EP0908326A1 - Thermal transfer dye ribbon for luminescent writing - Google Patents
Thermal transfer dye ribbon for luminescent writing Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- EP0908326A1 EP0908326A1 EP98114543A EP98114543A EP0908326A1 EP 0908326 A1 EP0908326 A1 EP 0908326A1 EP 98114543 A EP98114543 A EP 98114543A EP 98114543 A EP98114543 A EP 98114543A EP 0908326 A1 EP0908326 A1 EP 0908326A1
- Authority
- EP
- European Patent Office
- Prior art keywords
- wax
- thermal transfer
- layer
- transfer ribbon
- pigment
- 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.)
- Granted
Links
- 238000012546 transfer Methods 0.000 title claims abstract description 42
- 239000000049 pigment Substances 0.000 claims abstract description 58
- 238000002844 melting Methods 0.000 claims abstract description 19
- 230000008018 melting Effects 0.000 claims abstract description 17
- 239000004014 plasticizer Substances 0.000 claims abstract description 12
- 239000011230 binding agent Substances 0.000 claims abstract description 8
- 239000000126 substance Substances 0.000 claims abstract description 8
- 238000000985 reflectance spectrum Methods 0.000 claims abstract description 3
- 239000000463 material Substances 0.000 claims description 17
- 229920005989 resin Polymers 0.000 claims description 16
- 239000011347 resin Substances 0.000 claims description 16
- 150000002148 esters Chemical group 0.000 claims description 11
- 229920001200 poly(ethylene-vinyl acetate) Polymers 0.000 claims description 6
- 239000005038 ethylene vinyl acetate Substances 0.000 claims description 5
- 239000000945 filler Substances 0.000 claims description 5
- 229920000728 polyester Polymers 0.000 claims description 5
- 229920001634 Copolyester Polymers 0.000 claims description 4
- 230000009477 glass transition Effects 0.000 claims description 4
- 229920000139 polyethylene terephthalate Polymers 0.000 claims description 4
- 239000005020 polyethylene terephthalate Substances 0.000 claims description 4
- 229920006242 ethylene acrylic acid copolymer Polymers 0.000 claims description 3
- -1 polyethylene terephthalate Polymers 0.000 claims description 3
- 239000004952 Polyamide Substances 0.000 claims description 2
- 229920000554 ionomer Polymers 0.000 claims description 2
- 229920002647 polyamide Polymers 0.000 claims description 2
- 150000003097 polyterpenes Chemical class 0.000 claims description 2
- 239000001054 red pigment Substances 0.000 claims description 2
- 230000000630 rising effect Effects 0.000 claims description 2
- 239000013032 Hydrocarbon resin Substances 0.000 claims 1
- 229920006270 hydrocarbon resin Polymers 0.000 claims 1
- 230000004927 fusion Effects 0.000 abstract description 6
- 239000011521 glass Substances 0.000 abstract 1
- 229920005596 polymer binder Polymers 0.000 abstract 1
- 239000002491 polymer binding agent Substances 0.000 abstract 1
- 239000001993 wax Substances 0.000 description 59
- 238000007639 printing Methods 0.000 description 13
- 239000000203 mixture Substances 0.000 description 9
- 229920000642 polymer Polymers 0.000 description 9
- 239000000975 dye Substances 0.000 description 8
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- 239000007787 solid Substances 0.000 description 6
- 239000003086 colorant Substances 0.000 description 5
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- 235000019271 petrolatum Nutrition 0.000 description 5
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- VYPSYNLAJGMNEJ-UHFFFAOYSA-N Silicium dioxide Chemical compound O=[Si]=O VYPSYNLAJGMNEJ-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 4
- YXFVVABEGXRONW-UHFFFAOYSA-N Toluene Natural products CC1=CC=CC=C1 YXFVVABEGXRONW-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 4
- 230000004888 barrier function Effects 0.000 description 4
- 239000004203 carnauba wax Substances 0.000 description 4
- 235000013869 carnauba wax Nutrition 0.000 description 4
- 238000000576 coating method Methods 0.000 description 4
- 125000000524 functional group Chemical group 0.000 description 4
- KFZMGEQAYNKOFK-UHFFFAOYSA-N isopropyl alcohol Natural products CC(C)O KFZMGEQAYNKOFK-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 4
- 229920003023 plastic Polymers 0.000 description 4
- 239000004033 plastic Substances 0.000 description 4
- 239000004215 Carbon black (E152) Substances 0.000 description 3
- GWEVSGVZZGPLCZ-UHFFFAOYSA-N Titan oxide Chemical compound O=[Ti]=O GWEVSGVZZGPLCZ-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 3
- 239000000969 carrier Substances 0.000 description 3
- 230000000694 effects Effects 0.000 description 3
- 238000009472 formulation Methods 0.000 description 3
- 229930195733 hydrocarbon Natural products 0.000 description 3
- 150000002430 hydrocarbons Chemical class 0.000 description 3
- 239000007788 liquid Substances 0.000 description 3
- 229920001225 polyester resin Polymers 0.000 description 3
- 239000004645 polyester resin Substances 0.000 description 3
- VTYYLEPIZMXCLO-UHFFFAOYSA-L Calcium carbonate Chemical compound [Ca+2].[O-]C([O-])=O VTYYLEPIZMXCLO-UHFFFAOYSA-L 0.000 description 2
- XTXRWKRVRITETP-UHFFFAOYSA-N Vinyl acetate Chemical compound CC(=O)OC=C XTXRWKRVRITETP-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 2
- XLOMVQKBTHCTTD-UHFFFAOYSA-N Zinc monoxide Chemical compound [Zn]=O XLOMVQKBTHCTTD-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 2
- 239000000654 additive Substances 0.000 description 2
- 230000008901 benefit Effects 0.000 description 2
- 239000003990 capacitor Substances 0.000 description 2
- 150000001735 carboxylic acids Chemical class 0.000 description 2
- 239000012876 carrier material Substances 0.000 description 2
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- 239000008199 coating composition Substances 0.000 description 2
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- 230000005284 excitation Effects 0.000 description 2
- 230000014509 gene expression Effects 0.000 description 2
- 238000010438 heat treatment Methods 0.000 description 2
- 239000000155 melt Substances 0.000 description 2
- 150000002894 organic compounds Chemical class 0.000 description 2
- 239000002245 particle Substances 0.000 description 2
- 229920001568 phenolic resin Polymers 0.000 description 2
- 239000005011 phenolic resin Substances 0.000 description 2
- 239000000377 silicon dioxide Substances 0.000 description 2
- 239000011877 solvent mixture Substances 0.000 description 2
- 150000003505 terpenes Chemical class 0.000 description 2
- 235000007586 terpenes Nutrition 0.000 description 2
- 235000010215 titanium dioxide Nutrition 0.000 description 2
- 230000007704 transition Effects 0.000 description 2
- DSEKYWAQQVUQTP-XEWMWGOFSA-N (2r,4r,4as,6as,6as,6br,8ar,12ar,14as,14bs)-2-hydroxy-4,4a,6a,6b,8a,11,11,14a-octamethyl-2,4,5,6,6a,7,8,9,10,12,12a,13,14,14b-tetradecahydro-1h-picen-3-one Chemical compound C([C@H]1[C@]2(C)CC[C@@]34C)C(C)(C)CC[C@]1(C)CC[C@]2(C)[C@H]4CC[C@@]1(C)[C@H]3C[C@@H](O)C(=O)[C@@H]1C DSEKYWAQQVUQTP-XEWMWGOFSA-N 0.000 description 1
- KPAPHODVWOVUJL-UHFFFAOYSA-N 1-benzofuran;1h-indene Chemical compound C1=CC=C2CC=CC2=C1.C1=CC=C2OC=CC2=C1 KPAPHODVWOVUJL-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 229920000178 Acrylic resin Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 239000004925 Acrylic resin Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000004606 Fillers/Extenders Substances 0.000 description 1
- 229920000877 Melamine resin Polymers 0.000 description 1
- BPQQTUXANYXVAA-UHFFFAOYSA-N Orthosilicate Chemical compound [O-][Si]([O-])([O-])[O-] BPQQTUXANYXVAA-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 239000004698 Polyethylene Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000004793 Polystyrene Substances 0.000 description 1
- 206010041662 Splinter Diseases 0.000 description 1
- 229920001807 Urea-formaldehyde Polymers 0.000 description 1
- YKTSYUJCYHOUJP-UHFFFAOYSA-N [O--].[Al+3].[Al+3].[O-][Si]([O-])([O-])[O-] Chemical compound [O--].[Al+3].[Al+3].[O-][Si]([O-])([O-])[O-] YKTSYUJCYHOUJP-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 238000010521 absorption reaction Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000009471 action Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000000853 adhesive Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000001070 adhesive effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 150000001298 alcohols Chemical class 0.000 description 1
- 150000001335 aliphatic alkanes Chemical class 0.000 description 1
- 229920000180 alkyd Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 229910052782 aluminium Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- XAGFODPZIPBFFR-UHFFFAOYSA-N aluminium Chemical compound [Al] XAGFODPZIPBFFR-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- WNROFYMDJYEPJX-UHFFFAOYSA-K aluminium hydroxide Chemical compound [OH-].[OH-].[OH-].[Al+3] WNROFYMDJYEPJX-UHFFFAOYSA-K 0.000 description 1
- 238000004873 anchoring Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000007900 aqueous suspension Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000000981 basic dye Substances 0.000 description 1
- 235000013871 bee wax Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- 239000012166 beeswax Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000008033 biological extinction Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000005540 biological transmission Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000015572 biosynthetic process Effects 0.000 description 1
- QHIWVLPBUQWDMQ-UHFFFAOYSA-N butyl prop-2-enoate;methyl 2-methylprop-2-enoate;prop-2-enoic acid Chemical compound OC(=O)C=C.COC(=O)C(C)=C.CCCCOC(=O)C=C QHIWVLPBUQWDMQ-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 229910000019 calcium carbonate Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 239000004204 candelilla wax Substances 0.000 description 1
- 235000013868 candelilla wax Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- 229940073532 candelilla wax Drugs 0.000 description 1
- 125000004432 carbon atom Chemical group C* 0.000 description 1
- 239000000919 ceramic Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000001427 coherent effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000000470 constituent Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000001419 dependent effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000003292 diminished effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000001035 drying Methods 0.000 description 1
- YQGOJNYOYNNSMM-UHFFFAOYSA-N eosin Chemical compound [Na+].OC(=O)C1=CC=CC=C1C1=C2C=C(Br)C(=O)C(Br)=C2OC2=C(Br)C(O)=C(Br)C=C21 YQGOJNYOYNNSMM-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 239000007850 fluorescent dye Substances 0.000 description 1
- 150000002334 glycols Chemical class 0.000 description 1
- 238000007756 gravure coating Methods 0.000 description 1
- IUJAMGNYPWYUPM-UHFFFAOYSA-N hentriacontane Chemical compound CCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCC IUJAMGNYPWYUPM-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 230000001771 impaired effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000004615 ingredient Substances 0.000 description 1
- NLYAJNPCOHFWQQ-UHFFFAOYSA-N kaolin Chemical compound O.O.O=[Al]O[Si](=O)O[Si](=O)O[Al]=O NLYAJNPCOHFWQQ-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 238000004020 luminiscence type Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000011159 matrix material Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000005259 measurement Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000010309 melting process Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000002923 metal particle Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000002156 mixing Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000012170 montan wax Substances 0.000 description 1
