JP2016068373A - Thermal transfer foil sheet, and method for forming printed product - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a thermal transfer foil sheet which enables a printed product of such a clear image that a thermal transfer image of two or more colors has no defect such as color slippage and which can be used in a printer having a simple structure without necessitating another printer of a complex system, and to provide a method for forming the printed product by using the thermal transfer foil sheet and a body to be transferred.SOLUTION: A step of thermally transferring all of a plurality of transfer layers, which are stacked on a base material of the thermal transfer foil sheet, to the body to be transferred and another step of: superimposing a peel-off layer on the body to be transferred, on which body all of the plurality of transfer layers are transferred; thermally transferring the layers transferred to the body to be transferred to the peel-off layer; and peeling them from the body to be transferred are carried out successively. At the peeling step, the impressed energy to be used when the transferred layers are transferred thermally to the peel-off layer is varied in patterned units by a difference in the position where the transfer layer is transferred to the body to be transferred to form a plurality of patterned images. A relationship of the impressed energy to be used for peeling the plurality of transfer layers from the body to be transferred is regulated.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

  The present invention relates to a thermal transfer foil provided with a heat-meltable ink layer, a thermal transfer foil thereof, and a printed material forming method using a transfer target.

  Conventionally, a thermal transfer method has been widely used as a simple printing method. The thermal transfer method uses a thermal transfer sheet (also referred to as a thermal transfer foil) including a color material such as a pigment and a thermal melt ink layer containing a binder such as a heat-meltable wax or resin, and a thermal transfer such as paper or plastic sheet. This is an image forming method in which a color material is transferred onto a thermal transfer image receiving sheet together with a binder by superimposing it on the image receiving sheet and applying energy according to image information from the back side of the thermal transfer sheet by a heating means such as a thermal head.

  When it is required to form an image of two or more colors using the above thermal transfer sheet, two or more types of thermal transfer sheets having a single color ink layer, or two or more color ink layers are separately applied in the surface order. In addition, a thermal transfer sheet (for example, Patent Document 1) is required, and the thermal transfer operation is required to be repeated twice or more on the transfer surface of the same thermal transfer image receiving sheet.

  In the above-described thermal transfer operation, it is required that the transferred position of the thermal transfer image for each color be accurately matched, and as a result, a clear image is formed. However, when the thermal transfer is performed for each color, if the position where the thermal transfer sheet and the thermal transfer image receiving sheet are overlapped is not accurate, the printing position will not match, causing a printing misregistration and a defect such as a color misregistration.

  In addition, when performing thermal transfer for each color described above, it is necessary to control the reciprocating movement of the thermal transfer image receiving sheet during the thermal transfer in order to accurately position the thermal transfer sheet and the thermal transfer image receiving sheet. There are problems in getting consumers to put it into wide use, such as complicated and expensive printers for recording.

Japanese Patent Publication No. 3-8950

  The present invention has been made in such a situation, and there is no defect such as color misregistration of thermal transfer images of two or more colors, a clear image printed matter can be obtained, and a complicated printer is not used. Another object of the present invention is to provide a thermal transfer foil that can be used in a printer having a simple structure, a thermal transfer foil thereof, and a printed material forming method using the transfer target.

  The above object is achieved by the present invention described below. That is, the present invention relates to a thermal transfer foil in which at least two transfer layers are laminated on one surface of a base material, wherein each of the at least two transfer layers contains at least a resin having adhesiveness. The resin having the adhesiveness of the layer has a different glass transition temperature or melting point, and the transfer layer has a glass transition temperature or a resin as the resin having the adhesiveness of the transfer layer located further away from the base material. It was set as the structure of the thermal transfer foil characterized by high melting | fusing point.

In addition, the thermal transfer foil is characterized by having a dispersion intermediate layer different from the transfer layer between the plurality of transfer layers.
The thermal transfer foil is characterized in that the at least two transfer layers are colored transfer layers having different hues.

