JP2021154636A - Manufacturing method of printed matter and thermal transfer printing device - Google Patents

Abstract

To manufacture a printed matter having a high three-dimensional effect by forming a concave portion in a desired region.SOLUTION: A manufacturing method of a printed matter comprises the steps of: holding a thermal transfer sheet in which a color material layer and a protective layer are provided on a base material sheet and an image receiving sheet in which a thermal concave portion formation layer and a receptive layer are laminated on a base material between a thermal head and a platen roll, heating the thermal transfer sheet by the thermal head, and forming an image by transferring a color material to the receptive layer of the image receiving sheet from the thermal transfer sheet; and heating the thermal transfer sheet by the thermal head and transferring the protective layer from the thermal transfer sheet onto the image of the image receiving sheet. The printing pressure by the printing unit including the thermal head and the platen roll at the transfer of the protective layer is made to be larger than the printing pressure by the printing unit at the formation of the image. At the transfer of the protective layer, application energy by the thermal head is changed by the region, and a concave portion is formed on the image receiving sheet.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

The present disclosure relates to a method for producing a printed matter and a thermal transfer printing apparatus.

Conventionally, various printing methods have been known, but among them, the sublimation thermal transfer method has excellent density gradation and excellent reproducibility of neutral colors and gradations, and has high quality comparable to silver halide photography. Image formation is possible.

In the sublimation type thermal transfer method, a thermal transfer sheet having a sublimation transfer type color material layer containing a sublimation dye and a thermal transfer image receiving sheet having a receiving layer are superposed, and then the thermal transfer sheet is heated by a thermal head provided in the printer. , The sublimation dye in the sublimation transfer type color material layer is transferred to the receiving layer, and an image is formed to obtain a printed matter. Further, the protective layer is transferred from the thermal transfer sheet onto the receiving layer of the printed matter produced in this manner to improve the durability of the printed matter.

In recent years, a wide variety of designs are required for the printed matter obtained by the above method. For example, a printed matter having a high three-dimensional effect is required for the purpose of expressing the rarity of the printed matter. ..

Japanese Patent No. 6520364

An object of the present disclosure is to provide a method for producing a printed matter and a thermal transfer printing apparatus for producing the printed matter having a high three-dimensional effect by forming a recess in a desired region.

In the method for producing a printed matter of the present disclosure, a thermal transfer sheet in which a coloring material layer and a protective layer are provided on a base material sheet and an image receiving sheet in which a heat-sensitive recess forming layer and a receiving layer are laminated on the base material are thermally used. A step of forming an image by sandwiching it between a head and a platen roll, heating the thermal transfer sheet by the thermal head, and transferring a coloring material from the thermal transfer sheet to the receiving layer of the image receiving sheet, and the thermal head. The thermal transfer sheet is heated by the above-mentioned step to transfer the protective layer from the thermal transfer sheet onto the image of the image receiving sheet, and the printing portion including the thermal head and the platen roll at the time of transferring the protective layer. The printing pressure by the above is made larger than the printing pressure by the printing portion at the time of forming the image, and at the time of transferring the protective layer, the energy applied by the thermal head is changed depending on the region to form a recess in the image receiving sheet. ..

In one aspect of the present disclosure, the image receiving sheet is in a state of being crushed by 5 μm or more and 50 μm or less in the thickness direction at the time of transferring the protective layer.

In one aspect of the present disclosure, at the time of transfer of the protective layer, the thermal head in the region where the recess is formed in the image receiving sheet is more than the first applied energy by the thermal head in the region where the recess is not formed in the image receiving sheet. The second applied energy is higher.

In one aspect of the present disclosure, at the time of transfer of the protective layer, the third applied energy by the thermal head at the boundary portion between the region where the recess is formed and the region where the recess is not formed in the image receiving sheet is the second applied energy. Higher than.

In one aspect of the present disclosure, the thermal transfer sheet of the image receiving sheet has a hologram layer provided on the base material sheet, and is relatively formed by forming the recessed region or the recessed portion. The hologram layer is transferred from the thermal transfer sheet to a region to be a convex portion.

In one aspect of the present disclosure, the thickness of the heat-sensitive cambium is 40 μm or more, and the depth of the recess is 5 μm or more.

In one aspect of the present disclosure, the heat-sensitive cambium has at least one of a porous film and a hollow particle-containing layer.

In the method for producing a printed matter of the present disclosure, a thermal transfer sheet in which a coloring material layer and a protective layer are provided on a base material sheet and an image receiving sheet in which a heat-sensitive recess forming layer and a receiving layer are laminated on the base material are thermally used. A step of forming an image by sandwiching it between a head and a platen roll, heating the thermal transfer sheet by the thermal head, and transferring a coloring material from the thermal transfer sheet to the receiving layer of the image receiving sheet, and the thermal head. To transfer the protective layer from the thermal transfer sheet onto the image of the image receiving sheet by heating the thermal transfer sheet, and after the transfer of the protective layer, the surface of the base sheet of the thermal transfer sheet is exposed. The region and the image receiving sheet are sandwiched between the thermal head and the platen roll, and the printing pressure by the printing portion including the thermal head and the platen roll is obtained from the printing pressure by the printing portion at the time of image formation. It is also provided with a step of forming a recess in the image receiving sheet by increasing the size and changing the energy applied by the thermal head depending on the region.

In the method for producing a printed matter of the present disclosure, a thermal transfer sheet in which a coloring material layer and a protective layer are provided on a base material sheet and an image receiving sheet in which a heat-sensitive recess forming layer and a receiving layer are laminated on the base material are thermally used. A step of forming an image by sandwiching it between a head and a platen roll, heating the thermal transfer sheet by the thermal head, and transferring a coloring material from the thermal transfer sheet to the receiving layer of the image receiving sheet, and the image. After the formation, the region where the surface of the base material sheet of the thermal transfer sheet is exposed and the image receiving sheet are sandwiched between the thermal head and the platen roll, and the printing portion including the thermal head and the platen roll is used. The step of forming a recess in the image receiving sheet by increasing the printing pressure by the printing portion at the time of image formation and changing the energy applied by the thermal head depending on the region, and after forming the recess, the thermal The present invention includes a step of heating the thermal transfer sheet with a head and transferring the protective layer from the thermal transfer sheet onto the image of the image receiving sheet.

