IES67366B2 - Decal printed articles and a method for their construction - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention provides a method of constructing a decal printed article comprising the steps of lithoprinting a desired image directly onto a smooth upper surface of a vinyl paper. A pressure-sensitive adhesive system layer is applied to the undersurface of the printed paper. An embossed transparent polycarbonate film is laminated onto the upper printed surface of the paper .

Description

0ECAL PRINTED ARTICLES AMD A KIETIHO FOR THEIR CONSTRUCTOR Technical Field The invention relates to a decal printed article, such as a nameplate, faceplate, label, decorative trim parts and the like, and a method for their construction.

Background Art In the construction of a conventional decal printed article, a decorative trim and/or lettering is formed sub-surface of the article by printing, in reverse, on the rear smooth surface of a transparent polycarbonate film. The front surface of the polycarbonate film is usually textured. The print is visible on the front of the article through the transparent film. A pressure-sensitive adhesive layer is applied to the reverse of the article which is then cut to shape.

Sub-surface decal printing is typically used in the manufacture of nameplates, faceplates, labels, decorative trim parts and the like These are frequently used in the electronics industry, for example, for application to electronic products and parts for identification or information purposes, and/or as a decorative trim.

A problem with convention reverse printed decal is that screen-printing is used and it is impossible to achieve high definition, high clarity and high quality, and the colour choice is limited. Also, printing to a small size is difficult to achieve. Conventional sub-surface printing is limited in terms of quality to line work, spot colours, or large tone work.

Object of the Invention & It is an object of the invention to provide a method for constructing a decal printed article which allows a high definition and high quality 1602S G 6 7 3 6 6 - 2 printing to be achieved sub-surface.

Summary of the Invention Accordingly, the invention provides a method of constructing a decal printed article comprising the steps of: i) lithoprinting a desired image directly onto a smooth upper surface of a paper; ii) applying a pressure-sensitive adhesive system layer onto the undersurface of the printed paper; and iii) laminating a transparent polycarbonate film onto the upper printed surface of the paper.

The invention also provides a decal printed article, for example, a nameplate, faceplate, label, decorative trim or the like comprising a) an upper layer consisting of a transparent polycarbonate film bonded to b) an intermediate layer comprising a paper having the desired image directly litho-printed onto the upper surface thereof, and c) an underlayer comprising a pressure-sensitive adhesive system attached to the undersurface of the printed paper, and by means of which the printed article may be attached to a surface.

Preferably, the paper is a vinyl plastics paper e.g. polyart paper. Polyart has the advantage that when die cut, loose fibres do not occur at the cut edges, which is a common problem with paper and card.

Polyart also has a high resistance to moisture. The polycarbonate film is preferably velvet-embossed.

Suitably, the polycarbonate film is bonded to the paper by means of a pressure-sensitive acrylic adhesive. - 3 Brief Description of the Drawings An embodiment of the invention is hereinafter described with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein; Figure 1 is a front view of a decal decorative trim of the invention; and Figure 2 is a side view, to a greatly enlarged scale, of the trim of Figure 1.

Detailed Description of the Preferred Embodiment Referring to the drawings this shows a decal printed name plate/decorative trim, for example for use as a name plate on a mobile telephone.

The decal printed article comprises an upper layer 1 which is a transparent textured polycarbonate film. Preferably, it is velvet embossed. A suitable film is that marketed by Flexcon Company, Inc. under the trade name Flex-Vu 0L-300-Velvet V-29 150 Poly-MS. Suitably, the film has a thickness of about 75 microns, and a tensile strength of 8400-8800 psi. It has an elongation factor of 85-105%.

The underside of the textured polycarbonate film 1 is coated with an adhesive layer 2. The adhesive may be an acrylic pressure-sensitive adhesive. A water-clear acrylic pressure-sensitive adhesive, marketed by Flexcon Company, Inc. under the trade name Flex-Vu has been found suitable. The adhesive layer may have a thickness of about 25-28 microns.

The transparent polycarbonate film 1 is bonded, by means of the adhesive layer 2, to a pre-printed paper layer 3. Suitably, the paper 3 is a polyvinyl paper. A polyvinyl paper marketed under the trade name Polyart has been found suitable.

The paper 3 has the desired image/artwork litho printed onto the upper surface thereof, before assembly of the printed article. Unlike - 4 conventional sub-surface printing the image is printed directly onto the upper smooth surface, and is not printed in reverse. This means that a lithopress can be used, employing full four colour process printing, giving an image as small as one inch. The print is of high quality, having an excellent definition. The transparent polycarbonate a film 1 laminated to the upper printed surface of the paper 3 provides the necessary protection to the printed image, and provides a textured finish similar to that of conventional sub-surface printed decal.

The underside of the paper 3 has bonded thereto a pressure-sensitive adhesive layer 4. The adhesive layer 4 preferably is a firm acrylic pressure-sensitive adhesive system. A transfer tape marketed by 3M United Kingdom Pic. under the trade name Scotch 467MP has been found satisfactory. This is an adhesive tape having a thickness of about 50 microns.

Suitably, the adhesive layer 4 is provided on its underside with a release liner (not shown). The release liner is a polvcoated paper having a thickness of about 100 microns. It protects the adhesive layer 4 until it is desired to bond the printed article of the invention to a surface. The printed article is easily stripped-off the release liner, and is applied by means of the adhesive 4 to a surface. The adhesive 4 provides a high ultimate bond strength with good high temperature performance, and solvent resistance. Bond strength increases with ageing to provide a permanent bond.

As shown in the drawing, a portion of the printed article may be removed, e.g. by punching, to provide a rectangular opening 5. In this way the printed article may form a decorative trim for an information panel inscribed in the surface of a product, e.g. a portable telephone.

Claims (5)

1. A method of constructing a decal printed article comprising the steps of: i) lithoprinting a desired image directly onto a smooth upper surface of a paper; ii) applying a pressure-sensitive adhesive system layer onto the undersurface of the printed paper; and iii) laminating a transparent polycarbonate film onto the upper printed surface of the paper.

2. A decal printed article, for example, a nameplate, faceplate, label, decorative trim or the like comprising a) an upper layer consisting of a transparent polycarbonate film bonded to b) an intermediate layer comprising a paper having the desired image directly litho-printed onto the upper surface thereof, and c) an underlayer comprising a pressure-sensitive adhesive system attached to the undersurface of the printed paper, and by means of which the printed article may be attached to a surface.

3. A method as claimed in Claim 1, or an article as claimed in Claim 2, wherein the polycarbonate film is embossed, and the paper is a vinyl plastics paper.

4. A method as claimed in Claim 1, or an article as claimed in Claim 2, wherein the polycarbonate film is bonded to the paper by means of a pressure-sensitive acrylic adhesive.

5. Decal printed articles and a method for their construction substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to, and as illustrated in, the accompanying drawings.