CA2253277A1 - Water-based pad printing ink composition - Google Patents
Water-based pad printing ink composition Download PDFInfo
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- CA2253277A1 CA2253277A1 CA002253277A CA2253277A CA2253277A1 CA 2253277 A1 CA2253277 A1 CA 2253277A1 CA 002253277 A CA002253277 A CA 002253277A CA 2253277 A CA2253277 A CA 2253277A CA 2253277 A1 CA2253277 A1 CA 2253277A1
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- opacifier
- coating
- dispersant
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- 239000000203 mixture Substances 0.000 title claims abstract description 93
- 238000007649 pad printing Methods 0.000 title claims abstract description 17
- XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N water Substances O XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 title description 7
- 239000003605 opacifier Substances 0.000 claims abstract description 21
- 239000002270 dispersing agent Substances 0.000 claims abstract description 19
- 239000003795 chemical substances by application Substances 0.000 claims abstract description 16
- 239000003086 colorant Substances 0.000 claims abstract description 16
- 229920003169 water-soluble polymer Polymers 0.000 claims abstract description 13
- 238000000576 coating method Methods 0.000 claims description 30
- 239000011248 coating agent Substances 0.000 claims description 28
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 claims description 23
- 238000013461 design Methods 0.000 claims description 21
- GWEVSGVZZGPLCZ-UHFFFAOYSA-N Titan oxide Chemical group O=[Ti]=O GWEVSGVZZGPLCZ-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 claims description 20
- 229920002554 vinyl polymer Polymers 0.000 claims description 15
- VYPSYNLAJGMNEJ-UHFFFAOYSA-N Silicium dioxide Chemical compound O=[Si]=O VYPSYNLAJGMNEJ-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 claims description 12
- 238000005299 abrasion Methods 0.000 claims description 11
- 239000003960 organic solvent Substances 0.000 claims description 10
- 238000007639 printing Methods 0.000 claims description 10
- 238000012546 transfer Methods 0.000 claims description 10
- 239000004593 Epoxy Chemical class 0.000 claims description 9
- 239000008199 coating composition Substances 0.000 claims description 8
- 125000003700 epoxy group Chemical class 0.000 claims description 8
- 229920003023 plastic Polymers 0.000 claims description 8
- 239000004033 plastic Substances 0.000 claims description 8
- 229920000647 polyepoxide Chemical class 0.000 claims description 8
- 239000004408 titanium dioxide Substances 0.000 claims description 8
- -1 aluminum silicates Chemical class 0.000 claims description 6
- 239000007788 liquid Substances 0.000 claims description 6
- 235000012431 wafers Nutrition 0.000 claims description 6
- 229920001296 polysiloxane Polymers 0.000 claims description 5
- 239000000377 silicon dioxide Substances 0.000 claims description 5
- PNEYBMLMFCGWSK-UHFFFAOYSA-N Alumina Chemical class [O-2].[O-2].[O-2].[Al+3].[Al+3] PNEYBMLMFCGWSK-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 claims description 4
- 150000001252 acrylic acid derivatives Chemical class 0.000 claims description 4
- 229920006397 acrylic thermoplastic Polymers 0.000 claims description 4
- 229920000180 alkyd Polymers 0.000 claims description 4
- 229910052782 aluminium Inorganic materials 0.000 claims description 4
- 239000001913 cellulose Chemical class 0.000 claims description 4
- 229920002678 cellulose Chemical class 0.000 claims description 4
- 229920003229 poly(methyl methacrylate) Polymers 0.000 claims description 4
- 229920000728 polyester Polymers 0.000 claims description 4
- ISXSCDLOGDJUNJ-UHFFFAOYSA-N tert-butyl prop-2-enoate Chemical compound CC(C)(C)OC(=O)C=C ISXSCDLOGDJUNJ-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 claims description 4
- 150000003673 urethanes Chemical class 0.000 claims description 4
- 239000011521 glass Substances 0.000 claims description 3
- 238000004519 manufacturing process Methods 0.000 claims description 3
- 229920000515 polycarbonate Polymers 0.000 claims description 3
- 239000004417 polycarbonate Substances 0.000 claims description 3
- 125000004386 diacrylate group Chemical group 0.000 claims description 2
- YYPNJNDODFVZLE-UHFFFAOYSA-N 3-methylbut-2-enoic acid Chemical compound CC(C)=CC(O)=O YYPNJNDODFVZLE-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 claims 1
- 229920002379 silicone rubber Polymers 0.000 abstract description 8
- 239000004945 silicone rubber Substances 0.000 abstract description 8
- 239000000976 ink Substances 0.000 description 66
- 229920000642 polymer Polymers 0.000 description 11
- 125000000391 vinyl group Chemical group [H]C([*])=C([H])[H] 0.000 description 11
- 239000000758 substrate Substances 0.000 description 10
- 229920005989 resin Polymers 0.000 description 9
- 239000011347 resin Substances 0.000 description 9
- 238000003756 stirring Methods 0.000 description 9
- 238000009472 formulation Methods 0.000 description 6
- 239000000463 material Substances 0.000 description 6
- 239000000126 substance Substances 0.000 description 5
- 230000003287 optical effect Effects 0.000 description 4
- 235000012756 tartrazine Nutrition 0.000 description 4
- 239000004149 tartrazine Substances 0.000 description 4
- UJMBCXLDXJUMFB-GLCFPVLVSA-K tartrazine Chemical compound [Na+].[Na+].[Na+].[O-]C(=O)C1=NN(C=2C=CC(=CC=2)S([O-])(=O)=O)C(=O)C1\N=N\C1=CC=C(S([O-])(=O)=O)C=C1 UJMBCXLDXJUMFB-GLCFPVLVSA-K 0.000 description 4
- 229960000943 tartrazine Drugs 0.000 description 4
- HMEKVHWROSNWPD-UHFFFAOYSA-N Erioglaucine A Chemical compound [NH4+].[NH4+].C=1C=C(C(=C2C=CC(C=C2)=[N+](CC)CC=2C=C(C=CC=2)S([O-])(=O)=O)C=2C(=CC=CC=2)S([O-])(=O)=O)C=CC=1N(CC)CC1=CC=CC(S([O-])(=O)=O)=C1 HMEKVHWROSNWPD-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 3
- 235000012745 brilliant blue FCF Nutrition 0.000 description 3
- 239000004161 brilliant blue FCF Substances 0.000 description 3
- 239000006185 dispersion Substances 0.000 description 3
- 238000002156 mixing Methods 0.000 description 3
- 239000007787 solid Substances 0.000 description 3
- CSCPPACGZOOCGX-UHFFFAOYSA-N Acetone Chemical compound CC(C)=O CSCPPACGZOOCGX-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 2
- 239000011324 bead Substances 0.000 description 2
- 150000001875 compounds Chemical class 0.000 description 2
- 229920001577 copolymer Polymers 0.000 description 2
- 238000001035 drying Methods 0.000 description 2
- 239000012530 fluid Substances 0.000 description 2
- 230000001788 irregular Effects 0.000 description 2
- 238000002310 reflectometry Methods 0.000 description 2
- 239000000080 wetting agent Substances 0.000 description 2
- NNWNNQTUZYVQRK-UHFFFAOYSA-N 5-bromo-1h-pyrrolo[2,3-c]pyridine-2-carboxylic acid Chemical compound BrC1=NC=C2NC(C(=O)O)=CC2=C1 NNWNNQTUZYVQRK-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- NIXOWILDQLNWCW-UHFFFAOYSA-M Acrylate Chemical compound [O-]C(=O)C=C NIXOWILDQLNWCW-UHFFFAOYSA-M 0.000 description 1
- 229920002574 CR-39 Polymers 0.000 description 1
- JOYRKODLDBILNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N Ethyl urethane Chemical compound CCOC(N)=O JOYRKODLDBILNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- IAYPIBMASNFSPL-UHFFFAOYSA-N Ethylene oxide Chemical group C1CO1 IAYPIBMASNFSPL-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 229920002153 Hydroxypropyl cellulose Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 241000083869 Polyommatus dorylas Species 0.000 description 1
