WO2016184558A1

WO2016184558A1 - System and method for transferring single-colored or multicolored images onto substrates

Info

Publication number: WO2016184558A1
Application number: PCT/EP2016/000792
Authority: WO
Inventors: Bülent Öz
Original assignee: Bülent Öz
Priority date: 2015-05-15
Filing date: 2016-05-13
Publication date: 2016-11-24
Also published as: DE102015006054B4; DE102015006054A1

Abstract

The invention relates to a system for transferring images to substrates (transfer printing), e.g to textile supports, especially t-shirts, cups and mugs, magnetic films, mirrors or other smooth surfaces made of metal, leather, ceramics, wood, plexiglass, cardboard or plastic. The invention also relates to a corresponding method for transferring images to substrates.

Description

System and method for transmitting single and multi-color

Pictures on substrates

The present invention relates to a system for transferring images to substrates (transfer printing), such as textile substrates, in particular T-shirts, cups, magnetic films, mirrors or other smooth surfaces of metal, leather, ceramic, wood, Plexiglas, cardboard or plastic. The invention also relates to a corresponding method for transferring images to substrates.

In transfer printing, i. the transfer of images to substrates, such as textile underlays, with the aid of so-called. Transfer papers on which the image to be transferred is applied in advance, under elevated pressure and temperature conditions, it is often when using colored substrates, especially in dyed polyester substrates, to do so in that the color of the substrate, often sublimation inks, penetrates into the layers of the image to be applied, where it leads to color and / or contour deviations (resublimation).

Another problem with transferring images to substrates is the wash resistance of the image.

It has surprisingly been found that when using a metal layer on soft the image to be transferred is applied in advance, this at

Transfer process acts as a quasi barrier layer against the color of the substrate and prevents resublimation.

In addition, it has been found that in the inventive arrangement of the metal layer which, after transfer of the image, the uppermost layer facing away from the substrate of the figure, the wash resistance of

Figure is significantly improved. Washing temperatures up to 60 ° C are possible. It is believed that this is due to a barrier effect of the metal layer to water flowing through. This increase in

CONFIRMATION COPY Wash resistance is also observed when further layers are disposed on the metal layer, such as dye or toner layers, and as far as color images are transferred.

The present invention therefore provides a system and method for transferring images to substrates that overcome the aforementioned disadvantages.

The system according to the invention comprises a combination of at least two components A and B. Component A, hereinafter also referred to as A film, has a layer structure and comprises a carrier, a metal coating and an at least partial area arranged on the metal coating

Toner layer.

The carrier is, e.g. a film, cardboard or paper, in particular a

Polyester film with a thickness of z. B. about 0.03 - 0.5 mm, preferably about 0.05-0.015 mm, such as a film, as the basis for so-called. Transfer or

Textile printing films familiar to the expert.

At least one surface of said support or film, i.

at least the toner-facing surface has a metal coating.

Under metal coating in the context of the present invention, a

corresponding coating, e.g. by steaming the film with metal or by coating with aqueous and / or

solvent-based systems based on metal pigments, in particular aluminum, is obtained. Typically, the layer thickness is about 1-10 g / m ² , preferably 2-5 g / m ² . The said aqueous and / or solvent-containing systems preferably additionally contain an adhesion promoter.

The metal coating can be applied, for example, by means of a transfer metallization or transfer metallization familiar to the person skilled in the art be. In this case, usually a thin (eg 0.05 gm ² ) metal layer (eg aluminum) is applied by means of vacuum on a coated film, which is laminated to the substrate. After a controlled drying process, the carrier film is removed, the metallization remains on the substrate. Advantageously, a primer or lacquer may be applied to the metal coating which is optionally corona treated to increase toner adhesion.

The carrier or the film may have one or more additional layers between the carrier or film surface and the metal coating, wherein according to the invention the metal coating is always the outermost layer facing the toner.

As an additional layer, a release layer (release layer) may be disposed on the metal coating facing support surface, which may include a release layer

Separate or detach the carrier from the picture after the

Facilitated transfer process to the substrate. In the presence of several additional layers between the support surface and the metal coating according to the invention, the release layer is always on the support surface

applied.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the release layer is incorporated in the carrier or film in such a way that they appear as a single layer with release properties.

