EP1234680A1 - Printing process by ink deposition with relief effect - Google Patents

Printing process by ink deposition with relief effect Download PDF

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Publication number
EP1234680A1
EP1234680A1 EP02290270A EP02290270A EP1234680A1 EP 1234680 A1 EP1234680 A1 EP 1234680A1 EP 02290270 A EP02290270 A EP 02290270A EP 02290270 A EP02290270 A EP 02290270A EP 1234680 A1 EP1234680 A1 EP 1234680A1
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EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
support
ink
particles
deposited
based solution
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.)
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EP02290270A
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German (de)
French (fr)
Inventor
Alain Bethune
Sophie Vayrette
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LOreal SA
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LOreal SA
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Publication of EP1234680A1 publication Critical patent/EP1234680A1/en
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    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B41—PRINTING; LINING MACHINES; TYPEWRITERS; STAMPS
    • B41M—PRINTING, DUPLICATING, MARKING, OR COPYING PROCESSES; COLOUR PRINTING
    • B41M3/00—Printing processes to produce particular kinds of printed work, e.g. patterns
    • B41M3/16—Braille printing
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B41—PRINTING; LINING MACHINES; TYPEWRITERS; STAMPS
    • B41M—PRINTING, DUPLICATING, MARKING, OR COPYING PROCESSES; COLOUR PRINTING
    • B41M7/00—After-treatment of prints, e.g. heating, irradiating, setting of the ink, protection of the printed stock
    • B41M7/009—After-treatment of prints, e.g. heating, irradiating, setting of the ink, protection of the printed stock using thermal means, e.g. infrared radiation, heat
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B44—DECORATIVE ARTS
    • B44C—PRODUCING DECORATIVE EFFECTS; MOSAICS; TARSIA WORK; PAPERHANGING
    • B44C1/00—Processes, not specifically provided for elsewhere, for producing decorative surface effects
    • B44C1/20—Applying plastic materials and superficially modelling the surface of these materials
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B44—DECORATIVE ARTS
    • B44F—SPECIAL DESIGNS OR PICTURES
    • B44F7/00—Designs imitating three-dimensional effects
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B41—PRINTING; LINING MACHINES; TYPEWRITERS; STAMPS
    • B41M—PRINTING, DUPLICATING, MARKING, OR COPYING PROCESSES; COLOUR PRINTING
    • B41M3/00—Printing processes to produce particular kinds of printed work, e.g. patterns

