EP2051858B1 - Information printing method by means of transfer to a printing medium - Google Patents

Information printing method by means of transfer to a printing medium Download PDF

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Publication number
EP2051858B1
EP2051858B1 EP07728768A EP07728768A EP2051858B1 EP 2051858 B1 EP2051858 B1 EP 2051858B1 EP 07728768 A EP07728768 A EP 07728768A EP 07728768 A EP07728768 A EP 07728768A EP 2051858 B1 EP2051858 B1 EP 2051858B1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
ink
receiving layer
blanket
printing
application
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.)
Not-in-force
Application number
EP07728768A
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German (de)
French (fr)
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EP2051858A1 (en
Inventor
Paul Morgavi
Philippe Sarra-Bournet
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Impika SA
Original Assignee
Impika SA
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Publication date
Application filed by Impika SA filed Critical Impika SA
Publication of EP2051858A1 publication Critical patent/EP2051858A1/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP2051858B1 publication Critical patent/EP2051858B1/en
Not-in-force legal-status Critical Current
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical

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Classifications

    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B41—PRINTING; LINING MACHINES; TYPEWRITERS; STAMPS
    • B41M—PRINTING, DUPLICATING, MARKING, OR COPYING PROCESSES; COLOUR PRINTING
    • B41M5/00—Duplicating or marking methods; Sheet materials for use therein
    • B41M5/025—Duplicating or marking methods; Sheet materials for use therein by transferring ink from the master sheet
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B41—PRINTING; LINING MACHINES; TYPEWRITERS; STAMPS
    • B41M—PRINTING, DUPLICATING, MARKING, OR COPYING PROCESSES; COLOUR PRINTING
    • B41M1/00—Inking and printing with a printer's forme
    • B41M1/02—Letterpress printing, e.g. book printing
    • B41M1/04—Flexographic printing
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B41—PRINTING; LINING MACHINES; TYPEWRITERS; STAMPS
    • B41M—PRINTING, DUPLICATING, MARKING, OR COPYING PROCESSES; COLOUR PRINTING
    • B41M1/00—Inking and printing with a printer's forme
    • B41M1/40—Printing on bodies of particular shapes, e.g. golf balls, candles, wine corks
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B41—PRINTING; LINING MACHINES; TYPEWRITERS; STAMPS
    • B41M—PRINTING, DUPLICATING, MARKING, OR COPYING PROCESSES; COLOUR PRINTING
    • B41M5/00—Duplicating or marking methods; Sheet materials for use therein
    • B41M5/025—Duplicating or marking methods; Sheet materials for use therein by transferring ink from the master sheet
    • B41M5/0256—Duplicating or marking methods; Sheet materials for use therein by transferring ink from the master sheet the transferable ink pattern being obtained by means of a computer driven printer, e.g. an ink jet or laser printer, or by electrographic means