In the method for producing a printed matter of the present disclosure, the thermal transfer sheet has a release layer provided between the base sheet and the protective layer, and in the step of forming the recess, the release layer is used. The area where the surface is exposed and the image receiving sheet are sandwiched between the thermal head and the platen roll.

In the method for producing a printed matter of the present disclosure, a heat transfer sheet in which a coloring material layer, a first protective layer and a second protective layer are provided on a base material sheet, and a heat-sensitive recess forming layer and a receiving layer are laminated on the base material. The image receiving sheet is sandwiched between the thermal head and the platen roll, the thermal transfer sheet is heated by the thermal head, and the coloring material is transferred from the thermal transfer sheet to the receiving layer of the image receiving sheet to form an image. The step of heating the thermal transfer sheet with the thermal head and transferring the first protective layer from the thermal transfer sheet onto the image of the image receiving sheet, and the step of heating the thermal transfer sheet with the thermal head. The step of transferring the second protective layer from the thermal transfer sheet onto the first protective layer of the image receiving sheet is provided by the printing unit including the thermal head and the platen roll at the time of transferring the second protective layer. The printing pressure is made larger than the printing pressure by the printing portion at the time of forming the image, and at the time of transferring the second protective layer, the energy applied by the thermal head is changed depending on the region to form a recess in the image receiving sheet. be.

The thermal transfer printing apparatus of the present disclosure comprises a thermal transfer sheet in which a coloring material layer and a protective layer are provided on a sheet on a base material, and an image receiving sheet in which a heat-sensitive recess forming layer and a receiving layer are laminated on the base material. The thermal transfer sheet is heated by the thermal head, and the color material is transferred from the thermal transfer sheet to the receiving layer of the image receiving sheet to form an image, and the image of the image receiving sheet is formed. A printing device for transferring the protective layer from the thermal transfer sheet and a printing pressure adjusting mechanism for adjusting the printing pressure by the printing portion including the thermal head and the platen roll are provided on the printing pressure adjusting mechanism. The printing pressure by the printing portion at the time of transferring the protective layer is made larger than the printing pressure by the printing portion at the time of image formation, and the thermal head changes the applied energy depending on the region when transferring the protective layer. A recess is formed in the image receiving sheet.

In one aspect of the present disclosure, a capstan roller for transporting the image receiving sheet and a pinch roller for crimping the image receiving sheet to the capstan roller are further provided, and the capstan roller and the capstan roller are provided at the time of transferring the protective layer. The pressure between the pinch rollers is greater than the pressure between the thermal head and the platen rolls.

According to the present disclosure, it is possible to produce a printed matter having a high three-dimensional effect by forming a recess in a desired region.

It is a schematic block diagram of the thermal transfer printing apparatus which concerns on embodiment of this disclosure. It is a top view of the thermal transfer sheet. It is a figure which shows the printing pressure adjustment mechanism of a thermal head. It is sectional drawing of the image receiving sheet. It is a cross-sectional view of a process explaining the recess formation process. It is a graph which shows the change of the applied energy at the time of forming a recess.

FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram of a thermal transfer printing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, and FIG. 2 is a plan view of a thermal transfer sheet used in the thermal transfer printing apparatus.

The thermal transfer printing apparatus includes a thermal transfer sheet 5 provided with a yellow dye layer 51 containing a yellow dye, a magenta dye layer 52 containing a magenta dye, a cyan dye layer 53 containing a cyan dye, and a protective layer 54 in a surface-sequential manner. The dye is transferred onto the image receiving sheet 7 to print an image, and the protective layer is transferred onto the printed image. The image to be printed is, for example, a person image such as a face image, or characters such as an address / name, a greeting card, and a phrase.

A supply unit 3 formed by winding a thermal transfer sheet 5 is provided on the downstream side of the thermal head 1, and a recovery unit 4 is provided on the upstream side of the thermal head 1. The thermal transfer sheet 5 unwound from the supply unit 3 passes through the thermal head 1 and is wound up by the recovery unit 4 for recovery.

A rotatable platen roll 2 is provided on the opposite side of the thermal transfer sheet 5 from the thermal head 1. The printing unit 10 including the thermal head 1 and the platen roll 2 sandwiches the image receiving sheet 7 and the heat transfer sheet 5, heats the heat transfer sheet 5, and transfers the dye onto the image receiving sheet 7 to form an image. A printing pressure adjusting mechanism 100 as shown in FIG. 3 is connected to the thermal head 1, so that the pressure (printing pressure) for pressing the thermal head 1 against the platen roll 2 can be adjusted.

As shown in FIG. 3, a guide rod 101a is erected from the upper surface of the thermal head 1, and the guide rod 101a is slidably inserted into the guide hole 102a of the movable plate 102. A flange 101b for preventing falling off is provided at the upper end of the guide rod 101a.

A compression coil spring 103 is interposed between the thermal head 1 and the movable plate 102. The compression coil spring 103 is arranged so as to surround the guide rod 101a.

The movable plate 102 is provided with a female screw hole 102b, and a male screw portion 104a at the lower part of the screw shaft 104 is screwed into the female screw hole 102b. The upper portion of the screw shaft 104 is held by the support frame 106 via the thrust bearing 105 so as to be rotatable around the shaft core and immovable in the vertical direction.

The upper portion of the screw shaft 104 penetrates the support frame 106, and the worm wheel 107 is fixedly attached to the upper end of the screw shaft 104.

A step motor 108 is installed on the support frame 106, and the base end of the drive shaft 109 is connected to the output shaft thereof. A worm gear 110 is fixed to the drive shaft 109. The worm gear 110 meshes with the worm wheel 107. The tip of the drive shaft 109 is supported by the support frame 106 via a bearing 111.

When the step motor 108 rotates in the forward direction, the screw shaft 104 rotates in one direction via the worm gear 110 and the worm wheel 107, the movable plate 102 rises, and is separated from the thermal head 1. The compression coil spring 103 is stretched, and the printing pressure by the thermal head 1 is reduced.

When the step motor 108 rotates in the reverse direction, the screw shaft 104 rotates in the other direction, the movable plate 102 descends, and approaches the thermal head 1. The compression coil spring 103 contracts, and the printing pressure by the thermal head 1 increases.

Therefore, by controlling the energization of the step motor 108, it is possible to move the movable plate 102 up and down and adjust the printing pressure by the thermal head 1.

