U.S. patent application number 09/742525 was filed with the patent office on 2002-08-15 for process for laminating ink jet print.
This patent application is currently assigned to Eastman Kodak Company. Invention is credited to Dawson, Susan L., DeMejo, Lawrence P., Romano, Charles E. JR..
Application Number | 20020108703 09/742525 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 24985167 |
Filed Date | 2002-08-15 |
United States Patent
Application |
20020108703 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Romano, Charles E. JR. ; et
al. |
August 15, 2002 |
Process for laminating ink jet print
Abstract
A process for laminating an ink jet print comprising: a)
providing an ink jet print comprising a support having thereon an
ink jet image; b) contacting the imaged surface of the ink jet
print with a transfer laminating element to form a composite, the
transfer laminating element comprising a flexible, polymeric
support having thereon a protection layer of a water-dispersible,
hydrophobic polyester resin having the following general formula:
I.sub.n--P--A.sub.m wherein I is an ionic group; n is an integer
from 1-3; P is a polyester backbone; A is an aliphatic group
comprising a straight or branched chain fatty acid or triglyceride
thereof having from about 6 to about 24 carbon atoms; and m is an
integer from 3-8; c) applying heat and pressure to the composite to
transfer the layer on top of the ink jet image; d) allowing the
composite to cool; and e) peeling the flexible, polymeric support
of the transfer laminating element from the composite to form the
laminated ink jet print.
Inventors: |
Romano, Charles E. JR.;
(Rochester, NY) ; Dawson, Susan L.; (Pittsford,
NY) ; DeMejo, Lawrence P.; (Rochester, NY) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Patent Legal Staff
Eastman Kodak Company
343 State Street
Rochester
NY
14650-2201
US
|
Assignee: |
Eastman Kodak Company
|
Family ID: |
24985167 |
Appl. No.: |
09/742525 |
Filed: |
December 20, 2000 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
156/240 ;
156/249 |
Current CPC
Class: |
Y10S 428/913 20130101;
Y10S 428/914 20130101; Y10T 428/3179 20150401; Y10T 428/31786
20150401; B41M 7/0027 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
156/240 ;
156/249 |
International
Class: |
B44C 001/00 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A process for laminating an ink jet print comprising: a)
providing an ink jet print comprising a support having thereon an
ink jet image; b) contacting the imaged surface of the ink jet
print with a transfer laminating element to form a composite, the
transfer laminating element comprising a flexible, polymeric
support having thereon a protection layer of a water-dispersible,
hydrophobic polyester resin having the following general
formula:I.sub.n--P--A.sub.mwherein I is an ionic group; n is an
integer from 1-3; P is a polyester backbone; A is an aliphatic
group comprising a straight or branched chain fatty acid or
triglyceride thereof having from about 6 to about 24 carbon atoms;
and m is an integer from 3-8; c) applying heat and pressure to the
composite to transfer the layer on top of the ink jet image; d)
allowing the composite to cool; and e) peeling the flexible,
polymeric support of the transfer laminating element from the
composite to form the laminated ink jet print.
2. The process of claim 1 wherein said support is paper.
3. The process of claim 1 wherein said support is poly(ethylene
terephthalate).
4. The process of claim 1 wherein said protection layer contains
said water-dispersible, hydrophobic polyester resin and a
thermoplastic or thermosetting polymer.
5. The process of claim 4 wherein said water-dispersible,
hydrophobic polyester resin and said thermoplastic or thermosetting
polymer is present in a ratio from about 1:4 to 4:1.
6. The process of claim 5 wherein said thermoplastic or
thermosetting polymer comprises a copolymer of styrene and
butadiene.
7. The process of claim 1 wherein said water-dispersible,
hydrophobic polyester resin comprises water-dispersed
transesterified polyester.
8. The process of claim 1 wherein said protection layer also
contains a synthetic or natural wax and/or a microgel.
9. The process of claim 7 wherein said protection layer also
contains a synthetic or natural wax and/or a microgel.
10. The process of claim 1 wherein said flexible, polymeric support
of said transfer laminating element is poly(ethylene
terephthalate).
