DE102010052075A1 - Method for generating texture layer on flexible substrate and semi-rigid substrate for producing textured graphic elements for gravure cylinder, involves superimposing texture layer on substrate surface of substrate - Google Patents

Abstract

The method involves superimposing texture layer (ET) on a substrate surface (S1) of a substrate (S) by printing a substance (T) by gravure printing. A composition comprises a solution of a printing ink and a solution of thickening medium which is mixed with the printing ink in a container. An independent claim is also included for a composition with a texture layer forming substance.

Description

The present invention relates to texturing in relief printing on flexible or semi-rigid (semi-flexible) substrates and to the improvement of a printing process, in particular of the method known as gravure printing. The invention makes it possible to produce textures in high relief on surfaces of flexible or semi-rigid substrates, thereby producing a differentiated optical effect on, for example, packaging, wrapping and decorative films, etc., through the formation of textured and contrasting areas with latent, tactile graphic elements to create.

As is well known, product packaging is usually an essential marketing tool for the brand and package content because the product presentation is continually presented to the consumer until product is purchased.

One of the most important distinguishing features between like products in the marketplace is basically the graphic design, where the combination of contrasting areas, i. H. Matt, shiny and colored areas, a differentiated optical effect causes. On the market come in the designated substrates currently different types of materials for the development of packaging with differentiated optical aspect used, such. As the development of dull or shiny areas by the application of paint, which can be created on the surface of one and the same packaging contrasting shiny or matte surfaces in high relief. Furthermore, this makes the substrates more resistant. In general, UV lacquers are used, i. H. Lacquers based on photoinitiators that can be applied to the printed and UV-dried paint.

The electron beam curing technique offers several advantages. For example, it enables the hardening of thick-film pigment systems and also uses less energy than heat curing. However, in addition to the high costs of consumer goods such as UV varnish and curing lamps, the corresponding equipment also entails high investment and maintenance costs.

Another disadvantage of the conventional method is that UV varnish is not applicable in all machines or conventional gravure printing systems, since it can make their re-use impossible.

The document no. Found in a database search. BR PI 9714201-8 A refers to a gravure printing process for the production of conventional abrasive surfaces with coated abrasive suitable for use in finishing, which are obtainable by applying abrasive grains, fillers, grinding aids, additives and a binder resin-containing formulations (substances) as graphic elements on a surface, wherein a gravure printing process is used which provides for viscosity and is controlled so that the applied formulation does not lose its shape before curing.

The further found document no. BR P10408273-7 refers to a printing ink and / or a printing varnish and its use for packaging materials, as well as to printing varnishes containing cyclohexane-polycarboxylic acid derivatives as constituents. The main disadvantage of this solution is that cyclohexane-polycarboxylic acid acts as a solvent and thereby prevents the development of textured areas.

It is an object of the invention to propose an improved possibility of producing a texture layer on flexible or semi-rigid, semiflexible substrates while substantially avoiding the disadvantages of the prior art.

In order to provide improvements for the consumer market, Applicant has developed a composition of a substance used as a printing ink and which may include lacquers, solvent or waterborne paints and mixtures thereof, which are produced using a likewise novel printing process for gravure printing systems created by texture effects of decorative elements on surfaces of flexible or semi-rigid substrates. In general, texturized and contrasting areas with latent, palpable graphic elements are produced on packaging in order to achieve a differentiated optical effect.

The term high relief is to be understood below as meaning any raised printed relief which, due to its grandeur over a substrate on which it is printed, causes an optical and / or tactile effect.

The object is achieved in a method for producing a texture layer on flexible substrates and semi-rigid substrates, for the creation of textured graphic elements, by applying the texture layer to a substrate surface of the substrate by printing a substance by means of intaglio printing, and for the substance to have a composition is used, which consists of a solution of a printing ink and a solution of a thickening agent, which are mixed in a ratio in the range of 5% to 50% v / v thickener in a volume of the solution of the ink. Furthermore, the Design of an engraving in a gravure cylinder used for gravure printing matched to the properties of the substance.

Soapstone, steatite or talc are preferably used as thickening agents. The thickeners are comminuted accordingly before use. In further embodiments of the invention, it is also possible to use further substances or substance mixtures as thickeners whose material properties likewise bring about an increase in the viscosity of the composition.

The composition can be prepared in further embodiments of the method with thickeners and / or anti-proliferation agents.

To carry out the method according to the invention, it is advantageous if the viscosity of the substance for producing the texture layer is adjusted in each case such that the substance introduced into a cup of the gravure cylinder permanently adheres to the surface of the substrate as a result of a gravure printing process. As is well known in the art, gravure cylinders typically have a multiplicity of wells on their surface, their arrangement and design, as well as the graphic element to be printed and the requirements of the process, such as ink properties, printing speed, properties of the substrate and the optical / tactile effect to be achieved by the texture of the texture layer. An important aspect is the good and as complete as possible or controlled emptying of the wells during the printing process.