  Further, in the image forming method of the present invention, the transfer layer is transferred to the transfer object using a heat transfer foil in which at least two transfer layers are laminated on one surface of the substrate and the transfer object. In the printed material forming method for forming a printed material, the thermal transfer foil and the transfer target are overlapped, and a plurality of transfer layers laminated on the substrate of the thermal transfer foil are added to the transfer target. A transfer step in which heat transfer is performed, a transfer body on which all of the plurality of transfer layers are transferred, and a peel-off layer are overlapped, and the transfer layer transferred to the transfer object is heated and transferred to the peel-off layer, The peeling process for peeling from the transfer object is sequentially performed, and in the peeling process, applied energy for heating and transferring the transfer layer to the peel-off layer is determined by the difference in the position where the transfer layer of the transfer object is transferred. In pattern units And forming a plurality of pattern-shaped images on the transferred body using the transfer layer, wherein the transfer layer located farthest from the substrate is separated from the transferred body. The applied energy for the transfer layer is the largest and the applied energy of the transfer layer decreases sequentially from the transfer layer located at the position farthest from the substrate to the transfer layer closest to the substrate. It was.

In addition, the at least two transfer layers are colored transfer layers having different hues, and the pattern-formed image of two or more colors is formed on the transfer object by the transfer layer. Is the method.
In addition, in a plurality of transfer layers laminated on the base material under the condition that the applied energy to be transferred by heating in the peeling step is changed in the pattern-like unit, the transfer layer alone has the applied energy. The printed matter forming method is characterized in that the level of the applied energy is different when compared with the unit of each transfer layer in the plurality of transfer layers, although the levels are the same.

  According to the present invention, there is no defect such as color misregistration of thermal transfer images of two or more colors, a clear image printed matter can be obtained, and it can be used with a printer having a simple structure without using a complicated printer. It became possible to do.

It is a schematic sectional drawing which shows one embodiment of the thermal transfer foil of this invention. It is a schematic sectional drawing which shows other embodiment of the thermal transfer foil of this invention. It is the schematic explaining one example of the printed matter formation method of this invention. It is the schematic explaining the other example of the printed matter formation method of this invention.

Next, an embodiment of the invention will be described in detail.
FIG. 1 shows one embodiment of the thermal transfer foil of the present invention. The illustrated thermal transfer foil 1 has a configuration in which a transfer layer A and a transfer layer B are sequentially laminated on one surface of a substrate 2, and a back layer 3 is provided on the other surface of the substrate 2. This thermal transfer foil 1 has a configuration in which a transfer layer 4 is provided on a substrate 2 in units of two layers. The thermal transfer foil is not limited to the illustrated one, and the back layer is not essential and can be omitted. Further, a dispersion intermediate layer different from the transfer layer may be provided between the transfer layer A and the transfer layer B.

  The transfer layer A and the transfer layer B each contain at least an adhesive resin, and the adhesive resins of the respective transfer layers have different glass transition temperatures or melting points. These transfer layers are set to have a higher glass transition temperature as the transfer layer is further away from the substrate. That is, in the illustrated thermal transfer foil 1, the resin having the adhesiveness of the transfer layer B has a higher glass transition temperature or melting point than the resin having the adhesiveness of the transfer layer A. The transfer layer A and the transfer layer B are preferably colored transfer layers having different hues, whereby a two-color image can be formed on the transfer target.

  FIG. 2 shows another embodiment of the thermal transfer foil of the present invention, in which the transfer layer A, the transfer layer B, and the transfer layer C are sequentially formed on the surface of the substrate 2 provided with the back layer 3 where the back layer 3 is not provided. The transfer layer 4 includes three layers that are stacked. The thermal transfer foil is not limited to the illustrated one, and the back layer is not essential and can be omitted. In addition, an intermediate layer of a dispersion system different from the transfer layer may be provided between at least one of the transfer layer A and the transfer layer B and between the transfer layer B and the transfer layer C.

  The transfer layer A, the transfer layer B, and the transfer layer C each contain at least a resin having adhesiveness, and the resins having adhesiveness in the respective transfer layers have different glass transition temperatures. Alternatively, the transfer layer has a higher glass transition temperature or higher melting point as the resin having the adhesiveness of the transfer layer located further away from the substrate. That is, in the illustrated thermal transfer foil 1, the relationship between the glass transition temperature or the melting point of the resin having the adhesiveness of the transfer layer A <the resin having the adhesiveness of the transfer layer B <the resin having the adhesiveness of the transfer layer C is established. . Further, the transfer layer A, the transfer layer B, and the transfer layer C are preferably colored transfer layers having different hues, whereby three-color images can be formed on the transfer target.

  After the plurality of transfer layers laminated on the base material of the thermal transfer foil as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 are all transferred to the transfer target, the transfer layer and the peel-off layer are overlapped. In addition, only the transfer layer A or the transfer layer A and the transfer layer B were combined with the applied energy when the transfer layer was peeled off from the transfer target with the peel-off layer under different conditions. A layer or the like can be peeled off from the transfer medium. In other words, the peel-off layer can peel off the transfer layer transferred to the transfer target and adhere it to the peel-off layer.