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to the general technical field of printing information, variable or identical from one printing to the next, on a print medium.
  • the print medium may for example be an object to decorate.
  • the present invention applies in particular to the field of prints using ink jet printing.
  • the invention relates to the field of transfer printing on a printing medium.
  • the printing or decorating of complex shapes or objects is generally based to date on various conventional printing processes such as flexography, offset (double offset printing) or pad printing. These processes based on the transfer of ink previously deposited on a blanket, are intended for the printing of constant patterns reproduced in large numbers (several hundreds of thousands of copies).
  • the principle of these methods is to use a plate engraved with the pattern to be reproduced. At first, this plate is coated with ink. Then, in a second step, the ink-coated plate is applied to the blanket which collects the ink on its surface. Thirdly, the ink collected on the surface of the blanket is transferred on the print media by calibrating the blank on the print media.
  • inkjet printing processes are known which make it possible to project drops of ink of different colors onto the printing medium without direct contact with it.
  • the distance between the print head and the print medium should generally be between 1 and 10 millimeters.
  • the characteristics of the inks that may be used depend on the nature of the print medium and must be in adequacy with inkjet processes and blanket transfer processes.
  • the general object of the invention is to provide a transfer printing method to overcome the disadvantages of existing printing processes.
  • an object of the present invention is to provide a printing method for printing printing media of complex and / or non-linear form, easier to implement than existing methods.
  • a method of printing by transfer on a printing medium comprising the application of ink to a surface of a blanket and the transfer onto the printing medium of the ink. applied to the blanket surface by direct contact between the blanket and the printing medium, the blanket surface including a liquid receiving layer for encapsulating the ink applied to the blanket surface during the application step, which liquid receiving layer is transferred with the ink to the print medium during the transfer step.
  • the printing method according to the invention uses a blanket on a surface of which is disposed a liquid receiving layer.
  • the ink is more accurately projected onto or into the liquid receiving layer.
  • liquid means a fluid having a viscosity typically between 20 centipoise and 15,000 centipoise, preferably between 30 centipoise and 8,000 centipoise at a temperature of 25 ° C.
  • the liquid can be a gel.
  • the invention also relates to a blanket for transfer printing on a printing medium, the blanket comprising a liquid receiving layer as described above.
  • the invention also relates to a printing medium obtained by the method described above.
  • the method according to the invention is a transfer printing method on a printing medium 41.
  • This "print medium” 41 corresponds to the object to be printed.
  • the print medium 41 may be any type of medium to be printed.
  • the print medium 41 may be of any shape and of any complexity.
  • the printing medium 41 may be a container such as a bottle, glass or case or any other type of packaging, for example plastic.
  • the main characteristic of the process according to the invention illustrated on the figure 1 is that the surface 12 of the blanket 13 comprises a liquid receiving layer 11 for receiving the ink applied during the application step 20.
  • the printing process illustrated on the figure 1 comprises, prior to the ink application step 20, a step 10 of depositing the liquid receiving layer 11 on the surface 12 of the blanket 13.
  • the liquid receiving layer 11 receives the ink during the step 20 of ink application.
  • the ink can be applied to the surface 12 of the blanket 13, before the liquid receiving layer 11.
  • the method may comprise a step 30 involved in fixing or drying the ink, prior to the transfer step 40, to at least partially dry the ink.
  • This step 30 may implement for example a heating or ultraviolet application.
  • the method may comprise an ultimate step of fixation 50, for example by heating or ultraviolet application, the receiving layer and the ink applied.
  • the method according to the invention uses a liquid intermediate layer 11 for receiving the ink typically applied by inkjet, so that the ink is transferred onto the printing medium at the same time as the liquid receiving layer 11.
  • the liquid intermediate layer 11 may be deposited on a blanket before or after the ink. Once transferred, the receiving layer 11 and the applied ink are fixed, for example by heating or ultraviolet application, on the printing medium.
  • This method is advantageous when the direct printing on the print medium is impossible for geometric, mechanical or other reasons (impossibility of placing the printing device sufficiently close to the print medium, non-plane print medium, etc. .).
  • the liquid receiving layer 11 and the ink are of different chemical nature so that their fixing or drying can be operated using different respective processes. Thus fixing or drying one does not affect the other.
  • the blanket 13 is for example an element of elastomeric material for the transfer of the ink on the printing medium.
  • the shape of the blanket 13 is any at once as to its contour and the geometry of its surface. This form depends on the form of the print media to be printed.
  • blanket 13 is planar, i.e. two-dimensional as illustrated in FIGS. Figures 2, 3 , 5 and 6 .
  • the blanket 13 is of three-dimensional shape, for example in a sphere portion as illustrated in FIG. figure 4 .
  • the deposition step 10 of the receiving layer 11 can be performed using different techniques.
  • the deposit 10 is made by screen printing or transfer by contact, in particular by offset (double offset printing process).
  • the deposition step 10 is performed using pressurized spray technology (or spray technology).
  • the deposition step 10 is performed by projection using inkjet technology.
  • the liquid material constituting the receiving layer 11 is introduced into means for projecting a liquid material. These means project the liquid material onto the surface 12 of the blanket 13: the receiving layer 11 is formed.
  • ink jet technology ie inkjet technology
  • the thickness of the receiving layer to be deposited is typically but not limited to between 5 and 80 ⁇ m. It will be noted that, preferably, the thickness of the receiving layer is greater than the diameter of the drops of ink applied. Alternatively, however, it can be envisaged that the thickness of the receiving layer is equal to or of the same order of magnitude as the diameter of these drops.
  • the receiving layer 11 is transparent. In other embodiments, the receiving layer is translucent. In any case, when the ink is applied to the receiving layer 11 after application of the receiving layer 11 itself to the blanket 13, care will be taken that the receiving layer 11 is not opaque, especially in controlling the thickness of the receiving layer 11, since the latter ultimately covers the ink, on the object to be printed or decorated.
  • the receiving layer 11 may be identical in nature or different from the ink applied to the surface 12 of the blanket 13, as mentioned above. This makes it possible to create various graphic rendering effects.
  • the receiving layer 11 may typically have a viscosity of between 20 centipoise and 15,000 centipoise, preferably between 30 centipoise and 8,000 centipoise, a density of between 0.8 and 1.5, a surface tension between 25 and 72 dyne / cm.
  • the speed of the drops of ink during their application is preferably and not limited to between 3 and 15 m / sec.
  • the material constituting the receiving layer 11 is for example of the UV base type (drying by crosslinking or polymerization by application of Ultra Violet), solvent base (drying by solvent evaporation by infra-red application), water base or oil base. . It may for example be based on acrylate or epoxide.
  • the ink-applying step 20 is, for example, a jet ink-applying step of projecting ink (s) onto the blanket 13 by means of printing heads 21.
  • the image to be reproduced on the print medium is applied to the blanket 13.
  • the ink application step 20 can be performed either on the receiving layer 11 previously applied to the surface 12 of the blanket 13, or directly on the surface 12 of the blanket 13. , before application of the receiving layer 11 thereon, in which case the receiving layer 11 is subsequently deposited on the blanket 13 to ensure the encapsulation of the ink and its transfer to the object to be printed or decorated.
  • the image to be reproduced can be a motif and / or text. This image can be monochromatic or in color.
  • the ink application step 20 can implement different application techniques depending on the size of the print medium to be printed.
  • the application technique used is a single-pass application technique.
  • the blanket 13 passes once under the printing heads 21.
  • the blanket 13 is for example disposed on a conveyor 22, a portion of the conveyor 22 being disposed under the printing heads 21.
  • the conveyor 22 moves in a direction of displacement D so that the surface 12 of the blanket 13 (previously comprising the receiving layer 11 or intended to subsequently receive this receiving layer 11) passes under the print heads 21.
  • the printheads 21 project ink (or inks) on the surface 12 of the blanket 13 (more precisely as the case on the receiving layer 11 or directly on the surface 12 itself): the image to transfer on the print medium is applied to the surface 12 of the blanket 13.
  • the application technique used is a multi-pass application technique.
  • the blanket 13 must pass several times under the printing heads 21 so that the image is applied completely on the surface 12 of the blanket 13.
  • the blanket 13 is for example disposed on a face of a cylinder 23, a portion of which is disposed under the printing heads 21.
  • the cylinder 23 is rotated R around a shaft extending along the axis of symmetry of the cylinder 23, so that the surface 12 of the blanket 13 comprising the receiving layer 11 passes several times under the printing heads 21.
  • the material constituting the receiving layer 11 is able to capture the drops of ink 24 projected onto the surface 12 of the blanket 13 during the application step 20 by virtue of the physical properties of viscosity, density and surface tension. previously mentioned and this in combination with the control of the speed of ink drops as also mentioned above.
  • the receiving layer 11 capable of receiving, on its surface or inside thereof, the applied ink, allows the protection of the printed pattern once the decoration is fixed on the printing medium.
  • the transfer step 40 comprises the application of a pressure P on the printing medium 41 thanks to the blanket 13.
  • the application of a pressure P makes it possible to ensure that the contact between the blanket 13 and the printing medium 41 is sufficient for the entire receiving layer 11 including the applied ink to be transferred (ie transferred) to the print medium 41.
  • the pressure P exerted must be precise and constant to ensure a good and uniform print quality on the print medium 41.
  • the transfer step 40 on the printing medium 41, the receiving layer 11 and the ink applied, requires the displacement of both the blanket 13 and the printing medium 41, such as that the embodiment illustrated in figure 6 these movements are perfectly synchronized.
  • the speeds V1 and V2 of displacement of the print medium 41 and the blanket 13 are equal. This makes it possible to prevent the blanket 13 from sliding with respect to the printing medium 41, a slippage which would cause a deformation of the printed image.
  • the method includes a step of fixing the ink and / or the receiving layer.
  • a fixing step essentially for drying the ink and / or the receiving layer can implement different technologies, for example a solvent evaporation by heating or a crosslinking or polymerization by ultraviolet application.
  • the fixing step makes it possible to harden the receiving layer 11 and / or the ink applied to the printing medium 41. This has the advantage of ensuring a great durability for the printing performed.
  • the fixing in particular of the ink, may comprise a single step, carried out either on the printing medium 41 or upstream on the blanket 13. It may also comprise two successive steps: a preliminary step, preferably carried out on the blanket , prefixing or partial fixation, followed by a final fixing step, preferably performed on the printing medium 41.
  • the fixing can be carried out either by application of a treatment, for example ultraviolet application, directly on the receiving layer 11 and / or the ink, or by application of a treatment, for example a heating, on a support of the receiving layer 11 and / or ink, namely the blanket 13 or the printing medium 41 (in the latter case the printing medium 41 can be heated before, during and / or after the transfer).
  • a treatment for example ultraviolet application
  • a treatment for example a heating
  • the fixing step at least of the ink, is carried out only before the transfer step.
  • the fixing step 30 can be carried out by heating the blanket 13 or the printing medium, or ultraviolet application on the receiving layer 11 and / or the ink.
  • this step allows to partially dry the receiving layer 11 and / or the ink applied.
  • this step allows, during the transfer step 40 or after this transfer step, to partially dry the ink and / or the layer reception 11.
  • the method may comprise a step of removing the receiving layer 11 after the step 40 so that only the applied ink is printed on the print medium 41.
  • the fixing step 50 is performed only after the transfer step 40, for example when the ink applied is in the receiving layer 11. This step is carried out for example by heating the support of 41 printing or ultraviolet application.
  • the fixing step is performed before and after the transfer step 40.
  • the prefixing step 30 performed before the transfer step 40 makes it possible, for example, for at least partial fixing of the ink applied, and the fixing step 50 performed after the transfer step 40 essentially allows the fixing of the receiving layer 11.
  • the chemical natures of the receiving layer 11 and the applied ink are different, so that the treatment to be applied to the receiving layer 11 to fix it is different from the treatment.
  • to be applied to the ink to fix it for example, the fixing temperatures or the UV wavelengths for a crosslinking, respectively of the ink and of the receiving layer, are different).
  • the fixing of the assembly consisting of the receiving layer 11 and the ink is achieved by two different types of means, for example a means for the emission of UV radiation to effect crosslinking or polymerization and means for heating for example by emitting infrared radiation.
  • the print can be frozen in the receiving layer 11 without cross-linking thereof.
  • this receiving layer 11 when the applied ink is located on the surface or in the receiving layer 11 previously deposited on the blanket 13, this receiving layer 11 also acts as a protective layer, after transfer to the support of impression. In addition, this makes it possible to increase the quality of the aesthetic appearance of the impression made on the printing medium 41.
  • variable data prints at industrially acceptable rates, unlike, for example, conventional ink transfer printing methods previously deposited on a blanket, since the method according to the invention does not require changing a plate. engraved with the pattern to be reproduced, unlike conventional methods of transfer printing.
  • the surface step, and in particular the surface tension, of the blanket is chosen / adapted according to any technique known to those skilled in the art to facilitate the transfer of the protective layer and the ink towards the object to decorate.

Description

La présente invention concerne le domaine technique général de l'impression d'informations, variables ou identiques d'une impression à la suivante, sur un support d'impression. Le support d'impression peut constituer par exemple un objet à décorer.The present invention relates to the general technical field of printing information, variable or identical from one printing to the next, on a print medium. The print medium may for example be an object to decorate.

La présente invention s'applique en particulier au domaine des impressions mettant en oeuvre une impression par jet d'encre.The present invention applies in particular to the field of prints using ink jet printing.

Plus particulièrement l'invention concerne le domaine de l'impression par transfert sur un support d'impression.More particularly, the invention relates to the field of transfer printing on a printing medium.

Elle est notamment adaptée à l'impression de supports d'impression ne pouvant pas être directement imprimés du fait de leur forme et/ou état de surface non régulier, comme par exemple des récipients tels que flacons, verres, étuis.It is particularly suitable for printing print media that can not be directly printed because of their non-regular shape and / or surface condition, such as containers such as bottles, glasses, cases.

PRESENTATION GENERALE DE L'ART ANTERIEURGENERAL PRESENTATION OF THE PRIOR ART

L'impression ou la décoration de formes ou d'objets complexes est généralement basée à ce jour sur différents procédés d'impression conventionnels comme la flexographie, l'offset (impression par double décalage) ou la tampographie. Ces procédés basés sur le transfert d'encre préalablement déposée sur un blanchet, sont destinés à l'impression de motifs constants reproduits en grand nombre (plusieurs centaines de milliers d'exemplaires).The printing or decorating of complex shapes or objects is generally based to date on various conventional printing processes such as flexography, offset (double offset printing) or pad printing. These processes based on the transfer of ink previously deposited on a blanket, are intended for the printing of constant patterns reproduced in large numbers (several hundreds of thousands of copies).