In the thermal transfer sheet 5, a yellow dye layer 51, a magenta dye layer 52, a cyan dye layer 53, and a protective layer 54 are sequentially formed on one surface of the base sheet 50 (see FIG. 5) from the recovery unit 4 side. .. The yellow dye layer 51, the magenta dye layer 52, and the cyan dye layer 53 contain a binder resin and a sublimation dye.

It is preferable to use a transparent resin material having adhesiveness, light resistance and the like for the protective layer 54. For example, (meth) acrylic resin, styrene resin, vinyl resin, polyolefin, polyester, polyamide, imide resin, cellulose resin, thermosetting resin, active photocurable resin and the like can be mentioned. The "active light-curable resin" means a resin in a state in which the active light-curable resin is irradiated with active light and cured. “Active light” means radiation that chemically acts on an active light-curable resin to promote polymerization, and specifically, visible light, ultraviolet rays, X-rays, electron rays, α rays, and β rays. It means line, γ-ray, etc.

The thickness of the protective layer 54 is preferably 0.1 μm or more and 10 μm or less, and more preferably 0.5 μm or more and 5 μm or less. Thereby, the scratch resistance and storage stability of the image can be improved.

As the base sheet 50 of the thermal transfer sheet 5, a conventionally known material having a certain degree of heat resistance and strength can be used. For example, polyethylene terephthalate (PET) film, polyethylene naphthalate (PEN) film, polystyrene (PS) film, polypropylene (PP) film, polycarbonate film and the like can be mentioned. The thickness of the base sheet 50 is, for example, 0.5 μm or more and 50 μm or less, preferably about 4 μm.

The thermal transfer sheet 5 includes a yellow dye layer 51, a magenta dye layer 52, and a cyan dye layer 53, which are dye layers for sublimation transfer, in a surface-sequential manner, and a color material layer containing a color material such as a pigment or carbon black together with a binder resin. It may be provided. Further, the hologram transfer layer may be provided on the thermal transfer sheet 5.

On the upstream side of the thermal head 1, a rotationally driveable capstan roller 9a for transporting the image receiving sheet 7 and a pinch roller 9b for crimping the image receiving sheet 7 to the capstan roller 9a are provided.

The image receiving sheet 7 is unwound from the image receiving sheet roll 6 around which the image receiving sheet 7 is wound. The image receiving sheet roll 6 is attached to a winding shaft component (not shown), and when the winding shaft component is rotated (forward / reverse rotation), the image receiving sheet roll 6 rotates and the image receiving sheet 7 is extended (transported to the downstream side). And winding (transportation to the upstream side) are performed.

As shown in FIG. 4, the image receiving sheet 7 includes a base material 71, a heat-sensitive recess forming layer 72, and a receiving layer 73, which are laminated in this order. The heat-sensitive recess forming layer 72 may have a multi-layer structure. The image receiving sheet 7 is provided with an arbitrary layer such as an adhesive layer between arbitrary layers, for example, between the base material 71 and the heat-sensitive recess forming layer 72, or between each layer constituting the heat-sensitive recess forming layer 72 having a multi-layer structure. You may. Further, a primer layer may be provided between the heat-sensitive recess forming layer 72 and the receiving layer 73.

The image receiving sheet 7 is pressed by the thermal head 1 with a strong force, and in a state of being crushed in the thickness direction, a recess is formed by heating a part of the image receiving sheet 7 from the receiving layer 73 side under high temperature conditions. Is. The depth of the recess (depth h in FIG. 5) is preferably 5 μm or more.

The control device 14 controls the driving of each part of the thermal transfer printing device, and performs an image forming process and a protective layer transfer process. In the present embodiment, the protective layer transfer treatment also serves as a treatment for forming a recess in the image receiving sheet 7.

In the image forming process, first, the image receiving sheet 7 and the yellow dye layer 51 are aligned, and the thermal head 1 comes into contact with the platen roll 2 via the image receiving sheet 7 and the thermal transfer sheet 5. Next, the capstan roller 9a and the recovery unit 4 are rotationally driven, and the image receiving sheet 7 and the thermal transfer sheet 5 are sent to the upstream side. During this time, the region of the yellow dye layer 51 is selectively and sequentially heated by the thermal head 1 based on the image data, and the yellow dye is transferred from the heat transfer sheet 5 to the image receiving sheet 7.

After the transfer of the yellow dye, the thermal head 1 rises and separates from the platen roll 2. Next, the image receiving sheet 7 and the magenta dye layer 52 are aligned. Similar to the method of sublimation transfer of the yellow dye, the magenta dye and the cyan dye are sequentially transferred onto the image receiving sheet 7, and an image for one screen is formed on the image receiving sheet 7.

After image formation, protective layer transfer processing is performed. In the protective layer transfer treatment, the image receiving sheet 7 and the protective layer 54 are aligned, and the image receiving sheet 7 and the thermal transfer sheet 5 are sandwiched between the thermal head 1 and the platen roll 2. The printing pressure adjusting mechanism 100 increases the printing pressure by the thermal head 1 compared to that during the image forming process, and crushes the image receiving sheet 7 in the thickness direction. For example, the printing pressure is adjusted so that the image receiving sheet 7 is crushed in the thickness direction by 5 μm or more and 50 μm or less, preferably 10 μm or more, and more preferably 15 μm or more. Alternatively, the printing pressure is adjusted so that the image receiving sheet 7 is crushed in the thickness direction by 1.6% or more and 25% or less of the thickness of the image receiving sheet 7.

The capstan roller 9a and the pinch roller 9b are used to suppress the occurrence of registration deviation when the printing pressure adjusting mechanism 100 increases the pressure between the thermal head 1 and the platen roll 2 in the protective layer transfer treatment. The pressure between and may be greater than the pressure between the thermal head 1 and the platen roll 2.

The capstan roller 9a and the recovery unit 4 are rotationally driven, and the image receiving sheet 7 and the thermal transfer sheet 5 are sent to the upstream side. At this time, the energy applied by the thermal head 1 is adjusted based on the concave portion forming pattern. In the region where the recess is formed, the image receiving sheet 7 is heated by applying higher applied energy than in the region where the recess is not formed. For example, the applied energy in the region where the recess is not formed is about 0.1 (mJ / dot), and the applied energy in the region where the recess is formed is 5 times larger than 1 times the applied energy in the region where the recess is not formed. Hereinafter, it is preferably 2 times or more and 3 times or less. The applied energy in the region where the recess is not formed may be set to zero.

