Bleaching and dyeing; fluid treatment and chemical modification – Diffusion transfer dyeing process – transfer sheet and product – Dry heat treatment for penetration
Patent
1985-05-02
1986-05-27
Clingman, A. Lionel
Bleaching and dyeing; fluid treatment and chemical modification
Diffusion transfer dyeing process, transfer sheet and product
Dry heat treatment for penetration
8522, 427287, B41M 128, B44C 117
Patent
active
045913609
DESCRIPTION:
BRIEF SUMMARY
The present invention relates to methods of decorating containers by dye diffusion transfer, such as those described and claimed in co-pending UK patent application No. 8121726, filed on July 14, 1981. In such methods, for example, in respect of cylindrical metal containers, a flexible carrier printed with indicia in a sublimible dye, is applied over a coating receptive to such a dye on the cylindrical surface of the container and the carrier held in intimate contact with the coating whilst the container and carrier are heated, so that at least some of the dye migrates by sublimation to the coating. The carrier is then removed from the container.
In particular, a flexible paper carrier is applied over the receptive coating and held in position either directly or indirectly by means of an adhesive, the container and carrier then being heated whilst the carrier is in position at such a temperature and for such a time that the carrier freely shrinks into intimate contact with the coating, and at least some of the dye sublimes so as to transfer the indicia to the coating.
An important consequence of the use of an adhesive to hold the paper carrier in contact with the receptive coating is that the required intimate contact between carrier and coating is achieved by converting into a useful feature what may otherwise be a disadvantage, namely, the fact that the paper shrinks due to loss of moisture as a result of being heated to effect the dye transfer process. This results in considerably improved contact between the carrier and the coated container surface, as compared with previously proposed arrangements where the contact relies on the external application of pressure whilst heating to effect dye transfer.
In the present invention the applicants have found that the intimacy of contact between the paper carrier and the receptive coating on the container body is of considerable importance in determining the quality of the transferred indicia, i.e. the closer the contact between the carrier and the receptive coating the sharper the definition of the transferred image.
The applicants have also found, to their surprise, that very close contact between the paper carrier and the receptive coating can be achieved by (1) a careful selection of the properties of the carrier material and (2) the orientation of the carrier with respect to the container.
Thus, according to the present invention there is provided a method of decorating containers including the steps of: dye, over a coating receptive to such dye on a surface of the container, by means of an adhesive such as to be removable without damage to the coating, and temperature and for such a time that the carrier freely shrinks into intimate contact with the coating and at least some of the dye sublimes so as to transfer the indicia to the coating. an equilibrium moisture content of 2-15% when exposed to air with a relative humidity of 50%, and is applied to the coating on the surface of the container so that the direction of grain of the paper is parallel to the axis of symmetry passing through the centre of the base of the container.
The expression "direction of grain of the paper" refers to the direction of the paper in which there is primarily a greater degree of alignment of consitituent fibres. The direction of grain is related to the direction of travel of a paper-making machine, which results in a relatively high ratio of orientation of fibres in the direction of the machine compared with fibres in the cross machine direction.
Preferably, the weight of the paper carrier is 50-100 grams per square meter and its equivalent moisture content 4-10% when exposed to air with a relative humidity of 50%. (BS 3433: 1961).
Desirably, the thickness of the paper carrier is from 30-100 .mu.m.
It has also been found that the ratio of the dry tearing strength of the paper carrier in the cross grain direction to that in the machine grain direction is important in selecting paper for use as carrier material, and advantageously the ratio should lie in the range of 1.2-2.0. P
REFERENCES:
patent: 4465489 (1984-08-01), Jenkins et al.
Jenkins Leonard A.
Turner Terence A.
Clingman A. Lionel
Metal Box plc
LandOfFree
Decorating metal can containers from flexible transfer paper car does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this patent.
If you have personal experience with Decorating metal can containers from flexible transfer paper car, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Decorating metal can containers from flexible transfer paper car will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFUS-PAI-O-1569657