- OBJNZHVOCNPSCS-UHFFFAOYSA-N naphtho[2,3-f]quinazoline Chemical compound C1=NC=C2C3=CC4=CC=CC=C4C=C3C=CC2=N1 OBJNZHVOCNPSCS-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 239000003921 oil Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000003960 organic solvent Substances 0.000 description 1
- TWNQGVIAIRXVLR-UHFFFAOYSA-N oxo(oxoalumanyloxy)alumane Chemical compound O=[Al]O[Al]=O TWNQGVIAIRXVLR-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 239000003973 paint Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000005191 phase separation Methods 0.000 description 1
- XNGIFLGASWRNHJ-UHFFFAOYSA-L phthalate(2-) Chemical compound [O-]C(=O)C1=CC=CC=C1C([O-])=O XNGIFLGASWRNHJ-UHFFFAOYSA-L 0.000 description 1
- 239000012165 plant wax Substances 0.000 description 1
- 229920006122 polyamide resin Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 229920006267 polyester film Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 229920000573 polyethylene Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 229920000151 polyglycol Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 239000010695 polyglycol Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000002952 polymeric resin Substances 0.000 description 1
- 229920001296 polysiloxane Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 229920002223 polystyrene Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 229920002689 polyvinyl acetate Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 239000011118 polyvinyl acetate Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000000843 powder Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000013404 process transfer Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000010298 pulverizing process Methods 0.000 description 1
- KXXXUIKPSVVSAW-UHFFFAOYSA-K pyranine Chemical compound [Na+].[Na+].[Na+].C1=C2C(O)=CC(S([O-])(=O)=O)=C(C=C3)C2=C2C3=C(S([O-])(=O)=O)C=C(S([O-])(=O)=O)C2=C1 KXXXUIKPSVVSAW-UHFFFAOYSA-K 0.000 description 1
- 238000007763 reverse roll coating Methods 0.000 description 1
- PYWVYCXTNDRMGF-UHFFFAOYSA-N rhodamine B Chemical compound [Cl-].C=12C=CC(=[N+](CC)CC)C=C2OC2=CC(N(CC)CC)=CC=C2C=1C1=CC=CC=C1C(O)=O PYWVYCXTNDRMGF-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 229920006395 saturated elastomer Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 239000002904 solvent Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000005507 spraying Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000004094 surface-active agent Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000003786 synthesis reaction Methods 0.000 description 1
- 229920003002 synthetic resin Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 239000000454 talc Substances 0.000 description 1
- 229910052623 talc Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 239000004408 titanium dioxide Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000012178 vegetable wax Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000001429 visible spectrum Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000000007 visual effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N water Substances O XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 239000011787 zinc oxide Substances 0.000 description 1
Classifications
-
- 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
- B41M5/26—Thermography ; Marking by high energetic means, e.g. laser otherwise than by burning, and characterised by the material used
- B41M5/382—Contact thermal transfer or sublimation processes
- B41M5/38228—Contact thermal transfer or sublimation processes characterised by the use of two or more ink layers
Definitions
- the invention relates to a thermal transfer ribbon for luminescent characters or codings.
- Luminescent colors have the property of ultraviolet light and visible To absorb light in the blue part of the spectrum and this absorbed part at to broadcast the lower end of the spectrum again. From the large number of organic Compounds exposed to light under the action of short-wave rays emit, only such substances are suitable as luminescent dyes or lumogens, those in solid, undissolved condition characterized by intense fluorescence are.
- the luminescent dyes are of the greatest technical interest Fluorescent colored in daylight and used as daylight fluorescent pigments become. Soluble such dyes are e.g. Rhodamine, eosin, brilliant sulfoflaves FF and the strongly yellow-green fluorescent pyranine, as well as color pigments, e.g.
- Dyed carriers are mainly used, e.g. powdered polymers, stained with soluble dyes or finely divided pigments are.
- the type of material that meets the needs of a carrier or matrix for the Dyes are transparent organic resins. Acid by reacting Polyester resins with basic dyes or by pulverizing solidified dye solutions you also get colored carriers. Also urea-formaldehyde resins, Acrylic resins and melamine resins are used as carriers where the dyes are possibly lacquered.
- the whiteness of the paper serves as a light reflector. Most of the incident Light is reflected back from the paper by the printed luminescent material. The reflected light perceived by the observer contains both incident Light as well as luminescent light.
- DE-OS 30 42 526 proposes a fluorescent printing tape, which is characterized by the addition of a barrier material to the fluorescent pigment material is to block the absorption of the incident light in the medium to which the pigment and barrier coatings are transferred during printing become.
- the barrier material is preferred as a second layer over the pigment material layer upset. The two layers are reversed during the printing process Transfer order to the substrate.
- the barrier material contains reflective Metal particles or pearlescent pigments.
- DE-AS 12 22 725 discloses a transmission material for luminescent Characters with a layer support made of paper or film and one arranged on it luminescent color layer, being over the luminescent color layer a light-reflecting pigmented top layer is placed on the Write process involved.
- the cover layer preferably contains titanium white and / or Aluminum pressure ground powder.
- the known proposals aim to absorb the incident light, that pass through the luminescent layer in the substrate, so that this portion is reflected and the luminescent color layer passes again, so the total excitation yield to increase.
- the disadvantage here is that what is perceived by the observer Luminescent light always with the reflected part of the incident Light is mixed. The luminescent expressions therefore always appear pale, i.e. they have a low optical density.
- the thermal ribbons described above are finding their way into high-speed printers, especially in the industrial sector, where printheads from so-called "real edge” "Corner” type can be used.
- printheads from so-called "real edge” "Corner” type can be used.
- These printheads is a series of controllable heating points (dots) near the edge or directly on the Edge arranged on a ceramic substrate.
- the advantage of the edge-type heads lies in shorter cooling times and accordingly a higher write frequency. It print speeds of 3 to 12 "per second can be achieved
- High-speed printing prints have special requirements in terms of print quality, i.e. good edge sharpness, resolution and optical density, posed.
- a special area of application is the printing of paper and plastic labels. On the latter, a high scratch resistance of the prints is desirable.
- the invention was therefore based on the object of a thermal transfer ribbon for luminescent Provide encodings with high optical printouts Density without affecting the luminescent performance of the luminescent pigment and regardless of the substrate to be printed as well as a satisfactory Print quality can be achieved at high printing speeds.
- the one when printing transferred luminescent characters should in particular on paper and Plastic labels show good adhesion and good scratch resistance.
- thermotransferable layer a luminescent pigment, wax (s) with a melting point of about 70 to 110 ° C and about 1 to 22 wt .-% of a polymeric wax plasticizer of a glass transition temperature Contains Tg from -30 to + 70 ° C, (ii) the second thermotransferable Layer a non-luminescent pigment, a wax-compatible polymeric binder and contains about 5 to 30% by weight of wax and / or wax-like substance, (iii) the second thermotransferable layer has a melting enthalpy ⁇ H of about 10 up to 80 J / g and (iv) in the reflectance spectrum of the non-luminescent Pigments in the wavelength range of the light emitted by the luminescent pigment a remission
- the second thermo-transferable layer contains about 5 to 40% by weight, in particular about 10 to 20% by weight, of fillers.
- the non-luminescent pigment is a pigment whose remission is strongly dependent on the wavelength is.
- the color impression of a non-luminescent pigment is created as a result of selective reflection of some segments of the visible white spectrum of light. The non-reflected part is absorbed and converted into heat.
- An orange-red color e.g. reflects and absorbs the orange-red part of the light all other colors of the spectrum.
- Good non-luminescent pigments are able to reflect about 90% of the corresponding part of the spectrum.
- White pigments show an unselective high reflection over the whole visible spectrum.
- the non-luminescent pigment to be used according to the invention only reflects the light emitted by the luminescent pigment and the wavelength portion of the unabsorbed incident light at or near the (longest wave) emission band of the luminescent pigment.
- the prints obtained look like this much higher contrast and show improved optical density.
- the choice of non-luminescent pigment also allows the hue of the expression to vary within certain limits without loss of brilliance by the emitted Light and the light remitted by the non-luminescent pigment interfere.
- the luminescent pigment is a daylight fluorescent pigment and the non-luminescent pigment is a colored pigment is.
- the daylight fluorescent pigments are called Lumogens (BASF), Day-Glo® Colors, Goldfire-Colors, Fluorzink or Brillink-Leuchtmaschine in the trade. Issued with a view to its intended use in franking printers the daylight fluorescent pigment preferably in the wavelength range of Orange to red, i.e. at about 580 to 620 nm (with an excitation energy of 254 nm).
- the preferred colored pigment is a red pigment, this term is to be largely understood.
- thermotransferbare Layer with a low enthalpy of fusion can be used.
- layer compositions with low enthalpy of fusion in molten Condition have high adhesion to carrier materials, so that an insufficient transfer to the receiving substrate during the printing process Consequence would be.
- the invention solves this problem with a special layer composition the first and second heat transferable layers.
- the waxes used in the first thermo-transferable layer follow the usual ones Wax definition with the above limitation of the melting point to about 70 up to 110 ° C. In the broadest sense, it is a material that is solid to brittle hard, coarse to fine crystalline, translucent to opaque, but not glassy, above about 70 ° C melts, but relatively little above the melting point low viscosity and non-stringy. Waxes of this kind can be in hydrocarbon waxes (alkanes without functional groups) and in waxes long chain organic compounds with functional groups (especially ester and Divide acid waxes). In addition to hydrocarbon waxes include Earth wax is the solid hydrocarbon obtained from oil and tar as well synthetic paraffins.