As shown in FIG. 5, the protective layer 54 is transferred from the thermal transfer sheet 5 in a region where the applied energy is low. On the other hand, in the region where the applied energy is high, the protective layer 54 is transferred from the thermal transfer sheet 5, the heat-sensitive cambium 72 is dented, and the receiving layer 73 and the protective layer 54 on the heat-sensitive cambium 72 are also dented accordingly. A recess A is formed on the surface. Since the image receiving sheet 7 (heat-sensitive recess forming layer 72) does not undergo plastic deformation in the region where the recess is not formed, the thickness of the image receiving sheet 7 after the protective layer transfer is substantially the same as the thickness before printing. On the other hand, in the region where the recess is formed, the image receiving sheet 7 undergoes plastic deformation, and a recess (recess) of 5 μm or more is formed on the surface.

The image receiving sheet 7 on which the recess A is formed is cut at the rear edge of the screen by a cutter 8 (see FIG. 1) provided on the downstream side to produce a printed matter. By adjusting the concave portion forming region in the image receiving sheet 7, it is possible to give a three-dimensional effect to the printed matter and improve the design. For example, by forming a recess on the receiving layer 73 in a region other than the image region such as a shape or pattern of characters, figures, etc., it is possible to give a three-dimensional effect to these images.

If the printing pressure by the thermal head 1 cannot be adjusted, the printing pressure at the time of image formation is the same as that at the time of transfer of the protective layer, wrinkles of the printing image may occur, and the image quality may deteriorate. However, in the present embodiment, the printing pressure adjusting mechanism 100 can suppress the printing pressure at the time of image formation and increase the printing pressure at the time of transferring the protective layer, so that the occurrence of printing wrinkles is prevented and a high-quality image is formed. At the same time, it is possible to give a three-dimensional effect to the image.

By forming the concave portion A, a region that becomes a relatively convex portion can be formed. The region where the concave portion is not formed is a region where the concave portion A is formed so as to be a relatively convex portion. When the hologram transfer layer is provided on the thermal transfer sheet 5, the design of the printed matter can be further improved by selectively transferring the hologram layer onto the convex portion (or concave portion).

In the above embodiment, an example in which the image receiving sheet 7 is heated by applying higher applied energy to the region where the recess is formed than in the region where the recess is not formed has been described. The applied energy at the boundary portion (peripheral portion) of the recess forming region may be further increased. To make the boundary of the recess stand out is to make the slope of the slope located at the periphery of the recess steep, which leads to the region where the recess is not formed. For example, as shown in FIG. 6, the applied energy E2 in the recess forming region excluding the boundary portion is higher than the applied energy E1 in the region where the recess is not formed, and the applied energy E3 in the boundary portion of the recess forming region is higher than the applied energy E2. Is also expensive. For example, the applied energy E3 is larger than 1 times and not more than 2 times the applied energy E2.

In the above embodiment, an example of adjusting the printing pressure by the thermal head 1 has been described, but the pressure applied from the platen roll 2 to the thermal head 1 may be made variable so that the image receiving sheet can be crushed in the thickness direction. Both the printing pressure by the thermal head 1 and the printing pressure by the platen roll 2 may be variable.

The thermal transfer sheet 5 may be provided with a heating region in which the surface of the base sheet 50 is exposed. For example, after the protective layer is transferred, the image receiving sheet 7 and the heating region of the thermal transfer sheet 5 are sandwiched between the thermal head 1 and the platen roll 2, and the printing pressure is higher than that at the time of the protective layer transfer. In the region where the image is formed, the image receiving sheet 7 is heated by applying higher applied energy than in the region where the recess is not formed. Thermal energy is applied to the image receiving sheet 7 from the thermal head 1 via the base sheet 50 in the heating region. By heating again after transferring the protective layer, recesses having a desired depth are likely to be formed in the heat-sensitive recess forming layer 72.

The base sheet 50 may have a release layer formed on the surface (the surface provided with the color material layer and the protective layer). Materials for the release layer include waxes, silicone wax, silicone resin, silicone-modified resin, fluororesin, fluorine-modified resin, polyvinyl alcohol, acrylic resin, heat-crosslinkable epoxy-amino resin, and heat-crosslinkable alkyd-amino resin. Can be exemplified. The thickness of the release layer is generally 0.5 μm or more and 5 μm or less.

After image formation and before transfer of the protective layer, the image receiving sheet 7 and the heating region of the thermal transfer sheet 5 are sandwiched between the thermal head 1 and the platen roll 2, and the printing pressure is higher than that at the time of transfer of the protective layer. In the region where the recess is formed, the image receiving sheet 7 may be heated by applying higher applied energy than the region where the recess is not formed, and the recess may be formed in the heat-sensitive recess forming layer 72. After forming the recess, the protective layer 54 is transferred from the thermal transfer sheet 5 to the image receiving sheet 7. The protective layer 54 is transferred onto the receiving layer 73 that is recessed following the heat-sensitive cambium 72. The transferred protective layer 54 is recessed following the recess of the receiving layer 73, and a recess is formed on the surface of the protective layer. When the recess is formed in the heat-sensitive recess forming layer 72 before the protective layer transfer, the applied energy at the time of the protective layer transfer may be constant regardless of the region.

By transferring the protective layer 54 onto the image receiving sheet 7, the used protective layer forming region where the surface of the base sheet 50 is exposed may be used as the heating region. When the release layer is provided on the surface of the base sheet 50, the release layer is exposed in the used protective layer forming region. When the recess is formed in the heat-sensitive recess forming layer 72 before the transfer of the protective layer, the used protective layer forming region in the protective layer 54 used at the time of producing the previous printed matter can be used as the heating region.

A second protective layer may be provided following the protective layer 54 (first protective layer). After transferring the first protective layer to the image receiving sheet 7, the second protective layer is transferred onto the first protective layer. When transferring the second protective layer, the applied energy is increased in the region where the recess is formed, the applied energy is decreased in the region where the recess is not formed, and the printing pressure is increased as compared with that at the time of image formation. Even in such a method, a recess can be formed in the image receiving sheet 7. The printing pressure at the time of transferring the first protective layer may be the same as that at the time of image formation, or may be larger than that at the time of image formation. The energy applied to the thermal head 1 at the time of transfer of the first protective layer may be different between the region where the recess is formed and the region where the recess is not formed, or may be constant regardless of the region.

The color material layer, the protective layer and the hologram layer may be provided on the same thermal transfer sheet, or any one of the color material layer, the protective layer and the hologram layer may be provided on another thermal transfer sheet. However, each layer may be provided on a separate thermal transfer sheet.

