JP2023126182A - Thermal transfer ribbon assembly comprising metal layer and protective coating layer - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide an improved thermal transfer ribbon assembly comprising a metal layer and a protective coating layer.SOLUTION: A method for introducing a reflective, refractive and/or diffractive variable and/or non-variable image to a substrate by use of thermal transfer printing includes simultaneously transferring a defined portion of each of a protective coating layer, an image layer and an adhesive layer from a carrier film of a transfer ribbon to the substrate by applying heat to the transfer ribbon. The defined portions of the image layer and the protective coating layer are adhered to the substrate using the adhesive layer. Subsequent to transferring the protective coating layer, the image layer and the adhesive layer, durability is provided to the image layer by cross-linking the protective coating layer that is over the image layer by exposing the protective coating layer to a radiation source after the defined portions of the protective coating layer, the image layer and the adhesive layer are transferred from the carrier film.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

CROSS-REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/753,428, filed October 31, 2018, This is a continuation-in-part of No. 16/667,190. The entire disclosures of these applications are incorporated herein by reference.

The present disclosure relates to thermal transfer ribbon printing of reflective, refractive, and/or diffractive images onto substrates.

FIG. 1 shows a cross-sectional view of a known substrate 10 containing a metallic image introduced using a dry metallic layer. Substrate 10 includes a metal layer 14 and an adhesive layer 16 adhered to the metal layer. A metal layer 14 and an adhesive layer 16 can be disposed as part of the image on the surface 12 of the substrate. Adhesive layer 16 adheres metal layer 14 to surface 12 of substrate 10 and forms each individual metallic print object on surface 12. In alternative embodiments, metal layer 14 can be an ink or paint that can be ink-printed or inked onto surface 12 of substrate 10.

However, handling of the identification card may damage the integrity of the metal layer 14. For example, when the identification card is put in and taken out of a wallet or pocket, metal layer 14 may peel off from substrate 10. Thus, after the metal layer 14 is adhered to the surface 12 of the substrate 10, a laminate film 18 is placed over the top of the metal layer 14 such that it is then bonded to the metal layer 14 and the surface 12 of the substrate 10. be done. For example, the laminate film 18 can be a patch or strip of laminate material that extends over the entire surface of the card.

This laminate film 18 may interfere with other components of the identification card, such as magnetic strips, holograms, etc., and may be aesthetically objectionable. In addition, attaching the laminate film 18 reduces the brightness, reflectivity, etc. of the metal layer 14. For example, metal layer 14 may have reflective properties similar to a mirror or may have a shiny metallic finish prior to the deposition of film 18. After the laminate film 18 is applied, the laminate film 18 reduces the brightness of the metallic finish of the metal layer 14, reduces the reflectivity of the metal layer 14, and so on. Laminating films may also delaminate over time starting from the edges of the card.

In an alternative embodiment, the metallic image can be introduced onto the substrate as a paint or ink that can be dripped or painted onto the substrate. A metallic image can be introduced onto a substrate by depositing a metallic ink or paint onto the surface of the substrate. However, using ink is a messy process and excess ink may splatter onto one or more surfaces of the substrate. Additionally, the amount and size of metal particles that produce a shiny, shiny metallic image is limited by the size of the dispensing nozzle. Still further, the dispensing nozzle may become clogged with dried ink or paint during application.

Optionally, metal layer 14 can be thermal transfer printed from a carrier ribbon that includes a highly crosslinked base layer. This highly crosslinked base layer can be a polymeric layer between the ribbon support carrier and the metal layer 14. The highly crosslinked base layer can be crosslinked before transferring the metal layer 14 to the substrate 10 and can be transferred to the substrate 10 along with the metal layer 14 to protect the metal layer 14. However, transferring a highly crosslinked base layer from a carrier ribbon can be difficult due to the crosslinking of the base layer. Therefore, the portions of the metal layer 14 and the base layer that are transferred may have less sharpness and definition than if the base layer were not crosslinked.

In one or more embodiments of the subject matter described herein, a method of introducing reflective, refractive, and/or diffractive metallic variable and/or non-variable images onto a substrate through the use of thermal transfer printing includes a protective coating layer. , a metal layer, and an adhesive layer, simultaneously transferring a defined portion of each of the thermal transfer ribbon from a carrier film of the thermal transfer ribbon to the substrate by applying heat to the thermal transfer ribbon. The method includes adhering the transferred metal layer and the defined portion of the protective coating layer to the substrate using the adhesive layer; Subsequent to the transfer of the defined portions of the layers, by exposing the protective coating layer to a radiation source after the defined portions of the protective coating layer, the metal layer, and the adhesive layer have been transferred from the carrier film. , crosslinking the defined portion of the protective coating layer overlying the defined portion of the metal layer, thereby imparting durability to the defined portion of the metal layer that is transferred to the substrate.

In one or more embodiments of the subject matter described herein, a system for introducing reflective, refractive, and/or diffractive metallic variable and/or non-variable images onto a substrate through the use of thermal transfer printing includes a protective coating layer. , a metal layer, and an adhesive layer. Defined portions of each of the protective coating layer, the metal layer, and the adhesive layer are simultaneously transferred from the carrier film of the thermal transfer ribbon to the substrate by applying heat to the thermal transfer ribbon. The transferred metal layer and the defined portion of the protective coating layer are adhered to the substrate using the adhesive layer. Following transfer of the defined portions of the protective coating layer, the metal layer, and the adhesive layer, the defined portions of the protective coating layer are transferred to the protective coating layer, the metal layer, and the adhesive layer. After the defined portions have been transferred from the carrier film, the protective coating layer is crosslinked by exposing it to a radiation source. Crosslinking the defined portions of the protective coating layer provides durability to the defined portions of the metal layer that are transferred to the substrate.

