EP3630490A1

EP3630490A1 - Device and method for the decoration of objects

Info

Publication number: EP3630490A1
Application number: EP18726999.8A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Wolfgang R DER; Bernd Egetemeir
Original assignee: Isimat Siebdruckmaschinen GmbH
Current assignee: Isimat Siebdruckmaschinen GmbH
Priority date: 2017-06-02
Filing date: 2018-05-24
Publication date: 2020-04-08
Also published as: IL270940B1; IL270940B2; BR112019024968A2; DE102017112259B3; US20200198366A1; CA3064474A1; WO2018219778A1; RU2019144335A; IL270940A; TW201904775A; TWI773763B; US11426994B2; JP7113853B2; CN111132845A; JP2020527476A; MX2019014248A; RU2019144335A3; CN111132845B; RU2760404C2

Abstract

The invention relates to a device (100) and a method for the decoration of objects (13) to be decorated, wherein the object (13) is retained by a retaining device (1). In a first step, decoration material is applied to a transfer medium (3) using a printing device (7). In a second step, adhesive is applied to the transfer medium (3) provided with the decoration material or to the object (13), and in a third step, the transfer medium (3) is pressed onto the object (13) by a pressing device (2) and the adhesive is simultaneously cured by a curing device (5).

Description

Device and method for decorating objects

Technical area

The present invention relates to a device and a method for decoration of objects to be decorated, in particular three-dimensional objects, preferably objects with cylindrical, oval or angular cross section, in particular tubes, bottles, jars, bottles and cans made of glass, ceramic, plastic or metal, and essentially two-dimensional objects, such as webs, strips, sheets, plates, disks, boards, or boards.

State of the art

For decorating paper, labels, plastic and glass packaging

Decorative films, in particular with metallized films, the hot stamping method is known. In this case, a transfer or embossing film is coated with a hot melt adhesive. A transfer or embossing foil is preferably understood as a decorative material detachably arranged on a plastic carrier foil, in particular a metal layer and / or color layer. In a hot embossing machine, the adhesive layer is activated with an embossing stamp with pressure and temperature, so that adhesion between

Decoration material and printed matter is created. Subsequently, the plastic carrier film is peeled off. In addition, there is the so-called cold stamping process, in which a transfer or embossing film is also used. In this case, however, an adhesive in a printing process (offset printing, flexographic printing, inkjet printing or screen printing) is first applied to an article in a first device. The transfer film provided with a decoration material, in particular with a metal layer, is laminated onto the article by a unwinding device and the adhesive layer is dried. The metal layer can be embodied as a vapor-deposited metallized layer and / or as a printed metal pigment layer. As a result, the decoration material adheres to the pre-printed with adhesive points and the plastic carrier film with the remaining, non-adhesive decoration material is removed and disposed of. The adhesive used is often a UV-curing adhesive (UV adhesive). The drying of the adhesive takes place in particular by means of UV light through the film.

The cold stamping process has a number of advantages over the hot stamping process. On the one hand, heating of the adhesive by an embossing stamp is not necessary. Since no stamping die is required, the resulting tooling costs are low. Furthermore, a cold stamping device can be integrated into a printing press, so that no separate production process is necessary.

A cold embossing on three-dimensional objects such as glasses, bottles or tubes is not possible with the known methods. In the known

Processes, the material to be provided with the metallization as decoration material and the transfer film after lamination must be conducted in parallel for a while in order to be able to achieve drying of the adhesive. However, three-dimensional objects are, for example, pushed onto a holding device, such as a retaining pin described in German Utility Model DE 202004019382 U1, and rotated by the latter when printing on various workstations about the longitudinal axis. This makes the object accessible from all sides and it is possible to print the object all around.

DE 1020121 12556 A1 discloses a method and a device for cold stamping, wherein in a first step an adhesive is applied to an object at a first workstation and in a second step a second workstation unwinds a roll from a roll by means of a transport device, with a metal layer provided transfer film is pressed by a pressing on the object and at the same time the adhesive is cured. The disadvantage is that the production of the transfer film used in this case takes place in a separate manufacturing process. In this case, a wide variety of layers are applied as a decorative material successively on the carrier film of the transfer film, in particular printed and / or vapor-deposited. The transfer film thus finished must then be transported to the apparatus in which the objects are decorated and mounted or clamped therein. Thus, on the one hand a transport effort is given, on the other hand, the type of decoration depends on which layers of decorative material in which arrangement on the

Transfer film is provided. The plastic carrier film must also be disposed of after a single use.

As described above, in the known devices and methods, the

Transfer film wound after their preparation in order to transport them to the pressing device having device. When winding, the decorative material printed on the transfer film comes forcibly in contact with the back side of the transfer film of the next or previous winding, depending on how the transfer film is wound around. This contact can lead to adhesion on the back of the transfer film when the decoration material is not completely dried, which in turn can lead to flaking during subsequent unwinding and consequently to faulty representations on the objects to be printed.

Presentation of the invention

Starting from the known prior art, it is an object of the present invention to provide an improved apparatus for decorating objects to be decorated, and a corresponding method.

The object is achieved by a device for decorating objects to be decorated with the features of claim 1 and by a method for decorating objects having the features of claim 27. Advantageous developments of the device and the method will become apparent from the dependent claims and the present description and the figures. Accordingly, an apparatus for decorating objects to be decorated is proposed, comprising a holding device for holding an object and a pressing device for pressing a decorative material provided with

Transfer medium to the object. According to the invention, a printing device for

Applying the decoration material provided on the transfer medium in front of the pressing device. Preferably, the printing device for printing the transfer medium is formed with a multicolored decorative material. Accordingly, a method for decorating objects to be decorated is further proposed, wherein an object to be decorated is held by a holding device. In this case, in a first step by a printing device decorative material on a transfer medium

applied in a second step, adhesive applied to the decorating material provided with the transfer medium or on the object, and in a third step, the transfer medium of a pressing device on the object pressed and

in particular, at the same time the adhesive cured by a curing device.

Characterized in that a printing device for applying the decoration material is provided on the transfer medium in front of the pressing device, the transfer medium in the same device briefly or substantially immediately before the pressing and transferring, thus the decoration of the object to be decorated takes place, be printed with the decoration material , Thus, any changes in the decoration or design of the print and / or the number of items to be decorated can be responded quickly and flexibly. A separate printing entire film webs and an additional necessary unwinding before printing and subsequent winding after printing are not necessary. Thus, the logistical effort to print the objects and the committee of

Transfer material reduced. In addition, a device having the device can be made smaller and simpler than known from the prior art systems, since the separate device for producing the transfer film and any means for transporting the wound finished finished transfer film omitted. The inventive method requires a less complex structure, since the at

Method of the prior art required process steps of the separate manufacturing and the subsequent Aufwickickeins the finished transfer film in a separate device and the transporting the wound printed transfer film to a further device omitted.

Moreover, this now only ever the transfer medium to print, a direct printing of the object to be decorated is no longer necessary. This way objects with complex or strongly curved shapes can be easily printed. Furthermore, the conditions for printing or embossing are essentially always the same. Because it is always printed on the transfer medium, therefore always on a particular in terms of their physical and chemical nature

Consistent surface on which the parameters of the printing process can be set exactly and optimally. In this respect, the procedural effort for decorating the objects is low.

The term "in front of the pressing device" is understood to mean that the pressure device is in a direction of movement of the pressing device or a

Direction of movement of the transfer medium seen the pressure device is arranged upstream. In other words, a portion of the transfer medium passes first the printing device and then passes to the pressing device. Thus, at least a section-wise printing of the transfer medium with decoration material takes place first by the printing device and then, preferably immediately thereafter, a

Transferring the decoration material to the object by the pressing device.

Preferably, after printing the transfer medium with decoration material and before transferring the decoration material onto the object, the adhesive is applied to the printed transfer medium and / or to the object.

Accordingly, the transfer medium does not have to be wound up after printing with decoration material, but can be continued directly to the pressing device without first having come into contact with a surface, in particular the rear side of the wound-up transfer medium.

A transfer medium is in particular a flexible carrier material, in particular a flexible plastic carrier foil, to which the decorative material can be removably applied. The transfer medium may, for example, a

Plastic carrier film of polyester, polyolefin, polyvinyl, polyimide, acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene copolymers (ABS), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polycarbonates (PC), Polypropylene (PP), polyethylene (PE), polyvinyl chloride (PVC) or polystyrene (PS) in particular with a layer thickness of 5 μιη to 50 μιη, preferably from 7 μιη to 23 μιη, advantageously with a primer layer applied thereto. Thus, it is possible that the transfer medium comprises a primer layer.

A primer layer is here preferably understood as meaning an adhesion promoter layer by means of which the subsequent layers adhere better to the plastic carrier film.

The primer layer is preferably made of polyacrylates and / or

Vinyl acetate copolymers having a layer thickness of 0.1 μιη to 1, 5 μιη, preferably from 0.5 μιη to 0.8 μιη, which in particular forms a carrier material facing away from the surface of the transfer medium. The primer layer can be optimized in terms of its physical and chemical properties with respect to the adhesive used, so that largely independent of the object optimum adhesion between the object and transfer medium is guaranteed. Furthermore, such optimized

Primer layer that the applied adhesive in the desired resolution remains largely without bleeding, spreading or crimping on the transfer medium.

It is particularly expedient if the primer layer is microporous and preferably has a surface roughness in the range of 100 nm to 180 nm, more preferably in the range of 120 nm to 160 nm. The adhesive can partially penetrate into such a layer and is thus particularly well fixed in high resolution.

It has proven to be particularly favorable that a primer layer with a

Pigmentation number from 1, 5 cm ³ / g to 120 cm ³ / g, preferably with a pigmentation number of 10 cm ³ / g to 20 cm ³ / g, is used.

For example, the composition of a primer layer is given below for calculation (in grams):

4900 organic solvent ethyl alcohol

150 organic solvent toluene

2400 organic solvent acetone

600 organic solvent gasoline 80/1 10

150 water 120 Binder I: ethyl methacrylate polymer

250 binder II: vinyl acetate homopolymer

500 binder III: vinyl acetate vinyl laurate copolymer, FK

400 binder IV: iso-butyl methacrylate

20 pigment multifunctional silica, average particle size 3 μιη

5 filler micronized amide wax, particle size 3 μιη to 8 μιη

The following applies to the pigmentation number for this primer layer:

(m _P xf) _x _ 20g x 750

ρ ^ζ = Σ = 14.7 cnrVg

(m _BM + m _A ) 1020g + 0g

With:

mp = 20 g multifunctional silica

f = ÖZ / d = 300 / 0.4 g / cm ³ = 750 cm ³ / g for multifunctional silica

ITIBM = 120 g binder I + 250 g binder II + (0.5 x 500 g) binder III + 400 g

Binder IV = 1020 g

ITIA = 0 g.

In this way, starting from a well-found composition of the primer layer can be calculated quickly and easily deviating other possible pigmentation.

Furthermore, it is expedient if the primer layer has a surface tension of 38 mN / m to 46 mN / m, preferably from 41 mN / m to 43 mN / m. Such

Surface tensions allow adhesive drops, especially of

Adhesive systems as described above, adhere to the surface with a defined geometry without running.

With the use of a thermoplastic toner, it has proven particularly favorable that a primer layer having a pigmentation number of 0.5 cm ³ / g to 120 cm ³ / g, preferably with a pigmentation number of 1 cm ³ / g to 10 cm ³ / g, is used.

For example, the composition of a primer layer for this use is given below for calculation (in grams): 340 organic solvent ethyl alcohol

3700 organic solvent toluene

1500 organic solvent acetone

225 Binder I: chlorinated polypropylene

125 Binder II: poly-n-butyl-methyl-methacrylate

35 Binder III: n-butyl-methyl-methyl-methacrylate copolymer

148 pigment multifunctional silica, average particle size 12 nm

The pigmentation number for this primer layer is: χΛ 148g × 4.4

ΡΖ- Σ = 1, 69 cm ³ / g

(m _BM + m _A ) 385g + 0g

With:

mp = 148 g multifunctional silica

f = ÖZ / d = 220/50 g / cm ³ = 4.4 cm ³ / g for multifunctional silica

ITIBM = 225 g binder I + 125 g binder II + 35 g binder III = 385 g

ITIA = 0 g.

The decoration material is preferably applied directly to the transfer medium. But it is also possible that the decoration material is applied to an existing coating of the transfer medium. It is also possible for the transfer medium to be provided with an existing coating only on a surface area basis and for the decoration material to be applied in free areas between the existing coating and / or on the existing coating. The existing coating may be, for example, a release layer or another functional layer. The existing coating may alternatively or additionally be, for example, an already existing decorative coating of printed and / or vapor-deposited color layers, metal layers, reflection layers, protective layers, functional layers or the like.

The release layer preferably consists of an acrylate copolymer, in particular of an aqueous polyurethane copolymer, and is preferably free of wax and / or free of silicone. Preferably, the release layer has a layer thickness of 0.01 μιη to 2 μιη, preferably from 0.1 μιη to 0.5 μιη, and is advantageously arranged on a surface of the plastic carrier film. The release layer allows for easy and damage-free detachment of the plastic carrier film from the transfer medium after its application to the object.

The decoration material preferably comprises one or more lacquer layers

Nitrocellulose, polyacrylate and polyurethane copolymer having a respective layer thickness of 0.1 μιη to 5 μιη, preferably from 1 μιη to 2 μιη, which is arranged in particular on a plastic carrier film remote from the surface of the release layer. The one or more paint layers can be transparent, translucent or opaque in each case. Thus, it is possible that the one or more layers of lacquer are transparent colored, translucent colored or opaque colored.