- 239000000853 adhesive Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000001070 adhesive effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000005540 biological transmission Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000001246 colloidal dispersion Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000007812 deficiency Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000008367 deionised water Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000000975 dye Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000007613 environmental effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000011049 filling Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000005350 fused silica glass Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000000227 grinding Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000001863 hydroxypropyl cellulose Substances 0.000 description 1
- 235000010977 hydroxypropyl cellulose Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- 229910010272 inorganic material Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 239000011147 inorganic material Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000004816 latex Substances 0.000 description 1
- 229920000126 latex Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 239000000314 lubricant Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000005259 measurement Methods 0.000 description 1
- 229910044991 metal oxide Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 150000004706 metal oxides Chemical class 0.000 description 1
- 238000012986 modification Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000004048 modification Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000000178 monomer Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000002245 particle Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000005498 polishing Methods 0.000 description 1
- 229920002959 polymer blend Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 229920002635 polyurethane Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 239000004814 polyurethane Substances 0.000 description 1
- HXHCOXPZCUFAJI-UHFFFAOYSA-N prop-2-enoic acid;styrene Chemical class OC(=O)C=C.C=CC1=CC=CC=C1 HXHCOXPZCUFAJI-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 239000010453 quartz Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000005368 silicate glass Substances 0.000 description 1
- HUAUNKAZQWMVFY-UHFFFAOYSA-M sodium;oxocalcium;hydroxide Chemical compound [OH-].[Na+].[Ca]=O HUAUNKAZQWMVFY-UHFFFAOYSA-M 0.000 description 1
- 238000006467 substitution reaction Methods 0.000 description 1
- 229920001169 thermoplastic Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 239000004416 thermosoftening plastic Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000009974 thixotropic effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- YXZRCLVVNRLPTP-UHFFFAOYSA-J turquoise blue Chemical compound [Na+].[Na+].[Na+].[Na+].[Cu+2].NC1=NC(Cl)=NC(NC=2C=C(NS(=O)(=O)C3=CC=4C(=C5NC=4NC=4[N-]C(=C6C=CC(=CC6=4)S([O-])(=O)=O)NC=4NC(=C6C=C(C=CC6=4)S([O-])(=O)=O)NC=4[N-]C(=C6C=CC(=CC6=4)S([O-])(=O)=O)N5)C=C3)C(=CC=2)S([O-])(=O)=O)=N1 YXZRCLVVNRLPTP-UHFFFAOYSA-J 0.000 description 1
- 229920006163 vinyl copolymer Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 238000001429 visible spectrum Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000012855 volatile organic compound Substances 0.000 description 1
Classifications
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G02—OPTICS
- G02B—OPTICAL ELEMENTS, SYSTEMS OR APPARATUS
- G02B1/00—Optical elements characterised by the material of which they are made; Optical coatings for optical elements
- G02B1/10—Optical coatings produced by application to, or surface treatment of, optical elements
-
- C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
- C03—GLASS; MINERAL OR SLAG WOOL
- C03C—CHEMICAL COMPOSITION OF GLASSES, GLAZES OR VITREOUS ENAMELS; SURFACE TREATMENT OF GLASS; SURFACE TREATMENT OF FIBRES OR FILAMENTS MADE FROM GLASS, MINERALS OR SLAGS; JOINING GLASS TO GLASS OR OTHER MATERIALS
- C03C17/00—Surface treatment of glass, not in the form of fibres or filaments, by coating
- C03C17/006—Surface treatment of glass, not in the form of fibres or filaments, by coating with materials of composite character
- C03C17/008—Surface treatment of glass, not in the form of fibres or filaments, by coating with materials of composite character comprising a mixture of materials covered by two or more of the groups C03C17/02, C03C17/06, C03C17/22 and C03C17/28
- C03C17/009—Mixtures of organic and inorganic materials, e.g. ormosils and ormocers
-
- C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
- C09—DYES; PAINTS; POLISHES; NATURAL RESINS; ADHESIVES; COMPOSITIONS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; APPLICATIONS OF MATERIALS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- C09D—COATING COMPOSITIONS, e.g. PAINTS, VARNISHES OR LACQUERS; FILLING PASTES; CHEMICAL PAINT OR INK REMOVERS; INKS; CORRECTING FLUIDS; WOODSTAINS; PASTES OR SOLIDS FOR COLOURING OR PRINTING; USE OF MATERIALS THEREFOR
- C09D11/00—Inks
- C09D11/02—Printing inks
-
- C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
- C03—GLASS; MINERAL OR SLAG WOOL
- C03C—CHEMICAL COMPOSITION OF GLASSES, GLAZES OR VITREOUS ENAMELS; SURFACE TREATMENT OF GLASS; SURFACE TREATMENT OF FIBRES OR FILAMENTS MADE FROM GLASS, MINERALS OR SLAGS; JOINING GLASS TO GLASS OR OTHER MATERIALS
- C03C2218/00—Methods for coating glass
- C03C2218/30—Aspects of methods for coating glass not covered above
- C03C2218/355—Temporary coating
Landscapes
- Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
- Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Materials Engineering (AREA)
- Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
- Organic Chemistry (AREA)
- Chemical Kinetics & Catalysis (AREA)
- Composite Materials (AREA)
- Inorganic Chemistry (AREA)
- General Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
- Geochemistry & Mineralogy (AREA)
- Wood Science & Technology (AREA)
- General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
- Optics & Photonics (AREA)
- Inks, Pencil-Leads, Or Crayons (AREA)
- Eyeglasses (AREA)
Abstract
A transfer-pad printing aqueous composition comprising effective amounts of a water soluble polymer, an opacifier, and a dispersant and optionally a colorant and/or release agent is provided. The composition is particularly suited for use with silicone rubber transfer-pads to print alphanumeric patterns on curved or spherical surfaces such as opthalmic lenses.
Description
WATER-BASED PAD PRINTING INK COMPOSITION
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates generally to a transfer-pad printing ink composition preferably comprising a waterborne vinyl resin, an opacifier, a S release agent, a dispersant and a colorant. The ink composition is particularly suited for use with silicone rubber transfer pads to print alphanumeric patternson curved or spherical articles such as ophthalmic lenses. The ink formulation is compatible with the pad surface so the pad precisely transfers the design to a surface that is receptive to the ink which is removable with water.
BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION
Pad or transfer-pad printing is a well established method for transferring ink in the form of a thin design to a shaped surface such as one having a rounded or otherwise irregular contour. This technique differs from traditional printing in that it does not rely on a typeface in transferring the design. Pad printing has been used commercially for many applications such as (I) printing patterns on light bulbs, watch faces, and golf balls, (2) printing circuits on dielectric substrates, (3) imprinting bar codes, and (4) marking glass or plastic ophthalmic lenses for subsequent identification in prescription-filling optical laboratories.
There are a number of commercial transfer-pad printing systems available. For example, systems are obtainable from Trans Tech America, Inc., Schaumberg, IL. Markem Corporation, Keene, NH; Tampo Print GmbH, ~unich and Stuttgart, Germany. Transfer-pad printing devices are described, for example, in 4,060,031, 4,282,807, 4,615,266, 4,779,531, 4,803,922 and 4,856,670. Though these systems are automated and geared to accurately transfer the pattern from a printing block (cliché), which contains the ink design to be transferred, a critical step in the process involves accurately picking up the ink design from the cliché, without altering the design as it lays - on the pad prior to transfer to a receiving surface.
Wo 97/41180 PCT/US97/06805 Reproducing the design on a cliché on a substrate depends upon the ability of the ink composition deposited in the cliché to effectively wet the surface of the transfer-pad. If the ink composition does not properly wet the pad surface, the pad will not completely pick up the ink in the design provided 5 in the cliché. Alternatively, the pad may pick up the ink design by suction ofa sufficient mass only to have the design break up (or bead up) on the pad because of an incompatibility between the ink and the pad surface prior to transference of the design to the desired surface. To address this problem, WO
92/20005 described a modified transfer-pad printing composition comprising 10 either a latex or a solution coating composition which includes a monomeric or polymeric hydroxylated and/or carboxylated surface active wetting agent.
Following transfer of the ink composition, printing is complete when the ink dries to form the design. In this regard, some commercially available organic solvent-based inks must be dried and cured at elevated temperatures.
15 The volatile organic compounds in organic solvent-based inks raise environmental concerns not only because of their presence but also because acetone or another organic solvent is required to remove the print thereby further aggravating the problem. Finally, it has also been observed that some organic solvent-based inks cause a phenomenon referred to as "ghosting,"
20 where the ink composition leaves an impression on the surface of a plastic substrate after the ink (e.g., design) has been wiped off.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention is based in part on the discovery of a transfer-pad aqueous ink composition comprising a marking ink in a waterborne vinyl resin 25 dispersion that is compatible with pad surfaces including those made of silicone rubber. The ink composition, in the shape of an alphanumeric or any geometric pattern, can be precisely imprinted on the pad surface; thereafter, the design can be precisely transferred to another surface that is receptive to the ink.
... . . .
CA 02253277 l998-l0-29 W O97/41180 PCT~US97/06805 In one aspect, the invention is directed to an aqueous coating composition suitable for use in~ transfer-pad printing that comprises a water soluble polymer; an opacifier; and a dispersant.
Preferably, the soluble polymer is a vinyl resin and the ink composition includes a colorant to enhance the appearance of the finished pattern. When the transfer pad is made of silicone rubber, the composition includes a release agent.
In another aspect, the invention is directed to a transfer-pad printing method of printing a pattern of a liquid coating from a cliché to a substrate surface wherein the liquid coating comprises the above described aqueous ink composition. In yet another aspect, the invention is directed to articles including, for example, ophthalmic lenses, fabricated by this process.
In a preferred embodiment, the inventive aqueous ink composition does not include an organic solvent which avoids the hazards associated with organic solvent-based inks. In addition, the inventive ink composition overcomes the deficiencies of conventional aqueous ink compositions which have not been satisfactory. Specifically, prior art aqueous inks tend to bead upon the silicone rubber pad surface thereby breaking up the design sufficiently so that the resultant imprinted product is a poor replica of the original design.
Furthermore, conventional aqueous marking ink solutions generally form very light and not well defined imprints that ]ack body and substance. For these reasons they fail to meet the requirements of a precision manufacturing environment where readability, clarity, abrasion resistance, sturdiness and moisture resistance are necessary.
A feature of the inventive water-dispersible ink is that it can dry at room temperature (about 22~-25~C) in only a few seconds, or less time when air assisted, to form good quality, well-defined prints that are comparable to those formed from organic solvent-based inks. The prints are also abrasion resistant so that articles (e.g., ophthalmic lenses) that are imprinted can be - 30 safely packaged and shipped.
... . , ., " .. .
CA 022~3277 1998-10-29 Another feature of the invention is that the imprinted ink marks can be readily removed by wiping with cold water.
A further feature is that the aqueous ink composition can imprint patterns on ophthalmic lenses that are uncoated, coated for abrasion resistance 5 and/or anti-reflectivity. Plastic lenses are often coated with, for example, films derived from polysiloxane, acrylate, epoxy, or urethane based compounds for abrasion resistance and with multilayer films comprising silica, titania and/or niobia for anti-reflectivity.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
The invention is directed to water-based ink compositions for marking irregular surfaces. The ink compositions can be employed to imprint any article which can be imprinted by transfer-pad printing. The invention will be illustrated with printing on ophthalmic lenses. In the case of ophthalmic lenses, the markings are used in the production of lens products. Specifically, 15 the markings identify reference points on a lens, e.g., fitting cross, prism point, near measurement etc., which guide laboratory personnel in grinding, polishing and otherwise fitting the prescription to that required for the final eyeglass product.
Ophthalmic lenses are fabricated from materials having superior 20 structural and optical properties. Crystalline quartz, fused silica, soda-lime silicate glass, and plastics such as from polymers based on allyl diglycol carbonate monomers (available as CR-39TM from PPG Industries, Inc., Hartford, CT), diacrylate or dimethacrylate compounds as described in U.S.
Patents 5,373,033 and 4,912,185, both incorporated herein, and which are 25 available as SPECTRALITETM from Sola Optical USA, Inc. Petaluma, CA, and polycarbonates such as LEXANTM, available from General Electric Co., are preferred substrate materials for ophthalmic lenses (including sunglasses).
Preferred ophthalmic lenses also include l~-nin~ted lenses that are fabricated by bonding two lens wafers (i.e., a front wafer and a back wafer) together with a - 30 transparent adhesive. Laminated lens wafers are described, for example, in U.S. Patents 5,149,181, 4,857,553, and 4,645,317 and U.K. Patent Application, wo 97/41180 PCT/US97/06805 GB 2,260,937A, all of which are incorporated herein. Suitable substrates further include glass ophthalmic lenses, as described, for instance, in U.S.
- Patents 3,899,315 and 3,899,314, both of which are incorporated herein. As used herein, the term "lens" refers to both single integral body and l~min~ttod types.
