CA2120496A1 - Process for transferring foils onto permanent substrates - Google Patents
Process for transferring foils onto permanent substratesInfo
- Publication number
- CA2120496A1 CA2120496A1 CA002120496A CA2120496A CA2120496A1 CA 2120496 A1 CA2120496 A1 CA 2120496A1 CA 002120496 A CA002120496 A CA 002120496A CA 2120496 A CA2120496 A CA 2120496A CA 2120496 A1 CA2120496 A1 CA 2120496A1
- Authority
- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- film
- pores
- mixtures
- plastics
- composite
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Abandoned
Links
Classifications
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B41—PRINTING; LINING MACHINES; TYPEWRITERS; STAMPS
- B41M—PRINTING, DUPLICATING, MARKING, OR COPYING PROCESSES; COLOUR PRINTING
- B41M5/00—Duplicating or marking methods; Sheet materials for use therein
- B41M5/025—Duplicating or marking methods; Sheet materials for use therein by transferring ink from the master sheet
- B41M5/0256—Duplicating or marking methods; Sheet materials for use therein by transferring ink from the master sheet the transferable ink pattern being obtained by means of a computer driven printer, e.g. an ink jet or laser printer, or by electrographic means
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B41—PRINTING; LINING MACHINES; TYPEWRITERS; STAMPS
- B41M—PRINTING, DUPLICATING, MARKING, OR COPYING PROCESSES; COLOUR PRINTING
- B41M5/00—Duplicating or marking methods; Sheet materials for use therein
- B41M5/025—Duplicating or marking methods; Sheet materials for use therein by transferring ink from the master sheet
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B44—DECORATIVE ARTS
- B44C—PRODUCING DECORATIVE EFFECTS; MOSAICS; TARSIA WORK; PAPERHANGING
- B44C1/00—Processes, not specifically provided for elsewhere, for producing decorative surface effects
- B44C1/16—Processes, not specifically provided for elsewhere, for producing decorative surface effects for applying transfer pictures or the like
- B44C1/165—Processes, not specifically provided for elsewhere, for producing decorative surface effects for applying transfer pictures or the like for decalcomanias; sheet material therefor
- B44C1/17—Dry transfer
- B44C1/1712—Decalcomanias applied under heat and pressure, e.g. provided with a heat activable adhesive
- B44C1/1716—Decalcomanias provided with a particular decorative layer, e.g. specially adapted to allow the formation of a metallic or dyestuff layer on a substrate unsuitable for direct deposition
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B44—DECORATIVE ARTS
- B44C—PRODUCING DECORATIVE EFFECTS; MOSAICS; TARSIA WORK; PAPERHANGING
- B44C1/00—Processes, not specifically provided for elsewhere, for producing decorative surface effects
- B44C1/16—Processes, not specifically provided for elsewhere, for producing decorative surface effects for applying transfer pictures or the like
- B44C1/165—Processes, not specifically provided for elsewhere, for producing decorative surface effects for applying transfer pictures or the like for decalcomanias; sheet material therefor
- B44C1/175—Transfer using solvent
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- G—PHYSICS
- G03—PHOTOGRAPHY; CINEMATOGRAPHY; ANALOGOUS TECHNIQUES USING WAVES OTHER THAN OPTICAL WAVES; ELECTROGRAPHY; HOLOGRAPHY
- G03C—PHOTOSENSITIVE MATERIALS FOR PHOTOGRAPHIC PURPOSES; PHOTOGRAPHIC PROCESSES, e.g. CINE, X-RAY, COLOUR, STEREO-PHOTOGRAPHIC PROCESSES; AUXILIARY PROCESSES IN PHOTOGRAPHY
- G03C11/00—Auxiliary processes in photography
- G03C11/12—Stripping or transferring intact photographic layers
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- G—PHYSICS
- G03—PHOTOGRAPHY; CINEMATOGRAPHY; ANALOGOUS TECHNIQUES USING WAVES OTHER THAN OPTICAL WAVES; ELECTROGRAPHY; HOLOGRAPHY
- G03G—ELECTROGRAPHY; ELECTROPHOTOGRAPHY; MAGNETOGRAPHY
- G03G7/00—Selection of materials for use in image-receiving members, i.e. for reversal by physical contact; Manufacture thereof
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G03—PHOTOGRAPHY; CINEMATOGRAPHY; ANALOGOUS TECHNIQUES USING WAVES OTHER THAN OPTICAL WAVES; ELECTROGRAPHY; HOLOGRAPHY
- G03G—ELECTROGRAPHY; ELECTROPHOTOGRAPHY; MAGNETOGRAPHY
- G03G7/00—Selection of materials for use in image-receiving members, i.e. for reversal by physical contact; Manufacture thereof
- G03G7/006—Substrates for image-receiving members; Image-receiving members comprising only one layer
- G03G7/0073—Organic components thereof
- G03G7/008—Organic components thereof being macromolecular
Landscapes
- Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
- General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
- Spectroscopy & Molecular Physics (AREA)
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Decoration By Transfer Pictures (AREA)
- Printing Methods (AREA)
- Color Printing (AREA)
- Organic Low-Molecular-Weight Compounds And Preparation Thereof (AREA)
Abstract
ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE
Patterns are applied on a foil by a printing or photocopying process and the thus obtained composition is transferred onto permanent substrates made of various materials. The use of thin, soluble or porous foils allows the modifications required for each application to be obtained. Foil base materials and solvents are provided whose combination increases the solubility of the foil above that of the applied inks or toner. The solubility gap between the foil and the toners/inks is further enlarged by the use of porous and particularly thin foils. This process allows all kinds of patterns to be transferred onto any sufficiently solid surface; the edge of the foil is barely perceptible and adherence is very strong. The disclosed process and foils are particularly useful for transferring patterns generated by colour or laser photocopiers and in at least one variation are environmentally and occupationally safe.
Patterns are applied on a foil by a printing or photocopying process and the thus obtained composition is transferred onto permanent substrates made of various materials. The use of thin, soluble or porous foils allows the modifications required for each application to be obtained. Foil base materials and solvents are provided whose combination increases the solubility of the foil above that of the applied inks or toner. The solubility gap between the foil and the toners/inks is further enlarged by the use of porous and particularly thin foils. This process allows all kinds of patterns to be transferred onto any sufficiently solid surface; the edge of the foil is barely perceptible and adherence is very strong. The disclosed process and foils are particularly useful for transferring patterns generated by colour or laser photocopiers and in at least one variation are environmentally and occupationally safe.
Description
2120~
. ~
s The preparation of prints or copies on paper, thin card or films has been kno vn for a long time; these can be stuck on to any kind of articles. Because of the heat occurring in the printing or copying process and the mechanical stresses, a high strength and hence a corresponding thickness is required for the paper or film.
When the film is stuck on to an article, the edge is clearly recognizable, even after lacquering over it.
Another method of image transfer consists in combining a coated paper with a self-adhesive film; this filrn cafi be stripped off the paper and be stuck to any kind of articles. Self-adhesive, detachable films are highly stressed when pulled off by the bonding of the adhesive to the coated backing, whereby a suitable film thickness is again needed. Self-adhesive films are moreover difficult to position, bubbles and creases can result and if correction of an error is necessary, there is a risk of damaging the permanent substrate.
Films which are disposed on a coated backing together with a dextrin adhesive which can be activated by water can be peeled off and transferred.
After the application of the peel-off image coated with an adhesive to the perrnanent substrate the typical peel-off image impression,results. In particular with the images which are transferred to more expensive articles, the usual peel-off technique leaves a very obtrusive effect of a foreign body.
With heat-sensitive surfaces (wax) there can be no therma1 transfer of thermal bonding, with surfaces sensitive to water (oxidizing metals) no dextrin adhesive should be used and with surfaces sensitive to solvents (plastics) no organic solvent should be used.
With all films coated with an adhesive the thickness of the adhesive adds to that of the film, whereby the film edge remains visible and detectable by feel and the undesirable impression of a peel-off image is created.
The different optical properties of the adhesive and the film frequently make the interface surfaces apparent, especially when the labeled body is turned in the light.
` ~ 212049~
A further disadvantage of the films coated with an adhesive consists in that the nature of the adhesion or of the adhesive is already determined in the production of the film-adhesive-backing composite; later choice of the mode of adhesion to match the purpose is no longer possible.
A cryotechnic method, not yet published (File: P 41 18 063.1) proposes to cool the article to be coated and the liquid adhesive sufficiently for a workingtemperature of less than + 10 Celsius to be maintained for the duration of the process.
The advantages of the process result from the cooling of the adhesive substance or the solvent which is held long enough in a weakly active state for the woricing p~ocess to be substantia11y comp1eted. In addition, problematic solvents can be used in this process because of the markedly reduced vaporization.
The production of edge-free peel-off images with the aid of films without an adhesive layer is included in the description of this process. However the use of the process entails cooling of the article to be labeled to less than 10 Celsius. Atemperature of minus 20 Celsius is recommended with peel-off images. The film cannot be softened by weak or aqueous solvents because of the necessary cold. It is relatively expensive to work at temperatures of rninus 20. If for example an automobile engine hood is to be labeled, the automobile or the removed engine hood has to be cooled. The process is to this extent only suitable with reservations for individual use, especially for applying films to large articles.
In the process outlined in DE 3 924 848 C1 copying is made directly on to a special paper coated with silicones or stearates. The toner can be released again from this paper and be transferred by a self-adhesive film, e.g. Scotch tape. Since the toner adhering to the film neutralizes the adhesive properties, the adhesion of the film is only partial. The process cannot be used with patterns having large toner areas, æ is usual with color copies.
In order to facilitate the release of the toner from the special paper, the adhesion of the toner is reduced by silicones or stearates. It is difficult for this reason to obtain a uniform, saturated black color in the copying with black and white copies.
The reject rate is very high~ depending of the pattern and the desired quality.
21~9~
With color copies, dark tones, especially dark green and dark gray, are hardly accepted or the toner already has marked tears and peels off already directly after the copying process. In the transfer of black tones and also the colored tones to the desired surface the adhesion of the toner to the coated backing again becomes apparent, but now in reverse forrn, negatively; the toner remains stuck to the surface of the special paper.
These problems also occur in the heat transfer provided in the cited processes.
The risk of faulty transfer, especially with larger patterns, and the difficultyof correcting an error limits the use significantly.
Processes in which dry toner is present in free or readily peeling form after the copying process suffer from a health risk on account of the allergy and carcinogenic effects of these materials.