The coloring of the one or more lacquer layers can be based on the process colors cyan, yellow, magenta and black, but also on special colors (eg in the color system RAL or HKS or ^Pantone® ). The one or more resist layers may alternatively or additionally comprise metal pigments and / or in particular optically variable effect pigments.

The one or more lacquer layer can be present over the entire surface or only partially, for example as so-called spot lacquering. A spot coating enables area-wise optical effects. Here, targeted areas are painted, for example, with a gloss varnish and / or with a matt varnish in order to optically change the particular surface area, in particular to upgrade it. As an alternative or in addition to the optical effect, it is also possible to achieve haptic effects. The

Decorative material preferably has a metal layer of aluminum and / or chromium and / or silver and / or gold and / or copper, in particular with a layer thickness of 10 nm to 200 nm, preferably from 10 nm to 50 nm.

As an alternative or in addition to the metal layer, a layer of an HRI material (HRI = High Refractive Index) may also be provided. HRI materials are

For example, metal oxides such as ZnS, TiO _x or lacquers with corresponding

Nanoparticles.

Preferably, the printing device is adapted to print the transfer medium in screen printing, flexographic printing, digital printing (eg inkjet printing, xerographic printing, liquid toner printing) or offset printing. In the case of printing the transfer medium with a curable by UV radiation decorative material, it is advantageous to pre-set the decoration material directly after printing on the transfer medium with a UV light source, so it makes sense if the printing device is a UV light source for pre-curing the decoration material which is preferably arranged at the end of the printing device and / or in front of an adhesive Appliziervorrichtung. In particular, the viscosity of the

Decoration material increased. This avoids bleeding or excessive squeezing of the applied areas of the decorative material in the further processing, so that a particularly sharp edge application of the decorative material and a particularly high surface quality of the transferred layers can be achieved on the object. In this case, a slight squeezing of the decoration material is quite

desirable to directly adjacent areas of the decorative material, in particular very small areas, so-called pixels approach and unite. This may be advantageous, for example, to avoid pixelation of the image in the case of closed surfaces and / or at motif borders, i. To avoid that individual pixels appear visually disturbing. The squeezing may preferably be carried out only so far that the desired resolution is not reduced too much.

Advantageously, the UV light is emitted in the wavelength range from 220 nm to 420 nm, preferably in the wavelength range from 350 nm to 400 nm.

Preferably, the UV light source for pre-curing the decoration material is an LED light source. With LED light sources, nearly monochromatic light can be provided, thus ensuring that necessary for curing of the adhesive

Wavelength range the required radiation intensity is available. This can not usually be achieved with conventional medium pressure mercury vapor lamps.

In a preferred embodiment, the apparatus further comprises an adhesive applicator for applying adhesive to the decorative material provided with the transfer medium and / or on the object and a curing device for curing the adhesive, wherein the curing device preferably in the

Pressing device is arranged and the pressing device is arranged so that the pressing of the transfer medium and the curing of the adhesive can be done simultaneously. As a result, the decorative material of the transfer medium adheres to the adhesive provided on the object. If, after that, after pressing the Transfer medium is removed from the object, the decoration material remains at the desired locations on the object. In places where no adhesive has been applied to the object or transfer medium, this will adhere

Decoration material not on the object, but remains on the carrier material of the transfer medium.

Preferably, the adhesive applicator is adapted to apply the adhesive by screen printing, flexographic printing, digital printing (e.g., inkjet printing, xerographic printing,

apply liquid toner printing).

In a further preferred embodiment, the adhesive applicator is arranged between the printing device and the pressing device, wherein the

Adhesive Appliziereinrichtung the adhesive in particular to the through

Printing device printed transfer medium, in particular on a carrier material facing away from the surface of the transfer medium, applying. Among other things, this can be avoided that during later pressing of the transfer medium on the object an offset or too large a tolerance between the decoration material and alternatively previously applied to the object adhesive is present and the decoration material is not correctly transferred to the object.

Alternatively or additionally, the adhesive may be transferred to the object with the adhesive applicator in an upstream station.

A particularly advantageous, compact and simple design of the device can be achieved if the adhesive applicator is formed as part of the printing device. Here, the adhesive applicator is preferably arranged at the end of the printing device. In other words, the adhesive is applied after the transfer medium has been provided with the decoration material.

In the event that the adhesive has curable components by means of UV radiation, it is advantageous to apply the adhesive directly after application of the adhesive to the

For example, it is useful if the adhesive application device has a UV light source for precuring the adhesive, which is preferably arranged at the end of the adhesive application device and / or in front of the pressure device In particular, this increases the viscosity of the adhesive, which avoids bleeding or bleeding strong squeezing of the applied areas of the adhesive in the other

Processing, so that a particularly sharp edge application of the decoration material and a particularly high surface quality of the transferred layers can be achieved on the object. In this case, a slight squeezing of the adhesive is quite desirable in order to approximate and combine directly adjacent areas of the print medium, in particular extremely small areas, so-called pixels. This may be advantageous, for example, to avoid pixelation of the image in the case of closed surfaces and / or at motif borders, i. To avoid that individual pixels appear visually disturbing. The squeezing may preferably be carried out only so far that the desired resolution is not reduced too much.

Preferably, the UV light source for pre-curing the adhesive is an LED light source. Nearly monochromatic light can be provided with LED light sources, thus ensuring that the required radiation intensity is available in the wavelength range necessary for curing the adhesive. This can be done with conventional

Mercury medium-pressure lamps usually can not be achieved.

In order to ensure that the decoration material adheres to the transfer medium, in a further preferred embodiment, a drying unit may be provided for drying the decoration material applied to the transfer medium, wherein the drying unit is preferably formed as part of the printing device. In particular, when the adhesive is applied to the printed transfer medium, it can be ensured that non-dried decorative material runs or smears when the adhesive is applied to the transfer medium.

The drying unit may preferably be designed such that drying and / or curing takes place by means of UV light irradiation and / or thermal drying for chemical or physical drying and / or curing.

The drying unit is arranged upstream of the adhesive applicator, so that drying of the decoration material applied to the transfer medium and, subsequently, application of the adhesive to the transfer medium, and thus to the decoration material printed on the transfer medium, takes place first. In a preferred embodiment, the device has a transfer medium guide which is set up to guide the transfer medium tangentially to the outer circumference of the object. The pressing device is arranged so that it along the

Touch area between the object and transfer medium presses the transfer medium on the object. By a rotation of the object by 360 ° about the axis of rotation thus the decoration material can be applied to all points on the object.

Preferably, the pressing device can be moved so that the

Surface surface speed of the pressing device to the

Surface velocity of the object can be adjusted, and also the transfer medium preferably be movable so that the surface area velocity of the transfer medium can be adapted to the surface velocity of the object. In other words, the movement of the pressing device and the

Movement of the object are synchronized to each other so that the relative movement of transfer medium and object to each other is as low as possible or preferably zero. This ensures that the pressing device, the transfer medium and the object do not rub against each other. This prevents smearing of the adhesive on the object. Likewise, the risk of damaging the transfer medium or the object is reduced.

Thus, it is advantageous if the relative movement of the transfer medium and the object is set such that a maximum unwinding tolerance of ± 5 mm, preferably ± 3 mm, and / or a maximum velocity tolerance on the circumference of the object of ± 15%, preferably ± 10%. So it is possible that the

Surface area velocity of the transfer medium and the

Surface velocity of the object by less than ± 15%, preferably by less than ± 10%.

In a further preferred embodiment of the device, the pressing device has a cylinder which can be rotated about the cylinder longitudinal axis. A pressing of the

Transfer medium to the object can then take place in that the transfer medium is guided with simultaneous rotation of the cylinder about the cylinder longitudinal axis and the object about the rotation axis between the cylinder and the object, or in that the

Transfer medium by means of the cylinder over a preferably flat or flat surface of the object is unrolled. Alternatively and / or in addition to the cylinder, the pressing device may also have a plate. The transfer medium can in this case be guided directly along the plate and thereby pressed against the object.

A particularly secure application of the decoration material to the object can be achieved if the adhesive is a UV-curing adhesive and the curing device comprises a UV light source for curing the adhesive, wherein the pressing device is at least partially transparent in sub-areas for UV light and at least partially disposed between UV light source and holding device. The UV light is thereby preferably in the wavelength range from 220 nm to 420 nm, more preferably in the

Wavelength range 350 nm to 400 nm, emitted.

It is thus possible that the device for decorating objects has a plurality of UV light sources. Thus, it is possible that the device for decorating objects has a first UV light source for pre-curing the decoration material, which is preferably arranged at the end of the printing device and / or in front of an adhesive applicator, has a second UV light source for pre-curing the adhesive , which preferably at the end of the adhesive applicator and / or before

Pressing device is arranged, and / or a third UV light source for curing the adhesive comprises, which is preferably comprised of the curing device, wherein the curing device is preferably arranged in the region of the pressing device and the pressing device is arranged so that the pressing of the transfer medium and the Hardening of the adhesive can be done simultaneously.

The pressing device is transparent or translucent, especially in the wavelength range from 220 nm to 420 nm, preferably in the range from 350 nm to 400 nm, particularly preferably in the range from 365 nm to 395 nm, for UV radiation. The transparency or

Translucency should be in particular 30% to 100%, preferably 40% to 100%. Lower transparency or translucency may be due to higher UV intensity

be compensated.

As UV light sources can be used, for example, LED spotlights, mercury vapor lamps, or even with iron and / or gallium doped mercury vapor lamps.

Preferably, the UV light source for curing the adhesive is an LED light source. With LED light sources almost monochromatic light can be provided, so that it is ensured that the required radiation intensity is available in the wavelength range necessary for curing the adhesive. This can be done with conventional

Mercury medium-pressure lamps usually can not be achieved.

Advantageously, the distance of the UV light source for curing the adhesive to the object is 2 mm to 50 mm, preferably 2 mm to 40 mm, in order to achieve optimum through-hardening, but in particular to avoid physical contact of the UV light source with the object. Preferably, the size of the irradiation window of the UV light source for curing the adhesive in the machine direction is between 5 mm to 40 mm.

When using LED light sources usually takes the energy of the radiation from about 5 mm distance from the LED light source, in particular due to the relatively high divergence of the LED light source, comparatively strong, so that the distance to the object is preferably selected to be correspondingly low , The use of LED light sources with optical focusing allows a larger distance to the object, which in particular also enables the use in structurally difficult conditions. Furthermore, it is possible for the irradiation window to be smaller when using LED light sources with optical focusing, in particular in comparison to an irradiation window when using UV light sources without optical focusing.

The gross UV irradiance is preferably between 1 W / cm ² and 50 W / cm ² , preferably between 3 W / cm ² and 40 W / cm ² . This ensures that the adhesive is completely through-cured at web speeds of about 10 m / min to 60 m / min (or higher) and possibly the other factors already discussed in the pre-cure.

Considering these factors, the adhesive in this process is irradiated with a net UV irradiance of preferably between 4.8 W / cm ² and 8.0 W / cm ² . This corresponds to a net energy input (dose) at a preferred irradiation time between about 0.1 s (at 10 m / min web speed and a 20 mm wide

Irradiation window) and about 0.04 s (at 30 m / min web speed and a 20 mm wide irradiation window) into the adhesive from about 100 mJ / cm ² to 2000 mJ / cm ² , preferably from about 100 mJ / cm ² to 1000 mJ / cm ² , in particular wherein this net energy input is variable depending on the required hardening. It should be noted in particular that these values are only theoretically possible (at 100% lamp power). In particular, at full power of the UV light source for curing the adhesive, for example in a 20 W / cm ² version, and a low web speed, for example 10 m / min, the transfer medium heats up so much that it can catch fire.

Therefore, the net energy input ² and 500 is particularly preferably depending on the web speed is between 100 mJ / cm mJ / cm ^2.

For example, the UV light source can be arranged within a cylinder of the pressing device. For this purpose, the cylinder is designed at least in places as a hollow cylinder. The material of the cylinder is chosen so that the wavelengths of UV light, which are required for the curing of the adhesive, can be transmitted through the cylinder. The cylinder can be completely transparent to the UV light; but it can also be provided in the cylinder transparent window so that only UV light exits the cylinder when just the UV light is needed to cure the adhesive.

The cylinder can be made in the transparent for UV light areas, for example, PMMA (polymethyl methacrylate, acrylic glass) and / or borosilicate glass. Both materials have, especially in the wavelength range from 350 nm to 400 nm, a transmittance of at least 50%, preferably of at least 70%.

The transmittance is in particular the proportion of incident electromagnetic waves, in this case "light", which penetrate a component.

Layer structure or layer thickness, the transmittance may be different. The transmittance is thus a measure of the transmitted, i. the transmitted,

Intensity and takes values between 0 and 100%.

As described in the previous section, it is possible that the cylinder of the pressing device is completely or partially transparent, so that the UV light can be sufficiently transmitted, in particular in order to completely harden or harden the adhesive. In this case, the decoration material preferably also has a sufficient degree of transmittance, in particular in order to be able to cure the adhesive on the back of the printed image by means of UV light. This has turned into practical

Tried to show that especially in a multicolored print image

Transmittance of decoration material of at least 2.5% in

Wavelength range between 350 nm and 400 nm of UV light is sufficient to one to be able to achieve sufficient exposure of the adhesive behind it in the exposure direction.