- the waxes with functional groups include everyone vegetable waxes and chemically modified waxes.
- Ester waxes exist in essentially from esters made from linear carboxylic acids with about 18 to 34 carbon atoms and linear alcohols of approximately the same length are formed. In acid waxes can be found high proportions of free carboxylic acids. Waxes with functional groups are preferred.
- Ester waxes e.g. based on montan wax, partially saponified Ester waxes, acid waxes and oxidized and esterified synthesis waxes too call. Plant waxes such as Carnauba wax and candelilla wax as well as high-melting, narrow-cut paraffins.
- Waxes with a melting point are particularly preferred in the context of the invention from 70 to 105 ° C. Specifically, the following are particularly preferred: Carnauba wax, LG wax BASF and Hoechst wax E. wax (e) preferably do 40 to 80 wt .-% of the first thermo-transferable layer.
- the first thermo-transferable layer further contains about 1 to 22% by weight, preferably about 2 to 20% by weight and in particular about 4 to 10% by weight of polymer Wax plasticizers.
- hard waxes used in particular in the form of ester waxes and high-melting narrow paraffins, are plasticized and thus their brittleness and lose "splinter". They ensure good anchoring or Adhesion of the separating layer to the carrier material.
- Ester waxes are very hard or brittle waxes, i.e. they can be pulverized when cold. Will this mixed with the designated polymeric wax plasticizers, then elastic ones are created Products that can hardly be pulverized.
- the specified amount of polymer Wax plasticizer is critical. Higher quantities than those specified should be avoided, because otherwise the release effect to the wearer is not sufficient. Too little polymer wax plasticizer may have as a result that brittle wax is insufficiently plasticized and the layer has no closed peeling behavior shows or to an inhomogeneous picture especially in coherent Color areas leads.
- the polymeric wax plasticizers used are polyester, copolyester, polyvinyl acetate, Polystyrenes with a glass transition temperature Tg of -30 to + 70 ° C are considered. Of which are Polyester and copolyester preferred. These are preferably linear saturated polyester or copolyester with an average molecular weight of 1500 to 18000.
- the first thermo-transferable layer usually has a melting enthalpy ⁇ H from about 150 to 210 J / g.
- the second thermotransferable layer has an enthalpy of fusion ⁇ H of approximately 10 to 80, in particular about 15 to 50 J / g.
- Thermal transfer color layers after the State of the art usually have a melting enthalpy ⁇ H of over 130 to 220 J / g on.
- the "melting enthalpy ⁇ H” is understood to mean the endothermic amount of energy, which is represented by the peak area, which is used for the DSC measurement in the temperature interval 25 to 120 ° C from the heat flow temperature curve and the baseline is included.
- the layer composition must be within the specified temperature interval the second thermo-transferable layer is not necessarily complete melt, which is regularly the case when the layer disperses insoluble Contains ingredients such as fillers.
- the layer composition shows at least one phase transition in the specified temperature interval, in which it changes from a solid state to a relatively low-viscosity state, and this phase transition in the DSC calorigram produces a peak that corresponds to the specified amount of energy corresponds. If several peaks occur, the The sum of the peak areas. To achieve a sufficiently low enthalpy of fusion special attention must be paid to the choice of binder.
- the Binder of the second thermo-transferable layer must also be compatible with wax so that the layer has sufficient adhesion to the first thermotransferable Layer.
- “Wax compatible” is understood to mean that this Polymer is compatible with a liquid wax and when cooling a solution or a dispersion of the polymer in wax no phase separation occurs.
- Wax compatible Polymers in the sense of the invention are characterized in that they are below about 100 ° C are meltable. They show stickiness in the molten state.
- Suitable polymers are e.g. Ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymers (EVA), ethylene-acrylic acid copolymers, Polyamides and ionomer resins. Of these are ethylene-acrylic acid copolymers and EVA preferred, especially one with a vinyl acetate content ⁇ about 25% by weight; Types with at least about 33 or 40% by weight vinyl acetate are particularly suitable.
- the second thermo-transferable layer also contains about 5 to 30% by weight, in particular about 15 to 25% by weight, waxes and / or wax-like substances.
- the addition of waxes and / or wax-like substances prevents sticking of the tape in the rolled-up state or sticking of the tape to the receiver Substrate in places where no symbol should be transferred.
- a higher one than that specified addition of wax should be avoided because of the high melting enthalpy of Wax the enthalpy of fusion of the entire formulation of the layer become too high let.
- a low addition of wax leads to a low melting enthalpy, however, does not avoid sticking to the desired extent.
- waxes of the second thermo-transferable layers are suitable: tightly cut paraffin waxes, ester waxes, Acid waxes, micro waxes and modified micro waxes. Natural waxes are not preferred. Narrow paraffin waxes are particularly preferred.
- the enumerated waxes are characterized by the softening and melting point are close together. When heating up, at least 80% of the material should be inside become molten at a temperature interval of 10 ° C.
- the melting point the waxes in the second thermotransferable layer are preferably about 70 to 105C.
- the second thermo-transferable layer is also preferably filled (Extenders), such as Aluminum silicate, aluminum oxide, silica, talc, calcium carbonate, Aluminum hydroxide, zinc oxide, silica, china clay, titanium dioxide etc. added.
- Extenders such as Aluminum silicate, aluminum oxide, silica, talc, calcium carbonate, Aluminum hydroxide, zinc oxide, silica, china clay, titanium dioxide etc. added.
- the fillers lighten the color (transparent layers) and at the same time the "adhesive behavior" of the tape is influenced favorably.
- the layer of thermal transfer ink preferably contains or several resins with a melting point of 80 to 150 ° C.
- Suitable resins are e.g. KW resins, terpene phenolic resins, modified rosins, coumarone indene resins, Maleinate resins, alkyd resins, phenolic resins, polyester resins, polyamide resins and / or phthalate resins.
- KW resins and polyterpene resins are particularly preferred.
- the ratio of wax-compatible polymer to resin in the thermal transfer ink is preferably 70:30 to 90:10 (w / w).
- the viscosity of the second thermotransferable layer must be sufficiently low be so that the color can be delivered quickly and precisely. It preferably points a viscosity of about 500 to 3000 mPa.s, measured with a Brookfield rotational viscometer at 140 ° C. In particular, the range of 600 to 1500 mPa.s aimed for.
- the polymeric binder used in the second thermotransferable layer is amorphous or at most partially crystalline and requires little for the melting process Energy.
- the thermal transfer ribbon is separated from the acceptor as long as the layer is still "liquid", i.e. in the melted or softened condition. This fact enables the use of polymer resin-bound Colors that in turn have high edge sharpness, good resolution and optical Ensure density. This is especially true with real-edge-type printheads from Meaning.
- the plastic-bonded paint layer guarantees good scratch resistance of the transferred print symbols both on paper and on plastic labels.
- the first thermo-transferable layer has a thickness of approximately 0.5 to 4 ⁇ m, in particular about 1 to 2 ⁇ m.
- the second thermo-transferable layer is preferred about 1 to 5 ⁇ m, especially about 1 to 3 ⁇ m, thick.
- the type of carrier of the thermal transfer ribbon according to the invention is also not critical. It is preferably polyethylene terephthalate film (PETP) or capacitor papers.
- PETP polyethylene terephthalate film
- the selection parameters are the highest possible tensile elongation values and thermal stability with low film thicknesses.
- the PETP films are up about 2.5 ⁇ m, capacitor paper down to about 6 ⁇ m available.
- a layer of a Wax or wax-like material is formed, especially in a thickness of not more than 1 ⁇ m and very particularly preferably in the form of a molecular, up to 0.01 ⁇ m, in this case the coating material preferably consists of paraffin, Silicone, natural waxes, especially carnauba wax, beeswax, ozokerite and paraffin wax or synthetic waxes, especially acid waxes, ester waxes, partially saponified ester waxes and polyethylene waxes glycols or polyglycols and / or surfactants.
- the thermal transfer ribbon according to the invention can be used in a variety of ways Establish the usual application process. This can be done, for example, by spraying or printing a solution under dispersion, be it with water or a organic solvent as a dispersion or solvent, by application from the melt, which is especially true for the wax-bonded first heat transferable Layer applies, or by application by means of a doctor blade in the form of an aqueous Suspension with finely divided material to be applied. To the order both the release and the color layer have coating processes, such as reverse roll and / or gravure coating, have proven to be particularly advantageous.
- the following general conditions can be specified with regard to the application quantities of the individual layers: on a carrier film, in particular polyester film with a thickness of approximately 2 to 8 ⁇ m, in particular with a thickness of approximately 4 to 5 ⁇ m, are applied in succession: coating composition 0.5 to 4 g / m 2 , preferably about 0.5 to 2 g / m 2 , and coating composition for forming the second thermotransferable layer 1 to 5 g / m 2 , preferably about 1 to 2 g / m 2 .
- an above-mentioned backside coating of a thickness of about 0.01 to 0.2 g / m 2 , in particular of about 0.05 to 0.1 g / m 2 is formed on the back of the carrier.
- the thermal transfer ribbon according to the invention is advantageously in a printer from corner-edge type, especially used in franking machines. Is surprising any paper, i.e. smooth as well as rough papers with excellent Print quality can be used. The layer of the second thermal transfer ink seems to act as a "top coat", the surface irregularities equalized the paper.
- the material of the following formulation I is dispersed in a quantity such that the solids constituent is about 12% by weight to form a dispersion in a toluene / isopropyl alcohol solvent mixture (mixing ratio: 85:20).
- the first thermal transfer ink is applied in the form of this dispersion in a layer thickness of 2 .mu.m ( 2 g / m 2 , based on solid substance) by reverse roll printing on a conventional polyester support with a thickness of 4.5 .mu.m, and the liquid portion of the applied Dispersion is evaporated in a conventional drying tunnel.
- thermo-transferable layer Composition of the first thermo-transferable layer (recipe I): Carnauba wax 60 parts by weight Paraffin wax 10 parts by weight Polyester resin (Dynapol S1420) 4 parts by weight Luminescent pigment (Dayglo Fire Orange) 26 parts by weight 100 parts by weight
- the second thermotransferable layer of the following formulation II is applied in a corresponding manner to the first thermotransferable layer, the ratio of toluene / isopropyl alcohol in the solvent mixture being 30:70.