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] Reference is made to commonly-assigned copending U.S. patent
application Ser. No.______, filed of even date herewith, Docket
81555HEC entitled "Ink Jet Printing Process", of Romano, Jr., et
al; and U.S. patent application Ser. No.______, filed of even date
herewith, Docket 82004HEC entitled "Ink Jet Recording Element", of
Romano, Jr., et al.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] This invention relates to an process for laminating ink jet
prints with a transferable protection layer.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] In a typical ink jet recording or printing system, ink
droplets are ejected from a nozzle at high speed towards a
recording element or medium to produce an image on the medium. The
ink droplets, or recording liquid, generally comprise a recording
agent, such as a dye or pigment, and a large amount of solvent. The
solvent, or carrier liquid, typically is made up of water, an
organic material such as a monohydric alcohol, a polyhydric alcohol
or mixtures thereof
[0004] An inkjet recording element typically comprises a support
having on at least one surface thereof a base layer for absorbing
fluid and an ink-receiving or image-forming layer, and includes
those intended for reflection viewing, which have an opaque
support, and those intended for viewing by transmitted light, which
have a transparent support.
[0005] Ink jet prints prepared by printing onto ink jet recording
elements are subject to environmental degradation such as water
smearing and light fade. For example, since ink jet dyes are
water-soluble, they can migrate from their location in the
ink-receiving layer when water comes in contact with the recording
element after imaging.
[0006] To reduce the vulnerability of prints to degradation and to
enhance gloss, inkjet prints are often laminated. Typically, such
conventional lamination is a process whereby a continuous polymeric
film bearing an adhesive is brought into contact with the surface
of the print. Heat and/or pressure is then used to affix the
continuous polymeric film to the print surface. The continuous
polymeric film then serves as a barrier layer that is impermeable
to water and further acts to diminish the fading of the print image
caused by light.
[0007] However, there is a problem with prior art laminating films
since they are typically supplied in roll format and must be cut,
or less desirably torn, to separate the laminated print from the
continuous roll of laminating film. A requirement to cut adds
expense to a laminator design that is required to run in a
continuous mode.
[0008] U.S. Pat. No. 5,662,976 discloses an assembly for creating
laminated cards which comprises a sheet of card stock with a
release coating and a sheet of laminating film adhering to the
release coating. A card form is cut into the sheet of card stock,
and a lamination strip, which is sufficiently large to fold over so
as to laminate both surfaces of the card, is cut into the
lamination sheet. After printing, the card and the lamination strip
are removed, and the lamination strip folded over to laminate the
card. However, there is a problem with this laminating film in that
expensive cutting and perforating steps are required to prepare the
laminated card.
[0009] U.S. Pat. No. 5,387,573 discloses a dye-donor element for
thermal dye transfer comprising a support and a transferable
protection layer wherein the transferable protection layer is less
than about 1.mu. thick and contains particles in an amount of up to
about 75% of the transferable protection layer. However, there is
no disclosure in this patent that the protection layer can be used
with ink jet prints.
[0010] U.S. Pat. No. 6,087,051 relates to an ink jet recording
element containing a protective overcoat layer of an aqueous
polyurethane resin or an aqueous polyacryl resin. In addition,
there are comparison examples in that patent which use a polyester
resin, and the aqueous polyurethane resin and polyacryl resins are
said to have advantages over the polyester resin. However, there
are problems using a polyurethane resin or an aqueous polyacryl
resin in that these resins have to be synthesized from virgin raw
materials and the resins cannot be recycled.
[0011] It is an object of the invention to provide a process for
laminating ink jet prints wherein the protection layer is
sufficiently thick to protect ink jet images from degradation by
water, and yet can be employed without resort to expensive cutting
steps. It is still another object to provide a process that allows
for the direct visual distinction between laminated and unlaminated
regions of the print.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0012] These and other objects are provided by the present
invention which comprises a process for laminating an inkjet print
comprising:
[0013] a) providing an ink jet print comprising a support having
thereon an ink jet image;
[0014] b) contacting the imaged surface of the ink jet print with a
transfer laminating element to form a composite, the transfer
laminating element comprising a flexible, polymeric support having
thereon a protection layer of a water-dispersible, hydrophobic
polyester resin having the following general formula:
I.sub.n--P--A.sub.m
[0015] wherein
[0016] I is an ionic group;
[0017] n is an integer from 1-3;
[0018] P is a polyester backbone;
[0019] A is an aliphatic group comprising a straight or branched
chain fatty acid or triglyceride thereof having from about 6 to
about 24 carbon atoms; and
[0020] m is an integer from 3-8;
[0021] c) applying heat and pressure to the composite to transfer
the layer on top of the ink jet image;
[0022] d) allowing the composite to cool; and
[0023] e) peeling the flexible, polymeric support of the transfer
laminating element from the composite to form the laminated ink jet
print.