Release layers are familiar to the person skilled in the art. A corresponding

Coating may e.g. with polymers, such as polyesters, polypropylenes or fluorocarbons, silicones or high-melting waxes.

Preference is given to coatings with silicones or quilone products (commercial products from Zaclon LLC), the support being optionally subjected to a surface treatment in the uncoated or coated state. Quilon products are chromium (HI) -C ₁ -Ci 8 fatty acid complexes, eg CAS 65229-24-5, CAS 15659-56-0, CAS 15242-96-3.

The siliconization is carried out by means of e.g. thermal crosslinking or UV crosslinking to a polydimethylsiloxane skeleton. Corresponding methods and products, which are for example also referred to as release papers, are familiar to the person skilled in the art. Preferably, a corresponding (silicone) coating has a release value of more than 100 cN / 20 mm, preferably about 100-200 cN / 20 mm, in particular about 100-150 cN / 20 mm.

As an extra layer, an opaque white layer may be on top of the toner

be arranged opposite side of the metal coating. The white layer contains 25-75% of a white pigment, for example titanium dioxide, chalk,

Barium sulfate, zinc sulfide, zinc sulfate or kaolin, preferably titanium dioxide, 75-25% of a plastic binder, which is a polyolefin, polyolefin copolymer or

Polyurethane can be.

Preferably, the white layer additionally contains an inorganic crystalline substance, in particular silicic acid but also calcium carbonate or

Bentonite. The content of the inorganic crystalline substance is typically about 10 to 30% based on the dry amount of the white layer.

The white layer advantageously has glass transition or softening temperatures in the range of about 130-180 ° C., preferably about 140-160 ° C.

The layer thickness of the white layer is about 2 to 15 g / m ² , preferably

4-12 g / m ^2, in particular 2 - 8 g / m ^2, particularly 3 to 5 g / m ^2.

The inventive arrangement of the white layer prevents a frequently observed "gray effect". The A film preferably comprises the layer structure: carrier or film, release layer, white layer, metal coating.

As an additional layer, a color layer may be provided which determines the color of the image after the transfer process to the substrate. The composition of the color layer may be analogous to the aforementioned white layer, the color pigments being colored according to the desired color, e.g. yellow, red, orange, etc., to be selected. Corresponding color pigments are familiar to the person skilled in the art. The color layer is accordingly arranged on the side of the metal coating facing away from the toner or, if present, between the white layer and the carrier or between the white layer and the release layer.

As an additional layer, a polymer layer, e.g. polyester-based, with affinity for sublimation colors. Such a layer is particularly advantageous in an embodiment of the system according to the invention as a 3-component system in which in addition to the aforementioned components A and B, a further component A 'is included, as explained below. The

Polymer layer is accordingly arranged on the side facing away from the toner of the metal coating or, if present, between the

White layer and the support or between the white layer and the release layer.

The polymer layer, preferably transparent, typically consists of

Plastics, which have a certain affinity to the toner dyes, ie they absorb into their matrix and on the other hand do not give it off again during washing. Plastics with softening temperatures above 80 ° C, preferably above 100 ° C, which do not become tacky at usual washing and use temperatures, are preferred. Optionally, additives such as silica or cellulose esters or other known processing aids can be added. Particularly suitable plastics are polyesters, polyurethanes, polyurethanes and polyesters. acrylates and other compounds, for example homopolymers or copolymers of vinyl acetate, vinyl alcohol, vinyl chloride, vinylidene chloride, methyl and / or ethylacrylic acid or methacrylic acid, maleic acid compounds, styrene and the like

Also suitable are cellulose esters and cellulose ethers such as ethyl cellulose, benzyl cellulose, cellulose propionates or acetates or butyrates or also polyesters of terephthalic acid or polyamides such as nylon or perlon.

The layer thickness of the polymer layer is about 2 to 15 g / m ² , preferably 4 to 12 g / m ² , in particular 2 to 8 g / m ² , especially 3 to 5 g / m ² .