Toner transfer methods which are carried out with solvents affecting health and the environment, such as methylene chloride, benzol, etc. for example, or which subject the workforce to prob1ems with odors, such as dimethyl sulfoxide in high concentration for example, are of limited use.
No description of porous films, which cai~ be penetrated by lacquers or solvents, and with which this property is made use of in the adhesion, can be found.
The objects of the present invention are films and their transfer to permanent substrates with the widest possible use, wherein the f~ properties allow of suchmodification that different modes of application of colors or toners can be used, durability and optical reproduction are satisfactoq and economical methods of pattern creation, such as copying for example, can be used.
The manufacture and especially the transfer of the films, as well as waste disposal are to be capable of being carried out in an environmentally friendly and user friendly manner.
The stàted object is met according to the invention by special porous or softenable films, the said properties preferably being combined; as well as by the use of special combinations of materials and substances, which facilitate a durable application t o the permanent substrate, without spoiling the pattern on the film.
. ~
s The preparation of prints or copies on paper, thin card or films has been kno vn for a long time; these can be stuck on to any kind of articles. Because of the heat occurring in the printing or copying process and the mechanical stresses, a high strength and hence a corresponding thickness is required for the paper or film.
When the film is stuck on to an article, the edge is clearly recognizable, even after lacquering over it.
Another method of image transfer consists in combining a coated paper with a self-adhesive film; this filrn cafi be stripped off the paper and be stuck to any kind of articles. Self-adhesive, detachable films are highly stressed when pulled off by the bonding of the adhesive to the coated backing, whereby a suitable film thickness is again needed. Self-adhesive films are moreover difficult to position, bubbles and creases can result and if correction of an error is necessary, there is a risk of damaging the permanent substrate.
Films which are disposed on a coated backing together with a dextrin adhesive which can be activated by water can be peeled off and transferred.
After the application of the peel-off image coated with an adhesive to the perrnanent substrate the typical peel-off image impression,results. In particular with the images which are transferred to more expensive articles, the usual peel-off technique leaves a very obtrusive effect of a foreign body.
With heat-sensitive surfaces (wax) there can be no therma1 transfer of thermal bonding, with surfaces sensitive to water (oxidizing metals) no dextrin adhesive should be used and with surfaces sensitive to solvents (plastics) no organic solvent should be used.
With all films coated with an adhesive the thickness of the adhesive adds to that of the film, whereby the film edge remains visible and detectable by feel and the undesirable impression of a peel-off image is created.
The different optical properties of the adhesive and the film frequently make the interface surfaces apparent, especially when the labeled body is turned in the light.
` ~ 212049~
A further disadvantage of the films coated with an adhesive consists in that the nature of the adhesion or of the adhesive is already determined in the production of the film-adhesive-backing composite; later choice of the mode of adhesion to match the purpose is no longer possible.
A cryotechnic method, not yet published (File: P 41 18 063.1) proposes to cool the article to be coated and the liquid adhesive sufficiently for a workingtemperature of less than + 10 Celsius to be maintained for the duration of the process.
The advantages of the process result from the cooling of the adhesive substance or the solvent which is held long enough in a weakly active state for the woricing p~ocess to be substantia11y comp1eted. In addition, problematic solvents can be used in this process because of the markedly reduced vaporization.
The production of edge-free peel-off images with the aid of films without an adhesive layer is included in the description of this process. However the use of the process entails cooling of the article to be labeled to less than 10 Celsius. Atemperature of minus 20 Celsius is recommended with peel-off images. The film cannot be softened by weak or aqueous solvents because of the necessary cold. It is relatively expensive to work at temperatures of rninus 20. If for example an automobile engine hood is to be labeled, the automobile or the removed engine hood has to be cooled. The process is to this extent only suitable with reservations for individual use, especially for applying films to large articles.
In the process outlined in DE 3 924 848 C1 copying is made directly on to a special paper coated with silicones or stearates. The toner can be released again from this paper and be transferred by a self-adhesive film, e.g. Scotch tape. Since the toner adhering to the film neutralizes the adhesive properties, the adhesion of the film is only partial. The process cannot be used with patterns having large toner areas, æ is usual with color copies.
In order to facilitate the release of the toner from the special paper, the adhesion of the toner is reduced by silicones or stearates. It is difficult for this reason to obtain a uniform, saturated black color in the copying with black and white copies.
The reject rate is very high~ depending of the pattern and the desired quality.
21~9~
With color copies, dark tones, especially dark green and dark gray, are hardly accepted or the toner already has marked tears and peels off already directly after the copying process. In the transfer of black tones and also the colored tones to the desired surface the adhesion of the toner to the coated backing again becomes apparent, but now in reverse forrn, negatively; the toner remains stuck to the surface of the special paper.
These problems also occur in the heat transfer provided in the cited processes.
The risk of faulty transfer, especially with larger patterns, and the difficultyof correcting an error limits the use significantly.
Processes in which dry toner is present in free or readily peeling form after the copying process suffer from a health risk on account of the allergy and carcinogenic effects of these materials.
Toner transfer methods which are carried out with solvents affecting health and the environment, such as methylene chloride, benzol, etc. for example, or which subject the workforce to prob1ems with odors, such as dimethyl sulfoxide in high concentration for example, are of limited use.
No description of porous films, which cai~ be penetrated by lacquers or solvents, and with which this property is made use of in the adhesion, can be found.
The objects of the present invention are films and their transfer to permanent substrates with the widest possible use, wherein the f~ properties allow of suchmodification that different modes of application of colors or toners can be used, durability and optical reproduction are satisfactoq and economical methods of pattern creation, such as copying for example, can be used.
The manufacture and especially the transfer of the films, as well as waste disposal are to be capable of being carried out in an environmentally friendly and user friendly manner.
The stàted object is met according to the invention by special porous or softenable films, the said properties preferably being combined; as well as by the use of special combinations of materials and substances, which facilitate a durable application t o the permanent substrate, without spoiling the pattern on the film.
2~ 2~9~
Environmental compatibility At least one user and environmentally friendly modification is provided according to the invention for the processes and films. Degradation, storage, burning or other me~od of disposal are more readily possible with an 0.02 mm thick porous film than with the usual non-porous film, 0.1 mm thick, used for copying purposes, simply on account of the substantially smaller amount of material.
Used for preference are thin, porous films of cellulose nitrate, which represents a truly substantial advantage in the sense of environmental compatibility compared with the conventional 5 to 10 times thicker films of po1yvinyl chloride, polyethylene chloride, etc.
The solvent mainly used with the process is an ethanol-water mixture, so that alcoholic drinks in accordance with food laws, e.g. Asbach or white rum, can be 1 5 used.
Other image transfer methods require use of dangerous or strong smelling solvents such as methylene chloride for example. In the image transfer process according to the invention the so!vent mainly used is at the same time permitted as a foodstuff.
Water-based lacquers with little solvent can be used for the film, the covering layer and coating or protective layer.
The films can in patticular be applied by laymen in simple and environmentally friendly manner in that the film is stuck to the permanent substrate with the aid of an ordinary drinking alcohol and protection and additional adhesion 2s are effected, if needed, by spraying with a water-based lacquer.
Porous Film Patterns or colors can be applied on films of lacquer base or plastics, preferably of alkyd, epoxide, acryl, styrol,cellulose nitrate, polyester, polyamide or polyurethane base; their compounds, mixtures, as well as their modifications attainable by means of geneMlly used substances such as softeners, film-formers, ---` 2120~9~
dyes, pigments, etc., by brushing on, extrusion lamination, spraying, painting, printing, copying, laser printing or a similar method. The thickness of the film ~-preferably amounts to less than 2.0 mm. To transfer the resulting composite of film and inks, pigments or toners to the surfaces of the permanent substrates it is advantageous if the composite has open or closed or open and closed pores, the terrn pores in general terms also comprising tears or other openings.
Bonding can take place through these pores from below, above or below and above, provided that the pore size is large enough to be permeable to the plastics dispersions or lac~uers employed. preferably of alkyd, epoxide, acryl, styrol, oellulose nitrate, polyester, polyamide or polyurethane base, as well as their compounds and mixtures, hardener solutions, as well as solvents, preferab1y a1cohols of the aliphatic series up to hexyl alcohol, dimethyl sulfoxide, formic acid, glycol, acetone, water and their mixtures, or these substanoes soften the composite and thereby enlarge existing micro-pores, so that the film becomes permeable to these substances.
~he adhesion of the composite takes place predominantly or entirely through the composite or in particular applications only in part, but at least to the extent that the adhesion made possible by the pores as a proportion of the total bonding amounts to at least 3%.
The pores should not interfere with the visual impression, and are preferably smaller than 2 mm2 after the transfer to the permanent substrate. The average pore density before the transfer to the permanent substrate should amount to at least 1 pore per dm2, preferably 4 pores per cm2, in particular 40 pores per cm2 or more.
In ~e simplest embodiment, only the film, preferably a colored film is transferred with on average one 2 mm pore per dm2 film. If a film of about 1 m2 is fixed with the aid of a water soluble adhesive, additional adhesion is obtained in this way through the pores. The pores or adhesion points prevent film the "fluttering"
or becoming completely released when the film is damaged or the adhesive is released.
With application of a covering or protective lacquer the adhesion takes place automatically from above through the pores, so that no specific working step or special adhesive is needed for the additional durability of the film.
-` `` 2120~9~
Mutual compatibility of the film and coating lacquer, as well as theiradhesive properties can be determined by simple experiments. With pore sizes between 2 mm and 0.01 mm practically all known films can be stuck in the manner according to the invention, simply by spraying an adhesive on to the film. With 5 suitably careful dosing in the spraying nearly all known lacquers, especially so-called water lacquers, can likewise be used. Adhesion from below is also possible in accordance with the invention. The adhesive or lacquer applied to the permanent substrate penetrates into the pores and plugs of adhesive result, which substantially improve the bond of the film. The adhesive or lacquer can also be applied to 10 excess so that the substance can be forced through the pores to the surface of the film, whereby an additional protective or adhesive function is obtained.
Film material and lacquer or solvent are so combined that mutual partial solution takes place and the resulting layer has adhesive and/or protective characteristics. The desired degree of the mutual solution is determined from tables 15 with are in daily use by the man skilled in the art.
In order to be able to apply a pattern by a printing or copying method to films whose thickness is less that 0.1 mm or which are especially sensitive, it is necessary to reinforce the films by an intermediate backing.
