JP2011524996A - Non-impact printing method and article by this method - Google Patents

Abstract

  A label (70) for marking the surface, comprising a) a support part (77), b) a varnish (85) at least partly in contact with the support part, and c) at least partly in contact with the varnish A label (90), d) an ink (95) at least partially in contact with the primer, and e) an optional adhesive (99) in at least partial contact with the ink, the label comprising: A label that can be applied at least partially to a surface by heating at least the label.

Description

  Thermal transfer labels have been previously known in the art. Such labels have been used on various containers, bottles, packages and the like. In the thermal transfer labeling method, the label support web may be exposed to heat and the label may be pressed onto the article to bring the ink design layer into direct contact with the article. As the label support web is exposed to heat, the braze layer begins to melt. Accordingly, a part of the wax layer is transferred onto the article by the ink design layer, and the paper sheet can be peeled from the ink design layer while a part of the wax layer remains on the paper sheet. After the design is transferred to the article, the paper sheet may be removed to expose the transferred wax to the environment with the design attached to the article. The thermal transfer label further includes an adhesive layer (eg, including a polyamide or polyester adhesive) deposited on the ink design to provide protection sandwiched on the surface and / or between the wax release layer and the ink layer. Adhesion of the label onto the lacquer layer may be facilitated.

  Various types of label printing methods have been used to produce thermal transfer labels. Various printing methods including gravure printing, screen printing, and flexographic printing are used. However, none of these methods was able to quickly change or modify the printed material. In these methods, troublesome setup is required for manufacturing the label, and further setup is required if there is an error or a change is required. Given the flexibility required of today's business, the downtime required in this type of printing results in increased costs that are incurred by consumers or businesses.

  There is a need for printing methods that can be performed quickly and articles made by such printing methods. Further, there is a need for labels that can be printed using digital methods that allow images and / or text to be quickly changed. The present invention satisfies these requirements.

  According to one embodiment, the present invention is a label for marking a surface comprising: a) a support, b) a varnish that is at least partially in contact with the support, and c) a varnish and at least partially. A primer that contacts the ink; d) an ink that is at least partially in contact with the primer; and e) an optional adhesive that is at least partially in contact with the ink, the label at least by heating the label It relates to a label that can be applied at least partially to a surface.

  According to another embodiment, the present invention is a method for marking a surface comprising a) a label that can be attached to a surface, the label comprising 1) a support, and 2) a support A varnish that is at least partially in contact with 3) a primer that is at least partially in contact with the varnish, 4) an ink that is at least partially in contact with the primer, and 5) an adhesive that is at least partially in contact with the ink; Providing a label comprising: b) placing the label in contact with the surface; c) heating the label to at least partially apply the label onto the surface; and d) supporting from the label. Removing the part.

1 illustrates a method of making a label of the present invention.

  The dimensions and values disclosed herein are not to be understood as being strictly limited to the exact numerical values recited. Instead, unless otherwise specified, each such dimension is intended to mean both the recited value and a functionally equivalent range surrounding that value. For example, a dimension disclosed as “40 mm” is intended to mean “about 40 mm”.

  All documents cited in “Modes for Carrying Out the Invention” are incorporated herein by reference in the relevant part, and any citation of any document shall be regarded as prior art with respect to the present invention. It should not be construed as acceptable. To the extent that any meaning or definition of a term in this document contradicts any meaning or definition of a term in a document incorporated by reference, the meaning or definition given to that term in this document applies. Shall be.

  While the specification concludes with a detailed description of the invention and a clear claim, the invention will be better understood by the following description.

  The apparatus, apparatus, method, component, and / or composition of the present invention includes or is described in the component of the present invention as well as the components of the present invention and other components described herein. It can consist of or can consist of other components. As used herein, “consisting essentially of” means that the device, instrument, method, component, and / or composition may include additional components. Provided that the additional elements do not substantially change the basic and novel characteristics of the claimed apparatus, apparatus, method, component, and / or composition.

  Unless otherwise indicated, all percentages and ratios used herein are based on the weight of the total composition and all measurements are made at 25 ° C. One degree is a plane unit having an angle equal to 1/360 of the full rotation.

  All measurements used herein are in metric unless otherwise specified.

  The present invention is a label for marking a surface, comprising a support, a varnish that is at least partially in contact with the support, a primer that is at least partially in contact with the varnish, and at least partially in contact with the primer. And an optional adhesive that is at least partially in contact with the ink, the label being at least partially affixed to the surface by heating the label. The present invention is also a method for marking a surface, the label being capable of being attached to a surface, the label comprising a support, a varnish at least partially in contact with the support, a varnish and at least Providing a label, comprising: a primer in partial contact; an ink in at least partial contact with the primer; and an adhesive in at least partial contact with the ink; and placing the label in contact with the surface And a method comprising heating the label to at least partially affix the label on the surface and removing the support from the label.