Le principe de ces procédés consiste à utiliser une plaque gravée avec le motif à reproduire. Dans un premier temps, cette plaque est enduite d'encre. Puis, dans un deuxième temps, la plaque enduite d'encre est appliquée sur le blanchet qui recueille l'encre sur sa surface. Dans un troisième temps, l'encre recueillie sur la surface du blanchet est transférée sur le support d'impression grâce à une pression calibrée du blanchet sur le support d'impression.The principle of these methods is to use a plate engraved with the pattern to be reproduced. At first, this plate is coated with ink. Then, in a second step, the ink-coated plate is applied to the blanket which collects the ink on its surface. Thirdly, the ink collected on the surface of the blanket is transferred on the print media by calibrating the blank on the print media.

Bien que ces technologies soient bien adaptées à l'impression de motifs constants à grand volume, elles ne permettent pas l'impression de motifs variables d'une impression à l'autre, basés typiquement sur des données numériques ou digitales.Although these technologies are well adapted to the printing of constant patterns at high volume, they do not allow the printing of variable patterns from one impression to another, typically based on digital or digital data.

Le même problème se pose pour une impression utilisant une technique de sérigraphie.The same problem arises for an impression using a screen printing technique.

En effet, à chaque changement de motif, ces technologies nécessitent de changer la plaque gravée avec le motif à reproduire ou l'écran de sérigraphie, et de nettoyer le blanchet.Indeed, with each change of pattern, these technologies require changing the engraved plate with the pattern to reproduce or screen printing, and clean the blanket.

Des procédés d'impression directe sur le support d'impression ont donc été mis en oeuvre. Ces procédés sont plus flexibles et permettent l'impression de données variables à des vitesses compatibles avec le marché industriel.Direct printing methods on the print medium have therefore been implemented. These processes are more flexible and allow the printing of variable data at speeds compatible with the industrial market.

On connaît notamment des procédés d'impression par jet d'encre qui permettent de projeter des gouttes d'encre de différentes couleurs sur le support d'impression sans contact direct avec celui-ci.In particular, inkjet printing processes are known which make it possible to project drops of ink of different colors onto the printing medium without direct contact with it.

Cependant, ces procédés ne permettent pas l'impression de supports d'impression présentant un facteur de forme trop complexe ou un état de surface trop irrégulier.However, these methods do not allow the printing of printing media having a too complex form factor or a too irregular surface condition.

En effet, si les procédés d'impression par jet d'encre permettent de s'affranchir d'un contact direct avec le support d'impression, une distance maximale entre la tête d'impression et le support d'impression doit cependant être respectée pour assurer une qualité d'impression compatible avec les besoins des marchés.Indeed, if the inkjet printing processes make it possible to dispense with direct contact with the printing medium, a maximum distance between the print head and the print medium must, however, be respected. to ensure print quality compatible with the needs of the markets.

En fonction du niveau de qualité demandé, la distance entre la tête d'impression et le support d'impression doit être comprise généralement entre 1 et 10 millimètres.Depending on the level of quality required, the distance between the print head and the print medium should generally be between 1 and 10 millimeters.

Ceci présente l'inconvénient de ne pas permettre l'impression de nombreux supports d'impression, notamment de récipients tels que des flacons, verres, étuis, ou encore emballages plastiques sous vide, et tout support d'impression présentant des formes complexes et/ou non linéaires.This has the disadvantage of not allowing the printing of many print media, especially containers such as vials, glasses, cases, or vacuum plastic packaging, and any printing medium having complex and / or non-linear shapes.

D'autres procédés hybrides, pour bénéficier des avantages des procédés d'impression par transfert et par jet d'encre, ont été mis en oeuvre. On connaît par exemple un procédé comprenant une application d'encre par jet sur le blanchet et le transfert sur le support d'impression de l'encre appliquée sur le blanchet par contact direct entre le blanchet et le support d'impression.Other hybrid methods, to benefit from the advantages of transfer printing and inkjet printing processes, have been implemented. For example, there is known a method comprising an ink jet application on the blanket and the transfer onto the printing medium of the ink applied to the blanket by direct contact between the blanket and the printing medium.

Cependant, ces procédés sont très difficiles à mettre en oeuvre.However, these methods are very difficult to implement.

En effet, les caractéristiques des encres susceptibles d'être utilisées dépendent de la nature du support d'impression et doivent être en adéquation avec les procédés jet d'encre et les procédés de transfert par blanchet.Indeed, the characteristics of the inks that may be used depend on the nature of the print medium and must be in adequacy with inkjet processes and blanket transfer processes.

Le but général de l'invention est de proposer un procédé d'impression par transfert permettant de pallier les inconvénients des procédés d'impression existants.The general object of the invention is to provide a transfer printing method to overcome the disadvantages of existing printing processes.

En particulier, un but de la présente invention est de proposer un procédé d'impression permettant l'impression de supports d'impression de forme complexe et/ou non linéaire, plus simple à mettre en oeuvre que les procédés existants.In particular, an object of the present invention is to provide a printing method for printing printing media of complex and / or non-linear form, easier to implement than existing methods.

PRESENTATION DE L'INVENTIONPRESENTATION OF THE INVENTION

A cet effet on prévoit selon la présente invention un procédé d'impression par transfert sur un support d'impression, comprenant l'application d'encre sur une surface d'un blanchet et le transfert sur le support d'impression de l'encre appliquée sur la surface du blanchet par contact direct entre le blanchet et le support d'impression, la surface du blanchet comprenant une couche de réception liquide pour encapsuler l'encre appliquée sur la surface du blanchet lors de l'étape d'application, laquelle couche de réception liquide est transférée avec l'encre, sur le support d'impression, lors de l'étape de transfert.For this purpose, according to the present invention, there is provided a method of printing by transfer on a printing medium, comprising the application of ink to a surface of a blanket and the transfer onto the printing medium of the ink. applied to the blanket surface by direct contact between the blanket and the printing medium, the blanket surface including a liquid receiving layer for encapsulating the ink applied to the blanket surface during the application step, which liquid receiving layer is transferred with the ink to the print medium during the transfer step.

Ainsi, le procédé d'impression selon l'invention utilise un blanchet sur une surface duquel est disposée une couche de réception liquide.Thus, the printing method according to the invention uses a blanket on a surface of which is disposed a liquid receiving layer.

La couche de réception liquide permet :

  • l'encapsulation de l'encre projetée lors de l'étape d'application d'encre sur la surface du blanchet,
  • le transfert plus aisé sur le support d'impression, de la couche de réception et de l'encre appliquée du fait de la nature liquide de la couche de réception,
  • l'impression de support d'impression de forme simple ou complexe et/ou non linéaire,
  • la protection du motif imprimé.
The liquid receiving layer allows:
  • encapsulating the ink projected during the ink application step on the surface of the blanket,
  • easier transfer on the printing medium, the receiving layer and the applied ink due to the liquid nature of the receiving layer,
  • print medium printing of simple or complex and / or non-linear form,
  • the protection of the printed motif.

Dans le cadre de la présente invention, on prévoit avant tout de disposer la couche de réception liquide sur le blanchet avant de projeter l'encre sur le blanchet. Dans ce cas, l'encre est plus précisément projetée sur ou dans la couche de réception liquide. Cependant comme on le mentionnera par la suite, en variante on peut envisager dans le cadre de la présente invention, de disposer dans un premier temps l'encre sur le blanchet, puis d'appliquer dans un second temps la couche de réception liquide sur la même surface du blanchet, pour encapsuler l'encre, avant d'opérer le transfert de la couche de réception liquide et de l'encre encapsulée par celle-ci, sur le support d'impression.In the context of the present invention, provision is first and foremost to arrange the liquid receiving layer on the blanket before spraying the ink onto the blanket. In this case, the ink is more accurately projected onto or into the liquid receiving layer. However, as will be mentioned hereinafter, it is possible in the context of the present invention to envisage, first of all, arranging the ink on the blanket and then, in a second step, applying the liquid receiving layer on the blanket. same surface of the blanket, to encapsulate the ink, before effecting the transfer of the liquid receiving layer and the ink encapsulated by it, on the print medium.

On entend, dans le cadre de la présente invention, par liquide, un fluide ayant une viscosité typiquement comprise entre 20 centipoises et 15 000 centipoises, préférentiellement entre 30 centipoises et 8 000 centipoises à une température de 25°C. Le liquide peut être un gel.In the context of the present invention, the term liquid means a fluid having a viscosity typically between 20 centipoise and 15,000 centipoise, preferably between 30 centipoise and 8,000 centipoise at a temperature of 25 ° C. The liquid can be a gel.