In order to be able to pull the film off the intermediate backing again, an 20 intermediate backing is used with a release agent, preferably an interrnediate backing coated with stearates or silicones. Th~ intermediate backing normally consists of paper or thin card. However other materials, such as say plastics, are provided for the process according to the invention. Intermediate backings of plastics fasilitate better storage properties with film thicknesses less than 0.005 mm 25 and with very sensitive films. After stripping off, the films are also somewhat smoother than with intermediate backings of paper.
An adhesive substance can, in acsordance with the invention be placed between the porous film and the coated backing. The substance can be activated by pressure, UV light, a solvent and water and create adequate adhesion. Additional30 adhesion is preferably effected through the pores, so that the adhesive substance between film and intermediate backing or its adhesive force can be relatively weak.
A porous film can be used with particular advantage if there is no adhesive '' :~
-``` 212~l~9~
substance between the film and the intermediate backing. The choice of the adhesive can then be made only when used. On account of the adhesion from above it is often sufficient to press the film on to the permanent substrate and then to apply lacquer.
In a further modification it is provided that the porous film is dissolved or softened by lacquer or a solvent and the resultant substance has adhesive properties.
With use of a solvent the adhesive substance results from the film and the solvent.
In an analogous modification of this process the adhesive substance can be formed from the permanent substrate.
A further possibility for fixing the film on the permanent substrate can be to use pressure and heat, the film being heated in known manner unhl it melts slightly and the molten phase effects adhesion.
With too high a temperature there is very rapid, irreversible damage to the pattern; on the other hand, with too low a temperature the adhesion is deficient.
15 With use of the film according to the invention the film can be "tacked on" at low temperature and then satisfactory strength be obtained by lacquering.
This application according to the invention is very advantageous especially with photo-copied patterns. Toners, which consist of particles of color sheathed in plastic, melt at about 140 to 180 but have the tendency to burst open before 20 reaching the melting point, so that the melting point on the film must be at the !ower limit of the toner melting point. Since the melt conditions with color toners vary with the color or the thickness of the toner layer, the transfer of photocopies to films requires suitable apparatus and experience. The reject rate is nevertheless very high. If however a porous film is used, the adhesion remaining necessary can 25 be provided from above with no problem, through the film.
Microporous film on backing An independent implementation of the object of the invention can be 30 obtained by the use of a microporous film of lacquer base or plastics, preferably of alkyd, epoxide, acryl, styrol, cellulose nitrate, polyester, polyamide or polyurethane base; their compounds, mixtures and the modifications attainable with substances in : ::
--- 2120~
.
general use, such as softeners, film forrners, dyestuffs, pigments, etc. ~ -A pattern is applied to the film by brushing on, extrusion lamination, spraying, painting, pnnting, copying, laser printing or a similar method and thecomposite of film and colors, pigments or toners is transferred to the surface of the 5 perrnanent substrate by adhesion.
The film has a thickness of less than O.OS mm, preferably less than 0.03 mm and is on a backing of paper, plastic or card coated with a release agent, preferably silicones or stearates, no adhesive substance being provided between the filrn and the coated backing.
The purpose of the coated backing is to ensure adequate strength of the film during the printing or copying process. After stripping off the coated backing the composite is bonded to the permanent substrate in that it is softened from below, above or below and above by solvents, hardener solutions, plastics dispersions or lacquers, preferably alcohols of the aliphatic series up to hexyl alcohol, dimethyl 15 sulfoxide, formic acid, glycol, aoetone and their mixtures, especially ethanol-water mixtures, the mixture thus formed having adhesive properties.
The thickness of the films or self-adhesive films in general use for printing or copying amounts in oontrast to about 0.1 mm. They are relatively resistant toweak solvents such as alcohol-water mixtures for example, so that no significant20 softening of the films with weak solvents is possible. With the use of stronger solvents such as acetone, dissolution of the film occurs with simultaneous destruction of the applied pattern.
The films aocording to the invention preferably have a thickness of 0.03 mm or less and can be softened by solvents. With special combinations of materials and 2s method procedures the rate of dissolution of the toner compared with the film is somewhat smaller, so that it is possible to soften the film, even in part to dissolve it fillly, without destroyirlg the pattern.
The color pigment or dry toner is in aocordance with the invention additionally fixed or embedded after application to the film by a oovering layer.
30 This results in a clear differential gradient in the solvent properties of the film and the toners with the use of weak solvents, especially such as ethanol, isopropanol, acetone, formamide, glycol, etc. diluted with water. With use of the materials and . ~` 2120~96 process steps prescribed by the invention it is possible to soften the film on application to the permanent substrate and to effect adhesion by the layer thus formed.
In the ideal case the toner color layer can sink down within the softened filrn to the permanent substrate during the fixing, without being destroyed.
The pattern is then fixed and bonded to the permanent substrate sufficiently for normal trade lacquers containing solvents to be applied.
In particular, the process can be used without restriction with the dry toners employed in copiers and laser printers. With very easily soluble toners and printing o inks the film thickness is increased and the composition of the solvent is altered accordingly; the solvent is thus weakened by ~inning.
Good results can be obtained if suitably weak solvent is used for the film material in question, say alcohol diluted with water, with a small addition of glycerine, whereby the film can "float and slide", so that exact positioning andproblem-free positioning are facilitated. In addition, an adhesive substance results from slight softening of the underside of the film, whereby there is resultant reduction of the film thickness as well as adhesion of the film.
If a solvent-containing lacquer is selected for the following application of a protective lacquer, which slightly softens the film from above and at the edges, it is possible to achieve a further reduction in the film thickness or at least a chamfering off of the edges, as well as additional adhesion.
A further and particularly advantageous embodiment of the invention lies in the combination of the film properties or the use of thinner, more soluble and also more porous film. :
After the printing or copying operation the film is stripped off and can be positioned without problems in that an article is so covered with solvent in theregion to be bonded that the film floats on this solution.
If the solvent is modified by generally known additives, such as softeners, cross-linking or slip agents for example, even large films can be positioned exactly without a lot of trouble on a problem surface, e.g. a curved engine hood.
The slight adhesion, say through a water-alcohol mix, at the underside of the film is in itself sufficient for simple applications. Tacking on can be obtained with 2120~f~ -- 1 o -20% volume ethanol. With 50% ethanol there is enough adhesion for demonstration purposes.
This small adhesion is shown in practice to be very advantageous in the application of large patterns to motor vehicles; the film thus applied can even after s some days be washed off with a strong water jet (high pressure cleaner), ethanol or nitro thinners.
The visual effect of a pattern, faults in the transfer or positioning, etc. can make the removal of a pattern necessary. Because of the cost-effective production even large area color patterns can be applied experimentally, i.e. solubly and 0 without damage to the lacquer. Experimental application of large patterns is a direct, substantial advantage with motor vehicles.
The application of the pattern can also be so effected in accordance with the invention that a weak adhesive is mixed in with the solvent or the solvent is so -modified with a stronger solvent, preferably ethanol-water with 80% ethanol, that it is durable in normal use but can if needed be removed again, preferably with nitro :
or universal thinners.
Permanent, strong adhesion and protection of the film are obtained by lacquering over with one of the usual automobile lacquers.
Lacquering can also be carried out with a water-based lacquer with subsequent heating.
The result of the combination according to the invention of a thin, sofienable, porous film with the described solvents and lacquers is that the applied film is very strongly bonded (diffusion bonding) and cannot be detected or only by closer observation. In the ideal case the film "sinks" into the surface of the article 2s in question.
Ln order to fix or embed printing inks or toners additionally or to reinforce the film, a covering layer of a suitable material is applied after the printing or copying process but before the application of the composite to the permanent substrate.
The covering layer can consist wholly or partially of the same materials or of materials with like or compatible properties as the film. For example, the film can be made from a nitrocellulose base and ~he covering layer be formed by '..:
. -- 2 ~ 2 .~
, 1 spraying on an acrylic lacquer.
The further processing can accordingly be effected in similar manner as with the film without a covering layer.
5 Production of porous films Porous films or porous coats of lacquer are in general not wanted; the base and additive materials, the manufacture and the processing are accordingly such that films are predominantly pore-free and thus impermeable to liquids.
In contrast it is desired in effecting the image transfer in accordance with theinvention that the~film which is used has pores, preferably of a size such that they can be hardly perceived by eye or not at all and are thus approximately in the region of 0.02 mm. At the same time the pores must be permeable to lacquer, solvent or adhesive.
The size of the pores for transferring photocopies can however be relatively large, accordingly around 0.1 mm, without the pattern being appreciably affected, since the pores narrow during the copying process. In the application of the covering layer or in the application to the permanent substrate, additional narrowing ~ ~;
can take place. At the latest however the pores are filled with lacquer when 20 lacquering the film and their visibility is thereby markedly reduced. The porous films which can be used according to the inveneion can be made by blow molding, casting, extrusion or calendaring, as well as by casting a foamed lacquer or plastics solution, or by spraying.
A porous film with a thickness less than 0.002 mm can be made by spraying 25 or lacquering on to a siliconized backing. Such thin films can take a printing or copying process but can only be softened with difficulty. In accordance with the :
invention these particularly thin and sensitive films are reinforced by spraying on lacquer after the application of inks or toners, to the extent that it is possible to pull them off the coated backing.
The film thickness preferably amounts to about 0.01 mm before the copying or printing process and it is then reinforced by a covering layer of about 0.01 mm, so that the thickness of the whole film amounts to about 0.02 mm. The film-~1 - 2~2~:.9~
, ~
thickness is always given without inks or toners since the thickness of the applied toner especially can exceed that of the film, depending on the color.
The film and covering layer preferably consist of compatible or homogenous materials and bond into one film.
This special mode of manufacture has the advantage that inks or toners are sandwiched between two film layers and are thus additionally protected from the influence of solvents, lacquers, adhesives, etc. during the application to the permanent substrate. A plastic or lacquer which favors reproduction and prints or copies well, say based on cellulose nitrate, can be used for the base layer of the 0 film, while the covering layer consists of a harder lacquer, e.g. with an acryl base.
In one simple embodiment of the invention, the film can have a thickness of about 0.02 mm, so that it can be stripped off directly after the copying operation without application of a covering layer. It is furthermore provided that the porous film is reinforced up to about 0.09 mm; it can thus withstand a printing or copying ~-process even without a backing.