FIG. 3 is a schematic view for explaining one example of the printed matter forming method of the present invention.
First, as shown in FIG. 3 (1), a thermal transfer foil 1 in which a transfer layer A and a transfer layer B are sequentially laminated on one surface of a substrate 2, a transferred object 10, a transferred object 10 and a transferred layer. Overlay so that 4 touches. In this case, the thermal transfer foil 1 has a configuration in which two transfer layers 4 are laminated on a substrate 2.

Next, as shown in FIG. 3 (2), from the back side (the side where the transfer layer 4 is not provided) of the base material 2 of the thermal transfer foil 1 in a state where the transfer target 10 and the thermal transfer foil 1 are overlapped. Then, a certain amount of energy is applied, that is, a certain amount of applied energy is applied by using a heat transfer means such as a thermal head or a heat roll.
Then, as shown in FIG. 3 (3), all the transfer layers 4 of the transfer layer A and the transfer layer B are transferred from the thermal transfer foil 1 to the transfer target 10. Along with the transfer, the substrate 2 of the thermal transfer foil 1 is separated from the transfer target 10.

Next, as shown in FIG. 3 (4), the transfer target 10 to which the transfer layer 4 has been entirely transferred and the peel-off layer 20 are overlapped.
Then, as shown in FIG. 3 (5), a heat transfer means such as a thermal head is used from the peel-off layer 20 in a state where the surface of the transfer body 10 to which the transfer layer is transferred and the peel-off layer 20 are overlapped. Apply energy at a certain level (indicated as “Yes” in the figure), and then do not apply applied energy (indicated as “No” in the figure). The applied energy was repeatedly applied as shown in FIG.

Then, as shown in FIG. 3 (6), the transfer layer B is transferred to the entire surface of the transfer target 10, and the patterned transfer layer A is transferred onto the transfer layer B. Along with this transfer, the peel-off layer 20 is separated from the transfer target 10 in a state where the remaining transfer layer A (pattern shape) transferred to the transfer target 10 is adhered. This is a process in which a part of the transfer layer transferred temporarily to the transfer target 10 is peeled off by the peel-off layer 20.
Through the above steps, finally, two types of images of the transfer layer A and the transfer layer B having a pattern shape by the transfer layer are formed on the transfer target 10. In the present invention, it is described that the transfer layer forms an “image” transferred to the transfer target. However, if the transfer layer has colorless transparency, the transfer layer is not necessarily identified. Even if it is difficult to do so, the above "image" is formed. Further, if the transfer layer A and the transfer layer B are colored transfer layers having different hues, two-color images having different hues are formed.

FIG. 4 is a schematic view for explaining another example of the printed material forming method of the present invention.
First, as shown in FIG. 4A, a thermal transfer foil 1 in which a transfer layer A, a transfer layer B, and a transfer layer C are sequentially laminated on one surface of a substrate 2 and a transfer target 10 are transferred to the transfer target. 10 and the transfer layer 4 are overlapped. The thermal transfer foil 1 in this case has a configuration in which three transfer layers 4 are laminated on a substrate 2.

Next, as shown in FIG. 4 (2), in a state where the transfer target 10 and the thermal transfer foil 1 are overlapped, from the back side of the substrate 2 of the thermal transfer foil 1 (the side where the transfer layer is not provided) Using a heat transfer means such as a thermal head or a heat roll, a constant energy is applied, that is, a constant applied energy is applied.
Then, as shown in FIG. 4 (3), all the transfer layers 4 of the transfer layer A, the transfer layer B, and the transfer layer C are transferred from the thermal transfer foil 1 to the transfer target 10. Along with the transfer, the substrate 2 of the thermal transfer foil 1 is separated from the transfer target 10.

Next, as shown in FIG. 4 (4), the transfer target 10 to which the entire transfer layer has been transferred and the peel-off layer 20 are overlapped.
Then, as shown in FIG. 4 (5), a heat transfer means such as a thermal head is used from the peel-off layer 20 in a state where the surface of the transfer body 10 to which the transfer layer is transferred and the peel-off layer 20 are overlapped. The applied energy was applied in four stages of high, medium, low and none levels as shown in the figure.