On the metal coating, a toner layer is arranged. The toner is applied in the form of the desired image. The toner layer is at least partially arranged on the surface, i. that at least parts of the surface are covered with toner depending on the geometric shape of the image. Usually, parts of the surface remain free of toner. The application is advantageously carried out by means of digital printing, laser printing, in particular by means of (color) copiers or (color) laser printers

commercially available toners are used. Such toners consist of the corresponding color pigments in a plastic matrix, usually polyester with a melting range of e.g. about 80 - 120 ° C and possibly excipients. Suitable toners in the context of the present invention also include water-soluble or solvent-containing inks or sublimation inks, polymer inks, so-called flexo inks, screen printing inks, offset inks or the like.

The layer thickness of the toner layer is at the usual technical values and is typically 5 to 50, preferably 5 to 20 g / m ² (in basis weight).

Since, according to the invention, the toner is applied to the metal coating, the toner is in fact only used for contour transfer of the image. Therefore, it is even possible to work with black toner, since the color of the image on the substrate is determined by the metal coating or the aforementioned additional layers, such as the white layer or the color layer, between metal coating and carrier.

The embodiment of component A according to the invention ensures that, under the conditions of pressure and temperature, the transfer of the image to the substrate, i. at temperatures of at least about 100-150 ° C to a maximum of about 200-250 ° C, for example from about 100-250 ° C, especially from about 150 ° C to at most about 200-250 ° C, in particular from about 150-220 ° C, too

180-220 ° C or about 150-170 ° C and a pressure of about 2-5 bar, no background transfer to the substrate takes place. Background transmission in this case means that in the areas of the surface which are free of toner, parts of the possibly present coating of the carrier are transferred to the substrate. The said toner-free regions of component A are

according to the invention, the metal coating which is practically inert to the substrate under the stated conditions.

The inventive application of the toner on the metal coating also allows the use of commercially available (laser) printer / copier, as far as no contamination of the (laser) printer / copier is caused by peeling parts of the coating.

Component B, also referred to below as B paper, likewise has a layer structure and comprises a support, a polymer layer (hereinafter also referred to as extrusion layer) arranged thereon on one side, which in the process of transferring the image onto the substrate as an adhesive layer on the substrate serves.

The carrier is, for example, a film, cardboard or paper, in particular a paper with a basis weight of z. B. about 80-150, preferably about 90-100 g / m ² , such as a machine-smooth paper suitable for (color) copier or (color) laser printer.

At least one surface of said support or paper is coated with a polymer coating of polyolefins, polyolefin copolymers or

Polyurethanes with a layer thickness of about 30 - 60, preferably 25-50 g / m ² equipped.

Examples of polyolefins which are used are LDPE with maleic anhydride, EVA with 7-28%, preferably 7-15% VA, ethylene-acrylic acid copolymers or ethylene-methyl acrylate copolymers with 5-12% acrylic acid, ethylene-butyl acrylate copolymers with 5-20% acrylate used, preferably one

Melt index according to ASTM-D-1238 (MFI) of 3.5-22, preferably 7-15 g / 10 min at 2.16 kg / 190 ° C.

Preferably, the extrusion layer is waxy. Examples of waxes are paraffins or paraffin waxes or else mixtures of paraffin waxes with LDPE. The waxes typically have melting points in the range of 60-100 ° C. In particular, a wax layer, which typically has a layer thickness of, for example, 10 to 20 g / m ² , can additionally be arranged between the carrier surface and the extrusion layer.

Advantageously, component B may comprise further layers. Preferably, one or more further polymer layers (as outer layers) are additionally arranged on the extrusion layer, in particular polymer / silica mixtures. These outer layers contact when connecting

Component B and component A are the toner layer of component A. Suitable polymers are, for example, polyurethanes, EVA and EEA.

Typically, the silica content is about 20-50 wt .-% based on the total solids. The other layers can under the pressure and temperature conditions of connecting the components A and B also with the Extrusion layer together form a single layer. The term "extrusion layer" is therefore also intended to include those embodiments having optional further layers disposed on the extrusion layer and forming a single layer of extrusion layer and the other layer (s) under the pressure and temperature conditions of joining components A and B.

The extrusion layer serves as an adhesive layer on the substrate in the process of transfer of the image to the substrate. Accordingly, the

Extrusion layer advantageously has a glass transition or softening temperature, which leads to a cohesive failure in the extrusion layer on separation of the carrier of the component B in the heat above the softening range, so that parts of the extrusion layer adhere to the carrier and thus a thin flexible plastic layer the substrate is transferred.