The lens can be uncoated or coated for abrasion resistance or antireflectivity. Ophthalmic lenses, particularly plastic ones, that are coated with a polymeric abrasion or scratch resistance coating that may be about 1 lum to about 12 ~m thick are also suitable substrates. The thickness of the polymeric scratch resistance coating will depend, in part, on the substrate materiah Generally, plastic materials such as polycarbonates will re~uire thicker coatings.
Suitable lenses may also have an antireflection coating which refers to a substantially transparent multilayer film that is applied to optical systems (e.g., surfaces thereof) to substantially eliminate reflection over a relativelywide portion of the visible spectrum, and thereby increase the transmission of light and reduce surface reflectance. Known anti-reflection coatings include multilayer films comprising alternating high and low refractive index materials (e.g., metal oxides) as described, for instance, in U.S. Patents 3,432,225, 3,565,509, 4,022,947, and 5,332,618, all of which are inco.porated herein. The thickness of the AR coating will depend on the thickness of each individual layer in the multilayer film and the total number of layers in the multilayer film. The AR coating can include any number of layers. Preferably, the AR
coating for the ophthalmic lens has about 3 to about 12 layers, more preferably about 4 to about 7 layers, and most preferably about 4 layers. Preferably, the AR coating is about 100 to about 750 nm thick. For use with ophthalmic lenses, the AR coating is preferably about 220 to about 500 nm thick. A
suitable anti-reflection coating is described in U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 08/487,365 by Machol, entitled "Anti-reflection Coating", of common - 30 assignee, filed on June 7, 1995, which is incorporated herein.
CA 022~3277 l998-l0-29 W O 97/41180 PCTrUS97/06805 However, before describing the invention in further detail, the following terms will be defined.
The term "soluble polymer" refers to suitable water soluble polymers that are compatible with the other components of the ink composition to form 5 an aqueous polymer mixture which produces a polymer composition with the other components impregnated therein when the mixture is dried. Soluble polymers include, for example, suitable urethanes, acrylates, epoxies, cellulose, and vinyl derivatives. Specific examples, include, polyurethanes available as N~OREZTM from Zeneca Resins, Wilmington, MA, styrene acrylates available 10 as JONCRYLTM from Johnson Wax Co., Racine, WI, hydroxypropylcellulose available as KLUCELTM, cellulosic polymers available as AMBERGUMTM
both from Aqualon Co., Wilmington, DE, and aqueous vinyl polymer mixtures that are available under the designations AW850, AW100, AW870, AW875 and WBVI00 from Union Carbide, Danbury, CT. Preferred soluble polymers 15 are thermoplastic. Preferred soluble polymers for the ink composition comprise vinyl resins which are vinyl polymers or copolymers that are soluble in water at room temperature. The presence of an aqueous colloidal dispersion of said vinyl resins in the ink composition is critical in achieving the desiredflowability, printability and durability of the marlcing ink. The ink also has 20 good redispersibility characteristics and is easy to remove. Preferably, the vinyl resin is a vinyl chloride copolymer. Suitable vinyl chloride copolymers are available as a waterborne vinyl dispersant such as, for example, the UCARTM waterborne vinyls (available from Union Carbide, Danbury, CT). A
preferred waterborne vinyl resin dispersion is AW-850TM, which contains 25 about 40% solids, is available from Union Carbide. The soluble polymer typically comprises from about 10% to about 30%, preferably about 15% to 25%, and more preferably about 20% to 25% of the ink composition when first formulated, that is, prior to drying. (All percentages herein are on a weight basis). Another preferred waterborne vinyl resin dispersion is WBV
30 lO0 which contains about 50% solids. This soluble polymer comprises from CA 022~3277 1998-10-29 wo 97/41180 PCT/US97/06805 about 10% to 30%, preferably about 15% to 25%, and more preferably 20% to 25% of the ink formulation.
The term "opacifier" or "opacifying agent" refers to any suitable substance that imparts strength, durability and/or sharpness to the design or pattern created on a substrate surface when the ink composition has dried. In addition, it appears that the opacifying agent also improves the consistency andtexture of the ink so that it can be readily transferred from the cliché to the articles surface by the transfer pad. Preferred opacifiers are inorganic materials such, for example, titanium dioxide, aluminum oxides, aluminum silicates, and silica. Titanium dioxide is preferred because it is less abrasiveand creates superior appearing, well-defined designs and marks. When a colorant is used in the ink composition, the TiO2 opacifier creates a white background which enhances the color of the colorant. The opacifying agent typically comprises from about 5% to 45%, preferably from about 5% to 30%, and more preferably from about lO% to 20% of the aqueous ink composition.
The term "dispersant" refers to any suitable substance which acts as a wetting agent to disperse the ink cornponents especially the opacifier (and colorant which is optional) to form an aqueous mixture wherein the undissolved fine solid particles are uniformly distributed and separated.
Preferred dispersants include, for example, water-reducible alkyds, acrylics, polyesters, epoxies, and mixtures thereof. DISPERSE-AYD W-22TM
(available from Daniel Products, Jersey City, N.J.) is a preferred dispersant.
The dispersant typically comprises from about 0.5% to 5.5%, preferably from about 1% to 5%, and more preferably from about 1% to 2.5% of the aqueous ink composition.
The term "release agent" refers to any suitable substance that acts as a lubricant to render the aqueous ink composition more readily transferable from the cliché to the silicone rubber transfer pad and from the pad to the substrate(e.g., lens) surface. Silicone rubber material is described, for example, in WO
- 30 92/20005. Suitable release agents include, for example, silicone fluids. A
preferred release agent is a silicone fluid available as SFI 188TM from General CA 022~3277 1998-10-29 Electric Co., Waterford, NY. The release agent typically comprises from about 10% to 30%, preferably from about 12.5% to 27.5% and more preferably about 15% to 20% of the aqueous ink composition.
The term "colorant" refers to suitable substances which impart color to another material or mixture. Colorants are used as desired to render uniqueness to the mark, e.g., "color coding." In addition, colorants provide improved legibility with surface saver tapes in lens surfacing process.
Colorants typically comprise either nonsoluble inorganic and soluble organic dyes. Preferred colorants include Erioglaucine (turquoise blue) and Tartrazine (yellow) both available from Aldrich Chemical Co., Milwaukee, WI. When present, the colorant comprises from about 0.25% to 7.5%, preferably from about 0.5% to 5%, and more preferably from about 0.5% to 2.5% of the ink composition.
METHODOLOGY
The inventive ink composition can be employed in conventional transfer-pad devices which typically comprise a silicone rubber pad for transferring an ink pattern from a cliché ink source and printing the design onto the surface of an article (e.g., lens surface). Excess ink is removed from the cliché with a doctor blade. Typically, the aqueous ink composition comprises about 20% to 50% water, preferably about 25% to 45%, and more preferably about 35% to 45%. The composition is thixotropic and has a viscosity of about 1,000 cp to 20,000 cp, preferably about 5,000 cp to 15,000 cp, and more preferably about 7,500 cp to about 12,500 cp at room temperature.
