EP1839903B1 - Embossing coating for metallic printing material - Google Patents

Abstract

The method involves transferring an image-providing or covering layer in an area from a transfer foil (5) provided with an adhesive. A rigid-elastic printed sheet is supplied as a sheet metal board or a plastic sheet into a printing machine. A transfer gap (6) is provided with an image-moderate or holohedral foil coating on a printed or laminated and/or unprinted or unlaminated side over the transfer foil. The metallic and/or plastic printed sheet is dried before and/or after applying the foil coating. An independent claim is also included for a device for transferring a function layer of a transfer foil on a printed sheet.

Description

The invention relates to a method and a device for transferring imaging or covering layers from a transfer foil to printed sheets according to the preamble of patent claim 1 and of patent claim 17, respectively.

It is known to produce metallic layers on printed sheets by means of a film transfer process. So is in the EP 0 569 520 B1 a printing material and a printing apparatus using this material are described. In a sheet-fed machine with a feeder and a boom, printing units and a coating unit are arranged. In at least one printing unit, an adhesive pattern is applied as a printed matter in the planographic printing process. In the coating unit after the printing unit, a counter-pressure cylinder, a pressure roller and a film guide are provided. Therein, a foil strip is passed through a foil supply roll through the transfer nip of the coating unit between impression cylinder and press roll and rewound on the exit side after leaving the coating unit. The transfer film contains a carrier film on which functional layers of various types, such as metallic layers, for example of aluminum, or plastic layers can be applied. Between functional layer and carrier film, a separating layer is provided, by means of which the functional layer can be removed from the carrier layer.

After a printing sheet is provided with a two-dimensional adhesive application or an adhesive pattern, it is passed through the coating unit, wherein by means of the pressure roller, the pressure sheet lying on the impression cylinder is brought into contact with the film material. The down-facing functional layer engages tightly with the adhesive-provided areas on the signature. Thereafter, the functional layer adheres in the area of the adhesive pattern or the entire adhesive areas at, wherein the transfer film, the functional layer is removed in the region of the adhesive pattern. The print sheet is laid out in the coated state.

From the WO 2005/100035 A2 an embossing device is known. There, a printing unit of a printing machine for carrying out a cold foil transfer from a transfer film to a substrate provided with an adhesive image is equipped. It can also be provided to provide a plurality of coating modules within the printing press one behind the other.

From the JP 2003-275658 A For example, a method for the production of printed metal sheets and an associated printing machine are known. Shown is an offset printing machine for printing sheet metal material from one or both sides. To improve the quality is provided that the form cylinder is driven at the speed of the metal web and the transfer cylinder at a slightly higher speed to compensate for the play in the drive train and thus pressure inaccuracies.

Furthermore, from the DE 101 38 864 A1 a method and a device for the production of plastic cards known. In a sheet-fed offset printing machine, a rigid printing sheet made of plastic is printed from both sides with one or more radiation-drying printing ink and deposited on a stack. In a subsequent operation, the substrate is coated on both sides with thin, transparent film in a laminating machine.

A disadvantage of the described procedures is that they are not flexible applicable, require extensive know-how on the complex processes and are difficult to handle. Above all, the previously known production methods are limited to the processing of substrates made of paper or cardboard. A coating of metallic or plastic substrates in the cold foil stamping process has not been previously known.

The object of the invention is therefore to provide a method according to the preamble of claim 1 and a device according to the preamble of claim 8, by means of which a film coating of printed sheets of metal or foil of different quality can be simple, safe, economical and accurate, said method and Device should be easy to handle.

The solution to this problem results in a method according to the features of claim 1 and in a device according to the features of claim 8.

Advantageously, a method is proposed, in its application for film application also substrates made of metal or plastic films is made possible by their pretreatment. This allows functional packaging, e.g. provided with jewelry effects, using a sheet-fed rotary printing press and the film coating is carried out in the cold foil stamping process.

Here, the film application to metallic or plastic substrates in conjunction with an offset printing machine with upstream or downstream paint modules done. The application is carried out in the printing unit or in a coating module. Before or after the application can be additionally printed and intermediately dried eg with the help of a UV dryer.

The method is initially determined by the fact that the film application is performed as a finishing application or function application on metallic substrate in conjunction with the so-called metal stamping process. The inline process for film application on metallic substrates expands the range of applications.

Furthermore, the method may also include the film application as a finishing application or functional application on plastic substrate. Thicker plastic films have the characteristics of metal sheets in terms of their strength and rigidity, but also the surface properties.

Furthermore, the pretreatment of the metallic or plastic printing material and the application film can be carried out by a corona treatment.

Finally, the use of heat-reduced UV dryer systems can be used in conjunction with the film application in cold foil lamination. An advantage of the method is that a reduced heat input takes place. This results in a greatly reduced Passerverzug, which is particularly important for metallic or plastic substrates.