Any sufficiently thinnable and sprayable iacquer or film base material can be ~;
used 3S the base material for the film, lacquers with an alkyd, acryl or cellulose nitrate basis being used for preference. Films fon image transfer are preferablytransparent but can also contain dyes. With most photocopiers the color white isnot created, so that it can be necessary to color the film suitably for transfer to dark articles. Modification of the spray substance by known additives such as softeners, fillers, colors, etc. can take place in known manner. A layer of 0.002 mm is preferably applied per spray operation to a backing coated with a release agent and the operation is repeated after complete drying until the desired thickness of the ~ ;~
25 layer has been formed.
The pores can be seen with a microscope at magnification 40 x 80; the pore size preferably lies between 0.2 mm and 0.02 mm; the pore density amounts to 50 to 200 pores per cm2.
It is to be noted that there is mostly a narrowing or reduction in the number ~-of pores in the printing or copying process. The size and number of the pores should take account of this. In accordance with the invention, the creation or enlargement of the pores can also take place after the printing or copying operation ~ -` 212V~9~
or the application of the covering layer.
A combination of a film made with pores and subsequent creation or enlargement of pores is easy to carry out and advantageous in many applications.In accordance with the invention it is provided to create or enlarge the pores S in the film also in an additional working step following the normal manufacturing process.
The pores can also be created or enlarged after the application of the colors, toners or pigments, a further application providing that the pores are created or enlarged selectively at the places coated by colors, toners or pigments. The pores can be created or enlarged in films with covering layers after the application of the covering layer.
The pores can be created or widened mechanically, thermally or by solution.
The creation of pores, tears, holes or other openings by hypodermic needles or pins offers the simplest possibility. The needles can also be arranged in a comb, so that manual punching of pores can be carried more rapidly.
With small piece numbers and small areas, pores can thus be created simply thus. With films which are already porous only specific regions can be selectively provided thus with pores. With photocopiers the toner thickness is relatively large above all with darker colors, so that selective subsequent enlargement of holes is recommended in order to obtain a particularly strong and uniform adhesion.
A spiked roller is used according to the invention for larger films. The spiked roller can be made simply by sticking needles in a rubber roller. The size of the roller can be matched to the film width in question, so that spiked rollers can also be used in industrial production of porous films.
A further kind of pore creation is by the use of a laser. With a laser of suitably high power the film regions (pores) are vaporized to the desired extent.
Since the existing pores can melt over or be plugged with inks or toners with especially thin films and small pore sizes, in addition to the described possibilities for creating or enlarging pores, this can also be avoided in that, in the printing or co"ing process, a raster of pores is created, especially in color-intensive regions, so that color-free places (pores) remain.
With computer controlled printing methods (laser printer) this can be ~ 212~9~
achieved with a suitable program.
With copying methods the desired end can be attained by use of a transparent film with white dots which is laid over or under the pattern in the copying.
With other printing methods the block-outs (pores) can be taken into account ~ ~ -already in the creation of the mæter ~screen, block, half-tone photo, etc.).
In accordance with the invention, only a colored film is transferred in the simplest embodiment; there are further different possibilities of use graduated according to the individual method steps. In the ultimate any pattern whatsoever or any representation can be applied to the described porous and/or softenable film, preferably by a photocopier, and then be transferred to a1most any solid surfacewhatsoever, preferably of metal, metal oxide, wood, wooden goods, paper, card, pasteboardj ceramic, plastics, leather, synthetic leather, cork, wax, glass, plastics glass, solid foam, porcelain, earthenware, ceramic, stone, foodstuffs, textiles, latex, rubber, cloth and lacquered surfaces.
On account of the great scope of application of the process, as well as of the ~ ~
films, modifications are necessary for the field of application in question, which can ~ -be determined by simple experiments such as the man skilled in the art can carryout without difficulty.
The process further provides for treating the surface of the permanent substrate in suitable manner. The film characteristics in relation to the solvent properties, especially by the choice of easily soluble and porous material, can also advantageously be used for the surface of the permanent substrate. A suitable surface treatment consists in spraying on a thin acryl or nitro-lacquer and applying the film before complete hardening thereof.
If the surface of the permanent substrate is slightly roughened, the application of the softened, thin film fills up the resulting depressions. Distinct --fixing of the film then additionally follows in the drying/bonding of the fflm, since the toner sinks partially or wholly into the roughened surface.
It is possible when lacquering the applied composite to dissolve the upper lacquer layer to a large extent, without altering the pattern. In accordance with the invention a pattern (color copy) for example can be transferred to a roughened 21:~U~96 copper plate, without the edge of the film being detectable; the impression is given that the pattern is directly printed or copied on the copper plate.
Testing the strength of adhesion The pores give the advantage of additional adhesion, whose strength can be determined by the size and number of the pores. The durability resulting from the pore adhesion can be tested by a simple method. A piece of film of about 100 cm stuck on a permanent substrate, say a metal plate, is cut in a cross. A jet of water is then directed on to the crossover point of the two cuts. The method can a1so be carried out with compressed air with water-sensitive adhesives.
On the basis of the pressure of the water or the air, as well as the duration of the test or the time taken for release, direct inferences as the strength of the adhesion can be made.
The invention will now be explained in more detail with reference to drawings and examples, without however being limited thereto.
Example I - Bonding a porous, colored film A self-adhesive, colored polyethylene film (1) on a coated backing as shown in Figure 1, made by calendaring, is provided with pores (2) using a spiked roller.
The thickness of the film amounts to 0.09 mm, the pore size is 0.1 mm and the density about 20 pores per cm2.
The film is stuck to a metal plate (4) with the aid of a self-adhesive substance and is coated with a lacquer (5) of alkyd, acryl or epoxide base.
The lacquer penetrating through the pores to the surface of the permanent body form additional points (6) of adhesion, whereby the adhesive strength of the film is substantially increased.
The additional "adhesion from above" does not require any specific working step if the protective and adhesive lacquers are identical.
~,. . ..
. .. .
: 2~49~
- l 6-Example Il - Application of a porous, printed film to wax by adhesion from above ~-After the printing or copying process a porous acryl film of thickness 0.03 5 mm is pulled off the coated backing and positioned; by brushing or rubbing gently, sufficient adhesion to the base of wax is effected. Then over-spraying with lacquer provides satisfactory adhesion.
To transfer patterns to candles the film base material can be so modified in known manner that no particular danger of fire results from the film.
1 0 :
E~camplè III - Heat fixing a porous film on a copper plate : : : .: .
The film with applied pattern is fixed in known manner at temperatures which correspond to approximately the melting point of the film and is then over~
s lacquered. The film preferably consists of a relative low melting point but never~eless copyable material, say on a cellulose nitrate basis, so that the film begins to melt before the applied toners, the melting point of the film thus Iying around 140 to 160. ~;
In a second embodiment of the example a specially sensitive pattern is only 20 tacked on at a temperature of about 140. The main adhesion is effected by spraying on an acrylic lacquer, which effects adhesion of the film through the pores.
: ::
Example lV - Transfer of a photocopied pattern to cloth with the aid of a thin, soluble film 2s A film 0.01 mm thick, made by spraying a cellulose nitrate lacquer on siliconized paper is provided with an individual, colored pattern with the aid of a photocopier. The composite is then reinforced by further spraying operations with a water-based lacquer so that the film can be pulled off the coated backing; the total 30 thickness of the film, toner and covering layer amounts to about 0.035 mm.
No pores can be seen under a microscope at a magnification of 40 x 80. The film does however have micropores, whereby the solubility of the film is improved.
2~6 A mixture of ethanol and water with 30% volume ethanol is applied to a - primed cloth customary in the trade, such as is used for painting. The film is applied to the cloth, the film floating on the solvent.
The film is positioned and then the excess solvent is pressed out with a soft s cloth and collected up. After the drying/bonding the cloth structure is clearly apparent on the surface of the film. The impression that the pattern has been applied by hand results from the differing thicknesses of the toner.
After over-lacquering with water-based lacquer the film edge can neither be felt nor perceived.
Example V - Transfer of a photocopied pattern to an engine hood with the aid of a thin, soluble and porous film A color copy (8) is applied to a porous film (7) of cellulose nitrate lacquer, with a thickness of 0.007 mm (Figure 2). The film is then reinforced with acrylic lacquer (9) to a thickness of 0.04 mm. The pore density and pore count can be controlled under a microscope (40 x 80). If necessary the number of pores (10), in particular in the regions with thicker toner layers (11), can be worked on manually with the aid of a spiked roller, so that on average there are 30 pores per cm2 film.
The pore size can be up to 0.1 mm but the pores are preferably invisible or hardly visible, i.e. about 0.02 mm in size.
The lacquered engine hood (12) of a motor vehicle is cleaned and so covered with a mixture of alcohol and water (70% volume ethanol) that the film floats thereon. The film is positioned and the excess solvent is pressed out and collected.
An a&esive substance (13) results from the alcohol solution and the film, which leads to weak adhesion of the film.
After drying the film this is next sprayed and then provided in the usual way with a low solvent water-based lacquer (14).
Problems - for example the visual effect of a large area pattern on the engine hood may not quite correspond with the ideas of the auto owner - are very easy to solve; the film can be removed by a powerful water jet shortly after application and weak adhesion.
- -- 2~20~
Example VI - Production of a porous fi1m and embedding a pattern by spraying As shown in Figure 3, a porous film (16) with a thickness of about 0.002 mm is made by spraying a mixture of lacquer and thinner customary in the trade 5 with the aid of compressed air, on a siliconized paper backing (15). Such thin films can already be subjected to a printing or copying process but are only soluble with difficulty. In accordance with the invention therefore, the spraying operation is repeated often enough to reach the desired film thickness (17). An alteration in the lacquer mixture can be effected after each spraying operation. Good copying 0 characteristics result with pure cellulose nitrate film; greater strength is obtained by mixing in acrylic lacquer.
The film is preferably first made from cellulose nitrate with a thickness of 0.01 mm, in 4 or 5 spraying operations. After the copying or printing process a covering layer (18) with a thickness of about 0.005 mm is applied by spraying 2 or 15 3 times with cellulose nitrate lacquer, which embeds the toner (19). The covering layer is then reinforced by spraying once with acrylic lacquer (20), so that thethickness of the whole film amounts to around 0.02 to 0.03 mm.
The resulting pores can be open (21), half open (22) or closed (23).
The pore width amounts to about 0.02 mm; the pore density is up to 150 20 pores per cm2. The film is stripped off and processed in known manner.
Environmental compatibility At least one user and environmentally friendly modification is provided according to the invention for the processes and films. Degradation, storage, burning or other me~od of disposal are more readily possible with an 0.02 mm thick porous film than with the usual non-porous film, 0.1 mm thick, used for copying purposes, simply on account of the substantially smaller amount of material.
