DE102019203173A1 - Process for the production of a three-dimensional motif / information carrier and correspondingly produced motif / information carrier - Google Patents

Abstract

A method for producing a three-dimensional motif / information carrier comprises the following method steps:
Creating a photographic image of the motif or the information, preferably using a digital camera or providing the digital data of the motif or the information,
digital printing of the surface of a plastically deformable, preferably metallic substrate, especially in color,
Obtaining 3D data of the motif / information from the digital information and / or from a black and white recording of the motif / information, preferably in the sense of a height image using gray levels, 3D embossing of the printed carrier with the embossing tool , whereby the embossing concerns the motif or the information.

Description

The invention relates to a method for the production of a three-dimensional motif / information carrier, which primarily involves pictorial information, namely images. The information can be displayed in color or black and white.

The invention also relates to a correspondingly manufactured motif / information carrier.

Relief-like images are already known from practice in which a prefabricated relief is regularly painted. This is cumbersome to produce and leaves a lot to be desired in terms of the quality of the pictorial representation. The present invention is based on the object of designing the generic method for producing a three-dimensional motif / information carrier in the simplest possible manner, with the most modern printing techniques being able to be used. In contrast to a purely two-dimensional representation, the relief character should convey a quasi three-dimensional impression.

The above object is achieved in relation to the method according to the invention by the features of claim 1. The three-dimensional motif / information carrier is then produced in a combination of several process steps.

First of all, a photographic image of the motif or the information is created, preferably using a digital camera, a copier, etc. Alternatively, existing digital data of the motif or the information can be made available via computer or database. This is regularly about color information.

Using the digital data of the motif or the information, the surface of a plastically deformable, preferably metallic, substrate is printed, in particular in color. In other words, the motif or the information is printed on the background, comparable to printing a conventional two-dimensional image.

From the digital information and / or from a separately produced black and white recording of the motif or the information, 3D data of the motif / information are obtained, for example in the sense of a height image, preferably using the respective gray levels. To reinforce highs and lows, it is conceivable that image processing takes place while influencing the gray levels, for example to change edges or transitions in the gray levels. Regarding the state of the art in this regard, refer to DE 102 36 250 A1 referenced.

A special embossing tool can be produced from the 3D data, for example by computer-controlled milling of a brass plate or a brass block. Casting production of the embossing tool is also conceivable. In any case, the relief is generated or worked out of a block.

The process of embossing is to be understood on the basis of the teaching claimed in the broadest sense. As an alternative to traditional embossing using an embossing tool, digital shaping on a plotter using an embossing pen can be used. Primarily contour and surface embossing can be created digitally, whereby in such a case the aluminum foil should be quite thin, a maximum of 0.15 mm thick. Here, too, the surface is first printed and then embossed.

By means of so-called metal embossing machines, for example, printed metal sheets can be ideally retrofitted, i.e. after printing, emboss. If these are numbers and letters, a font height of 2 mm to 8 mm is possible. Such embossing is also carried out without damaging the print.

In the context of such a combination, the font can be preprinted, the font character and spacing of the characters being adaptable on the software side. The substrate, for example the sheet metal, is then precisely positioned and embossed, preferably from a magazine. Any text for both printing and embossing can be generated via a database. Printing can be done with thermosetting ink or with the sublimation process.

If the shaping takes place by classic stamping, the tool comprises at least one die and at least one male die, the two tool parts being understood as the upper punch and the lower punch of a pressing tool. The plastically deformable base, for example a thin metal plate, is positioned between the two tool parts and the tool parts are pressed against one another, as a result of which the metal plate is deformed. The embossing tool made for this purpose allows the printed carrier to be embossed in a positionally precise manner, namely three-dimensionally deformed in accordance with the print, the embossing relating to the motif or the information.

It is important that the paint with which the surface of the metallic substrate is printed can withstand plastic deformation. This assumes a certain elasticity of the dried paint. In addition, it is particularly important that there is sufficiently good adhesion between the substrate and the paint, which can be brought about, for example, by surface treatment of the substrate and / or a special paint chemistry. It is important that the substrate is well wetted with the ink during printing, promoted by adhesion and possibly further promoted by a chemical reaction.
In the context of a particularly simple production of the print, it is advantageous if the background is printed using an inkjet printing process. The ink can be a thermosetting ink or an ink which is hardened by radiation and which still has a minimum degree of elasticity after hardening.

It is also conceivable to print the background by means of a sublimation printing process. Here, too, it is essential that, on the one hand, good adhesion of the paint to the substrate and, on the other hand, sufficient elasticity of the dried paint on the substrate is guaranteed.

In addition, the surface can be refined, for example to create a gold and silver effect in different areas / zones of the subsurface. The finishing can be done by a hot stamping process. Then a hot stamping tool (mostly made of brass) is milled from the 3D data. A classic hot stamping machine can then be used for stamping the 3D shape and hot stamping.