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to an ink deposition printing process and in particular a printing process for obtaining a relief effect.
  • Expandable agents have also been used to obtain relief in other printing techniques, such as that described in US Patent 6,004,419 for writing in Braille.
  • This patent describes a process hot transfer printing in which a film comprising a support covered with expandable agent and a layer of ink is brought into contact with a sheet receiving the impression. The film is heated in the areas to transfer then pressure is applied to this area so as to transfer the ink covered with the expanding agent on the sheet. In a second time, thermal energy is applied to the printed sheet in the form of a light of wavelength between 1 and 4 micrometers to obtain expansion of blowing agents.
  • this printing technique by hot transfer is relatively expensive, on the one hand, due to the cost of film itself and, on the other hand, the need for two stages namely the transfer by pressure then drying.
  • Patent application EP 526 396 also describes the use of agents expandable in inks which are deposited on a support in two dimensions.
  • the two-dimensional support undergoes traditional drying at a temperature below the agent expansion temperature expandable to dry the ink.
  • the support is then used to form objects which are then exposed to a laser beam so as to make inflate the expanding agents.
  • Such a process is still relatively slow.
  • two separate and successive stages are used to dry the ink and swelling the blowing agents, each step being further relatively slow.
  • the first step in which the ink is dried in a traditional oven requires a relatively long drying time.
  • the second step allowing the expansion of the particles by means of a laser is also not faster because the laser is applied very punctually.
  • patent application EP 0 348 372 describes a process for expand thermoplastic microspheres which prevents formation agglomerate. The process consists first of all in drying the particles which are not still expanded, then expanding them by heating.
  • dry particles can be expanded by any type of equipment allowing expansion, for example by infrared radiation, by contact with hot air, steam, microwaves or hot extrusion system, infrared radiation being the medium preferred expansion.
  • infrared radiation does not allow to obtain a very rapid expansion of the particles.
  • these objects are achieved by carrying out a method for to apply a decoration on a support, process in which one deposits on the support an ink-based solution that contains particles thermoexpansibles, and exposing the support to microwave radiation of so that said particles deposited on the support are at least partly expanded.
  • microwave radiation is meant in the present invention the waves Ultra-High Frequencies with a frequency band from 100 MHz to 300 GHz.
  • microwaves allow very rapid particle expansion.
  • microwaves change the orientation of the water molecules present in the ink which are so agitated, so that the ink is quickly heated.
  • the heat of the ink thus causes the particles to expand thermo.
  • the devices generating microwaves, in particular of the oven type make it possible to irradiate at the same the entire printed medium and not by scanning the medium, which allows maximum expansion of practically all of the particles in a very short time.
  • the ink-based solution deposited on the support is dried upon exposure of the support to said microwave radiation, that is to say at the same time as the expansion of the heat-expandable particles.
  • the method of the invention does not require an additional step to the expansion of the particles compared to a process in which conventional ink, that is to say without expansion.
  • the expansion stage of particles therefore does not increase the total printing time since it is performed at the same time as the ink drying step, which allows to obtain a very rapid decorating process.
  • the heat-expandable particles are formed of hollow microspheres in thermoplastic material containing a volatilizable substance, in particular a gas. Under the effect of heat, the thermoplastic material softens and the pressure of the gas inside increases which causes an expansion of the microsphere from 30 to 50 times its initial volume.
  • the thermoplastic material is for example chosen from vinyl chlorides, vinylidene chlorides, acrylonitriles, methyl methacrylates, styrenes.
  • Microspheres contain a gas chosen in particular from freons or hydrocarbons. Of more generally, it is possible in particular to use any particle heat-expandable described in US Patent 3,615,972.
  • microspheres which have a diameter are used, before expansion, less than or equal to 15 ⁇ m, preferably less than or equal to 9 ⁇ m, preferably less than or equal to 6 ⁇ m.
  • the ink solution comprises by weight 5 to 30% of expandable particles of preferably 5 to 15%. Such a quantity makes it possible to obtain a significant relief. without too much ink solution deposited important.
  • the support is advantageously exposed to microwaves of frequency ranging from 100 MHz to 300 GHz, preferably from 2000 MHz to 2500 MHz.
  • the support is exposed to microwaves for a period ranging from 1 to 10 seconds, preferably from 1 to 4 seconds.
  • a duration allows both ink drying and expansion optimal particles. So this step is relatively short which allows to obtain a very rapid and therefore inexpensive decorating process.
  • the ink-based solution is an aqueous solution which comprises by weight 15 at 25% of a colored pigment, and 75 to 85% of a liquid varnish which conveys the color throughout the printing and which gives the gloss of the decoration obtained.
  • the water molecules present which are agitated by microwaves, allow in particular the drying of the ink deposited as well as the expansion heat-expandable particles. It may also include additives to reason from 0 to 5%, which allow for example to fix the color and the gloss and to improve the friction resistance of the decoration obtained.
  • the ink-based solution is deposited on the support by a technique chosen from offset, rotogravure, flexography, typography, pad printing. So, depending on the object to decorate, you can choose a suitable printing technique.
  • the process of the invention can therefore be used to decorate different types of objects.
  • the objects of the invention are also achieved by producing an article formed in from a decorated support, for example a packaging article, in particular a bottle, a container, a pot, a cardboard box or a material analogous, or a label intended for example to be stuck on such a packaging article, etc., using the process as just described described.
  • a decorated support for example a packaging article, in particular a bottle, a container, a pot, a cardboard box or a material analogous, or a label intended for example to be stuck on such a packaging article, etc.
  • the invention consists, apart from the arrangements set out above, of a number of other provisions which will be explained below, with regard to of nonlimiting exemplary embodiments, described with reference to the single figure annexed which schematically illustrates the steps of the method according to the invention.
  • planar support 100 intended for example to form a label that can be stuck on a bottle or box.
  • the support is made of a polyethylene or polypropylene adhesive synthetic film and a removable sheet of paper which covers the adhesive side of the film for the protect.
  • the synthetic film has previously undergone a surface treatment, for example a corona treatment, to allow printability.
  • a swelling agent formed of particles is inserted into this solution 200 thermoexpansibles, in the form of dry powder.
  • the blowing agent used is for example a blowing agent sold under the brand name Expancel® under the reference AKZO NOBEL N ° 551/20 DU.
  • the microspheres have a diameter of around 6 ⁇ m.
  • the amount of blowing agent introduced represents for example about 15% by weight of the ink solution. The solution thus obtained is stirred to obtain a homogeneous mixture.
  • the ink 200 comprising the blowing agent is deposited by a flexographic plate, which has been previously coated with the ink solution, on the synthetic film of the support 100 to be decorated.
  • the photo corresponds to the reason that we want to print.
  • the thickness of the ink deposited is of the order of 10 ⁇ m.
  • the support After depositing the ink on the support, the support is inserted into a 2450 MHz frequency microwave power device 0.8 KW, without drying the ink beforehand. It is irradiated for 1 to 4 seconds. During this irradiation, the particles are expanded and the ink deposited on the support is dried.
  • the ink thickness on the support is of the order of 100 ⁇ m.