1. 1. Bedruckstoffzuführung über einen Anleger ggf. mittels eines vorgeschalteten so genannten Rolle-Bogen-Anlegers.
2. 2. Corona- oder Plasmavorbehandlung des metallischen bzw. Kunststoffbedruckstoffes im Bereich der Bogenanlage oder einem Anlagemodul.
3. 3. Ggf. Vorbeschichtung in einem Lackmodul oder im ersten Druckwerk mittels integrierter Lackeinrichtung mit Primer, Deckweiß oder mit Iriodinlack.
4. 4. Vorbereitung der Druckbogen für Beschichtung mittels UV- oder Excimer-Zwischentrockner. Ggf. in einem Druckwerk.
5. 5. Bogenwendung der Druckbogen kann vorgesehen sein.
6. 6. Zwischentrockner: konventionelle UV-Trockner oder wärmereduzierte Systeme wie Excimer-Strahler oder NIR-Systeme..
7. 7. Wegen des Folienverzuges vor und nach der Applikation sind bevorzugt wärmereduzierte UV-Trocknersysteme einzusetzen.
8. 8. Kleberauftrag erfolgt über ein Druckwerk oder ein Lackwerk.
9. 9. Folienapplikation über den Transferspalt bevorzugt in tangentialer Folienführung und mit geringer Umschlingung der Presswalze.
10. 10. Coronabehandlung der zu applizierenden Folie ist möglich.
11. 11. Drucken mittels einer oder mehreren Farben und Zwischentrocknung.
12. 12. Lackmodule zur Veredelung mit Zwischen- oder Endtrocknung sind den Druckwerken zugeordnet.
13. 13. Ink-Jet-Systeme sind vor oder nach der Folienapplikation zur Personalisierung (auch in Schön- und Widerdrucksystemen geeignet) zugeordnet.
14. 14. Bogeninspektionssystem schleust z.B. mittels Bogenweiche, Doppelausleger oder Markierung durch Streifeneinschussgerät Makulaturbogen aus.

For the method of film application to metallic or plastic substrates following steps are provided:

1. 1. Substrate feed via a feeder if necessary by means of an upstream so-called roll-bow feeder.
2. 2. Corona or plasma pretreatment of the metallic or plastic printing material in the area of the sheet feeder or an installation module.
3. 3. If necessary Pre-coating in a coating module or in the first printing unit by means of an integrated coating device with primer, opaque white or with iriodin varnish.
4. 4. Preparation of the printing sheets for coating by means of UV or excimer intermediate dryer. Possibly. in a printing unit.
5. 5. perfecting the sheet can be provided.
6. 6. Intermediate Dryers: conventional UV dryers or heat reduced systems such as excimer lamps or NIR systems.
7. 7. Because of the film distortion before and after the application, preference is given to using heat-reduced UV dryer systems.
8. 8. Glue application takes place via a printing unit or a coating unit.
9. 9. Film application over the transfer nip preferably in tangential film guide and with little wrap around the press roll.
10. 10. Corona treatment of the film to be applied is possible.
11. 11. Printing by means of one or more colors and intermediate drying.
12. 12. Lacquer modules for finishing with intermediate or final drying are assigned to the printing units.
13. 13. Ink-jet systems are assigned before or after the film application for personalization (also suitable in perfecting systems).
14. 14. Sheet inspection system discharges waste paper, eg by means of a sheet diverter, double jib or marking by strip injection device.

Suitable devices for carrying out the method are sheet-fed rotary printing presses. These can be carried out in the manner known sheetfed offset presses or in the manner of flexographic printing machines, which have a flat sheet guide. The latter is particularly advantageous for the processing of metal sheets or rigid film substrates.

In the following, the invention is illustrated in more detail with reference to drawings.

Figur 1

eine Druckmaschine mit einer Folientransfereinrichtung,

Figur 2

eine Konfiguration einer Bogendruckmaschine mit Beschichtungswerk,

Figur 3

eine zweite Konfiguration einer Bogendruckmaschine nach Fig. 2 und

Figur 4

eine Bogendruckmaschine mit ebener Bogenführung.

Showing:

FIG. 1

a printing machine with a film transfer device,

FIG. 2

a configuration of a sheet-fed printing press with coating unit,

FIG. 3

a second configuration of a sheetfed press after Fig. 2 and

FIG. 4

a sheet-fed press with flat bowing.

• Ein Druckbogen wird zunächst mit einem flächigen oder bildgebenden Klebstoffmuster versehen (Druckwerk als Auftragwerk 1).
• Im Folgedruckwerk wird der Druckbogen gemeinsam mit einer Transferfolie 5 unter Pressung durch einen Transferspalt 6 geführt, (Beschichtungswerk 2).