Des aspects préférés mais non limitatifs du procédé selon l'invention sont les suivants, pris seuls ou en combinaison :

  • l'étape d'application d'encre sur la surface du blanchet utilise une technique de projection d'encre ;
  • la couche de réception est en un matériau apte à capter les gouttes d'encre dans la couche de réception lors de l'étape d'application, et à empêcher que les différentes gouttes captées ne se mélangent ;
  • la couche de réception est de type base UV (séchage par application d'Ultra Violet) ou base solvant (séchage par évaporation de solvant par application d'Infra Rouge) ;
  • le procédé comprend une étape de dépôt de la couche de réception sur la surface du blanchet ;
  • l'étape de dépôt de la couche de réception sur la surface du blanchet est une étape de dépôt par projection, par pulvérisation sous pression ou transfert par contact ;
  • le procédé comprend une étape de fixation ou séchage, par exemple par chauffage ou application d'UV;
  • l'étape de fixation est réalisée au moins partiellement sur le blanchet ;
  • l'étape de fixation est réalisée au moins partiellement sur le support d'impression ;
  • l'étape de fixation est réalisée avant et/ou après l'étape de transfert ;
  • l'étape de fixation est une étape de fixation de l'encre et/ou de la couche de réception ;
  • la couche de réception et l'encre appliquées sur la surface du blanchet sont de natures différentes ;
  • les étapes de fixation, respectivement de la couche de réception et de l'encre, mettent en oeuvre des processus ou technologies différents, par exemple et non limitativement un séchage par chauffage par application d'infrarouges pour l'encre et une réticulation ou polymérisation par application d'ultraviolet pour la couche liquide de réception, ou inversement.
Preferred but non-limiting aspects of the process according to the invention are the following, taken alone or in combination:
  • the ink application step on the surface of the blanket uses an ink projection technique;
  • the receiving layer is made of a material capable of picking up ink drops in the receiving layer during the application step, and preventing the different captured drops from mixing;
  • the receiving layer is of UV base type (Ultra Violet drying) or solvent base (drying by solvent evaporation by application of Infra Red);
  • the method comprises a step of depositing the receiving layer on the surface of the blanket;
  • the step of depositing the receiving layer on the surface of the blanket is a step of deposition by spraying, pressure spraying or transfer by contact;
  • the method comprises a fixing or drying step, for example by heating or UV application;
  • the fixing step is carried out at least partially on the blanket;
  • the fixing step is performed at least partially on the print medium;
  • the fixing step is performed before and / or after the transfer step;
  • the fixing step is a step of fixing the ink and / or the receiving layer;
  • the receiving layer and the ink applied to the surface of the blanket are of different natures;
  • the fixing steps, respectively of the receiving layer and the ink, implement different processes or technologies, for example and not limited to infrared heating drying for the ink and crosslinking or polymerization by ultraviolet application for the receiving liquid layer, or vice versa.

L'invention concerne également un blanchet pour l'impression par transfert sur un support d'impression, le blanchet comprenant une couche de réception liquide telle que décrite ci-dessus.The invention also relates to a blanket for transfer printing on a printing medium, the blanket comprising a liquid receiving layer as described above.

L'invention concerne également un support d'impression obtenu par le procédé décrit ci-dessus.The invention also relates to a printing medium obtained by the method described above.

PRESENTATION DES FIGURESPRESENTATION OF FIGURES

D'autres caractéristiques, buts et avantages de la présente invention ressortiront encore de la description qui suit, laquelle est purement illustrative et non limitative et doit être lue en regard des dessins annexés sur lesquels :

  • la figure 1 illustre les différentes étapes du procédé selon l'invention,
  • la figure 2 illustre une étape de dépôt d'une couche de réception liquide sur une surface d'un blanchet,
  • les figures 3, 4 et 5 illustrent des étapes d'application d'encre par projection d'encre sur la surface du blanchet préalablement revêtue de la couche de réception,
  • la figure 6 illustre une étape de transfert de la couche de réception et de l'encre projetée, sur le support d'impression,
  • la figure 7 illustre une variante de réalisation selon laquelle la couche de réception liquide est déposée sur la surface du blanchet, après l'encre.
Other features, objects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the description which follows, which is purely illustrative and nonlimiting and should be read with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:
  • the figure 1 illustrates the different steps of the process according to the invention,
  • the figure 2 illustrates a step of depositing a liquid receiving layer on a surface of a blanket,
  • the Figures 3, 4 and 5 illustrate steps of ink ink application on the surface of the blanket previously coated with the receiving layer,
  • the figure 6 illustrates a step of transferring the receiving layer and the projected ink onto the printing medium,
  • the figure 7 illustrates an alternative embodiment in which the liquid receiving layer is deposited on the surface of the blanket after the ink.

DESCRIPTION DE L'INVENTIONDESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

En référence à la figure 1, on a illustré les différentes étapes du procédé selon une mise en oeuvre de l'invention.With reference to the figure 1 the various steps of the method have been illustrated according to an implementation of the invention.

Le procédé selon l'invention est un procédé d'impression par transfert sur un support d'impression 41. Ce « support d'impression » 41 correspond à l'objet à imprimer.The method according to the invention is a transfer printing method on a printing medium 41. This "print medium" 41 corresponds to the object to be printed.

Le support d'impression 41 peut être tout type de support destiné à être imprimé. Le support d'impression 41 peut être de forme quelconque et de complexité quelconque. Par exemple, le support d'impression 41 peut être un récipient tel qu'un flacon, verre ou étui ou tout autre emballage de type quelconque, par exemple en plastique.The print medium 41 may be any type of medium to be printed. The print medium 41 may be of any shape and of any complexity. For example, the printing medium 41 may be a container such as a bottle, glass or case or any other type of packaging, for example plastic.

Le procédé d'impression comprend les étapes :

  • d'application 20 d'encre sur une surface 12 d'un blanchet 13 et
  • de transfert 40 sur le support d'impression 41, de l'encre précédemment appliquée sur la surface 12 du blanchet 13, par contact direct entre le blanchet 13 et le support d'impression 41.
The printing process comprises the steps:
  • applying ink 20 to a surface 12 of a blanket 13 and
  • 40 on the printing medium 41, the ink previously applied to the surface 12 of the blanket 13, by direct contact between the blanket 13 and the printing medium 41.

La caractéristique principale du procédé selon l'invention illustrée sur la figure 1 est que la surface 12 du blanchet 13 comprend une couche liquide 11 de réception pour recevoir l'encre appliquée lors de l'étape d'application 20.The main characteristic of the process according to the invention illustrated on the figure 1 is that the surface 12 of the blanket 13 comprises a liquid receiving layer 11 for receiving the ink applied during the application step 20.

Plus précisément le procédé d'impression illustré sur la figure 1 comprend, préalablement à l'étape 20 d'application d'encre, une étape 10 de dépôt de la couche liquide de réception 11 sur la surface 12 du blanchet 13. Ainsi la couche liquide de réception 11 reçoit l'encre lors de l'étape 20 d'application d'encre.More specifically, the printing process illustrated on the figure 1 comprises, prior to the ink application step 20, a step 10 of depositing the liquid receiving layer 11 on the surface 12 of the blanket 13. Thus, the liquid receiving layer 11 receives the ink during the step 20 of ink application.

Cependant en variante, comme on l'a évoqué précédemment, l'encre peut être appliquée sur la surface 12 du blanchet 13, avant la couche liquide de réception 11.However, alternatively, as mentioned above, the ink can be applied to the surface 12 of the blanket 13, before the liquid receiving layer 11.

Par ailleurs, le procédé peut comprendre une étape 30 participant à la fixation ou séchage de l'encre, préalablement à l'étape de transfert 40, pour sécher au moins partiellement l'encre. Cette étape 30 peut mettre en oeuvre par exemple un chauffage ou une application d'ultraviolet.Furthermore, the method may comprise a step 30 involved in fixing or drying the ink, prior to the transfer step 40, to at least partially dry the ink. This step 30 may implement for example a heating or ultraviolet application.

Postérieurement à l'étape de transfert 40 de la couche de réception 11 et de l'encre appliquée, le procédé peut comprendre une étape ultime de fixation 50, par exemple par chauffage ou application d'ultraviolet, de la couche de réception et de l'encre appliquée.After the transfer step 40 of the receiving layer 11 and the applied ink, the method may comprise an ultimate step of fixation 50, for example by heating or ultraviolet application, the receiving layer and the ink applied.

Le procédé selon l'invention utilise une couche intermédiaire liquide 11 de réception de l'encre appliquée typiquement par jet d'encre, de sorte que l'encre soit transférée sur le support d'impression en même temps que la couche de réception liquide 11. Comme décrit précédemment, dans le cadre de la présente invention, la couche d'intermédiaire liquide 11 peut être déposée sur un blanchet avant ou après l'encre. Une fois transférées, la couche de réception 11 et l'encre appliquée sont fixées, par exemple par chauffage ou application d'ultraviolet, sur le support d'impression.The method according to the invention uses a liquid intermediate layer 11 for receiving the ink typically applied by inkjet, so that the ink is transferred onto the printing medium at the same time as the liquid receiving layer 11. As previously described, in the context of the present invention, the liquid intermediate layer 11 may be deposited on a blanket before or after the ink. Once transferred, the receiving layer 11 and the applied ink are fixed, for example by heating or ultraviolet application, on the printing medium.