In measurements of the transmittance of the decorative material, for example, the following values were determined:

Tint of transmittance in layer thickness of the

Decoration material percent at about 395 decorative material in

nm μηι

Glazing color, cyan 35% 6

Glazing paint, 53% 6

magenta

Glazing Color, Yellow 15% 6

Glazing Color Black, Black 3.5% 6

Covering color coat, White 0% 15

steamed aluminum with 6.3%

a thickness of about 15 nm

up to 20 nm

In particular, if the transmittance of the decoration material is too low for a sufficient exposure of the adhesive, for example in the above-mentioned opaque white decoration material, it is advantageous that the decoration material is rasterformig arranged in first zones with decorative material and second zones without decorative material. It is particularly advantageous in this case to arrange the first and / or second zones in the form of thin lines and / or small grid elements having a line width and / or with a minimum grid element dimension of less than 500 μm, preferably of less than 250 μm. The UV light can pass through the second zones without decoration material in sufficient amount to the adhesive and expose it there sufficiently for curing. Due to their small size, the first zones can be at least partially irradiated, so that the adhesive can also at least partially be exposed there and thus cured.

Preferably, the ratio of the mean width of the first zones to the mean width of the second zones is between 0.75: 1 and 1: 5. Thus, preferably, the width of the first zones less than 250 μιη and the width of the second zones more than 250 μιη. Preferably, the first and second zones are arranged according to a one- or two-dimensional grid, for example a line grid or a surface grid. Thus, it is possible that the first zones and / or second zones are punctiform or in the form of a polygon. The raster element shapes are preferably selected from: point-shaped, diamond-shaped and cross-shaped. However, it is also possible to use differently shaped raster element shapes.

Preferably, the grid or the distribution of the first and second zones is regular or random (stochastic) or pseudo-random.

Furthermore, it is also possible that the one- or two-dimensional grid is a geometrically transformed grid. Thus, for example, it is possible that it is a circular or wavy transformed one-dimensional grid, wherein, for example, the first zones are provided in the form of concentric circular rings or in the form of wavy lines.

Preferably, the area of the object to be illuminated with UV light can be adjusted so that the curing of the UV adhesive when pressing the

Transfer medium on the adhesive has progressed so far that the decorative layer of the transfer medium adheres to the object and can be solved by the transfer medium. Depending on the adhesive used and the intensity of the UV light, it may be necessary to apply the adhesive to the object before the line of contact between the object and the object

To illuminate transfer medium. The setting of the area to be illuminated can be done, for example, by diaphragms (possibly adjustable or exchangeable) between the UV light source and the object. One or more apertures can also be directly at the

Be applied pressure device. The adjustment can also be made by adjusting the divergence of the UV light emitted by the UV light source.

In a further preferred embodiment of the method, the adhesive applicator is a flexographic printing station. The adhesive can then be applied to the object by means of a printing plate mounted on the printing plate. Alternatively, the adhesive applicator can also be a screen printing station or a

Digital printing station (for example, an inkjet printing station, xerographic printing station, liquid toner printing station). In a further preferred embodiment of the device, the

Andrückeinrichtung further comprises a flexible pressure on. This allows

Irregularities of the object, the transfer medium and / or the machine structure are compensated. The flexible pressure layer may for example consist of silicone.

In a further preferred embodiment of the method, the pressure-sensitive layer is transparent to UV light, at least in some areas. The areas where the

Pressure layer is transparent, can be found on the areas where the

Pressing device is transparent, orient. However, it is also possible for the pressure-applying layer to be completely transparent, while the pressure-applying device is only partially transparent.

In a particularly preferred further embodiment, the transfer medium is provided as an endless belt. This makes it possible to use the transfer medium multiple times. In other words, after being printed by the printing device and transferring the decoration material to an object in the pressing device, the transfer medium need not be wound up and disposed of, but may be deflected and fed again to the printing device. The transfer medium is preferably designed as a transparent, dimensionally stable, in particular tensile, endless belt. In this embodiment, in particular, the decoration material is completely transferred from the transfer medium to the object, so that the transfer medium is then largely free of decorative material and can be reused.

In order to achieve that radiation emitted from the curing device can penetrate through the transfer medium in sufficient strength, it can for the respective

Wavelength regions have to be transparent and / or have a coating for separation during the transfer of the decoration material to the object, in particular a release layer. Thereby, a secure transfer of the decorative material and a secure curing of the adhesive is achieved.

In a preferred embodiment, the transfer medium provided as an endless belt is clamped between a transfer media guide and the pressing device. This ensures that the transfer medium is always aligned correctly.

At the same time, the transfer medium can be achieved by the friction achieved by means of the clamping between transfer medium guide and transfer medium are driven in its direction of movement. Preferably, the transfer medium provided as an endless belt is clamped between a preferably motor-driven cylinder of the pressing device and a preferably motor-driven tensioning roller of the transfer medium guide.

In a further preferred embodiment, the transfer medium is arranged directly on the pressing device, preferably on a cylinder of the pressing device. In this way, a particularly simple construction of the device can be achieved.

In a further preferred embodiment, the device further comprises a

Cleaning device for cleaning the printed transfer medium after the

Press the transfer medium onto the object. As a result, adhesive residues and the parts of the decorative material which have not been transferred by the pressing means from the transfer medium to the object can be removed from the transfer medium. The thus purified transfer medium can thereby be reused.

In a further preferred embodiment, the device further comprises a

Pretreatment device for pretreating the transfer medium prior to the application of the decorative material. As a result, the surface to be printed of the

Transfer medium with respect to the adhesion behavior of the decorative material on the transfer medium can be improved. In addition, thus a secure adhesion of the

Decoration material when printing the transfer medium and a safe detachment of the decoration material of the transfer medium when transferring the decoration material on the object are made possible.

For a particularly efficient and secure printing and transfer of the

Decoration material to achieve, the transfer medium through the

Pre-treatment device with a coating for better separation during the transfer of the decoration material on the object, in particular a release layer, are provided. Furthermore, by the pretreatment device

Irregularities in the surface of the transfer medium are compensated.

In a preferred embodiment, the surface of the object is pretreated before decoration. This pretreatment may in particular comprise an object cleaning step and / or an activation step. In the object cleaning step are preferably contaminants and / or existing protective coatings or other functional coatings, the

in particular for the transport of the object and / or during the manufacture of the object were removed.

In glassy surfaces continue to be particularly problems due to the surface-bound moisture. In this case, the moisture is bound in particular in the form of gel layers which adversely affect the adhesive properties of the layers to be subsequently applied to the surface.

The ability of the surface to allow adhesion to subsequently applied layers, particularly decoration, also depends on the applied or generated reactive groups on the surface, since these are the basis for the firm bonding of the subsequently applied layers. The density in particular of the reactive OH groups present in the silicate layer of glass is insufficient in the known processes, which leads to a reduced adhesion of the subsequently applied layers.

In the activation step, which preferably takes place after the object cleaning step, the surface of the object is advantageously modified in such a way that adhesion of the subsequently applied decoration is increased and improved. The modification can be carried out chemically and / or physically.

The object cleaning step comprises in particular a modification of the surface of the object with at least one oxidizing flame. The object cleaning step has the advantage that the moisture bound to the amorphous surface of the compact substrate in the form of non-homogeneous gel layers is reduced.

Surprisingly, the gel layer is reproducibly reduced by the object cleaning step. The gel layer is dependent on the particular amorphous structure as well as the state of aging of the gel layer. Due to the oxidizing flame is the

Gel layer and thus reduces the bound moisture. The reduction of the gel layer leads to reproducible, homogeneous surface properties.

In this case, an oxidizing flame means any ignited gas, gas-air mixture, aerosol or spray which contains excess oxygen and / or can have an oxidizing effect. The activation step comprises in particular modification of the surface of the object with at least one silicating flame. In this case, up to 60 nm, preferably a 5 nm to 50 nm, more preferably a 10 nm to 30 nm, thick silicon oxide layer

applied, which is characterized by a high content of reactive OH groups. The homogeneity and the good adhesion properties of the applied silicon oxide layer are achieved by the combination of the object cleaning step and activation step. It is advantageous to choose the number of flames so that one to ten,

in particular one to five, oxidizing and / or silicating flames modify the surface of the object.

The reactive groups on the surface are the chemical basis for a solid chemical attachment of the subsequently applied surface-treating agents

Layers, for example wax layers and / or lacquer layers and / or

Color layers. If the surface consists of an amorphous substance, for example of glass, the surface density of the OH groups is the surface of the

Compact substrate according to the invention by a factor of 2 to 5 higher than untreated surfaces.

The silicon oxide layer or silicate layer applied in the second treatment step has a submicroscopic roughness. The roughness and the associated mechanical anchoring possibility for further layers leads to a significantly improved adhesion of all following layers. By the object cleaning step and the activation step is a reproducible, homogeneous, micro-retentive

Surface generated. The combination of the two process steps surprisingly leads to a reduction in the gel layer and to an increase in density and to a homogeneous distribution of the reactive OH groups.

In the activation step, a gas is used which comprises compounds comprising components selected from the group of alkylsilanes, alkoxysilanes, alkyltitanium, alkoxytitanium, alkylaluminum, alkoxyaluminum or combinations thereof.

Preferred examples of such compounds are tetramethylsilane, tetramethyltitanium, tetramethytatuminum, tetraethylsilane, tetraethyltitanium, tetraethylaluminum, 1, 2-dichlorotetramethylsilane, 1, 2-dichlorotetramethyltitanium, 1, 2-dichlorotetramethylaluminum, 1, 2-diphenyltetramethylsilane, 1, 2-diphenyltetramethyltitanium, 1, 2 - Diphenyltetramethylaluminum, 1,2-dichlorotetraethylsilane, 1,2-dichlorotetraethyltitanium, 1,2-dichlorotetraethylaluminum, 1,2-diphenyltetraethylsilane, 1,2-diphenyltetraethyltitanium, 1,2-diphenyltetraethylaluminum, 1,2,3-trichlorotetramethylsilane, 1, 2, 3- trichlorotetramethyltitanium, 1,2,3-trichlorotetramethylaluminum, 1,3,3-triphenyltetramethylsilane, 1,2,3-triphenyltetramethyltitanium, 1,3,3-triphenyltetramethylaluminum, dimethyldiethyltetrasilane, dimethyldiethyltetratitan,

Dimethyldiethyltetraaluminum and similar compounds.

In addition, among such alkyl compounds, a silane compound, a

Alkyl titanium compound and an alkylaluminum compound, tetramethylsilane,

Tetramethyltitanium, tetramethylaluminum, tetraethylsilane, tetraethyltitanium and

Tetraethylaluminum preferably modifying compounds because of its particularly low boiling point and its easy miscibility with air and the like gases, while a silane halide compound such as 1, 2-dichlorotetramethylsilane is preferably used as a modifier.

In addition, among the above-mentioned compounds, alkoxysilane, alkoxytitanium and alkoxyaluminum compounds are preferable, as long as their boiling point is in the range between 10 ° C and 100 ° C, because they generally have high boiling points due to their ester structure, but an even better surface-modifying one Enable effect of the solid substrate.

Under a silicating flame in the context of the invention, any ignited gas, gas-air mixture, aerosol or spray understood, with the help of

flame pyrolytic decomposition of a silicon-containing substance, a silicon oxide layer is applied to a surface. It can be provided in particular that the silicon-containing coating is applied substantially free of carbon and that in the case of flame pyrolysis as a silicon-containing substance, a silicon alkoxysilane in a

Mixture of air and fuel gas and, if necessary, oxygen is introduced. The fuel gas includes, for example, propane, butane, luminescent gas and / or natural gas.

It is preferable that the value of the average molecular weight of the modifying compound is in the range of 50 to 1,000, preferably 60 to 500, more preferably 70 to 200, as measured by mass spectrum analysis. At an average molecular weight of the modifying compound below 50, the Volatility is high and handling is sometimes difficult. On the other hand, if the value of the average molecular weight of the modifying compound is more than 1,000, the

Evaporation by heating and easy mixing with air or similar gases in some cases difficult.

Furthermore, it is advantageous if the density of the modifying compound in the liquid state is in the range from 0.3 g / cm ³ to 0.9 g / cm ³ , preferably in the range from 0.4 g / cm ³ to 0.8 g / cm ³ , more preferably in the range of 0.5 g / cm ³ to 0.7 g / cm ³ . With a density value of the modifying substance in the liquid state below 0.3 g / cm ³ handling is difficult and the inclusion in aerosol cans is sometimes problematic. On the other hand, if the density of the modifying compound in the liquid state is above 0.9 g / cm ³ , evaporation becomes difficult and, when taken up in aerosol cans, in some cases complete separation with air or similar gases may occur.

It is advantageous if the modifying compound is heated and evaporated and mixed in the vaporized state with the fuel gas and then burned. The boiling point of the modifying compound is preferably between 10 ° C and 80 ° C.

In particular, the amount of the modifying compound in the fuel gas has a value in the range of 1 × ¹⁰ -10 mole% to 10 mole% of the total amount of the fuel gas.

In particular, the wetting index after the surface modification has a value in the range from 40 mN / m (dyn / cm) to 80 mN / m (dyn / cm) at a measuring temperature of 25 ° C.

The flame temperature of the oxidizing and / or silicating flame is preferably in the range from 500 ° C to 1500 ° C, in particular from 900 ° C to 1200 ° C, and / or the surface of the object is advantageously at 35 ° C to 150 ° C,

in particular to 50 ° C to 100 ° C, heated.