In an advantageous embodiment of the method according to the invention, the graphic elements of the texture effect layer are in the form of a mapping with gray values of a gray value variation (tone scale) between 0% and 100%, the regions for the application of the substance being based on the spatial distribution of the gray values of the image be set on the substrate such that areas of the graphic elements, according to their respective gray values, are printed with the substance.

The grayscale variation may, for example, have an abrupt or stepwise progression across the image and serve to define the areas for application of the substance to the substrate, wherein in areas of the graphic elements that correspond to 100% of the tone curve, during the printing process, an application of the ink of 100% is done on the substrate. For example, the percentage correlation between gray value and order of the substance extends linearly over the entire tone curve (99%, 97%, 96%, etc.) until at a gray value of 0% no application of the substance takes place. Thus, a gray level of 0% corresponds to an unprinted area and a gray level of 100% to a solid area. This tonal range defines the contrast level of the print motif, and the image is provided once the texture layer texture and the desired contrast level of the print motif are determined.

If several layers of paints and / or varnishes are printed on the substrate, the above-explained procedure of assigning the gray values to individual or to the entirety of the layers can be applied.

A printed substrate may carry a plurality of layers, for example containing a plurality of completely or partially overlapping paint and / or paint layers or grid-like applied paint and / or paint layers. The texture layer is usually the outermost layer on a printed substrate.

• – des Herstellens eines Tiefdruckzylinders;
• – des Beschichtens mindestens derjenigen Bereiche der Oberfläche des Tiefdruckzylinders, mit einer Gravurschicht aus Kupfer, die als Matrize in dem Tiefdruckverfahren wirken;
• – des Einfärbens mindestens der die Gravurschicht aufweisenden Bereiche der Oberfläche des Tiefdruckzylinders mit einer kohlenstoffhaltigen Farbschicht;
• – des Kopierens eines Umkehrbildes (Negativ) der zu erzeugenden grafischen Elemente der Textureffektschicht auf den Tiefdruckzylinder, wobei die grafischen Elemente der Textureffektschicht in die Oberfläche des Tiefdruckzylinders als Anordnung von Näpfchen in einem Raster und mit Stegen zwischen den Näpfchen mittels einer energiereichen Strahlung eingraviert werden, wodurch über die mittels der energiereichen Strahlung eingravierten Bereiche die kohlenstoffhaltigen Farbschicht entfernt und die Gravurschicht freigelegt wird;
• – des chemischen Gravierens, bei dem die Oberfläche des Tiefdruckzylinders mit einer ätzenden Substanz in Kontakt gebracht wird und der Tiefdruckzylinder an den Bereichen, über welche die kohlenstoffhaltigen Farbschicht durch die energiereiche Strahlung entfernt ist, infolge eines Angriffs der ätzenden Substanz auf die Gravurschicht, graviert wird wobei eine Tiefe der Gravur von einer Breite der Stege des Rasters und von der Einwirkdauer der ätzenden Substanz auf den Tiefdruckzylinder abhängt;
• – des Entfernens der ätzenden Substanz von dem Tiefdruckzylinder;
• – des Entfernens der kohlenstoffhaltige Farbschicht durch Reinigung mit geeigneten Lösungsmitteln;
• – des Entfettens der Oberfläche des Tiefdruckzylinders;
• – des Beschichtens des Tiefdruckzylinders mit einer Chromschicht im elektrolytischen Chrombad.

The object is further achieved in a first method for producing a gravure cylinder for carrying out the method according to the invention for producing a texture layer on flexible substrates and semi-rigid substrates. The procedure is carried out with the steps:

• - the production of a gravure cylinder;
• Coating at least those areas of the surface of the gravure cylinder with a copper engraving layer acting as a die in the gravure printing process;
• - Dyeing at least the gravure layer having areas of the surface of the gravure cylinder with a carbon-containing ink layer;
• - Copying a reverse image (negative) of the graphic elements of the texture effect layer on the gravure cylinder, wherein the graphic elements of the texture effect layer are engraved in the surface of the gravure cylinder as an array of wells in a grid and with webs between the wells by means of high-energy radiation, whereby over the areas engraved by the high-energy radiation, the carbon-containing ink layer is removed and the engraving layer is exposed;
• - the chemical engraving, wherein the surface of the gravure cylinder is brought into contact with a corrosive substance and the gravure cylinder at the areas over which the carbonaceous ink layer is removed by the high-energy radiation, as a result of attack of the corrosive substance on the gravure layer, engraved wherein a depth of the engraving depends on a width of the ridges of the raster and on the duration of exposure of the etching substance to the gravure cylinder;
• Removing the corrosive substance from the gravure cylinder;
• - Removing the carbon-containing ink layer by cleaning with suitable solvents;
• - degreasing the surface of the gravure cylinder;
• - The coating of the gravure cylinder with a chromium layer in the electrolytic chromium bath.

The high-energy radiation is preferably a laser radiation.

The first method is called hybrid engraving because laser engraving is combined with chemical engraving. The corrosive substance may be an acid, e.g. For example, be perchlorethylene.