Next, each layer of the image receiving sheet 7 in which recesses are formed by heating under high temperature conditions in a state of being crushed in the thickness direction will be described.

(Base material)
Examples of the base material include condenser paper, glassin paper, sulfate paper, synthetic paper, high-quality paper, art paper, coated paper, non-coated paper, cast-coated paper, wallpaper, cellulose fiber paper, synthetic resin inner paper, backing paper, and the like. Paper substrates such as impregnated paper (synthetic resin impregnated paper, emulsion impregnated paper, synthetic rubber latex impregnated paper) and polyolefins such as PET, polybutylene terephthalate (PBT), PEN, polyethylene (PE), PP and polymethylpentene, poly Vinyl resins such as vinyl chloride, polyvinyl acetate, vinyl chloride-vinyl acetate copolymer, (meth) acrylic resins such as polyacrylate, polymethacrylate and polymethylmethacrylate, styrene resins such as PS, polycarbonate, and ionomers. Examples thereof include a film made of resin or the like (hereinafter, simply referred to as “resin film”).

When the base material is a resin film, the resin film may be a stretched film or an unstretched film, but from the viewpoint of mechanical strength, the resin film is stretched in the uniaxial direction or the biaxial direction. It is preferable to use a stretched film.

In the present disclosure, "(meth) acrylic" includes both "acrylic" and "methacryl". Further, "(meth) acrylate" includes both "acrylate" and "methacrylate".

The above-mentioned paper base material or resin film laminate can also be used as the base material. The laminate can be produced by using a dry lamination method, a wet lamination method, an extraction method, or the like.

From the viewpoint of mechanical strength, the thickness of the base material is preferably 50 μm or more and 500 μm or less, more preferably 75 μm or more and 500 μm or less, and further preferably 100 μm or more and 500 μm or less.

(Heat-sensitive cambium)
The image receiving sheet of the present disclosure includes a heat-sensitive recess forming layer having a thickness of 40 μm or more. By heating the image receiving sheet of the present disclosure from the receiving layer side under high temperature conditions with a thermal head, recesses are formed in the heat-sensitive cambium, and a high three-dimensional effect can be imparted to the printed matter to be produced. Specifically, by forming a concave portion in the heat-sensitive concave portion forming layer, a region that becomes a relatively convex portion is formed, and by forming the concave portion so that the convex portion represents a pattern, characters, etc., the printed matter is printed. Can improve the design of.

The heat-sensitive cambium may have a single-layer structure or a multi-layer structure. The thickness of the heat-sensitive cambium is more preferably 40 μm or more, further preferably 80 μm or more. As a result, the depth of the recess to be formed can be improved, and the ease of forming the recess can be improved. Furthermore, the image density formed on the receiving layer can be improved. Further, from the viewpoint of transportability and processing suitability in the thermal transfer printing apparatus, the thickness of the heat-sensitive recess forming layer is preferably 200 μm or less.

The heat-sensitive cambium is a porous layer including at least one of a porous film having fine voids inside and a hollow particle-containing layer. Hereinafter, a case where the heat-sensitive cambium is a porous layer will be described. The heat-sensitive cambium may include both a porous film and a hollow particle-containing layer.

When the heat-sensitive cambium is a porous layer having a single-layer structure, the porosity is preferably 20% or more and 80% or less, and more preferably 30% or more and 60% or less. As a result, the depth of the recess to be formed can be improved, and the ease of forming the recess can be improved. In addition, the image density formed on the receiving layer can be improved. Further, the embossing inhibitory property at the time of printing can be improved.

When the heat-sensitive cambium is a porous layer having a multi-layer structure, the porosity of the first heat-sensitive cambium (the heat-sensitive cambium arranged closest to the receiving layer) is the porosity of the other heat-sensitive cambium. It is preferably smaller than the rate. As a result, the embossing inhibitory property at the time of printing can be improved.

The porosity of the first heat-sensitive cambium is preferably 10% or more and 60% or less, and more preferably 20% or more and 50% or less. As a result, the depth of the recess can be further improved, and the ease of forming the recess can be improved. Further, the embossing inhibitory property at the time of printing can be improved.

The average porosity of the heat-sensitive cambium other than the first heat-sensitive cambium is preferably 10% or more and 80% or less, and more preferably 20% or more and 80% or less. As a result, it is possible to facilitate the formation of the recess in the first heat-sensitive recess forming layer and improve the embossing inhibitory property at the time of printing.

In the present disclosure, the porosity is calculated by (1-specific gravity of the heat-sensitive cambium / specific density of the resin material constituting the heat-sensitive cambium) × 100. When the specific gravity of the resin material constituting the heat-sensitive cambium is unknown, a cross-sectional image of the heat-sensitive cambium is acquired by a scanning electron microscope (manufactured by Hitachi High Technology Co., Ltd., trade name: S3400N), and the cross-sectional image is obtained. From the total area (a) of the above and the area (b) occupied by the voids (vacancy), it is calculated by ((b) / (a)) × 100.

The thickness of the first heat-sensitive cambium is preferably 20 μm or more and 150 μm or less, more preferably 30 μm or more and 130 μm or less, and further preferably 30 μm or more and 100 μm or less. As a result, the depth of the recess to be formed can be improved, and the ease of forming the recess can be improved.

The sum of the thicknesses of the heat-sensitive cambium other than the first heat-sensitive cambium is preferably 10 μm or more and 180 μm or less, more preferably 20 μm or more and 150 μm or less, and further preferably 20 μm or more and 130 μm or less. Thereby, the image density formed on the receiving layer can be improved.

Examples of the resin material constituting the porous film include polyolefins such as PE and PP, vinyl resins such as polyvinyl chloride, vinyl chloride-vinyl acetate copolymer and ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer, and polyesters such as PET and PBT. Examples thereof include styrene resin and polyamide. PP is particularly preferable from the viewpoint of film smoothness, heat insulating property and cushioning property.

To the extent that the characteristics of the image receiving sheet are not impaired, the porous film can contain an additive, for example, a plastic material, a filler, an ultraviolet stabilizer, a color inhibitor, a surface active material, an optical brightener, and a gloss. Erasing materials, deodorant materials, flame-retardant materials, weather-resistant materials, antistatic materials, thread friction reducing materials, slip materials, antioxidant materials, ion exchange materials, dispersants, UV absorbers, and coloring materials such as pigments and dyes. Can be mentioned.