FIG. 1 shows parts of a sheet-fed rotary printing press, which contains two printing units and is used for the following purposes:

• A printed sheet is first provided with a two-dimensional or imaging adhesive pattern (printing unit as commissioned work 1).
• In the following printing unit, the printed sheet is guided together with a transfer film 5 under pressure through a transfer nip 6 (coating unit 2).

The applicator 1 may be a per se known offset printing unit with an inking unit 11, a plate cylinder 12 and a blanket cylinder 13. The blanket cylinder 13 cooperates with a counter-pressure cylinder 4.
The coating unit 2 can also be formed by an offset printing unit. The transfer nip 6 in the coating unit 2 is formed by a press roll 3 and an impression cylinder 4. The press roller 3 may correspond to the blanket cylinder. The press roll 3 may also correspond to the forme cylinder of a paint module. Within the coating unit 2 used for the film transfer, a web guide 14 for transfer film 5 is shown. The transfer film 5 is thereby switched on and executed by protective devices 15 of the coating unit 2.

Alternatively, as shown in the context of applicator 1, an integrated in the applicator 1 film transfer device may be provided, whereby an integrated film application module is created. In this case, a press roll 3 'is assigned downstream of a printing gap between a blanket or forme cylinder 13 and the impression cylinder 4 on a counter-pressure cylinder 4. Thus, a film web 5 'of a transfer film after the coating of the printing material by means of the applicator 1 to a transfer gap formed as mentioned above 6' fed and also be discharged directly again. The cold foil stamping takes place in a single integrated foil application module FA, as in FIG. 1 indicated.

As in FIG. 1 schematically shown in the order unit 1, can be arranged in an integrated film application module FA and a contractor in a compact design within the coating module. For this purpose, an adhesive application device 1 'associated with the impression cylinder 4 and the transfer gap, which would be provided here between the blanket cylinder 13 and the impression cylinder 3, be arranged upstream. The transfer film 5 would be guided here around the rubber cylinder 13 or approximately tangentially past this through the designated printing gap.
Such an adhesive applicator device 1 'may consist of a compact forme cylinder for supporting a printing form for the adhesive and an applicator of a chamber doctor blade and an anilox roller for supplying the adhesive. In this case, on the same counter-pressure cylinder 4, in turn, the adhesive application is first carried out on the printing substrate and the film application is carried out immediately thereafter.

The film supply roll 8 is assigned to the coating unit 2 on the sheet feed side. The film supply roll 8 has a rotary drive 7 for the continuous controlled feeding of the transfer film 5 to the coating unit 2. In the film feed deflection or tension rollers for guiding the transfer film 5 may be provided in a substantially constant tension against the press roller 3. On the downstream side of the printing unit, a film collecting roller 9 is provided for the used sheet material. A rotary drive 7 on the film collecting roller 9 is always advantageous. It can even be provided that the transfer film 5 is conveyed on the outlet side by means of the rotary drive 7 and held taut on the inlet side by means of a brake.

The press roll 3 (as blanket cylinder or forme cylinder or separate press roll) carries on its surface a compressible or damping, for example, also provided with a compressible intermediate layer element. For this purpose, the press roll 3 can be provided with a press fabric 10, for example as a plastic cover, comparable to a blanket or blanket, which is held in a cylinder channel on clamping devices.

To ensure the efficiency of the coating process, it is possible to control the film advance of the transfer film 5 from the film supply roll 8 to the transfer nip 6 and the film collection roll 9 step by step, wherein the transfer film 5 is stopped when no transfer of imaging or covering layers is to take place.
A further improvement of the film utilization of the type described results when the transfer film 5 is divided into one or more Teilfolienbahnen lesser width.

Furthermore, dryer 16 can be provided in the film application module thus formed from the applicator 1 and the coating unit 2, by means of which the adhesive application or the entire film coating can be dried. Here come, for example UV dryer in question.

Furthermore, the film application module may include a monitoring device 17 for scanning the sheet surface. The monitoring device 17 enables the evaluation of image contents of the coating and the detection of defects in the film coating.

With the device described above, it is possible to coat substrates or partially or completely coated substrates or to laminate or laminate or even to provide a particularly resistant surface layer. For this purpose, the device for the film transfer in a printing units of a sheet-fed printing machine downstream printing or coating plant is arranged. In such an arrangement, the surface of the fresh print is finished or protected by means of the film coating.
For further applications, within the sheet-fed rotary printing press of the first device for the film transfer, a second such device can be arranged downstream, so that a double film coating of a sheet is possible.

Furthermore, a configuration can be provided which provides a first film application module in front of the first color or coating transfer printing unit and a second film application module after the last color transferring printing unit. Thus, a first film coating can be applied directly to the substrate and a second film coating can be applied over the printed image.

Furthermore, by using a device for carrying out the cold foil stamping method described above, methods can also be carried out, in the use of which a simple film coating or else multiple film coating of functional or single-sided packaging, e.g. with jewelry features, becomes possible within a sheet-fed rotary printing press.