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  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • General Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • Thermal Sciences (AREA)
  • Toxicology (AREA)
  • Printing Methods (AREA)

Abstract

Method for applying decoration to a support (100) in which means (10) are used to deposit an ink solution (200) on the support. The ink contains thermally expandable particles and a microwave device (20) is used to expose the support and ink to microwaves such that the particles deposited in the ink solution expand. The invention also relates to a corresponding article having a support on which an ink design can be deposited, such as a bottle, container, pot, cardboard box, etc.

Description

La présente invention concerne un procédé d'impression par dépôt d'encre et en particulier un procédé d'impression pour obtenir un effet de relief.The present invention relates to an ink deposition printing process and in particular a printing process for obtaining a relief effect.

Il existe de nombreuses techniques d'impression par dépôt d'encre comme par exemple l'offset, l'offset sec, l'héliogravure, la flexographie, la typographie, la sérigraphie, la tampographie, etc... Parmi toutes ces techniques, seule la sérigraphie permet d'obtenir un relief significatif, à savoir, une épaisseur d'encre déposée sur un support de l'ordre de 15 à 100 µm alors que les autres procédés ne permettent de déposer qu'une épaisseur d'encre de l'ordre de 2 à 10 µm.There are many printing techniques using ink deposition such as example offset, dry offset, rotogravure, flexography, typography, screen printing, pad printing, etc ... Among all these techniques, only the screen printing provides a significant relief, namely, a thickness ink deposited on a support of the order of 15 to 100 µm while the others processes only allow to deposit an ink thickness of the order of 2 to 10 µm.

Toutefois, la sérigraphie est une technique d'impression relativement onéreuse car elle est relativement peu rapide.However, screen printing is a relatively expensive printing technique because it is relatively slow.

Il existe d'autres techniques pour obtenir un effet de relief comme par exemple l'utilisation d'agents expansibles dans les encres pour obtenir un effet de relief. Ces agents, décrits notamment dans le brevet US 3,615,972, sont formés de particules expansibles sous l'effet de la chaleur. Il est connu de les utiliser en particulier dans des encres de sérigraphie ou d'héliogravure pour obtenir des reliefs sur des textiles, ou encore des papiers peints en relief. Le séchage se fait en four traditionnel. Cependant, un séchage relativement long est nécessaire pour permettre une bonne expansion des particules. Le support enduit de ces encres doit être exposé pendant une à cinq minutes à une température comprise entre 80 et 130°C.There are other techniques to obtain a relief effect such as for example the use of expandable agents in the inks to obtain a relief effect. These agents, described in particular in US Pat. No. 3,615,972, are formed from particles expandable under the effect of heat. It is known to use them in especially in screen printing or rotogravure inks to obtain reliefs on textiles, or relief wallpapers. The drying is made in a traditional oven. However, relatively long drying is necessary to allow good expansion of the particles. The support coated with these inks should be exposed for one to five minutes to a temperature between 80 and 130 ° C.

Les agents expansibles ont également été utilisés pour obtenir des effets de relief dans d'autres techniques d'impression, comme par exemple celle décrite dans le brevet US 6,004,419 pour écrire en braille. Ce brevet décrit un procédé d'impression par transfert à chaud dans lequel un film comprenant un support recouvert d'agent expansible et d'une couche d'encre est mis en contact avec une feuille recevant l'impression. Le film est chauffé dans les zones à transférer puis on applique une pression sur cette zone de manière à transférer l'encre recouverte de l'agent expansible sur la feuille. Dans un second temps, on applique une énergie thermique sur la feuille imprimée sous la forme d'une lumière de longueur d'onde comprise entre 1 et 4 micromètres pour obtenir l'expansion des agents gonflants. Là encore, cette technique d'impression par transfert à chaud est relativement onéreuse, à cause, d'une part, du coût du film lui-même et, d'autre part, de la nécessité de deux étapes à savoir le transfert par pression puis le séchage.Expandable agents have also been used to obtain relief in other printing techniques, such as that described in US Patent 6,004,419 for writing in Braille. This patent describes a process hot transfer printing in which a film comprising a support covered with expandable agent and a layer of ink is brought into contact with a sheet receiving the impression. The film is heated in the areas to transfer then pressure is applied to this area so as to transfer the ink covered with the expanding agent on the sheet. In a second time, thermal energy is applied to the printed sheet in the form of a light of wavelength between 1 and 4 micrometers to obtain expansion of blowing agents. Again, this printing technique by hot transfer is relatively expensive, on the one hand, due to the cost of film itself and, on the other hand, the need for two stages namely the transfer by pressure then drying.