  As shown in FIG. 4 (6), the transfer target 10 has no transfer layer at the left and right ends, and the surface of the transfer target 10 is exposed. The portion where the surface of the transfer object 10 is exposed corresponds to a portion where a high level of applied energy is applied. Then, the transfer layer C is exposed on the transfer target at a location where the applied energy is at a middle level. Further, the transfer layer B is exposed at a location where the applied energy is at a low level in a state where the transfer layer C is covered on the transfer body side on the transfer body. Further, the transfer layer A is exposed at a position where there is no applied energy, with the transfer layer B and the transfer layer C covered on the transfer target side on the transfer target.

  When the above state is viewed from the transfer target 10, the transfer layer C is present except for the left and right edges, and the pattern-like transfer layer B is transferred onto the transfer layer C, and the transfer layer is further transferred. The pattern-like transfer layer A is transferred onto B. In the figure, there are a portion where the transfer layer A, the transfer layer B, and the transfer layer C are transferred stepwise, and a portion where the transfer layer B, the transfer layer C is transferred stepwise. As a result of this transfer, the remaining portions (patterned) of the transfer layer A, transfer layer B, and transfer layer C transferred to the transfer target 10 are adhered to the peel-off layer 20 as shown in the figure. Separated from the transfer body 10. This is a process in which a part of the transfer layer 4 transferred to the transfer target 10 is temporarily peeled off by the peel-off layer 20.

  Through the above process, finally, three types of images of the transfer layer A, the transfer layer B, and the transfer layer C in the form of a transfer layer are formed on the transfer target 10. If the transfer layer A, the transfer layer B, and the transfer layer C are colored transfer layers having different hues, three-color images having different hues are formed.

Hereinafter, each configuration of the thermal transfer foil of the present invention will be described.
(Base material)
The base material 2 used for the thermal transfer foil 1 of the present invention is an essential component in the thermal transfer foil of the present invention, and is provided to hold the colored transfer layer. Although it does not specifically limit about the material of the base material 2, While the same base material as what is used for the conventional heat transfer sheet can be used as it is, another thing can also be used. Specific examples of preferred substrates include, for example, polyester, polypropylene, cellophane, polycarbonate, cellulose acetate, polyethylene, polyvinyl chloride, polystyrene, nylon, polyimide, polyvinylidene chloride, polyvinyl alcohol, fluororesin, chlorinated rubber, ionomer and the like. There are papers such as plastic, condenser paper, and paraffin paper, non-woven fabrics, etc., and a base film in which these are combined may be used. The thickness of the base film can be appropriately changed depending on the material so that the strength and thermal conductivity are appropriate, and the thickness is preferably, for example, 3 to 10 μm.

(Transfer layer)
The thermal transfer foil 1 of the present invention has a structure in which at least two transfer layers 4 are laminated on one surface of a base material, and each of the plurality of transfer layers contains at least a resin having adhesiveness, The transfer layer adhesive resins have different glass transition temperatures or melting points, and the transfer layer has a glass transition temperature that is closer to the base material than the substrate. Alternatively, the melting point is high. In addition, the above-described at least two transfer layers may be colored transfer layers having different hues. Furthermore, it does not include a colorant for imparting the above-described hue, but may include an ultraviolet absorber, the transfer layer may be composed of only a binder, or other layers.

  The transfer layer is a heat-meltable ink layer, which contains a conventionally known binder and an adhesive resin, and if necessary, a colorant, a higher fatty acid such as mineral oil, vegetable oil, stearic acid, a plasticizer, What added various additives, such as antioxidant and a filler, is used. Examples of the wax component used as the binder include microcrystalline wax, carnauba wax, and paraffin wax. In addition, Fischer-Tropsch wax, various low molecular weight polyethylene, wood wax, beeswax, whale wax, ibota wax, wool wax, shellac wax, candelilla wax, petrolactam, polyester wax, partially modified wax, fatty acid ester, fatty acid amide, etc. The wax is used. Among these, those having a melting point of 50 to 85 ° C. are particularly preferable. If it is 50 ° C. or lower, a problem occurs in storage stability, and if it is 85 ° C. or higher, sensitivity is insufficient.

  Examples of the resin component used as the binder of the transfer layer include acrylic resin, ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer, ethylene-acrylic acid ester copolymer, polyethylene, polystyrene, polypropylene, polybudene, petroleum resin, vinyl chloride resin, and chloride. Vinyl-vinyl acetate copolymer, polyvinyl alcohol, vinylidene chloride resin, methacrylic resin, polyamide, polycarbonate, fluororesin, polyvinyl formal, polyvinyl butyral, acetyl cellulose, nitrocellulose, polyvinyl acetate, polyisobutylene, ethyl cellulose or polyacetal In particular, the glass transition temperature conventionally used as a heat-sensitive adhesive has, for example, 40 to 80 ° C., and is further away from the base material in the configuration of the thermal transfer foil of the present invention. The glass transition temperature as the binder resin in the transfer layer in the position, it is preferably selected to be higher.