• – des Herstellens eines Tiefdruckzylinders;
• – des Beschichtens mindestens derjenigen Bereiche der Oberfläche des Tiefdruckzylinders, mit einer Gravurschicht, die als Matrize in dem Tiefdruckverfahren wirken;
• – des Übertragens der Kopie der grafischen Elemente des Textureffektes als Umkehrbild auf die Gravurschicht, wobei die grafischen Elemente der Textureffektschicht in die Gravurschicht als Anordnung von Näpfchen in einem Raster und mit Stegen zwischen den Näpfchen mittels einer energiereichen Strahlung eingraviert werden;
• – des Entfettens der Oberfläche des Tiefdruckzylinders;
• – des Beschichtens des Tiefdruckzylinders mit einer Chromschicht im elektrolytischen Chrombad.

The object is also achieved in a second method for producing a gravure printing cylinder for carrying out the method according to the invention for producing a texture layer on flexible substrates and semi-rigid substrates. The second method is done with the steps:

• - the production of a gravure cylinder;
• Coating at least those areas of the surface of the gravure cylinder, with an engraving layer acting as a die in the gravure printing process;
• - transferring the copy of the graphic elements of the texture effect as a reverse image to the engraving layer, wherein the graphic elements of the texture effect layer are engraved into the engraving layer as an array of wells in a grid and with webs between the wells by means of high energy radiation;
• - degreasing the surface of the gravure cylinder;
• - The coating of the gravure cylinder with a chromium layer in the electrolytic chromium bath.

The high-energy radiation is preferably a laser radiation with which a direct laser engraving is carried out in the engraving layer.

For the application of direct laser engraving, the engraving layer of the gravure cylinder may consist of a metal, such as nickel, or of natural or synthetic elastomers.

• – des Herstellens eines Tiefdruckzylinders;
• – des Beschichtens mindestens derjenigen Bereiche der Oberfläche des Tiefdruckzylinders, mit einer Gravurschicht, die als Matrize in dem Tiefdruckverfahren wirken;
• – des Übertragens der Kopie der grafischen Elemente des Textureffektes als Umkehrbild mittels einer autotypischen Gravur, bei der eine Fotolithographie, welche die graphischen Elemente des Textureffektes enthält, mit einer, durch UV-Strahlung aktivierbaren, fotosensiblen Lösung versehen wird und die Fotolithographie zwischen dem Matrizenzylinder und einer Astralonfolie gepresst und diese gesamte Anordnung bei gleichzeitigem Abrollen der Fotolithographie auf dem Tiefdruckzylinder mit UV-Strahlung beaufschlagt wird;
• – des Entfernens der fotosensiblen Lösung von dem Tiefdruckzylinder;
• – des Entfettens der Oberfläche des Tiefdruckzylinders;
• – des Beschichtens des Tiefdruckzylinders mit einer Chromschicht im elektrolytischen Chrombad.

The object is achieved in a third method for producing a gravure printing cylinder for carrying out a method for producing a texture layer on flexible substrates and semi-rigid substrates. The third method is done with the steps:

• - the production of a gravure cylinder;
• Coating at least those areas of the surface of the gravure cylinder, with an engraving layer acting as a die in the gravure printing process;
• - Transfer of the copy of the graphic elements of the texture effect as a reverse image by means of an autotypic engraving, in which a photolithography containing the graphic elements of the texture effect, provided with a, UV-activatable, photosensitive solution and the photolithography between the Matrizenzylinder and an Astralonfolie pressed and this entire arrangement is applied while rolling the photolithography on the gravure cylinder with UV radiation;
• The removal of the photosensitive solution from the gravure cylinder;
• - degreasing the surface of the gravure cylinder;
• - The coating of the gravure cylinder with a chromium layer in the electrolytic chromium bath.

The third method is called autotypical engraving (autotype).

The gravure cylinders made by the first to third methods of making a gravure cylinder are preferably used to create a texture layer on flexible or semi-rigid substrates.

The object of the invention is furthermore achieved by a composition of a texture-layer-forming substance, which is characterized in that the composition of the substance from a solution of a printing ink with a solution of a thickener, in a ratio in the range of 5% to 50%. v / v thickener consists in one volume of varnish solution. In addition to the thickener, the composition according to the invention may also contain anti-caking agents. It may be mixed with the solution of the ink in other embodiments of the composition, even a solution of an anti-caking agent. The substance thus contains between 5 and 50% v / v thickener.

A use of the composition according to the invention is preferably carried out in a process for producing a texture layer on flexible or semi-rigid substrates.