Ce procédé est avantageux lorsque l'impression directe sur le support d'impression est impossible pour des raisons géométriques, mécaniques ou autre (impossibilité de placer le dispositif d'impression suffisamment proche du support d'impression, support d'impression non plan, etc.).This method is advantageous when the direct printing on the print medium is impossible for geometric, mechanical or other reasons (impossibility of placing the printing device sufficiently close to the print medium, non-plane print medium, etc. .).

Selon une mise en oeuvre non limitative, mais intéressante, de la présente invention, la couche liquide de réception 11 et l'encre sont de nature chimique différente de sorte que leur fixation ou séchage puisse être opéré à l'aide de processus respectifs différents. Ainsi la fixation ou séchage de l'un n'affecte pas l'autre.According to a nonlimiting, but advantageous, implementation of the present invention, the liquid receiving layer 11 and the ink are of different chemical nature so that their fixing or drying can be operated using different respective processes. Thus fixing or drying one does not affect the other.

En particulier on peut prévoir de fixer l'encre avant de fixer la couche de réception liquide. Dans ce cas la fixation de l'encre est opérée dans une couche de réception encore à l'état liquide. Un tel procédé permet de contrôler une certaine diffusion de l'encre au sein de la couche de réception. Il permet en particulier une bonne résolution finale de l'impression, un bon rendu de colorimétrie et une constante d'impression dans le temps.In particular, it is possible to fix the ink before fixing the liquid receiving layer. In this case the fixing of the ink is performed in a receiving layer still in the liquid state. Such a method makes it possible to control a certain diffusion of the ink within the receiving layer. In particular, it allows a good final print resolution, a good color rendering and a printing constant over time.

En variante cependant, et notamment en fonction du rendu final d'impression recherché, on peut envisager de fixer l'encre après la couche de réception liquide.As a variant, however, and in particular depending on the desired final printing result, it is conceivable to fix the ink after the liquid receiving layer.

Les différentes étapes du procédé selon l'invention vont maintenant être décrites plus en détail.The different steps of the process according to the invention will now be described in more detail.

Etape 10 de dépôt de la couche de réception sur la surface du blanchetStep 10 of depositing the receiving layer on the surface of the blanket

En référence à la figure 2, on a illustré l'étape de dépôt 10 de la couche de réception 11 sur la surface 12 du blanchet 13.With reference to the figure 2 the step of depositing the receiving layer 11 on the surface 12 of the blanket 13 has been illustrated.

Le blanchet 13 est par exemple un élément en matériau élastomère destiné au report de l'encre sur le support d'impression.The blanket 13 is for example an element of elastomeric material for the transfer of the ink on the printing medium.

La forme du blanchet 13 est quelconque à la fois quant à son contour et à la géométrie de sa surface. Cette forme dépend de la forme du support d'impression à imprimer.The shape of the blanket 13 is any at once as to its contour and the geometry of its surface. This form depends on the form of the print media to be printed.

Par exemple, dans un mode de réalisation, le blanchet 13 est plan, c'est-à-dire à deux dimensions tel qu'illustré aux figures 2, 3, 5 et 6. Dans un autre mode de réalisation, le blanchet 13 est de forme en trois dimensions, par exemple en portion de sphère tel qu'illustré à la figure 4.For example, in one embodiment, blanket 13 is planar, i.e. two-dimensional as illustrated in FIGS. Figures 2, 3 , 5 and 6 . In another embodiment, the blanket 13 is of three-dimensional shape, for example in a sphere portion as illustrated in FIG. figure 4 .

L'étape de dépôt 10 de la couche de réception 11 peut être réalisée en utilisant différentes techniques.The deposition step 10 of the receiving layer 11 can be performed using different techniques.

Par exemple, dans certains modes de réalisation, le dépôt 10 est réalisé par sérigraphie ou transfert par contact, notamment par offset (procédé d'impression par double décalage).For example, in some embodiments, the deposit 10 is made by screen printing or transfer by contact, in particular by offset (double offset printing process).

Dans un autre mode de réalisation, l'étape de dépôt 10 est réalisée en utilisant la technologie par pulvérisation sous pression (ou technologie de spray).In another embodiment, the deposition step 10 is performed using pressurized spray technology (or spray technology).

Dans un autre mode de réalisation encore, l'étape de dépôt 10 est réalisée par projection selon la technologie jet d'encre.In yet another embodiment, the deposition step 10 is performed by projection using inkjet technology.

Le matériau liquide constituant la couche de réception 11 est introduit dans des moyens permettant de projeter une matière liquide. Ces moyens projettent le matériau liquide sur la surface 12 du blanchet 13 : la couche de réception 11 est formée.The liquid material constituting the receiving layer 11 is introduced into means for projecting a liquid material. These means project the liquid material onto the surface 12 of the blanket 13: the receiving layer 11 is formed.

L'utilisation de la technologie par projection d'encre (i.e. technologie jet d'encre) pour le dépôt de la couche de réception 11 permet de mieux contrôler la quantité de matériau liquide projetée sur la surface 12 du blanchet 13. Ceci permet de mieux contrôler l'épaisseur de la couche de réception 11 et ainsi d'optimiser le résultat final.The use of ink jet technology (ie inkjet technology) for the deposition of the receiving layer 11 makes it possible to better control the quantity of liquid material projected onto the surface 12 of the blanket 13. This allows better control of the thickness of the receiving layer 11 and thus optimize the final result.

L'épaisseur de la couche de réception à déposer est typiquement mais non limitativement comprise entre 5 et 80 µm. On notera que de préférence l'épaisseur de la couche de réception est supérieure au diamètre des gouttes d'encre appliquée. En variante cependant on peut envisager que l'épaisseur de la couche de réception soit égale à ou du même ordre de grandeur que le diamètre de ces gouttes.The thickness of the receiving layer to be deposited is typically but not limited to between 5 and 80 μm. It will be noted that, preferably, the thickness of the receiving layer is greater than the diameter of the drops of ink applied. Alternatively, however, it can be envisaged that the thickness of the receiving layer is equal to or of the same order of magnitude as the diameter of these drops.

Dans certains modes de réalisation, la couche de réception 11 est transparente. Dans d'autres modes de réalisation, la couche de réception est translucide. Dans tous les cas, lorsque l'encre est appliquée sur la couche de réception 11 après application de la couche de réception 11 elle-même sur le blanchet 13, on veillera à ce que la couche de réception 11 ne soit pas opaque, notamment en contrôlant l'épaisseur de la couche de réception 11, puisque cette dernière recouvre au final l'encre, sur l'objet à imprimer ou décorer.In some embodiments, the receiving layer 11 is transparent. In other embodiments, the receiving layer is translucent. In any case, when the ink is applied to the receiving layer 11 after application of the receiving layer 11 itself to the blanket 13, care will be taken that the receiving layer 11 is not opaque, especially in controlling the thickness of the receiving layer 11, since the latter ultimately covers the ink, on the object to be printed or decorated.

La couche de réception 11 peut être de nature identique ou différente de l'encre appliquée sur la surface 12 du blanchet 13, comme mentionné précédemment. Ceci permet de créer des effets de rendus graphiques variés.The receiving layer 11 may be identical in nature or different from the ink applied to the surface 12 of the blanket 13, as mentioned above. This makes it possible to create various graphic rendering effects.

La couche de réception 11 peut présenter typiquement une viscosité comprise entre 20 centipoises et 15 000 centipoises, préférentiellement entre 30 centipoises et 8 000 centipoises, une densité comprise entre 0,8 et 1,5, une tension de surface comprise entre 25 et 72 dyne/cm.The receiving layer 11 may typically have a viscosity of between 20 centipoise and 15,000 centipoise, preferably between 30 centipoise and 8,000 centipoise, a density of between 0.8 and 1.5, a surface tension between 25 and 72 dyne / cm.

Par ailleurs dans le cadre de la présente invention, afin de contrôler correctement l'énergie cinétique des gouttes d'encre, lors de l'application de celle-ci, et par conséquent la profondeur de pénétration de l'encre dans la couche de réception 11, la vitesse des gouttes d'encre lors de leur application est de préférence et non limitativement comprise entre 3 et 15 m/sec.Moreover, in the context of the present invention, in order to correctly control the kinetic energy of the ink drops, during the application thereof, and consequently the depth of penetration of the ink into the receiving layer 11, the speed of the drops of ink during their application is preferably and not limited to between 3 and 15 m / sec.

Le matériau constituant la couche de réception 11 est par exemple de type base UV (séchage par réticulation ou polymérisation par application d'Ultra Violet), base solvant (séchage par évaporation de solvant par application d'infra Rouge), base eau ou base huile. Il peut être par exemple à base d'acrylate ou d'époxyde.The material constituting the receiving layer 11 is for example of the UV base type (drying by crosslinking or polymerization by application of Ultra Violet), solvent base (drying by solvent evaporation by infra-red application), water base or oil base. . It may for example be based on acrylate or epoxide.

Il en est de même pour l'encre.It is the same for the ink.