In one or more embodiments, the method includes simultaneously transferring a defined portion of each of a protective coating layer, a metal layer, and an adhesive layer from a carrier film of the thermal transfer ribbon to the substrate by applying heat to the thermal transfer ribbon. Including transcribing. The method includes adhering the transferred metal layer and the defined portion of the protective coating layer to the substrate using the adhesive layer; Following transfer of the defined portion of the layer, exposing the protective coating layer to a radiation source crosslinks the defined portion of the protective coating layer overlying the defined portion of the metal layer, thereby providing durability to the defined portion of the metal layer transferred to the substrate. The defined portions of the protective coating layer, the metal layer, and the adhesive layer that are transferred are in an amount necessary to form one or more of a variable image or a non-variable image introduced onto the substrate. only the protective coating layer and the metal layer, and no extra amount of the protective coating layer or the metal layer.

The subject matter of the invention will be better understood by reading the following description of non-limiting embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings, which are not necessarily drawn to scale.

1 is a diagram showing a known substrate; FIG. FIG. 3 is a top view of a substrate in accordance with one or more embodiments of the inventive subject matter described herein. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the substrate of FIG. 2. FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of a defined portion of a protective coating layer, an image layer, and an adhesive layer transferred to the substrate of FIG. 2, according to one embodiment; FIG. FIG. 5 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the defined portion of FIG. 4; 1 is a flowchart of a method of introducing an image to a substrate, according to one embodiment.

Although some example uses of the present technology are described with substrates representative of cards such as financial cards, security cards, and identification cards, the technology can also be used in other printing applications. For example, one or more embodiments of the inventive subject matter described herein may provide variable information (e.g., the information is different for each of several individual units being printed) and/or constant information (e.g., the information is different for each of several individual units being printed). For example, the information is the same for every individual unit that is printed on), medical containers (e.g., IV bags, drug bottles, etc.), packaging (e.g., boxes, bags, envelopes, shipping labels, etc.), Clothing labels (e.g. clothing sizes, tags, etc.), household goods (e.g. labels for items such as plates, bowls, cups, etc.), electronic devices (e.g. logos, serial numbers, etc.), consumables (e.g. wine bottles) or container labels such as beer bottles, cans or jars), consumer products (e.g. glasses, sunglasses, jewelry, etc.), point of purchase displays, etc. For example, the substrate on which thermal transfer is performed can include any of a variety of surfaces, including security cards, identification cards, financial cards, packaging (e.g., luxury packaging, envelopes, boxes, etc.), Examples include, but are not limited to, medical devices (eg, medicine bottles, IV bags, etc.). The examples of objects that can be printed provided herein are not all possible objects that can be printed with images using the subject matter of the present invention. The inventive subject matter described herein can be used to print on any object capable of thermal transfer printing. The printed image may include one or more images such as numbers, letters, text symbols, logos, shapes, and the like. These images can be introduced as dry layers on the substrate.

FIG. 2 shows a top view of the substrate 102. FIG. 3 shows a side view of substrate 102. Substrate 102 has a surface 104 on which an image 106 is thermally printed using a thermal transfer ribbon 108 . Surface 104 may be the front or back side of substrate 102, and image 106 may be visible on the front or back side of substrate 102. Substrate 102 may be a flat or substantially flat card, such as an identification card, security card, or financial card. In alternative embodiments, substrate 102 can have any alternative non-planar shape and/or size. For example, the surface 104 of the substrate 102 can be curved or wavy, non-planar with respect to the body of the substrate 102, etc. In the illustrated embodiment, image 106 is the letter "A." Image 106 may be a variable image (e.g., a different letter is printed on each of several individual substrates being printed) or a non-variable image (e.g., the same letter "A" is printed on each of several individual substrates). (printed on every individual substrate being printed). For example, substrate 102 may be an identification or security card. The images 106 on every card may include the same logo (eg, a non-variable image) and/or may include a unique name, number, etc. (eg, a variable image) for each owner of the card. In one or more embodiments, image 106 can be holographic, and can be a reflection hologram, a refraction hologram, and/or a diffraction hologram.

In one or more alternative embodiments, the substrate 102 can be a drug bottle, and every drug bottle can include the same prescription name (e.g., non-variable information), and/or the drug's individual It can include a unique prescription protocol (eg, variable information) for each user. In an alternative embodiment, the substrate 102 can be a shipping container, and every shipping container can include the same company logo (e.g., non-variable information) and/or be unique to each shipping container's destination. shipping address (e.g., variable information). Alternatively, the substrate 102 may be the surface of luxury packaging, such as a bag or box, in which the product is stored prior to sale.

Thermal transfer ribbon 108 includes multiple layers of material carried in direction 122 across surface 104 of substrate 102 on carrier film 126 . Thermal transfer ribbon 108 includes an adhesive layer 116, an image layer 114, and a protective coating layer 112. In one or more embodiments, the image layer may include one or more materials such as metals, mixed metal alloys, metal oxides, non-metallic materials, etc. that can display or present an image on the surface of the substrate. can. The components of protective coating layer 112 are discussed in more detail below. These layers of thermal transfer ribbon 108, along with substrate 102 shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, are for illustrative purposes only and may not be drawn to scale. For example, each of the multiple layers of ribbon 108 can have a thickness that can be common or can be unique with respect to the thickness of each other layer of ribbon 108; Each layer of 108 can have a thickness that is less than the thickness of substrate 102.

Heat 124 is applied to the thermal transfer ribbon 108 as the thermal transfer ribbon 108 moves in a direction 122 substantially parallel to the surface 104 of the substrate 102 . Application of heat 124 transfers defined portions 110A, 110B of each of protective coating layer 112, image layer 114, and adhesive layer 116 from carrier film 126 of thermal transfer ribbon 108 to surface 104 of substrate 102. For example, as shown in FIG. 2, defined portions 110A, 110B define areas of image 106, and undefined portions 120 define areas outside of image 106.

All that is needed to form image 106 on substrate 102 is defined portions 110A, 110B, and nothing more. For example, only defined portions 110A, 110B of protective coating layer 112 are transferred onto substrate 102 along with defined portions of image layer 114 and adhesive layer 116. Protective coating layer 112 does not extend over the sides of image layer 114 and adhesive layer 116, as shown in FIG. 1, for example.