The treatment time with the oxidizing and / or silicating flame is in particular in the range from 0.1 seconds to 100 seconds, preferably in the range from 0.1 seconds to 10 seconds, particularly preferably in the range from 0.1 seconds to 5 seconds. In order to easily control the flame temperature of the oxidizing and / or silicating flame, it is advisable to add a combustible gas to the fuel gas. As such combustible gases, hydrocarbon gases such as propane gas and natural gas or combustible gases such as hydrogen, oxygen, air and the like can be used. When using combustible gases stored in aerosol cans, it is preferable to use propane gas and compressed air or the like.

It is preferable that the value of the amount of combustible gas contained is in the range of from 80 mol% to 99.9 mol% of the total amount of fuel gas, preferably in the range of from 85 mol% to 99 mol%, more preferably in Range from 90 mole% to 99 mole%. At a fuel gas content below 80 mol%, the mixing properties of the modifying compound decrease and in some cases the air results in imperfect combustion of the modifying compound. By contrast, if the value of the fuel gas contained is more than 99.9 mol%, in some cases the modifying effect of surfaces is eliminated.

It is also preferable to add a carrier gas for the oxidizing and / or silicating flame in order to uniformly mix the amount of the modifying compound into the fuel gas. It is preferable to premix the modifying compound with a carrier gas and then into the combustible gas such. As the air flow, interfere. By adding a carrier gas, even when using a modifying compound having a relatively high molecular weight, which is difficult to transport, it is uniformly mixed in the air stream. By adding the carrier gas, the modifying compound is easily burned and the

Modification of the surface of the article can be carried out uniformly and sufficiently.

It is preferred that for the carrier gas, the same gas as for the combustible gas, z. As air and oxygen or hydrocarbon gases such as propane gas and natural gas is used.

The combined treatment of the surface with at least one oxidizing and at least one silicizing flame provides a homogeneous, micro-retentive surface having a high density of reactive groups.

Advantageously, the roughness and the good adhesive property of the in the

Activating step applied silicate layer that a subsequently applied Decoration, especially the subsequently applied decorative material, such as a printing ink or other decorative or functional layers adheres very well. Advantageously, this is applied to the silicate layer

Decorative material scratch and abrasion resistant and has a high water and

Water vapor resistance. The homogeneous silicate layer produced advantageously achieves high ink coverage of the inks applied by the decoration. The properties of decorative layers such as hue, tint, metamerism,

Hiding power and transparency can advantageously be chosen almost freely by the correspondingly pretreated surface.

The object cleaning step and / or the activation step can in particular be carried out with the aid of a further pretreatment device for pretreating the object. In this case, the further pretreatment device for pretreating the object may be designed to carry out both steps, or it may be a separate object cleaning device and a separate one from another

Activation device be provided.

The further pretreatment device for pretreatment of the object and / or the object cleaning device and / or the activation device can be embodied as a module for installation in the device for decorating objects, in particular for installation in the holding device. With the corresponding module, a pretreatment of the surface of the object can then be carried out within the device before carrying out subsequent process steps.

The pretreatment device and / or the object cleaning device and / or the activation device can also be designed as a separate device, which can pretreat the surface of the object independently of other devices.

In a preferred embodiment, the object cleaning device and / or the activation device may comprise an annular flaming device, wherein the object to be pretreated is arranged in the interior of a ring and the oxidizing or silicating flame can escape from the ring in the direction of the surface of the object. The object cleaning device and / or the activation device can in a further embodiment have an at least sectionally rectilinear design

Have flaming device. This flaming device then becomes

sections guided or moved over the pretreated surface of the object.

In a further embodiment, the object cleaning device and / or the activation device can have a flame-treatment device with one or more flames emerging at points. This flaming device then becomes

sections guided or moved over the pretreated surface of the object. When decorating three-dimensional objects, the object in the holding device is preferably held rotatably about a rotation axis. This axis of rotation is preferably the longitudinal axis of the objects.

In a further embodiment, the device has a transfer medium unwinding device and / or a transfer medium take-up device, preferably with a transfer medium guide, for the transfer medium.

In the apparatus for decorating objects, it is now possible to transport the transfer medium either continuously or in a timed manner, pressing the transfer medium provided with the decoration material onto the object, i. in particular, the object decoration, and / or the object transport is expediently clocked.

So there is a possibility that the transfer medium is transported continuously. Here, in particular, a continuous web speed of

Transfer medium an optimal condition for the continuous printing of the transfer medium by the printing device, for example by means of

Digital printing technology, in high quality.

So it is possible that during the, in particular clocked, pressing the provided with decoration material transfer medium to the object in the

Andrückeinrichtung, at the same time, in particular clocked, applying the

Decoration material on the transfer medium in the printing device takes place.

Preferably, a repeat between the individual printing sections is determined as a function of the clocking and / or printing speeds. So it is possible that the Repeat between the individual print sections depending on the clock and / or

Print speed becomes larger or smaller. In particular, the repeat is determined or calculated from the known cycle speed of the object transport and the object decoration. Preferably, in particular in the case of a continuous transport of the transfer medium, during the clocked object decoration, the clocked printing of the transfer medium takes place at the same time. Advantageously, the repeat is approximately half "long" (length in relation to the transport speed of the transfer medium) as the

Object clock (object decoration and object transport). Preferably, the repeat is usually set constant over the entire course and is not regulated.

Disadvantage of such a continuous process is that in particular the consumption of the transfer medium is very high, thereby increasing the cost.

Another possibility is that the transfer medium is driven in, in particular the same, clock of the transport device of the object. In this case, the transfer medium is not driven continuously, but depending on the process section, the transfer medium is driven or stopped.

Thus, it is possible that the transfer medium is driven as a function of, in particular clocked, pressing the provided with decoration material transfer medium to the object in the pressing device. In this case, the driving of the

Transfer medium preferably in time with the transport device of the object. Thus, it is possible that the application of the decoration material to the transfer medium and the pressing of the transfer medium provided with decoration material is clocked on the object, wherein the transfer medium is driven or stopped in response to the clocked pressing of the transfer medium.

It is advantageous that reduces the rapport between the decoration material, in particular the printed images, and thus the consumption of the transfer medium. The printing is preferably carried out in the same cycle as that of the object. During the printing process, however, in particular the acceleration and the deceleration of the transfer medium take place, so that the printing process very frequently changes

Speeds takes place.

Disadvantage of such a clocked process is that the quality of the applied in particular by the constantly changing web speed Decorative material, such as the print quality of digital printing, is adversely affected.

Another advantageous possibility is to combine the continuous process and the pulsed process. In this case, on the one hand, a continuous web speed of the transfer medium during the printing process is preferably aimed at and, on the other hand, a clocked web speed of the object during the printing process

Object decoration, i. in particular during the transfer process, in which expediently the pressing of the provided with decorative material

Transfer medium to the object takes place.

So it is possible that the pressing of the provided with decorative material

Transfer medium is clocked on the object, wherein the application of the

Decorative material on the transfer medium in a continuous

Path speed takes place.

In order to be able to combine both variants, the device preferably comprises a compensation module or a "memory", in particular in order to be able to "collect" or store the transfer medium in the memory during a standstill phase in the timed process for the object, so that the quality the printing advantageous

continuous web speed of the transfer medium is not affected. The compensation module is designed, in particular, as a mechanical store which, depending on the process section, supplies the required transfer medium in the required manner

Provides process speed. Such a compensation module can for example be a receiving space for a loop of the transfer medium, in particular with means for maintaining the web tension of the transfer medium.

Preferably, the compensation module or a mechanical memory within the compensation module can store the transfer medium by a lateral movement and release the transfer medium again by the change in the direction of movement.

Preferably, in this case, the maximum distance of the lateral movement of the compensation module or of the mechanical storage within the compensation module is higher, in particular by an average factor of 2 higher, than the distance, which of the

Transfer medium at continuous web speed in a predetermined time is covered. The predetermined time preferably corresponds to this Standstill phase in which the object, in particular by pressing the

Decoration material, is decorated. In other words, preferably the clocked removal rate for the transfer medium during removal is higher, for example, 1.5 times as high as the continuous rate of filling with the transfer medium

Transfer medium so that the memory does not overflow.

To compensate for dimensional variations of the objects to be decorated, the pressing device, preferably a cylinder of the pressing device, may be floatingly mounted or suspended according to a further preferred embodiment. For example, a pressure-controlled pneumatic cylinder and / or a pressure-controlled hydraulic cylinder may be used, wherein the contact force of the cylinder on the object when transferring the decoration material is variably adjustable by changing the air pressure setting of the pneumatic cylinder or the fluid pressure adjustment of the hydraulic cylinder. The compensation of dimensional variations to the surface of the object can be done with the resilient vertical stroke of the cylinder according to the set contact force. Alternatively, the vertical variable lifting movement and the control of the contact pressure on springs with adjustable spring tension instead of compressed air and pneumatic cylinder or fluid pressure and

Hydraulic cylinder.

For decorating preferably three-dimensional objects takes place in a preferred

Further, pressing the transfer medium onto the object by rotating the object about an axis of rotation, guiding the transfer medium tangentially to the outer circumference of the object, and pressing the transfer medium onto the object along the contact area between the object and the transfer medium Pressing device is preferably moved so that the

Surface surface speed of the pressing device of

Surface velocity of the object corresponds, and wherein the transfer medium is preferably moved so that the surface velocity of the transfer medium corresponds to the surface velocity of the object.

In a further preferred embodiment, the pressing of the transfer medium on the object takes place in that the object is held in a fixed position and the Transfer medium is rolled over the surface of the object by means of the pressing device, wherein the pressing means presses the transfer medium to the object along the contact area between the object and the transfer medium, wherein the

Pressing device is preferably moved along the object.

In a particularly preferred further embodiment of the method that is

Transfer medium provided as an endless belt, wherein the aforementioned sequence of steps is performed several times, wherein each time a further object is provided with decorative material with each performing the aforementioned sequence of steps. Thus, a variety of objects can be printed with the transfer medium, without waste in the form of once used, to be disposed of transfer material or

Transfer film material is formed. In this embodiment, in particular the

Decorating material completely transferred from the transfer medium to the object, so that the transfer medium is then largely free of decorative material and can be reused.

To the surface of the transfer medium with respect to the adhesion behavior of

Decorating material on the transfer medium to improve and so a secure adhesion of the decorative material in printing the transfer medium and a secure detachment of the decorative material from the transfer medium in the transfer of the

Decorating material to allow the object, and to be able to compensate for irregularities in the surface of the transfer medium, is in another

preferred embodiment, the transfer medium before applying the

Decoration material pretreated. Further, when the transfer medium is provided with a coating in the pretreatment for better separation in the transfer of the decoration material to the object, especially a release layer, a particularly efficient and secure printing and transfer of the decoration material can be achieved.

When the transfer medium according to another preferred embodiment is cleaned after being pressed, adhesive residues and the parts of the

Decorative material, which were not transferred to the object when pressing the transfer medium to this, removed from the transfer medium and the thus purified transfer medium thereby reused. A particularly advantageous embodiment is obtained if the transfer medium provided as an endless belt is cleaned after passing through the pressing device and is subsequently pretreated before the transfer medium is returned to the printing device for re-applying decorative material.

Preferably, a UV adhesive is used as the adhesive and wherein the curing of the adhesive takes place by irradiation with UV light.

Preferably, a transparent adhesive of the following composition is used:

2-phenoxyethyl acrylate 10% -60%, preferably 25% -50%;

4- (1-oxo-2-propenyl) -morpholine 5% -40%, preferably 10% -25%;

Exo-1,7,7-trimethyl-bicyclo [2.2.1] -hept-2-yl-acrylate 10% -40%, preferably 20% -25%;

2,4,6-trimethylbenzoyldiphenylphosphine oxide 5% -35%, preferably 10% -25%;

Dipropylene glycol diacrylate 1% -20%, preferably 3% -10%;

Urethane acrylate oligomer 1% - 20%, preferably 1% - 10%.

When using physical or chemical curing adhesive, the drying of the adhesive may alternatively be carried out by a thermal drying unit.

In a preferred embodiment, the UV light is generated by a UV light source, wherein the pressure device is transparent at least in subregions for UV light and is at least partially disposed between UV light source and holding device.

The aforementioned devices or methods for transferring decorative material are particularly suitable if the objects to be decorated are objects made of plastic, glass or metal, in particular cosmetic packaging,

Metal containers, glass bottles, drinking glasses and other glass, metal and metal

Plastic packaging, in particular with cylindrical, oval or angular

Cross section, in particular tubes, bottles, jars, bottles and cans made of glass, ceramic, plastic or metal, as well as substantially two-dimensional objects, such as webs, strips, sheets, plates, discs, sheets, or boards is. Brief description of the figures

Preferred further embodiments of the invention are explained in more detail by the following description of the figures. Showing:

Figure 1 shows schematically an illustration of a device for decoration of objects to be decorated;

FIG. 2 schematically shows a representation of a device for decorating objects to be decorated;

FIG. 3 shows schematically a representation of a device for decorating objects to be decorated;

FIG. 4 schematically shows a representation of a device for decorating objects to be decorated;

FIG. 5 schematically shows a representation of a device for decorating objects to be decorated;

FIGS. 6a and 6b show schematically a representation of a transfer medium; and

FIGS. 7a and 7b show schematically a representation of a compensation module;

Detailed description of preferred embodiments

In the following, preferred embodiments will be described with reference to the figures. In this case, identical, similar or equivalent elements in the different figures are provided with identical reference numerals, and a repeated description of these elements is partially omitted in order to avoid redundancies.