- Composition of the second thermo-transferable layer (recipe II): Paraffin wax 15 parts by weight EVA 40-55 (ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer) 50 parts by weight Zonatac 85 Lite (terpene resin) 7 parts by weight Pigment (Permanent Lackred) 14 parts by weight Silicate filler (transpafill) 14 parts by weight 100 parts by weight
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Abstract
Description
Die Erfindung betrifft ein Thermotransferband für lumineszierende Schriftzeichen bzw. Codierungen.The invention relates to a thermal transfer ribbon for luminescent characters or codings.
Moderne Sortiermaschinen, wie sie bei der Sortierung einer Vielzahl von Objekten, wie z.B. Briefen, eingesetzt werden, sprechen auf eine dem menschlichen Auge nicht notwendig sichtbare lumineszierende Codierung an. Zu diesem Zweck werden die zu sortierenden Stücke vor dem Sortiervorgang mit Zeichen versehen, die einen Lumineszenzstoff enthalten. Hierzu werden verstärkt Thermotransfer(farb)bänder verwendet, die eine Schicht einer Thermotransferfarbe mit einem darin enthaltenen Lumineszenzpigment aufweisen. Die lumineszierende Transferfarbe, die auf die Substratoberfläche übertragen wird, ist sehr dünn und für die visuelle Betrachtung transparent.Modern sorting machines, such as those used to sort a large number of objects, such as. Letters that are used do not speak to the human eye necessary visible luminescent coding. For this purpose, the Prior to the sorting process, the sorting pieces are provided with characters that contain a luminescent substance contain. For this, thermal transfer (color) ribbons are increasingly used, the one layer of a thermal transfer ink with a luminescent pigment contained therein exhibit. The luminescent transfer color applied to the substrate surface is very thin and transparent for visual observation.
Lumineszierende Farben haben die Eigenschaft, ultraviolettes Licht und sichtbares Licht im blauen Teil des Spektrums zu absorbieren und diesen absorbierten Teil am unteren Ende des Spektrums wieder auszustrahlen. Von der großen Anzahl organischer Verbindungen, die unter der Einwirkung kurzwelliger Strahlen sichtbares Licht ausstrahlen, eignen sich als Lumineszenzfarbstoffe oder Lumogene nur solche Substanzen, die in festem, ungelöstem Zustand durch eine intensive Fluoreszenz ausgezeichnet sind. Von größtem technischen Interesse sind die Lumineszenzfarbstoffe, die im Tageslicht farbig fluoreszieren und als Tageslicht-Fluoreszenzpigmente verwendet werden. Lösliche derartige Farbstoffe sind z.B. Rhodamin, Eosin, Brillantsulfoflaven FF sowie das stark gelbgrün fluoreszierende Pyranin, ferner Farbpigmente, z.B. das 2,2-Dihydroxy-alpha-naphthaldiazin und das Anthrapyrimidin. Da die Farbstoffe organischer Natur sind, ist es notwendig, sie in einem organischen Medium oder Träger zu lösen. Vorwiegend verwendet man angefärbte Trägerstoffe, z.B. pulverisierte Polymerisate, die mit löslichen Farbstoffen oder fein verteilten Pigmenten angefärbt sind. Der Materialtyp, der den Erfordernissen eines Trägers oder einer Matrix für die Farbstoffe entspricht, sind transparente organische Harze. Durch Umsetzen saurer Polyesterharze mit basischen Farbstoffen oder durch Pulverisieren erstarrter Farbstofflösungen erhält man ebenfalls angefärbte Trägerstoffe. Auch Harnstoff-Formaldehydharze, Acrylharze und Melaminharze werden als Träger verwendet, auf denen die Farbstoffe gegebenenfalls verlackt werden. Tageslicht-Fluoreszenzpigmente sind also organische Kunststoffteilchen, die mit fluoreszierenden Farbstoffen eingefärbt sind. Die physikalische Struktur der Pigmentteilchen ist vorwiegend amorph.Luminescent colors have the property of ultraviolet light and visible To absorb light in the blue part of the spectrum and this absorbed part at to broadcast the lower end of the spectrum again. From the large number of organic Compounds exposed to light under the action of short-wave rays emit, only such substances are suitable as luminescent dyes or lumogens, those in solid, undissolved condition characterized by intense fluorescence are. The luminescent dyes are of the greatest technical interest Fluorescent colored in daylight and used as daylight fluorescent pigments become. Soluble such dyes are e.g. Rhodamine, eosin, brilliant sulfoflaves FF and the strongly yellow-green fluorescent pyranine, as well as color pigments, e.g. the 2,2-dihydroxy-alpha-naphthaldiazine and the anthrapyrimidine. Because the dyes are more organic Are nature, it is necessary to put them in an organic medium or carrier to solve. Dyed carriers are mainly used, e.g. powdered polymers, stained with soluble dyes or finely divided pigments are. The type of material that meets the needs of a carrier or matrix for the Dyes are transparent organic resins. Acid by reacting Polyester resins with basic dyes or by pulverizing solidified dye solutions you also get colored carriers. Also urea-formaldehyde resins, Acrylic resins and melamine resins are used as carriers where the dyes are possibly lacquered. Daylight fluorescent pigments So are organic plastic particles that are colored with fluorescent dyes are. The physical structure of the pigment particles is predominantly amorphous.
Wenn lumineszierendes Material auf der Oberfläche von weißem Papier abgeschieden ist, so dient die Weiße des Papiers als Lichtreflektor. Der größte Teil des einfallenden Lichts wird vom Papier zurück durch das aufgedruckte lumineszierende Material reflektiert. Das vom Beobachter wahrgenommene reflektierte Licht enthält sowohl einfallendes Licht als auch Lumineszenzlicht.When luminescent material is deposited on the surface of white paper , the whiteness of the paper serves as a light reflector. Most of the incident Light is reflected back from the paper by the printed luminescent material. The reflected light perceived by the observer contains both incident Light as well as luminescent light.
Wenn das Lumineszenzmaterial auf die Oberfläche eines dunkel gefärbten Papiers übertragen wird, so wird ein Teil des einfallenden Lichts, das die Lumineszenzschicht passiert hat, durch das Papier absorbiert. Die Menge des durch Rückreflexion verfügbaren Lichts wird vermindert. Außerdem wird der Anteil des von der Lumineszenzfarbschicht emittierten Lichtes absorbiert, der in Richtung der Papieroberfläche abgestrahlt wird.If the luminescent material on the surface of a dark colored paper is transmitted so part of the incident light that the luminescent layer has been absorbed by the paper. The amount of what is available through back reflection Light is diminished. In addition, the proportion of the luminescent color layer emitted light that is emitted towards the paper surface becomes.
Zum Ausgleich von Lumineszenzintensitätsdifferenzen, die auf die Art des Trägers zurückzuführen sind, schlägt die DE-OS 30 42 526 ein Fluoreszenzdruckband vor, das durch die Zugabe eines Sperrmaterials zum Fluoreszenzpigmentmaterial gekennzeichnet ist, um die Absorption des einfallenden Lichts in dem Medium zu blockieren, auf welches der Pigment- und der Sperrüberzug während des Druckens übertragen werden. Das Sperrmaterial wird bevorzugt als eine zweite Lage über der Pigmentmateriallage aufgebracht. Die beiden Lagen werden beim Druckvorgang in umgekehrter Reihenfolge auf das Substrat übertragen. Das Sperrmaterial enthält reflektierende Metallteilchen oder perlmuttartige Pigmente.To compensate for differences in luminescence intensity, depending on the type of carrier are to be attributed, DE-OS 30 42 526 proposes a fluorescent printing tape, which is characterized by the addition of a barrier material to the fluorescent pigment material is to block the absorption of the incident light in the medium to which the pigment and barrier coatings are transferred during printing become. The barrier material is preferred as a second layer over the pigment material layer upset. The two layers are reversed during the printing process Transfer order to the substrate. The barrier material contains reflective Metal particles or pearlescent pigments.
Die DE-AS 12 22 725 offenbart ein Übertragungsmaterial für lumineszierende Schriftzeichen mit einem Schichtträger aus Papier oder Folie und einer darauf angeordneten lumineszierenden Farbschicht, wobei über die lumineszierende Farbschicht eine Lichtstrahlung reflektierende pigmentierte Deckschicht gelegt wird, die sich am Schreibvorgang beteiligt. Die Deckschicht enthält vorzugsweise Titanweiß und/oder Aluminiumdruckschliffpulver.DE-AS 12 22 725 discloses a transmission material for luminescent Characters with a layer support made of paper or film and one arranged on it luminescent color layer, being over the luminescent color layer a light-reflecting pigmented top layer is placed on the Write process involved. The cover layer preferably contains titanium white and / or Aluminum pressure ground powder.
Die bekannten Vorschläge zielen darauf ab, eine Absorption des einfallenden Lichts, das die Lumineszenzschicht passiert, im Substrat zu unterbinden, so daß dieser Anteil reflektiert wird und die Lumineszenzfarbschicht erneut passiert, um so die Gesamtanregungsausbeute zu erhöhen. Nachteilig ist hierbei, daß das vom Beobachter wahrgenommene Lumineszenzlicht stets mit dem rückgestrahlten Anteil von einfallendem Licht vermischt ist. Die lumineszierenden Ausdrücke erscheinen daher stets blaß, d.h., sie weisen eine geringe optische Dichte auf.The known proposals aim to absorb the incident light, that pass through the luminescent layer in the substrate, so that this portion is reflected and the luminescent color layer passes again, so the total excitation yield to increase. The disadvantage here is that what is perceived by the observer Luminescent light always with the reflected part of the incident Light is mixed. The luminescent expressions therefore always appear pale, i.e. they have a low optical density.
Versucht man, die optische Dichte der Ausdrucke durch Zusatz eines nicht-lumineszierenden Pigments zur Schicht des lumineszierenden Pigments zu erhöhen, stellt man fest, daß bei einem Zusatz von Fremdpigmenten von mehr als 1 % die Fluoreszenzqualität sehr stark beeinträchtigt wird. Mit zunehmender Zusatzmenge wird die Brillianz der Fluoreszenzpigmente, die Fluoreszenzkraft und die Farbreinheit wegen auftretender Interferenzen zunehmend beeinträchtigt. Noch höhere Zusatzmengen führen zu einer nahezu völligen Auslöschung der Fluoreszenz. Eine vom Standpunkt der Fluoreszenzleistung zulässige Zusatzmenge von 1 % oder darunter würde die optische Dichte aber nur unwesentlich erhöhen.Trying to increase the optical density of the printouts by adding a non-luminescent To increase pigment to the layer of luminescent pigment, it is found that with the addition of foreign pigments of more than 1% the fluorescence quality is very badly affected. As the additional quantity increases, the Brilliance of the fluorescent pigments, the fluorescent power and the color purity Interferences occurring increasingly impaired. Lead even higher additional quantities almost complete extinction of the fluorescence. One from the standpoint of Fluorescence power allowable additional amount of 1% or less would be the optical Increase density only insignificantly.
