physical samples of the recycled paper utilized in our production processes
* Gathered information regarding previous UV ink tests and their limitations, with sample codes if needed - all of which have been unsuccessful up to now
* Key insights into our automated printing and scanning process
* Help & support

Expectations

We expect the solution to address the challenges we face with UV marking on recycled paper. Specifically, we’re looking for a method or technology that can:

* Ensure the UV ink remains scannable, despite interference from the fluorescent particles in the recycled paper.
* Be implemented in an automated production environment, without disrupting our existing processes.
* Offer a feasible and sustainable solution, considering the use of recycled paper and the need for minimal environmental impact.
* We are also looking for the team to provide insights into any potential material innovations or techniques that could overcome the current limitations with the UV ink application.

Selected teams may have the opportunity to collaborate with our R&D department and test their solutions in real production conditions. Innovative ideas that prove viable can lead to further development and implementation.

Desired Team Profile

As long as solution is found, we do not care about skills or academia background.
If we must specify, we welcome students from diverse backgrounds, particularly those with expertise in:

Chemistry (UV-reactive inks, photochemistry)
Materials Science (paper coatings, ink interactions)
Physics (optics, UV fluorescence mitigation)
Engineering (printing technology, industrial processes)

Additional Information

The selected teams should consider:

* Current competitive landscape: The printing industry is moving towards higher automation and sustainability, with recycled materials playing a significant role in production.
* Challenges in UV scanning technology: Existing solutions do not work well with recycled paper due to fluorescence interference.
* Potential for industry adoption: A successful solution could be scaled to other sectors that rely on invisible tracking in high-speed printing environments.

Desired Outcome:
We seek a viable, scalable solution that improves the accuracy and reliability of UV markings on recycled paper, enabling seamless process automation, quality control, and tracking while maintaining sustainability goals.

We look forward to groundbreaking solutions that illuminate the invisible!

Related Keywords

• Process automation
• Industrial Technologies
• Printing
• Sustainability
• special inks
• uv light