By transferring defined portions 110A, 110B of image layer 114 to substrate 102, a continuous shape or image is formed on substrate 102 using the portions of image layer 114 that are transferred. For example, the image layer can include a material (metallic material, non-metallic material, etc.) that can be used to display a shape or image on the substrate. In one embodiment, the continuous shape can be a single letter, a single number, or a logo object with a single body. In an alternative embodiment, the continuous shape may be a continuous sheet or coating across the substrate 102. In the illustrated embodiment of FIG. 2, image 106 is an image of the letter A, but the image may be any different letter or letters, numbers, logos, decorative images, or the like. The transferred defined portions 110A, 110B of the image layer 114 form the shape of the image 106 on the substrate 102.

In one or more embodiments, the image may display and/or include security details. For example, the image may be an optically variable image such that viewing the image from one perspective can show one view, and viewing the image from a different perspective can show a different view or image. I can do it. Optionally, the image may display and/or include letters, numbers, shapes, symbols, etc. that may be placed on the surface of the substrate in a predetermined arrangement. For example, images may include personal information about the owner of the board, expiration information about the product associated with the board, instructions for consumption and/or use of the product associated with the board, logo designs (e.g., corporate logos and/or (logos, etc.) can be displayed.

Defined portions 110A, 110B of image layer 114 transferred onto substrate 102 are reflective, refractive, and/or diffractive. For example, in one or more embodiments, the defined portion of the material of the image layer that is transferred to the surface of the substrate can be reflective, mirror-like, or the like. For example, the material can be reflective such that light or other radiation can be reflected from the material of the image layer. The defined portions 110A, 110B of the image layer 114 forming the image 106 are mirrors such that the material of the image layer 114 can provide reflected light or other radiation or can enable the reflection of light or other radiation. It can be made into a shape. Optionally, the topography of the image layer material can be modified (eg, embossed, stamped, etched, or otherwise manipulated). Changing the topography of the image layer material can make the image layer material refractive and/or diffractive. For example, light or other radiation may be diffracted or bent around some portions of the image. For example, defined portions of the material of the image layer 114 can cause waves (eg, waves of light) to be diffracted or bent around the edges of the image layer 114. As another example, a wave of light or other radiation can change direction while traveling through a defined portion of an image layer.

In one or more embodiments, an image layer or a metal layer may be referred to as a reflective layer, a refractive layer, and/or a diffractive layer. For example, the image layer can include one or more materials or compositions of materials that can reflect, refract, and/or diffract light or other radiation. A defined portion of the image layer material or material composition that is transferred to the substrate can form a reflective, refractive, and/or diffractive image on the surface of the substrate. Non-limiting examples of one or more of the materials included in the image layer include aluminum, chromium, indium, bismuth, tin, iron, copper, zinc, niobium, zinc sulfide (ZnS), nichrome (NiCr), stainless steel. It can include steel, InSn or other soldering materials, tin oxide, iron oxide, zinc oxide, indium tin oxide (ITO), and the like. Optionally, the image layer can include alternative metallic materials, metal alloys, mixed metal alloys, metal oxides, and the like. Optionally, the image layer can include one or more non-metallic materials.

In one or more embodiments, the image layer can include multiple layers coupled together within the image layer. A defined portion of each of the plurality of image layers can produce or create a reflective, refractive, and/or diffractive image on the surface of the substrate. In one embodiment, a first layer of the image layer or metal layer can include a first material and a second layer of the image layer or metal layer can include a different second material. . These first and second materials are capable of reflecting, refracting, and/or diffracting light or other radiation source radiation.

Defined portions 110A, 110B of each of adhesive layer 116, image layer 114, and protective coating layer 112 are simultaneously transferred from carrier film 126 onto substrate 102 as thermal transfer ribbon 108 moves in direction 122 relative to substrate 102. Ru. For example, adhesive layer 116, image layer 114, and defined portions 110A, 110B of protective coating layer 112 are transferred onto substrate 102 all at once as a group. Additionally, undefined portions 120 are not transferred from carrier film 126 onto substrate 102 as thermal transfer ribbon 108 moves in direction 122 relative to substrate 102. Image layer 114 and defined portions 110A, 110B of protective coating layer 112 are adhered to substrate 102 using adhesive layer 116.

The defined portions 110A, 110B to be transferred include only the amount of protective coating layer 112 and image layer 114 necessary to form the variable and/or non-variable image 106 introduced onto the substrate 102, and no excess It does not include any amount of protective coating layer 112 or image layer 114. For example, only a portion of the protective coating layer 112 overlying a portion of the image layer 114 is transferred to the substrate 102. In one embodiment, protective coating layer 112 can be bonded to image layer 114 such that transferring a defined portion of image layer 114 ensures that a corresponding defined portion of protective coating layer 112 is transferred.

Defined portions 110A, 110B of protective coating layer 112, image layer 114, and adhesive layer 116 have sharp, non-laminar edges. For example, by transferring only the defined portions 110A, 110B, sharp edges or sharp details of the defined edges of the image 106 may be achieved, as compared to transferring an unnecessary amount of the protective coating layer 112 onto the substrate 102. left behind. Only the defined portions 110A, 110B of the image layer 114 used to form indicia (e.g., numbers, letters, text symbols, decorative designs, etc.) on the substrate 102 are transferred to the substrate 102; more is not transcribed. As one example, sharp edges may indicate the image 106 as a number 8, while non-sharp or flaky edges may indicate the image as a snowman. For example, the hole inside the number 8 may be defined only when each of the layers of thermal transfer ribbon 108 is transferred to substrate 102 while retaining sharp edges (e.g., sharp details or contours of image 106). I can do it. Alternatively, if the layer of thermal transfer ribbon 108 does not have sharp edges or has less sharp edges (e.g., unclear detail or unclear contours of image 106), the number 8 Internal holes may not be visible.