Die oben beschriebenen Thermofarbbänder finden immer mehr Eingang in Hochgeschwindigkeitsdrucker, insbesondere im Industriebereich, wobei hier Druckköpfe vom sog. "Real-Edge"-bzw. "Corner"-Typ herangezogen werden. Bei diesen Druckköpfen ist eine Reihe ansteuerbarer Heizpunkte (dots) nahe dem Rand oder direkt auf der Kante auf einem Keramiksubstrat angeordnet. Der Vorteil der Edge-Typ-Köpfe liegt in kürzeren Abkühlzeiten und dementsprechend einer höheren Schreibfrequenz. Es lassen sich damit Druckgeschwindigkeiten von 3 bis 12" pro Sekunde erzielen. An die beim Hochgeschwindigkeitsdruck erzielten Drucke werden besonderen Anforderungen hinsichtlich der Druckqualität, d.h. gute Randschärfe, Auflösung und optische Dichte, gestellt. Ein besonderer Anwendungsbereich ist das Bedrucken von Papier und Kunststoffetiketten. Auf letzteren ist eine hohe Kratzfestigkeit der Drucke wünschenswert.The thermal ribbons described above are finding their way into high-speed printers, especially in the industrial sector, where printheads from so-called "real edge" "Corner" type can be used. With these printheads is a series of controllable heating points (dots) near the edge or directly on the Edge arranged on a ceramic substrate. The advantage of the edge-type heads lies in shorter cooling times and accordingly a higher write frequency. It print speeds of 3 to 12 "per second can be achieved High-speed printing prints have special requirements in terms of print quality, i.e. good edge sharpness, resolution and optical density, posed. A special area of application is the printing of paper and plastic labels. On the latter, a high scratch resistance of the prints is desirable.
Die bisher im Stand der Technik vorgesehenen Thermotransferbänder für lumineszierende Codierungen erfüllen die angesprochenen Anforderungen nicht im gewünschten Umfang.The thermal transfer ribbons previously provided in the prior art for luminescent Codings do not meet the requirements mentioned in the desired way Scope.
Der Erfindung lag daher die Aufgabe zugrunde, ein Thermotransferfarbband für lumineszierende Codierungen bereitzustellen, mit dem Ausdrucke hoher optischer Dichte ohne Beeinträchtigung der Lumineszenzleistung des lumineszierenden Pigments und unabhängig vom zu bedruckenden Substrat sowie eine zufriedenstellende Druckqualität bei hohen Druckgeschwindigkeiten erzielbar sind. Die beim Druck übertragenen luminesziernden Schriftzeichen sollen insbesondere auf Papier und Kunststoffetiketten eine gute Adhäsion und gute Kratzfestigkeit zeigen.The invention was therefore based on the object of a thermal transfer ribbon for luminescent Provide encodings with high optical printouts Density without affecting the luminescent performance of the luminescent pigment and regardless of the substrate to be printed as well as a satisfactory Print quality can be achieved at high printing speeds. The one when printing transferred luminescent characters should in particular on paper and Plastic labels show good adhesion and good scratch resistance.
Erfindungsgemäß wird diese Aufgabe durch ein Thermotransferband mit einem Träger, einer auf einer Seite des Trägers ausgebildeten ersten thermotransferierbaren Schicht und einer auf der ersten thermotransferierbaren Schicht ausgebildeten zweiten thermotransferierbaren Schicht gelöst, wobei (i) die erste thermotransferierbare Schicht ein Lumineszenzpigment, Wachs(e) eines Schmelzpunkts von etwa 70 bis 110°C und etwa 1 bis 22 Gew.-% eines polymeren Wachsplastifizierers einer Glastemperatur Tg von -30 bis +70°C enthält, (ii) die zweite thermotransferierbare Schicht ein nicht-lumineszierendes Pigment, ein wachsverträgliches polymeres Bindemittel und etwa 5 bis 30 Gew.-% Wachs und/oder wachsähnliche Substanz enthält, (iii) die zweite thermotransferierbare Schicht eine Schmelzenthalpie ΔH von etwa 10 bis 80 J/g aufweist und (iv) sich im Remissionsspektrum des nicht-lumineszierenden Pigments im Wellenlängenbereich des vom Lumineszenzpigmentes emittierten Lichtes ein Remissionsmaximum oder eine Anstiegsflanke der Remission befindet.According to the invention, this object is achieved by a thermal transfer ribbon with a carrier, a first thermotransferable formed on one side of the carrier Layer and a second formed on the first thermotransferable layer thermo-transferable layer, wherein (i) the first thermo-transferable Layer a luminescent pigment, wax (s) with a melting point of about 70 to 110 ° C and about 1 to 22 wt .-% of a polymeric wax plasticizer of a glass transition temperature Contains Tg from -30 to + 70 ° C, (ii) the second thermotransferable Layer a non-luminescent pigment, a wax-compatible polymeric binder and contains about 5 to 30% by weight of wax and / or wax-like substance, (iii) the second thermotransferable layer has a melting enthalpy ΔH of about 10 up to 80 J / g and (iv) in the reflectance spectrum of the non-luminescent Pigments in the wavelength range of the light emitted by the luminescent pigment a remission maximum or a rising edge of the remission.
In bevorzugten Ausführungsformen enthält die zweite thermotransferierbare Schicht etwa 5 bis 40 Gew.-%, insbesondere etwa 10 bis 20 Gew.-%, Füllstoffe.In preferred embodiments, the second thermo-transferable layer contains about 5 to 40% by weight, in particular about 10 to 20% by weight, of fillers.
Das nicht-lumineszierende Pigment ist ein Pigment, dessen Remission stark wellenlängenabhängig ist. Der Farbeindruck eines nicht-lumineszierenden Pigments entsteht als Resultat einer selektiven Reflexion einiger Segmente des sichtbaren weißen Spektrums des Lichts. Der nicht-reflektierte Teil wird absorbiert und in Wärme umgewandelt. Eine orange-rote Farbe z.B. reflektiert den orange-roten Teil des Lichts und absorbiert alle anderen Farben des Spektrums. Gute nicht-lumineszierende Pigmente sind in der Lage, etwa 90 % des entsprechenden Anteils des Spektrums zu reflektieren. Weißpigmente zeigen hingegen eine unselektive hohe Reflexion über das gesamte sichtbare Spektrum.The non-luminescent pigment is a pigment whose remission is strongly dependent on the wavelength is. The color impression of a non-luminescent pigment is created as a result of selective reflection of some segments of the visible white spectrum of light. The non-reflected part is absorbed and converted into heat. An orange-red color e.g. reflects and absorbs the orange-red part of the light all other colors of the spectrum. Good non-luminescent pigments are able to reflect about 90% of the corresponding part of the spectrum. White pigments, on the other hand, show an unselective high reflection over the whole visible spectrum.
Das erfindungsgemäß zu verwendende nicht-lumineszierende Pigment reflektiert nur das vom lumineszierenden Pigment emittierte Licht und den Wellenlängenanteil des nicht absorbierten einfallenden Lichtes, der bei oder nahe der (längstwelligen) Emissionsbande des lumineszierenden Pigments liegt. Die erhaltenen Ausdrucke wirken so wesentlich kontrastreicher und zeigen verbesserte optische Dichte. Die Wahl des nicht-lumineszierenden Pigmentes gestattet es außerdem, den Farbton des Ausdrucks ohne Verlust an Brillianz innerhalb gewisser Grenzen zu variieren, indem das emittierte Licht und das vom nicht-lumineszierenden Pigment remittierte Licht interferieren.The non-luminescent pigment to be used according to the invention only reflects the light emitted by the luminescent pigment and the wavelength portion of the unabsorbed incident light at or near the (longest wave) emission band of the luminescent pigment. The prints obtained look like this much higher contrast and show improved optical density. The choice of non-luminescent pigment also allows the hue of the expression to vary within certain limits without loss of brilliance by the emitted Light and the light remitted by the non-luminescent pigment interfere.
Für die Zwecke der Erfindung ist es bevorzugt, daß das Lumineszenzpigment ein Tageslicht-Fluoreszenzpigment und das nicht-lumineszierende Pigment ein Buntpigment ist. Die Tageslicht-Fluoreszenzpigmente kommen unter den Bezeichnung Lumogene (BASF), Day-Glo® Colors, Goldfire-Colors, Fluorzink oder Brillink-Leuchtfarben in den Handel. Im Hinblick auf einen angestrebten Einsatz in Frankaturdruckern emittiert das Tageslicht-Fluoreszenzpigment vorzugsweise im Wellenlängenbereich von Orange bis Rot, d.h. bei etwa 580 bis 620 nm (bei einer Anregungsenergie von 254 nm). Das bevorzugte Buntpigment ist hierbei ein Rotpigment, wobei dieser Begriff weitestgehend zu verstehen ist.For the purposes of the invention it is preferred that the luminescent pigment is a daylight fluorescent pigment and the non-luminescent pigment is a colored pigment is. The daylight fluorescent pigments are called Lumogens (BASF), Day-Glo® Colors, Goldfire-Colors, Fluorzink or Brillink-Leuchtfarben in the trade. Issued with a view to its intended use in franking printers the daylight fluorescent pigment preferably in the wavelength range of Orange to red, i.e. at about 580 to 620 nm (with an excitation energy of 254 nm). The preferred colored pigment is a red pigment, this term is to be largely understood.