Etape 20 d'application de l'encre sur le blanchet 13Step 20 of applying the ink to the blanket 13

En référence aux figures 3 à 5, on a illustré l'étape 20 d'application d'encre du procédé.With reference to Figures 3 to 5 the ink step 20 of the method has been illustrated.

L'étape 20 d'application d'encre est par exemple une étape d'application d'encre par jet qui consiste à projeter une (ou des) encre(s) sur le blanchet 13, grâce à des têtes d'impression 21.The ink-applying step 20 is, for example, a jet ink-applying step of projecting ink (s) onto the blanket 13 by means of printing heads 21.

Durant cette étape, l'image à reproduire sur le support d'impression est appliquée sur le blanchet 13.During this step, the image to be reproduced on the print medium is applied to the blanket 13.

Plus précisément, comme on l'a indiqué précédemment, l'étape 20 d'application d'encre peut être opérée soit sur la couche de réception 11 préalablement appliquée sur la surface 12 du blanchet 13, soit directement sur la surface 12 du blanchet 13, avant application de la couche de réception 11 sur celle-ci, auquel cas la couche de réception 11 est ultérieurement déposée sur le blanchet 13 pour assurer l'encapsulation de l'encre puis son transfert sur l'objet à imprimer ou décorer.More specifically, as indicated above, the ink application step 20 can be performed either on the receiving layer 11 previously applied to the surface 12 of the blanket 13, or directly on the surface 12 of the blanket 13. , before application of the receiving layer 11 thereon, in which case the receiving layer 11 is subsequently deposited on the blanket 13 to ensure the encapsulation of the ink and its transfer to the object to be printed or decorated.

Selon les propriétés physiques de la couche de réception 11, lorsque l'encre est projetée sur la couche de réception 11 préalablement appliquée sur le blanchet 13, les gouttes d'encre projetées sur la surface 12 du blanchet 13 vont soit :

  • rester à la surface de la couche de réception 11,
  • être captées dans la couche de réception 11.
According to the physical properties of the receiving layer 11, when the ink is projected onto the receiving layer 11 previously applied to the blanket 13, the ink drops projected on the surface 12 of the blanket 13 will either:
  • remain on the surface of the receiving layer 11,
  • be picked up in the receiving layer 11.

Il sera donc entendu dans le cadre de la présente description, que l'expression « appliquer une encre sur la surface 12 du blanchet 13 » englobe l'ensemble des variantes ci-dessus.It will therefore be understood in the context of the present description that the expression "applying an ink to the surface 12 of the blanket 13" encompasses all of the above variants.

L'image à reproduire peut être un motif et/ou du texte. Cette image peut être monochromatique ou en couleur.The image to be reproduced can be a motif and / or text. This image can be monochromatic or in color.

On aura pris soin de traiter l'image à imprimer (négatif) de manière à ce qu'elle apparaisse dans le bon sens de lecture une fois transférée sur le support d'impression (effet miroir).Care should be taken to treat the print image (negative) so that it appears in the correct reading direction when transferred to the print medium (mirror effect).

L'étape 20 d'application d'encre peut mettre en oeuvre différentes techniques d'application en fonction de la taille du support d'impression à imprimer.The ink application step 20 can implement different application techniques depending on the size of the print medium to be printed.

Dans un mode de réalisation illustré à la figure 3, la technique d'application utilisée est une technique d'application par simple passage.In an embodiment illustrated in figure 3 the application technique used is a single-pass application technique.

Dans ce cas, le blanchet 13 passe une seule fois sous les têtes d'impression 21. Le blanchet 13 est par exemple disposé sur un convoyeur 22, une portion du convoyeur 22 étant disposée sous les têtes d'impression 21.In this case, the blanket 13 passes once under the printing heads 21. The blanket 13 is for example disposed on a conveyor 22, a portion of the conveyor 22 being disposed under the printing heads 21.

Le convoyeur 22 se déplace dans une direction de déplacement D de sorte que la surface 12 du blanchet 13 (comprenant préalablement la couche de réception 11 ou destinée à recevoir ultérieurement cette couche de réception 11) passe sous les têtes d'impression 21.The conveyor 22 moves in a direction of displacement D so that the surface 12 of the blanket 13 (previously comprising the receiving layer 11 or intended to subsequently receive this receiving layer 11) passes under the print heads 21.

Les têtes d'impression 21 projettent de l'encre (ou des encres) sur la surface 12 du blanchet 13 (plus précisément selon le cas sur la couche de réception 11 ou directement sur la surface 12 elle-même) : l'image à transférer sur le support d'impression est appliquée sur la surface 12 du blanchet 13.The printheads 21 project ink (or inks) on the surface 12 of the blanket 13 (more precisely as the case on the receiving layer 11 or directly on the surface 12 itself): the image to transfer on the print medium is applied to the surface 12 of the blanket 13.

Dans un autre mode de réalisation illustré à la figure 4, la technique d'application utilisée est une technique d'application multi passages.In another embodiment illustrated in figure 4 , the application technique used is a multi-pass application technique.

Dans ce cas, le blanchet 13 doit passer plusieurs fois sous les têtes d'impression 21 pour que l'image soit appliquée complètement sur la surface 12 du blanchet 13.In this case, the blanket 13 must pass several times under the printing heads 21 so that the image is applied completely on the surface 12 of the blanket 13.

Le blanchet 13 est par exemple disposé sur une face d'un cylindre 23 dont une portion est disposée sous les têtes d'impression 21. Le cylindre 23 est entraîné en rotation R autour d'un arbre s'étendant le long de l'axe de symétrie du cylindre 23, de sorte que la surface 12 du blanchet 13 comprenant la couche de réception 11 passe plusieurs fois sous les têtes d'impression 21.The blanket 13 is for example disposed on a face of a cylinder 23, a portion of which is disposed under the printing heads 21. The cylinder 23 is rotated R around a shaft extending along the axis of symmetry of the cylinder 23, so that the surface 12 of the blanket 13 comprising the receiving layer 11 passes several times under the printing heads 21.

Dans le mode de réalisation illustré à la figure 5, le matériau constituant la couche de réception 11 est apte à capter les gouttes d'encre 24 projetées sur la surface 12 du blanchet 13 lors de l'étape d'application 20 grâce aux propriétés physiques de viscosité, de densité et de tension de surface mentionnées précédemment et ce en combinaison avec le contrôle de la vitesse des gouttes d'encre comme également mentionné précédemment.In the embodiment illustrated in figure 5 , the material constituting the receiving layer 11 is able to capture the drops of ink 24 projected onto the surface 12 of the blanket 13 during the application step 20 by virtue of the physical properties of viscosity, density and surface tension. previously mentioned and this in combination with the control of the speed of ink drops as also mentioned above.

Ces propriétés physiques rendent la couche de réception 11 apte à empêcher que deux gouttes différentes ne se mélangent.These physical properties make the receiving layer 11 capable of preventing two different drops from mixing.

Ceci permet l'encapsulation des gouttes d'encre 24 projetées, soit directement à la surface ou dans la couche de réception 11, soit sur la surface 12 nue du blanchet 13 avant intégration dans la couche de réception 11 formée ultérieurement, ce qui facilite le transfert de l'image sur le support d'impression 41.This allows the encapsulation of projected ink drops 24, either directly on the surface or in the receiving layer 11, or on the bare surface 12 of the blanket 13 before integration into the subsequently formed receiving layer 11, which facilitates the transfer of the image onto the print medium 41.

La couche de réception 11 apte à recevoir, à sa surface ou à l'intérieur de celle-ci, l'encre appliquée, permet la protection du motif imprimé une fois le décor fixé sur le support d'impression.The receiving layer 11 capable of receiving, on its surface or inside thereof, the applied ink, allows the protection of the printed pattern once the decoration is fixed on the printing medium.

Etape 40 de transfert sur le support d'impression, de la couche de réception et de l'encre appliquéeTransfer step 40 on the print medium, the receiving layer and the ink applied

Lorsque la surface ou l'intérieur de la couche de réception 11 disposée à la surface 12 du blanchet 13 a été entièrement décorée par les têtes d'impression 21, il est nécessaire de reporter, sur le support d'impression 41, l'ensemble constitué de la couche de réception 11 et de l'encre appliquée.When the surface or the inside of the receiving layer 11 disposed at the surface 12 of the blanket 13 has been entirely decorated by the printing heads 21, it is necessary to postpone, on the support 41, the assembly consisting of the receiving layer 11 and the ink applied.

L'étape de transfert 40 comprend l'application d'une pression P sur le support d'impression 41 grâce au blanchet 13.The transfer step 40 comprises the application of a pressure P on the printing medium 41 thanks to the blanket 13.

L'application d'une pression P permet d'assurer que le contact entre le blanchet 13 et le support d'impression 41 soit suffisant pour que la totalité de la couche de réception 11 incluant l'encre appliquée soit transférée (i.e. reportée) sur le support d'impression 41.The application of a pressure P makes it possible to ensure that the contact between the blanket 13 and the printing medium 41 is sufficient for the entire receiving layer 11 including the applied ink to be transferred (ie transferred) to the print medium 41.