The aforementioned separation of the support of component B in the heat takes place after the connection of component A (A film) and component B (B paper), which by pressing at about 2-5 bar in the temperature range of a minimum of about 130-150 ° C to a maximum of about 180-220 ° C, for example from

about 130-200 ° C, especially from about 140 ° C to a maximum of about 180 ° C, in particular from about 140-160 ° C, typically for a minimum of about 30-45 seconds to a maximum of about 120 seconds, in particular about 60 90 sec, preferably 90 sec. Takes place. The separation of the support of component B in the heat typically takes place in the range of about 0-15 seconds after the pressing process.

The extrusion layer therefore advantageously has glass transition or softening temperatures in the range of about 60-80 ° C.

It has been shown that the metal coating causes high

Total layer thicknesses of component A after connection (under temperature and pressure) with the component B can be separated cleanly. The total thickness The layers of component A, without the toner layer, is preferably about 5 to 20 g / m ² , more preferably about 10 to 20 g / m ² . It is believed that this effect is achieved by the hardness and size of the metal pigments.

For the purpose of transferring an image to a substrate, component A (A film) and component B (B paper) of the system according to the invention are first connected to one another under pressure and temperature. This is expediently carried out by pressing at about 2 to 5 bar in the temperature range from a minimum of about 130 to 150 ° C. to a maximum of about 180 to 220 ° C., for example from about 130 to 200 ° C., especially from about 140 ° C. to a maximum of about 180 ° C, in particular from about 140 to 160 ° C, typically for a minimum of about 30 to 45 seconds to a maximum of about 120 seconds, in particular about 60 to 90 seconds, preferably 90 seconds.

It has surprisingly been found that the metal coating of component A ensures that in joining components A and B, there is only a connection between the toner layer of component A and the topmost layer of component B, but not between the toner-free ones

Thus, in the subsequent separation of the carrier of the component B in the heat, the parts of the coating of the component B, which cover the toner-free regions of the component A, together with the carrier of the

Component B separated or subtracted. An analogous effect is also observed upon separation of the carrier of component A after transfer of the image to the substrate. In that sense, a quasi

self-lattice system. It is believed that this effect is due to the heat capacity properties of the metallic layer (s) in the coating.

The separation of the carrier of the component B in the heat, typically in the range of about 0-15 sec. After the pressing process, takes place under cohesive failure of the extrusion layer or the other layers, or possibly in one Mixture of extrusion layer and other (s) layer (s), which can form a single layer together with the extrusion layer under the pressure and temperature conditions. This results in that the parts of the coating of the component B, which the toner-free areas of the

Cover component A, separated or subtracted together with the carrier of component B.

As a result, a sandwich structure is obtained from the layer structure of component A with the layer structure of component B arranged above the toner layer: support A -> metal coating - "toner layer ->

Extrusion layer optionally waxy (after cohesive failure). Depending on the composition of the extrusion layer, including the

Embodiments with optional further layers arranged on the extrusion layer and the formation of a single layer

Extrusion layer and / the other layer (s) under the pressure and

Temperature conditions of joining the components A and B

The optional wax layer (which may be arranged between the extrusion layer and support B), the cohesive fracture can also optionally in the optional wax layer or in a

Blending area toner layer and extrusion layer or extrusion layer and optional wax layer done. Accordingly, the structure of the obtained sandwich structure may vary. If component A comprises one or more additional layers, the resulting sandwich structure will vary accordingly, e.g. Carrier A - »release layer -» metal coating -> toner layer - »extrusion layer optionally waxy (after cohesive failure); Carrier A -> Release Layer -> White Layer - »Metal Coating -»

Toner layer - extrusion layer optional waxy (after cohesive failure); Support A - paint layer - »metal coating -> toner layer - extrusion layer optional waxy (after cohesive failure); Carrier A - » Release layer - Color layer -> White layer - »Metal coating Toner layer -» Extrusion layer optionally waxy (after cohesive failure) or support A -> · Release layer - »Polymer layer -> White layer - Metal coating -> Toner layer -» Extrusion layer optionally waxy (after cohesive failure ).