Beim Hochgeschwindigkeitsdruck verweilt der Thermodruckkopf nur eine sehr kurze Zeit an einer bestimmten Stelle des Thermotransferbandes. Da andererseits die Druckkopfleistung begrenzt ist, steht somit nur eine sehr geringe Energie zum Erweichen der thermotransferierbaren Schicht zur Verfügung. Es wurde nun gefunden, daß zur Erzielung hoher Druckgeschwindkeiten mit Vorteil eine thermotransferierbare Schicht mit einer niedrigen Schmelzenthalpie eingesetzt werden kann. Allerdings hat sich gezeigt, daß Schichtzusammensetzungen mit niedriger Schmelzenthalpie in geschmolzenem Zustand eine hohe Adhäsion zu Trägermaterialien aufweisen, so daß beim Druckvorgang ein unzureichender Transfer auf das aufnehmende Substrat die Folge wäre. Die Erfindung löst dieses Problem durch eine spezielle Schichtzusammensetzung der ersten und zweiten thermotransferierbaren Schicht.The thermal print head only stays for a very short time when printing at high speed Time at a specific point on the thermal transfer ribbon. On the other hand, since the Printhead performance is limited, so there is very little energy to soften of the thermal transferable layer. It has now been found that to achieve high printing speeds with advantage a thermotransferbare Layer with a low enthalpy of fusion can be used. However It has been shown that layer compositions with low enthalpy of fusion in molten Condition have high adhesion to carrier materials, so that an insufficient transfer to the receiving substrate during the printing process Consequence would be. The invention solves this problem with a special layer composition the first and second heat transferable layers.
Die in der ersten thermotransferierbaren Schicht eingesetzten Wachse folgen der üblichen Wachsdefinition mit der obigen Einschränkung des Schmelzpunktes auf etwa 70 bis 110°C. Es handelt sich im weitesten Sinne um ein Material, das fest bis brüchig hart, grob bis feinkristallin, durchscheinend bis opak, jedoch nicht glasartig ist, oberhalb etwa 70°C schmilzt, allerdings schon wenig oberhalb des Schmelzpunktes verhältnismäßig niedrig viskos und nicht fadenziehend ist. Wachse dieser Art lassen sich in Kohlenwasserstoffwachse (Alkane ohne funktionelle Gruppen) und in Wachse aus langkettigen organischen Verbindungen mit funktionellen Gruppen (vor allem Ester- und Säurewachse) einteilen. Zu den Kohlenwasserstoffwachsen zählen neben dem Erdwachs die aus dem Erdöl und Teer gewonnenen festen Kohlenwasserstoffe sowie synthetische Paraffine. Zu den Wachsen mit funktionellen Gruppen zählen alle pflanzlichen Wachse sowie chemisch veränderte Wachse. Esterwachse bestehen im wesentlichen aus Estern, die aus linearen Carbonsäuren mit etwa 18 bis 34 C-Atomen und etwa gleich langen linearen Alkoholen gebildet sind. In Säurewachsen finden sich hohe Anteile freier Carbonsäuren. Wachse mit funktionellen Gruppen werden bevorzugt. Hierbei sind insbesondere Esterwachse, z.B. auf Basis von Montanwachs, teilverseifte Esterwachse, Säurewachse und oxidierte und veresterte Synthesewachse zu nennen. Zu den besonders bevorzugten Esterwachsen zählen pflanzliche Wachse, wie Carnaubawachs und Candelillawachs sowie hochschmelzende enggeschnittene Paraffine. Besonders bevorzugt werden im Rahmen der Erfindung Wachse eines Schmelzpunktes von 70 bis 105°C. Im einzelnen sind hier als besonders bevorzugt anzugeben: Carnaubawachs, LG-Wachs BASF und Hoechst-Wachs E. Wachs(e) machen vorzugsweise 40 bis 80 Gew.-% der ersten thermotransferierbaren Schicht aus.The waxes used in the first thermo-transferable layer follow the usual ones Wax definition with the above limitation of the melting point to about 70 up to 110 ° C. In the broadest sense, it is a material that is solid to brittle hard, coarse to fine crystalline, translucent to opaque, but not glassy, above about 70 ° C melts, but relatively little above the melting point low viscosity and non-stringy. Waxes of this kind can be in hydrocarbon waxes (alkanes without functional groups) and in waxes long chain organic compounds with functional groups (especially ester and Divide acid waxes). In addition to hydrocarbon waxes include Earth wax is the solid hydrocarbon obtained from oil and tar as well synthetic paraffins. The waxes with functional groups include everyone vegetable waxes and chemically modified waxes. Ester waxes exist in essentially from esters made from linear carboxylic acids with about 18 to 34 carbon atoms and linear alcohols of approximately the same length are formed. In acid waxes can be found high proportions of free carboxylic acids. Waxes with functional groups are preferred. Ester waxes, e.g. based on montan wax, partially saponified Ester waxes, acid waxes and oxidized and esterified synthesis waxes too call. Plant waxes such as Carnauba wax and candelilla wax as well as high-melting, narrow-cut paraffins. Waxes with a melting point are particularly preferred in the context of the invention from 70 to 105 ° C. Specifically, the following are particularly preferred: Carnauba wax, LG wax BASF and Hoechst wax E. wax (e) preferably do 40 to 80 wt .-% of the first thermo-transferable layer.
Die erste thermotransferierbare Schicht enthält ferner etwa 1 bis 22 Gew.-%, vorzugsweise etwa 2 bis 20 Gew.-% und insbesondere etwa 4 bis 10 Gew.-%, polymeren Wachsplastifizierer. Dieser bewirkt, daß die im Rahmen der Erfindung besonders bevorzugt eingesetzten Hartwachse, insbesondere in Form von Esterwachsen und hochschmelzenden enggeschnittenen Paraffinen, plastifiziert werden und damit ihre Sprödigkeit und "Splittrigkeit" verlieren. Sie gewährleisten eine gute Verankerung bzw. Adhäsion der Trennschicht am Trägermaterial. Esterwachse sind sehr harte bzw. spröde Wachse, d.h. sie können im kalten Zustand pulverisiert werden. Werden diese mit den bezeichneten polymeren Wachsplastifizierern versetzt, dann entstehen elastische Produkte, die kaum noch zu pulverisieren sind. Die angegebene Menge an polymerem Wachsplastifizierer ist kritisch. Höhere Mengen als die angegebenen sollten vermieden werden, weil sonst die Releasewirkung zum Träger nicht ausreichend ist. Eine zu geringe Menge an polymerem Wachsplastifizierer hat u.U. zur Folge, daß das spröde Wachs unzureichend plastifiziert ist und die Schicht kein geschlossenes Abschälverhalten zeigt bzw. zu einem inhomogenen Bild vor allem in zusammenhängenden Farbflächen führt.The first thermo-transferable layer further contains about 1 to 22% by weight, preferably about 2 to 20% by weight and in particular about 4 to 10% by weight of polymer Wax plasticizers. This has the effect that it is particularly preferred in the context of the invention hard waxes used, in particular in the form of ester waxes and high-melting narrow paraffins, are plasticized and thus their brittleness and lose "splinter". They ensure good anchoring or Adhesion of the separating layer to the carrier material. Ester waxes are very hard or brittle waxes, i.e. they can be pulverized when cold. Will this mixed with the designated polymeric wax plasticizers, then elastic ones are created Products that can hardly be pulverized. The specified amount of polymer Wax plasticizer is critical. Higher quantities than those specified should be avoided, because otherwise the release effect to the wearer is not sufficient. Too little polymer wax plasticizer may have as a result that brittle wax is insufficiently plasticized and the layer has no closed peeling behavior shows or to an inhomogeneous picture especially in coherent Color areas leads.
Als polymere Wachsplastifizierer kommen Polyester, Copolyester, Polyvinylacetat, Polystyrole mit einer Glastemperatur Tg von -30 bis +70°C in betracht. Hiervon sind Polyester und Copolyester bevorzugt. Vorzugsweise handelt es sich hierbei um lineare gesättigte Polyester oder Copolyester mit einem mittleren Molekulargewicht von 1500 bis 18000. Die erste thermotransferierbare Schicht weist üblicherweise eine Schmelzenthalpie ΔH von etwa 150 bis 210 J/g auf. The polymeric wax plasticizers used are polyester, copolyester, polyvinyl acetate, Polystyrenes with a glass transition temperature Tg of -30 to + 70 ° C are considered. Of which are Polyester and copolyester preferred. These are preferably linear saturated polyester or copolyester with an average molecular weight of 1500 to 18000. The first thermo-transferable layer usually has a melting enthalpy ΔH from about 150 to 210 J / g.
Die zweite thermotransferierbare Schicht weist eine Schmelzenthalpie ΔH von etwa 10 bis 80, insbesondere etwa 15 bis 50 J/g auf. Thermotransferfarbschichten nach dem Stand der Technik weisen üblicherweise eine Schmelzenthalpie ΔH von über 130 bis 220 J/g auf. Als "Schmelzenthalpie ΔH" wird der endotherme Energiebetrag verstanden, der von der Peakfläche verkörpert wird, die bei der DSC-Messung im Temperaturintervall 25 bis 120°C von der Wärmestrom-Temperatur-Kurve und der Grundlinie eingeschlossen wird. Im angegebenen Temperaturintervall muß die Schichtzusammensetzung der zweiten thermotransferierbaren Schicht nicht notwendigerweise vollständig schmelzen, was regelmäßig der Fall ist, wenn die Schicht dispergierte unlösliche Bestandteile, wie Füllstoffe, enthält. Wichtig ist lediglich, daß die Schichtzusammensetzung im angegebenen Temperaturintervall mindestens einen Phasenübergang zeigt, bei dem sie vom festen Zustand in einen relativ niedrigviskosen Zustand übergeht, und dieser Phasenübergang im DSC-Kalorigramm einen Peak hervorruft, der dem angegebenen Energiebetrag entspricht. Beim Auftreten mehrerer Peaks ist auf die Summe der Peakflächen abzustellen. Zur Erzielung der hinreichend niedrigen Schmelzenthalpie muß auf die Wahl des Bindemittels besonderer Wert gelegt werden. Das Bindemittel der zweiten thermotransferierbaren Schicht muß außerdem wachsverträglich sein, damit die Schicht eine ausreichende Adhäsion zur ersten thermotransferierbaren Schicht aufweist. Unter "wachsverträglich" wird hierbei verstanden, daß dieses Polymer mit einem flüssigen Wachs verträglich ist und beim Abkühlen einer Lösung bzw. einer Dispersion des Polymers in Wachs keine Phasentrennung auftritt. Wachsverträgliche Polymere im Sinne der Erfindung zeichnen sich dadurch aus, daß sie unterhalb etwa 100°C schmelzbar sind. Sie zeigen in geschmolzenem Zustand Klebrigkeit. Geeignete Polymere sind z.B. Ethylen-Vinylacetat-Copolymere (EVA), Ethylen-Acrylsäure-Copolymere, Polyamide und Ionomerharze. Hiervon sind Ethylen-Acrylsäure-Copolymere und EVA bevorzugt, insbesondere eines mit einem Vinylacetatgehalt ≥ etwa 25 Gew.-%; Typen mit mindestens etwa 33 bzw. 40 Gew.-% Vinylacetat sind besonders geeignet.The second thermotransferable layer has an enthalpy of fusion ΔH of approximately 10 to 80, in particular about 15 to 50 J / g. Thermal transfer color layers after the State of the art usually have a melting enthalpy ΔH of over 130 to 220 J / g on. The "melting enthalpy ΔH" is understood to mean the endothermic amount of energy, which is represented by the peak area, which is used for the DSC measurement in the temperature interval 25 to 120 ° C from the heat flow temperature curve and the baseline is included. The layer composition must be within the specified temperature interval the second thermo-transferable layer is not necessarily complete melt, which is regularly the case when the layer disperses insoluble Contains ingredients such as fillers. It is only important that the layer composition shows at least one phase transition in the specified temperature interval, in which it changes from a solid state to a relatively low-viscosity state, and this phase transition in the DSC calorigram produces a peak that corresponds to the specified amount of energy corresponds. If several peaks occur, the The sum of the peak areas. To achieve a sufficiently low enthalpy of fusion special attention must be paid to the choice of binder. The Binder of the second thermo-transferable layer must also be compatible with wax so that the layer has sufficient adhesion to the first thermotransferable Layer. "Wax compatible" is understood to mean that this Polymer is compatible with a liquid wax and when cooling a solution or a dispersion of the polymer in wax no phase separation occurs. Wax compatible Polymers in the sense of the invention are characterized in that they are below about 100 ° C are meltable. They show stickiness in the molten state. Suitable polymers are e.g. Ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymers (EVA), ethylene-acrylic acid copolymers, Polyamides and ionomer resins. Of these are ethylene-acrylic acid copolymers and EVA preferred, especially one with a vinyl acetate content ≥ about 25% by weight; Types with at least about 33 or 40% by weight vinyl acetate are particularly suitable.