Markings on plastic ophthalmic lenses that identified reference points on each lens were formed using Tampo Print Hermetic transfer-pad printing device models 61 and 90. The devices were available from Trans Tech America, Inc., Schaumberg, IL and adapted for fabricating ophthalmic lenses.
The following Examples 1-6 describe representative preferred - 30 formulations of the inventive aqueous ink composition:
CA 022~3277 1998-10-29 Wo 97/~1180 PCT/US97/06805 Example 1: To 54.3 g of AW850 (soluble polymer) add 10.81 g of de-ionized water under stir. To this add 1.63 g of DISPERS-AYD W22 (dispersant). 0.81 g Erioglaucine and 0.11 g Tartrazine (colorants) are then added and the mixture is stirred for 15 minutes. Next add 14.12 g of titanium dioxide and continue stirring for a further 2 hours. Finally, add 18.19 g of theSF1188 (release agent) and stir for 2 more hours. This formulation achieves a teal colored ink.
Example 2: The same mixing procedure as Example 1 except replace the AW850 with 54.3 g of WBV110.
Example 3: To 60.88 g of AW875 add 1.79 g of D~SPERS-AYD W22 under stir. 0.9 g Erioglaucine and 0. I l g Tartrazine are then added and the mixture is stirred for 15 minutes. Next add 15.92 g of titanium dioxide and continue stirring for a further 2 hours. Finally, add 20.52 g of the SF1188 and stir for 2 more hours. The formulation achieves a teal colored ink.
Example 4: To 64.31 g of AW875 add 1.29 g of DISPERS-AYD
W22 under stir. 0.96 g of Tartrazine is then added and the mixture is stirred for 15 minutes. Next add 15.43 g of titanium dioxide and continue stirring for a further 2 hours. Finally, add 18.0 g of SF1188 and continue stirring for 2 hours. The formulation achieves a yellow colored ink.
Example 5: The same mixing procedure as Example 4 except replace the AW850 with 64.31 g of WBVl lO.
Example 6: The same mixing procedure as Example 4 except replace the AW850 with 64.31 g of AW875.
After lenses are transfer-pad printed with the aqueous ink composition, the markings on the surfaces of the lenses formed when the ink composition dried. At room temperature, drying occurred within a few seconds or less when air is blown on the aqueous ink composition. The markings were easily removable with water.
While the invention has been described in terms of various preferred - 30 embodiments, the skilled artisan will appreciate the various modifications, substitutions, and changes which may be made without departing from the ... . .. ... . . ...... . .
spirit hereof. The descriptions of the subject matter in this disclosure are illustrative of the invention and are not intended to be construed as limitations upon the scope of the invention.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates generally to a transfer-pad printing ink composition preferably comprising a waterborne vinyl resin, an opacifier, a S release agent, a dispersant and a colorant. The ink composition is particularly suited for use with silicone rubber transfer pads to print alphanumeric patternson curved or spherical articles such as ophthalmic lenses. The ink formulation is compatible with the pad surface so the pad precisely transfers the design to a surface that is receptive to the ink which is removable with water.
BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION
Pad or transfer-pad printing is a well established method for transferring ink in the form of a thin design to a shaped surface such as one having a rounded or otherwise irregular contour. This technique differs from traditional printing in that it does not rely on a typeface in transferring the design. Pad printing has been used commercially for many applications such as (I) printing patterns on light bulbs, watch faces, and golf balls, (2) printing circuits on dielectric substrates, (3) imprinting bar codes, and (4) marking glass or plastic ophthalmic lenses for subsequent identification in prescription-filling optical laboratories.
There are a number of commercial transfer-pad printing systems available. For example, systems are obtainable from Trans Tech America, Inc., Schaumberg, IL. Markem Corporation, Keene, NH; Tampo Print GmbH, ~unich and Stuttgart, Germany. Transfer-pad printing devices are described, for example, in 4,060,031, 4,282,807, 4,615,266, 4,779,531, 4,803,922 and 4,856,670. Though these systems are automated and geared to accurately transfer the pattern from a printing block (cliché), which contains the ink design to be transferred, a critical step in the process involves accurately picking up the ink design from the cliché, without altering the design as it lays - on the pad prior to transfer to a receiving surface.
Wo 97/41180 PCT/US97/06805 Reproducing the design on a cliché on a substrate depends upon the ability of the ink composition deposited in the cliché to effectively wet the surface of the transfer-pad. If the ink composition does not properly wet the pad surface, the pad will not completely pick up the ink in the design provided 5 in the cliché. Alternatively, the pad may pick up the ink design by suction ofa sufficient mass only to have the design break up (or bead up) on the pad because of an incompatibility between the ink and the pad surface prior to transference of the design to the desired surface. To address this problem, WO
92/20005 described a modified transfer-pad printing composition comprising 10 either a latex or a solution coating composition which includes a monomeric or polymeric hydroxylated and/or carboxylated surface active wetting agent.
Following transfer of the ink composition, printing is complete when the ink dries to form the design. In this regard, some commercially available organic solvent-based inks must be dried and cured at elevated temperatures.
15 The volatile organic compounds in organic solvent-based inks raise environmental concerns not only because of their presence but also because acetone or another organic solvent is required to remove the print thereby further aggravating the problem. Finally, it has also been observed that some organic solvent-based inks cause a phenomenon referred to as "ghosting,"
20 where the ink composition leaves an impression on the surface of a plastic substrate after the ink (e.g., design) has been wiped off.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention is based in part on the discovery of a transfer-pad aqueous ink composition comprising a marking ink in a waterborne vinyl resin 25 dispersion that is compatible with pad surfaces including those made of silicone rubber. The ink composition, in the shape of an alphanumeric or any geometric pattern, can be precisely imprinted on the pad surface; thereafter, the design can be precisely transferred to another surface that is receptive to the ink.
... . . .
CA 02253277 l998-l0-29 W O97/41180 PCT~US97/06805 In one aspect, the invention is directed to an aqueous coating composition suitable for use in~ transfer-pad printing that comprises a water soluble polymer; an opacifier; and a dispersant.
Preferably, the soluble polymer is a vinyl resin and the ink composition includes a colorant to enhance the appearance of the finished pattern. When the transfer pad is made of silicone rubber, the composition includes a release agent.
In another aspect, the invention is directed to a transfer-pad printing method of printing a pattern of a liquid coating from a cliché to a substrate surface wherein the liquid coating comprises the above described aqueous ink composition. In yet another aspect, the invention is directed to articles including, for example, ophthalmic lenses, fabricated by this process.
In a preferred embodiment, the inventive aqueous ink composition does not include an organic solvent which avoids the hazards associated with organic solvent-based inks. In addition, the inventive ink composition overcomes the deficiencies of conventional aqueous ink compositions which have not been satisfactory. Specifically, prior art aqueous inks tend to bead upon the silicone rubber pad surface thereby breaking up the design sufficiently so that the resultant imprinted product is a poor replica of the original design.
Furthermore, conventional aqueous marking ink solutions generally form very light and not well defined imprints that ]ack body and substance. For these reasons they fail to meet the requirements of a precision manufacturing environment where readability, clarity, abrasion resistance, sturdiness and moisture resistance are necessary.