La pression P exercée doit être précise et constante afin d'assurer une bonne et homogène qualité d'impression sur le support d'impression 41.The pressure P exerted must be precise and constant to ensure a good and uniform print quality on the print medium 41.

Dans le cas où l'étape de transfert 40, sur le support d'impression 41, de la couche de réception 11 et de l'encre appliquée, nécessite le déplacement à la fois du blanchet 13 et du support d'impression 41, tel que le mode de réalisation illustré à la figure 6, ces déplacements sont parfaitement synchronisés.In the case where the transfer step 40, on the printing medium 41, the receiving layer 11 and the ink applied, requires the displacement of both the blanket 13 and the printing medium 41, such as that the embodiment illustrated in figure 6 these movements are perfectly synchronized.

En d'autres termes, les vitesses V1 et V2 de déplacement du support d'impression 41 et du blanchet 13 sont égales. Ceci permet d'éviter un glissement du blanchet 13 par rapport au support d'impression 41, glissement qui entraînerait une déformation de l'image imprimée.In other words, the speeds V1 and V2 of displacement of the print medium 41 and the blanket 13 are equal. This makes it possible to prevent the blanket 13 from sliding with respect to the printing medium 41, a slippage which would cause a deformation of the printed image.

Etape (30, 50) de fixation de la couche de réception et de l'encre sur le support d'impressionStep (30, 50) for fixing the receiving layer and the ink on the printing medium

Dans certains modes de réalisation, le procédé comprend une étape de fixation de l'encre et/ou de la couche de réception. Une telle étape de fixation, destinée essentiellement à sécher l'encre et/ou la couche de réception peut mettre en oeuvre différentes technologies, par exemple une évaporation de solvant par chauffage ou une réticulation ou polymérisation par application d'ultraviolet.In some embodiments, the method includes a step of fixing the ink and / or the receiving layer. Such a fixing step, essentially for drying the ink and / or the receiving layer can implement different technologies, for example a solvent evaporation by heating or a crosslinking or polymerization by ultraviolet application.

L'étape de fixation permet de durcir la couche de réception 11 et/ou l'encre appliquée sur le support d'impression 41. Cela présente l'avantage d'assurer une grande durabilité à l'impression réalisée.The fixing step makes it possible to harden the receiving layer 11 and / or the ink applied to the printing medium 41. This has the advantage of ensuring a great durability for the printing performed.

La fixation, notamment de l'encre, peut comprendre une étape unique, réalisée soit sur le support d'impression 41 soit en amont sur le blanchet 13. Elle peut également comprendre deux étapes successives : une étape préalable, de préférence réalisée sur le blanchet, de préfixation ou fixation partielle, suivie d'une étape finale de fixation, de préférence réalisée sur le support d'impression 41.The fixing, in particular of the ink, may comprise a single step, carried out either on the printing medium 41 or upstream on the blanket 13. It may also comprise two successive steps: a preliminary step, preferably carried out on the blanket , prefixing or partial fixation, followed by a final fixing step, preferably performed on the printing medium 41.

Par ailleurs, selon la technologie utilisée, la fixation peut être opérée soit par application d'un traitement, par exemple application d'ultraviolet, directement sur la couche de réception 11 et/ou l'encre, soit par application d'un traitement, par exemple un chauffage, sur un support de la couche de réception 11 et/ou de l'encre, à savoir le blanchet 13 ou le support d'impression 41 (dans ce dernier cas le support d'impression 41 peut être chauffé avant, pendant et/ou après le transfert).Moreover, depending on the technology used, the fixing can be carried out either by application of a treatment, for example ultraviolet application, directly on the receiving layer 11 and / or the ink, or by application of a treatment, for example a heating, on a support of the receiving layer 11 and / or ink, namely the blanket 13 or the printing medium 41 (in the latter case the printing medium 41 can be heated before, during and / or after the transfer).

Ainsi dans certains modes de réalisation, l'étape de fixation, au moins de l'encre, est réalisée uniquement avant l'étape de transfert.Thus, in certain embodiments, the fixing step, at least of the ink, is carried out only before the transfer step.

Dans ce cas, l'étape de fixation 30 peut être réalisée par chauffage du blanchet 13 ou du support d'impression, ou application d'ultraviolet sur la couche de réception 11 et/ou l'encre.In this case, the fixing step 30 can be carried out by heating the blanket 13 or the printing medium, or ultraviolet application on the receiving layer 11 and / or the ink.

Dans le cas où l'étape de fixation est réalisée par chauffage du blanchet, cette étape permet de sécher partiellement la couche de réception 11 et/ou l'encre appliquée.In the case where the fixing step is performed by heating the blanket, this step allows to partially dry the receiving layer 11 and / or the ink applied.

Dans le cas où l'étape de fixation est réalisée par chauffage du support d'impression 41, cette étape permet, lors de l'étape de transfert 40 ou après cette étape de transfert, de sécher partiellement l'encre et/ou la couche de réception 11.In the case where the fixing step is performed by heating the printing medium 41, this step allows, during the transfer step 40 or after this transfer step, to partially dry the ink and / or the layer reception 11.

Par ailleurs, si l'encre est restée à la surface de la couche de réception 11 préalablement appliquée sur le blanchet 13, le procédé peut comprendre une étape de retrait de la couche de réception 11 après l'étape de transfert 40 de sorte que seule l'encre appliquée soit imprimée sur le support d'impression 41.Furthermore, if the ink has remained on the surface of the receiving layer 11 previously applied to the blanket 13, the method may comprise a step of removing the receiving layer 11 after the step 40 so that only the applied ink is printed on the print medium 41.

Dans certains modes de réalisation, l'étape de fixation 50 est réalisée uniquement après l'étape de transfert 40, par exemple lorsque l'encre appliquée est dans la couche de réception 11. Cette étape est réalisée par exemple par chauffage du support d'impression 41 ou application d'ultraviolet.In some embodiments, the fixing step 50 is performed only after the transfer step 40, for example when the ink applied is in the receiving layer 11. This step is carried out for example by heating the support of 41 printing or ultraviolet application.

Enfin, dans certains modes de réalisation, l'étape de fixation est réalisée avant et après l'étape de transfert 40.Finally, in some embodiments, the fixing step is performed before and after the transfer step 40.

Dans ce cas, l'étape de préfixation 30 réalisée avant l'étape de transfert 40 permet par exemple la fixation au moins partielle de l'encre appliquée, et l'étape de fixation 50 réalisée après l'étape de transfert 40 permet essentiellement la fixation de la couche de réception 11.In this case, the prefixing step 30 performed before the transfer step 40 makes it possible, for example, for at least partial fixing of the ink applied, and the fixing step 50 performed after the transfer step 40 essentially allows the fixing of the receiving layer 11.

Dans un mode de réalisation particulièrement intéressant de l'invention, les natures chimiques de la couche de réception 11 et de l'encre appliquée sont différentes, de sorte que le traitement à appliquer sur la couche de réception 11 pour la fixer est différent du traitement à appliquer sur l'encre pour la fixer (voire par exemple les températures de fixation ou les longueurs d'onde d'UV pour une réticulation, respectivement de l'encre et de la couche de réception, sont différentes).In a particularly advantageous embodiment of the invention, the chemical natures of the receiving layer 11 and the applied ink are different, so that the treatment to be applied to the receiving layer 11 to fix it is different from the treatment. to be applied to the ink to fix it (for example, the fixing temperatures or the UV wavelengths for a crosslinking, respectively of the ink and of the receiving layer, are different).

Dans ce cas, la fixation de l'ensemble constitué de la couche de réception 11 et de l'encre est réalisée grâce à deux types de moyens différents, par exemple un moyen permettant l'émission d'un rayonnement UV pour opérer une réticulation ou polymérisation et un moyen permettant un chauffage par exemple par émission d'un rayonnement infrarouge.In this case, the fixing of the assembly consisting of the receiving layer 11 and the ink is achieved by two different types of means, for example a means for the emission of UV radiation to effect crosslinking or polymerization and means for heating for example by emitting infrared radiation.

Par ce fait, l'impression peut être figée dans la couche de réception 11 sans réticulation de celle-ci.As a result, the print can be frozen in the receiving layer 11 without cross-linking thereof.

De la sorte, on peut effectuer une opération de fixation de l'encre appliquée avant l'étape de transfert 40, puis une étape de fixation de la couche de réception 11 après l'étape de transfert sur le support d'impression 41.In this way, it is possible to carry out a fixing operation of the ink applied before the transfer step 40, then a step of fixing the reception layer 11 after the transfer step on the printing medium 41.