The porous film can be produced by a known method, and can be produced, for example, by forming a film by kneading an incompatible organic particle or an inorganic particle with the above-mentioned resin material. Further, in one embodiment, the porous film can be produced by forming a mixture containing a first resin material and a second resin material having a melting point higher than that of the first resin material into a film.

The porous film produced by the above method is not limited, and a commercially available porous film may be used.

The porous film can be laminated on the substrate via an adhesive layer. Further, a plurality of porous films may be laminated via an adhesive layer.

The hollow particle-containing layer is a layer containing hollow particles and a binder material. The hollow particles are not particularly limited as long as they can satisfy the depth conditions of the recesses formed by heating the image receiving sheet via the PET film, and even organic hollow particles may be used. Inorganic hollow particles may be used, but organic hollow particles are preferable from the viewpoint of dispersibility. Further, the hollow particles may be foamed particles or non-foamed particles.

The organic hollow particles are made of a resin material, and examples thereof include styrene resins such as crosslinked styrene-acrylic resins, (meth) acrylic resins, phenol resins, fluororesins, polyacrylonitrile, imide resins, and polycarbonates.

In one embodiment, the organic hollow particles can be produced by enclosing a foaming material such as butane gas in resin particles or the like and heating and foaming the particles. In one embodiment, the organic hollow particles can also be produced by utilizing emulsion polymerization. Commercially available organic hollow particles may be used.

The binder material contained in the hollow particle-containing layer includes polyurethane, polyester, cellulose resin, vinyl resin, (meth) acrylic resin, polyolefin, styrene resin, gelatin and its derivatives, styrene acrylic acid ester, polyvinyl alcohol, polyethylene oxide, and polyvinyl. Examples thereof include pyrrolidone, purulan, dextran, dextrin, polyacrylic acid and salts thereof, agar, κ-carrageenan, λ-carrageenan, ι-carrageenan, casein, xantene gum, locust bean gum, alginic acid and arabic rubber.

The hollow particle-containing layer may contain the above-mentioned additives.

The hollow particle-containing layer is prepared by dispersing or dissolving the above material in an appropriate solvent to prepare a coating liquid, which is used as a roll coating method, a reverse roll coating method, a gravure coating method, a reverse gravure coating method, a bar coating method and a rod. It can be formed by applying it on a substrate or the like by a known means such as a coating method to form a coating film, and drying the coating film.

(Receptive layer)
The receiving layer is a layer that receives the sublimation dye transferred from the dye layer included in the thermal transfer sheet and maintains the formed image.

The receiving layer contains a resin material, and the resin material is not limited as long as it is a resin that is easily dyed with a dye. For example, an olefin resin, a vinyl resin, a (meth) acrylic resin, a cellulose resin, or an ester resin. , Amid resin, carbonate resin, styrene resin, urethane resin, ionomer resin and the like. The receiving layer can contain two or more of the above resin materials.

The content of the resin material in the receiving layer is preferably 80% by mass or more and 98% by mass or less, and more preferably 90% by mass or more and 98% by mass or less.

In one embodiment, the receptive layer comprises a release agent. Thereby, the releasability from the thermal transfer sheet can be improved. Examples of the release agent include solid waxes such as polyethylene wax, amide wax, and Teflon (registered trademark) powder, fluorine-based or phosphate ester-based surfactants, silicone oil, reactive silicone oil, and curable silicone oil. Examples include various modified silicone oils and various silicone resins. As the silicone oil, an oily one can be used, but a modified silicone oil is preferable. As the modified silicone oil, amino-modified silicone, epoxy-modified silicone, aralkyl-modified silicone, epoxy-aralkyl-modified silicone, alcohol-modified silicone, vinyl-modified silicone, urethane-modified silicone and the like can be preferably used, but epoxy-modified silicone and aralkyl-modified silicone can be preferably used. , Epoxy-aralkyl modified silicones are particularly preferred. The receiving layer can contain two or more of the above release agents.

The content of the release agent in the receiving layer is preferably 0.5% by mass or more and 20% by mass or less, and more preferably 0.5% by mass or more and 10% by mass or less. As a result, the releasability from the thermal transfer sheet can be improved while maintaining the transparency of the receiving layer.

The receiving layer may contain the above-mentioned additive.

The thickness of the receiving layer is preferably 0.5 μm or more and 20 μm or less, and more preferably 1 μm or more and 10 μm or less. Thereby, the image density formed on the receiving layer can be improved.

The receiving layer is prepared by dispersing or dissolving the above material in an appropriate solvent to prepare a coating liquid, which is used as a roll coating method, a reverse roll coating method, a gravure coating method, a reverse gravure coating method, a bar coating method and a rod coating method. It can be formed by applying it on the heat-sensitive recess forming layer to form a coating film by a known means such as, and drying it.

(Adhesive layer)
The image receiving sheet of the present disclosure includes an adhesive layer between arbitrary layers. Thereby, the adhesion between layers can be improved.

The adhesive layer contains a resin material. For example, vinyl resins such as polyvinyl acetate, polyvinyl butyral (PVB), ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer and vinyl chloride-vinyl acetate copolymer, polyolefins such as PE and PP, polyester, polyacrylate, polymethacrylate and poly. Examples thereof include (meth) acrylic resins such as methyl methacrylate, polyol resins, polyurethane and the like. Further, the adhesive layer may contain the above-mentioned additive.

The thickness of the adhesive layer is, for example, 0.5 μm or more and 10 μm or less. The thickness of the adhesive layer formed between each layer of the heat-sensitive recess forming layer having a multi-layer structure is preferably 1 μm or more and 8 μm or less, and more preferably 2 μm or more and 5 μm or less. As a result, the adhesion between the layers can be improved while maintaining the recess forming property in the heat-sensitive recess forming layer.

The adhesive layer is prepared by dispersing or dissolving the above-mentioned material in an appropriate solvent to prepare a coating liquid, which is used as a roll coating method, a reverse roll coating method, a gravure coating method, a reverse gravure coating method, a bar coating method and a rod coating method. It can be formed by applying it on an arbitrary layer by a known means such as, to form a coating film, and drying the coating film. Further, in one embodiment, the adhesive layer can be formed by melt extrusion of a resin composition containing the above materials.

Hereinafter, the present disclosure will be described in more detail with reference to Examples, but the present disclosure is not limited to these Examples.