  Without being bound by theory, it is believed that digital printing methods can be used in combination with analog coating methods to print such labels. Digital printing methods, such as those using HP Indigo type printers, have been problematic for some time when used with labels of the present invention, such as printing bleed, flow, or insufficient durability. Other problems when using digital printing include ensuring adequate surface energy in the transfer medium to improve the printed image transferred from the transfer drum of the digital printer to the label. By incorporating the primer layer in the label structure, the adhesion of the ink to the label was improved, and as a result, the durability of each layer could be improved while improving the digital printing method.

Digital Printer According to one embodiment, the present invention uses a digital printing method. Examples of the digital printing method include any method of adding ink to the label by computer operation. Techniques for realizing such operations include ink jet printing, laser printing, electro ink printing, and the like. According to one embodiment, the digital printing used in the present invention is non-impact printing.

  A printing technique that does not require a stable and physically fixed image carrier and can in principle generate different images for each printing is called non-impact printing. Electrophotographic technology is an embodiment of non-impact printing technology. The laser sends information to the intermediate carrier, ie the photoconductive coating, without impact. Toner is applied to the charged latent image recorded on the drum and transferred to the substrate. Naturally, the information carrier to which the ink (toner) is applied and the substrate come into contact during printing, but the information is not transferred by impact. The mainstream technologies are electrophotography and inkjet printing. Ionography, magnetography, and thermography are also used for non-impact printing. Unlike printing methods that use a fixed image carrier, these non-impact printing techniques can produce completely different printed images for each rotation, thus eliminating the need to create a mechanical master for each printed image. . Non-impact printing technology allows on-demand printing and personalization or customization. Further technical description of such non-impact printing technology can be found in Handbook of Print Media edited by Helmut Kpphan ISBN3-540-67326-1 Springer-Verlag Berlin (2001), the contents of which are entirely referred to. As incorporated herein.

  A typical apparatus capable of digital printing is the HP (registered trademark) Indigo printing press series. The HP® Indigo printing press relies on electronic transfer of liquid ink and transfers the final image from the mounted blanket onto the label varnish in a single pass. The blanket is negatively charged to a nominal value of about 800 volts. By reducing the print area to about -100 volts by the encoding unit, data is transferred directly from the artwork file to the blanket and ink having a rated voltage of about -400 volts is attracted to the low pressure area of the blanket. Colors are added sequentially by a step-and-repeat operation.

Substrate Coating Methods Each layer of the present invention is applied by one or more analog coating methods. The term analog coating methods is intended to distinguish these methods from the digital printing used to apply ink to the labels. Typical analog coating methods include flood coating and spot coating. Flood coating is a well-known technique within the printing industry for applying the coatings or layers of the present invention. In the flood coating method, a coating substance is applied to a substrate through a nozzle as the substrate passes. Excess material is then removed by a doctor blade and recirculated after filtration. Spot coating is also a well-known technique whereby coatings and layers may be applied only to a portion of the present invention. Spot coating generally allows for more precise control of layer overlay and thickness. Spot coating can be applied using conventional analog printing methods such as gravure, flexographic printing, or screen printing.

  Flood coating and spot coating are used in various embodiments to apply an adhesive, varnish, primer, and substrate coating to a substrate of the present invention to form a label of the present invention. Any combination of flood coating and spot coating can be used to achieve the desired results in the various coating processes of the present invention. In one embodiment, the primer is spot-coated substantially on the area to which ink is applied by a digital printing method.

  Various methods for forming the label may be performed in a continuous, batch, or mixed (continuous and batch) manner. In a non-limiting example, the formation of the support in one embodiment is performed in a continuous manner. The support is then stored until ready to produce the rest of the label, and when ready, additional steps are performed in a second continuous manner as described herein to form the label. Is done.

  It is also contemplated that various surface treatments, preprint coating processes, and postprint coating processes known to those skilled in the art can be used with the present invention. Typical treatments include heating methods, cooling methods, corona treatment, surface polishing, and the like.

Support Unit The support unit of the present invention includes at least one substrate and at least one coating. Any material can be used as a suitable base material as long as the label components can be fixed indefinitely in a predetermined arrangement. Examples of the substrate include paper, nonwoven fabric, plastic, and woven material. Plastic substrates include polyesters (such as polyethylene terephthalate, polyethylene naphthylene), polyolefins (such as polyethylene and polypropylene), and polyamides. In one embodiment, the support is a transparent plastic film. In another embodiment, the support is a translucent plastic film. Opaque films are also envisioned. In one embodiment, the substrate is placed on a roll, whereby the substrate is fed out of the roll in an at least semi-continuous manner. In another embodiment, the substrate is provided in a modest sizing, eg, as a 10 cm × 10 cm substrate, to facilitate label formation.