  Examples of the resin having adhesiveness contained in the transfer layer include resins having good thermal adhesiveness such as polyester resin, polycarbonate resin, butyral resin, polyamide resin, and vinyl chloride resin.

  The colorant can be appropriately selected from known organic or inorganic pigments or dyes. For example, a colorant having a sufficient color density and not discolored or discolored by light, heat or the like is preferable. Further, it may be a substance that develops color when heated or a substance that develops color when it comes into contact with a component applied to the surface of the transfer target. Further, the color of the colorant is not limited to cyan, magenta, yellow, and black, and various colorants can be used.

  Examples of the ultraviolet absorber include salicylic acid-based, benzophenone-based, benzotriazole-based, cyanoacrylate-based ultraviolet absorbers, and the like. 328, Tinuvin 312, Tinuvin 315 (manufactured by Ciba Geigy), Sumisorb-110, Sumisorb-130, Sumisorb-140, Sumisorb-200, Sumisorb-250, Sumisorb-300, Sumisorb-320, Sumisorb-340, Sumisorb-340, 350 -400 (manufactured by Sumitomo Chemical Co., Ltd.), Mark LA-32, Mark LA- 6, Mark 1413 can be obtained from (Adeka Argus Chemical Co., Ltd.) market under the trade name, etc., either can be used.

  Also, a random copolymer having a Tg (glass transition temperature) of 60 ° C. or higher, preferably 80 ° C. or higher, in which a reactive ultraviolet absorber and an acrylic monomer are randomly copolymerized can be used. The above-mentioned reactive ultraviolet absorbers include conventionally known non-reactive ultraviolet absorbers such as salicylates, benzophenones, benzotriazoles, substituted acrylonitriles, nickel chelates, hindered amines, etc., such as vinyl groups, acryloyl groups, An addition-polymerizable double bond such as acryloyl group, or those having an alcoholic hydroxyl group, amino group, carboxyl group, epoxy group, isocyanate group or the like introduced can be used. Specifically, UVA635L, UVA633L (manufactured by BASF Japan Ltd.), PUVA-30M (manufactured by Otsuka Chemical Co., Ltd.) and the like can be obtained from the market, and any of them can be used.

Further, in order to give the transfer layer good thermal conductivity and heat-melt transferability, a heat conductive material may be blended as a binder filler. Examples of such fillers include carbonaceous materials such as carbon black, metals such as aluminum, copper, tin oxide, and molybdenum disulfide, and metal compounds. The transfer layer is formed by the binder as described above, an adhesive resin, and, if necessary, a higher fatty acid such as a colorant component, mineral oil, vegetable oil, and stearic acid, a plasticizer, and an antioxidant. Various transfer additives such as additives and fillers, and blended and adjusted solvent components such as water and organic solvents are used to transfer coating solutions for transfer layer formation to hot melt coating, hot lacquer coating, gravure coating, and gravure reverse. It is carried out by a method such as coating or roll coating. There is also a method of forming using an aqueous or non-aqueous emulsion coating solution. The thickness of the transfer layer should be determined so that the required performance (print density, ultraviolet absorptivity, etc.) and thermal sensitivity can be harmonized, and is preferably in the range of 0.5 to 6.5 g / m ² . The range of 2.5 to 4.5 g / m ² is particularly preferable.

  Appropriately select a binder that constitutes at least two transfer layers laminated on the substrate, mainly based on the relationship between the thermal properties of the transfer layer described above, such as the softening point, melting point, and glass transition temperature of the binder. Thus, the transfer layer laminated at a position away from the transfer layer on the substrate side can be made to have a higher glass transition temperature or melting point as the binder of the transfer layer at a position further away from the substrate. .

(Middle layer)
In the thermal transfer foil of the present invention, an intermediate layer of a dispersion system different from the transfer layer can be provided between a plurality of transfer layers. When the transfer layer is peeled off from the thermal transfer foil and transferred to a transfer target, In any case where the transfer layer transferred to the transfer target is peeled from the transfer target and transferred to the peel-off layer, the peelability of the transfer layer can be improved. The transfer layer can be formed by coating a substrate with a coating solution in which a colorant, a binder, an adhesive resin, or the like is dissolved or dispersed in an organic solvent. On the other hand, since the intermediate layer can be formed by coating the base material with a coating liquid in which inorganic particles or the like are dispersed in an aqueous solvent, the intermediate layer can be said to be a “dispersion system different from the transfer layer”.