• 1) Entwurf und Vorbereitung eines Druckmotivs, beispielsweise durch Entwicklung von abgegrenzten, für das Aufbringen der Texturschicht vorgesehenen Bereichen in einem Layout des Substrates, z. B. einer Verpackung oder einer Hülle, um mittels latenter und erhabener Bildelemente Kontraste auf dem Substrat zu schaffen;
• 2) Aufbringen eine Gravurschicht als Grundlage einer Matrize für ein Tiefdruckverfahren auf der Oberfläche eines Tiefdruckzylinders und Vorbereiten dieser Matrize, beispielsweise durch Aufbringen einer weiteren Beschichtung;
• 3) Gravieren der grafischen Elemente, d. h. Gravur der Texturschicht in den Tiefdruckzylinder, wobei dieser Schritt mittels einer der folgenden Gravurmethoden erfolgt: Hybridgravur, Autotypie oder direkte Lasergravur;
• 4) Herstellen der Zusammensetzung der Substanz für das Tiefdruckverfahren;
• 5) Bereitstellen eines flexiblen oder eines halbsteifen Substrats für das Tiefdruckverfahren;
• 6) Durchführen des Tiefdruckverfahrens und
• 7) Erzeugen der Textur der Texturschicht.

The steps for creating the texture layer can be described as follows:

• 1) Design and preparation of a print motif, for example, by development of delineated areas provided for applying the texture layer in a layout of the substrate, e.g. As a packaging or a case to to create contrasts on the substrate by means of latent and raised picture elements;
• 2) applying a gravure layer as the basis of a die for a gravure printing on the surface of a gravure cylinder and preparing this die, for example by applying a further coating;
• 3) Engraving the graphic elements, ie engraving the texture layer in the gravure cylinder, this step being carried out by means of one of the following gravure methods: hybrid engraving, autotype or direct laser engraving;
• 4) preparing the composition of the substance for the gravure printing process;
• 5) providing a flexible or semi-rigid substrate for the gravure printing process;
• 6) performing the gravure printing process and
• 7) Create the texture of the texture layer.

The composition of the substance used for producing a texture of a texture layer is preferably obtained by mixing lacquer and / or paint on a solvent or water basis with a solution of a thickening agent, such. Soapstone, steatite, talc and the like, preferably in the ratio of 5% to 50% thickener: 1 liter of varnish solution, the composition being in one of the steps of the improved printing process for creating textures of a texture layer in the high relief on the Surface of flexible or semi-rigid substrates is added.

To this end, the improved printing process involves some steps associated with conventional gravure printing, but allows the combination of different elements in some process steps to achieve the creation of a texture layer with textures in high relief, their effects on the optical, decorative and tactile appearance Represents innovation. Thus, the invention offers the possibility of printing palpable, graphic elements in the high relief on flexible or semi-rigid for the gravure area certain materials as a unique feature and inventive feature.

The final product, d. H. the texture layer with a texture effect, by combining different elements of the specified process steps, such as. G. The engraving step of the gravure cylinder and the varnishes used with thickening and / or anti-proliferating agents, the steps involved being interdependent and critical to achieving the texture effect.

Thus, the texture of the texture layer in the high relief is generally characterized by the contrasts between the starting material and the print, as well as the application thickness of the substance.

The main advantage of the high-relief printing method according to the invention is that it enables the extension of the usual steps of the intaglio printing process by various elements, whereby a stronger optical, decorative and tactile effect is achieved, without substantially increasing the costs in comparison to similar methods. A heating step for drying and solidification of the substance is not required due to the high viscosity of the substance.

To further explain the features of the present invention and in accordance with a preferred embodiment thereof, as a supplement to the present description, there are provided drawings which are non-limiting examples.

Show it:

1 : a schematic representation of a conventional gravure printing machine with its main components (prior art);

2 : an enlarged section of the 1 with a schematic representation of the pressure of a substance on a substrate (prior art);

3 a block diagram of the gravure printing method according to the invention;

4a : a schematic representation of the design of a layout;

4b : a schematic representation of the texture layer design;

4c a schematic representation of a printed substrate;

5 : a schematic representation of different image planes of a layout according to 4a ;

6 : a schematic representation of a gravure cylinder with engraving layer;

7a : a schematic representation of the coating of the gravure cylinder with a carbon-containing ink layer for a hybrid engraving;

7b : a schematic representation of the engraving with a high-energy radiation during a hybrid engraving;

7c : a schematic representation of the chemical engraving with a corrosive substance during a hybrid engraving;

7d : a schematic representation of an engraved gravure cylinder with a chrome layer;

7e a schematic representation of an arrangement for the copy of graphic elements by means of a photolithography on a gravure cylinder;

7f a schematic representation of an arrangement for direct laser engraving on a gravure cylinder;

8th a schematic representation of an arrangement for generating a texture layer and an enlarged detail illustration shown;

9 : A schematic representation of a substrate with a texture layer and an enlarged detail illustration of the layer structure over the substrate.

One of the commercially available methods for applying graphic representations to flexible or semi-rigid packaging materials is the gravure printing process with a printing press, as described in US Pat 1 is shown. This consists of: an unwinder a, a rewinder b, a plurality of tension rollers c, a heating unit d, an impression cylinder e, a gravure cylinder CL, a tray g, a paint container h, a doctor / counter blade unit i, and a drive unit with Traction control j. A substrate S to be printed is guided by the rewinder a between the impression cylinder e and the gravure cylinder CL to the rewinder b and pressed between the impression cylinder e and the gravure cylinder CL.