Die zweite thermotransferierbare Schicht enthält außerdem etwa 5 bis 30 Gew.-%, insbesondere etwa 15 bis 25 Gew.-%, Wachse und/oder wachsähnliche Substanzen. Der Zusatz der Wachse und/oder wachsähnlicher Substanzen verhindert ein Verkleben des Bandes im aufgerollten Zustand bzw. ein Haften des Bandes zum aufnehmenden Substrat an Stellen, an denen kein Symbol übertragen werden soll. Ein höherer als der angegebene Zusatz von Wachs ist zu vermeiden, weil die hohe Schmelzenthalpie des Wachses die Schmelzenthalpie der gesamten Formulierung der Schicht zu hoch werden ließe. Ein niedriger Wachszusatz führt zwar zu einer niedrigen Schmelzenthalpie, vermeidet jedoch das Kleben nicht in erwünschtem Umfang. Als Wachse der zweiten thermotranferierbaren Schicht sind geeignet: enggeschnittene Paraffinwachse, Esterwachse, Säurewachse, Mikrowachse und modifizierte Mikrowachse. Naturwachse sind nicht bevorzugt. Enggeschnittene Paraffinwachse sind besonders bevorzugt. Die aufgezählten Wachse zeichnen sich dadurch aus, daß Erweichungs- und Schmelzpunkt eng beieinanderliegen. Beim Aufheizen sollten mindestens 80% des Materials innerhalb eines Temperaturintervalls von 10°C schmelzflüssig werden. Der Schmelzpunkt der Wachse in der zweiten thermotransferirbaren Schicht liegt vorzugsweise bei etwa 70 bis 105C.The second thermo-transferable layer also contains about 5 to 30% by weight, in particular about 15 to 25% by weight, waxes and / or wax-like substances. The addition of waxes and / or wax-like substances prevents sticking of the tape in the rolled-up state or sticking of the tape to the receiver Substrate in places where no symbol should be transferred. A higher one than that specified addition of wax should be avoided because of the high melting enthalpy of Wax the enthalpy of fusion of the entire formulation of the layer become too high let. A low addition of wax leads to a low melting enthalpy, however, does not avoid sticking to the desired extent. As waxes of the second thermo-transferable layers are suitable: tightly cut paraffin waxes, ester waxes, Acid waxes, micro waxes and modified micro waxes. Natural waxes are not preferred. Narrow paraffin waxes are particularly preferred. The enumerated waxes are characterized by the softening and melting point are close together. When heating up, at least 80% of the material should be inside become molten at a temperature interval of 10 ° C. The melting point the waxes in the second thermotransferable layer are preferably about 70 to 105C.
Vorzugsweise werden der zweiten thermotransferierbaren Schicht außerdem Füllstoffe (Extender), wie z.B. Aluminiumsilicat, Aluminiumoxid, Silica, Talkum, Calciumcarbonat, Aluminiumhydroxid, Zinkoxid, Kieselsäure, China-Clay, Titandioxid usw. beigemischt. Die Füllstoffe sorgen für eine Farbaufhellung (transparente Schichten) und gleichzeitig wird das "Klebeverhalten" des Bandes günstig beeinflußt.The second thermo-transferable layer is also preferably filled (Extenders), such as Aluminum silicate, aluminum oxide, silica, talc, calcium carbonate, Aluminum hydroxide, zinc oxide, silica, china clay, titanium dioxide etc. added. The fillers lighten the color (transparent layers) and at the same time the "adhesive behavior" of the tape is influenced favorably.
Der zweiten thermotransferierbaren Schicht können vielfältige sonstige Zusätze einverleibt werden. Vorzugsweise enthält die Schicht der Thermotransferfarbe ein oder mehrere Harze eines Schmelzpunkts von 80 bis 150°C. Geeignete Harze sind z.B. KW-Harze, Terpenphenolharze, modifizierte Kolophoniumharze, Cumaron-Indenharze, Maleinatharze, Alkydharze, Phenolharze, Polyesterharze, Polyamidharze und/oder Phthalatharze. Hiervon sind KW-Harze und Polyterpenharze besonders bevorzugt. Das Verhältnis von wachsverträglichem Polymer zu Harz in der Thermotransferfarbe beträgt vorzugsweise 70:30 bis 90:10 (Gew./Gew.).Various other additives can be incorporated into the second thermo-transferable layer become. The layer of thermal transfer ink preferably contains or several resins with a melting point of 80 to 150 ° C. Suitable resins are e.g. KW resins, terpene phenolic resins, modified rosins, coumarone indene resins, Maleinate resins, alkyd resins, phenolic resins, polyester resins, polyamide resins and / or phthalate resins. Of these, KW resins and polyterpene resins are particularly preferred. The ratio of wax-compatible polymer to resin in the thermal transfer ink is preferably 70:30 to 90:10 (w / w).
Die Viskosität der zweiten thermotransferierbaren Schicht muß hinreichend niedrig sein, damit die Farbe rasch und punktgenau abgegeben werden kann. Sie weist vorzugsweise eine Viskosität von etwa 500 bis 3000 mPa.s, gemessen mit einem Brookfield-Rotationsviskosimeter bei 140°C auf. Insbesondere wird der Bereich von 600 bis 1500 mPa.s angestrebt.The viscosity of the second thermotransferable layer must be sufficiently low be so that the color can be delivered quickly and precisely. It preferably points a viscosity of about 500 to 3000 mPa.s, measured with a Brookfield rotational viscometer at 140 ° C. In particular, the range of 600 to 1500 mPa.s aimed for.
Das in der zweiten thermotransferierbaren Schicht eingesetzte polymere Bindemittel ist amorph oder allenfalls teilkristallin und erfordert für den Schmelzvorgang wenig Energie. Nach dem Druckvorgang erfolgt die Trennung des Thermotransferbandes vom Akzeptor, solange die Schicht noch "flüssig" ist, d.h. im geschmolzenen bzw. erweichten Zustand vorliegt. Diese Tatsache ermöglicht den Einsatz von Polymerharzgebundenen Farben, die wiederum eine hohe Randschärfe, gute Auflösung und optische Dichte gewährleisten. Dies ist vor allem bei real-edge-Type Druckköpfen von Bedeutung. Die kunststoffgebundene Farbschicht garantiert eine gute Kratzfestigkeit der übertragenen Drucksymbole sowohl auf Papier als auch auf Kunststoffetiketten.The polymeric binder used in the second thermotransferable layer is amorphous or at most partially crystalline and requires little for the melting process Energy. After the printing process, the thermal transfer ribbon is separated from the acceptor as long as the layer is still "liquid", i.e. in the melted or softened condition. This fact enables the use of polymer resin-bound Colors that in turn have high edge sharpness, good resolution and optical Ensure density. This is especially true with real-edge-type printheads from Meaning. The plastic-bonded paint layer guarantees good scratch resistance of the transferred print symbols both on paper and on plastic labels.
Die Stärken der thermotransferierbaren Schichten sind nicht kritisch. Vorzugsweise weist die erste thermotransferierbare Schicht eine Stärke von etwa 0,5 bis 4 µm, insbesondere etwa 1 bis 2 µm, auf. Die zweite thermotransferierbare Schicht ist vorzugsweise etwa 1 bis 5 µm, insbesondere etwa 1 bis 3 µm, dick.The strengths of the thermal transfer layers are not critical. Preferably the first thermo-transferable layer has a thickness of approximately 0.5 to 4 μm, in particular about 1 to 2 µm. The second thermo-transferable layer is preferred about 1 to 5 µm, especially about 1 to 3 µm, thick.
Die Art des Trägers des erfindungsgemäßen Thermotransferbandes ist ebenfalls nicht kritisch. Vorzugsweise handelt es sich dabei um Polyethylenterephthalatfolie (PETP) oder Kondensatorpapiere. Die Auswahlparameter sind möglichst hohe Zugdehnungswerte und thermische Stabilität bei geringen Foliendicken. Die PETP-Folien sind bis etwa 2,5 µm, Kondensatorpapier bis etwa 6 µm herunter erhältlich.The type of carrier of the thermal transfer ribbon according to the invention is also not critical. It is preferably polyethylene terephthalate film (PETP) or capacitor papers. The selection parameters are the highest possible tensile elongation values and thermal stability with low film thicknesses. The PETP films are up about 2.5 µm, capacitor paper down to about 6 µm available.