[0024] In using the process of the invention, the durability of an
ink jet image is improved using the transfer layer described
above.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0025] The transfer laminating element employed in the invention
comprises a flexible, polymeric support having thereon a protection
layer of a water-dispersible, hydrophobic polyester resin as
described above.
[0026] The flexible, polymeric support used in the invention can
be, for example, various plastics including a polyester-type resin
such as poly(ethylene terephthalate), poly(ethylene naphthalate),
polycarbonate resins, polystyrene resins, polysulfone resins,
methacrylic resins, cellophane, acetate plastics, cellulose
diacetate, cellulose triacetate, vinyl chloride resins and
polyester diacetate. The thickness of the support may be, for
example, from about 6 to about 500 .mu.m, preferably from about 6
to about 50 .mu.m. In a preferred embodiment, the support is a
transparent poly(ethylene terephthalate) film.
[0027] The water-dispersible, hydrophobic polyester resin in the
protection layer has the formula as illustrated above. The ionic
groups I in the above formula which provide the polymer with
water-dispersibility are typically derived from a carboxylic acid
group which is introduced into the resin by polyacid monomers such
as trimellitic anhydride, trimellitic acid, or maleic anhydride or
sulfonate groups which come from monomers such as dimethyl
5-sulfoisophthalate, dimethyl 5-sulfo,1,3-benzenedicarboxylate,
sulfoisophthalate ethylene glycol,
dihydroxyethyl-5-sulfo-1,3-benzenedicarboxylate, or from sulfonated
alkenically unsaturated end groups as described in U.S. Pat. No.
5,281,630, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by
reference. The weight percent of ionic monomers in the resin is
from 1% to 20%, but 1% to 10% is preferred.
[0028] The backbone P of the polymer in the above formula is
composed of polyester groups. It can be any linear or branched
polyester made using polyacids and polyalcohols. The weight percent
of the polyester backbone ingredients range from 30-80% of the
whole resin, with the most preferred being 50-60% by weight.
Examples of aromatic dicarboxylic acids useful in the backbone
polyester polymer, P, employed in the invention include, but are
not limited to, terephthalic, isophthalic, phthalic, and
2,6-naphthoic, succinic, glutaric, adipic, 1,4-cyclohexane
dicarboxylic, maleic, fumaric, and azelaic. The polyalcohol
component of the polyester can be virtually any dihydroxy
functional compound. Aliphatic and alicyclic glycols would be the
most useful. Useful glycols include, but are not limited to,
ethylene glycol, 1,3-propylene glycol, 1,2-propylene glycol,
dipropylene glycol, tripropylene glycol, 1,4-butanediol,
1,5-pentanediol, 1,6-hexanediol, cyclohexanedimethanol, diethylene
glycol, and triethylene glycol.
[0029] The backbone polyester consisting of any combination of the
above polyacids and glycols may further directly include or
incorporate by transesterification a multifunctional polyol
selected from, but not limited to, glycerol, trimethylolpropane,
erythritol, pentaerythritol, trimethylolethane, or a
monosaccharide.
[0030] As noted above, A in the above formula is an aliphatic group
comprising a straight or branched chain fatty acid or triglyceride
thereof having from about 6 to about 24 carbon atoms, such as
stearic, oleic, palmitic, lauric, linoleic, linolenic, behenic
acid, or their mixtures. These can come from hydrogenated or
unhydrogenated animal or vegetable oil, such as beef tallow, lard,
corn oil, or soy bean oil. The weight percent of the aliphatic
moiety can be 10-60%, with 20-40% by weight being the preferred
amount.