As 2 shown, the gravure cylinder CL engravings GV (in the bas-relief), for example in the form of wells AL, a substance T as a printing ink, a paint or a mixture of ink, paint and / or other components, from the tub g record and after stripping the excess ink by the doctor / counter blade unit i to the surface S1 of the substrate S, leave.

In this case, the unprinted substrate S is in the form of a coil which is mounted on the machine inlet arranged Abwickler a and in turn is unwound and guided over a number of tension rollers c until it reaches the printing unit, from the gravure cylinder CL, the impression cylinder e and the squeegee / counter blade unit i is composed. If the substrate S is present between the gravure cylinder CL and the impression cylinder e, it is printed by the pressing of the impression cylinder e with the graphic elements GR.

The squeegee / counter blade unit i allows the substance T to remain exclusively in the wells AL and excess substance T is removed from the surface of the gravure cylinder CL, so that the single substance T containing area, which is applied to the substrate S, inside the well AL is and thus forms, together with the webs ST between the wells Al, a grid R. Then, the substrate S passes through the heating unit d, which serves to evaporate remaining liquid residues, such as paint or paint solvent. Finally, the printed substrate (S) is rewound onto the rewinder b.

The steps for producing the texture layer by means of the method according to the invention can be determined on the basis of 3 describe as follows:

First step 1 : Design and preparation of a print motif, for example by development of delimited areas provided for applying the texture layer ET in a layout of the substrate S, e.g. As a packaging or a shell to create by means of latent and raised pixels contrast on the substrate S.

Second step 2 Applying an engraving layer as the basis of a die M for a gravure printing process on the surface of a gravure cylinder CL and preparing this die M, for example by applying a further coating.

Third step 3 Engraving the inverse images of the graphic elements GR, ie engraving the texture layer in the gravure cylinder, this step using one of the following gravure methods: hybrid engraving, autotype or direct laser engraving.

fourth step 4 Preparation of the composition of the substance S for gravure printing.

Fifth step 5 By providing a flexible or semi-rigid substrate S for gravure printing.

Sixth step 6 : Performing the gravure printing process.

Seventh step 7 : Creating the texture of the texture layer ET.

The texture of the texture layer ET in the high relief on substrate surfaces S1 of flexible or semi-rigid substrates S has been developed to provide textured and contrasting areas with latent, tactile image elements for achieving a differentiated optical and tactile effect on flexible packaging, wrapping, decorative sheeting and the like.

According to the present invention, the texture layer ET formed on the substrate surface S1 of the substrate S is formed with graphic elements GR in high relief printing, by applying a composition in one of the steps (FIG. 1 to 7 ) of the printing process, wherein the composition of the substance T is formed by mixing a solution of a paint and / or a paint (printing ink) AS with a solution of a thickening agent SE, for example soapstone, steatite. Talc and the like, in a ratio of 5% to 50% v / v thickener: 1 l solution of the printing ink AS.

The improvements in the printing process for creating the texture layer ET using the composition provide for the following sequence of steps:
According to 4a to 4c Design and preparation of the graphic illustration, ie design of the layout L by development of demarcated areas for the application of a graphic element GR to produce contrast effects by latent and raised graphic elements GR of the texture layer ET, wherein said graphic elements GR by special image generation and Image processing programs are generated and the layout L of the packaging is designed so that it is in image layers 2a can be disconnected (see 5 ), this separation generally being based on the number of logotype printing 2 B , Texts 2c , Photographs 2d and in the texture layer ET with a color given by the graphic elements GR to create the texture layer ET. The graphic elements GR of the texture layer ET are in the form of a black and white image or photograph with a gray value variation between 0% and 100%. This gray value variation can also have a sudden or gradual course and serves to define the areas for the application of the substance T to the substrate S, wherein in areas of the graphic elements GR corresponding to 100% of the tone curve, during the printing process, an order of the substance T from 100% to the substrate (S). The percent correlation extends over the entire tone curve (99%, 97%, 96%, etc.) until no pressure is applied at 0%. Thus, 0% corresponds to a blank area and 100% to a solid area. This tonal range defines the contrast level of the print motif, providing a digital image for the subsequent step once the layout L and the desired contrast level of the print motif are determined.

Subsequently, the preparation of a die M on the gravure cylinder CL for the gravure printing process (see 6 In this step, the gravure cylinder CL receives copper engraving layer RC for introducing the engravings GV (inverted images / negatives of the graphic elements GR), the electrolysis coating operation and the final treatment of the surface of the gravure cylinder CL with a polishing machine. For direct laser engraving, the engraving layer RC of the gravure cylinder CL can be made of a metal, such as nickel, or of natural or synthetic elastomers.