A feature of the inventive water-dispersible ink is that it can dry at room temperature (about 22~-25~C) in only a few seconds, or less time when air assisted, to form good quality, well-defined prints that are comparable to those formed from organic solvent-based inks. The prints are also abrasion resistant so that articles (e.g., ophthalmic lenses) that are imprinted can be - 30 safely packaged and shipped.
... . , ., " .. .
CA 022~3277 1998-10-29 Another feature of the invention is that the imprinted ink marks can be readily removed by wiping with cold water.
A further feature is that the aqueous ink composition can imprint patterns on ophthalmic lenses that are uncoated, coated for abrasion resistance 5 and/or anti-reflectivity. Plastic lenses are often coated with, for example, films derived from polysiloxane, acrylate, epoxy, or urethane based compounds for abrasion resistance and with multilayer films comprising silica, titania and/or niobia for anti-reflectivity.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
The invention is directed to water-based ink compositions for marking irregular surfaces. The ink compositions can be employed to imprint any article which can be imprinted by transfer-pad printing. The invention will be illustrated with printing on ophthalmic lenses. In the case of ophthalmic lenses, the markings are used in the production of lens products. Specifically, 15 the markings identify reference points on a lens, e.g., fitting cross, prism point, near measurement etc., which guide laboratory personnel in grinding, polishing and otherwise fitting the prescription to that required for the final eyeglass product.
Ophthalmic lenses are fabricated from materials having superior 20 structural and optical properties. Crystalline quartz, fused silica, soda-lime silicate glass, and plastics such as from polymers based on allyl diglycol carbonate monomers (available as CR-39TM from PPG Industries, Inc., Hartford, CT), diacrylate or dimethacrylate compounds as described in U.S.
Patents 5,373,033 and 4,912,185, both incorporated herein, and which are 25 available as SPECTRALITETM from Sola Optical USA, Inc. Petaluma, CA, and polycarbonates such as LEXANTM, available from General Electric Co., are preferred substrate materials for ophthalmic lenses (including sunglasses).
Preferred ophthalmic lenses also include l~-nin~ted lenses that are fabricated by bonding two lens wafers (i.e., a front wafer and a back wafer) together with a - 30 transparent adhesive. Laminated lens wafers are described, for example, in U.S. Patents 5,149,181, 4,857,553, and 4,645,317 and U.K. Patent Application, wo 97/41180 PCT/US97/06805 GB 2,260,937A, all of which are incorporated herein. Suitable substrates further include glass ophthalmic lenses, as described, for instance, in U.S.
- Patents 3,899,315 and 3,899,314, both of which are incorporated herein. As used herein, the term "lens" refers to both single integral body and l~min~ttod types.
The lens can be uncoated or coated for abrasion resistance or antireflectivity. Ophthalmic lenses, particularly plastic ones, that are coated with a polymeric abrasion or scratch resistance coating that may be about 1 lum to about 12 ~m thick are also suitable substrates. The thickness of the polymeric scratch resistance coating will depend, in part, on the substrate materiah Generally, plastic materials such as polycarbonates will re~uire thicker coatings.
Suitable lenses may also have an antireflection coating which refers to a substantially transparent multilayer film that is applied to optical systems (e.g., surfaces thereof) to substantially eliminate reflection over a relativelywide portion of the visible spectrum, and thereby increase the transmission of light and reduce surface reflectance. Known anti-reflection coatings include multilayer films comprising alternating high and low refractive index materials (e.g., metal oxides) as described, for instance, in U.S. Patents 3,432,225, 3,565,509, 4,022,947, and 5,332,618, all of which are inco.porated herein. The thickness of the AR coating will depend on the thickness of each individual layer in the multilayer film and the total number of layers in the multilayer film. The AR coating can include any number of layers. Preferably, the AR
coating for the ophthalmic lens has about 3 to about 12 layers, more preferably about 4 to about 7 layers, and most preferably about 4 layers. Preferably, the AR coating is about 100 to about 750 nm thick. For use with ophthalmic lenses, the AR coating is preferably about 220 to about 500 nm thick. A
suitable anti-reflection coating is described in U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 08/487,365 by Machol, entitled "Anti-reflection Coating", of common - 30 assignee, filed on June 7, 1995, which is incorporated herein.
CA 022~3277 l998-l0-29 W O 97/41180 PCTrUS97/06805 However, before describing the invention in further detail, the following terms will be defined.
The term "soluble polymer" refers to suitable water soluble polymers that are compatible with the other components of the ink composition to form 5 an aqueous polymer mixture which produces a polymer composition with the other components impregnated therein when the mixture is dried. Soluble polymers include, for example, suitable urethanes, acrylates, epoxies, cellulose, and vinyl derivatives. Specific examples, include, polyurethanes available as N~OREZTM from Zeneca Resins, Wilmington, MA, styrene acrylates available 10 as JONCRYLTM from Johnson Wax Co., Racine, WI, hydroxypropylcellulose available as KLUCELTM, cellulosic polymers available as AMBERGUMTM
both from Aqualon Co., Wilmington, DE, and aqueous vinyl polymer mixtures that are available under the designations AW850, AW100, AW870, AW875 and WBVI00 from Union Carbide, Danbury, CT. Preferred soluble polymers 15 are thermoplastic. Preferred soluble polymers for the ink composition comprise vinyl resins which are vinyl polymers or copolymers that are soluble in water at room temperature. The presence of an aqueous colloidal dispersion of said vinyl resins in the ink composition is critical in achieving the desiredflowability, printability and durability of the marlcing ink. The ink also has 20 good redispersibility characteristics and is easy to remove. Preferably, the vinyl resin is a vinyl chloride copolymer. Suitable vinyl chloride copolymers are available as a waterborne vinyl dispersant such as, for example, the UCARTM waterborne vinyls (available from Union Carbide, Danbury, CT). A
preferred waterborne vinyl resin dispersion is AW-850TM, which contains 25 about 40% solids, is available from Union Carbide. The soluble polymer typically comprises from about 10% to about 30%, preferably about 15% to 25%, and more preferably about 20% to 25% of the ink composition when first formulated, that is, prior to drying. (All percentages herein are on a weight basis). Another preferred waterborne vinyl resin dispersion is WBV
30 lO0 which contains about 50% solids. This soluble polymer comprises from CA 022~3277 1998-10-29 wo 97/41180 PCT/US97/06805 about 10% to 30%, preferably about 15% to 25%, and more preferably 20% to 25% of the ink formulation.
The term "opacifier" or "opacifying agent" refers to any suitable substance that imparts strength, durability and/or sharpness to the design or pattern created on a substrate surface when the ink composition has dried. In addition, it appears that the opacifying agent also improves the consistency andtexture of the ink so that it can be readily transferred from the cliché to the articles surface by the transfer pad. Preferred opacifiers are inorganic materials such, for example, titanium dioxide, aluminum oxides, aluminum silicates, and silica. Titanium dioxide is preferred because it is less abrasiveand creates superior appearing, well-defined designs and marks. When a colorant is used in the ink composition, the TiO2 opacifier creates a white background which enhances the color of the colorant. The opacifying agent typically comprises from about 5% to 45%, preferably from about 5% to 30%, and more preferably from about lO% to 20% of the aqueous ink composition.
