Magnetic components synthesis dedicated to the magnetographic printing – COSMIQUE
The COSMIQUE project deals with the synthesis of magnetic components dedicated to the magnetic printing. It is initiated by Nipson firm, specialised in the design of magnetic digital prints (magnetography). Succinctly, the image development via magnetised ink particles (toner) proceeds thanks to the magnetic force coming from dots magnetised by magnetic poles (writing heads). The recording medium is a metallic cylinder (drum) covered by a dual magnetic coating: a shunt and a recording coating.
The project has as prime ambition to substitute the electroplating process used for the magnetic films synthesis by a high-performance PVD technique, more respectful of the environmental and health laws. This technology break implies to re-configure the magnetic device of drums. Indeed, the films thickness must be reduced and their chemical nature must be modified in order to be consistent with the cathodic magnetron sputtering process. From the analogy with the magnetic recording on perpendicular media, the alloys used in this domain could suit. Nonetheless, the coatings need to be adapted to the magnetographic device to guaranty the printing quality. The permeability of the shunt and the residual magnetisation of the recording layer must be improved to allow the reduction of films thickness. In addition to their magnetic properties, these materials should combine good mechanical properties and thermal ageing resistance.
To bring to a successful conclusion, the COSMIQUE project gathers various partners specialised in science of materials synthesised by physical processes (LERMPS), magnetic recording (IJL), sputtering processes engineering (PVDco) and magnetic digital printing (Nipson). The project is articulated in 5 tasks subdivided in smaller tasks. The first one is devoted to the management and to the follow-up of the project (T1). It will begin by an explorer study of the potential materials (T2). The most promising candidates (two maximum by coating) will be optimised in taking into account a magnetographic application (T3). Three smaller tasks will focus on the enhancement of the shunt magnetic permeability, of the residual magnetisation of the recording medium and the non magnetic thin film insertion. Then, the stacking of the system will be tested and gradually transferred on cylindrical substrates in the next task (T4), with the aim to realize a demonstrator (T5). In this latter task, the potentiality of such system will be assessed. A test bench will be built in order to analyse the printing image. Its characteristics will be compared to that of obtained by simulation.
The objectives targeted beyond this project are the suppression of the toxic wastes relative to the electroplating chain, the reduction of the sanitary risks and the improvement of the films quality and of their reproducibility. The economic consequences should be new development outlooks, in terms of quality and speed of the printing engine, comforting Nipson in the digital printing market. The second consequence should lead to increase the market share of PVDco in the area of surface treatment of products with high value-added. At last, the expected scientific results consist in the understanding of the magnetographic technology and of the growing mechanisms of magnetic thick films deposited at low temperature. This can have interests in microsensors and microactuators technology.
Project coordination
Eric Aubry (NIPSON TECHNOLOGY) – Eric.AUBRY@technology.nipson.com
The author of this summary is the project coordinator, who is responsible for the content of this summary. The ANR declines any responsibility as for its contents.
Partner
PVDco PVDco
IJL UNIVERSITE DE LORRAINE
NIPSON TECHNOLOGY
LERMPS Laboratoire d'Etude et de Recherche sur les Matériaux, les Procédés et les Surfaces
Help of the ANR 689,326 euros
Beginning and duration of the scientific project:
August 2012
- 36 Months