  The intermediate layer is a layer containing a water-soluble resin or a hydrophilic resin that can be emulsified. Specifically, examples of the water-soluble resin include polyvinyl pyrrolidone resin, polyvinyl alcohol resin, hydrophilic urethane resin, and cellulose. Examples include hydroxylalkyl-substituted derivatives, polyacrylamide, poly (meth) acrylic acid and metal salts thereof.

  In addition, the intermediate layer can be formed not only from a water-soluble resin or a hydrophilic resin that can be emulsified, but also by adding inorganic particles. The inorganic particles are preferably ultrafine particles of colloidal inorganic pigments, for example, metal silicates such as aluminum silicate and magnesium silicate; alumina or alumina hydrate (alumina sol, colloidal alumina, cationic aluminum oxide or Conventionally known compounds such as hydrates, suspicious boehmite, etc.), metal oxides such as silica or silica sol, magnesium oxide and titanium oxide; carbonates such as magnesium carbonate; and the like can be used. Further, metal oxides and carbonates are preferable, metal oxides are more preferable, alumina or alumina hydrate is more preferable, and alumina sol is particularly preferable because of high effects of imparting heat resistance and toughness.

The intermediate layer may be composed of only one kind of the above-mentioned colloidal inorganic pigment ultrafine particles, or may be composed of two or more kinds of the above-mentioned colloidal inorganic pigment ultrafine particles. The average particle size of the colloidal inorganic pigment ultrafine particles is usually 100 nm or less, preferably 50 nm or less, particularly preferably 3 to 30 nm. The colloidal inorganic pigment ultrafine particles may be processed into an acidic type by adding a dispersion stabilizer such as hydrochloric acid or acetic acid for the purpose of facilitating dispersion in a sol form in an aqueous solvent. It may be one that has been subjected to surface treatment. The colloidal inorganic pigment ultrafine particles may be commercially available products such as alumina sol 100 (manufactured by Nissan Chemical Industries, Ltd.) and alumina sol 200 (manufactured by Nissan Chemical Industries, Ltd.). The intermediate layer can be formed by coating an aqueous coating solution on a substrate and drying, but it is preferably formed by using a sol-gel method. Since it forms a film without using a binder resin, the heat transfer foil can have heat resistance and toughness. The method for forming the intermediate layer is prepared by adjusting a coating solution containing the above-mentioned material, for example, by a known means such as a gravure printing method, a screen printing method, a reverse roll coating method using a gravure plate, Can be formed. The intermediate layer can be applied in an amount such that the coating amount after drying is 0.01 to 10 g / m ² , but the coating amount after drying is 0.00 in terms of imparting excellent heat resistance and the like. it is preferred to coating in an amount of 05G / m ² or more 1.0 g / m ² or less.

(Back layer)
Further, a back layer 3 can be provided on the other surface of the base material in order to prevent the thermal head from sticking and improve the slipperiness. This back layer is formed by suitably using a binder resin to which a slip agent, a surfactant, inorganic particles, organic particles, a pigment and the like are added.
Binder resins used for the back layer are, for example, cellulose resins such as ethyl cellulose, hydroxyethyl cellulose, hydroxypropyl cellulose, methyl cellulose, cellulose acetate, cellulose acetate butyrate, and nitrified cotton, polyvinyl alcohol, polyvinyl acetate, polyvinyl butyral, polyvinyl acetal. , Polyvinyl pyrrolidone, acrylic resins, polyacrylamide, vinyl resins such as acrylonitrile-styrene copolymers, polyester resins, polyurethane resins, silicone-modified or fluorine-modified urethane resins, and the like. Among these, it is preferable to use a crosslinking resin by using several reactive groups, for example, those having a hydroxyl group, and using a polyisocyanate or the like as a crosslinking agent.

As described above, the means for forming the back layer is prepared by dissolving or dispersing a material obtained by adding a slipping agent, a surfactant, inorganic particles, organic particles, a pigment, etc. into a binder resin in an appropriate solvent, The coating solution is coated by a conventional coating means such as a gravure coater, roll coater, wire bar, etc., and dried. The thickness of such a back layer, a conventionally known means, coating, drying, 0.1 to 10 g / m ² approximately at the time of drying, preferably be 0.5 to 5 g / m ² approximately it can.