  The support of the present invention also includes a substrate coating. Without being bound by theory, it is believed that the substrate coating is easy to release the substrate from the remainder of the label by being heated when the label is applied to the surface. Any substrate coating is conceivable that promotes such a function. Such coatings include wax, paraffin, silicone, polyethylene and the like. In one embodiment, the coating has a thickness of about 0.01 to 10 micrometers, and in another embodiment about 0.02 micrometers to about 1 macrometer.

Varnish In one embodiment, a varnish or lacquer layer is at least partially disposed between the support and the primer. In one embodiment, the varnish is at least partially disposed between the coating and the primer. For example, varnishes such as the phenoxy varnish described in US Pat. No. 5,800,656 or the cross-linked phenoxy varnish described in US application 09 / 093,150 are contemplated. Without being bound by theory, it is believed that after the varnish layer is placed on the surface, it protects the label by improving resistance to scratching and rubbing.

  In one embodiment, the varnish is at least partially mixed with an aesthetic modifier. An aesthetic modifier modifies the final label by providing the label with additional visual, tactile, or scented elements. Aesthetic modifiers that provide additional visual elements include brighteners, pearlescent additives, diluents, and the like. Aesthetic modifiers that provide additional tactile elements include grit and sand. Examples of aesthetic modifiers that provide additional scent elements include fragrances and fragrance microcapsules.

  In one embodiment, the varnish is applied to the label at a thickness of about 1.0 micrometer to about 2 micrometers.

Primer In the digital printing method of the present invention, the primer is applied to at least a part of the varnish to ensure proper transfer of the ink and adhesion to the substrate. In one embodiment, the primer has a thickness of about 0.1 to about 2.0 grams per square meter of substrate. In one embodiment, the primer is premixed in the varnish. Suitable primer compositions are also described in US Pat. Nos. 6,767,588, 6,743,480, and 7,014,974. A typical primer is an acrylic monomer. Furthermore, a polyethyleneimine (PEI) is mentioned as a typical primer.

  A substantially uniform thin primer coating is applied to the labels of the present invention using a gravure printing method, although other coating methods known in the art may be used. The primer adheres well to the plastic, but the surface coated with the primer can be printed using a liquid toner such as that described in US Pat. No. 5,407,771 to Landa et al. It is. The description of that document is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. As a toner, Netherland's Indigo N.I. V. ElectroInk (registered trademark) manufactured and sold by E.C., for example, ElectroInk (registered trademark) EI-Mark 3.0 and EI-Mark 3.1 are suitable. Other toners can also be used.

  Other components for forming the primer include the dispersed phase of Styrofan, Acronal 866, or Styronal D808. Styrofan and Styronal are trade names for styrene butadiene based aqueous polymer dispersants sold by BASF. Acronal is the trade name for dispersed acrylate homopolymers and copolymers sold by BASF. For these materials, the aqueous dispersion is preferably 8% ± 4% by weight of the dispersion layer of Styrofan, Acronal 866 or Styronal D808. In the case of dispersants produced using MP4990, the dispersant produced by Styrofan, Acronal, or Styronal may be mixed with 6 parts by weight of a 6% polyethyleneimine solution equal to parts by weight of the dispersant to solution. preferable. According to one embodiment of the present invention, an amount of a Styrofan, Acronal, or Styronal-based dispersant is mixed with an amount of a polyethyleneimine solution, and the dispersed phase of Styrofan, Acronal, or Styronal with respect to the polyethyleneimine in the primer is mixed. Primers with a ratio in the range of 1-5 can be obtained. Other components including water, non-aqueous solvents, surfactants, rheology modifiers and the like can also be mixed with the primer of the present invention. Note that the primer preparation methods described above in connection with the preferred embodiments are given by way of example. Other methods known in the art for mixing materials to prepare primers can also be used.

  Other primers suitable for use with the present invention are listed in U.S. Patent Nos. 6,767,588, 6,743,480, and 7,014,974, which are incorporated herein by reference. The disclosure is incorporated herein by reference. Representative primers include DigiPrime® (an aqueous primer manufactured by Michelman) and Saphire® (a solvent-based primer manufactured by Indigo Electronic Printing Systems Ltd.).

Inks The inks of the present invention may actually comprise a single ink layer or multiple ink layers. The inks of the present invention may be made using one or more conventional inks such as polyester inks, polyester / vinyl inks, polyamide inks and / or acrylic inks. One skilled in the art will readily understand that there are many inks available and can use these inks on labels as needed. Also contemplated are inks produced from both dyes and pigments, and combinations thereof. According to one embodiment, the ink of the present invention is suitable for use in digital printing.