[0031] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the
water-dispersible, hydrophobic polyester resin employed comprises a
reaction product of 30-70% by weight of a poly(ethylene
terephthalate) condensation polymer; 5-40% by weight of a hydroxy
functional compound having at least two hydroxyl groups; 1-20% by
weight of a carboxy functional compound having at least two
carboxyl groups and 10-60% by weight of a C.sub.6-C.sub.24 straight
chain or branched fatty acid or triglyceride. The resin is further
characterized in that the hydroxy functional compound is present at
1-3 times the equivalents of the hydrophobic moiety. The
preparation of such hydrophobic polyester resins is described in
detail in U.S. Pat. No. 5,958,601, the disclosure of which is
hereby incorporated by reference. In another preferred embodiment,
the water-dispersible, hydrophobic polyester resin comprises
water-dispersed transesterified polyester, e.g., poly(ethylene
terephthalate) transesterified in the presence of stearic acid and
trimellitic acid, or oleic acid and trimellitic acid.
[0032] In another preferred embodiment of the invention, the
water-dispersible, hydrophobic polyester as described above is
physically mixed with a thermoplastic or thermosetting polymer. The
thermoplastic or thermosetting polymer lends added hydrophobicity
to the layer, as well as enhanced coating flexibility and serves as
a diluent to the polyester component to minimize cross-linking
which would deleteriously alter coating properties.
[0033] Examples of such thermoplastic or thermosetting polymers
useful in the invention include, but are not limited to,
carboxylated styrene butadiene, styrene/acrylate or methacrylate
ester compositions containing acrylic or methacrylic acids,
hydrolyzed styrene maleic anhydride copolymers, styrene maleic acid
salt copolymers, styrene maleic ester copolymers, styrene
(meth)acrylate copolymers, styrene (meth)acrylate ester copolymers,
styrene acrylate ester acrylonitrile terpolymers, acrylonitrile
(meth)acrylate salt copolymers, polycarbonate-based polyurethanes,
polyester-based polyurethanes, cellulose polymers, such as methyl
cellulose and cellulose acetate butyrate, polyesters, polyamides,
polyacetals, epoxy polymers, phenoxy polymers, etc. In a preferred
embodiment, the water-dispersible, hydrophobic polyester resin and
thermoplastic or thermosetting polymer is present in a ratio from
about 1:4 to 4:1.
[0034] A preferred aqueous dispersion of a mixture of carboxylated
styrene butadiene copolymer and a hydrophobic polyester of the
composition generally described above is commercially available as
EvCote.RTM. PWRHS-37 from EvCo Research Incorporated, Atlanta, Ga.,
USA.
[0035] In another preferred embodiment, the protection layer may
also contain a synthetic or natural wax, such as an aqueous
dispersion of high density polyethylene, Jon Wax 26.RTM. (S. C.
Johnson Co.) or an aqueous dispersion of carnauba wax (Michelman
Co.); and/or a microgel, such as a microgel of methyl
methacrylate/ethylene glycol dimethacrylate/acrylic acid.
[0036] Since the transfer lamination element may come in contact
with other image recording articles or the drive or transport
mechanisms of laminating devices, additives such as surfactants,
lubricants, matte particles and the like may be added to the
element to the extent that they do not degrade the properties of
interest.
[0037] The protection layer described above may be coated by
conventional coating means onto the support such as wound wire rod
coating, slot coating, slide hopper coating, gravure, curtain
coating and the like.
[0038] Inkjet inks used to prepare the images to be protected using
the invention are well-known in the art. The ink compositions used
in ink jet printing typically are liquid compositions comprising a
solvent or carrier liquid, dyes or pigments, humectants, organic
solvents, detergents, thickeners, preservatives, and the like. The
solvent or carrier liquid can be solely water or can be water mixed
with other water-miscible solvents such as polyhydric alcohols.
Inks in which organic materials such as polyhydric alcohols are the
predominant carrier or solvent liquid may also be used.
