EP1663649A1

EP1663649A1 - A die for a foil stamping machine

Info

Publication number: EP1663649A1
Application number: EP04761222A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Alan John Fawcett; Glen Lawrence Wright
Original assignee: TMS Technologies Inc
Current assignee: TMS Technologies Inc
Priority date: 2003-09-09
Filing date: 2004-09-03
Publication date: 2006-06-07
Also published as: WO2005023546A1

Abstract

A polymer die (10) for a foil stamping machine. The die (10) includes a steel backing plate (11) having a thickness (12) separating a first major surface (13) and a second major surface (14). The plate (11) is formed with a plurality of passages (15) that extend through the die plate (11) between the surfaces (13 and 14) via the passages (15).

Description

A DIE FOR A FOIL STAMPING MACHINE

Technical Field The present invention relates to dies for foil stamping machine and more particularly photopolymer dies. Background of the Invention The present invention relates to dies for foil stamping machines, as discussed in USA Patent 5904096 and International Patent Applications PCT/AU00/00428, PCT/AU02/00496, PCT/AU02/00497 and PCT/AU03/00012. Photopolymer dies are generally used at temperatures in the range of 130°C and 165°C. However, there is demand for these dies to be used at temperatures in excess of the above temperatures and including temperatures above 200°C. However, these previously known dies are prone to failure at higher temperatures as they delaminate. It is believed delamination results from gas build up between the photopolymer and the steel backing plate. Object of the Invention It is the object of the present invention to overcome or substantially ameliorate at the above disadvantage.

Summary of the Invention There is disclosed herein a photopolymer die including: a backing plate having a thickness extending between a first major surface and a second major surface, the plate being perforated so as to have a plurality of passages extending through the plate between the first and second surfaces; a photopolymer layer covering at least portion of said first surface so as to cover at least some of said passages; and an adhesive between the photopolymer layer and said first surface to secure said photopolymer layer thereto. Preferably, said plate is steel. Preferably, said thickness is in the range of 0.2mm to 3.0mm. Preferably, the adhesive is a phenolic base adhesive or an acrylic polymer adhesive. Preferably, said plate is planar. In an alternative preferred form the plate is arcuate in configuration. Brief Description of the Drawings A preferred form of the present invention will now be described by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawing which schematically depicts in sectioned end elevation a photopolymer die for a foil stamping machine. Detailed Description of the Preferred Embodiments In the accompanying drawing there is schematically depicted a photopolymer die

10 for a foil stamping machine. The die 10 includes a steel backing plate 11 having a thickness 12 separating a first major surface 13 and a second major surface 14. The plate

11 is formed with a plurality of passages 15 that extend through the plate 11 between the surfaces 13 and 14. For example, the passages 15 may be punched or drilled. Attached to the surface 13 is a photopolymer layer 16. More particularly the layer 16 is secured to the surface 13 by means of an adhesive layer 17. When the photopolymer die 10 is used, particularly at high temperatures at or above 200°C, the die 10 produces a gas 18. The gas 18 can escape through the exposed surface 19 as well as via the passages 15. Accordingly, a build up of gas between the layer 16 and surface 13 is inhibited. The above described preferred embodiment has a number of advantages including being able to operate at higher temperatures without detracting from the life and durability of the die 10. Higher temperatures enables a machine using the die 10 to operate at a higher speed. Still further, the above die 10 lends itself to a wider range of applications including machines in which the die 10 would be of a cylindrical configuration. The above die 10 particularly has the advantage of allowing gas to escape through the passages 15 while enhancing the fixing of the layer 11 to the plate 12 as the adhesive layer 17 and photopolymer layer 16 penetrate the passages 15 to "key" the layer 16 to the plate 11. The adhesive layer 17 may be in liquid or jelly form when applied and may be applied by any suitable means such as spraying or rolling.

Claims

CLAIMS: 1. A photopolymer die including: a backing plate having a thickness extending between a first major surface and a second major surface, the plate being perforated so as to have a plurality of passages extending through the plate between the first and second surfaces; a photopolymer layer covering at least portion of said first surface so as to cover at least some of said passages; and an adhesive between the photopolymer layer and said first surface to secure said photopolymer layer thereto. 2. The die of claim 1, wherein said plate is steel. 3. The die of claim 1 or 2, wherein said thickness is in the range of 0.2mm to 3.0mm. 4. The die of claim 1, 2 or 3, wherein the adhesive is a phenolic base adhesive or an acrylic polymer adhesive. 5. The die of any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein said plate is planar. 6. The die of any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the plate is arcuate in configuration.