La demande de brevet EP 526 396 décrit également l'utilisation d'agents expansibles dans des encres que l'on dépose sur un support en deux dimensions. Le support en deux dimensions subit un séchage traditionnel à une température inférieure à la température d'expansion des agents expansibles de manière à sécher l'encre. Le support est ensuite utilisé pour former des objets qui sont alors exposés à un faisceau laser de manière à faire gonfler les agents expansibles. Un tel procédé est encore relativement lent. En effet, deux étapes distinctes et successives sont utilisées pour sécher l'encre et faire gonfler les agents gonflants, chacune des étapes étant en outre relativement lente. La première étape dans laquelle l'encre est séchée dans un four traditionnel nécessite un temps de séchage relativement long. La seconde étape permettant l'expansion des particules au moyen d'un laser n'est pas non plus rapide du fait que le laser est appliqué de façon très ponctuelle. En outre, il n'est pas envisageable d'utiliser une seule des deux étapes pour effectuer à la fois le séchage et l'expansion des particules de manière à accélérer le procédé. En effet comme on l'a vu précédemment, l'expansion des particules dans un four traditionnel nécessiterait un séchage relativement long pour permettre une bonne expansion des particules. D'un autre côté, l'utilisation d'un laser ne permettrait pas un séchage rapide de l'encre sans que l'ensemble du support ne soit détérioré. Patent application EP 526 396 also describes the use of agents expandable in inks which are deposited on a support in two dimensions. The two-dimensional support undergoes traditional drying at a temperature below the agent expansion temperature expandable to dry the ink. The support is then used to form objects which are then exposed to a laser beam so as to make inflate the expanding agents. Such a process is still relatively slow. In effect, two separate and successive stages are used to dry the ink and swelling the blowing agents, each step being further relatively slow. The first step in which the ink is dried in a traditional oven requires a relatively long drying time. The second step allowing the expansion of the particles by means of a laser is also not faster because the laser is applied very punctually. In addition, it is not possible to use only one of the two stages to carry out both drying and expanding the particles so as to accelerate the process. Indeed, as we saw previously, the expansion of particles in a traditional oven would require relatively long drying to allow good particle expansion. On the other hand, the use of a laser would not allow a quick drying of the ink without the whole the media is damaged.

D'autre part, la demande de brevet EP 0 348 372 décrit un procédé pour expanser des microsphères thermoplastiques qui évite la formation d'agglomérat. Le procédé consiste tout d'abord à sécher les particules non encore expansées, puis à les expanser par chauffage. Ce document décrit que les particules sèches peuvent être expansées par tout type d'équipement permettant l'expansion, par exemple par un rayonnement infrarouge, par contact avec de l'air chaud, par de la vapeur, par des micro-ondes ou par un système d'extrusion à chaud, le rayonnement infrarouge étant le moyen d'expansion préféré. Cependant, le rayonnement à infrarouge ne permet pas d'obtenir une expansion très rapide des particules.On the other hand, patent application EP 0 348 372 describes a process for expand thermoplastic microspheres which prevents formation agglomerate. The process consists first of all in drying the particles which are not still expanded, then expanding them by heating. This document describes that dry particles can be expanded by any type of equipment allowing expansion, for example by infrared radiation, by contact with hot air, steam, microwaves or hot extrusion system, infrared radiation being the medium preferred expansion. However, infrared radiation does not allow to obtain a very rapid expansion of the particles.

Aussi, est-ce un des objets de l'invention que de réaliser un procédé d'impression par dépôt d'encre permettant d'obtenir un relief qui ne présente pas les inconvénients de la technique antérieure.It is therefore one of the objects of the invention to carry out a process ink deposit printing to obtain a relief that does not not the disadvantages of the prior art.

C'est en particulier un objet de l'invention que de réaliser un procédé relativement rapide qui permette de réduire le coût de l'impression, tout en obtenant un relief significatif.It is in particular an object of the invention to carry out a process relatively fast which reduces the cost of printing, while obtaining a significant relief.

Selon l'invention, ces objets sont atteints en réalisant un procédé pour appliquer un décor sur un support, procédé dans lequel on dépose sur le support une solution à base d'encre qui contient des particules thermoexpansibles, et on expose le support à un rayonnement micro-ondes de manière à ce que lesdites particules déposées sur le support soient au moins en partie expansées.According to the invention, these objects are achieved by carrying out a method for to apply a decoration on a support, process in which one deposits on the support an ink-based solution that contains particles thermoexpansibles, and exposing the support to microwave radiation of so that said particles deposited on the support are at least partly expanded.