FIG. 4 illustrates a cross-sectional view of defined portions 110A, 110B of the protective coating layer 112, the image layer 114, and the adhesive layer 116 that are transferred to the substrate 102, according to one embodiment. FIG. 5 shows an enlarged cross-sectional view of these defined portions. Although the defined portions 110A, 110B of each layer of the thermal transfer ribbon 108 are shown extending a distance from the surface 104 of the substrate 102, FIGS. Each layer of portions 110A, 110B extends a minimum distance from substrate 102. For example, the defined portions 110A, 110B can have a thickness such that the defined portions 110A, 110B can be visually substantially planar with the surface 104 of the substrate 102. For example, the thickness of defined portions 110A, 110B on surface 104 of substrate 102 may not be visible except in close-up view.

Following transfer of the defined portions 110A, 110B of each of the protective coating layer 112, the image layer 114, and the adhesive layer 116 to the substrate 102, the defined portions 110A, 110B are exposed to radiation 140 from a radiation source (not shown). exposed to. The radiation source may be a lamp or alternative light source that emits ultraviolet light, xenon, etc. Exposing the defined portions 110A, 110B to radiation 140 makes the defined portions 110A, 110B durable by crosslinking the defined portions 110A, 110B of the protective coating layer 112 overlying the defined portions 110A, 110B of the image layer 114. give to Protective coating layer 112 includes a polymeric transfer material and a polymeric base material that are combined into a single protective coating layer 112. In one embodiment, the polymeric transfer material may be disposed on the carrier film 126 (FIG. 3) as the thermal transfer ribbon 108 traverses the substrate 102, and the polymeric base material is a bond between the polymeric transfer material and the image layer 114. can be placed in between. The protective coating layer 112 can be made from substantially equal parts of a polymeric base material and a polymeric transfer material. Alternatively, the protective coating layer 112 can have a greater weight percentage of one of the polymeric transfer material or the polymeric base material than the other. In one or more embodiments, the protective coating layer 112 can include separate layers of a polymeric transfer material and a polymeric base material. For example, the protective coating layer 112 can be an assembly of two or more layers of a polymeric transfer material and a polymeric base material.

In one or more embodiments, the polymeric transfer material and polymeric base material can be crosslinked to each other in the defined portions 110A, 110B of the transferred protective coating layer 112 by crosslinking portions of the protective coating layer 112. For example, by exposing defined portions 110A, 110B of protective coating layer 112 to radiation 140, molecules of the polymeric transfer material are chemically joined by covalent or chemical bonds with molecules of the polymeric base material. Additionally, defined portions 110A, 110B of protective coating layer 112 do not distort, change, melt, etc. upon exposure to radiation 140. For example, the radiation 140 crosslinks the protective coating layer 112 without changing the integrity of the polymeric transfer material and/or the polymeric base material, thereby causing the image layer corresponding to the defined portions 110A, 110B of the protective coating layer 112 to 114 in perfect condition.

By crosslinking the protective coating layer 112, an abrasion resistant layer and/or a chemical resistant layer is formed over the defined portion 110A of the transferred image layer 114. For example, the chemically bonded molecules of the transfer material and base material may provide an abrasion resistant layer overlying the image layer 114 and may be crosslinked to the uncrosslinked transfer material and base material or to itself. This improves the durability of the image layer 114 over non-containing transfer materials. The abrasion resistant layer improves the durability (eg, abrasion resistance, abrasion resistance, chemical resistance, etc.) of the defined portions 110A, 110B of the image layer 114. For example, abrasion-resistant and chemical-resistant layers reduce the risk of image 106 scratching or peeling from substrate 102. The cross-linked protective coating layer 112 provides durability only over the defined portions 110A, 110B of the image layer 114 and provides durability over the external non-defined portions 120 of the image 106 (FIGS. 2 and 3). I won't give it.

By cross-linking the protective coating layer 112 after the protective coating layer 112, the image layer 114, and the defined portions 110B of the adhesive layer 116 are transferred to the substrate 102, the defined portions 110A, 110B are sharper and less film-like. Has no edges. For example, crosslinking the protective coating layer 112 increases the durability of the protective coating layer 112, thereby increasing the difficulty of cutting or transferring clean contours or details of the image. By transferring the defined portions 110A, 110B of the thermal transfer ribbon 108 onto the substrate 102 before crosslinking the protective coating layer 112, the substrate The sharpness, contour or detail, etc. of the image 106 on 102 is improved.

FIG. 6 depicts a flowchart of one embodiment of a method 600 for introducing reflective, refractive, and/or diffractive variable and/or non-variable images onto substrate 102 through the use of thermal transfer printing. Method 600 can be used to introduce variable and/or non-variable metallic and/or non-metallic images on cards such as financial cards, security cards, and identification cards. Optionally, method 600 can also be used to introduce variable and/or non-variable images into medical containers, packaging materials, clothing labels, household items, electronic devices, etc. The image can be a metallic image and can be a tint or tone of metallic silver or metallic gold, and optionally the metallic image can be a metallic tint or tone of any color of the rainbow. It may also include dyeing or coloring. These hues or tones include, but are not limited to, metallic red, metallic orange, metallic yellow, metallic green, metallic blue, metallic indigo, metallic violet, and the like. The material used to form the image can be reflective, refractive, and/or diffractive. For example, the material used to form the image can create a reflective image, a refractive image, and/or a diffractive image on the surface of the substrate.

At 602, a defined portion of each of the protective coating layer 112, the image layer 114, and the adhesive layer 116 is simultaneously transferred from the carrier film 126 of the thermal transfer ribbon 108 to the substrate 102 by applying heat 124 to the thermal transfer ribbon 108. Ru. For example, defined portions of the protective coating layer 112, the image layer 114, and the adhesive layer 116 are transferred in only the amount necessary to form the variable and/or non-variable image being introduced onto the substrate 102. Includes a protective coating layer 112 and an image layer 114. Any excess amount of protective coating layer 112 or image layer 114 is not transferred onto substrate 102. For example, only a defined portion of the protective coating layer 112 overlying a portion of the image layer 114 is transferred to the substrate 102.

At 604, the image layer 114 and the transferred defined portions of the protective coating layer 112 are adhered to the surface 104 of the substrate 102 using the adhesive layer 116. The image layer can include one or more materials such as metallic and/or non-metallic materials. In one or more embodiments, the one or more materials create or form a reflective image, a refractive image, and/or a diffractive image on the surface of the substrate by transferring a defined portion of the material of the image layer. It can be a reflective, refractive, and/or diffractive material that allows for.