The term "dispersant" refers to any suitable substance which acts as a wetting agent to disperse the ink cornponents especially the opacifier (and colorant which is optional) to form an aqueous mixture wherein the undissolved fine solid particles are uniformly distributed and separated.
Preferred dispersants include, for example, water-reducible alkyds, acrylics, polyesters, epoxies, and mixtures thereof. DISPERSE-AYD W-22TM
(available from Daniel Products, Jersey City, N.J.) is a preferred dispersant.
The dispersant typically comprises from about 0.5% to 5.5%, preferably from about 1% to 5%, and more preferably from about 1% to 2.5% of the aqueous ink composition.
The term "release agent" refers to any suitable substance that acts as a lubricant to render the aqueous ink composition more readily transferable from the cliché to the silicone rubber transfer pad and from the pad to the substrate(e.g., lens) surface. Silicone rubber material is described, for example, in WO
- 30 92/20005. Suitable release agents include, for example, silicone fluids. A
preferred release agent is a silicone fluid available as SFI 188TM from General CA 022~3277 1998-10-29 Electric Co., Waterford, NY. The release agent typically comprises from about 10% to 30%, preferably from about 12.5% to 27.5% and more preferably about 15% to 20% of the aqueous ink composition.
The term "colorant" refers to suitable substances which impart color to another material or mixture. Colorants are used as desired to render uniqueness to the mark, e.g., "color coding." In addition, colorants provide improved legibility with surface saver tapes in lens surfacing process.
Colorants typically comprise either nonsoluble inorganic and soluble organic dyes. Preferred colorants include Erioglaucine (turquoise blue) and Tartrazine (yellow) both available from Aldrich Chemical Co., Milwaukee, WI. When present, the colorant comprises from about 0.25% to 7.5%, preferably from about 0.5% to 5%, and more preferably from about 0.5% to 2.5% of the ink composition.
METHODOLOGY
The inventive ink composition can be employed in conventional transfer-pad devices which typically comprise a silicone rubber pad for transferring an ink pattern from a cliché ink source and printing the design onto the surface of an article (e.g., lens surface). Excess ink is removed from the cliché with a doctor blade. Typically, the aqueous ink composition comprises about 20% to 50% water, preferably about 25% to 45%, and more preferably about 35% to 45%. The composition is thixotropic and has a viscosity of about 1,000 cp to 20,000 cp, preferably about 5,000 cp to 15,000 cp, and more preferably about 7,500 cp to about 12,500 cp at room temperature.
Markings on plastic ophthalmic lenses that identified reference points on each lens were formed using Tampo Print Hermetic transfer-pad printing device models 61 and 90. The devices were available from Trans Tech America, Inc., Schaumberg, IL and adapted for fabricating ophthalmic lenses.
The following Examples 1-6 describe representative preferred - 30 formulations of the inventive aqueous ink composition:
CA 022~3277 1998-10-29 Wo 97/~1180 PCT/US97/06805 Example 1: To 54.3 g of AW850 (soluble polymer) add 10.81 g of de-ionized water under stir. To this add 1.63 g of DISPERS-AYD W22 (dispersant). 0.81 g Erioglaucine and 0.11 g Tartrazine (colorants) are then added and the mixture is stirred for 15 minutes. Next add 14.12 g of titanium dioxide and continue stirring for a further 2 hours. Finally, add 18.19 g of theSF1188 (release agent) and stir for 2 more hours. This formulation achieves a teal colored ink.
Example 2: The same mixing procedure as Example 1 except replace the AW850 with 54.3 g of WBV110.
Example 3: To 60.88 g of AW875 add 1.79 g of D~SPERS-AYD W22 under stir. 0.9 g Erioglaucine and 0. I l g Tartrazine are then added and the mixture is stirred for 15 minutes. Next add 15.92 g of titanium dioxide and continue stirring for a further 2 hours. Finally, add 20.52 g of the SF1188 and stir for 2 more hours. The formulation achieves a teal colored ink.
Example 4: To 64.31 g of AW875 add 1.29 g of DISPERS-AYD
W22 under stir. 0.96 g of Tartrazine is then added and the mixture is stirred for 15 minutes. Next add 15.43 g of titanium dioxide and continue stirring for a further 2 hours. Finally, add 18.0 g of SF1188 and continue stirring for 2 hours. The formulation achieves a yellow colored ink.
Example 5: The same mixing procedure as Example 4 except replace the AW850 with 64.31 g of WBVl lO.
Example 6: The same mixing procedure as Example 4 except replace the AW850 with 64.31 g of AW875.
After lenses are transfer-pad printed with the aqueous ink composition, the markings on the surfaces of the lenses formed when the ink composition dried. At room temperature, drying occurred within a few seconds or less when air is blown on the aqueous ink composition. The markings were easily removable with water.
While the invention has been described in terms of various preferred - 30 embodiments, the skilled artisan will appreciate the various modifications, substitutions, and changes which may be made without departing from the ... . .. ... . . ...... . .
spirit hereof. The descriptions of the subject matter in this disclosure are illustrative of the invention and are not intended to be construed as limitations upon the scope of the invention.
Claims (39)
1. An aqueous coating composition suitable for use in transfer-pad printing comprising (a) a water soluble polymer; (b) an opacifier; and (c) an effective amount of dispersant to disperse and uniformly distribute the opacifier in the composition.
2. The composition of claim 1 wherein the water soluble polymer is selected from the group consisting of urethanes, acrylates, epoxies, cellulose derivatives, vinyl polymers and mixtures thereof.
3. The composition of any of claims 1-2 wherein the opacifier is selected from the group consisting of titanium dioxide, aluminum oxides, aluminum silicates, silica, and mixtures thereof.
4. The composition of any of claims 1-3 wherein the dispersant is selected from the group consisting of water-reducible alkyds, acrylics, polyesters, epoxies, and mixtures thereof.
5. The composition of any of claims 1-4 wherein the water soluble polymer comprises about 10% to about 30% of the composition.
6. The composition of any of claims 1-5 wherein the opacifier comprises about 5 % to about 45 % of the composition.
7. The composition of any of claims 1-6 wherein the dispersant comprises about 0.5% to about 5.5% of the composition.
8. The composition of any of claims 1-7 further comprising a colorant which is uniformly distributed in the composition.
9. The composition of any of claims 1-8 further comprising a release agent.
10. The composition of any of claims 1-9 wherein the composition contains essentially no organic solvents.
11. A process of transfer-pad printing a pattern of a liquid coating from a cliché ink source onto a surface of an article that comprises the steps of:
transfering an ink pattern from the cliché ink source with a pad and printing the ink pattern onto a surface of the article; and allowing the ink pattern to dry, wherein the liquid coating comprises an aqueous coating composition that comprises (a) a water soluble polymer; (b) an opacifier; and (c) an effective amount of a dispersant to disperse and uniformlydistribute the opacifier in the coating composition.
transfering an ink pattern from the cliché ink source with a pad and printing the ink pattern onto a surface of the article; and allowing the ink pattern to dry, wherein the liquid coating comprises an aqueous coating composition that comprises (a) a water soluble polymer; (b) an opacifier; and (c) an effective amount of a dispersant to disperse and uniformlydistribute the opacifier in the coating composition.