Basically, the hot stamping process takes place after digital printing and before stamping the 3D shape. As a result, the digital printing and the hot-stamped (refined) surface are precisely embossed in one process. Accordingly, the frame as well as surfaces or contours can be refined as desired.

If the UV resistance is to be increased, a UV protective film can be applied accordingly. This film is laminated after digital printing. Then the 3D shape is embossed. It is also conceivable to produce a UV protective layer on the surface by printing technology. Here, too, the 3D embossing takes place. Correspondingly manufactured information carriers are particularly suitable for use outdoors.

The substrate can be a thin metal plate, preferably an aluminum plate. The thickness of the metal plate can be in the range from 0.2 to 0.5 mm, preferably in the range from about 0.3 mm. A sufficiently good deformability by the embossing tool must be guaranteed.

As already stated above, the embossing relates first of all to the motif or to the information that is printed on the background. A three-dimensional appearance should be promoted by the embossing.

It is now also possible for the embossing process to include the production of a passe-partout, a border, a frame, etc. The embossing can be done on the same surface as the motif or the information. It is also conceivable that the passe-partout, border, frame, etc. are embossed on a separate, appropriately printed surface. The embossing can be done with the same embossing tool, whereby the entire arrangement is produced in one piece. It is also conceivable to shape different substrates with a separate embossing tool, mind you, always after the pressure has been completed.

So it is basically conceivable to provide frames with different profiles that can be combined with any motifs / information. The whole thing can be done with the inclusion of a suitable passe-partout, which is printed and embossed in the same way, i.e. total is produced.

In accordance with the preceding statements, the passepartout and / or the border and / or the frame can be integral components of the carrier. It is also conceivable that the respective components are reversibly connected to one another so that they can be exchanged in order to modify the information carrier. In this way, the greatest possible flexibility and variability can be generated, and above all the user can influence the appearance of his motif to a considerable extent by means of exchangeable frames.

It is also conceivable that the components are solid, i.e. are inextricably linked or linked to one another. Such a design can be based on an integral design of all components. Alternatively, the parts can be irreversibly connected to one another.

It is also conceivable to design the frame with different profiles. The frame profile can be designed in such a way that it is possible to assign a light source, preferably in the form of LED strips or LED strips or in the form of optical fibers with one or more light outlets, to the frame in a circumferential recess or in a shadow gap. A wide variety of forms are also conceivable here.

In any case, it is essential that a relief-embossed modular system is provided in accordance with the invention for generating three-dimensional motif / information carriers, with maximum variability and flexibility in terms of appearance, starting with the actual motif / information carrier, through a suitable passepartout a frame / removable frame, which can include further functional elements such as lighting, battery, control elements, etc.

Through the combination of printing and embossing technology, a three-dimensional impression can be created on a motif / information carrier, whereby, for example, an image is given a particularly high-quality character. The at least minor embossing conveys a three-dimensional feeling and promotes the quality of the representation.

• 1 in einem schematischen Ablaufdiagramm die grundsätzlichen Verfahrensschritte des erfindungsgemäßen Verfahrens und
• 2 in einer schematischen Ansicht einen erfindungsgemäßen Motivträger in Form eines Bildes mit integralem Passepartout und Rahmen.

There are now various possibilities for designing and developing the teaching of the present invention in an advantageous manner. For this purpose, on the one hand, reference is made to the claims subordinate to claim 1 and, on the other hand, to the following explanation of a preferred embodiment of the invention with reference to the drawing. In connection with the explanation of the preferred exemplary embodiment of the invention with reference to the drawing, generally preferred embodiments and developments of the teaching are also explained. Show in the drawing

• 1 in a schematic flow chart the basic method steps of the method according to the invention and
• 2 in a schematic view a motif carrier according to the invention in the form of a picture with an integral mat and frame.

• Schritt 1: Erstellen einer fotografischen Abbildung des Motivs oder der Information vorzugsweise mittels Digitalkamera oder zur Verfügung Stellung der digitalen Daten des Motivs oder der Information,
• Schritt 2: digitales Bedrucken der Oberfläche eines plastisch verformbaren, vorzugsweise metallischen Untergrunds, insbesondere in Farbe,
• Schritt 3: Gewinnung von 3D-Daten des Motivs/der Information aus den digitalen Informationen und/oder aus einer schwarz-/weiß-Aufnahme des Motivs/der Information, vorzugsweise im Sinne eines Höhenbildes unter Nutzung von Graustufen,
• Schritt 4: Herstellen eines Prägewerkzeugs aus den 3D-Daten, umfassend eine Matrize und eine Patrize,
• Schritt 4a: gegebenenfalls Herstellen eines Heißprägestempels aus den 3D-Daten, Positionierung einer Heißprägefolie zwischen dem Werkzeug und dem Motiv und anschließendes Heißprägen/Laminieren der Folie,
• Schritt 5: 3D-Prägen des bedruckten und gegebenenfalls heißgeprägten Trägers mit dem Prägewerkzeug, wobei das Prägen das Motiv bzw. die Information betrifft.