It can be advantageously by the combination of coating units such. As paint modules, a device for perfecting and coating modules for a one- or two-sided film application are possible. By means of the methods and devices according to the invention, the production of effect and functional application or of film composite packaging can also be made possible in connection with a printability of the printing material on both sides.

In a first step, the method is characterized in that the film application is carried out as a finishing application or functional application on metallic printing material, if appropriate in conjunction with the so-called sheet-metal printing method. Metallic substrates are sheet metal plates made of tinplate, aluminum or similar. or also of layered metals in question. Furthermore, as metallic substrates also with a metal foil coated substrates of paper, cardboard or plastic to understand.
Likewise, however, plastic substrates which have a similar material characteristic with regard to strength, rigidity and surface quality, such as metal sheets, can also be processed here.

In a second point, the pretreatment of the metallic or plastic printing material and the application film is carried out by a corona treatment. In a third point, the use of heat-reduced UV dryer systems in conjunction with the film application in cold foil lamination is used. For this purpose, the film guide can be made tangentially through the transfer gap or loop around the blanket cylinder.

According to the invention, the film application to metallic or plastic substrates in conjunction with an offset printing machine with upstream or downstream coating modules should now be carried out. The application is carried out in a printing unit or in a coating module. Before or after the film application may additionally be printed and intermediately dried e.g. with the help of a UV dryer.

In the process of printing metallic or plastic substrates, so-called UV printing inks are often used. UV printing inks can be cured very quickly and efficiently with the aid of UV dryers, so that a color layer firmly adhering to the metallic or plastic substrate is produced.
Furthermore, a so-called corona or plasma treatment is often carried out in metallic or plastic substrates to improve the color adhesion. By acting on the film surface with a corona discharge or a plasma, its surface tension can be changed so that the printing inks to be applied are securely adhered. In this way, an optimized appearance of the print is achieved.

For the drying of UV printing inks, special dryers have been developed which operate at comparatively low temperatures. For this purpose, systems are known as conventional UV lamps or as UV cold radiators, for example as excimer radiators. But there are also so-called NIR dryers in question.

In the processing of metallic or plastic substrates using a coating process with film application, knowledge of the printing processes for metallic substrates is used. Therefore, for example, the printability of the metal sheets or plastic sheets can be improved by the application of a primer or primer layer.

An advantage of the proposed method is that the heat input through the dryer irradiation is greatly reduced or greatly reduced compared to that in the hot foil lamination. This results in a greatly reduced thermal influence on the metallic or plastic substrate, so that sets a strong improvement on the printed product with respect to the resulting from the embossing process Passerverzuges. The inline process for film application on metallic or plastic substrates expands the range of applications of a correspondingly equipped printing press in a special way.

1. 1. Die Zuführung von Druckbogen zur Druckmaschine erfolgt über einen Bogenanleger oder einen dem Bogenanleger oder der Druckmaschine direkt vorgeschalteten so genannten Rolle-Bogen-Anleger, in dem metallische bzw. Kunststoffdruckbogen aus einer Folienbahn direkt erzeugt werden.
2. 2. Eine Corona- oder Plasmavorbehandlung der Oberfläche des Bedruckstoffes kann in der Anlage, einem Anlagemodul oder einem der Maschine vorgeschalteten Rolle-Bogen-Anleger erfolgen.
3. 3. Eine Vorbeschichtung der metallischen bzw. Kunststoffdruckbogen kann in einem Lackmodul zur Grundierung mit einem Primer oder einem Deckweiß oder zur Bildung von Glanzeffekten mit so genannten Iriodin-Lacken erfolgen. Diese Vorbeschichtung kann auch in einem ersten Druckwerk mittels einer in diesem Druckwerk integrierten Lackiereinrichtung erfolgen.
4. 4. Unter Einwirkung mittels UV- oder Excimer-Zwischentrockner wird der Druckbogen danach für weitere Beschichtungsschritte vorbereitet. Ein, mehrere oder jedes Druckwerk kann zu diesem Zweck mit einem UV- oder Excimer-Zwischentrockner ausgerüstet sein. Diese können in bekannter Weise als konventionelle UV-Strahler oder als UV-Kaltstrahler ausgeführt sein. Hier können aber auch so genannte NIR-Trockner zur Anwendung kommen. Wegen des Folienverzuges vor und nach der Applikation sind aber bevorzugt wärmereduzierte UV-Trocknersysteme einzusetzen.
5. 5. Die Druckmaschine kann mit einer Bogenwendeeinrichtung versehen sein, um die Druckbogen in der Druckmaschine beidseitig bearbeiten zu können.
6. 6. Der Kleberauftrag für die Folienapplikation erfolgt über ein Druckwerk oder ein Lackwerk oder eine in ein Druckwerk integrierte kompakte Beschichtungseinrichtung. Hierfür kommt insbesondere ein UV-Kleber in Betracht, der wie die UV-Druckfarben gut auf metallischem bzw. Kunststoffbedruckstoff haftet und mit den genannten Trocknern schnell getrocknet werden kann.
7. 7. Eine Corona- oder Plasmabehandlung der zu applizierenden Folienschicht ist optional möglich. Dies ist von den gegebenen Haftungsverhältnissen der beteiligten Oberflächen abhängig.
8. 8. Die Folienapplikation im Transferspalt 6 erfolgt bevorzugt unter tangentialer Führung bzw. mit geringer Umschlingung der Transferfolie 5 an der Presswalze 3, die als eines Drucktuchzylinder, Formzylinder oder anders geartete Andruckwalze gebildet sein kann.
9. 9. Nach der Folienapplikation kann erneut eine Zwischentrocknung zur Aushärtung mit Hilfe der bereits genannten Trockner erfolgen.
10. 10. Das Drucken des erforderlichen farbigen Sujets erfolgt mit einer oder mehreren Farben und ggf. eine erneuten Zwischentrocknung.
11. 11. Lackbeschichtungen zur Veredelung der metallischen bzw. Kunststoffdruckbogen mit Schutz-, Glanz- oder Effektschichten können mit weiterer Zwischen- / Endtrocknung erfolgen. Die dazu erforderlichen Lackmodule sind den Druckwerken vor- oder nachgeordnet.
12. 12. In der Druckmaschine am Bogentransportweg Ink-Jet- oder Laserdruckeinrichtungen vor oder nach der Folienapplikation zur Personalisierung vorgesehen sein. Diese sind auch für in der Druckmaschine vorgesehene Schön- und Widerdrucksysteme ggf. geeignet zuzuordnen.
13. 13. Mittels eines integrierten Bogeninspektionssystems können Makulaturbogen erkannt und ausgeschleust werden, Dies erfolgt z.B. über eine Bogenweiche, einen Doppelausleger oder durch Kennzeichnung mit Markierungsstreifen.