Used for preference are thin, porous films of cellulose nitrate, which represents a truly substantial advantage in the sense of environmental compatibility compared with the conventional 5 to 10 times thicker films of po1yvinyl chloride, polyethylene chloride, etc.
The solvent mainly used with the process is an ethanol-water mixture, so that alcoholic drinks in accordance with food laws, e.g. Asbach or white rum, can be 1 5 used.
Other image transfer methods require use of dangerous or strong smelling solvents such as methylene chloride for example. In the image transfer process according to the invention the so!vent mainly used is at the same time permitted as a foodstuff.
Water-based lacquers with little solvent can be used for the film, the covering layer and coating or protective layer.
The films can in patticular be applied by laymen in simple and environmentally friendly manner in that the film is stuck to the permanent substrate with the aid of an ordinary drinking alcohol and protection and additional adhesion 2s are effected, if needed, by spraying with a water-based lacquer.
Porous Film Patterns or colors can be applied on films of lacquer base or plastics, preferably of alkyd, epoxide, acryl, styrol,cellulose nitrate, polyester, polyamide or polyurethane base; their compounds, mixtures, as well as their modifications attainable by means of geneMlly used substances such as softeners, film-formers, ---` 2120~9~
dyes, pigments, etc., by brushing on, extrusion lamination, spraying, painting, printing, copying, laser printing or a similar method. The thickness of the film ~-preferably amounts to less than 2.0 mm. To transfer the resulting composite of film and inks, pigments or toners to the surfaces of the permanent substrates it is advantageous if the composite has open or closed or open and closed pores, the terrn pores in general terms also comprising tears or other openings.
Bonding can take place through these pores from below, above or below and above, provided that the pore size is large enough to be permeable to the plastics dispersions or lac~uers employed. preferably of alkyd, epoxide, acryl, styrol, oellulose nitrate, polyester, polyamide or polyurethane base, as well as their compounds and mixtures, hardener solutions, as well as solvents, preferab1y a1cohols of the aliphatic series up to hexyl alcohol, dimethyl sulfoxide, formic acid, glycol, acetone, water and their mixtures, or these substanoes soften the composite and thereby enlarge existing micro-pores, so that the film becomes permeable to these substances.
~he adhesion of the composite takes place predominantly or entirely through the composite or in particular applications only in part, but at least to the extent that the adhesion made possible by the pores as a proportion of the total bonding amounts to at least 3%.
The pores should not interfere with the visual impression, and are preferably smaller than 2 mm2 after the transfer to the permanent substrate. The average pore density before the transfer to the permanent substrate should amount to at least 1 pore per dm2, preferably 4 pores per cm2, in particular 40 pores per cm2 or more.
In ~e simplest embodiment, only the film, preferably a colored film is transferred with on average one 2 mm pore per dm2 film. If a film of about 1 m2 is fixed with the aid of a water soluble adhesive, additional adhesion is obtained in this way through the pores. The pores or adhesion points prevent film the "fluttering"
or becoming completely released when the film is damaged or the adhesive is released.
With application of a covering or protective lacquer the adhesion takes place automatically from above through the pores, so that no specific working step or special adhesive is needed for the additional durability of the film.
-` `` 2120~9~
Mutual compatibility of the film and coating lacquer, as well as theiradhesive properties can be determined by simple experiments. With pore sizes between 2 mm and 0.01 mm practically all known films can be stuck in the manner according to the invention, simply by spraying an adhesive on to the film. With 5 suitably careful dosing in the spraying nearly all known lacquers, especially so-called water lacquers, can likewise be used. Adhesion from below is also possible in accordance with the invention. The adhesive or lacquer applied to the permanent substrate penetrates into the pores and plugs of adhesive result, which substantially improve the bond of the film. The adhesive or lacquer can also be applied to 10 excess so that the substance can be forced through the pores to the surface of the film, whereby an additional protective or adhesive function is obtained.
Film material and lacquer or solvent are so combined that mutual partial solution takes place and the resulting layer has adhesive and/or protective characteristics. The desired degree of the mutual solution is determined from tables 15 with are in daily use by the man skilled in the art.
In order to be able to apply a pattern by a printing or copying method to films whose thickness is less that 0.1 mm or which are especially sensitive, it is necessary to reinforce the films by an intermediate backing.
In order to be able to pull the film off the intermediate backing again, an 20 intermediate backing is used with a release agent, preferably an interrnediate backing coated with stearates or silicones. Th~ intermediate backing normally consists of paper or thin card. However other materials, such as say plastics, are provided for the process according to the invention. Intermediate backings of plastics fasilitate better storage properties with film thicknesses less than 0.005 mm 25 and with very sensitive films. After stripping off, the films are also somewhat smoother than with intermediate backings of paper.
An adhesive substance can, in acsordance with the invention be placed between the porous film and the coated backing. The substance can be activated by pressure, UV light, a solvent and water and create adequate adhesion. Additional30 adhesion is preferably effected through the pores, so that the adhesive substance between film and intermediate backing or its adhesive force can be relatively weak.
A porous film can be used with particular advantage if there is no adhesive '' :~
-``` 212~l~9~
substance between the film and the intermediate backing. The choice of the adhesive can then be made only when used. On account of the adhesion from above it is often sufficient to press the film on to the permanent substrate and then to apply lacquer.
In a further modification it is provided that the porous film is dissolved or softened by lacquer or a solvent and the resultant substance has adhesive properties.
With use of a solvent the adhesive substance results from the film and the solvent.
In an analogous modification of this process the adhesive substance can be formed from the permanent substrate.
A further possibility for fixing the film on the permanent substrate can be to use pressure and heat, the film being heated in known manner unhl it melts slightly and the molten phase effects adhesion.
With too high a temperature there is very rapid, irreversible damage to the pattern; on the other hand, with too low a temperature the adhesion is deficient.
15 With use of the film according to the invention the film can be "tacked on" at low temperature and then satisfactory strength be obtained by lacquering.
This application according to the invention is very advantageous especially with photo-copied patterns. Toners, which consist of particles of color sheathed in plastic, melt at about 140 to 180 but have the tendency to burst open before 20 reaching the melting point, so that the melting point on the film must be at the !ower limit of the toner melting point. Since the melt conditions with color toners vary with the color or the thickness of the toner layer, the transfer of photocopies to films requires suitable apparatus and experience. The reject rate is nevertheless very high. If however a porous film is used, the adhesion remaining necessary can 25 be provided from above with no problem, through the film.
Microporous film on backing An independent implementation of the object of the invention can be 30 obtained by the use of a microporous film of lacquer base or plastics, preferably of alkyd, epoxide, acryl, styrol, cellulose nitrate, polyester, polyamide or polyurethane base; their compounds, mixtures and the modifications attainable with substances in : ::
--- 2120~
.
general use, such as softeners, film forrners, dyestuffs, pigments, etc. ~ -A pattern is applied to the film by brushing on, extrusion lamination, spraying, painting, pnnting, copying, laser printing or a similar method and thecomposite of film and colors, pigments or toners is transferred to the surface of the 5 perrnanent substrate by adhesion.
The film has a thickness of less than O.OS mm, preferably less than 0.03 mm and is on a backing of paper, plastic or card coated with a release agent, preferably silicones or stearates, no adhesive substance being provided between the filrn and the coated backing.
The purpose of the coated backing is to ensure adequate strength of the film during the printing or copying process. After stripping off the coated backing the composite is bonded to the permanent substrate in that it is softened from below, above or below and above by solvents, hardener solutions, plastics dispersions or lacquers, preferably alcohols of the aliphatic series up to hexyl alcohol, dimethyl 15 sulfoxide, formic acid, glycol, aoetone and their mixtures, especially ethanol-water mixtures, the mixture thus formed having adhesive properties.
The thickness of the films or self-adhesive films in general use for printing or copying amounts in oontrast to about 0.1 mm. They are relatively resistant toweak solvents such as alcohol-water mixtures for example, so that no significant20 softening of the films with weak solvents is possible. With the use of stronger solvents such as acetone, dissolution of the film occurs with simultaneous destruction of the applied pattern.
The films aocording to the invention preferably have a thickness of 0.03 mm or less and can be softened by solvents. With special combinations of materials and 2s method procedures the rate of dissolution of the toner compared with the film is somewhat smaller, so that it is possible to soften the film, even in part to dissolve it fillly, without destroyirlg the pattern.
The color pigment or dry toner is in aocordance with the invention additionally fixed or embedded after application to the film by a oovering layer.
30 This results in a clear differential gradient in the solvent properties of the film and the toners with the use of weak solvents, especially such as ethanol, isopropanol, acetone, formamide, glycol, etc. diluted with water. With use of the materials and . ~` 2120~96 process steps prescribed by the invention it is possible to soften the film on application to the permanent substrate and to effect adhesion by the layer thus formed.
In the ideal case the toner color layer can sink down within the softened filrn to the permanent substrate during the fixing, without being destroyed.
The pattern is then fixed and bonded to the permanent substrate sufficiently for normal trade lacquers containing solvents to be applied.
In particular, the process can be used without restriction with the dry toners employed in copiers and laser printers. With very easily soluble toners and printing o inks the film thickness is increased and the composition of the solvent is altered accordingly; the solvent is thus weakened by ~inning.
Good results can be obtained if suitably weak solvent is used for the film material in question, say alcohol diluted with water, with a small addition of glycerine, whereby the film can "float and slide", so that exact positioning andproblem-free positioning are facilitated. In addition, an adhesive substance results from slight softening of the underside of the film, whereby there is resultant reduction of the film thickness as well as adhesion of the film.
If a solvent-containing lacquer is selected for the following application of a protective lacquer, which slightly softens the film from above and at the edges, it is possible to achieve a further reduction in the film thickness or at least a chamfering off of the edges, as well as additional adhesion.
A further and particularly advantageous embodiment of the invention lies in the combination of the film properties or the use of thinner, more soluble and also more porous film. :
After the printing or copying operation the film is stripped off and can be positioned without problems in that an article is so covered with solvent in theregion to be bonded that the film floats on this solution.
If the solvent is modified by generally known additives, such as softeners, cross-linking or slip agents for example, even large films can be positioned exactly without a lot of trouble on a problem surface, e.g. a curved engine hood.
The slight adhesion, say through a water-alcohol mix, at the underside of the film is in itself sufficient for simple applications. Tacking on can be obtained with 2120~f~ -- 1 o -20% volume ethanol. With 50% ethanol there is enough adhesion for demonstration purposes.