12. The process of claim 11 wherein the water soluble polymer is selected from the group consisting of urethanes, acrylates, epoxies, cellulose derivatives, vinyl polymers and mixtures thereof.
13. The process of any of claims 11-12 wherein the opacifier is selected from the group consisting of titanium dioxide, aluminum oxides, aluminum silicates, silica, and mixtures thereof.
14. The process of any of claims 11-13 wherein the dispersant is selected from the group consisting of water-reducible alkyds, acrylics, polyesters, epoxies, and mixtures thereof.
15. The process of any of claims 11-14 wherein the water soluble polymer comprises about 10% to about 30% of the composition.
16. The process of any of claims 11-15 wherein the opacifier comprises about 5 % to about 45 % of the composition.
17. The process of any of claims 11-16 wherein the dispersant comprises about 0.5% to about 5.5% of the composition.
18. The process of any of claims 11-17 wherein the composition further comprises a colorant which is uniformally distributed in the composition.
19. The process of any of claims 11-18 which employs a silicone transfer pad and wherein the composition further comprises a release agent.
20. The process of any of claims 11-19 wherein the composition contains essentially no organic solvents.
21. An article of manufacture containing a transfer-pad printed design thereon, wherein the design is made by the process of any of claims 11-20.
22. The article of claim 21 wherein the water soluble polymer is selected from the group consisting of urethanes, acrylates, epoxies, cellulose derivatives, vinyl polymers and mixtures thereof.
23. The article of any of claims 21-22 wherein the opacifier is selected from the group consisting of titanium dioxide, aluminum oxides, aluminum silicates, silica, and mixtures thereof.
24. The article of any of claims 21-23 wherein the dispersant is selected from the group consisting of water-reducible alkyds, acrylics, polyesters, epoxies, and mixtures thereof.
25. The article of any of claims 21-24 wherein the water soluble polymer comprises about 10% to about 30% of the composition.
26. The article of any of claims 21-25 wherein the opacifier comprises about 5 % to about 45 % of the composition.
27. The article of any of claims 21-26 wherein the dispersant comprises about 0.5% to about 5.5% of the composition.
28. The article of any of claims 21-27 wherein the composition further comprises a colorant.
29. The article of any of claims 21-28 wherein said process employs a silicone transfer pad and wherein the composition further comprises a release agent.
30. The article of any of claims 21-29 wherein the composition contains essentially no organic solvents.
31. The article of any of claims 21-30 wherein the article is an ophthalmic lens made from glass.
32. The article of claim 31 wherein the ophthalmic lens includes (i) an abrasion resistance coating (ii) an anti-reflection coating, or (iii) both anabrasion resistant coating and an anti-reflection coating.
33. The article of any of claims 21-30 wherein the ophthalmic lens comprises two lens wafers laminated together.
34. The article of claim 33 wherein the ophthalmic lens includes (i) an abrasion resistance coating, (ii) an anti-reflection coating, or (iii) both an abrasion resistant coating and an anti-reflection coating.
35. The article of claim 21 wherein the article is an ophthalmic lens made of plastic that is selected from the group consisting of poly(allyl diglycol carbonate), diacrylate, dimethylacrylate, and polycarbonate.
36. The article of claim 35 wherein the ophthalmic lens includes (i) an abrasion resistance coating, (ii) an anti-reflection coating, or (iii) both an abrasion resistant coating and an anti-reflection coating.
37. The article of any of claims 35-36 wherein the ophthalmic lens comprises two lens wafers laminated together.
38. An aqueous coating composition suitable for use in transfer-pad printing comprising (a) a water soluble polymer; (b) an opacifier; (c) an effective amount of dispersant to disperse. and uniformly distribute the opacifier in the composition; and (d) a release agent.
39. A process of transfer-pad printing a pattern of a liquid coating from a cliché ink source onto a surface of an article that comprises the steps of:
transfering an ink pattern from the cliché ink source with a pad and printing the ink pattern onto a surface of the article; and allowing the ink pattern to dry, wherein the liquid coating comprises an aqueous coating composition that comprises (a) a water soluble polymer; (b) an -15/a-opacifier; (c) an effective amount of a dispersant to disperse and uniformly distribute the opacifier in the coating composition; and (d) a release agent.
transfering an ink pattern from the cliché ink source with a pad and printing the ink pattern onto a surface of the article; and allowing the ink pattern to dry, wherein the liquid coating comprises an aqueous coating composition that comprises (a) a water soluble polymer; (b) an -15/a-opacifier; (c) an effective amount of a dispersant to disperse and uniformly distribute the opacifier in the coating composition; and (d) a release agent.
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
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US1655996P | 1996-04-30 | 1996-04-30 | |
US60/016,559 | 1996-04-30 |
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CA002253277A Abandoned CA2253277A1 (en) | 1996-04-30 | 1997-04-29 | Water-based pad printing ink composition |
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EP (1) | EP0898601A1 (en) |
AU (1) | AU2740497A (en) |
BR (1) | BR9709203A (en) |
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WO (1) | WO1997041180A1 (en) |
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JP5244286B2 (en) | 2002-09-03 | 2013-07-24 | ノバルティス アーゲー | Ink formulations and their use |
US8147728B2 (en) | 2004-04-01 | 2012-04-03 | Novartis Ag | Pad transfer printing of silicone hydrogel lenses using colored ink |
EP1774368B1 (en) | 2004-07-28 | 2009-08-26 | Novartis AG | Water-based inks for hydrogel lenses |
US10041656B2 (en) | 2015-06-17 | 2018-08-07 | Xmark Holding Llc | Hue-modifying wrap for a light bulb |
WO2017112878A1 (en) | 2015-12-22 | 2017-06-29 | Access Vascular, Inc. | High strength biomedical materials |
WO2018237166A1 (en) | 2017-06-21 | 2018-12-27 | Access Vascular, Inc | High strength porous materials incorporating water soluble polymers |
EP4171704A1 (en) | 2020-06-30 | 2023-05-03 | Access Vascular, Inc. | Articles comprising markings and related methods |
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US5523335A (en) * | 1994-10-17 | 1996-06-04 | Henkel Corporation | Printing inks and related laminates and processes |
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1997
- 1997-04-29 WO PCT/US1997/006805 patent/WO1997041180A1/en not_active Application Discontinuation
- 1997-04-29 AU AU27404/97A patent/AU2740497A/en not_active Abandoned
- 1997-04-29 CA CA002253277A patent/CA2253277A1/en not_active Abandoned
- 1997-04-29 BR BR9709203-7A patent/BR9709203A/en not_active Application Discontinuation
- 1997-04-29 EP EP97921341A patent/EP0898601A1/en not_active Withdrawn
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