Example 1
(Preparation of image receiving sheet)
As a base material, a double-sided coated paper having a thickness of 200 μm was prepared. A coating liquid for forming an adhesive layer having the following composition is applied to one of the base materials and dried to form an adhesive layer having a thickness of 3 μm, and a porous PP film having a thickness of 35 μm (voids) is formed through the adhesive layer. A rate of 22% and a density of 0.7 g / m ³ ) are laminated, and a coating liquid for forming an adhesive layer having the following composition is applied onto the porous film and dried to form an adhesive layer having a thickness of 3 μm. A porous PP film was further laminated via the adhesive layer to form a heat-sensitive recess forming layer composed of two porous PP films.

<Coating liquid for forming an adhesive layer>
・ 100 parts by mass of acrylic resin (Polystic EM-560 Arakawa Paint Industry Co., Ltd.)
・ 10 parts by mass of curing agent (Polystic curing agent EM-545K Arakawa Paint Industry Co., Ltd.)

On the heat-sensitive recess forming layer formed as described above, a coating liquid for forming a primer layer having the following composition was applied and dried to form a primer layer having a thickness of 1.5 μm.

<Coating liquid for primer layer>
-Polyester 4.2 parts by mass (Polyester (registered trademark) WR-905 Nippon Synthetic Chemical Industry Co., Ltd.)
-Titanium oxide 8.4 parts by mass (TCA-888 Sakai Chemical Industry Co., Ltd.)
・ Isopropyl alcohol (IPA) 10 parts by mass ・ Water 30 parts by mass

A coating liquid for forming a receiving layer having the following composition was applied onto the primer layer formed as described above and dried to form a receiving layer having a thickness of 4 μm to obtain an image receiving sheet of the present disclosure.

<Coating liquid for forming a receptive layer>
60 parts by mass of vinyl chloride-vinyl acetate copolymer (Solvine (registered trademark) C Nissin Chemical Industry Co., Ltd.)
-Epoxy-modified silicone resin 1.2 parts by mass (X-22-3000T Shin-Etsu Chemical Co., Ltd.)
-Methylstill-modified silicone resin 0.6 parts by mass (X-24-510 Shin-Etsu Chemical Co., Ltd.)
・ Methyl ethyl ketone 2.5 parts by mass ・ Toluene 2.5 parts by mass

(Making imprints)
The following evaluation printer equipped with a thermal head in which the obtained image receiving sheet and the printing pressure adjusting mechanism 100 of FIG. 3 are connected, and a sublimation type thermal transfer printer (Dainippon Printing Co., Ltd.) provided with a dye layer containing a sublimation dye and a protective layer. ), A genuine ribbon for DS620) was prepared.

<< Evaluation Printer >>
・ Thermal head: F3598 (Toshiba Hokuto Electronics Corporation)
-Average resistance value of heating element: 5015 (Ω)
-Main scanning direction print density: 300 (dpi)
-Print density in the sub-scanning direction: 300 (dpi)
-Applied voltage: 21.0 (V)
-Pulse Duty: 85%

An image of portrait N1 defined by JIS X 9201 (high-definition color digital standard image) was printed on the receiving layer included in the image receiving sheet. The printing pressure was 9 kgf / cm ² . At this time, the line period is 2.5 msec. It was set to / line. Gradation value: At 255/255 (maximum gradation), the printing energy was set to 0.19 mJ / dot.

Next, the protective layer was transferred from the genuine ribbon onto the image-formed receiving layer with the same evaluation printer to obtain a printed matter. The line period during transfer of the protective layer is 4 msec. It was set to / line and the printing pressure was set to 18 kgf / cm ² . In the region where the recess is not formed, an applied energy of 0.1 mJ / dot (85/255 energy gradation) is applied and heated, and in the region where the recess is formed, an applied energy of 0.30 mJ / dot (255/255 energy gradation) is applied. And heated.

(Evaluation of print wrinkles)
The obtained printed matter was visually confirmed, and the stamped wrinkles were evaluated based on the following evaluation criteria. The results are shown in Table 1.
(Evaluation criteria)
A: No wrinkles on the print B: Wrinkles on the print

(Evaluation of unevenness)
The obtained printed matter was touched by hand, and the unevenness was evaluated based on the following evaluation criteria. The results are shown in Table 1.
(Evaluation criteria)
A: You can see the unevenness immediately by touching B: You can see the unevenness if you are conscious NG: You can not feel the unevenness

Example 2
Printing pressure 9 kgf / cm 2 to at the time of image ^printing, except that the printing pressure during the transfer operation of the protection layer was 22 kgf / cm ² in the same manner as in Example 1 to prepare a printed article were evaluated printing wrinkles and unevenness feeling. The results are shown in Table 1.

Example 3
Printing pressure 9 kgf / cm 2 to at the time of image ^printing, except that the printing pressure during the transfer operation of the protection layer was 12 kgf / cm ² in the same manner as in Example 1 to prepare a printed article were evaluated printing wrinkles and unevenness feeling. The results are shown in Table 1.

Example 4
9 kgf / cm ² the printing pressure at the time of image printing, 12 kgf / cm ² the printing pressure during the transfer operation of the protection layer (line period 2.5msec./line), a printing energy 0.19mJ / dot (255/255 Energy gradation ), After transfer of the protective layer, a 4.5 μm-thick PET film with a back layer is layered on the printed matter, and the printing pressure is 18 kgf / cm ² and 0.1 mJ / dot (85/255 energy) in the region where no recess is formed. A printed matter was produced in the same manner as in Example 1 except that the applied energy of (gradation) was applied and heated, and the applied energy of 0.30 mJ / dot (255/255 energy gradation) was applied and heated in the recessed region. Then, the print wrinkles and unevenness were evaluated. The results are shown in Table 1.

Comparative Example 1
A printed matter was produced in the same manner as in Example 1 except that the printing pressure at the time of transfer of the protective layer was 9 kgf / cm ^{2, and the printing wrinkles and unevenness were evaluated.} The results are shown in Table 1.