FIG. 1 shows a schematic representation of a device 100 for decorating objects 13 to be decorated. The apparatus 100 has a transfer medium unwinding device 11, from which a transfer medium 3 is unwound. In the direction of movement 80 of the transfer medium 3, a printing device 7 adjoins the transfer medium 3 for applying decorative material. After printing Through the printing device 7, the transfer medium 3 reaches a pressing device 2, which is opposite to a holding device 1. the pressing device 2

downstream of a transfer medium take-up device 12 is arranged, at which the used transfer medium is wound up again.

The apparatus 100 further comprises a transfer media guide 8, by means of which the transfer medium 3 is guided through the device 100 and by which the movement of the transfer medium 3 is predetermined.

The holding device 1 may for example be a retaining pin on which the

three-dimensional object 13 is pushed. The object 13 is then held only from the inside by friction of the retaining mandrel with the inner surface of the object 13. Alternatively, the holding device 1 can also hold the object from outside.

The transfer medium 3 is fed from the transfer medium unwinding device 11 via an adjustable deflection roller 82 to a vacuum roller 83. Via the deflection roller 82, the transfer media guide and the transfer media tension are controlled. By means of the vacuum roller 83, an adjustable feed rate of the transfer medium 3 is specified. Downstream in the direction of movement 80, a further vacuum roller 83 is arranged. The rotational speed of this second vacuum roller 83 can be set slightly increased to ensure a sufficient belt tension in the printing device 7 compared to the first vacuum roller 83. The intensity of the negative pressure of the vacuum rollers 83 can be set so that the transfer feed of the transfer medium 3 is specified precisely with the first vacuum roller 83 and the clamping force by friction of the transfer medium 3 at this vacuum roller 83 at a lower vacuum at the second vacuum roller 83 is regulated. According to the different requirements in the decoration of various objects 13, the control of the vacuum rollers 83 can take place with reverse intensity, thus the first vacuum roller 83 with reduced and the second vacuum roller 83 are subjected to increased negative pressure. The vacuum rollers 83 can be equipped with multi-part vacuum sectors to selectively control the respective areas of the vacuum rollers 83 with separate vacuum adjustment of the sectors.

After the second vacuum roller 83, the transfer medium 3 via another

Deflection pulley 82, which is intended to one closer due to the below clocked printing process in the printing device 7 clocked

Transfermediumvorschubs the decorative printing unit 7 and the thus changing

To compensate for transfer media tension, the pressing device 2 is supplied and continued by this over two further deflection rollers 83 for adjusting the transfer medium voltage to the transfer medium take-up device 12 and wound there.

The deflecting roller 82 arranged between the printing device 7 and the pressing device 2 is arranged such that it is arranged on the rear side of the transfer medium 3, that is to say the

unprinted side, comes into contact with the transfer medium 3. Consequently, the transfer medium 3 provided in the printing device 7 with the decoration material becomes the

Pressing device 2 is supplied without that provided with the decoration material surface of the transfer medium 3 previously comes into contact with a surface.

The printing device 7 is a digital printing device for printing the transfer medium 3 by means of digital printing (for example, inkjet printing, xerographic printing,

Liquid toner pressure) is formed. Alternatively, the printing device 7 may also be formed as a screen printing, flexographic printing or offset printing device, wherein the printing can be monochromatic or multi-colored.

The printing device 7 has a horizontally arranged printing base plate 72. The transfer medium 3 to be decorated is guided by the transfer medium unwinding device 11 via the deflection roller 82 and the first vacuum roller 83 via the pressure base plate 72 to the second vacuum roller 83. Above the printing base plate 72, the printing device 7 has a plurality of print heads 70, wherein a first print head 70 for the printing of a lacquer layer as a release lacquer or as a release layer and as an application aid for

Transmission of decorative material is provided. These are followed by four more printheads 70 for the process colors cyan, yellow, magenta and black in order to print the transfer medium 3 in color. The printing of the transfer medium 3 resting on the print base plate 72 is performed by moving the print heads 70 at a predetermined print head speed along a print head moving direction 71 via the print base plate 72.

Alternatively, instead of the first or the second vacuum roller 83, one or more further deflection rollers may be arranged. Furthermore, other types of drive for moving the transfer medium 3 may be provided. In the printing device 7 are also a synchronously with the printheads 70 movable drying unit 6 for drying the applied to the transfer medium 3

Decorative material and an adhesive applicator 4 for applying

Adhesive integrated on the provided with decoration material transfer medium 3. After printing on the transfer medium 3, the drying unit 6 dries and / or hardens the colors applied by the upstream print heads 70 or before or through. In the present case, the drying unit 6 as a UV light dryer unit for drying or through drying and / or hardening or pre-hardening or hardening of the on the

Transfer medium 3 applied decorative material formed. Alternatively, other drying methods may be used.

In particular, in the case of printing the transfer medium with a curable by UV radiation decorative material, it is advantageous to pre-set the decoration material directly after printing on the transfer medium 3 with a UV light source. For this purpose, it makes sense if the printing device 7, a UV light source for pre-curing of

Decorative material which is preferably arranged at the end of the printing device 7 and / or in front of the adhesive Appliziervorrichtung 4. In particular, this increases the viscosity of the decorative material. This avoids bleeding or excessive squeezing of the applied areas of the decorative material in the further processing, so that a particularly sharp edge application of the decorative material and a particularly high surface quality of the transferred layers can be achieved on the object. In this case, a slight squeezing of the decoration material is quite desirable in order to approximate and combine directly adjacent areas of the decoration material, in particular the very smallest areas, so-called pixels. This may be advantageous, for example, to avoid pixelation of the image in the case of closed surfaces and / or at motif borders, i. To avoid that individual pixels appear visually disturbing. The squeezing may preferably be carried out only so far that the desired resolution is not reduced too much. Advantageously, the UV light is emitted in the wavelength range from 220 nm to 420 nm, preferably in the wavelength range from 350 nm to 400 nm.

Preferably, the UV light source for pre-curing the decoration material is an LED light source. With LED light sources, nearly monochromatic light can be provided, thus ensuring that necessary for curing of the adhesive Wavelength range the required radiation intensity is available. This can not usually be achieved with conventional medium pressure mercury vapor lamps.

After drying, the adhesive applicator 4 prints by means of an adhesive print head 40 adhesive to the points of the decorative material layer, which are to be transferred later in the pressing device 2 on the three-dimensional object 13.

In particular, in the case that the adhesive has UV-curable components, it is advantageous to pre-cure the adhesive directly after application of the adhesive to the transfer medium, in particular for a so-called "pinning" of the adhesive the adhesive application device has a UV light source for pre-curing the adhesive, which is preferably arranged at the end of the adhesive application device and / or in front of the pressure device, in particular increasing the viscosity of the adhesive, which avoids bleeding or excessive squeezing of the applied layers Areas of the adhesive in the other

Mercury medium-pressure lamps usually can not be achieved. Alternatively, the printheads 70 and the printing base plate 72 may be disposed in a fixed position. During the printing operation, the transfer medium 3 coming from the transfer medium unwinding device 11 is then passed by way of the first vacuum roll 83 and the second vacuum roll 83 via the printing base plate 72 under the print heads 70. The feed rate of the transfer medium 3 is set according to the printing duty of the print heads 70.

Further, it is possible that the printing base plate 72 is movably disposed along a disk moving direction 73 to assist the printing operation.

With the printing device 7 can on the transfer medium 3 outside the

Decor area, which is to be transferred to the object 13, measuring points are printed in order to detect the position of the decoration material on the transfer medium 3 by means of sensors or at least one camera.

After completion of the printing process, the transfer medium 3 is transported on to the object 13 for transferring the decoration material to the pressing device 2.

The pressing device 2 has a transparent, rotatable, hollow cylinder 20, which is provided on the outside with a flexible pressure layer made of an elastic, transparent material, preferably a silicone material. As a result of the elasticity of the pressure-exerting layer, irregularities of the three-dimensional object 13, of the transfer medium 3 and / or of the machine structure can be compensated. The cylinder 20 and the pressure layer are in the present case transparent to UV light, and thus a transmission of UV light through the cylinder 20 and its

Pressure layer allows.

The adhesive in the present case is a UV-curing UV adhesive. Inside the cylinder 20, a curing device 5 in the form of a UV light source for curing the adhesive is arranged. The radiation region of the curing device 5 is directed to the contact region 14 of transfer medium 3 and object 13. In order that the UV light emitted by the UV light source in the direction of the object 13 can emerge from the cylinder 20, both the cylinder 20 and the pressure layer are made of materials which are transparent to the UV light required for curing. Likewise, the transfer medium 3 is transparent to the UV light needed for curing. The UV light source for curing the adhesive preferably radiates UV radiation in the wavelength range between 220 nm and 420 nm, preferably between 350 nm and 400 nm.

In particular, in the wavelength range from 220 nm to 420 nm, preferably in the range from 350 nm to 400 nm, particularly preferably in the range from 365 nm to 395 nm, the pressing device 2 is transparent or translucent to the UV radiation. The transparency or translucency should be in particular 30% to 100%, preferably 40% to 100%. A lower transparency or translucency can preferably be compensated by higher UV intensity.

As UV light source can be used, for example, LED spotlights, mercury vapor lamps, or even with iron and / or gallium doped mercury vapor lamps. Preferably, the UV light source for curing the adhesive is an LED light source. Nearly monochromatic light can be provided with LED light sources, thus ensuring that the required radiation intensity is available in the wavelength range necessary for curing the adhesive. This can be done with conventional

Mercury medium-pressure lamps usually can not be achieved.

Advantageously, the distance of the UV light source for curing the adhesive to the object 13 is 2 mm to 50 mm, preferably 2 mm to 40 mm, to an optimum

To achieve through hardening, but in particular at the same time but to avoid physical contact of the UV light source to the object 13. Preferably, the size of the

Irradiation window of the UV light source for curing the adhesive in the machine direction between 5 mm to 40 mm.

When using LED light sources usually takes the energy of the radiation from about 5 mm distance from the LED light source, in particular due to the relatively high divergence of the LED light source, comparatively strong, so that the distance to the object 13 preferably to select correspondingly low is. The use of LED light sources with optical focusing a greater distance from the object 13 is made possible, which in particular also the use in structurally difficult conditions is made possible. Further, it is possible that the irradiation window is smaller when using LED light sources with optical focusing, in particular in comparison to a

Irradiation window when using UV light sources without optical focusing. The gross UV irradiance is preferably between 1 W / cm ² and 50 W / cm ² , preferably between 3 W / cm ² and 40 W / cm ² . This achieves that the adhesive is fully cured at web speeds of about 10 m / min to 60 m / min (or higher) and the other factors already discussed in the pre-cure.

Irradiation window) and about 0.04 s (at 30 m / min web speed and a 20 mm wide irradiation window) into the adhesive from about 100 mJ / cm ² to 2000 mJ / cm ² , preferably from about 100 mJ / cm ² to 1000 mJ / cm ² , in particular wherein this net energy input is variable depending on the required hardening.

It should be noted in particular that these values are only theoretically possible (at 100% lamp power). In particular, at full power of the UV light source for curing the adhesive, for example in a 20 W / cm ² version, and a low web speed, for example 10 m / min, the transfer medium heats up so much that it can catch fire.

Therefore, the net energy input is particularly preferably between 100 mJ / cm ² and 500 mJ / cm ² , depending on the web speed.

In this case, the cylinder 20 may consist, for example, of PMMA (polymethyl methacrylate, acrylic glass) and / or of borosilicate glass in the regions which are transparent to UV light. Both materials have, especially in the wavelength range from 350 nm to 400 nm, a transmittance of at least 50%, preferably of at least 70%.

Further, it is possible that the cylinder 20 of the pressing device 2 is completely or partially transparent, so that the UV light can be sufficiently transmitted, in particular to completely harden the adhesive or durchzuhärten. In this case, the decoration material preferably also has a sufficient degree of transmittance, in particular in order to be able to cure the adhesive on the back of the printed image by means of UV light. It has been shown in practical experiments that a transmittance of the decorative material of at least 2.5% in the wavelength range between 350 nm and 400 nm of the UV light is sufficient, in particular in the case of a multicolored printed image, sufficient exposure of the exposure direction behind it

To reach adhesive.

Tint of transmittance in layer thickness of the

Decoration material percent at about 395 decorative material in

nm μηι

Glazing color, cyan 35% 6

Glazing paint, 53% 6

magenta

Glazing Color, Yellow 15% 6

Glazing Color Black, Black 3.5% 6

Covering color coat, White 0% 15

steamed aluminum with 6.3%

a thickness of about 15 nm

up to 20 nm

Alternatively, the adhesive can also be provided as a physically or chemically curing adhesive, wherein the drying is then preferably carried out by a thermal drying. The curing device 5 is then correspondingly as thermal

Drying device formed.

For transferring the decoration material from the transfer medium 3 to the object 13, the object 13 to be decorated by means of the holding device 1 below the

Pressing device 2 placed. The transfer medium 3 is then moved with the decorative and adhesive layer in the direction of the object 13 pointing over the cylinder 20 and carried out above the fixed in the holding device 1 object 13, wherein the

Decorative layer side of the transfer medium 3 facing the surface to be decorated of the object 13. The transfer of the decoration material is carried out by pressing on the object 13 with a predetermined contact pressure of the tangential, along the

Touch area 14 by means of the cylinder 20 guided over the object 13

Transfer medium 3. The cylinder 20 and the object 13 are thereby rotated so that the surface surface speed of the transfer medium 3 of the

Surface speed of the object 13 corresponds.