• – 1) Im Einfärbe- und Kopierschritt wird die Oberfläche des Tiefdruckzylinders CL mit einer dünnen Schicht schwarzer, kohlenstoffhaltiger Farbe NG überzogen, die üblicherweise als Schwarzschicht bezeichnet und mit einer Farbpistole oder mittels Ringen aufgetragen wird. Nach erfolgtem Auftrag der kohlenstoffhaltiger Farbe NG der Schwarzschicht wird auf den Tiefdruckzylinder CL ein Umkehrbild des Druckmotivs aufgebracht. Die grafischen Elemente GR des Texturschicht ET werden mit Hilfe eines Sublimationsverfahrens in die Oberfläche der Schwarzschicht eingraviert, wozu ein Laser LR eingesetzt wird. Bei der Festlegung des Druckmotivs für die Texturschicht ET wird auch die Art des für das Druckmotiv anzuwendenden Rasters R zum Zeitpunkt der Lasergravur festgelegt. Das Raster R ist entscheidend für den mittels der Texturschicht ET erzielten Effekt, da es gleichzeitig das Gravurvolumen bestimmt und die Reliefdicke der Texturschicht ET und der darin enthaltenen Texturen beeinflusst, wobei es zugleich die mechanische Widerstandsfähigkeit gegenüber durch den Druckvorgang bedingtem Verschleiß erhöht. Das Raster R kann aus Näpfchen AL unterschiedlicher Formen bestehen, z. B. linear, quadratisch, hexagonal und dergleichen, wobei für die Wahl der geeigneten Form eine gewünschte Gravurtiefe x (7c) und die Komplexität der Gravuren GV ausschlaggebend sind.
• – 2) Im Schritt, der chemischen Gravur (siehe 7c), wird der Tiefdruckzylinder CL mit einer ätzenden Substanz R', nämlich im Perchlorethylensäure, benetzt, wobei die ätzende Substanz R' aufgesprüht wird. Beim Kopieren legt der Laser LR auf dem Tiefdruckzylinder CL das durch die Schicht kohlenstoffhaltiger Farbe NG geschützte Kupfer der Gravurschicht RC frei, so dass die auf der Oberfläche des Tiefdruckzylinders CL vorhandenen Gravuren GV für die ätzende Substanz R' chemisch angreifbar bleiben. Die Tiefe x der Gravur GV hängt gleichzeitig von der Breite der Stege ST des Rasters R und von der Einwirkdauer der ätzenden Substanz R' ab und entspricht der Texturschicht ET und dem durch diese bewirkten Effekt, der auf dem Substrat S sichtbar und/oder tastbar wird.
• – 3) Der dritte Schritt der Gravur, bei dem auf die Gravuren GV und den Tiefdruckzylinder CL eine Chromschicht R'' aufgebracht wird (siehe 7d), verleiht dem Tiefdruckzylinder CL größere Beständigkeit gegen die Reibung und den Abrieb, denen er während des Druckvorgangs ausgesetzt ist. Die Chrombeschichtung R'' wird im Chrom-Elektrolysebad elektrolytisch erzeugt. Dieser Schritt sieht zunächst den Abtrag der Schicht kohlenstoffhaltiger Farbe NG durch Reinigen mit geeigneten Lösungsmitteln so vor, dass die Kupferoberfläche vollständig frei gelegt wird. Die Oberfläche des Tiefdruckzylinders CL wird entfettet, bevor sie in das Chromsäurebad für das Elektrolyseverfahren zum Abscheiden von Chrom eingetaucht wird. Die auf der Kupferoberfläche abgeschiedene Chromschicht R'' bleibt an der Oberfläche, d. h. sie wirkt sich nicht auf die Tiefe x der Gravur GV aus.

This is followed by the generation of engravings GV, ie engraving of the graphic elements GR of the texture layer ET, into the gravure cylinder CL by means of the following three hybrid engraving basic steps: 1) inking and copying, 2) chemical engraving and 3) chromium plating (see 7a . 7b . 7c . 7d );

• - 1) In the inking and copying step, the surface of the gravure cylinder CL is coated with a thin layer of black, carbon-containing ink NG, which is commonly referred to as a black layer and applied with a paint gun or by means of rings. After the application of the carbon-containing ink NG of the black layer, a reverse image of the print motif is applied to the gravure cylinder CL. The graphic elements GR of the texture layer ET are engraved by means of a sublimation process into the surface of the black layer, using a laser LR. When determining the print motif for the texture layer ET, the type of raster R to be used for the print motif is also determined at the time of the laser engraving. The raster R is critical to the effect achieved by the texture layer ET, as it simultaneously determines the engraving volume and affects the relief thickness of the texture layer ET and the textures contained therein, while increasing the mechanical resistance to wear caused by the printing process. The grid R may consist of well AL different shapes, z. B. linear, square, hexagonal and the like, wherein for the choice of the appropriate shape, a desired engraving depth x ( 7c ) and the complexity of engraving GV are crucial.
• - 2) In step, the chemical engraving (see 7c ), the gravure cylinder CL with a corrosive substance R ', namely in perchlorethylene, wetted, wherein the corrosive substance R' is sprayed on. During copying, the laser LR releases the copper of the engraving layer RC protected by the layer of carbon-containing ink NG on the gravure cylinder CL, so that the engravings GV present on the surface of the gravure cylinder CL remain chemically vulnerable to the corrosive substance R '. The depth x of the engraving GV simultaneously depends on the width of the webs ST of the screen R and on the duration of action of the etching substance R 'and corresponds to the texture layer ET and the texture caused by them Effect that becomes visible and / or palpable on the substrate S.
• - 3) The third step of the engraving, in which on the engravings GV and the gravure cylinder CL a chromium layer R '' is applied (see 7d ), gives the gravure cylinder CL greater resistance to the friction and abrasion it is subjected to during the printing process. The chromium coating R "is electrolytically produced in the chromium electrolysis bath. This step initially provides for the removal of the layer of carbonaceous paint NG by cleaning with suitable solvents so that the copper surface is completely exposed. The surface of the gravure cylinder CL is degreased before being immersed in the chromic acid bath for the electrolysis process for depositing chromium. The deposited on the copper surface chromium layer R '' remains at the surface, ie it does not affect the depth x of the engraving GV.