Par rayonnement micro-ondes, on entend dans la présente invention les ondes Ultra-Hautes Fréquences dont la bande de fréquence va de 100 MHz à 300 GHz.By microwave radiation is meant in the present invention the waves Ultra-High Frequencies with a frequency band from 100 MHz to 300 GHz.

Ainsi, les micro-ondes permettent une expansion des particules très rapide. En effet, les micro-ondes modifient l'orientation des molécules d'eau présentes dans l'encre qui sont ainsi agitées, de sorte que l'encre est rapidement chauffée. La chaleur de l'encre entraíne ainsi l'expansion des particules thermoexpansibles. On peut ainsi, pour un procédé d'impression de type flexographie, avoir des cadences de machines deux à deux fois et demi plus rapides que celles des machines utilisées dans un procédé d'impression de type sérigraphie pour obtenir un même relief. De plus, les dispositifs générant des micro-ondes, notamment de type four, permettent d'irradier en même temps l'ensemble du support imprimé et non par balayage du support, ce qui permet d'obtenir une expansion maximale de pratiquement l'ensemble des particules dans un temps très court. Le fait que la durée d'exposition aux ondes soit très courte, on peut avantageusement utiliser des particules non expansées qui ont un volume très faible avant expansion et obtenir rapidement un relief significatif et homogène. De telles particules non expansées de petit volume peuvent notamment être utilisées dans des solutions à base d'encre que l'on dépose par un cliché flexographique, contrairement aux particules préexpansées qui ont un volume plus important avant expansion qui ne leur permet pas d'être utilisées dans une solution à base d'encre déposée par cliché flexographique.Thus, microwaves allow very rapid particle expansion. In effect, microwaves change the orientation of the water molecules present in the ink which are so agitated, so that the ink is quickly heated. The heat of the ink thus causes the particles to expand thermo. It is thus possible, for a printing process of the type flexography, having machine rates two to two and a half times more faster than machines used in a printing process screen printing type to obtain the same relief. In addition, the devices generating microwaves, in particular of the oven type, make it possible to irradiate at the same the entire printed medium and not by scanning the medium, which allows maximum expansion of practically all of the particles in a very short time. The fact that the duration of exposure to waves either very short, it is advantageous to use particles which are not expanded which have a very small volume before expansion and get quickly a significant and homogeneous relief. Such small, unexpanded particles volume can in particular be used in ink-based solutions which is deposited by a flexographic plate, unlike pre-expanded particles which have a larger volume before expansion which does not not be used in an ink-based solution deposited by flexographic plate.

Avantageusement, la solution à base d'encre déposée sur le support est séchée lors de l'exposition du support audit rayonnement micro-ondes, c'est-à-dire en même temps que l'expansion des particules thermoexpansibles. Ainsi, le procédé de l'invention ne nécessite pas d'étape supplémentaire pour l'expansion des particules par rapport à un procédé dans lequel on dépose de l'encre classique, c'est-à-dire sans expansion. L'étape d'expansion des particules n'augmente donc pas la durée totale d'impression puisqu'elle est réalisée en même temps que l'étape de séchage de l'encre, ce qui permet d'obtenir un procédé de décor très rapide.Advantageously, the ink-based solution deposited on the support is dried upon exposure of the support to said microwave radiation, that is to say at the same time as the expansion of the heat-expandable particles. So, the method of the invention does not require an additional step to the expansion of the particles compared to a process in which conventional ink, that is to say without expansion. The expansion stage of particles therefore does not increase the total printing time since it is performed at the same time as the ink drying step, which allows to obtain a very rapid decorating process.

Les particules thermoexpansibles sont formées de microsphères creuses en matériau thermoplastique renfermant une substance volatilisable, notamment un gaz. Sous l'effet de la chaleur, le matériau thermoplastique se ramollit et la pression du gaz à l'intérieur augmente ce qui entraíne une expansion de la microsphère de 30 à 50 fois son volume initial. Le matériau thermoplastique est par exemple choisi parmi les chlorures de vinyle, les chlorures de vinylidène, les acrylonitriles, les méthacrylates de méthyle, les styrènes. Les microsphères renferment un gaz choisi notamment parmi les fréons ou les hydrocarbures. De façon plus générale, on pourra notamment utiliser toute particule thermoexpansible décrite dans le brevet US 3,615,972.The heat-expandable particles are formed of hollow microspheres in thermoplastic material containing a volatilizable substance, in particular a gas. Under the effect of heat, the thermoplastic material softens and the pressure of the gas inside increases which causes an expansion of the microsphere from 30 to 50 times its initial volume. The thermoplastic material is for example chosen from vinyl chlorides, vinylidene chlorides, acrylonitriles, methyl methacrylates, styrenes. Microspheres contain a gas chosen in particular from freons or hydrocarbons. Of more generally, it is possible in particular to use any particle heat-expandable described in US Patent 3,615,972.