For the process of film application on metallic or plastic substrates, the following steps are to be provided:

1. 1. The supply of printing sheet to the printing machine via a sheet feeder or the sheet feeder or the printing press directly upstream so-called roll-sheet feeder, are generated in the metallic or plastic printing sheet directly from a film web.
2. 2. A corona or plasma pretreatment of the surface of the printing substrate can take place in the plant, a plant module or a roll-bow feeder upstream of the machine.
3. 3. A pre-coating of the metallic or plastic printing sheets can be carried out in a coating module for priming with a primer or opaque white or to form luster effects with so-called iriodin paints. This precoating can also take place in a first printing unit by means of a coating device integrated in this printing unit.
4. 4. Under the influence of UV or excimer intermediate dryer the sheet is then prepared for further coating steps. One, several or each printing unit can for this purpose with a UV or excimer intermediate dryer be equipped. These can be carried out in a known manner as a conventional UV radiator or as a UV cold radiator. However, so-called NIR dryers can also be used here. Because of the film distortion before and after the application, however, preference is given to using heat-reduced UV dryer systems.
5. 5. The printing machine can be provided with a sheet turning device to edit the sheets in the printing press on both sides.
6. 6. The adhesive application for the film application via a printing unit or a coating unit or integrated into a printing compact coating device. For this purpose, in particular, a UV adhesive into consideration, which adheres well to the UV printing inks on metallic or plastic substrate and can be dried quickly with the said dryers.
7. 7. A corona or plasma treatment of the film layer to be applied is optionally possible. This depends on the given adhesion conditions of the surfaces involved.
8. 8. The film application in the transfer nip 6 is preferably carried out under tangential guidance or with low wrap of the transfer film 5 on the press roller 3, which may be formed as a blanket cylinder, forme cylinder or other type of pressure roller.
9. 9. After the film application, an intermediate drying can be carried out again for hardening with the aid of the already mentioned dryers.
10. 10. The required colored subjects are printed with one or more colors and, if necessary, a second intermediate drying.
11. 11. Lacquer coatings for finishing metallic or plastic printing sheets with protective, gloss or effect coatings can be carried out with further intermediate / final drying. The required paint modules are the printing units upstream or downstream.
12. 12. In the printing press on the sheet transport path inkjet or laser printing devices before or after the film application for personalization be provided. These are also suitable for appropriate provided in the printing machine perfecting systems.
13. 13. Waste paper sheets can be detected and removed by means of an integrated sheet inspection system. This is done, for example, by means of a curved sheet, a double jib or by marking with marking strips.

The necessary for these process steps configurations of a sheet-fed rotary printing press including one or more film application modules are diverse and are described below by way of example.