At 606, following the transfer of the defined portions of the protective coating layer 112, the image layer 114, and the adhesive layer 116, the defined portions of the protective coating layer 112 are exposed to radiation from a radiation source, and the defined portions of the image layer 114 are exposed to radiation from a radiation source. Defined portions of the overlying protective coating layer 112 are crosslinked. For example, by crosslinking the protective coating layer 112, durability is imparted to defined portions of the image layer 114. In addition, protective coating layer 112 includes a polymeric transfer material and a polymeric base material disposed between the polymeric transfer material and image layer 114. Crosslinking the protective coating layer 112 crosslinks the polymeric transfer material and polymeric base material to each other. Optionally, crosslinking the protective coating layer 112 crosslinks the polymeric transfer material with itself. Additionally or alternatively, crosslinking the protective coating layer 112 forms an abrasion resistant layer and/or a chemical resistant layer over defined portions of the transferred image layer 114.

The above description refers to transferring only the amount of protective coating layer, image layer, and adhesive layer material onto the substrate necessary to form the letters, numbers, text symbols, and logos, and no more than that. However, alternatively, the thermal transfer ribbon 108 can also apply more of the image layer and protective coating layer to the substrate. For example, the thermal transfer ribbon 108 may transfer the image layer and protective coating to, for example, the entire surface of the substrate (e.g., the entire surface of one side of a financial or identification card), a large portion of the surface of the substrate, only a portion of the surface of the substrate, etc. It can also be deposited over larger areas.

In one or more embodiments of the subject matter described herein, a method of introducing reflective and/or diffractive metallic variable and/or non-variable images onto a substrate by use of thermal transfer printing includes a protective coating layer, a metallic layer, and simultaneously transferring defined portions of each of the adhesive layers from the carrier film of the thermal transfer ribbon to the substrate by applying heat to the thermal transfer ribbon. The method includes adhering the transferred metal layer and defined portions of the protective coating layer to a substrate using an adhesive layer; defining a protective coating layer over defined portions of the metal layer by exposing the protective coating layer to a radiation source after the protective coating layer, the metal layer, and the defined portions of the adhesive layer have been transferred from the carrier film; crosslinking the portions, thereby imparting durability to the defined portions of the metal layer transferred to the substrate.

Optionally, defined portions of the protective coating layer, metal layer, and adhesive layer are transferred to have sharp, well-defined, and non-filmy edges.

Optionally, the defined portions of the protective coating layer, metal layer, and adhesive layer that are transferred are provided with only the amount of protection necessary to form the variable and/or non-variable image being introduced onto the substrate. Contains a coating layer and a metal layer, and does not include any extra amount of protective coating layer or metal layer.

one or more of an abrasion resistant layer or a chemical resistant layer, optionally overlying defined portions of the transferred metal layer by crosslinking defined portions of the transferred protective coating layer; is formed.

Optionally, the protective coating layer includes a polymeric transfer material on the carrier film and a polymeric base material on the polymeric transfer material, and crosslinking portions of the protective coating layer defines the transferred protective coating layer. The polymeric transfer material and the polymeric base material are crosslinked to each other in sections.

Optionally, the protective coating layer includes a polymeric transfer coat. Crosslinking the portion of the protective coating layer crosslinks the polymeric transfer material of the defined portion of the transferred protective coating layer.

Optionally, transferring the defined portion of the protective coating layer includes transferring only the defined portion of the protective coating layer that overlies the portion of the metal layer that is transferred to the substrate.

Optionally, the protective coating layer is bonded to the metal layer such that transferring a defined portion of the metal layer ensures that a corresponding defined portion of the protective coating layer is transferred.

Optionally, the defined portion of the metal layer that is transferred is reflective.

Optionally, the defined portion of the transferred metal layer is diffractive.

Optionally, transferring the defined portion of the metal layer to the substrate includes forming a continuous metal shape on the substrate using the transferred defined portion of the metal layer.

Optionally, the image formed on the substrate by the metal layer is a variable image.

Optionally, the image formed on the substrate by the metal layer is a non-variable image.

Optionally, the variable and/or non-variable images are visible on the front or back side of the substrate.

Optionally, transferring defined portions of the protective coating layer, metal layer and adhesive layer can be applied to identification cards, financial cards, security cards, medical containers, medical devices, packaging materials, clothing, electronic equipment, consumables. , or printing numbers, letters, or logos on one or more of the consumer products.

Optionally, transferring the defined portions of the protective coating layer, the metal layer, and the adhesive layer includes transferring the metal layer and the protective coating layer to a majority of the surface of the substrate.

In one or more embodiments of the subject matter described herein, a system for introducing reflective, refractive, and/or diffractive metallic variable and/or non-variable images onto a substrate through the use of thermal transfer printing comprises a protective coating layer; The thermal transfer ribbon includes a metal layer and an adhesive layer. Defined portions of each of the protective coating layer, the metal layer, and the adhesive layer are simultaneously transferred from the carrier film of the thermal transfer ribbon to the substrate by applying heat to the thermal transfer ribbon. The transferred metal layer and defined portions of the protective coating layer are adhered to the substrate using an adhesive layer. Following the transfer of the defined portions of the protective coating layer, the metal layer, and the adhesive layer, the defined portions of the protective coating layer are transferred from the carrier film. Crosslinking occurs by exposing the protective coating layer to a radiation source. Crosslinking defined portions of the protective coating layer provides durability to the defined portions of the metal layer that are transferred to the substrate.

Optionally, defined portions of the protective coating layer, metal layer, and adhesive layer are transferred to have sharp, well-defined, and non-filmy edges.

Optionally, the defined portions of the protective coating layer, metal layer, and adhesive layer that are transferred are provided with only the amount of protection necessary to form the variable and/or non-variable image being introduced onto the substrate. Contains a coating layer and a metal layer, and does not include the extra material of the protective coating layer or metal layer.