Avantageusement, on utilise des microsphères qui ont un diamètre, avant expansion, inférieur ou égal à 15 µm, de préférence inférieur ou égal à 9 µm, de préférence inférieur ou égal à 6 µm.Advantageously, microspheres which have a diameter are used, before expansion, less than or equal to 15 μm, preferably less than or equal to 9 μm, preferably less than or equal to 6 µm.

La solution d'encre comprend en poids 5 à 30 % de particules expansibles de préférence 5 à 15%. Une telle quantité permet d'obtenir un relief significatif sans que la quantité de solution à base d'encre déposée ne soit trop importante.The ink solution comprises by weight 5 to 30% of expandable particles of preferably 5 to 15%. Such a quantity makes it possible to obtain a significant relief. without too much ink solution deposited important.

On expose avantageusement le support à des micro-ondes de fréquence allant de 100 MHz à 300GHz, de préférence de 2000 MHz à 2500 MHz.The support is advantageously exposed to microwaves of frequency ranging from 100 MHz to 300 GHz, preferably from 2000 MHz to 2500 MHz.

Avantageusement, on expose le support à des micro-ondes pendant une durée allant de 1 à 10 secondes, de préférence de 1 à 4 secondes. Une telle durée d'exposition permet à la fois de sécher l'encre et d'obtenir une expansion optimale des particules. Ainsi, cette étape est relativement courte ce qui permet d'obtenir un procédé de décor très rapide et donc peu onéreux.Advantageously, the support is exposed to microwaves for a period ranging from 1 to 10 seconds, preferably from 1 to 4 seconds. Such a duration allows both ink drying and expansion optimal particles. So this step is relatively short which allows to obtain a very rapid and therefore inexpensive decorating process.

La solution à base d'encre est une solution aqueuse qui comprend en poids 15 à 25% d'un pigment coloré, et 75 à 85 % d'un vernis liquide qui véhicule la couleur tout au long de l'impression et qui donne le brillant du décor obtenu. Les molécules d'eau présentes, qui sont agitées par les micro-ondes, permettent notamment le séchage de l'encre déposée ainsi que l'expansion des particules thermoexpansibles. Il peut également comprendre des additifs à raison de 0 à 5%, qui permettent par exemple de fixer la couleur et le brillant et d'améliorer la résistance au frottement du décor obtenu.The ink-based solution is an aqueous solution which comprises by weight 15 at 25% of a colored pigment, and 75 to 85% of a liquid varnish which conveys the color throughout the printing and which gives the gloss of the decoration obtained. The water molecules present, which are agitated by microwaves, allow in particular the drying of the ink deposited as well as the expansion heat-expandable particles. It may also include additives to reason from 0 to 5%, which allow for example to fix the color and the gloss and to improve the friction resistance of the decoration obtained.

La solution à base d'encre est déposée sur le support par une technique choisie parmi les techniques de type offset, héliogravure, flexographie, typographie, tampographie. Ainsi, selon l'objet à décorer, on pourra choisir une technique d'impression adaptée. Le procédé de l'invention peut donc être utilisé pour décorer différents types d'objets.The ink-based solution is deposited on the support by a technique chosen from offset, rotogravure, flexography, typography, pad printing. So, depending on the object to decorate, you can choose a suitable printing technique. The process of the invention can therefore be used to decorate different types of objects.

Les objets de l'invention sont également atteints en réalisant un article formé à partir d'un support décoré, par exemple un article de conditionnement, notamment un flacon, un récipient, un pot, une boíte en carton ou en matériau analogue, ou encore une étiquette destinée par exemple à être collée sur un tel article de conditionnement, etc, au moyen du procédé tel qu'il vient d'être décrit.The objects of the invention are also achieved by producing an article formed in from a decorated support, for example a packaging article, in particular a bottle, a container, a pot, a cardboard box or a material analogous, or a label intended for example to be stuck on such a packaging article, etc., using the process as just described described.