This small adhesion is shown in practice to be very advantageous in the application of large patterns to motor vehicles; the film thus applied can even after s some days be washed off with a strong water jet (high pressure cleaner), ethanol or nitro thinners.
The visual effect of a pattern, faults in the transfer or positioning, etc. can make the removal of a pattern necessary. Because of the cost-effective production even large area color patterns can be applied experimentally, i.e. solubly and 0 without damage to the lacquer. Experimental application of large patterns is a direct, substantial advantage with motor vehicles.
The application of the pattern can also be so effected in accordance with the invention that a weak adhesive is mixed in with the solvent or the solvent is so -modified with a stronger solvent, preferably ethanol-water with 80% ethanol, that it is durable in normal use but can if needed be removed again, preferably with nitro :
or universal thinners.
Permanent, strong adhesion and protection of the film are obtained by lacquering over with one of the usual automobile lacquers.
Lacquering can also be carried out with a water-based lacquer with subsequent heating.
The result of the combination according to the invention of a thin, sofienable, porous film with the described solvents and lacquers is that the applied film is very strongly bonded (diffusion bonding) and cannot be detected or only by closer observation. In the ideal case the film "sinks" into the surface of the article 2s in question.
Ln order to fix or embed printing inks or toners additionally or to reinforce the film, a covering layer of a suitable material is applied after the printing or copying process but before the application of the composite to the permanent substrate.
The covering layer can consist wholly or partially of the same materials or of materials with like or compatible properties as the film. For example, the film can be made from a nitrocellulose base and ~he covering layer be formed by '..:
. -- 2 ~ 2 .~
, 1 spraying on an acrylic lacquer.
The further processing can accordingly be effected in similar manner as with the film without a covering layer.
5 Production of porous films Porous films or porous coats of lacquer are in general not wanted; the base and additive materials, the manufacture and the processing are accordingly such that films are predominantly pore-free and thus impermeable to liquids.
In contrast it is desired in effecting the image transfer in accordance with theinvention that the~film which is used has pores, preferably of a size such that they can be hardly perceived by eye or not at all and are thus approximately in the region of 0.02 mm. At the same time the pores must be permeable to lacquer, solvent or adhesive.
The size of the pores for transferring photocopies can however be relatively large, accordingly around 0.1 mm, without the pattern being appreciably affected, since the pores narrow during the copying process. In the application of the covering layer or in the application to the permanent substrate, additional narrowing ~ ~;
can take place. At the latest however the pores are filled with lacquer when 20 lacquering the film and their visibility is thereby markedly reduced. The porous films which can be used according to the inveneion can be made by blow molding, casting, extrusion or calendaring, as well as by casting a foamed lacquer or plastics solution, or by spraying.
A porous film with a thickness less than 0.002 mm can be made by spraying 25 or lacquering on to a siliconized backing. Such thin films can take a printing or copying process but can only be softened with difficulty. In accordance with the :
invention these particularly thin and sensitive films are reinforced by spraying on lacquer after the application of inks or toners, to the extent that it is possible to pull them off the coated backing.
The film thickness preferably amounts to about 0.01 mm before the copying or printing process and it is then reinforced by a covering layer of about 0.01 mm, so that the thickness of the whole film amounts to about 0.02 mm. The film-~1 - 2~2~:.9~
, ~
thickness is always given without inks or toners since the thickness of the applied toner especially can exceed that of the film, depending on the color.
The film and covering layer preferably consist of compatible or homogenous materials and bond into one film.
This special mode of manufacture has the advantage that inks or toners are sandwiched between two film layers and are thus additionally protected from the influence of solvents, lacquers, adhesives, etc. during the application to the permanent substrate. A plastic or lacquer which favors reproduction and prints or copies well, say based on cellulose nitrate, can be used for the base layer of the 0 film, while the covering layer consists of a harder lacquer, e.g. with an acryl base.
In one simple embodiment of the invention, the film can have a thickness of about 0.02 mm, so that it can be stripped off directly after the copying operation without application of a covering layer. It is furthermore provided that the porous film is reinforced up to about 0.09 mm; it can thus withstand a printing or copying ~-process even without a backing.
Any sufficiently thinnable and sprayable iacquer or film base material can be ~;
used 3S the base material for the film, lacquers with an alkyd, acryl or cellulose nitrate basis being used for preference. Films fon image transfer are preferablytransparent but can also contain dyes. With most photocopiers the color white isnot created, so that it can be necessary to color the film suitably for transfer to dark articles. Modification of the spray substance by known additives such as softeners, fillers, colors, etc. can take place in known manner. A layer of 0.002 mm is preferably applied per spray operation to a backing coated with a release agent and the operation is repeated after complete drying until the desired thickness of the ~ ;~
25 layer has been formed.
The pores can be seen with a microscope at magnification 40 x 80; the pore size preferably lies between 0.2 mm and 0.02 mm; the pore density amounts to 50 to 200 pores per cm2.
It is to be noted that there is mostly a narrowing or reduction in the number ~-of pores in the printing or copying process. The size and number of the pores should take account of this. In accordance with the invention, the creation or enlargement of the pores can also take place after the printing or copying operation ~ -` 212V~9~
or the application of the covering layer.
A combination of a film made with pores and subsequent creation or enlargement of pores is easy to carry out and advantageous in many applications.In accordance with the invention it is provided to create or enlarge the pores S in the film also in an additional working step following the normal manufacturing process.
The pores can also be created or enlarged after the application of the colors, toners or pigments, a further application providing that the pores are created or enlarged selectively at the places coated by colors, toners or pigments. The pores can be created or enlarged in films with covering layers after the application of the covering layer.
The pores can be created or widened mechanically, thermally or by solution.
The creation of pores, tears, holes or other openings by hypodermic needles or pins offers the simplest possibility. The needles can also be arranged in a comb, so that manual punching of pores can be carried more rapidly.
With small piece numbers and small areas, pores can thus be created simply thus. With films which are already porous only specific regions can be selectively provided thus with pores. With photocopiers the toner thickness is relatively large above all with darker colors, so that selective subsequent enlargement of holes is recommended in order to obtain a particularly strong and uniform adhesion.
A spiked roller is used according to the invention for larger films. The spiked roller can be made simply by sticking needles in a rubber roller. The size of the roller can be matched to the film width in question, so that spiked rollers can also be used in industrial production of porous films.
A further kind of pore creation is by the use of a laser. With a laser of suitably high power the film regions (pores) are vaporized to the desired extent.
Since the existing pores can melt over or be plugged with inks or toners with especially thin films and small pore sizes, in addition to the described possibilities for creating or enlarging pores, this can also be avoided in that, in the printing or co"ing process, a raster of pores is created, especially in color-intensive regions, so that color-free places (pores) remain.
With computer controlled printing methods (laser printer) this can be ~ 212~9~
achieved with a suitable program.
With copying methods the desired end can be attained by use of a transparent film with white dots which is laid over or under the pattern in the copying.
With other printing methods the block-outs (pores) can be taken into account ~ ~ -already in the creation of the mæter ~screen, block, half-tone photo, etc.).
In accordance with the invention, only a colored film is transferred in the simplest embodiment; there are further different possibilities of use graduated according to the individual method steps. In the ultimate any pattern whatsoever or any representation can be applied to the described porous and/or softenable film, preferably by a photocopier, and then be transferred to a1most any solid surfacewhatsoever, preferably of metal, metal oxide, wood, wooden goods, paper, card, pasteboardj ceramic, plastics, leather, synthetic leather, cork, wax, glass, plastics glass, solid foam, porcelain, earthenware, ceramic, stone, foodstuffs, textiles, latex, rubber, cloth and lacquered surfaces.
On account of the great scope of application of the process, as well as of the ~ ~
films, modifications are necessary for the field of application in question, which can ~ -be determined by simple experiments such as the man skilled in the art can carryout without difficulty.
The process further provides for treating the surface of the permanent substrate in suitable manner. The film characteristics in relation to the solvent properties, especially by the choice of easily soluble and porous material, can also advantageously be used for the surface of the permanent substrate. A suitable surface treatment consists in spraying on a thin acryl or nitro-lacquer and applying the film before complete hardening thereof.
If the surface of the permanent substrate is slightly roughened, the application of the softened, thin film fills up the resulting depressions. Distinct --fixing of the film then additionally follows in the drying/bonding of the fflm, since the toner sinks partially or wholly into the roughened surface.
It is possible when lacquering the applied composite to dissolve the upper lacquer layer to a large extent, without altering the pattern. In accordance with the invention a pattern (color copy) for example can be transferred to a roughened 21:~U~96 copper plate, without the edge of the film being detectable; the impression is given that the pattern is directly printed or copied on the copper plate.
Testing the strength of adhesion The pores give the advantage of additional adhesion, whose strength can be determined by the size and number of the pores. The durability resulting from the pore adhesion can be tested by a simple method. A piece of film of about 100 cm stuck on a permanent substrate, say a metal plate, is cut in a cross. A jet of water is then directed on to the crossover point of the two cuts. The method can a1so be carried out with compressed air with water-sensitive adhesives.
On the basis of the pressure of the water or the air, as well as the duration of the test or the time taken for release, direct inferences as the strength of the adhesion can be made.
The invention will now be explained in more detail with reference to drawings and examples, without however being limited thereto.
Example I - Bonding a porous, colored film A self-adhesive, colored polyethylene film (1) on a coated backing as shown in Figure 1, made by calendaring, is provided with pores (2) using a spiked roller.
The thickness of the film amounts to 0.09 mm, the pore size is 0.1 mm and the density about 20 pores per cm2.
The film is stuck to a metal plate (4) with the aid of a self-adhesive substance and is coated with a lacquer (5) of alkyd, acryl or epoxide base.
The lacquer penetrating through the pores to the surface of the permanent body form additional points (6) of adhesion, whereby the adhesive strength of the film is substantially increased.
The additional "adhesion from above" does not require any specific working step if the protective and adhesive lacquers are identical.
~,. . ..
. .. .
: 2~49~
- l 6-Example Il - Application of a porous, printed film to wax by adhesion from above ~-After the printing or copying process a porous acryl film of thickness 0.03 5 mm is pulled off the coated backing and positioned; by brushing or rubbing gently, sufficient adhesion to the base of wax is effected. Then over-spraying with lacquer provides satisfactory adhesion.
To transfer patterns to candles the film base material can be so modified in known manner that no particular danger of fire results from the film.
1 0 :
E~camplè III - Heat fixing a porous film on a copper plate : : : .: .