Optionally, a wear-resistant or chemical-resistant layer is formed over the defined portions of the transferred metal layer by crosslinking defined portions of the transferred protective coating layer.

Optionally, the protective coating layer includes a polymeric transfer material on a carrier film and a polymeric base material on the polymeric transfer material. Crosslinking portions of the protective coating layer crosslinks the polymeric transfer material and the polymeric base material to each other in defined portions of the transferred protective coating layer.

Optionally, the protective coating layer includes a polymeric transfer material. Crosslinking the portion of the protective coating layer crosslinks the polymeric transfer material of the defined portion of the transferred protective coating layer.

Optionally, only a defined portion of the protective coating layer overlying the portion of the metal layer that is transferred to the substrate is configured to be transferred.

Optionally, the protective coating layer is bonded to the metal layer such that transferring a defined portion of the metal layer ensures that a corresponding defined portion of the protective coating layer is transferred.

Optionally, the defined portion of the metal layer that is transferred is reflective.

Optionally, the defined portion of the transferred metal layer is diffractive.

Optionally, the defined portion of the metal layer is transferred to form a continuous metal shape on the substrate using the defined portion of the metal layer.

Optionally, the image formed on the substrate by the metal layer is a variable image.

Optionally, the image formed on the substrate by the metal layer is a non-variable image.

Optionally, the variable and/or non-variable images are visible on the front or back side of the substrate.

Optionally, transferring defined portions of the protective coating layer, metal layer and adhesive layer can be applied to identification cards, financial cards, security cards, medical containers, medical devices, packaging materials, clothing, electronic equipment, consumables. , or printing numbers, letters, or logos on one or more of the consumer products.

Optionally, the protective coating layer, metal layer, and adhesive layer are configured to be transferred to a majority of the surface of the substrate.

In one or more embodiments of the subject matter described herein, the method includes applying a defined portion of each of the protective coating layer, the metal layer, and the adhesive layer to the carrier of the thermal transfer ribbon by applying heat to the thermal transfer ribbon. Involves simultaneous transfer from film to substrate. The method includes adhering a defined portion of the transferred metal layer and the protective coating layer to a substrate using an adhesive layer; , crosslinking the defined portions of the protective coating layer overlying the defined portions of the metal layer by exposing the protective coating layer to a radiation source, thereby imparting durability to the defined portions of the metal layer transferred to the substrate; Including things. Defined portions of the protective coating layer, metal layer, and adhesive layer that are transferred include only the amount of protective coating necessary to form one or more of the variable or non-variable images being introduced onto the substrate. layer and metal layer, and does not include any extra amount of protective coating layer or metal layer.

In one or more embodiments of the subject matter described herein, a method of introducing one or more of a reflective image, a refractive image, or a diffractive image onto a substrate through the use of thermal transfer printing includes a method in which a thermal transfer ribbon is attached to a surface of a substrate. Transfer defined portions of each of the protective coating layer, the image layer, and the adhesive layer from the carrier film of the thermal transfer ribbon to the substrate by applying heat to the defined portions of the thermal transfer ribbon while moving in a direction along the It can include simultaneous transfer. The image layer can include a material that is one or more of a reflective material, a refractive material, or a diffractive material. Defined portions of the image layer and protective coating layer transferred to the substrate can be adhered using an adhesive layer. Following transfer of the defined portions of the protective coating layer, the image layer, and the adhesive layer, exposing the defined portions to a radiation source after the defined portions of the protective coating layer, the image layer, and the adhesive layer have been transferred from the carrier film. By crosslinking the defined portions of the protective coating layer overlying the defined portions of the image layer, thereby imparting durability to the defined portions of the image layer that are transferred to the substrate.

Optionally, defined portions of the protective coating layer, image layer, and adhesive layer are transferred with distinct edges.

Optionally, the defined portions of the protective coating layer, image layer, and adhesive layer that are transferred are provided with only the amount of protection necessary to form one or more of the variable or non-variable images on the substrate. It includes a coating layer and an image layer, and does not include any extra amount of protective coating layer or image layer.

Optionally, an abrasion resistant layer and/or a chemical resistant layer is formed over defined portions of the transferred image layer by crosslinking defined portions of the transferred protective coating layer.

Optionally, transferring the defined portion of the protective coating layer includes transferring only the defined portion of the protective coating layer that overlies the portion of the image layer that is transferred to the substrate.

Optionally, the protective coating layer is bonded to the image layer such that transferring a defined portion of the image layer ensures that a corresponding defined portion of the protective coating layer is transferred.

Optionally, transferring the defined portion of the image layer to the substrate includes forming a continuous shape on the substrate using the transferred defined portion of the image layer.

Optionally, undefined portions of each of the protective coating layer, image layer, and adhesive layer are not transferred from the carrier film to the substrate.

Optionally, the method includes moving a thermal transfer ribbon in a direction parallel to a surface of the substrate to transfer defined portions of each of the protective coating layer, the image layer, and the adhesive layer from the carrier film to the substrate. be able to.

In one or more embodiments of the subject matter described herein, a system for introducing one or more of a reflective image, a refractive image, or a diffractive image onto a substrate through the use of thermal transfer printing includes a protective coating layer, an image layer, , and thermal transfer including an adhesive layer. The image layer includes a material that is one or more of a reflective material, a refractive material, or a diffractive material. Defined portions of each of the protective coating layer, the image layer, and the adhesive layer are thermally transferred by applying heat to the defined portions of the thermal transfer ribbon while the thermal transfer ribbon moves in a direction along the surface of the substrate. Simultaneous transfer from the carrier film of the ribbon to the substrate is possible. The transferred image layer and defined portions of the protective coating layer can be adhered to the substrate using an adhesive layer. Following the transfer of the defined portions of the protective coating layer, the image layer, and the adhesive layer, exposing the protective coating layer to a radiation source after the defined portions of the protective coating layer, the image layer, and the adhesive layer have been transferred from the carrier film. By doing so, defined portions of the protective coating layer can be crosslinked. Crosslinking defined portions of the protective coating layer provides durability to the defined portions of the image layer that are transferred to the substrate.