In FIG. 2 a first variant of such a configuration is shown. The illustrated printing press has a roll-bow feeder RB. In the reel-to-sheet feeder RB, metallic or plastic printing sheets are accurately cut off from a substrate roll and fed into the printing press in the machine cycle. Subsequently, a printing unit D or a paint module is arranged.
In the configuration shown, the printing unit D or the paint module is followed by an application unit 1 and a coating module 2, which can also be arranged as an integrated film application module FA within a printing unit. Thereafter, if necessary, several further printing units D are provided up to the sheet delivery AU.
In each case between or in the printing units D or before and / or in and / or after the film application module FA intermediate dryer Z are arranged, by means of which the applied in respective workstations coatings can be dried.

In the area of feeding the metallic or plastic printing sheets from the roll-bow feeder RB into the first work station of the printing press, a discharge device E is provided. It serves to improve in a conventional manner, for example by means of a corona discharge, the surface properties of the metallic or plastic printing sheets for the adoption of coatings.

The Entladurigseinrichtung E can also be integrated into the roll-bow feeder RB, so that the surface treatment of the metallic or plastic printing sheet is also effective for the sheet transport to the printing press.

With such a printing press, therefore, a metallic printed sheet cut from a printing material roll can first be coated, then coated with an imagewise or flat film layer and subsequently printed again in multiple colors. One application example for this are films for packaging or decorative sheets, which require additional finishing in addition to printing.

In FIG. 3 a second variant of such a configuration is shown. The illustrated printing machine has a sheet feeder AN, to which a discharge device E for film treatment is assigned. Subsequently, either a printing unit D or a paint module is provided. This is followed by one or two-part film application module FA. Subsequently, a printing unit is again arranged, which is followed by a so-called turning device W. The turning device W is used to evert a metal or plastic printing sheet provided on one side with a film coating, so that its previous underside can subsequently be printed or coated from above.

In the configuration shown, the applicator 1 and a coating module 2 adjoin the turning device W, which can also be arranged as an integrated film application module FA within a printing unit. Thereafter, if necessary, several further printing units D are provided up to the sheet delivery AU. Before feeding the metallic or plastic printing sheets to the film application module FA, they can be exposed again, but now with their upper rear side exposed to the action of a discharge device E.

With such a printing press, therefore, each metallic printed sheet can first be coated from its upper side, then provided with a film coating, then printed or coated, then turned, then with another Foil coating provided and subsequently printed again in multiple colors. An example of application for this are films for packaging or decorative sheets which, in addition to double-sided printing, also require additional double-sided finishing.

Furthermore, in such machines further production possibilities arise by providing printed sheets with optical or tactile patterns, which are underlaid and visible or palpable by the film coating, or also by applying optical or tactile surface patterns over the film itself. These coating operations can again be done on one side or both sides on unprinted or printed surfaces.

1. I. Bei der Verwendung minderwertiger Folien können die metallischen bzw. Kunststoffdruckbogen vorab mit einem Primer, d.h. einer Grundschicht, versehen werden, wobei die Oberfläche so vorbehandelt wird, dass eine Glättung und eine Vorbereitung für die Folgebearbeitung stattfindet. Danach erfolgt die Folienapplikation, die auf dem vorbehandelten Untergrund sicherer möglich ist.
2. II. In einem vorgeschalteten Prägemodul können die metallischen bzw. Kunststoffdruckbogen vorstrukturiert werden. Hierbei kann eine gezielte Prägung von Einzelelementen erfolgen oder die Einarbeitung eines definierten flächigen Grundmusters vorgesehen werden. In die so vorbehandelten Folienbögen wird danach die Folienapplikation aufgebracht.
3. III. Bei Verpackungsdrucken kann jeder metallische Druckbogen in einer abschließenden Behandlung im Bogenausleger getrennt werden. Hierbei sind vorbehandelte metallischen bzw. Kunststoffdruckbogen oder auch in Nutzen aufgetrennte Bogenteile erzeugbar, die mittels Trennverfahren inline gewonnen werden. Als Trennverfahren kommen Messer- oder Scherenschnitt, (Rotations-) Stanzung oder Laserschnitt in Frage.

For example, the following production variants are possible:

1. I. When using inferior films, the metallic or plastic printing sheets can be provided in advance with a primer, ie a base layer, wherein the surface is pretreated so that a smoothing and a preparation for the subsequent processing takes place. Thereafter, the film application, which is safer on the pretreated substrate.
2. II. In an upstream embossing module, the metallic or plastic printing sheets can be pre-structured. Here, a targeted embossing of individual elements can be done or the incorporation of a defined planar basic pattern can be provided. The film application is then applied in the film sheets pretreated in this way.
3. III. In packaging printing, each metallic signature can be separated in a final treatment in the sheet delivery. In this case, pre-treated metal or plastic printing sheets or sheet parts which have been separated into use can be produced, which are obtained inline by means of separation processes. As a separation method are knife or paper cut, (rotary) punching or laser cutting in question.