The film with applied pattern is fixed in known manner at temperatures which correspond to approximately the melting point of the film and is then over~
s lacquered. The film preferably consists of a relative low melting point but never~eless copyable material, say on a cellulose nitrate basis, so that the film begins to melt before the applied toners, the melting point of the film thus Iying around 140 to 160. ~;
In a second embodiment of the example a specially sensitive pattern is only 20 tacked on at a temperature of about 140. The main adhesion is effected by spraying on an acrylic lacquer, which effects adhesion of the film through the pores.
: ::
Example lV - Transfer of a photocopied pattern to cloth with the aid of a thin, soluble film 2s A film 0.01 mm thick, made by spraying a cellulose nitrate lacquer on siliconized paper is provided with an individual, colored pattern with the aid of a photocopier. The composite is then reinforced by further spraying operations with a water-based lacquer so that the film can be pulled off the coated backing; the total 30 thickness of the film, toner and covering layer amounts to about 0.035 mm.
No pores can be seen under a microscope at a magnification of 40 x 80. The film does however have micropores, whereby the solubility of the film is improved.
2~6 A mixture of ethanol and water with 30% volume ethanol is applied to a - primed cloth customary in the trade, such as is used for painting. The film is applied to the cloth, the film floating on the solvent.
The film is positioned and then the excess solvent is pressed out with a soft s cloth and collected up. After the drying/bonding the cloth structure is clearly apparent on the surface of the film. The impression that the pattern has been applied by hand results from the differing thicknesses of the toner.
After over-lacquering with water-based lacquer the film edge can neither be felt nor perceived.
Example V - Transfer of a photocopied pattern to an engine hood with the aid of a thin, soluble and porous film A color copy (8) is applied to a porous film (7) of cellulose nitrate lacquer, with a thickness of 0.007 mm (Figure 2). The film is then reinforced with acrylic lacquer (9) to a thickness of 0.04 mm. The pore density and pore count can be controlled under a microscope (40 x 80). If necessary the number of pores (10), in particular in the regions with thicker toner layers (11), can be worked on manually with the aid of a spiked roller, so that on average there are 30 pores per cm2 film.
The pore size can be up to 0.1 mm but the pores are preferably invisible or hardly visible, i.e. about 0.02 mm in size.
The lacquered engine hood (12) of a motor vehicle is cleaned and so covered with a mixture of alcohol and water (70% volume ethanol) that the film floats thereon. The film is positioned and the excess solvent is pressed out and collected.
An a&esive substance (13) results from the alcohol solution and the film, which leads to weak adhesion of the film.
After drying the film this is next sprayed and then provided in the usual way with a low solvent water-based lacquer (14).
Problems - for example the visual effect of a large area pattern on the engine hood may not quite correspond with the ideas of the auto owner - are very easy to solve; the film can be removed by a powerful water jet shortly after application and weak adhesion.
- -- 2~20~
Example VI - Production of a porous fi1m and embedding a pattern by spraying As shown in Figure 3, a porous film (16) with a thickness of about 0.002 mm is made by spraying a mixture of lacquer and thinner customary in the trade 5 with the aid of compressed air, on a siliconized paper backing (15). Such thin films can already be subjected to a printing or copying process but are only soluble with difficulty. In accordance with the invention therefore, the spraying operation is repeated often enough to reach the desired film thickness (17). An alteration in the lacquer mixture can be effected after each spraying operation. Good copying 0 characteristics result with pure cellulose nitrate film; greater strength is obtained by mixing in acrylic lacquer.
The film is preferably first made from cellulose nitrate with a thickness of 0.01 mm, in 4 or 5 spraying operations. After the copying or printing process a covering layer (18) with a thickness of about 0.005 mm is applied by spraying 2 or 15 3 times with cellulose nitrate lacquer, which embeds the toner (19). The covering layer is then reinforced by spraying once with acrylic lacquer (20), so that thethickness of the whole film amounts to around 0.02 to 0.03 mm.
The resulting pores can be open (21), half open (22) or closed (23).
The pore width amounts to about 0.02 mm; the pore density is up to 150 20 pores per cm2. The film is stripped off and processed in known manner.
Claims (32)
1. A process for transferring a film of lacquer base or plastics material, preferably of alkyd, epoxide, acryl, styrol, cellulose nitrate, polyester, polyamide or polyurethane base; their compounds, mixtures, as well as their modifications attainable by means of generally used substances such as softeners, film-formers, dyes, pigments, etc., whose thickness amounts to less than 2.0 mm, on which patterns or colors are applied by brushing on, extrusion lamination, spraying, painting, printing, copying, laser printing or a similar method and film and inks, pigments or toners, and the composite is transferred to the surface of a permanent substrate, characterized in that - the composite has open or closed or open and closed pores, the term pores in general terms also comprising tears or other openings, - the pore size is at least large enough to be permeable to the plastics dispersions or lacquers employed, preferably of alkyd, epoxide, acryl, styrol, cellulose nitrate, polyester, polyamide, polyurethane base, as well as their compounds and mixtures, hardener solutions, as well as solvents, preferably alcohols of the aliphatic series up to hexyl alcohol, dimethyl sulfoxide, formic acid, glycol, acetone, water and their mixtures, or these substances soften the composite and so enlarge existing pores that the film becomes permeable to these substances, - the pores do not interfere with the visual appearance, preferably being smaller than 2 mm2 after transfer to the permanent substrate, - the average pore density before the transfer to the permanent substrate amounts to at least 1 pore per dm2, preferably 4 pores per cm2, especially 40 pores per cm2 or more, - the adhesion of the composite takes place predominantly or entirely through the composite or only in part, but at least to the extent that the desired results could not be attained without the use of a porous composite, the adhesion made possible bythe pores as a proportion of the total bonding amounting to at least 3%, - the adhesion can take place from below or above or below and above.
2. A film for carrying out the process especially according to claim 1, characterized in that, - the film has open or closed or open and closed pores, the term pores in general terms also comprising tears or other openings, - the pore size is at least large enough that they are permeable to plastics dispersions or lacquers, preferably of alkyd, epoxide, acryl, styrol, cellulose nitrate, polyester, polyamide, polyurethane base, as well as their compounds and mixtures, hardener solutions, as well as solvents, preferably alcohols of the aliphatic series up to hexyl alcohol, dimethyl sulfoxide, formic acid, glycol, acetone, water and their mixtures, or these substances soften the composite and so enlarge existing pores that the film becomes permeable to these substances, - the pores do not interfere with the visual appearance, preferably being smaller than 2 mm2 after transfer, - the average pore density before the transfer to the permanent substrate amounts to at least 1 pore per dm2, preferably 4 pores per cm2, especially 40 pores per cm2 or more, - the adhesion of the film takes place predominantly or entirely through the film or only in part, but at least to the extent that the desired results could not be attained without the use of a porous composite, the adhesion made possible by the pores as a proportion of the total bonding amounting to at least 3%, - the adhesion can take place from below or above or below and above.
3. A film according to claim 2, characterized in that the film is dissolved by or can be softened by lacquers, hardeners, plastics dispersions and adhesives, preferably of alkyd, epoxide, acryl, styrol, cellulose nitrate, polyester, polyamide, polyurethane base, as well as their compounds and mixtures and/or solvents, preferably alcohols of the aliphatic series up to hexyl alcohol, dimethyl sulfoxide, formic acid, glycol, acetone and their mixtures, especially ethanol-water mixtures, and the resultant layer has adhesive and/or protective properties.
4. A film according to claim 2, characterized in that the film is on a backing of paper, plastics or card coated with a release agent, preferably silicones or stearates, and in that there is no adhesive substance between the film and the coated backing.
5. A film according to claims 3 and 4, characterized in that the film is on a coated backing and after stripping off can be dissolved or softened and the resulting substance has adhesive properties.
6. A film according to claims 2 to 4, characterized in that the film can be heatfixed.
7. A film according to claim 2, characterized in that the film is on a coated backing and in that a substance suitable for the adhesion is between the porous film and the coated backing.
8. A film according to claim 7, characterized in that the substance suitable forthe adhesion can be activated by pressure, UV light, a solvent and water.
9. A process for transferring a film of lacquer base or plastics material, preferably of alkyd, epoxide, acryl, styrol, cellulose nitrate, polyester, polyamide or polyurethane base, their compounds, mixtures, as well as their modifications attainable by means of generally used substances such as softeners, film-formers, dyes, pigments, etc., on which patterns or colors are applied by brushing on, extrusion lamination, spraying, painting, printing, copying, laser printing or asimilar method and the composite of film and inks, pigments or toners is transferred by adhesive to the surface of a permanent substrate, characterized in that - the film is on a backing of paper, plastics or card coated with a release agent, preferably silicones or stearates, - there is no adhesive substance between the film and the coated backing, - the film has a thickness of less than 0.05 mm, preferably less than 0.03 mm, - after stripping off from the coated backing, the composite is bonded to the permanent substrate in that the composite is softened from below, above, or below and above by solvents, hardener solutions, plastics dispersions or lacquers, preferably alcohols of the aliphatic series up to hexyl alcohol, dimethyl sulfoxide, formic acid, glycol, acetone and their mixtures, especially ethanol-water mixtures, - and the resultant mixture has adhesive properties.
10. A film for carrying out the process especially according to claim 9, characterized in that - the film is on a backing of paper, plastics or card coated with a release agent, preferably silicones or stearates, - there is no adhesive substance between the film and the coated backing, - the film has a thickness of less than 0.05 mm, preferably less than 0.03 mm, - after stripping off from the coated backing, the composite is bonded to the permanent substrate in that the composite is softened from below, above, or below and above by solvents, hardener solutions, plastics dispersions or lacquers, preferably alcohols of the aliphatic series up to hexyl alcohol, dimethyl sulfoxide, formic acid, glycol, acetone and their mixtures, especially ethanol-water mixtures, - and the resultant mixture has adhesive properties.
11. A film according to claims 2 to 10, characterized in that, after the application of the color, the printing or copying process but before the application of the composite to the permanent substrate, the color or toner is additionally fixed and/or embedded, and/or the film is reinforced, by a suitable covering material,preferably plastics or lacquers, and this covering layer consists wholly or in part of the same materials or materials with similar or compatible properties as the film.