Adhesive According to one embodiment, the adhesive of the present invention comprises a heat activated adhesive, a pressure activated adhesive, or a heat / pressure activated adhesive. Typical adhesives include polyester-based adhesives, but other types of adhesives, such as water-based acrylic adhesives (see, eg, US patent application Ser. No. 09 / 093,153, which is incorporated herein by reference). Also suitable are phenoxy adhesives (see, for example, US patent application Ser. No. 09 / 189,277, which is hereby incorporated by reference). According to one embodiment, the adhesive layer is formed on the exposed portion of (i) the ink layer 25, (ii) the primer layer, and / or (iii) the varnish layer by deposition, gravure printing, or the like. The

  FIG. 1 illustrates a label 70 of the present invention. The present invention relates to a hybrid system 83 that combines knowledge of analog coating methods with the flexibility of digital printing. In the present embodiment, the label is manufactured by a combination of a preprint coating process 40, a digital printing 50, and a postprint coating process 60.

  In the preprint coating process 40, first, at least one substrate coating 80 is applied to the substrate 75 by the substrate coating method 10 to form the support portion 77. A plurality of the same or different substrate coatings 80 may be applied to the substrate 75.

  After applying at least one substrate coating to substrate 75, varnish 85 is applied over substrate coating 80 by varnish application method 20. Next, the primer 90 is applied on the varnish 85 by the primer coating method 30.

  When the primer coating method 90 is completed, the ink 95 is printed on the primer 90 in a desired arrangement and form in the digital printing method 50. After the ink 95 is printed, an adhesive layer 99 may optionally be applied in the finish coating method 60 as desired. Further processing of the label 70 during and / or after the post print coating process 60 includes corona processing and the like.

  The dimensions and values disclosed herein are not to be understood as being strictly limited to the exact numerical values recited. Instead, unless otherwise specified, each such dimension is intended to mean both the recited value and a functionally equivalent range surrounding that value. For example, a dimension disclosed as “40 mm” is intended to mean “about 40 mm”.

  It should be understood that any maximum numerical limitation set forth throughout this specification will include any lower numerical limitation as if such lower numerical limitation was expressly set forth herein. is there. The minimum numerical limits set forth throughout this specification include all higher numerical limits as if such large numerical limits were expressly set forth herein. The numerical ranges set forth throughout this specification are intended to include any numerical range narrower than that falling within such broader numerical ranges, and all such narrower numerical ranges being explicitly set forth herein. Including.

  All documents cited in “Mode for Carrying Out the Invention” are incorporated herein by reference in their relevant parts, and any citation of any document is prior art with respect to the present invention. Should not be construed as tolerating. To the extent that any meaning or definition of a term in this document contradicts any meaning or definition of a term in a document incorporated by reference, the meaning or definition given to the term in this document applies.

  While particular embodiments of the present invention have been illustrated and described, it would be obvious to those skilled in the art that various other changes and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Accordingly, it is intended to cover in the appended claims all such changes and modifications that are within the scope of this invention.

Claims (10)

A label for marking the surface,
a) a support;
b) a varnish that is at least partially in contact with the support;
c) a primer that is at least partially in contact with the varnish;
d) ink in at least partial contact with the primer;
e) an optional adhesive in at least partial contact with the ink;
The label can be affixed to the surface at least partially by heating the label at least.   The label of claim 1, wherein the varnish and primer are mixed with each other before contacting the support.   The label according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the support comprises a substrate and at least one substrate coating, the substrate comprising paper, nonwoven fabric, plastic, woven material, or a combination thereof.   4. A label according to claim 1, 2 or 3, wherein the varnish comprises phenoxy varnish.   The label according to claim 1, 2, 3, or 4, wherein the primer comprises an acrylic monomer or polyethyleneimine. A method for marking a surface,
a) a label that can be attached to the surface, the label comprising:
1) a support part;
2) a varnish that is at least partially in contact with the support;
3) a primer that is at least partially in contact with the varnish;
4) ink that is at least partially in contact with the primer;
5) providing a label comprising an adhesive at least partially in contact with the primer;
b) placing the label in contact with the surface;
c) heating the label to at least partially apply the label on the surface;
d) removing the support from the label.   The method of claim 6, wherein steps a to d are performed in a continuous process.   The method of Claim 6 or 7 with which the process of ad is implemented by a batch process.   The method according to claim 6, 7, or 8, wherein 1-4 steps are performed in a continuous process.   The method according to claim 6, 7, 8, or 9, wherein the four steps are performed in a digital printing process.

Images