DE19848863C1 - Making screen-printed reflective transfer commences by mounting substrate, for printing with transfer adhesive and reflective color which are dried, raising reflective particles - Google Patents

Abstract

A substrate is mounted and printed with a transfer adhesive (2). This is printed with a reflective color (3). Adhesive and color are dried. An Independent claim is included for the reflective transfer made as described.

Description

The invention relates to a method for producing a reflection transfer in the screen printing process as well as reflection transfer systems with this Processes are made. Under a reflection transfer in the sense of present invention is understood to be a transfer whose reflective Properties on the use of a color or a backing material based in which there are a large number of small reflective particles.

Such reflection colors have been known for a long time. The reflective property These colors are based on the fact that a multitude of small re reflecting particles. Such particles can be spherical in shape have and made of metal, glass, metal-coated glass or metal-coated Plastic. A suitable color is e.g. More colorful sold the trade names "Reflec 100" and "Reflec 200".

Colors are also known in which the reflection particles are in the form of There are splinters.

For the purposes of the present invention, reflection colors are also used to color loose or translucent. Understand carriers and paints, as far as they reflect xion particles included.

According to the prior art, such colors can only be used in screen printing di rect procedures are used without the reflective properties essentially Chen lose.  

In the direct screen printing process, the reflection color is directly on Printed on substrate. Textile and plastic webs can be used as substrates be applied. The printing of processed textiles, such as shirts, jackets and t-shirts are also possible.

The known direct screen printing process comprises the following steps:

• 1. Introduce and position the substrate to be printed in the Printing device,
• 2. optional printing / application of a primer, e.g. B. from plastisol,
• 3. Print / apply the reflection color.

Depending on the properties of the primer used and the reflection color can further drying steps between the individual process steps be provided.

Thanks to the direct screen printing process, high-quality prints can be printed on the mentioned substrates are created, the reflection color a very good Has reflectivity.

However, the direct screen printing process has a number of disadvantages. The Printing on ready-made textiles such as shirts or jackets is extreme difficult because of the existing seams or other applications on the textile interfere with or prevent printing. It is also an exact positioning of the textile to be printed in the printing device necessary, resulting in a leads to increased workload. Add to that the prefabricated textiles have to be brought to the printer workshop, which increases Transport costs entails. The printing of small series includes the complex retrofitting of the printing device, which is also disadvantageous.  

Especially with the frequent customer request for the printing of small series, which are then sold and depending on market demand to be printed several times, the necessity leads to the printing device to equip each one with the appropriate pressure devices increased work and cost.

To meet customer requirements for reusable small series, a better measure machine utilization due to reduced set-up times and the possibility of sheep fen, the application to the substrates regardless of the location of the print Transfer systems are known to be used to make devices.

The known screen printing transfer systems are manufactured and used as follows:
Submission of a transfer carrier, e.g. B. siliconized or waxed paper,
Applying / printing the color,
Applying / printing an adhesive.

If motifs are to be produced using the transfer systems mentioned, this is the case to print the motifs mirror-inverted on the transfer medium.

Such transfer systems can be inexpensive and in a simple manner hen quantities are produced.

The transfers made can be brought to the customer and there to the desired one using a simple transfer press Substrates are applied. It is possible that the end buyer from a Variety of pre-made substrates select the motif and on one of it can also apply individually selected substrate. By use Such transfer systems can be used at almost any point of sale  to provide substrates with motifs according to customer requirements will see.

The application takes place by placing the substrate in the transfer press and positioned, the transfer with the adhesive layer applied to the substrate brings and positioned the transfer with the help of a transfer press of pressure and possibly increased temperature applied to the substrate, which with the substrate provided with the motif is removed from the transfer press and the Transfer carrier is removed from the substrate.

It turns out, however, that when using reflection colors in the known Transfer systems that reflect colors after application to the substrate undesirably have hardly any reflection properties.

DE-AS 14 46 828 discloses a method for producing a reflect the transfer film and the transfer films made from it on one, coated with a heat-softening plastic Spherical reflection particles are carried into the surface when exposed to heat be introduced into the plastic layer. Then the cooled Plastic layer with the resulting reflection particles Layer sequence, consisting of a rubber binder, an optional Thermal barrier layer, an adhesive and finally a second carrier brought. The application is carried out by removing the second carrier and the Expose the adhesive side exposed to heat with the textile substrate is bound. Finally, the plastic-coated carrier is removed.

US-P-3 420 597 discloses a method of making a high reflectance coating on a rigid substrate, such as. B. a traffic sign. A color containing completely metal-coated micro- Spheroids applied to the substrate, after the paint has dried the micro-spheroids are raised above the surface of the color layer. In one  Another treatment step is the metal coating of the spheroids protrudes beyond the color layer, removed by etching, making a special advantageous reflectivity is achieved.