The UV adhesive is exposed by the UV light simultaneously with the pressing of the

Transfer medium 3 cured on the object 13. By the rotation of the object 13 and the tangential course of the transfer medium 3 to the object 13, the transfer medium 3 is withdrawn from the object 13 immediately after curing of the adhesive. At the locations where adhesive was applied to the transfer medium 3, after the adhesive has hardened, the decoration material (for example, decorative paints or a metal layer) adheres to the object 13 by means of the cured adhesive. At the locations where there was no adhesive, it remains Decoration material on the transfer medium.

To compensate for dimensional variations of the object 13, the cylinder 20 may be stored or suspended in the pressing device 22 in a floating manner.

For example, a pressure-controlled pneumatic cylinder can be used, wherein the contact force of the cylinder 20 on the object 13 can be variably adjusted by changing the air pressure setting of the pneumatic cylinder. The compensation of

Dimension fluctuations to the surface of the object 13 takes place with the resilient vertical lifting movement of the cylinder 20 according to the set contact pressure. Alternatively, the vertical variable lifting movement and the control of the contact pressure on springs with adjustable spring tension instead of compressed air and pneumatic cylinders.

The embodiment of the pressing device 2 with a hollow cylinder 20 for transferring the decorative material is also suitable for transfer to flat objects. The adhesive may be used on flat surface objects such as e.g. Objects with square or rectangular cross-section, as well as flat, rigid objects, also applied to both the object and on the decorative layer of the transfer medium. To transfer the decoration material, the pressing device 2 is moved horizontally. By radially rolling the cylinder 20 over the object with simultaneous irradiation by the curing device 5, the decoration material is transferred to the surface of the object.

FIG. 2 schematically shows a representation of a device 100 for decorating objects 13 to be decorated. The apparatus 100, corresponding to that in FIG. 1, has a transfer medium unwinding device 11, a printing device 7, a pressing device 2 and a transfer medium take-up device 12 in a direction of movement 80 of the transfer medium 3. The transfer medium 3 is fed from the transfer medium unwinding device 1 1 via a first vacuum roller 83 of the transfer medium guide 8 directly to a hollow cylinder 20 of the pressing device 2. The transfer medium 3 encloses the cylinder 20 in a deflection angle of approximately 300 °. Subsequently, the

Transfer medium 3 via a further vacuum roller 83 of the transfer medium take-up device 12 fed.

In contrast to the device 100 from FIG. 1, the pressure device 7 according to the second embodiment is arranged directly on the cylinder 20 of the pressing device 2. The cylinder 20 thus also acts as a printing base for the printing device 7. The print heads 70 of the printing device 7 are accordingly arranged radially at a predetermined radial distance from the outer surface of the cylinder 20. The drying unit 6 and the adhesive applicator 4 are formed as part of the printing device 7 and also arranged downstream of the printheads 70 at a radial distance. In order to prevent UV light emitted by the drying unit 6 from scattering, an opaque cover 60 is arranged inside the cylinder 20 in the area of the drying unit 6.

For printing, drying and applying with adhesive to the transfer medium 3, the cylinder 20 is rotated at a predetermined rotational speed corresponding to a predetermined printing speed or printing power. The

Printing, drying and application with adhesive of the transfer medium 3 continue according to the procedure which was described for Figure 1.

Below the horizontally arranged cylinder 20 is, analogous to the first

Embodiment, a holding device 1 is arranged, which holds the object to be printed. The transfer of the decoration material by the pressing device 2 is analogous to the method described in the first embodiment. Consequently, pressing of the transfer medium 3 by means of the cylinder 20 on the object 13 and a simultaneous curing of the adhesive by the curing device 5. The position of the second vacuum roller 83 is adjustable so that the separation angle of the transfer medium 3 from the object 13 can be adjusted to an optimal detachment of the

Decoration material to achieve. Furthermore, it is expedient that the surface of the object 13 is pretreated before decoration. This pretreatment may in particular comprise an object cleaning step and / or an activation step.

Preferably, in the object cleaning step, contaminants and / or existing protective coatings or other functional coatings, which have been applied in particular for the transport of the object 13 and / or during the production of the object 13, are removed.

In glassy surfaces continue to be particularly problems due to the surface-bound moisture. The moisture is bound in particular in the form of gel layers, which adversely affect the adhesive properties of the layers to be subsequently applied to the surface.

The ability of the surface to allow adhesion to subsequently applied layers, particularly decoration, also depends on the applied or generated reactive groups on the surface, since these are the basis for the firm bonding of the subsequently applied layers. The density of the reactive OH groups present in the silicate layer of glass is not sufficient in the known processes, which leads to a reduced adhesion of the subsequently applied layers.

In the activation step, which preferably takes place after the object cleaning step, the surface of the object 13 is advantageously modified in such a way that adhesion of the subsequently applied decoration is increased and improved. The modification can be carried out chemically and / or physically.

The object cleaning step comprises in particular a modification of the surface of the object 13 with at least one oxidizing flame. The object cleaning step has the advantage that the moisture bound to the amorphous surface of the compact substrate in the form of non-homogeneous gel layers is reduced.

Gel layer and thus reduces the bound moisture. The reduction of the gel layer leads to reproducible, homogeneous surface properties. In this case, an oxidizing flame means any ignited gas, gas-air mixture, aerosol or spray which contains excess oxygen and / or can have an oxidizing effect.

The activation step comprises in particular modification of the surface of the object 13 with at least one silicating flame. In this case, up to 60 nm, preferably a 5 nm to 50 nm, more preferably a 10 nm to 30 nm, thick silicon oxide layer is applied, which is characterized by a high content of reactive OH groups. The homogeneity and the good adhesion properties of the applied silicon oxide layer are achieved by the combination of the object cleaning step and activation step. It is advantageous to choose the number of flames so that one to ten,

In particular, one to five, oxidizing and / or silicating flames modify the surface of the object 13.

Layers, for example wax layers and / or lacquer layers and / or

In the activation step, a gas is used which comprises compounds comprising components selected from the group of alkylsilanes, alkoxysilanes, alkyltitanium, alkoxytitanium, alkylaluminum, alkoxyaluminum or combinations thereof. Preferred examples of such compounds are tetramethylsilane, tetra methyltitanium, tetramethytatuminum, tetraethylsilane, tetraethyltitanium, tetraethylaluminum, 1, 2-dichlorotetramethylsilane, 1, 2-dichlorotetramethyltitanium, 1, 2-dichlorotetramethylaluminum, 1, 2-diphenyltetramethylsilane, 1, 2-diphenyltetramethyltitanium, 1 , 2-

Diphenyltetramethylaluminum, 1,2-dichlorotetraethylsilane, 1,2-dichlorotetraethyltitanium, 1, 2-dichlorotetraethylaluminum, 1, 2-diphenyltetraethylsilane, 1, 2-diphenyltetraethyltitanium, 1, 2-diphenyltetraethylaluminum, 1, 2,3-trichlorotetramethylsilane, 1, 2, 3- trichlorotetramethyltitanium, 1,2,3-trichlorotetramethylaluminum, 1,3,3-triphenyltetramethylsilane, 1,2,3-triphenyltetramethyltitanium, 1,3,3-triphenyltetramethylaluminum, dimethyldiethyltetrasilane, dimethyldiethyltetratitan,

Dimethyldiethyltetraaluminum and similar compounds.

In addition, among such alkyl compounds, a silane compound, a

Alkyl titanium compound and an alkylaluminum compound, tetramethylsilane,

Mixture of air and fuel gas and, if necessary, oxygen is introduced. The fuel gas includes, for example, propane, butane, luminescent gas and / or natural gas. It is preferable that the value of the average molecular weight of the modifying compound is in the range of 50 to 1,000, preferably 60 to 500, more preferably 70 to 200, as measured by mass spectrum analysis. At an average molecular weight of the modifying compound below 50, the

Volatility is high and handling is sometimes difficult. On the other hand, if the value of the average molecular weight of the modifying compound is more than 1,000, the

in particular to 50 ° C to 100 ° C, heated.

The treatment time with the oxidizing and / or silicating flame is in particular in the range of 0.1 seconds to 100 seconds, preferably in the range of 0.1 second to 10 seconds, more preferably in the range of 0.1 second to 5 seconds.

In order to easily control the flame temperature of the oxidizing and / or silicating flame, it is advisable to add a combustible gas to the fuel gas. As such combustible gases, hydrocarbon gases such as propane gas and natural gas or combustible gases such as hydrogen, oxygen, air and the like can be used. When using combustible gases stored in aerosol cans, it is preferable to use propane gas and compressed air or the like.

The combined treatment of the surface with at least one oxidizing and at least one silicizing flame provides a homogeneous, micro-retentive surface having a high density of reactive groups. Advantageously, the roughness and the good adhesive property of the silicate layer applied in the activation step lead to a subsequently applied decoration, in particular the subsequently applied decorative material,

For example, a printing ink or other decorative or functional layers adheres very well. Advantageously, this is applied to the silicate layer

Decorative material scratch and abrasion resistant and has a high water and

The object cleaning step and / or the activation step can be carried out in particular with the aid of a further pretreatment device for pretreating the object 13. In this case, the further pretreatment device can be designed to pretreat the object 13 for the execution of both steps or it can be separated from each other a separate object cleaning device and a separate

Activation device be provided.

The further pretreatment device for pretreating the object 13 and / or the object cleaning device and / or the activation device can be embodied as a module for installation in the device 100 for decorating objects 13, in particular for installation in the holding device 1. With the corresponding module, a pretreatment of the surface of the object 13 can then be carried out within the device 100 before the execution of subsequent process steps.

The pretreatment device and / or the object cleaning device and / or the activation device can also be designed as a separate device which can pretreat the surface of the object 13 independently of other devices.

In a preferred embodiment, the object cleaning device and / or the activation device may comprise an annular flame-treatment device, wherein the object 13 to be pretreated is arranged inside a ring and the oxidizing or silicating flame from the ring in the direction of the surface of the object 13 can escape.

The object cleaning device and / or the activation device can in a further embodiment have an at least sectionally rectilinear design

Have flaming device. This flaming device then becomes

sections guided or moved over the pretreated surface of the object 13.

sections guided or moved over the pretreated surface of the object 13. When decorating three-dimensional objects, the object 13 in the holding device 1 is preferably held rotatably about a rotation axis. This axis of rotation is preferably the longitudinal axis of the objects 13.

FIG. 3 schematically shows an illustration of a device 100 for decorating objects 13 to be decorated. The device 100 shown here substantially corresponds to the device 100 according to FIG. 2. However, the pressing device also has a dimensionally stable, tension-resistant guide belt 81 configured as an endless belt. The

Guide belt 81 is clamped between a tension roller 84 and a driven cylinder 20 and spans the latter at a deflection angle of about 250 °. The

Guide belt 81 is transparent to the radiation emitted by the curing device 5. Furthermore, it has on its outer side an elastic pressure layer. The

Transfer medium 3 is during printing with decorative material and adhesive in the printing device 7 at least until pressing on the object 13 on the

Guide band 81 on. Thus, a secure guiding of the transfer medium 3 is made possible.

FIG. 4 shows a schematic representation of a device 100 for decorating an object 13 to be decorated. The device 100 has a

Pressing device 2 with a transparent, hollow cylinder 20 and a arranged inside the cylinder 20 curing device 5.

Furthermore, the apparatus has a transfer medium 3 provided as an endless belt which, in accordance with the endless belt of FIG. 3, is dimensionally stable and resistant to tension and is also clamped between a tensioning roller 84 and the driven cylinder 20 and The latter spans in a deflection angle of about 250 °. The cylinder 20 has on its outer side a flexible pressure layer over which the transfer medium 3 provided as an endless belt is guided.

The printing of the transfer medium 3 and the transfer of the decoration material on the object 13 is analogous to the method described for Figure 3. After pressing the transfer medium 3 onto the object 13 held by the holding device 1 and detaching the transfer medium 3 from the object 13 after transferring the decoration material, the transfer medium 3 is deflected via the tension roller and conveyed back to the printing device 7, where it is again covered with decoration material and

Adhesive is provided to provide at least one other object with the newly applied decorative material.

In order for the decoration not to be adulterated by decoration material remaining on the transfer medium 3 when the transfer medium 3 is re-printed, a cleaning device 10 is arranged between the holding device 1 and the printing device 7 in which the transfer medium 3 is cleaned of decoration material and adhesive residues. Downstream of the cleaning device 10 and upstream of the printing device 7, a pretreatment device 9 is provided, by means of which any damage to the separating layer of the transfer medium 3 caused by the cleaning is repaired. Furthermore, the pretreatment device 9 can, for example, also have at least one print head for printing the transfer medium 3 with a release varnish or a release layer and / or with an application aid for the decorative material to be applied by the printing device.

FIG. 5 schematically shows a representation of a device 100 for decorating objects 13 to be decorated.

The device 100 has a transfer medium 3 in the form of a dimensionally stable, tension-stable, transparent endless belt. The transfer medium 3 is rubbed by a drive roller 85. It wraps around the horizontally mounted drive roller 85 at an angle of about 130 °. The drive roller 85 is in contact with the endless belt transfer medium 3 to ensure a friction-free movement with a

Equipped with vacuum assistance. After cleaning in a cleaning device 10 and a subsequent pretreatment in a pretreatment device 9, the transfer medium 3 is printed in a printing device 7 and provided with adhesive. The printing device 7 has essentially the structure of the printing device 7 of Figure 1, wherein the

Print base plate 72 here has an irregular curvature and the printheads 70 are arranged according to the curvature of the pressure base plate 72. Following this, the transfer medium 3 is forwarded via deflecting rollers 82 arranged on the non-printed side of the transfer medium 3, which are provided in particular for adjusting the tension of the endless belt transfer medium 3, to a pressing device 2 with a transparent cylinder 20, which has one on the outside flexible pressure layer is provided. The pressing device 2 is arranged opposite a holding device 1 for holding the object 13 to be printed. The transfer of the decoration material and the curing of the adhesive are carried out analogously to the method described in the preceding figures. After transferring the

Decorative material is the transfer medium 3 via the drive roller 85 again supplied to the cleaning device 10.