L'invention consiste, mis à part les dispositions exposées ci-dessus, en un certain nombre d'autres dispositions qui seront explicitées ci-après, à propos d'exemples de réalisation non limitatifs, décrits en référence à la figure unique annexée qui illustre schématiquement les étapes du procédé selon l'invention.The invention consists, apart from the arrangements set out above, of a number of other provisions which will be explained below, with regard to of nonlimiting exemplary embodiments, described with reference to the single figure annexed which schematically illustrates the steps of the method according to the invention.

Dans l'exemple qui suit on décore un support plan 100 destiné par exemple à former une étiquette qui peut être collée sur un flacon ou une boíte. Le support est formé d'un film synthétique adhésif de type polyéthylène ou polypropylène et d'une feuille de papier amovible qui recouvre la face adhésive du film pour la protéger. Avantageusement, le film synthétique a subi au préalable un traitement de surface, par exemple un traitement corona, pour permettre l'imprimabilité.In the example which follows we decorate a planar support 100 intended for example to form a label that can be stuck on a bottle or box. The support is made of a polyethylene or polypropylene adhesive synthetic film and a removable sheet of paper which covers the adhesive side of the film for the protect. Advantageously, the synthetic film has previously undergone a surface treatment, for example a corona treatment, to allow printability.

On utilise une solution d'encre 200 qui est une encre d'imprimerie à base aqueuse. On utilise par exemple une encre commercialisée sous la référence HYDROFILM4000 d'AKZO NOBEL, mais il est évident que toute autre encre d'imprimerie est utilisable.We use a 200 ink solution which is a printing ink based aqueous. For example, an ink sold under the reference is used. HYDROFILM4000 from AKZO NOBEL, but it is obvious that any other ink is usable.

On insère dans cette solution 200 un agent gonflant formé de particules thermoexpansibles, sous forme de poudre sèche. L'agent gonflant utilisé est par exemple un agent gonflant commercialisé sous la marque Expancel® sous la référence AKZO NOBEL N°551/20 DU. Les microsphères ont un diamètre de l'ordre de 6 µm. La quantité d'agent gonflant introduite représente par exemple environ 15 % en poids de la solution d'encre. La solution ainsi obtenue est agitée afin d'obtenir un mélange homogène.A swelling agent formed of particles is inserted into this solution 200 thermoexpansibles, in the form of dry powder. The blowing agent used is for example a blowing agent sold under the brand name Expancel® under the reference AKZO NOBEL N ° 551/20 DU. The microspheres have a diameter of around 6 µm. The amount of blowing agent introduced represents for example about 15% by weight of the ink solution. The solution thus obtained is stirred to obtain a homogeneous mixture.

Si on se réfère à la figure 1, on peut voir les différentes étapes du procédé de l'invention. L'encre 200 comprenant l'agent gonflant est déposée 10 par un cliché flexographique, qui a été au préalable enduit de la solution d'encre, sur le film synthétique du support 100 à décorer. Le cliché correspond au motif que l'on souhaite imprimer. Avant expansion de l'agent gonflant, l'épaisseur de l'encre déposée est de l'ordre de 10 µm.If we refer to Figure 1, we can see the different stages of the the invention. The ink 200 comprising the blowing agent is deposited by a flexographic plate, which has been previously coated with the ink solution, on the synthetic film of the support 100 to be decorated. The photo corresponds to the reason that we want to print. Before expansion of the blowing agent, the thickness of the ink deposited is of the order of 10 μm.

Après avoir déposé l'encre sur le support, le support est inséré 20 dans un dispositif de type four à micro-ondes de fréquence 2450 MHz et de puissance 0,8 KW, et ceci sans faire sécher l'encre au préalable. Il est irradié pendant 1 à 4 secondes. Lors de cette irradiation, les particules sont expansées et l'encre déposée sur le support est séchée.After depositing the ink on the support, the support is inserted into a 2450 MHz frequency microwave power device 0.8 KW, without drying the ink beforehand. It is irradiated for 1 to 4 seconds. During this irradiation, the particles are expanded and the ink deposited on the support is dried.

A la sortie du dispositif, l'épaisseur d'encre sur le support est de l'ordre de 100 µm. On obtient un support décoré avec un effet optique de relief significatif.On leaving the device, the ink thickness on the support is of the order of 100 µm. We obtain a support decorated with an optical relief effect significant.

Il est évident que tout autre type de support peut être décoré selon le procédé selon l'invention, en utilisant la technique d'impression adaptée. It is obvious that any other type of support can be decorated according to the process. according to the invention, using the appropriate printing technique.