  As described above, the thermal transfer foil of the present invention has a configuration in which at least two transfer layers are laminated on one surface of a substrate, and a thermal transfer sheet in which two or more ink layers are separately applied in a surface sequential manner. In comparison, the number of panels per ink layer (transfer layer) can be reduced, thereby saving the base material. In addition, when the same number of screens is used for a small roll, the outer circumference of the small roll can be reduced compared to a thermal transfer sheet in which two or more colors of ink layers are separately applied in a surface order, and the printer can be downsized. In addition, when the outer circumference of the small roll is the same, the number of winding screens can be increased as compared to a thermal transfer sheet in which two or more colors of ink layers are applied in sequence, so that the number of thermal transfer sheet replacements can be reduced. This has the advantage of increasing the user's work efficiency.

(Image forming method)
The printed matter forming method of the present invention will be described.
In a printed material forming method for forming a printed material in which the transfer layer is transferred to the transfer object using a thermal transfer foil in which at least two transfer layers are laminated on one surface of the substrate and the transfer object. ,
A transfer step in which the thermal transfer foil and the transfer target are overlapped, and a plurality of transfer layers laminated on the base material of the thermal transfer foil are heated and transferred to the transfer target;
The transfer body onto which all of the plurality of transfer layers have been transferred and the peel-off layer are overlapped, and the transfer layer transferred to the transfer body is heated and transferred to the peel-off layer, and peeled off from the transfer body. Sequentially perform the peeling process
Further, in the peeling step, the applied energy for heating and transferring the transfer layer to the peel-off layer is changed in pattern units by the difference in the position where the transfer layer of the transfer body is transferred,
A printed matter forming method for forming a plurality of images in the pattern by a transfer layer on the transfer object,
The applied energy for peeling off the transfer layer and the transfer object at the position farthest from the substrate is the largest,
The energy applied to the transfer layer is sequentially reduced from the transfer layer located farthest from the substrate to the transfer layer closest to the substrate.

In the above-described print product forming method, it is preferable that at least two transfer layers are colored transfer layers having different hues, and the pattern-formed two or more color images are formed on the transfer object by the transfer layer. Is called.
In addition, in a plurality of transfer layers laminated on the base material under the condition that the applied energy to be transferred by heating in the peeling step is changed in the pattern-like unit, the level of the applied energy in the single transfer layer However, it is preferable that the level of the applied energy is different when compared in units of each transfer layer in the plurality of transfer layers. That is, in the case where the above-described printing energy is sequentially reduced, it includes that the printing energy is linearly inclined and reduced in the thickness direction of the transfer layer. On the other hand, when compared with each transfer layer unit, when the applied energy level is different, the transfer layer unit is different, and the applied energy level (numerical value) is different for different transfer layers, such as high, medium, and low. Value.

It is also possible to take the following printed matter forming method.
In a printed material forming method for forming a printed material in which the transfer layer is transferred to the transfer object using a thermal transfer foil in which at least two transfer layers are laminated on one surface of the substrate and the transfer object. A transfer step in which the plurality of transfer layers stacked on the substrate of the thermal transfer foil are heated and transferred onto the transfer target body by superimposing the thermal transfer foil and the transfer target body, A peeling step in which the transfer body having the entire layer transferred thereon and the peel-off layer are overlapped, and the transfer layer transferred to the transfer body is heated and transferred to the peel-off layer, and then peeled off from the transfer body. The separation step is performed sequentially, and the separation step is a separation between the transfer layers of the plurality of transfer layers and is transferred to the peel-off layer, and the transfer layer is peeled and transferred on the peel-off layer. Depending on the difference, A method of forming a plurality of pattern-shaped images by the transfer layer on the transfer object by changing the energy of peeling between the transfer layers in different units and changing the energy to be different. The transfer layer closest to the base material from the transfer layer located farthest from the base material has the largest energy for separating the transfer layer and the transfer target body located farthest from the base material. In the meantime, the energy for peeling between the transfer layers becomes a level sequentially in units of the layers.

  Compared with the former method, this print formation method defines the relationship of the applied energy for separating the transfer layer from the transferred material in the former peeling step, but in the latter peeling step, the transferred material is transferred. It defines the relationship between the peel energy at which the transfer layer peels from the body in layer units. This peel energy can be indicated by, for example, peel strength.