In this state, the system according to the invention is ready for the transfer of the image to a substrate by applying the sandwich structure with the remaining extrusion layer to the substrate and the process being particularly advantageous under pressure and temperature conditions analogous to the printing process. and temperature conditions of the compound of component A and component B. This is therefore preferably carried out by pressing at about 2-5 bar in the temperature range of a minimum of about 100-150 ° C to a maximum of about 200-250 ° C, for example from about 100-250 ° C, especially from about 150 ° C to a maximum of about 200-250 ° C, in particular from about 150-220 ° C, especially from about 150-200 ° C, also 180-220 ° C or about 140-160 ° C, typically for a minimum of about 15-20 sec. To a maximum of about 60-120 sec, especially about 15-45 sec, preferably 15-30 sec.

The carrier of component A is then separated or withdrawn in the cold state. In this case, "cold state" means below the glass transition or softening temperatures of the layers, preferably in the region of room temperature.

The system according to the invention comprising a combination of components A and B is suitable for the transfer of images with a metallic surface (uppermost layer facing away from the substrate is the metal coating) or monochrome

Illustrations (topmost layer facing away from the substrate is the white layer or the color layer). In a preferred embodiment, the system according to the invention in addition to the aforementioned components A and B, a further component A 'on. This component A 'is a printable transfer paper for transfer of image to substrates, as are familiar to those skilled in the art. Component A 'preferably represents a transfer paper, comprising a support and an at least partial toner layer arranged on one side, as in FIG

WO 2013/159922 A1 described as component A.

The carrier is, for example, a film, cardboard or paper, in particular a paper with a basis weight of z. Example, about 80-150, preferably about 90-100 g / m ² , such as a machine-smooth, suitable for (color) copier or (color) laser printer paper or suitable for (color) copier or (color) laser printer film.

At least one surface of said support or paper, i.

at least the surface facing the toner has an anti-sticking property.

Under non-stick properties in the context of the present invention, a good toner adhesion to the surface in the hot state with good Trennbzw. Ablöseeigenschaften, especially the toner in the cold state during the transfer process are understood. This is due to the fact that the support of component A 'after transfer of the image to the substrate in the cold state, i. preferably in the range of room temperature, is removed.

The non-stick properties are in particular by generating a

hydrophobic and / or oleophobic surface by means of impregnation, coating, for example with polymers such as polyesters, polypropylenes or fluorocarbons, silicones or high-melting waxes, and / or change the surface structure, eg by changing, in particular reducing the contact surface on certain roughness profiles obtained. Preference is given to coatings with silicones or quilone products (commercial products from Zaclon LLC), the support being optionally subjected to a surface treatment in the uncoated or coated state.

Quilon products are chromium (NI) -Ci4-Ci ₈ fatty acid complexes, eg CAS 65229-24-5, CAS 15659-56-0, CAS 15242-96-3.

The siliconization is carried out by means of e.g. thermal crosslinking or UV crosslinking to a polydimethylsiloxane skeleton. Corresponding methods and products, which are for example also referred to as release papers, are familiar to the person skilled in the art. Preferably, a corresponding

(Silicone) coating a release value of about 100 cN / 20 mm, preferably about 100 - 200 cN / 20mm, especially about 100 - 150 cN / 20mm on.

Method for changing the surface structure, e.g. by treatment of the surface by means of profile roll or the like, the skilled person is also familiar.

To improve the wettability of the surface and the adhesion of the toner, the surface of the support may optionally be subjected to a further surface treatment to increase the surface tension, in particular according to the invention is a plasma or corona treatment.

On the correspondingly equipped surface, a toner layer is arranged. The toner is applied in the form of the desired image, as already described above under component A.

The desired mapping with respect to component A preferably corresponds to the image applied to component A of the system. In particular, the desired image is applied to component A by means of (color) copier or (color) laser printer, particularly preferably in four-color printing (CMYK). In direct positioning (with the toner layer the Substrate facing) on the already transferred to the substrate image of component A thus a transfer of multicolor images is possible.

This embodiment of the system according to the invention therefore makes it possible to dispense with the use of expensive printers or copying with white toner (so-called CMYW printer) in the transfer (more) colored images and instead use inexpensive CMYK printers or copiers, as they also are now common for home applications.

Particular color brilliance is achieved if, in this case, component A comprises as additional layer a white layer and optionally additionally a polymer layer having affinity for sublimation colors.