US Pat. No. 5,631,064 describes a method of making a reflect xion transfers, in which a back layer is presented, on which a thermo plastic plastic layer is applied, in which reflective Spheroids are around 30-40% of their circumference. Optionally, the A mirror layer can be applied to the surface of the spheroids. In a two stage process, a synthetic resin is first applied to the surface of the spheroids. Binder and then printed a transfer adhesive. With a figurine Chen representation, the printing has to be mirror-inverted.

The transfer is applied to a substrate, e.g. B. a textile with which Transfer adhesive side applied and glued. In conclusion, the Peeled back layer with the heat-softenable plastic layer, whereby the spheroids remain in the hardened binder layer.

AT-P-200 691 describes a liquid reflective paint in which a reflection is caused by a large number of small glass or metal particles.

The object of the present invention is to overcome the disadvantages of the prior art nik to overcome and a reflection transfer system and a process to provide its production, in which the reflection color after the trans fer has essential reflection properties on the substrate.

Another object of the present invention is a reflection transfer to provide system and a method for its production, in which we at least part of the reflection particles of the Re used according to the invention inflection paint are raised above the dried paint layer.  

The tasks are solved according to the characteristics of the independent claims. Preferred embodiments are set out in the dependent claims.

The invention is based on the finding that the reflections in the Reflection colors used according to the invention essentially by Refle xion particles that are raised above the surface of the cured colored layer. In the sense of the present invention this is understood that at least a part of the reflection particles used with a part protrude their surface from the surface of the color layer.

The method according to the invention for producing a reflection transfer systems does the following:

First, a basic carrier, hereinafter referred to as the basic medium, is presented for the transfer to be carried out. The base medium can in the usual way consist of a paper or plastic film with an adhesive-repellent surface. The adhesive-repellent properties are usually achieved by siliconizing or waxing the base medium. All conventional and known adhesive-repellent films and webs can be used as the base medium, the only restriction being that the surface of the base medium is sufficiently adhesive-repellent to ensure non-destructive detachment of an applied adhesive layer. A suitable base medium is e.g. B. sold under the trade name NP 950 .

The adhesive-repellent surface of the base medium is screen printed a transfer adhesive is printed. The print will be true to the page executed according to the desired motif. This is in different, free selectable motifs, as surface or free-standing, possible. Under freiste Motives are understood as motives that do not consist of at least two interconnected parts exist.  

Common heat and pressure sensitive adhesives for trans heel systems are used. A suitable adhesive is e.g. B. the under the Trade names Metratan FT 421 available adhesive.

In a preferred embodiment, an optional work step the adhesive layer is dried on the base medium. This can be done using a Dry section or another known way to happen.

In the following step, the reflection color is applied to the adhesive layer printed by screen printing. As far as a motif is to be displayed, it is printed on the right side in the top view. The imprint can be in usually done in one or more colors.

A drying step is then carried out, in which the printed Reflective paint and, if necessary, the adhesive layer are dried. This can through a drying section or other known means.

The finished transfer, that of the adhesive layer and the reflection color is formed and is on the base medium, with a self-adhesive end, flexible transmission medium, preferably coated over the entire surface or covered. The known transmission medium can consist of a film or paper with a usual transfer adhesive is coated. After mounting the transmission medium, this can Transfer to the application. The application is neither time spatially linked to the creation of the transfer.

For application, the base medium is removed from the transfer and the Layer of adhesive exposed. The transfer is done with the adhesive layer laid out from the substrate and using a heat transfer press Pressed on. The adhesive bonds with the respective one  Substrate. In the home area, the transfer can also be done e.g. B. by means of an iron be performed.

Finally, the transmission medium, if necessary after cooling, from the now coated substrate stripped.

The reflection colors used in the method according to the invention are Colors whose reflectivity for incident light is based on the fact that in there are reflecting particles in the color mass. This reflective part Chen can be made of metal, glass, metal-coated glass or metal-coated plastic. The reflection particles can be spherical or near be spherical and / or have the form of splinters or needles. The through knife of spherical or almost spherical particles is in the range of 10 to 110 microns, preferably 25 to 40 microns. The longitudinal extent of the splinters or Needles are in the range of 10 to 110 microns, preferably 40 to 80 microns.

The color composition can also contain one or more pigments, thereby supervision and appearance are improved in daylight. Farther the reflection appears colored in the dark.

The method according to the invention advantageously makes use of the Er knowledge use that by the drying step of the up reflection color brought the reflection properties of the reflection color Lich improved. This trick creates a transfer that has the handling advantages of a transfer and at the same time a reflect Xions ability, as previously only by the direct screen printing process was achieved.

Without wishing to limit itself to this, it is assumed that it is through the process step of drying and curing comes that the over the color layer raised reflection particles are fixed in this position.  

This effect is supported by the fact that in the drying process a Vo lumen loss of the color layer and thus a reduction in the layer thickness occurs, especially through the discharge of water and / or solvents. By the reduction of the layer thickness during the drying or curing process it can happen that further reflection particles over the Raising the surface of the color layer and making it available for reflection stand. The reflection particles can be around 30% of their diameter or their linear expansion over the surface of the dried color layer raise.

Brief description of the figures:

Fig. 1 shows a transfer which was manufactured according to the inventive method after the step of drying the reflection ink.