Particularly useful are mixed solvents of water and polyhydric
alcohols. The dyes used in such compositions are typically
water-soluble direct or acid type dyes. Such liquid compositions
have been described extensively in the prior art including, for
example, U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,381,946; 4,239,543 and 4,781,758, the
disclosures of which are hereby incorporated by reference.
[0039] Any known ink jet image-receiving layer can be used in the
present invention. For example, the image-receiving layer may
consist primarily of inorganic oxide particles such as silicas,
modified silicas, clays, aluminas, fusible beads such as beads
comprised of thermoplastic or thermosetting polymers, non-fusible
organic beads, or hydrophilic polymers such as naturally-occurring
hydrophilic colloids and gums such as gelatin, albumin, guar,
xantham, acacia, chitosan, starches and their derivatives, and the
like; derivatives of natural polymers such as functionalized
proteins, functionalized gums and starches, and cellulose ethers
and their derivatives; and synthetic polymers such as
polyvinyloxazoline, polyvinylmethyloxazoline, polyoxides,
polyethers, poly(ethylene imine), poly(acrylic acid),
poly(methacrylic acid), n-vinyl amides including polyacrylamide and
polyvinylpyrrolidone, and poly(vinyl alcohol), its derivatives and
copolymers; and combinations of these materials. Hydrophilic
polymers, inorganic oxide particles, and organic beads may be
present in one or more layers on the substrate and in various
combinations within a layer.
[0040] A porous structure may be introduced into image-receiving
layers comprised of hydrophilic polymers by the addition of ceramic
or hard polymeric particulates, by foaming or blowing during
coating, or by inducing phase separation in the layer through
introduction of nonsolvent.
[0041] In practice, various additives may be employed in the
image-receiving layer and protection overcoat. These additives
include surface active agents surfactant(s) to improve coatability
and to adjust the surface tension of the dried coating, acid or
base to control the pH, antistatic agents, suspending agents,
antioxidants, hardening agents to cross-link the coating,
antioxidants, UV stabilizers, light stabilizers, and the like. In
addition, a mordant may be added in small quantities (2%-10% by
weight of the base layer) to improve waterfastness. Useful mordants
are disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,474,843.
[0042] The layers described above, including the image-receiving
layer and the protection layer, may be coated by conventional
coating means onto a transparent or opaque support material
commonly used in this art. Coating methods may include, but are not
limited to, wound wire rod coating, slot coating, slide hopper
coating, gravure, curtain coating, and the like. Some of these
methods allow for simultaneous coatings of both layers, which is
preferred from a manufacturing economic perspective.
[0043] The image-receiving layer may be present in any amount which
is effective for the intended purpose. In general, good results are
obtained when it is present in an amount of from about 5 to about
30 g/m.sup.2, preferably from about 8 to about 15 g/m.sup.2, which
corresponds to a dry thickness of about 5 to about 30 .mu.m,
preferably about 8 to about 15 .mu.m.
[0044] The support for the ink jet recording element used in the
invention can be any of those usually used for ink jet receivers,
such as paper, resin-coated paper, poly(ethylene terephthalate),
poly(ethylene naphthalate) and microporous materials such as poly
polyethylene polymer-containing material sold by PPG Industries,
Inc., Pittsburgh, Pa. under the trade name of Teslin.RTM.,
Tyvek.RTM. synthetic paper (DuPont Corp.), and OPPalyte.RTM. films
(Mobil Chemical Co.) and other composite films listed in U.S. Pat.
No. 5,244,861.
[0045] The receiver support used in the invention may have a
thickness of from about 50 to about 500 .mu.m, preferably from
about 75 to 300 .mu.m. Antioxidants, antistatic agents,
plasticizers and other known additives may be incorporated into the
support, if desired. In a preferred embodiment, either paper or
poly(ethylene terephthalate) is employed.
[0046] In order to improve the adhesion of the image-receiving
layer to the support, the surface of the support may be subjected
to a corona-discharge-treatment prior to applying the
image-receiving layer.
[0047] In addition, a subbing layer, such as a layer formed from a
halogenated phenol or a partially hydrolyzed vinyl chloride-vinyl
acetate copolymer can be applied to the surface of the support to
increase adhesion of the image-receiving layer. If a subbing layer
is used, it should have a thickness (i.e., a dry coat thickness) of
less than about 2 .mu.m.