The support of component A 'is conveniently designed so that, under the conditions of pressure and temperature, the transfer of the image to the substrate, i. at temperatures of at least about 100-150 ° C to a maximum of about 200-250 ° C, for example from about 100-250 ° C, especially from about 150 ° C to at most about 200-250 ° C, in particular from about 150-220 ° C, even 180 - 220 ° C or about 140 - 160 ° C and a pressure of about 2 - 5 bar, none

Background transfer to the substrate takes place. Background transmission in this case means that in the areas of the surface which are free of toner, parts of the possibly present coating of the carrier are transferred to the substrate. To prevent this become high-melting

Coating materials, in particular silicones or quilon products,

used, the glass transition or softening temperatures in the range of preferably above about 250 ° C.

The use of correspondingly high-melting coating materials

also allows the use of commercially available (laser) printer / copier for applying the toner layer, as far as no contamination of the (Laser) printer / copier is caused by peeling off parts of the coating.

In an advantageous embodiment, the carrier of the component A is a film to facilitate an exact positioning.

In a further preferred embodiment of the invention, the image is applied to the component A and the component A with the same printer or copier to avoid misalignment.

The method of the invention for transferring images to substrates comprises

the provision of a system according to the invention comprising the components A and B;

- The compound of component A and component B under pressure

and temperature by pressing at about 2 - 5 bar in the temperature range of a minimum of about 130 - 150 ° C to a maximum of about 180 - 220 ° C, for example from about 130 - 200 ° C, especially from about 140 ° C to a maximum of about 180 ° C, in particular from about 140 to 160 ° C, typically for a minimum of about

30-45 seconds to a maximum of about 120 seconds, in particular about 60-90 seconds, preferably 90 seconds;

the separation of the support of component B in the heat, advantageously above the softening range of the extrusion layer of component B, typically in the range of about 0-15 sec. After the pressing process, to obtain a sandwich structure;

the application of the sandwich structure with the extrusion layer of component B to the substrate, wherein, depending on the composition of the extrusion layer and the optional wax layer Cohesive failure also optionally in the optional wax layer or in a mixing region of toner layer and extrusion layer or extrusion layer and optional wax layer or the further layers, or optionally in a mixing region of the extrusion layer and further (s) layer (s) under the pressure and

Temperature conditions can also form a single layer with the extrusion layer together. Accordingly, the structure of the obtained sandwich structure and insofar as the layer to be applied to the substrate can vary;

- Subsequent pressing at about 2 - 5 bar in the temperature range of

at least about 100-150 ° C to a maximum of about 200-250 ° C, for example from about 100-250 ° C, especially from about 150 ° C to a maximum of about

200-250 ° C, in particular from about 150-220 ° C, especially from about 150-200 ° C, also 180-220 ° C or about 140-160 ° C, typically for a minimum of about 15-20 sec. To a maximum of about 60-120 sec, in particular about 15-45 sec, preferably 15-30 sec, the image being transferred to the substrate; and

Separating the support of component A at a temperature below the glass transition or softening temperatures of the layers, preferably in the region of room temperature.

According to a preferred embodiment of the method according to the invention, a system according to the invention comprising components A and B and component A 'is provided.

In this case, the method includes the following additional steps:

- Positioning the component A 'with the toner layer on the already transferred to the substrate image of the component A; - Subsequent pressing at about 2 - 5 bar in the temperature range of a minimum of about 100 - 150 ° C to a maximum of about 200 - 250 ° C, for example from about 100 - 250 ° C, especially from about 150 ° C to a maximum of about

200-250 ° C, in particular from about 150-220 ° C, especially from about 150-200 ° C, also 180-220 ° C or about 140-160 ° C, typically for a minimum of about 15-20 sec. To a maximum of about 60 sec, in particular about 15-45 sec, preferably 15-30 sec, wherein the image on the substrate (or on the already transferred to the substrate image of the

Component A) is transmitted; and

Separating the support of component A 'at a temperature below the glass transition or softening temperatures of the layers, preferably in the region of room temperature.

The inventive method can with conventional devices, so-called.