Fig. 2 shows a product made by the inventive process transfer with applied transfer sheet.

Fig. 3 shows a product manufactured with the inventive method of transferring, is applied to a substrate and is exposed to light.

Fig. 4 shows a transfer according to the prior art, in which the reflection color is applied to the transfer carrier.

Fig. 5 shows a transfer according to the prior art of FIG. 4, wherein further transfer adhesive is applied.

Fig. 6 shows a transfer according to the prior art which is applied to a substrate and is exposed to light.

Fig. 1 shows a transfer after the step of drying the ink layer, consisting of the base medium 1 on which the transfer adhesive 2 is printed by screen printing. The ink layer 3 is correctly printed onto the transfer adhesive 2 using the screen printing process. At least part of the reflection particles 4 contained in the color layer 3 are raised with a part of their circumference over the free surface of the dried and hardened color layer.

FIG. 2 shows a reflection transfer produced according to the method according to the invention as in FIG. 1, a transfer film 5 provided with an adhesive being also applied to the color layer 3 . The flexion particles 4 are no longer pressed into the hardened ink layer 3 by the transfer film 5 .

Fig. 3 shows a product made by the inventive process Refle xionstransfer comprising the transfer adhesive 2, the dried and hardened ink layer 3 with the raised reflection 4, wherein the transfer is applied to the substrate 6. Furthermore, the incident light beams 7 can be seen, which are reflected by the reflection particles 4 .

Fig. 4 shows a transfer according to the prior art in the manufacturing step, wherein the reflection color 3 'is applied to the transfer carrier 5 '. The side of the color layer 3 ', which later forms the surface facing the light, faces the transfer carrier 5 '. The reflection particles 4 'rise on the side of the color layer 2 ' which later faces the substrate. By contacting the color layer 3 'with the transfer carrier 5 ', the reflection particles 4 'cannot rise above the later outer surface of the color layer 3 '.

Fig. 5 shows a transfer according to the prior art in the manufacturing step in which the transfer adhesive 2 'is applied to the reflection paint 3 '.

It can be seen that the reflection particles 4 'raised above the surface of the color layer 3 ' are embedded in the transfer adhesive 2 '.

Fig. 6 shows a transfer according to the prior art, which is applied to a substrate 6, wherein the transfer adhesive 2 'located between the substrate 6 and the ink layer 3' is located. The side of the color layer 3 'facing the incident light 7 has no raised reflection particles 4 '. Due to the reflection particles 4 'embedded in the color layer 3 ' and the transfer adhesive 2 ', the incident light radiation 7 is reflected back only inadequately in order to exert a reflection effect.

Embodiment

In a fully automatic screen printing machine, equipped with a screen printing frame with a fabric covering from 21er-77er, a squeegee Multi-layer polyurethane and a metal squeegee becomes a silicone coated paper introduced as the base medium. Then a trans printed in a layer thickness of 100 to 300 µm. The transfer glue is in a drying section with an infrared dryer at a Drying temperature between 80-120 ° C dried. On the transfer adhesive becomes the reflection color or a mixture of reflection colors in a wet layer thickness of 100 to 300 µm printed on. Finally there is a Drying in a drying section with an infrared dryer at a Drying temperature between 80-120 ° C. On the finished transfer is a Transfer medium applied from a paper provided with adhesive.

Claims (7)

1. A method for producing a screen printing reflection transfer comprising the steps:
Presentation of an adhesive-repellent base medium ( 1 ),
Printing the base medium ( 1 ) with a transfer adhesive ( 2 ),
Printing the transfer adhesive ( 2 ) with a reflection ink ( 3 ),
Drying the reflection paint ( 3 ) and the transfer adhesive ( 2 ). 2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that a transmission medium is further applied to the dried and hardened reflection paint ( 3 ). 3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the trans ferklebmittel ( 2 ) after printing on the base medium ( 1 ) and before printing the reflection paint ( 3 ) is dried. 4. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that reflection particles ( 4 ) are used, which are spherical and have a grain diameter in the range of 10 to 100 microns, preferably 25 to 40 microns or which are in the form of fragments or needles and have a longitudinal extent in the range from 10 to 110 μm, preferably 40 to 80 μm, or mixtures thereof. 5. reflection transfer produced by a method according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising the layer sequence: base medium ( 1 ), transfer adhesive ( 2 ) and hardened reflection paint ( 3 ) with raised above the surface of the hardened reflection paint ( 3 ) reflection particles ( 4 ). 6. reflection transfer according to claim 5, characterized in that a transmission medium ( 5 ) is applied to the reflection color ( 3 ) with the raised reflection particles ( 4 ). 7. reflection transfer according to claim 5 or 6, characterized in that the reflection particles ( 4 ) are spherical and have a grain diameter in the range of 10 to 100 microns, preferably 25 to 40 microns or that they are in the form of splinters or needles with a longitudinal dimension in Range from 10 to 110 microns, preferably 40 to 80 microns or that they are mixtures of the above.