For printing the transfer medium 3 with the decoration material by means of digital printing, the transfer medium 3 with a movement speed, which a

Printing performance of the printing device 7 is given according to guided over the curved pressure base plate 72.

Alternatively, the printing device 7 may also be designed such that the

Transfer medium 3 is fixed to the printing base plate 72 for printing with decorative material and is moved under the print heads 70, the drying unit 6 and the adhesive applicator 4 of the printing device 7. To assist the pressure base plate 72 (not shown) upstream vacuum rollers and

be downstream.

Furthermore, the apparatus may alternatively also be designed such that an advancement of the transfer medium takes place via the pressure base plate 72 held in a fixed position by means of vacuum rollers (not shown), which are arranged upstream and downstream of the pressure base plate 72.

FIGS. 6 a and 6 b schematically show a representation of a transfer medium 3. As shown in FIGS. 6a and 6b, the transfer medium may be, in particular, a flexible carrier material to which the decoration material 15 is applied detachably again. As a carrier material, for example, a flexible

Plastic carrier film 16 made of polyester, polyolefin, polyvinyl, polyimide, acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene copolymers (ABS), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polycarbonates (PC),

Polypropylene (PP), polyethylene (PE), polyvinyl chloride (PVC) or polystyrene (PS) can be used. It is also possible that the carrier material, in particular the

Plastic film 16, a primer layer is applied.

The primer layer is preferably made of polyacrylates and / or

Vinylacetatcopolymeren with a layer thickness of 0.1 μιη to 1, 5 μιη, preferably from 0.5 μιη to 0.8 μιη, which is a surface facing away from the carrier material of

Transfer medium 3 forms. The primer layer can be optimized in terms of its physical and chemical properties with respect to the adhesive used, so that as far as possible independent of the object 13 an optimal adhesion between the object 13 and transfer medium 3 is ensured. Furthermore, such optimized

Priming layer that the applied adhesive in the desired resolution largely without bleeding, spreading or squishing on the transfer medium 3 remains.

It has proven to be particularly favorable that a primer layer with a

4900 organic solvent ethyl alcohol

150 organic solvent toluene

2400 organic solvent acetone

600 organic solvent gasoline 80/1 10 150 water

120 Binder I: ethyl methacrylate polymer

250 binder II: vinyl acetate homopolymer

500 binder III: vinyl acetate vinyl laurate copolymer, FK

400 binder IV: iso-butyl methacrylate

20 pigment multifunctional silica, average particle size 3 μιη

5 filler micronized amide wax, particle size 3 μιη to 8 μιη

The following applies to the pigmentation number for this primer layer:

(m _p xf) _x _ 20g x 750

ρ ^ζ = Σ = 14.7 cnrVg

(m _BM + m _A ) 1020g + 0g

With:

mp = 20 g multifunctional silica

f = ÖZ / d = 300 / 0.4 g / cm ³ = 750 cm ³ / g for multifunctional silica

rriBM = 120 g binder I + 250 g binder II + (0.5 × 500 g) binder III + 400 g

Binder IV = 1020 g

m _A = 0 g.

Surface tensions allow adhesive drops, especially of

3700 organic solvent toluene

1500 organic solvent acetone

225 Binder I: chlorinated polypropylene

125 Binder II: poly-n-butyl-methyl-methacrylate

35 Binder III: n-butyl-methyl-methyl-methacrylate copolymer

148 pigment multifunctional silica, average particle size 12 nm

The pigmentation number for this primer layer is: χΛ 148g × 4.4

ΡΖ- Σ = 1, 69 cm ³ / g

(m _BM + m _A ) 385g + 0g

With:

mp = 148 g multifunctional silica

f = ÖZ / d = 220/50 g / cm ³ = 4.4 cm ³ / g for multifunctional silica

ITIBM = 225 g binder I + 125 g binder II + 35 g binder III = 385 g

ITIA = 0 g.

The decoration material 15 is preferably applied directly to the transfer medium 3. But it is also possible that the decorative material 15 is applied to an already existing coating of the transfer medium 3. It is also possible that the transfer medium 3 is provided only flat area with an existing coating and the decorative material 15 is applied in free areas between the existing coating and / or on the existing coating. The existing coating may be, for example, a release layer or another functional layer. The existing coating may alternatively or additionally be, for example, an already existing decorative coating of printed and / or vapor-deposited color layers, metal layers, reflection layers, protective layers, functional layers or the like.

The release layer preferably consists of an acrylate copolymer, in particular of an aqueous polyurethane copolymer, and is preferably free of wax and / or free of silicone. Preferably, the release layer has a layer thickness of 0.01 μιη to 2 μιη, preferably from 0.1 μιη to 0.5 μιη, and is advantageously arranged on a surface of the plastic carrier sheet 16. The release layer allows for easy and damage-free detachment of the plastic carrier film 16 of the transfer medium 3 after its application to the object thirteenth

The decorative material 15 preferably comprises one or more lacquer layers

Nitrocellulose, polyacrylate and polyurethane copolymer having a respective layer thickness of 0.1 μιη to 5 μιη, preferably from 1 μιη to 2 μιη, which is arranged in particular on a plastic carrier film 16 facing away from the surface of the release layer. The one or more paint layers can be transparent, translucent or opaque in each case. Thus, it is possible that the one or more layers of lacquer are transparent colored, translucent colored or opaque colored.

Decorative material 16 preferably has a metal layer of aluminum and / or chromium and / or silver and / or gold and / or copper, in particular with a layer thickness of 10 nm to 200 nm, preferably from 10 nm to 50 nm.

For example, metal oxides such as ZnS, TiO _x or lacquers with corresponding

Nanoparticles.

In the apparatus 100 or the method for decorating objects 13, it is now possible to transport the transfer medium 3 either continuously or clocked, the pressing of the transfer medium 3 provided with the decoration material 16 onto the object 13, ie in particular the object decoration, and / or the object transport expediently clocked takes place. FIGS. 6a and 6b illustrate different effects of a continuous or cycled transport of the transfer medium 3 here.

As shown in FIGS. 6a and 6b, the decorative material 15 is applied to the plastic carrier film 16 in the regions 17a and not to the plastic film 17 in the regions 17a

Carrier sheet 16 applied, wherein in particular the position of the regions 17 b on the type of transport of the transfer medium 3 depends. The area 17b, in which no

Decorative material 15 is applied to the transfer medium 3 and therefore lies between the areas 17a with the applied decorative material 15, also rapport 17b is called. Advantageously, the repeat 17b is as small as possible, for example to keep the consumption of transfer material low.

In Figure 6a, the possibility is shown that the transfer medium 3 is transported continuously. In this case, in particular a continuous web speed of the transfer medium 3 is an optimal prerequisite for the continuous printing of the transfer medium 3 by the printing device 7, for example by means of the

Digital printing technology, in high quality.

Thus, it is possible that during the, in particular clocked, pressing the provided with decorative material 16 transfer medium 3 to the object 13 in the

Pressing device 2, at the same time, in particular clocked, applying the

Decorative material 16 takes place on the transfer medium 3 in the printing device 7.

Preferably, the repeat 17b is determined between the individual printing sections 17a as a function of the clocking and / or printing speeds. Thus, it is possible that the repeat 17b between the individual printing sections 17a becomes larger or smaller depending on the clocking and / or printing speed. In particular, the repeat 17b is determined or calculated from the known cycle speed of the object transport and the object decoration. Preferably, in particular in the case of a continuous transport of the transfer medium 3, the clocked printing of the transfer medium 3 takes place simultaneously during the clocked object decoration. Advantageously, the repeat 17b is approximately half "long" (length in relation to the transport speed of the transfer medium)

Transfer medium) as the object clock (object decoration and object transport). Is preferred the repeat 17b is usually set constant over the entire course and is not regulated.

Disadvantage of such a continuous process is that in particular the consumption of the transfer medium 3 is very high, thereby increasing the cost.

FIG. 6b shows the further possibility in which the transfer medium 3 is driven in, in particular in the same, cycle of the transport device of the object 13. In this case, the transfer medium 3 is not driven continuously, but depending on the process section, the transfer medium 3 is driven or stopped.

Thus, it is possible that the transfer medium 3 is driven on the object 13 in the pressing device 2 as a function of, in particular clocked, pressing of the transfer medium 3 provided with decoration material 15. In this case, the driving of the

Transfer medium 3 preferably in time with the transport device of the object 13. Thus, it is possible that the application of the decoration material 15 on the transfer medium 3 and the pressing of the decorative material 15 provided with transfer medium 3 is clocked on the object 13, wherein the transfer medium 3 in dependence of clocked pressing the transfer medium 3 is driven or stopped.

It is advantageous that the repeat 17b between the decoration material 15, in particular the printed images, and thus the consumption of the transfer medium 3 is reduced. In this case, the printing preferably takes place in the same cycle as that of the object 13. During the printing process, in particular, however, the acceleration and the acceleration take place

Braking the transfer medium 3, so that the printing process very often

changing speeds takes place.

Disadvantage of such a clocked process is that the quality of the applied in particular by the constantly changing web speed

Decorative material 15, such as the print quality of digital printing, is adversely affected.

Another advantageous possibility is to combine the continuous process and the pulsed process. Here, on the one hand, a continuous web speed of the transfer medium 3 during the application of the

Decorative material 15 on the transfer medium, for example the Digital printing process, sought and on the other hand, a clocked web speed of the object 13 during the pressing of the provided with decoration material 15 transfer medium 3 to the object 13, ie during the object decoration. So it is possible that the pressing of the provided with decorative material 15

Transfer medium 3 is clocked on the object 13, wherein the application of the

Decorative material 15 on the transfer medium 3 in a continuous

Path speed takes place. In other words, it is possible that while the transfer medium provided with decoration material 15 is pressed onto the object 13 in the pressing device 2, at the same time transfer medium 3 in the

Printing device 7 is transported continuously, in particular during the continuous transport of the transfer medium 3, the decoration material is applied to the transfer medium.

In order to be able to combine both variants, the device 100 preferably comprises a compensation module 18 or a "memory", in particular in order to be able to "collect" or store the transfer medium 3 in the memory during a standstill phase in the clocked process for the object 13, so that the continuous web speed of the transfer medium 3, which is advantageous for the quality of the printing, is not impaired Such a compensation module 18 is shown schematically in FIGS. 7a and 7b.

For example, FIG. 7a shows the state of the compensation module 18 at the start of the process, and FIG. 7b shows the state of the compensation module 18 at the end of the process.

The compensation module 18 is designed, in particular, as a mechanical storage 18a, which, depending on the process section, requires the required transfer medium 3 in the required manner

Provides process speed. Such a compensation module 18 may for example be a receiving space for a loop of the transfer medium 3, in particular with means for maintaining the web tension of the transfer medium 3. As shown in Figures 7a and 7b, a loop of the transfer medium 3 is generated by the compensation module 18, wherein the Pressing device 2 for pressing the provided with decoration material transfer medium 3 on the object 13, advantageously disposed within the loop. The pressing device 2 and the object 13 are shown hatched for clarity. With regard to the configuration of the pressing device 2, reference is made here to the above statements. Further, that shown in Figs. 7a and 7b Compensation module 18 in the form of the deflection or tension rollers 86 means for maintaining the web tension of the transfer medium 3rd

Preferably, the compensation module 18 or a mechanical accumulator 18a within the compensation module 18, as shown in FIGS. 17a and 17b, can store the transfer medium 3 by a lateral movement and by changing the

Moving direction, the transfer medium 3 again. Thus, it is possible that the compensation module 18 or a mechanical memory 18a within the

Compensating module 18 by a lateral movement in a first direction the

Transfer medium 3 receives or stores and returns by changing the lateral movement in a second direction again. In this case, the maximum distance of the lateral movement of the compensation module or of the mechanical store 18a within the compensation module 18 is preferably higher, in particular by an average factor 2, than the distance traveled by the transfer medium 3 at a continuous web speed in a predetermined time. The predetermined time preferably corresponds to the standstill phase, in which the object 13, in particular by pressing the decorative material, is decorated. In other words, preferably the clocked removal rate for the transfer medium 3 during removal is higher, for example, 1.5 times as high as the continuous one

Filling speed with the transfer medium 3, so that the memory 18a does not overflow. By such a compensation module 18 is now preferably a continuous

Web speed 19a, in particular in the area of the printing device 7, and reaches a clocked web speed 19b, in particular in the region of the pressing device 2, within the device 100.

Where applicable, all individual features illustrated in the embodiments may be combined and / or interchanged without departing from the scope of the invention. LIST OF REFERENCES

100 device

1 holding device

2 pressing device

20 cylinders

22 pressing device

3 transfer medium

4 adhesive applicator

40 adhesive printhead

5 curing device

6 drying unit

60 cover

7 printing device

70 printhead

71 Printhead movement direction

72 pressure base plate

73 plate movement direction

8 Transfer Media Guide

80 direction of movement

81 leadership band

82, 86 pulley

83 vacuum roll

84, 86 tensioning roller

85 drive roller

9 pretreatment device

10 cleaning device

11 Transfer Media Unwinder

12 transfer media take-up device

13 object

14 touch area

15 decorative material

16 plastic carrier film

17a area 17b rapport

18 compensation module

18a mechanical memory

18b movement direction

19a continuous web speed

19b clocked web speed

Claims

claims

Device (100) for decoration of objects (13) to be decorated, comprising a holding device (1) for holding an object (13) and

a pressing device (2) for pressing a transfer medium (3) provided with decoration material onto the object (13),

characterized in that

a printing device (7) for applying the decoration material to the transfer medium (3) is provided in front of the pressing device (2).

