Structural Color Inkjet Technology

Abstract

Since ancient times, raden made from shell and Tamamushi Shirine using jewel beetle wings have been known as gorgeous decorations that uses structural color. Even in modern times, structural color decoration attract attention in high-value industrial products. In addition, inkjet has high digital on-demand characteristics which can be used for high-mix low-volume production. We have developed a structural color inkjet printing technology. This decoration method does not use pigments or dyes. It develops fine structure, that reflects specific wavelength of light on a substrate by printing. As a result, it is possible to give a special effect, that the color changes depending on the background color and the observation angle.