Optionally, defined portions of the protective coating layer, image layer, and adhesive layer can be transferred with distinct edges.

Optionally, the defined portions of the protective coating layer, image layer, and adhesive layer that are transferred are provided with only the amount of protection necessary to form one or more of the variable or non-variable images on the substrate. Contains the coating layer and the image layer, and does not include the extra material of the protective coating layer or the image layer.

Optionally, an abrasion resistant layer and/or a chemical resistant layer is formed over defined portions of the transferred image layer by crosslinking defined portions of the transferred protective coating layer.

Optionally, only defined portions of the protective coating layer overlying defined portions of the image layer that are transferred to the substrate may be transferred.

Optionally, the protective coating layer can be bonded to the image layer such that transferring a defined portion of the image layer ensures that a corresponding defined portion of the protective coating layer is transferred.

Optionally, the material of the image layer can be a reflective material. The defined portion of the image layer can form a reflective image on the surface of the substrate.

Optionally, the material of the image layer can be a diffractive material. The defined portion of the image layer can form a diffraction image on the surface of the substrate.

Optionally, the defined portion of the image layer can be used to form a continuous shape on the substrate using the defined portion of the image layer that is transferred.

In one or more embodiments of the subject matter described herein, the method includes selectively applying thermal energy to the thermal transfer ribbon while the thermal transfer ribbon is moving in a direction along the surface of the substrate. , can include simultaneously transferring defined portions of each of the protective coating layer, the image layer, and the adhesive layer from the carrier film of the thermal transfer ribbon to the substrate. The image layer can include a material that is one or more of a reflective material, a refractive material, or a diffractive material. The image layer and defined portions of the protective coating layer transferred to the substrate can be adhered to the substrate using an adhesive layer. The defined portion of the image layer can form one or more of a reflection image, a refraction image, or a diffraction image. Subsequent to transfer of the defined portions of the protective coating layer, the image layer, and the adhesive layer, a defined portion of the protective coating layer overlies the defined portion of the image layer by exposing the defined portion of the protective coating layer to a radiation source. can be crosslinked, thereby imparting durability to defined portions of the image layer that are transferred to the substrate. The defined portions of the protective coating layer, image layer, and adhesive layer that are transferred include only the amount of protective coating layer necessary to form one or more of a reflective image, a refractive image, or a diffractive image on the substrate. and an image layer, without any additional amount of protective coating layer or one or more of the image layers.

Optionally, the defined portion can be transferred to the substrate by selectively applying thermal energy to the thermal transfer ribbon while the thermal transfer ribbon is moving in a direction along the surface of the substrate. Unnecessary amounts of the protective coating layer and undefined portions defining the image layer may not be transferred to the substrate while the thermal transfer ribbon moves in a direction along the surface of the substrate.

It is to be understood that the above description is intended to be illustrative rather than restrictive. For example, the embodiments (and/or aspects thereof) described above can be used in combination with each other. In addition, many modifications may be made to adapt a particular situation or material to the teachings thereof without departing from the scope of the inventive subject matter. The dimensions and types of materials described herein are intended to define the parameters of the present subject matter, but are in no way limiting and are exemplary embodiments. Many other embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art upon reviewing the above description. The scope of the inventive subject matter should, therefore, be determined with reference to the appended claims, along with the full scope of equivalents to which such claims are entitled. In the appended claims, the terms "including" and "in which" are used as plain English synonyms for the terms "comprising" and "wherein", respectively. Furthermore, in the appended claims, terms such as "first," "second," and "third" are used merely as labels, and are used numerically to refer to those objects. It is not intended to impose requirements. Further, the limitations in the accompanying claims are not written in means-plus-function form, and such claim limitations are accompanied by functional expressions that do not describe further structure. Unless explicitly used, the phrase "for)" is not intended to be construed under 35 U.S.C. 112(f). For example, “~mechanism”, “~module”, “~device”, “~unit”, “~component”, “~element”, “~member”, “~device”, “~machine”, or “~ 112(f), and any claim reciting one or more of these terms shall not be construed as a means-plus-function claim. It shouldn't be done.

This written description discloses, by way of example, some embodiments of the inventive subject matter and enables one skilled in the art to make and use any device or system and implement any incorporated methods. Enables implementing embodiments of the present subject matter, including performing. The patentable scope of the subject matter is defined by the claims, and may include other examples that occur to those skilled in the art. These other examples include structural elements that do not differ from the literal language of the claim, or include equivalent structural elements that do not differ substantially from the literal language of the claim. intended to be within the range.

The above description of some embodiments of the inventive subject matter will be better understood when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. To the extent that the figures depict diagrams of functional blocks of various embodiments, the functional blocks do not necessarily indicate divisions between hardware circuitry. The various embodiments are not limited to the arrangement and instrumentality shown in the drawings.

As used herein, elements or steps listed in the singular and preceded by the word "a" or "an" exclude such elements or steps, unless the exclusion of a plurality of such elements or steps is explicitly stated. It should be understood that it does not. Furthermore, references to "one embodiment" or "one embodiment" of the inventive subject matter described herein are not intended to exclude the existence of additional embodiments that also incorporate the recited features. It is not intended to be construed as such. Additionally, unless explicitly stated, "comprises," "comprises," "includes," "includes," "has," or "includes," "comprises," "includes," "includes," "has" or "includes" one or more elements having the specified characteristic. Embodiments that "have" may include additional such elements that do not have that characteristic.