Dans la description détaillée qui précède, il a été fait référence à des modes de réalisation préférés de l'invention. Il est évident que des variantes peuvent y être apportées sans s'écarter de l'esprit de l'invention telle que revendiquée ci-après.In the foregoing detailed description, reference has been made to modes of preferred embodiments of the invention. It is obvious that variants may exist there. be made without departing from the spirit of the invention as claimed below.

Claims (12)

Procédé pour appliquer un décor sur un support (100) dans lequel on dépose (10) sur le support (100) une solution à base d'encre (200) qui contient des particules thermoexpansibles, et on expose (20) le support (100) à un rayonnement micro-ondes de manière à ce que lesdites particules déposées sur le support soient au moins en partie expansées.Method for applying a decoration on a support (100) in which depositing (10) on the support (100) an ink-based solution (200) which contains heat-expandable particles, and exposing (20) the support (100) to a microwave radiation so that said particles deposited on the support are at least partly expanded. Procédé selon la revendication 1, caractérisé en ce que la solution à base d'encre (200) déposée sur le support (100) est séchée lors de l'exposition (20) du support audit rayonnement micro-ondes.Method according to claim 1, characterized in that the ink-based solution (200) deposited on the support (100) is dried when the support (20) is exposed to said microwave radiation. Procédé selon la revendication 1 ou 2, caractérisé en ce que les particules sont formées de microsphères creuses en matériau thermoplastique, lesdites microsphères renfermant une substance volatilisable, notamment un gaz.Method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the particles are formed from hollow microspheres of thermoplastic material, said microspheres containing a volatilizable substance, in particular a gas. Procédé selon la revendication 3, caractérisé en ce que les particules sont des particules d'Expancel®.Method according to claim 3, characterized in that the particles are particles of Expancel®. Procédé selon l'une quelconque des revendications 1 à 4, caractérisé en ce que les microsphères, avant expansion, ont un diamètre inférieur ou égal à 15 µm, de préférence inférieur ou égal à 9 µm, de préférence inférieur ou égal à 6 µm.Process according to any one of Claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the microspheres, before expansion, have a diameter less than or equal to 15 µm, preferably less than or equal to 9 µm, preferably less than or equal to 6 µm. Procédé selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, caractérisé en ce que la solution à base d'encre (200) comprend en poids 5 à 30 % de particules expansibles de préférence 5 à 15%.Method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the ink-based solution (200) comprises by weight 5 to 30% of expandable particles, preferably 5 to 15%. Procédé selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, caractérisé en ce qu'on expose (20) le support à des micro-ondes de longueur d'onde comprise entre 100 MHz et 300 GHz, de préférence entre 2000 MHz et 2500 MHz.Method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the support (20) is exposed to microwaves of wavelength between 100 MHz and 300 GHz, preferably between 2000 MHz and 2500 MHz. Procédé selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, caractérisé en ce qu'on expose (20) le support à des micro-ondes pendant une durée allant de 1 à 10 secondes, de préférence de 1 à 4 secondes.Method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the support (20) is exposed to microwaves for a period ranging from 1 to 10 seconds, preferably from 1 to 4 seconds. Procédé selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, caractérisé en ce que la solution à base d'encre (200) est une solution aqueuse qui comprend notamment en poids 15 à 25% d'un pigment coloré, et 75 à 85 % d'un vernis liquide.Method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the ink-based solution (200) is an aqueous solution which comprises in particular 15 to 25% by weight of a colored pigment, and 75 to 85% of a liquid varnish. Procédé selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, caractérisé en ce que la solution à base d'encre (200) est déposée (10) sur le support (100) par une technique choisie parmi les techniques de type offset, héliogravure, flexographie, typographie, tampographie.Method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the ink-based solution (200) is deposited (10) on the support (100) by a technique chosen from techniques of offset, rotogravure, flexography, typography, pad printing. Article formé à partir d'un support décoré au moyen d'un procédé selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes.Article formed from a decorated support by a process according to any of the preceding claims. Article selon la revendication 11, caractérisé en ce que ledit article est un article de conditionnement, notamment un flacon, un récipient, un pot, une boíte en carton ou en matériau analogue, ou une étiquette.Article according to claim 11, characterized in that said article is a packaging article, in particular a bottle, a container, a jar, a cardboard box or a similar material, or a label.
EP02290270A 2001-02-22 2002-02-05 Printing process by ink deposition with relief effect Withdrawn EP1234680A1 (en)

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FR0102412A FR2821016B1 (en) 2001-02-22 2001-02-22 RELIEF INK DEPOSIT PRINTING METHOD
FR0102412 2001-02-22

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CA2371350A1 (en) 2002-08-22
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FR2821016B1 (en) 2003-12-26
US20020142106A1 (en) 2002-10-03

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