The engraving step may be autotypical in a further embodiment of the method according to the invention, wherein it takes place by means of a photosensitive solution, which in turn is activated by UV light UV (see 7e and 7f ). The copy of the graphic elements GR of the texture layer ET is transmitted as a reverse image by means of a photolithography FO which contains the graphic elements GR of the texture layer ET. This is pressed between the gravure cylinder CL and an Astralon FL film, this entire arrangement is irradiated while rotating with a UV lamp. The further procedure is the same as in hybrid engraving, wherein in the case of the mentioned direct laser engraving a laser LR engraves the graphic elements GR of the texture layer ET in the bas-relief directly into the surface of the gravure cylinder CL (see 7f ). The Astralon foil helps to press the photolithography FO against the gravure cylinder CL at the moment of transfer. It is transparent to UV radiation.

for producing the texture layer ET ( 8th ) requires the substance T suitable for the substrate S used viscosity, which depends on the type of paint or the printing ink, the printing speed, the doctor angle α, the printing process, the nature of the grid R and the depth x of the engraving GV, because each of the mentioned parameters can directly influence the appropriate choice of the viscosity measure. To achieve the ideal effect of the texture layer ET, the composition, ie the solution AS of lacquer or printing ink, is used with a solution of the thickening agent SE and / or anti-proliferation agent.

In the 8th is shown, in particular in the enlarged view, how the substance T is printed on the substrate S, there adheres and without running on the substrate S remains and forms the graphic elements GR.

The substrate S may be flexible or semi-rigid, such as. As polyester, PVC, BOPP, polyethylene, aluminum, paper, cardboard and the like, since each substrate S has properties that are most suitable for the particular application, such as: protection of the product, cost, practicality and production suitability, handling, presentation and decorative function, wherein to produce the texture effect, the outside must be the print side.

The printing process is done using a conventional gravure printing system. The final product, d. H. the texture layer ET is obtained by the combination of different elements of the mentioned steps, e.g. As the engraving of the gravure cylinder CL, the paint or ink types that are used together with thickening SE or anti-proliferation agents, these steps are related and are crucial for the production of the effect of the texture layer ET.

Thus, the texture layer ET in high relief printing is characterized by the contrasts between the substrate S and the printed substance T, as well as by the application thickness of the substance T.

In the 9 is a section through a substrate S with existing on the substrate surface S1 layers (indicated by two shades) and the overlying texture layer ET, which is formed by a printed substance T. Due to different configurations of the wells AL of the gravure cylinder CL used for printing (both in 9 not shown), the two raised areas of the texture layer ET have different surfaces from each other, which cause different optical and tactile effects and sensory impressions in the viewer and consumers. The non-elevated region of the texture layer ET originates from a ridge ST of the raster R forth.

It is understood that in the practice of the present invention, changes may be made in certain design details without departing from the principles clearly set forth in the claims, which are to be understood as non-limiting.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

a

liquidator

b

rewinder

c

tensioners

d

heating unit

e

Impression cylinder

G

tub

H

paint container

i

Squeegee / counter-knife unit

j

Drive unit with traction control

T

substance

S

substratum

S1

substrate surface

ET

texture layer

AL

wells

AS

solution

IT

thickener

L

layout

M

die

GR

graphic element

GV

engraving

CL

Gravure cylinders

RC

engraving layer

NG

Carbon-containing color layer

R

grid

R '

corrosive substance

R ''

chromium layer

α

squeegee angle

x

Depth (the engraving)

UV

UV radiation

FL

Astralonfolie

FO

photolithography

ST

web

2a

image slices

2 B

logotypes

2c

text

2d

photography

QUOTES INCLUDE IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list of the documents listed by the applicant has been generated automatically and is included solely for the better information of the reader. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions.