The print product forming method shown in FIG. 3 is the former method described above. However, if the presence / absence of applied energy is replaced with high / low peel energy, the other is the same. It can be an example of a method.
Further, the print product forming method shown in FIG. 4 is the former method described above. However, if the applied energy high, medium, low, and none are replaced with high, intermediate, low, and none of the peeling energy, the others are the same. Similarly, an example of the latter printed matter forming method can be used.

  An example where the applied energy is present and absent is as shown in FIG. An example in which the applied energy is high level, medium level, low level, and none is as shown in FIG.

The above applied energy, for example in high level 40~50mJ / mm ^2, a medium level 20~30mJ / mm ^2, by low-level is set as 5~15mJ / mm ^2,, printed matter of the present invention It can be applied to a forming method.
The applied energy is preferably set so as to be a temperature corresponding to the glass transition temperature or melting point of the binder of each transfer layer to be peeled from the transfer target.

(Transfer material)
Any conventionally known transfer target can be used as the transfer target used in the image forming method of the present invention. For example, natural pulp paper, coated paper, tracing paper, plastic film that is not deformed by heat during heat transfer, glass, metal, ceramics, wood, cloth, etc. may be used.

(Peel-off layer)
The peel-off layer 20 used in the printed material forming method of the present invention is not particularly limited, and a conventionally known one used for the base material of the thermal transfer foil can be used. The peel-off layer can be viewed as a base material for peeling off the transfer layer. The thickness of the peel-off layer can be appropriately selected depending on the material so that the strength, heat resistance, and the like are appropriate, but usually a thickness of about 3 to 100 μm is preferably used. In addition, it has a back layer as described in the above thermal transfer foil provided by a conventional method on the opposite side of the peel-off layer that is in contact with the transfer layer when used in image formation. It may be.

  Further, the peel-off layer may be formed as a coated film in the surface order as the transfer layer and the peel-off layer on the same surface as the substrate on which the transfer layer is provided in the thermal transfer foil of the present invention. This peel-off layer can be formed by a conventionally known method by adjusting a coating solution containing the plastic resin mentioned in the base material of the thermal transfer foil.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Thermal transfer foil 2 Base material 3 Back layer 4 Transfer layer 10 Transfer object 20 Peel-off layer

Claims (6)

  In the thermal transfer foil in which at least two transfer layers are laminated on one surface of the substrate, each of the at least two transfer layers contains a resin having at least adhesiveness, and the adhesiveness of each transfer layer is improved. The resins having different glass transition temperatures or melting points, and the transfer layer has a higher glass transition temperature or melting point as the resin having the adhesiveness of the transfer layer located further away from the substrate. Characteristic thermal transfer foil.   2. The thermal transfer foil according to claim 1, wherein an intermediate layer of a dispersion system different from the transfer layer is provided between the plurality of transfer layers.   The thermal transfer foil according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the at least two transfer layers are colored transfer layers having different hues. In a printed material forming method for forming a printed material in which the transfer layer is transferred to the transfer object using a thermal transfer foil in which at least two transfer layers are laminated on one surface of the substrate and the transfer object. ,
A transfer step in which the thermal transfer foil and the transfer target are overlapped, and a plurality of transfer layers laminated on the base material of the thermal transfer foil are heated and transferred to the transfer target;
The transfer body onto which all of the plurality of transfer layers have been transferred and the peel-off layer are overlapped, and the transfer layer transferred to the transfer body is heated and transferred to the peel-off layer, and peeled off from the transfer body. Sequentially perform the peeling process
Further, in the peeling step, the applied energy for heating and transferring the transfer layer to the peel-off layer is changed in pattern units by the difference in the position where the transfer layer of the transfer body is transferred,
A printed matter forming method for forming a plurality of images in the pattern by a transfer layer on the transfer object,
The applied energy for peeling off the transfer layer and the transfer object at the position farthest from the substrate is the largest,
The printed matter forming method, wherein the applied energy of the transfer layer is sequentially decreased from the transfer layer located farthest from the substrate to the transfer layer closest to the substrate.   5. The image according to claim 4, wherein the at least two transfer layers are colored transfer layers having different hues, and the pattern-formed two or more color images are formed on the transfer object by the transfer layer. Method for forming printed matter.   In a plurality of transfer layers laminated on the base material under the condition that the applied energy to be transferred by heating in the peeling step is changed in units of the pattern, the level of the applied energy is a single transfer layer. 6. The printed material forming method according to claim 4, wherein the applied energy levels are different when compared in units of each transfer layer in the plurality of transfer layers.

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