Il est à noter que lorsque l'encre appliquée est située à la surface ou dans la couche de réception 11 préalablement déposée sur le blanchet 13, cette couche de réception 11 joue également le rôle de couche de protection, après transfert sur le support d'impression. De plus, cela permet d'augmenter la qualité de l'aspect esthétique de l'impression réalisée sur le support d'impression 41.It should be noted that when the applied ink is located on the surface or in the receiving layer 11 previously deposited on the blanket 13, this receiving layer 11 also acts as a protective layer, after transfer to the support of impression. In addition, this makes it possible to increase the quality of the aesthetic appearance of the impression made on the printing medium 41.

Le procédé décrit ci-dessus présente de nombreux avantages. If permet notamment de réaliser des impressions de données variables à des cadences industriellement acceptables, contrairement par exemple aux procédés classiques d'impression par transfert d'encre préalablement déposée sur un blanchet, puisque le procédé selon l'invention ne nécessite pas de changer une plaque gravée avec le motif à reproduire, contrairement aux procédés classiques d'impression par transfert.The process described above has many advantages. In particular, it makes it possible to produce variable data prints at industrially acceptable rates, unlike, for example, conventional ink transfer printing methods previously deposited on a blanket, since the method according to the invention does not require changing a plate. engraved with the pattern to be reproduced, unlike conventional methods of transfer printing.

L'étape de surface, et notamment la tension de surface, du blanchet, est choisi/adapté selon toute technique connue de l'homme de l'art pour faciliter le transfert de la couche de protection et de l'encre, vers l'objet à décorer.The surface step, and in particular the surface tension, of the blanket is chosen / adapted according to any technique known to those skilled in the art to facilitate the transfer of the protective layer and the ink towards the object to decorate.

REFERENCESREFERENCES

1010
Dépôt d'une couche de réception liquide sur une surface d'un blanchet,Depositing a liquid receiving layer on a surface of a blanket,
2020
Application d'encre sur la surface d'un blanchet (comprenant la couche de réception ou en variante destinée à recevoir ultérieurement une telle couche de réception),Ink application on the surface of a blanket (comprising the receiving layer or alternatively intended to receive subsequently such a receiving layer),
3030
Etape de fixation ou préfixation,Fixation step or prefixation,
4040
Transfert sur un support d'impression de la couche de réception liquide et de l'encre appliquée,Transfer on a printing medium of the liquid reception layer and the ink applied,
5050
Fixation de la couche de réception et/ou de l'encre appliquée sur le support d'impression,Fixing the receiving layer and / or the ink applied to the printing medium,
1111
couche de réception,receiving layer,
1212
surface du blanchet,surface of the blanket,
1313
blanchet,blanket,
2121
tête d'impression,printhead,
2222
convoyeurconveyor
2323
cylindrecylinder
2424
goutte d'encreink drop
4141
support d'impression,print media,
DD
direction de déplacement,direction of movement,
RR
sens de rotation,sense of rotation,
PP
pression.pressure.

Claims (19)

  1. A printing method by transfer onto a printing medium (41) comprising the application of ink (20) onto a surface (12) of a blanket (13) and the transfer (40) onto the printing medium (41) of the ink applied to the surface (12) of the blanket (13), by direct contact between the blanket (13) and the printing medium (41),
    characterized in that:
    the surface (12) of the blanket (13) comprises a liquid receiving layer (11) to encapsulate the ink applied onto the surface (12) of the blanket (13) during the application step (20), said liquid receiving layer (11) is transferred with the ink onto the printing medium (41) during the transfer step.
  2. The printing method according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the step to apply ink (20) to the surface (12) of the blanket (13) uses an inkjet technique.
  3. The printing method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the method comprises a step (10) to deposit the receiving layer (11) on the surface (12) of the blanket (13).
  4. The printing method according to one of the preceding claims characterized in that the method comprises a step (10) to deposit the receiving layer (11) on the surface (12) of the blanket (13) before the ink application (20).
  5. The printing method according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the method comprises a step (10) to deposit the receiving layer (11) on the surface (12) of the blanket (13) after the ink application (20).
  6. The printing method according to one of the preceding claims characterized in that the receiving layer (11) and the ink are of different type.
  7. The method according to one of the preceding claims characterized in that the method comprises a fixing step (30, 50) to fix the ink and/or receiving layer (11).
  8. The method according to one of the preceding claims characterized in that the method comprises separate fixing steps (30, 50) for the ink and receiving layer (11).
  9. The method according to one of the preceding claims characterized in that the method comprises a fixing step (30, 50) of the ink and/or of the receiving layer (11) which is broken down into two sub-steps: a pre-fixing step and a final fixing step.
  10. The method according to one of the preceding claims characterized in that the method comprises a fixing step (30, 50) of the ink and/or receiving layer (11) by application of a treatment to the ink and/or receiving layer or by application of a treatment to a supporting medium (13, 41) thereof.
  11. The method according to one of the preceding claims characterized in that a fixing step (30, 50) is performed at least partly on the blanket (13).
  12. The method according to one of the preceding claims characterized in that a fixing step (30, 50) is performed at least partly on the printing medium (41).
  13. The method according to one of the preceding claims characterized in that a fixing step (30, 50) is performed before and/or after the transfer step (40).
  14. The method according to one of the preceding claims characterized in that it comprises a fixing step (30, 50) performed by heating e.g. by applying infrared or by cross-linking for example via ultraviolet application.
  15. The printing method according to one of the preceding claims characterized in that the receiving layer (11) is in a material capable of preventing the different ink drops from mixing together.
  16. The printing method according to one of the preceding claims characterized in that the receiving layer (11) and/or the ink is chosen from the group including a base of UV type, a solvent base, a water base or an oil base.
  17. The printing method according to one of the preceding claims characterized in that it comprises a step (10) for depositing the receiving layer (11) on the surface (12) of the blanket (13) chosen from the group including jetting, spraying or contact transfer.
  18. A blanket (13) for printing by transfer onto a printing medium (41) characterized in that the blanket (13) comprises a liquid receiving layer (11) according to one of the preceding claims.
  19. A printed printing medium (41) characterized in that it is obtained using the method according to one of the preceding claims.
EP07728768A 2006-05-04 2007-05-03 Information printing method by means of transfer to a printing medium Not-in-force EP2051858B1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
FR0603976A FR2900594B1 (en) 2006-05-04 2006-05-04 METHOD FOR PRINTING INFORMATION BY TRANSFERRING ON A PRINTING MEDIUM
PCT/EP2007/054315 WO2007128781A1 (en) 2006-05-04 2007-05-03 Information printing method by means of transfer to a printing medium

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP2051858A1 EP2051858A1 (en) 2009-04-29
EP2051858B1 true EP2051858B1 (en) 2012-09-19

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EP (1) EP2051858B1 (en)
ES (1) ES2395852T3 (en)
FR (1) FR2900594B1 (en)
PT (1) PT2051858E (en)
WO (1) WO2007128781A1 (en)

Families Citing this family (8)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
FR2905630B1 (en) 2006-09-12 2010-01-22 Impika TRANSFER PRINTING DEVICE ON A CYLINDRICAL PRINTING MEDIUM
FR3015927A1 (en) * 2013-12-27 2015-07-03 Oreal TRANSFER MAKEUP METHOD AND ASSOCIATED DEVICE.
FR3015887B1 (en) 2013-12-27 2017-03-24 Oreal DEVICE AND METHOD FOR MAKE-UP BY TRANSFERRING KERATINIC MATERIALS
FR3015889B1 (en) 2013-12-27 2016-02-05 Oreal DEVICE FOR MAKE-UP BY TRANSFERRING KERATINIC MATERIALS
FR3015888B1 (en) 2013-12-27 2017-03-31 Oreal DEVICE FOR MAKE-UP BY TRANSFERRING KERATINIC MATERIALS
FR3015870B1 (en) 2013-12-27 2016-02-05 Oreal DEVICE FOR MAKE-UP BY TRANSFERRING KERATINIC MATERIALS.
FR3015872B1 (en) 2013-12-27 2017-03-24 Oreal MAKE-UP DEVICE COMPRISING A PLURALITY OF COSMETIC INKS
EP3502800A1 (en) * 2017-12-20 2019-06-26 ETA SA Manufacture Horlogère Suisse Method for producing a functional element on a timepiece component

Family Cites Families (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US6279474B1 (en) * 1993-08-13 2001-08-28 Heidelberger Druckmaschinen Ag Method and device for transferring ink in a printing unit of an offset printing press
JP3367397B2 (en) * 1997-11-05 2003-01-14 王子製紙株式会社 Ink jet recording medium
US6779455B2 (en) * 2000-09-28 2004-08-24 Creo Il Ltd. Method of printing variable information
GB0301091D0 (en) * 2003-01-17 2003-02-19 Mabbott Robert J Provision of images on surfaces

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WO2007128781A1 (en) 2007-11-15
FR2900594A1 (en) 2007-11-09
EP2051858A1 (en) 2009-04-29
PT2051858E (en) 2013-01-07
ES2395852T3 (en) 2013-02-15
FR2900594B1 (en) 2010-06-04

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