Overall, by means of said devices and process steps in sheet-fed rotary printing presses with offset or flexographic printing units in combination with a coating device for embossing foil printing for functional or finishing applications of metallic substrates of aluminum, steel, stainless steel, tinplate or the like can be carried out inline , Thus, the method of sheet metal printing is associated with a film transfer process or it is a pure application module of pre-printed metal sheets or unprinted metal sheets, possibly provided with a pre-coating.
The application can be made over the entire surface or recessed in terms of size and / or width, ie it can also be based on benefits.

The in-line refining process for sheet metal printing is e.g. for jewelry boxes or similar suitable. Furthermore, it can be used as an inline function coating process for sheet metal printing e.g. be used for the inner lining of food packaging.

A corresponding printing press can be flexible using offset or flexographic printing units (see Fig. 4 ).

• Beidseitige oder einseitige Blechdruckapplikation (ggf. mit Wendung)
• Vorprimern des Bedruckstoffes
• Corona-Vorbehandlung der Transferfolie 5 oder des Bedruckstoffes
• UV-Zwischentrockner (-Endtrockner) nach Applikation
• Bedruckstoff auch als dicke starke Folie oder metallischer laminierter Bedruckstoff, z.B. auch Sandwichwerkstoff mit Metalleinlage, Holzimitat, Pertinax sein z.B. zur Herstellung von Holzstrukturen auf Trägermaterial Holz-Panelimitat
• Vorgesetzte Bedruckstoff-Abrollung und Rolle-Bogen-Anleger
• Maschinenkonzept kann in der Art einer Flexo-Direktdruckmaschine ausgeführt sein: Bogenführung in einer Ebene, wobei auch ein Offsetdruckwerk integriert sein kann. Bogentransport erfolgt mittels Saugbändern, Greifersystemen
• Bedruckstofftransport kann also eben oder wie bekannt an rotierenden Bogenführungszylindern erfolgen

The following processes can be carried out in sheet metal application machines:

• Double-sided or one-sided metal-plate application (possibly with a turn)
• Pre-priming the substrate
• Corona pretreatment of the transfer film 5 or the substrate
• UV intermediate dryer (final dryer) after application
• Substrate also as thick thick film or metallic laminated substrate, eg also sandwich material with metal insert, imitation wood, Pertinax be eg for the production of wood structures on support material wood panel imitation
• Superior substrate unwinding and roll-bow feeder
• Machine concept can be carried out in the manner of a flexo direct printing machine: sheet guiding in a plane, wherein an offset printing unit can be integrated. Sheet transport takes place by means of suction belts, gripper systems
• Substrate transport can thus be flat or as known to rotating sheet guiding cylinders

In FIG. 4 a configuration of a flexo direct printing machine is shown. Shown are printing units D, which consist of a counter-pressure cylinder and a forme cylinder. The forme cylinder in flexographic printing presses carries a so-called cliché. The cliché is supplied for image transfer by means of an inking unit from a detent roll and an associated chamber doctor blade with ink. Image formation takes place in the printing gap between the forme cylinder and the impression cylinder, through which the printing material sheet is guided.

The printing material is in this case (see arrow from the right) fed by means of an investor, not shown (roll-bow feeder) a sheet transfer device T. The sheet transfer device is z. B. a chain conveyor system or also includes Saugbandanordnungen. The sheet transport takes place in one plane and leads in a straight line through all printing gaps.

The first two printing units are designed as a film application module FA. The first printing unit acts as an applicator 1 for generating the adhesive image on the substrate.
It has an already mentioned impression cylinder 4 of a flexographic printing unit, which together with a press roll 3 forms a transfer nip 6. The press roll 3 is formed by the forme cylinder, of which in this case the inking unit is turned off. The coating can be carried out as described above, but the processable substrates can be much thicker and stiffer than in known sheet-fed rotary printing presses.

Also in this configuration, the discharge devices E can be used. Furthermore, dryers are also useful or useful. The illustrated printing units can also be combined with offset printing units.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1

commissioned

2

coating plant

3

press roll

4

Impression cylinder

5

Transfer foil / foil web

6

transfer nip

7

roller drive

8th

Film supply roll

9

Foil composite role

10

Press covering

11

inking

12

plate cylinder

13

Blanket cylinder

14

guide

15

Printing plant security

16

dryer

17

monitoring device

18

dancer roll

1'

commissioned

3 '

pressure roller

5 '

sheet

6 '

press nip

D

printing unit

AT

investor

RB

Roll-to-sheet feeder

AU

boom

FA

Foil application module

W

turning device

e

discharger

T

Sheet transfer device

Claims (13)

1. A method for the transfer of imaging and/or covering application layers from a transfer foil (5) onto print sheets in a sheet processing machine, more preferably a sheet-fed rotary printing press, at least with a form couple (1) for an image-based or surface coating of a print sheet with an adhesive and with at least one coating couple (2) for the transfer of imaging or covering layers from the transfer foil (5) onto the print sheet, wherein in a coating couple (2) a transfer gap (6) is formed and the transfer foil (5) along the surface of a press roller (3) and with the coated side placed on a print sheet and under pressure jointly with said print sheet can be guided through the transfer gap (6) so that the imaging or covering layers in regions provided with adhesive are transferred in an adhering manner from the transfer foil (5) onto the print sheets, characterized