Transfer presses are performed. Particularly advantageously, the step of connecting component A and B and transferring the image to the substrate can be carried out under the same pressure and temperature conditions, which requires particularly simple and rapid process control, since no additional cooling and / or heating phases are necessary ,

Accordingly, it is advantageous to make no changes to the settings of the transfer press used.

Unless otherwise stated or necessarily different from the context, percentages are based on weight, in case of doubt on the total weight of the mixture.

The invention also relates to all combinations of preferred embodiments, as far as these are not mutually exclusive. The information "about" or "approx." in conjunction with a numeric mean that at least 10% higher or lower values or 5% higher or lower values and in any case 1% higher or lower values.

Claims

claims

A system for transferring images to substrates comprising a combination of two components A and B, wherein

the component A comprises a support and an at least partial toner layer arranged on one side thereon and at least the toner-facing surface of the support has a metal coating on which the toner layer is applied;

component B comprises a carrier,

wherein at least one surface of the support is provided with a polymer coating (extrusion layer) of polyolefins,

Polyolefin copolymers or polyurethanes with a layer thickness of about 30 - 60 g / m ^{2 is} equipped.

2. System according to claim 1, characterized in that the carrier of

Component A between the support surface and the metal coating has one or more additional layers.

3. System according to claim 2, characterized in that the additional

Layer is a release layer, a white layer, a color layer and / or a polymer layer having affinity for sublimation colors.

4. System according to any one of claims 1-3, characterized in that the white layer 25 - 75% of a white pigment, such as titanium dioxide, chalk,

Barium sulfate, zinc sulfide, zinc sulfate or kaolin, preferably titanium dioxide, and 75-25% of a plastic binder, which is a polyolefin, polyolefin copolymer or poly-urethane, wherein advantageously additionally contains an inorganic crystalline substance, in particular silica but also

Calcium carbonate or bentonite is included.

5. System according to any one of claims 1-4, characterized in that the components A and B are designed to be connected to one another under pressure and temperature.

6. System according to any one of claims 1-5, characterized in that it contains an additional component A ', which is a printable transfer paper for transfer of image to substrates, comprising a support and an unilaterally arranged thereon at least partial toner layer.

7. System according to any one of claims 1-5, characterized in that component B contains one or more further polymer layers as outer layers, in particular polymer-silica mixtures.

8. A method of transferring images to substrates comprising

Providing a system according to any one of claims 1-7 comprising components A and B,

Bonding the component A and the component B under pressure and temperature by pressing at about 2-5 bar in the temperature range of about 130-220 ° C, typically for about 30-120 sec,

Separating the carrier of component B in the heat typically in the range of about 0-15 seconds after the pressing process, to obtain a sandwich structure,

Applying the sandwich structure with the uppermost layer remaining after separation of the carrier of component B, preferably the excitement layer of component B onto the substrate,

subsequent pressing at about 2 - 5 bar in the temperature range of about 100 - 250 ° C, typically for about 15 - 60 sec, and

9. The method according to claim 8, characterized in that the joining of the component A and the component B and / or subsequent to the application of the sandwich structure pressing at about

140-200 ° C, especially at 140-180 ° C for about 15-90 seconds,

preferably 30 to 90 sec.

10. The method according to claim 8 or 9, characterized in that the

Separating the support of the component B in the heat above the softening of the extrusion layer of the component B takes place.

11. The method according to any one of claims 8 - 10, characterized in that the step of connecting the component A and the component B and subsequent to the application of the sandwich structure pressing at the same temperature conditions, preferably at about

140-220 ° C.

12. The method according to any one of claims 8 - 11, characterized in that a system according to the invention comprising the components A and B and component A 'is provided.

13. The method according Ansprch 12, characterized in that it comprises the following additional steps:

Positioning component A 'with the toner layer over the image of component A already transferred to the substrate; subsequent pressing at approx. 2 - 5 bar in the temperature range from a minimum of approx. 100 - 150 ° C to a maximum of approx. 200 - 250 ° C,

for example from about 100-250 ° C, especially from about 150 ° C to at most about 200-250 ° C, especially from about 150-220 ° C, especially from about 150-200 ° C, also 180-220 ° C, typically for a minimum of about 15 to 20 seconds to a maximum of about 60 seconds, in particular about 15 - 45 sec., Preferably 15 - 30 sec, wherein the image is transferred to the substrate; and