1 shows in a schematic view the sequence of the method according to the invention as follows:

• step 1 : Creating a photographic image of the motif or information, preferably by means of a digital camera or providing the digital data of the motif or information,
• step 2 : digital printing of the surface of a plastically deformable, preferably metallic substrate, especially in color,
• step 3 : Obtaining 3D data of the subject / information from the digital information and / or from a black and white recording of the subject / information, preferably in the sense of a height image using gray levels,
• step 4th : Production of an embossing tool from the 3D data, comprising a die and a male die,
• step 4a : If necessary, production of a hot stamping stamp from the 3D data, positioning of a hot stamping foil between the tool and the motif and subsequent hot stamping / lamination of the foil,
• step 5 : 3D embossing of the printed and possibly hot embossed carrier with the embossing tool, the embossing relating to the motif or the information.

After that is the picture 6th Completed with a three-dimensional appearance.

2 shows a correspondingly manufactured motif / information carrier using an image as an example 6th , including border 7th , Passepartout 8th and frame 9 .

The entire motif / information carrier is made in one piece in the exemplary embodiment selected here, namely a single aluminum plate with the image data, the data of the border 7th , the passepartout 8th and the frame 9 printed. This was followed by an embossing with the specially manufactured embossing tool, which increases the functionality of Bild 6th , Edge 7th , Passepartout 8th and frame 9 is particularly underlined.

An image with an edge area, passepartout and frame can thus be created with simple means, with the respective areas being emphasized or optically separable from one another through the printing on the one hand and the embossing on the other.

Alternatively, it is conceivable to print the individual components in accordance with the above statements on separate substrates and then to emboss them, in which case it is then necessary to complete the individual components preferably on a common substrate.

With regard to further advantageous embodiments of the inventive motif carrier device, reference is made to the general part of the description and to the appended claims in order to avoid repetition.

Finally, it should be expressly pointed out that the exemplary embodiment of the motif carrier according to the invention described above only serves to explain the teaching claimed, but does not restrict it to the exemplary embodiment.

List of reference symbols

1

step 1

2

step 2

3

step 3

4th

step 4th

5

step 5

6th

image

7th

Border

8th

passe-partout

9

frame

QUOTES INCLUDED IN THE DESCRIPTION

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

Patent literature cited

• DE 10236250 A1 [0007]

Claims (12)

Process for the production of a three-dimensional motif / information carrier with the following process steps: Creating a photographic image of the motif or the information, preferably using a digital camera or providing the digital data of the motif or the information, digital printing of the surface of a plastically deformable, preferably metallic substrate, especially in color, Obtaining 3D data of the subject / information from the digital information and / or from a black and white recording of the subject / information, preferably in the sense of a height image using gray levels, 3D embossing of the printed carrier with the embossing tool, the embossing relating to the motif or the information. Procedure according to Claim 1 , characterized in that an embossing tool is produced from the 3D data, wherein the embossing tool comprises a die and a male mold, and the embossing tool is used to perform the 3D embossing of the printed carrier. Procedure according to Claim 1 or 2 , characterized in that the background is printed by means of an ink jet printing process, preferably with thermosetting ink. Procedure according to Claim 1 , characterized in that the substrate is printed by means of a sublimation printing process. Method according to one of the Claims 1 to 4th , characterized in that a thin metal plate, preferably an aluminum plate, is used as the substrate, preferably with a thickness in the range of 0.2 to 0.5 mm, preferably in the range of about 0.3 mm. Method according to one of the Claims 1 to 5 , characterized in that the embossing comprises a passe-partout, a border, a frame or the like, on the same or a separate substrate and with the same or a separate embossing tool. Procedure according to Claim 6 , characterized in that the passe-partout and / or the border and / or the frame or the like are individual, mutually independent components which are preferably mounted on a common carrier Procedure according to Claim 6 and possibly Claim 7 , characterized in that the passe-partout, and / or the border, and / or the frame or the like. Are integral components of the carrier. Method according to one of the Claims 6 to 8th , characterized in that the components are reversibly connected to one another so that they can be exchanged for modifying the information carrier. Method according to one of the Claims 6 to 8th , characterized in that the components are fixed, ie non-detachable, connected to one another / will. Method according to one of the Claims 6 to 10 , characterized in that a light source, preferably in the form of LED strips or strips or optical fibers, is assigned to the frame in a circumferential recess or in a shadow structure. Motif / information carrier with characteristics according to one of the Claims 1 to 11 .

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