   - in that the printing press is supplied with stiff-elastic print sheets as metal sheets or plastic sheets from a sheet feeder processing metal sheets or plastic sheets or plastic reels,

   - which on at least one printed or coated or unprinted or uncoated first side are provided with an image-based or full surface foil coating from the transfer foil (5) in a transfer gap (6)

   - and in that the metallic or plastic print sheets after the application of the foil coating are dried and

   - in that the print sheets on the side so printed are provided with one or a plurality of print images by means of printing ink

   - and in that as adhesive and/or as liquid coating medium and/or as printing inks media curable by means of UV-radiation are applied.
2. The method according to Claim 1, characterized in that each print sheet prior to the application of the foil coating is provided with a coating of a liquid medium for the surface treatment or dying.
3. The method according to Claim 1 or 2, characterized in that each print sheet prior to the application of coatings is treated by means of a device for influencing its surface tension.
4. The method according to Claim 1 to 3, characterized in that the print sheets following a coating of a first side in the sheet-processing machine are turned and in that the print sheets on the side located opposite the coated side are provided with a further coating of one or a plurality of components and in that the coating of the top and/or the bottom includes a foil coating from a transfer foil (5).
5. The method according to Claim 1 to 4, characterized in that by means of the image-based or surface foil coating transferred from the transfer foil (5) a visual function layer is created.
6. The method according to Claim 1 to 4, characterized in that by means of the image-based or surface foil coating transfer from the transfer foil (5) a function layer forming textures is created.
7. The method according to Claim 1 to 6, characterized in that the coatings applied to the metallic or plastic print sheets are dried alone or in combination.
8. A device for the transfer of imaging and/or covering function layers from a transfer foil (5) onto print sheets with at least one form couple (1) for the image-based or surface coating of the print sheets with an adhesive and at least one coating couple (2) for the transfer of the function layers of the transfer foil onto the print sheets, wherein each coating couple (2) comprises a transfer gap (6) in which the transfer foil (5) at least being tangent to a press roller (3) and with the coated side placed on the print sheet is guided under pressure so that the function layer in the regions provided with adhesive is transferred from the transfer foil (5) onto the print sheets in a firmly adhering manner, wherein the sheet-fed rotary printing press, its working units or sheet guiding sheet transport modules in the region after the application of a coating are provided with a drying device, characterized in that
   the sheet processing machine is a sheet-fed rotary printing press which between a sheet feeder (AN) suitable for metallic or plastic substrates and a sheet delivery (AU) suitable for metallic or plastic substrates comprises a plurality of working units designed as printing and/or coating and/or coating units (D), in that a coating module for liquid media, preferentially a coating module, is optionally positioned upstream of the printing couples (D),
   in that the sheet-fed rotary printing press before or after the coating units (D), is assigned at least one foil application module (FA) including a form couple (1) and a coating couple (2)
   and in that the form couple (1) and/or the coating module positioned in front and/or the printing couples (D) are designed for the printing of UV-curable media
   and in that the coating couple (2) is provided with at least one UV-dryer for the drying of the adhesive layer under the foil coating after its transfer onto the metallic or foil substrate.
9. The device according to Claim 8, characterized in that the sheet-fed rotary printing press in the region of the feed of unprinted or non-coated sides of the print sheets to a working unit (D, FA, 1) comprises a discharge device (E) by means of which the metallic print sheet can be exposed to a surface treatment or
   in that the sheet-fed rotary printing press in the region of the feed of a transfer foil (5) to a transfer foil processing working unit (FA, 1) comprises a discharge device (E) by means of which the side of the transfer foil (5) comprising the transfer layer can be exposed to a surface treatment.
10. The device according to Claim 8 to 9, characterized in that the printing press between the sheet feeder (AN; RB) and the sheet delivery (AU) in sheet transport direction has the following configuration;

    - a coating module or printing couple (D),

    - a foil application module (FA)

    - n printing couples (D).
11. The device according to Claim 8, characterized in that the sheet-fed rotary printing press, its working units or sheet guiding sheet transport modules in the region after the application of a coating are provided with a drying device.
12. The device according to Claim 8 to 10, characterized in that the printing couples (D) are designed as flexographic printing couples, wherein subject to the use of two printing couples a foil application module (FA) is formed.
13. The device according to Claim 8 to 11, characterized in that the printing couples (D) are coupled together by means of a sheet transfer device (T) in such a manner that the substrate transport takes place in a straight line in a plane extending through the nips of all printing couples (D) and of the foil application module (FA).

Images