Cited patent literature

• BR 9714201-8 A [0006]
• BR 10408273-7 [0007]

Claims (10)

A method for producing a texture layer on flexible substrates and semi-rigid substrates, to create textured graphic elements, characterized in that the texture layer (ET) by printing a substance (T) by means of gravure printing method on a substrate surface (S1) of the substrate (S) is applied and in that for the substance (T) a composition is used consisting of a solution of a printing ink (AS) and a solution of a thickening agent (SE) which is present in a ratio in the range of 5% to 50% v / v thickener (SE ) are mixed in a volume of the solution of the printing ink (AS). A method according to claim 1, characterized in that as a thickener (SE) soapstone, steatite or talc is used. Method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the graphic elements (GR) of the texture effect layer (ET) to be generated are present in the form of a mapping with gray values of a gray value variation between 0% and 100%, the spatial values being based on the spatial distribution of the gray values Areas for the application of the substance (T) to the substrate (S) are set such that areas of the graphic elements (GR) are printed according to their respective gray values with the substance (T). Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the viscosity of the substance (T) for producing the texture layer (ET) is adjusted in each case such that the substance (T) introduced into a cup (AL) of the gravure cylinder (CL) is released as a result Gravure printing permanently adhering to the surface (S1) of the substrate (S) is printed. A method for producing a gravure cylinder for carrying out a method according to claims 1 to 4, comprising the steps: - Making a gravure cylinder (CL); Coating at least those areas of the surface of the gravure cylinder (CL) with a copper engraving layer (RC) acting as a die (M) in the gravure printing process; - Dyeing at least the gravure layer (RC) having areas of the surface of the gravure cylinder (CL) with a layer of carbonaceous paint (NG); Copying an inverse image of the graphic elements (GR) of the texture layer (ET) to be produced on the gravure cylinder (CL), wherein the graphic elements (GR) of the texture layer (ET) in the surface of the gravure cylinder (CL) as an arrangement of wells ( AL) are engraved in a grid (R) and with webs (ST) between the wells (AL) by means of high-energy radiation, which removes the carbon-containing ink layer (NG) and exposes the engraving layer (RC) via the areas engraved by the high-energy radiation becomes; Chemical engraving in which the surface of the intaglio cylinder (CL) is brought into contact with a corrosive substance (R ') and the intaglio cylinder (CL) at the regions over which the carbonaceous ink layer (NG) is removed by the high-energy radiation , is engraved as a result of an attack of the corrosive substance (R ') on the engraving layer (RC), wherein a depth (x) of the engraving (GV) of a width of the webs (ST) of the grid (R) and of the exposure time of the etching Substance (R ') on the gravure cylinder (CL) depends; Removing the corrosive substance (R ') from the gravure cylinder (CL); - Removal of the carbonaceous ink layer (NG) by cleaning with suitable solvents; - Degreasing the surface of the gravure cylinder (CL); - The coating of the gravure cylinder (CL) with a chromium layer (R '') in the electrolytic chromium bath. A method for producing a gravure cylinder for carrying out a method according to claims 1 to 4, comprising the steps: - Making a gravure cylinder (CL); - coating at least those areas of the surface of the gravure cylinder (CL) with an engraving layer (RC) acting as a die (M) in the gravure printing process; - transferring the copy of the graphic elements of the texture effect as a reverse image to the engraving layer, wherein the graphic elements of the texture effect layer are engraved into the engraving layer as an array of wells in a grid and with webs between the wells by means of high energy radiation; - Degreasing the surface of the gravure cylinder (CL); - The coating of the gravure cylinder (CL) with a chromium layer (R '') in the electrolytic chromium bath. A method for producing a gravure cylinder for carrying out a method according to claims 1 to 4, comprising the steps of: - producing a gravure cylinder (CL); - coating at least those areas of the surface of the gravure cylinder (CL) with an engraving layer (RC) acting as a die (M) in the gravure printing process; Transferring the copy of the graphic elements (GR) of the texture layer (ET) as an inverted image by means of an autotypical engraving using a photolithography (FO) containing the graphic elements (GR) of the texture effect (ET), is provided with a UV-activatable photosensitive solution, and the photolithography (FO) is pressed between the gravure cylinder (CL) and an astral sheet (FL), and this entire assembly is simultaneously unrolled with photolithography (FO ) is applied to the gravure cylinder (CL) with UV radiation (UV); The removal of the photosensitive solution from the gravure cylinder (CL); - Degreasing the surface of the gravure cylinder (CL); - The coating of the gravure cylinder (CL) with a chromium layer (R '') in the electrolytic chromium bath. Use of a gravure printing cylinder (CL) according to one of claims 5 to 7 for producing a texture layer (ET) on flexible or semi-rigid substrates (S). Composition of a texture layer-forming substance, characterized in that the composition of the substance (T) consists of a solution of a printing ink (AS) and a solution of a thickening agent (SE) in a ratio in the range of 5% to 50% v / v thickener (SE) are mixed in a volume of the solution of the printing ink (AS). Use of a composition according to claim 9 in a process for producing a texture layer (ET) on flexible or semi-rigid substrates (S).

Images