12. A film according to claims 2 to 11, characterized in that, in the transfer to the permanent substrate, lacquers, plastics solutions or adhesives, preferably of alkyd, epoxide, acryl, styrol, cellulose nitrate, polyester, polyamide, polyurethane base, as well as their compounds and mixtures and/or solvents, preferably alcohols of the aliphatic series up to hexyl alcohol, dimethyl sulfoxide, formic acid, glycol, acetone and their mixtures, especially ethanol-water mixtures, are applied, these substances penetrate the composite or composite and covering layer and effect adhesion of the underside of the film.
13. A film according to claims 2 to 11, characterized in that, in the transfer to the permanent substrate, lacquers, plastics solutions or adhesives, preferably of alkyd, epoxide, acryl, styrol, cellulose nitrate, polyester, polyamide, polyurethane base, as well as their compounds and mixtures and/or solvents, preferably alcohols of the aliphatic series up to hexyl alcohol, dimethyl sulfoxide, formic acid, glycol, acetone and their mixtures, especially ethanol-water mixtures, are applied, these substances dissolve or soften the permanent substrate, the transferred composite or the covering layer or dissolve or soften the backing, composite and covering layer and these solutions have an adhesive and/or protective function.
14. A process for transferring a film of lacquer base or plastics material, preferably of alkyd, epoxide, acryl, styrol, cellulose nitrate, polyester, polyamide or polyurethane base; their compounds, mixtures, as well as their modifications attainable by means of generally used substances such as softeners, film-formers, dyes, pigments, etc., whose thickness amounts to less than 2.0 mm, on which patterns or colors can be applied by brushing on, extrusion lamination, spraying, painting, printing, copying, laser printing or a similar method and the composite of the film and inks, pigments or toners is transferred to the surface of a permanent substrate, characterized in that - the composite has open or closed or open and closed pores, the term pores in general terms also comprising tears or other openings, - the pore size is at least large enough that they are permeable to plastics dispersions or lacquers, preferably of alkyd, epoxide, acryl, styrol, cellulose nitrate, polyester, polyamide, polyurethane base, as well as their compounds and mixtures, hardener solutions, as well as solvents, preferably alcohols of the aliphatic series up to hexyl alcohol, dimethyl sulfoxide, formic acid, glycol, acetone, water and their mixtures, or these substances soften the film and so enlarge existing micro-pores that the film becomes permeable to these substances, - the pores do not interfere with the visual appearance, preferably being smaller than 2 mm2 after transfer, - the average pore density before the transfer to the permanent substrate amounts to at least 1 pore per dm2, preferably 4 pores per cm2, especially 40 pores per cm2 or more.
15. A process for making a film according to claim 14, characterized in that thefilm is made by blow molding, casting, extrusion or calendaring.
16. A process for making a film according to claim 14, characterized in that thefilm is made by extrusion laminating a foamed lacquer or plastics solution.
17. A process for making a film according to claim 14, characterized in that thefilm is made by spraying.
18. A process for making a film according to claims 14 to 17, characterized in that the pores are created or enlarged in the finished film.
19. A process for making a film according to claims 14 to 18, characterized in that the pores are created or enlarged after application of the color, toner or pigment.
20. A process for making a film according to claim 19, characterized in that thepores are created or enlarged selectively after application of the color, toner or pigment at the places coated with the colors, toners or pigments.
21. A process for making a film according to claims 14 to 20, characterized in that the pores are created or enlarged after application of the covering layer.
22. A process for making a film according to claims 14 to 21, characterized in that the pores are created or enlarged mechanically, by heat or by solution.
23. A process for making a film according to claims 14 to 21, characterized in that the pores are created mechanically with the aid of a spiked roller.
24. A process for making a film according to claims 14 to 21, characterized in that the pores are created by use of a laser.
25. A process according to claims 1 to 24, characterized in that a pore raster is created in a printing or copying process, especially in color-intensive regions, so that color-free places remain.
26. A process according to claims 1 to 24, characterized in that a transparent film is used in the copying with white dots for the creation of color-free places.
27. A process according to claims 1 to 26, characterized in that the surface of the permanent substrate is roughened before the application of the film.
28. A process according to claims 1 to 27, characterized in that the surface of the permanent substrate is provided with a lacquer before the transfer of the film, the lacquer having the same solvent properties as the applied film.
29. A process according to claims 1 to 28, characterized in that the surface of the permanent substrate is provided with a lacquer whose pores are determined bysimilar characteristic values as the pores of the applied film.
30. Use of the process according to claims 1 to 29, characterized in that a film is transferred to surfaces of various materials, preferably of metal, metal oxide, wood, wooden goods, paper, card, pasteboard, ceramic, plastics, leather, synthetic leather, cork, wax, glass, plastics glass, solid foam, porcelain, earthenware, ceramic, stone, foodstuffs, textiles, latex, rubber, or cloth.
31. Use of the film according to claims 2 to 29, characterized in that a film istransferred to surfaces of various materials, preferably of metal, metal oxide, wood, wooden goods, paper, card, pasteboard, ceramic, plastics, leather, synthetic leather, cork, wax, glass, plastics glass, solid foam, porcelain, earthenware, ceramic, stone, foodstuffs, textiles, latex, rubber, or cloth.
32. Use of a film made according to claims 14 to 29, characterized in that it istransferred to surfaces of various materials, preferably of metal, metal oxide, wood, wooden goods, paper, card, pasteboard, ceramic, plastics, leather, synthetic leather, cork, wax, glass, plastics glass, solid foam, porcelain, earthenware, ceramic, stone, foodstuffs, textiles, latex, rubber, or cloth.
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| DE4134704A DE4134704A1 (en) | 1991-10-21 | 1991-10-21 | METHOD FOR TRANSMITTING FILMS ON WHICH COLORS, PIGMENTS OR TONER ARE ON, ON PERMANENT CARRIERS, POROESE OR DETACHABLE FILMS FOR CARRYING OUT THE PROCESS, AND PRODUCING POROUS FILMS |
| DEP4134704.8 | 1991-10-21 |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA2120496A1 true CA2120496A1 (en) | 1993-04-29 |
Family
ID=6443086
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA002120496A Abandoned CA2120496A1 (en) | 1991-10-21 | 1992-10-19 | Process for transferring foils onto permanent substrates |
Country Status (6)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| EP (1) | EP0609287B1 (en) |
| JP (1) | JPH07503416A (en) |
| AT (1) | ATE152051T1 (en) |
| CA (1) | CA2120496A1 (en) |
| DE (3) | DE4143430C2 (en) |
| WO (1) | WO1993008034A1 (en) |
Families Citing this family (9)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| DE4313046A1 (en) * | 1991-10-21 | 1994-10-27 | Manfred Keppeler | Porous films for image transfer |
| DE4313038A1 (en) * | 1991-10-21 | 1994-10-27 | Manfred Keppeler | Film for image transfer, produced by spraying |
| DE4313055A1 (en) * | 1991-10-21 | 1994-10-27 | Manfred Keppeler | Porous film for various applications, produced by spraying |
| DE4305221C2 (en) * | 1993-02-19 | 1995-03-30 | Friedrich Dr Senser | Process for the production of reproductions of printing forms and the reproductions obtained by this process and their use |
| FR2711332A1 (en) * | 1993-10-19 | 1995-04-28 | Toussaint Thierry | Method and press for transferring a reproduction onto a support and decorated support obtained by the method |
| ES2107973B1 (en) * | 1996-05-17 | 1998-07-01 | Salvador Rafael Aguilar | PROCEDURE FOR DECORATION OF FOOD PRODUCTS. |
| EP1080880A1 (en) * | 1999-08-20 | 2001-03-07 | Alusuisse Technology & Management AG | Package materials with partially disposed application of material |
| US8652742B2 (en) * | 2010-12-16 | 2014-02-18 | Konica Minolta Business Technologies, Inc. | Method for producing print having foil image and toner image |
| DE102013108381A1 (en) | 2013-08-05 | 2015-02-05 | Dr. Ing. H.C. F. Porsche Aktiengesellschaft | compressor system |
Family Cites Families (9)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| DE561294C (en) * | 1928-08-30 | 1932-10-12 | I G Farbenindustrie Akt Ges | Decal with cellulose derivative layers |
| CH187438A (en) * | 1936-01-29 | 1936-11-15 | Hydrologie Ag F | Water purification process. |
| DE1940532B2 (en) * | 1968-11-18 | 1971-07-01 | SUBLIMATION PRINT FORM FOR THE PRODUCTION OF MULTI-COLOR PRINTS IN ONE OPERATION | |
| DE2121083A1 (en) * | 1971-04-29 | 1972-11-09 | Ploss, Uto, 8672 Selb | Decal for plastic goods |
| JPS55107493A (en) * | 1979-02-13 | 1980-08-18 | Nissha Printing Co Ltd | Dyeing method of multicoloured patern on heat resisting base material |
| DE3209075C1 (en) * | 1982-03-12 | 1983-09-29 | Franz 6920 Sinsheim Dittrich | Process for permanent labeling of plastic films and tarpaulins |
| GB2117320B (en) * | 1982-03-27 | 1985-09-18 | Terance Kliszcz | Transfer printing on articles having flat curved or irregularly-shaped surfaces |
| JPS63224991A (en) * | 1987-03-13 | 1988-09-20 | Toppan Printing Co Ltd | Thermal transfer ink sheet |
| JPH03277588A (en) * | 1990-03-28 | 1991-12-09 | Ricoh Co Ltd | Thermal transfer recording medium |
-
1991
- 1991-10-21 DE DE4143430A patent/DE4143430C2/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
- 1991-10-21 DE DE4134704A patent/DE4134704A1/en not_active Ceased
-
1992
- 1992-10-19 CA CA002120496A patent/CA2120496A1/en not_active Abandoned
- 1992-10-19 WO PCT/DE1992/000875 patent/WO1993008034A1/en active IP Right Grant
- 1992-10-19 JP JP5507347A patent/JPH07503416A/en active Pending
- 1992-10-19 DE DE59208412T patent/DE59208412D1/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
- 1992-10-19 AT AT92921373T patent/ATE152051T1/en not_active IP Right Cessation
- 1992-10-19 EP EP92921373A patent/EP0609287B1/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| EP0609287A1 (en) | 1994-08-10 |
| WO1993008034A1 (en) | 1993-04-29 |
| DE59208412D1 (en) | 1997-05-28 |
| JPH07503416A (en) | 1995-04-13 |
| DE4143430A1 (en) | 1993-11-11 |
| ATE152051T1 (en) | 1997-05-15 |
| EP0609287B1 (en) | 1997-04-23 |
| DE4143430C2 (en) | 1996-08-29 |
| DE4134704A1 (en) | 1993-05-19 |
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Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| FZDE | Discontinued |