The device (100) of claim 1, further comprising an adhesive applicator (4) for applying adhesive to the

Decorative material provided transfer medium (3) or the object (13) and a curing device (5) for curing the adhesive,

wherein the curing device (5) is preferably arranged in the region of the pressing device (2) and the pressing device (2) is set up so that the

Pressing the transfer medium (3) and the curing of the adhesive can be done simultaneously.

Device (100) according to claim 2,

wherein the adhesive applicator (4) is disposed between the printing device (7) and the pressing device (2), wherein the adhesive applying device (4) applies the adhesive to the transfer medium (3) printed by the printing device (7) Adhesive applicator (4) is preferably formed as part of the printing device (7). Device (100) according to one of the preceding claims,

wherein the printing device (7) is a UV light source for pre-curing the

Decorating material and / or the adhesive applicator (4) has a UV light source for pre-curing of the adhesive and / or the

Hardening device (5) has a UV light source for curing the adhesive.

Device (100) according to claim 4,

wherein the distance of the UV light source for curing the adhesive to the object (13) is 2 mm to 50 mm, preferably 2 mm to 40 mm, and / or that the gross UV irradiance of the UV light source for curing the adhesive between 1 W / cm ² and 50 W / cm ² , preferably between 3 W / cm ² and 40 W / cm ² , and / or that the net UV irradiance of the UV light source for curing the adhesive is between 4.8 W / cm ² and 8 W / cm ² .

Device (100) according to one of the preceding claims,

wherein the transfer medium (3), in particular the decoration material, has a transmittance of at least 2.5% in a wavelength range between 220 nm and 400 nm, preferably between 350 nm and 400 nm, more preferably between 365 nm and 395 nm.

Device (100) according to one of the preceding claims,

wherein the printing device (7) is designed such that the decoration material is applied in first zones on the transfer medium (3) and is not applied in second zones, in particular wherein the first zones and the second zones are arranged according to a one- or two-dimensional grid and / or the ratio of the mean width of the first zones to the mean width of the second zones is between 0.75: 1 and 1: 5.

Device (100) according to one of the preceding claims,

wherein a drying unit (6) is provided for drying the decoration material applied to the transfer medium (3), wherein the drying unit (6) is preferably formed as part of the printing means (7).

Device (100) according to one of the preceding claims, comprising a

Transfer medium guide (8) arranged to guide the transfer medium (3) tangentially to the outer periphery of the object (13), wherein the pressing device (2) is arranged so that it along the

Touch area (14) between object (13) and transfer medium (3)

Transfer medium (3) presses on the object (13), wherein the pressing device (2) is preferably movable so that the surface surface speed of the pressing device (2) can be adapted to the surface velocity of the object (13), and wherein the transfer medium (3) is preferably movable so that the surface surface speed of the transfer medium (3) can be adapted to the surface velocity of the object (13).

Device (100) according to claim 9,

wherein surface surface speed of the transfer medium (3) to the

Surface speed of the object (13) can be adjusted so that the surface area velocity of the transfer medium (3) and the surface velocity of the object (13) differ by less than ± 15%, preferably less than ± 10%.

Device (100) according to one of the preceding claims,

wherein the pressing device (2) further comprises a flexible pressure layer.

Device (100) according to one of the preceding claims,

wherein the transfer medium (3) is provided as an endless belt, wherein the transfer medium (3) provided as an endless belt preferably between a

Transfer medium guide (8) and the pressing device (2) is clamped.

Device (100) according to one of the preceding claims,

wherein the transfer medium (3) is arranged directly on the pressing device (2), preferably on a cylinder (20) of the pressing device (2).

Device (100) according to one of the preceding claims, further comprising a pretreatment device (9) for pretreating the transfer medium (3) before applying the decoration material and / or a cleaning device (10) for cleaning the printed transfer medium (3) after the transfer medium has been pressed on (3) on the object (13).

15. Device (100) according to one of the preceding claims,

wherein the pressing device (2), preferably a cylinder (20) of the pressing device

(2), floating or suspended.

16. Device (100) according to one of the preceding claims,

wherein the pressing device (2), in particular in the wavelength range between 220 nm and 400 nm, preferably between 350 nm and 400 nm, more preferably between 365 nm and 395 nm, is transparent or translucent, wherein the

Transparency is in particular between 30% and 100%, preferably between 40% and 100%.

17. Device (100) according to one of the preceding claims,

wherein the device (100) is designed such that during the particular clocked, pressing the provided with decorative material transfer medium

(3) on the object (13) in the pressing device (2), at the same time, in particular clocked, applying the decorative material to the transfer medium (3) in the printing device (7).

18. Device (100) according to one of claims 1 to 16,

wherein the device (100) is designed such that the transfer medium (3) in dependence of, in particular clocked, pressing the with

Decorative material provided transfer medium (3) on the object (13) in the pressing device (2) is driven, and wherein the driving of the

Transfer medium (3) preferably in time with a transport device of the object (13).

19. Device (100) according to one of claims 1 to 16,

wherein the pressing of the decoration medium provided with transfer medium (3) on the object (13) is clocked, and wherein the application of the

Decorative material on the transfer medium (3) in a continuous

Path speed takes place.

20. Device (100) according to one of the preceding claims,

wherein the device (100) comprises a compensation module (18) which

is configured in particular such that during a standstill phase of, in particular clocked, pressing the provided with decorative material Transfer medium (3) on the object (13) at the same time the application of the decorative material on the transfer medium (3) and / or the transport of the transfer medium (3), in particular continuously takes place.

21. Device (100) according to claim 20,

wherein the compensation module (18) comprises at least one receiving space for a loop of the transfer medium (3) and / or means for maintaining the web tension.

22. Device (100) according to one of claims 20 or 21,

wherein the compensation module (18) is designed such that the compensation module (18) or a mechanical memory (18a) within the compensation module (18) receives and stores the transfer medium (3) by a lateral movement in a first direction and by a Change the lateral movement in a second direction again gives.

23. Device (100) according to one of the preceding claims,

the device (100) further comprising a pretreatment device for

Pre-treating the object (13), in particular wherein the

Pretreatment device, an object cleaning device and a

Activation device comprises, wherein the activation device is preferably arranged after the object cleaning device.

24. Device (100) according to claim 23,

wherein the object cleaning device is configured such that

Dirt and / or other existing protective coatings or other functional coatings are removed and / or that a

Modification of the surface of the object (13) is carried out with at least one oxidizing flame.

25. Device (100) according to one of claims 23 or 24,

wherein the activation device is designed such that the surface of the object (13), preferably chemically and / or physically, is modified in such a way that adhesion of the decoration material to the object (13) is increased and / or that a modification of the surface of the object (13) with at least one silicating flame.

26. Device (100) according to one of claims 23 to 25,

wherein the object cleaning device and / or the activation device comprises an annular flame treatment device, in particular wherein the object to be pretreated (13) is arranged in the interior of a ring and preferably the oxidizing or silicating flame exits the ring in the direction of the surface of the object (13).

27. Method for decorating objects to be decorated (13),

wherein an object (13) is held by a holding device (1),

wherein in a first step decorative material is applied to a transfer medium (3) by a printing device (7),

in a second step, adhesive is applied to the transfer medium (3) provided with the decoration material or to the object (13), and

wherein in a third step, the transfer medium (3) by a pressing device (2) is pressed onto the object (13) and at the same time the adhesive is cured.

28. The method according to claim 27,

wherein, in the first step, the decorative material applied to the transfer medium (3) further passes through a UV light source to pre-cure the decorative material

And / or wherein the adhesive is precured in the second step by a UV light source to pre-cure the adhesive and / or wherein in the third step the adhesive is cured by a UV light source to cure the adhesive.

29. The method according to claim 28,

wherein in the third step, the gross UV irradiance of the UV light source for curing the adhesive is between 1 W / cm ² and 50 W / cm ² , preferably between 3 W / cm ² and 40 W / cm ² , and / or wherein the net UV irradiance of the UV light source for curing the adhesive is between 4.8 W / cm ² and 8 W / cm ² .

30. The method according to any one of claims 28 or 29,

wherein light from the UV light source for pre-curing the decorative material and / or from the UV light source for pre-curing the adhesive and / or from the UV light source for curing the adhesive in one in a wavelength range between 220 nm and 400 nm, preferably between 350 nm and 400 nm, more preferably between 365 nm and 395 nm, is emitted.

31. The method according to any one of claims 27 to 30,

wherein in the first step the decoration material is applied by the printing device (7) to the transfer medium (3) such that the decoration material is applied in first zones to the transfer medium (3) and is not applied in second zones, in particular wherein the first zones and the second zones are arranged according to a one- or two-dimensional grid, and / or the ratio of the mean width of the first zones to the mean width of the second zones is between 0.75: 1 and 1: 5.

32. The method according to any one of claims 27 to 31,

wherein the pressing of the transfer medium (3) on the object (13) takes place by rotating the object (13) about an axis of rotation, that the

Transfer medium (3) is guided tangentially to the outer periphery of the object (13) and that the pressing device (2) along the contact region (14) between the object (13) and transfer medium (3) presses the transfer medium (3) on the object (13) , wherein the pressing device (2) is preferably moved so that the

Surface surface speed of the pressing device (2) of the

Surface speed of the object (13) corresponds, and wherein the

Transfer medium (3) is preferably moved so that the surface velocity of the transfer medium (3) corresponds to the surface velocity of the object (13).

33. The method according to any one of claims 27 to 31,

wherein the pressing of the transfer medium (3) on the object (13) takes place in that the object (13) is held in a fixed position and the transfer medium (3) by means of the pressing device (2) over the surface of the object (13) unrolled wherein the pressing device (2) presses the transfer medium (3) onto the object (13) along the contact region (14) between the object (13) and transfer medium (3), wherein the pressing device (2) preferably extends along the object (13 ) is moved.

34. The method according to any one of claims 27 to 33,

wherein the transfer medium (3) is provided as an endless belt, wherein the in

Claim 27 is repeatedly performed, wherein each time a further object (13) is provided with decorative material with each performing the sequence of steps according to claim 27.

35. The method according to any one of claims 27 to 34,

wherein the transfer medium (3) is pretreated before applying the decorative material.

36. The method according to any one of claims 27 to 35,

wherein the transfer medium (3) is cleaned after being pressed.

37. The method according to any one of claims 27 to 36,

wherein the transfer medium (3) provided as an endless belt is cleaned after passing through the pressing device (2) and is subsequently pretreated before the transfer medium (3) is returned to the printing device (7) for re-applying decorative material.

38. The method according to any one of claims 27 to 37,

wherein during, in particular clocked, pressing the with

Decorating material provided transfer medium (3) on the object (13) in the pressing device (2), at the same time, in particular clocked, applying the decorative material on the transfer medium (3) in the printing device (7).

39. The method according to any one of claims 27 to 37,

wherein the transmedium (3) in dependence of, in particular clocked,

Pressing the provided with decoration material transfer medium (3) on the object (13) in the pressing device (2) is driven and in particular wherein the driving of the transfer medium (3) in time with a transport device of the object (13).

40. The method according to any one of claims 27 to 37,

wherein the pressing of the decoration medium provided with transfer medium (3) is clocked on the object (13) and wherein the application of the Decorative material on the transfer medium (3) in a continuous

Path speed takes place.

41. The method according to any one of claims 27 to 40,

wherein by the use of a compensation module (18) during a

Standstill phase of, in particular clocked, pressing the with

Decorative material provided transfer medium (3) on the object (13) at the same time the application of the decorative material on the transfer medium (3) and / or the transport of the transfer medium (3), in particular continuously takes place.

42. The method according to claim 41,

wherein the compensation module (18) or a mechanical memory (18a) within the compensation module (18) receives or stores the transfer medium (3) by a lateral movement in a first direction and releases it again by changing the lateral movement in a second direction ,

43. The method according to any one of claims 27 to 42,

wherein the object (13) is pretreated prior to the application of the decoration material, the pretreatment in particular comprising an object cleaning step and / or an activation step.

44. The method according to claim 43,

wherein in the object cleaning step, contaminants and / or other existing protective coatings or other functional coatings are removed and / or a modification of the surface of the object (13) with at least one oxidizing flame takes place.

45. The method according to any one of claims 43 or 44,

wherein in the activation step the surface of the object (13), preferably chemically and / or physically, is modified such that adhesion of the decoration material to the object (13) is increased and / or a modification of the surface of the object (13) with at least a silicating flame takes place.

46. The method according to any one of claims 27 to 45,

wherein in the first step by the printing device (7) further a

Primer layer is applied to the transfer medium (3), in particular wherein the primer layer consists of polyacrylates and / or vinyl acetate copolymers and / or with a layer thickness between 0.1 μιη and 1, 5 μιη, preferably between 0.5 μιη and 0.8 μιη, is applied.

47. The method according to claim 46,

wherein the primer layer is applied such that the

Primer layer a the carrier material, in particular one of

Plastic carrier film (16), opposite surface of the transfer medium (3) is formed.