1 Thermal head 2 Platen roll 3 Supply unit 4 Recovery unit 5 Thermal transfer sheet 6 Image receiving sheet roll 7 Image receiving sheet 10 Printing unit 14 Control device 50 Base sheet 54 Protective layer 71 Base material 72 Thermal recess forming layer 73 Receiving layer 100 Printing pressure adjustment mechanism

Claims (13)

A thermal transfer sheet in which a coloring material layer and a protective layer are provided on a base material sheet and an image receiving sheet in which a heat-sensitive recess forming layer and a receiving layer are laminated on the base material are sandwiched between a thermal head and a platen roll. A step of heating the thermal transfer sheet with the thermal head and transferring a color material from the thermal transfer sheet to the receiving layer of the image receiving sheet to form an image.
A step of heating the thermal transfer sheet with the thermal head and transferring the protective layer from the thermal transfer sheet onto the image of the image receiving sheet.
With
The printing pressure by the printing part including the thermal head and the platen roll at the time of transferring the protective layer is made larger than the printing pressure by the printing part at the time of forming the image.
A method for producing a printed matter in which a recess is formed in the image receiving sheet by changing the energy applied by the thermal head depending on the region at the time of transferring the protective layer. The method for producing a printed matter according to claim 1, wherein the image receiving sheet is crushed by 5 μm or more and 50 μm or less in the thickness direction at the time of transferring the protective layer. At the time of transfer of the protective layer, the second applied energy by the thermal head in the region where the recess is formed in the image receiving sheet is larger than the first applied energy by the thermal head in the region where the recess is not formed in the image receiving sheet. The method for producing a printed matter according to claim 1 or 2. At the time of transfer of the protective layer, the third applied energy by the thermal head at the boundary portion between the region where the recess is formed and the region where the recess is not formed in the image receiving sheet is higher than the second applied energy according to claim 3. The method for manufacturing the described printed matter. The thermal transfer sheet has a hologram layer provided on the base material sheet and has a hologram layer.
7. Manufacturing method of photographic paper. The method for producing a printed matter according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the thermal recess forming layer has a thickness of 40 μm or more, and the recess has a depth of 5 μm or more. The method for producing a printed matter according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the heat-sensitive recess-forming layer has at least one of a porous film and a hollow particle-containing layer. A thermal transfer sheet in which a coloring material layer and a protective layer are provided on a base material sheet and an image receiving sheet in which a heat-sensitive recess forming layer and a receiving layer are laminated on the base material are sandwiched between a thermal head and a platen roll. A step of heating the thermal transfer sheet with the thermal head and transferring a color material from the thermal transfer sheet to the receiving layer of the image receiving sheet to form an image.
A step of heating the thermal transfer sheet with the thermal head and transferring the protective layer from the thermal transfer sheet onto the image of the image receiving sheet.
After the transfer of the protective layer, the region where the surface of the base material sheet of the thermal transfer sheet is exposed and the image receiving sheet are sandwiched between the thermal head and the platen roll, and the thermal head and the platen roll are sandwiched between the thermal head and the platen roll. A step of increasing the printing pressure by the printing portion including the printing portion to be larger than the printing pressure by the printing portion at the time of image formation, changing the energy applied by the thermal head depending on the region, and forming a recess in the image receiving sheet.
A method of manufacturing a printed matter comprising. A thermal transfer sheet in which a coloring material layer and a protective layer are provided on a base material sheet and an image receiving sheet in which a heat-sensitive recess forming layer and a receiving layer are laminated on the base material are sandwiched between a thermal head and a platen roll. A step of heating the thermal transfer sheet with the thermal head and transferring a color material from the thermal transfer sheet to the receiving layer of the image receiving sheet to form an image.
After the formation of the image, the region where the surface of the base material sheet of the thermal transfer sheet is exposed and the image receiving sheet are sandwiched between the thermal head and the platen roll, and the thermal head and the platen roll are included. A step of increasing the printing pressure by the printing portion to be larger than the printing pressure by the printing portion at the time of image formation, changing the energy applied by the thermal head depending on the region, and forming a recess in the image receiving sheet.
After forming the recess, the thermal transfer sheet is heated by the thermal head to transfer the protective layer from the thermal transfer sheet onto the image of the image receiving sheet.
A method of manufacturing a printed matter comprising. The thermal transfer sheet has a release layer provided between the base material sheet and the protective layer.
The method for producing a printed matter according to claim 8 or 9, wherein in the step of forming the recess, the region where the surface of the release layer is exposed and the image receiving sheet are sandwiched between the thermal head and the platen roll. .. A thermal head and a platen are formed by a thermal transfer sheet in which a coloring material layer, a first protective layer and a second protective layer are provided on a base material sheet, and an image receiving sheet in which a heat-sensitive recess forming layer and a receiving layer are laminated on the base material. A step of forming an image by sandwiching the color material between the rolls and heating the thermal transfer sheet with the thermal head and transferring the coloring material from the thermal transfer sheet to the receiving layer of the image receiving sheet.
A step of heating the thermal transfer sheet with the thermal head and transferring the first protective layer from the thermal transfer sheet onto the image of the image receiving sheet.
A step of heating the thermal transfer sheet with the thermal head and transferring the second protective layer from the thermal transfer sheet onto the first protective layer of the image receiving sheet.
With
The printing pressure by the printing portion including the thermal head and the platen roll at the time of transferring the second protective layer is made larger than the printing pressure by the printing portion at the time of forming the image.
A method for producing a printed matter in which a recess is formed in the image receiving sheet by changing the energy applied by the thermal head depending on the region at the time of transferring the second protective layer. A thermal transfer sheet in which a coloring material layer and a protective layer are provided on a sheet on a base material and an image receiving sheet in which a heat-sensitive recess forming layer and a receiving layer are laminated on the base material are sandwiched between a thermal head and a platen roll. The thermal head heats the thermal transfer sheet to transfer the coloring material from the thermal transfer sheet to the receiving layer of the image receiving sheet to form an image, and protects the image from the thermal transfer sheet on the image of the image receiving sheet. A printing device that transfers layers and
A printing pressure adjusting mechanism for adjusting the printing pressure by the printing portion including the thermal head and the platen roll, and
With
The printing pressure adjusting mechanism increases the printing pressure by the printing portion at the time of transferring the protective layer to be larger than the printing pressure by the printing portion at the time of forming the image.
The thermal head is a thermal transfer printing device that changes the applied energy depending on a region when transferring the protective layer to form a recess in the image receiving sheet. A capstan roller that conveys the image receiving sheet and
A pinch roller that crimps the image receiving sheet to the capstan roller, and
With more
The thermal transfer printing apparatus according to claim 12, wherein the pressure between the capstan roller and the pinch roller is made larger than the pressure between the thermal head and the platen roll at the time of transferring the protective layer.

Images