Eine vorteilhafte Weiterbildung des erfindungsgemäßen Gedankens, insbesondere zur Erzielung eines vorteilhaften Drucks, beruht auf einer Einbeziehung der der Lehre der EP-B-0 133 638. Danach wird auf der Rückseite des Trägers eine Schicht aus einem Wachs oder wachsartigem Material gebildet, insbesondere in einer Stärke von nicht mehr als 1 µm und ganz besonders bevorzugt in Form einer molekular ausgebildeten, bis 0,01 µm, das Beschichtungsmaterial besteht in diesem Fall vorzugsweise aus Paraffin, Silikon, Naturwachsen, insbesondere Carnaubawachs, Bienenwachs, Ozokerit und Paraffinwachs oder Synthetikwachsen, insbesondere Säurewachsen Esterwachsen, teilverseifen Esterwachsen und Polythylenwachsen Glykolen bzw. Polyglykolen und/oder Tensiden.An advantageous development of the idea according to the invention, in particular for Achieving advantageous pressure is based on incorporating the teaching of EP-B-0 133 638. Then a layer of a Wax or wax-like material is formed, especially in a thickness of not more than 1 µm and very particularly preferably in the form of a molecular, up to 0.01 µm, in this case the coating material preferably consists of paraffin, Silicone, natural waxes, especially carnauba wax, beeswax, ozokerite and paraffin wax or synthetic waxes, especially acid waxes, ester waxes, partially saponified ester waxes and polyethylene waxes glycols or polyglycols and / or surfactants.
In Einzelfällen kann es von Vorteil sein, Additive einzuarbeiten, die die Eigenschaften des Bandes verbessern. Hierbei wird der Fachmann im Rahmen handwerklicher Erwägung dasjenige aussuchen, mit dem er einen gewünschten Effekt einstellen möchte.In individual cases, it can be advantageous to incorporate additives that improve the properties improve the tape. Here, the specialist becomes part of a technical consideration choose the one with which you want to set a desired effect.
Das erfindungsgemäße Thermotransferband läßt sich in vielfältiger Weise unter Anwendung üblicher Auftragsverfahren herstellen. Dies kann beispielsweise durch Aufsprühen oder Aufdrucken einer Lösung unter Dispersion, sei es mit Wasser oder einem organischen Lösungsmittel als Dispersions- oder Lösungsmittel, durch Auftragen aus der Schmelze, was insbesondere für die wachsgebundene erste thermotransferierbare Schicht gilt, oder auch durch Auftragen mittels einer Rakel in Form einer wäßrigen Suspension mit darin feinverteiltem aufzutragenden Material erfolgen. Zum Auftrag sowohl der Release- wie auch der Farb-Schicht haben sich Beschichtungsverfahren, wie Reverse-Roll und/oder Gravurbeschichtung, als besonders vorteilhaft erwiesen.The thermal transfer ribbon according to the invention can be used in a variety of ways Establish the usual application process. This can be done, for example, by spraying or printing a solution under dispersion, be it with water or a organic solvent as a dispersion or solvent, by application from the melt, which is especially true for the wax-bonded first heat transferable Layer applies, or by application by means of a doctor blade in the form of an aqueous Suspension with finely divided material to be applied. To the order both the release and the color layer have coating processes, such as reverse roll and / or gravure coating, have proven to be particularly advantageous.
Für die praktische Verwirklichung der vorliegenden Erfindung können folgende Rahmenbedingungen bzgl. der Auftragsmengen der einzelnen Schichten angegeben werden: Auf einem Trägerfilm, insbesondere Polyesterfilm einer Stärke von etwa 2 bis 8 µm, insbesondere einer Stärke von etwa 4 bis 5 µm, werden nacheinander aufgetragen: Beschichtungsmasse zur Ausbildung der ersten thermotransferierbaren Schicht 0,5 bis 4 g/m2, vorzugsweise etwa 0,5 bis 2 g/m2, und Beschichtungsmasse zur Ausbildung der zweiten thermotransferierbaren Schicht 1 bis 5 g/m2, vorzugsweise etwa 1 bis 2 g/m2. Gegebenenfalls wird auf der Rückseite des Trägers eine oben erwähnte Rückseitenbeschichtung einer Stärke von etwa 0,01 bis 0,2 g/m2, insbesondere von etwa 0,05 bis 0,1 g/m2 ausgebildet.For the practical implementation of the present invention, the following general conditions can be specified with regard to the application quantities of the individual layers: on a carrier film, in particular polyester film with a thickness of approximately 2 to 8 μm, in particular with a thickness of approximately 4 to 5 μm, are applied in succession: coating composition 0.5 to 4 g / m 2 , preferably about 0.5 to 2 g / m 2 , and coating composition for forming the second thermotransferable layer 1 to 5 g / m 2 , preferably about 1 to 2 g / m 2 . If necessary, an above-mentioned backside coating of a thickness of about 0.01 to 0.2 g / m 2 , in particular of about 0.05 to 0.1 g / m 2, is formed on the back of the carrier.
Das erfindungsgemäße Thermotransferband wird mit Vorteil in einem Drucker vom corner-edge-Type, insbesondere in Frankaturmaschinen, eingesetzt. Überraschend ist es dabei, daß beliebige Papiere, d.h. glatte als auch rauhe Papiere mit vorzüglicher Druckqualität verwendet werden können. Die Schicht der zweiten Thermotransferfarbe scheint hierbei als "Topcoat" zu wirken, die Oberflächenunebenheiten des Papiers egalisiert.The thermal transfer ribbon according to the invention is advantageously in a printer from corner-edge type, especially used in franking machines. Is surprising any paper, i.e. smooth as well as rough papers with excellent Print quality can be used. The layer of the second thermal transfer ink seems to act as a "top coat", the surface irregularities equalized the paper.
Die Erfindung wird nun durch das folgende Beispiel näher veranschaulicht.The invention is now illustrated in more detail by the following example.
Das Material der folgenden Rezeptur I wird zur Bildung einer Dispersion in einem
Lösungsmittelgemisch Toluol/Isopropylalkohol (Mischungsverhältnis: 85:20) in einer
solchen Menge dispergiert, daß der Feststoffbestandteil etwa 12 Gew.-% beträgt. Die
erste Thermotransferfarbe wird in Form dieser Dispersion in einer Schichtstärke von 2
µm (2g/m2, bezogen auf Festsubstanz) durch Umkehrwalzenbeschichtung (reverse roll
printing) auf einen üblichen Polyesterträger einer Stärke von 4,5 µm aufgetragen, und
der flüssige Anteil der aufgetragenen Dispersion wird in einem üblichen Trockenkanal
verdampft.
Die zweite thermotransferierbare Schicht der nachfolgenden Rezeptur II wird in entsprechender
Weise auf die erste thermotransferierbare Schicht aufgetragen, wobei das
Verhältnis Toluol/Isopropylalkohol im Lösungsmittelgemisch 30:70 beträgt.
Claims (20)
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DE19744956 | 1997-10-10 | ||
DE19744956A DE19744956C2 (en) | 1997-10-10 | 1997-10-10 | Thermal transfer ribbon for luminescent characters |
Publications (2)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
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EP0908326A1 true EP0908326A1 (en) | 1999-04-14 |
EP0908326B1 EP0908326B1 (en) | 2001-04-11 |
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EP98114543A Expired - Lifetime EP0908326B1 (en) | 1997-10-10 | 1998-08-03 | Thermal transfer dye ribbon for luminescent writing |
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EP (1) | EP0908326B1 (en) |
CA (1) | CA2250299A1 (en) |
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DE1222725B (en) * | 1962-08-24 | 1966-08-11 | Pelikan Werke Wagner Guenther | Transmission material for luminescent characters |
JPS63281890A (en) * | 1987-05-14 | 1988-11-18 | Ricoh Co Ltd | Thermal transfer recording medium |
JPS63283986A (en) * | 1987-05-18 | 1988-11-21 | Ricoh Co Ltd | Thermal transfer recording medium |
GB2270392A (en) * | 1992-08-14 | 1994-03-09 | Columbia Ribbon Carbon Mfg | Thermal transfer ribbon |
EP0823332A1 (en) * | 1996-08-08 | 1998-02-11 | Pelikan Produktions Ag | Thermal transfer dye ribbon for luminescent writing |
Family Cites Families (4)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
GB2064614B (en) * | 1979-12-10 | 1984-07-04 | Recognition Equipment Inc | Transfer ribbons |
US4627997A (en) * | 1984-06-22 | 1986-12-09 | Ricoh Co., Ltd. | Thermal transfer recording medium |
CZ285897A3 (en) * | 1995-03-14 | 1998-03-18 | Pritt Produktionsgesellschaft Mbh | Multilayer elastic transfer band, process of its manufacture and use |
DE19548401A1 (en) * | 1995-12-22 | 1997-07-03 | Pelikan Produktions Ag | Thermal transfer ribbon |
-
1997
- 1997-10-10 DE DE19744956A patent/DE19744956C2/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
-
1998
- 1998-08-03 EP EP98114543A patent/EP0908326B1/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
- 1998-08-03 DE DE59800612T patent/DE59800612D1/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
- 1998-10-13 CA CA002250299A patent/CA2250299A1/en not_active Abandoned
Patent Citations (5)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
DE1222725B (en) * | 1962-08-24 | 1966-08-11 | Pelikan Werke Wagner Guenther | Transmission material for luminescent characters |
JPS63281890A (en) * | 1987-05-14 | 1988-11-18 | Ricoh Co Ltd | Thermal transfer recording medium |
JPS63283986A (en) * | 1987-05-18 | 1988-11-21 | Ricoh Co Ltd | Thermal transfer recording medium |
GB2270392A (en) * | 1992-08-14 | 1994-03-09 | Columbia Ribbon Carbon Mfg | Thermal transfer ribbon |
EP0823332A1 (en) * | 1996-08-08 | 1998-02-11 | Pelikan Produktions Ag | Thermal transfer dye ribbon for luminescent writing |
Non-Patent Citations (1)
Title |
---|
PATENT ABSTRACTS OF JAPAN vol. 13, no. 90 (M - 803)<3438> 2 March 1989 (1989-03-02) * |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
DE19744956C2 (en) | 2002-10-31 |
EP0908326B1 (en) | 2001-04-11 |
CA2250299A1 (en) | 1999-04-10 |
DE19744956A1 (en) | 1999-04-15 |
DE59800612D1 (en) | 2001-05-17 |
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