Claims (20)

A method of introducing one or more of a reflective image, a refractive image, or a diffractive image onto a substrate by the use of thermal transfer printing, the method comprising:
The method includes:
applying heat to the defined portions of each of the protective coating layer, the image layer, and the adhesive layer while the thermal transfer ribbon is moving in a direction along the surface of the substrate; transferring simultaneously from the carrier film of the thermal transfer ribbon to the substrate, the image layer comprising a material that is one or more of a reflective material, a refractive material, or a diffractive material;
adhering the transferred image layer and the defined portion of the protective coating layer to the substrate using the adhesive layer;
Subsequent to the transfer of the defined portions of the protective coating layer, the image layer, and the adhesive layer, the defined portions of the protective coating layer, the image layer, and the adhesive layer are transferred from the carrier film. Subsequently exposing the defined portion to a radiation source crosslinks the defined portion of the protective coating layer overlying the defined portion of the image layer, thereby causing the radiation of the image layer to be transferred to the substrate. To give durability to the demarcated part,
including methods. 2. The method of claim 1, wherein the defined portions of the protective coating layer, the image layer, and the adhesive layer are transferred with sharp edges. The defined portions of the protective coating layer, the image layer, and the adhesive layer that are transferred include only the amount of the protective coating layer, the image layer, and the adhesive layer in the amount necessary to form one or more of a variable image or a non-variable image on the substrate. 2. The method of claim 1, comprising a protective coating layer and said image layer, without an extra amount of said protective coating layer or said image layer. Forming an abrasion-resistant layer and/or a chemical-resistant layer overlying the defined portion of the transferred image layer by crosslinking the defined portion of the transferred protective coating layer. The method described in Section 1. 2. The method of claim 1, wherein transferring the defined portion of the protective coating layer comprises transferring only the defined portion of the protective coating layer overlying the portion of the image layer that is transferred to the substrate. Method described. 2. The protective coating layer is bonded to the image layer such that transferring the defined portion of the image layer ensures that a corresponding defined portion of the protective coating layer is transferred. the method of. 2. Transferring the defined portion of the image layer to the substrate includes forming a continuous shape on the substrate using the defined portion of the image layer that is transferred. the method of. 2. The method of claim 1, wherein undefined portions of each of the protective coating layer, the image layer, and the adhesive layer are not transferred from the carrier film to the substrate. moving the thermal transfer ribbon in a direction parallel to the surface of the substrate to transfer the defined portions of each of the protective coating layer, the image layer, and the adhesive layer from the carrier film to the substrate; 2. The method of claim 1, further comprising: A system for introducing one or more of a reflective image, a refractive image, or a diffractive image onto a substrate through the use of thermal transfer printing, the system comprising:
A thermal transfer ribbon comprising a protective coating layer, an image layer, and an adhesive layer, the image layer comprising a material that is one or more of a reflective material, a refractive material, or a diffractive material, the protective coating layer; The defined portions of each of the image layer and the adhesive layer are formed by applying heat to the defined portions of the thermal transfer ribbon while the thermal transfer ribbon is moving in a direction along the surface of the substrate. , a thermal transfer ribbon configured to be simultaneously transferred from a carrier film of the thermal transfer ribbon to the substrate;
Equipped with
the transferred image layer and the defined portion of the protective coating layer are configured to be adhered to the substrate using the adhesive layer;
Following transfer of the defined portions of the protective coating layer, the image layer, and the adhesive layer, the defined portions of the protective coating layer are transferred to the protective coating layer, the image layer, and the adhesive layer. configured to be crosslinked by exposing the protective coating layer to a radiation source after the defined portions have been transferred from the carrier film; The system provides durability to the defined portion of the image layer. 11. The system of claim 10, wherein the defined portions of the protective coating layer, the image layer, and the adhesive layer are transferred with sharp edges. The defined portions of the protective coating layer, the image layer, and the adhesive layer that are transferred include only the amount of the protective coating layer, the image layer, and the adhesive layer in the amount necessary to form one or more of a variable image or a non-variable image on the substrate. 11. The system of claim 10, comprising a protective coating layer and the image layer, without an extra amount of the protective coating layer or the image layer. Forming an abrasion-resistant layer and/or a chemical-resistant layer overlying the defined portion of the transferred image layer by crosslinking the defined portion of the transferred protective coating layer. The system according to item 10. 11. The system of claim 10, wherein only the defined portion of the protective coating layer overlying the defined portion of the image layer that is transferred to the substrate is configured to be transferred. 11. The protective coating layer is bonded to the image layer such that transferring the defined portion of the image layer ensures that a corresponding defined portion of the protective coating layer is transferred. system. 11. The system of claim 10, wherein the material of the image layer is the reflective material and the defined portion of the image layer is configured to form a reflective image on the surface of the substrate. 11. The system of claim 10, wherein the material of the image layer is the diffractive material and the defined portion of the image layer is configured to form a diffractive image on the surface of the substrate. 11. The system of claim 10, wherein the defined portion of the image layer is configured to form a continuous shape on the substrate using the defined portion of the image layer that is transferred. Defined portions of each of the protective coating layer, the image layer, and the adhesive layer are formed by selectively applying thermal energy to the thermal transfer ribbon while the thermal transfer ribbon moves in a direction along the surface of the substrate. simultaneously transferring from the carrier film of the thermal transfer ribbon to the substrate, the image layer comprising a material that is one or more of a reflective material, a refractive material, or a diffractive material;
using the adhesive layer to adhere the transferred image layer and the defined portion of the protective coating layer to the substrate, wherein the defined portion of the image layer includes a reflective image, a refractive image, or configured to form one or more of the diffraction images;
Subsequent to the transfer of the defined portions of the protective coating layer, the image layer, and the adhesive layer, the defined portions of the image layer are coated by exposing the defined portions of the protective coating layer to a radiation source. crosslinking the defined portion of the protective coating layer overlying the substrate, thereby imparting durability to the defined portion of the image layer that is transferred to the substrate;
including;
The defined portions of the protective coating layer, the image layer, and the adhesive layer that are transferred form one or more of the reflective image, the refractive image, or the diffractive image on the substrate. A method comprising only the necessary amounts of said protective coating layer and said image layer, and without an extra amount of one or more of said protective coating layer or said image layer. The defined portion is transferred to the substrate by selectively applying the thermal energy to the thermal transfer ribbon while the thermal transfer ribbon is moving in the direction along the surface of the substrate to remove unwanted 20. A non-defining portion defining an amount of the protective coating layer and the image layer is not transferred to the substrate while the thermal transfer ribbon is moving in the direction along the surface of the substrate. the method of.