[0048] The following examples further illustrates the
invention.
EXAMPLES
Example 1
[0049] Control Element C-1
[0050] Various color patches were printed onto a receiver of
Eastman Kodak Transparency Cat. No. 110 5725 at various densities
using a Hewlett-Packard PhotoSmart.RTM. Printer and Hewlett-Packard
Cartridges C3844A and C3845A containing colored and black dye-based
inks. Control element C-1 was printed which did not have a
protection overcoat layer.
[0051] Control Element C-2
[0052] This element was the same as Control Element C-1 except that
the receiver was Konica QP Photo Quality Ink Jet Paper.
[0053] Control Element C-3
[0054] This element was the same as Control Element C-1 except that
the receiver was Eastman Kodak Premium Picture Paper, Cat. No. 118
1197.
[0055] Transfer Laminating Element 1
[0056] A transfer laminating element was prepared by coating a 25
.mu.m poly(ethylene terephthalate) support with an aqueous solution
of OC-1 EvCo Research Inc. PWRH-25, poly(ethylene terephthalate),
(PET) transesterified in the presence of stearic acid and
trimellitic acid at a dry thickness of 7.5 .mu.m.
[0057] Transfer Laminating Element 2
[0058] This element was prepared the same as Transfer Laminating
Element 1 except that the OC-1 was replaced with OC-2 EvCo Research
Inc. PWRH-37, PET transesterified in the presence of stearic acid
and trimellitic acid and which contained carboxylated
styrene-butadiene, (1:1 wt. ratio).
[0059] Element 1 of the Invention
[0060] Control Element C-1 was laminated with Transfer Laminating
Element 1 by passing through the nip of a pair of rollers. The
laminating speed was 0.43 cm/sec and the upper roller was heated to
160.degree. C. After transfer, the laminating element support was
then peeled from the composite to provide the ink jet print with a
protective overcoat.
[0061] Element 2 of the Invention
[0062] This element was prepared the same as Element 1 of the
Invention except that Control Element C-2 instead of Control
Element C-1.
[0063] Element 3 of the Invention
[0064] This element was prepared the same as Element 1 of the
Invention except that Control Element C-3 instead of Control
Element C-1.
[0065] Element 4 of the Invention
[0066] This element was prepared the same as Element 1 of the
Invention except that Transfer Laminating Element 2 was used
instead of Transfer Laminating Element 1.
[0067] Element 5 of the Invention
[0068] This element was prepared the same as Element 2 of the
Invention except that Transfer Laminating Element 2 was used
instead of Transfer Laminating Element 1.
[0069] Element 6 of the Invention
[0070] This element was prepared the same as Element 3 of the
Invention except that Transfer Laminating Element 2 was used
instead of Transfer Laminating Element 1.
[0071] Water and Stain Resistance Test
[0072] Drops of water, coffee, fruit punch and mustard were then
placed on printed areas of the elements. The water drops and stain
materials were allowed to penetrate for one hour and then blotted
off using a lint-free cloth. A damp cloth was the used to gently
wipe any stain remaining on the print. The sample was then
evaluated by visually inspecting for staining, surface damage, dye
loss, density loss, cracking or any other visible defect. The
following ratings were used for the evaluation:
[0073] 1=No change
[0074] 2=Surface damage
[0075] 3=Slight stain or color change
[0076] 4=Significant stain or color change
[0077] The values for the stains were averaged together. The
following results were obtained:
1TABLE 1 Protection Overcoat Water Stain Element Receiver (7.5
.mu.m) Resistance Resistance C-1 A* None 4 4 C-2 B** None 4 4 C-3
C*** None 4 4 1 A* PWRH-25 2 3.3 2 B** PWRH-25 2 3.3 3 C*** PWRH-25
1 2.3 4 A* PWRH-37 2 3 5 B** PWRH-37 2 2 6 C*** PWRH-37 2 1.3
A*Eastman Kodak Transparency Cat. No. 110 5725 B**Konica QP Photo
Quality Ink Jet Paper. C***Eastman Kodak Premium Picture Paper, Cat
No. 118 1197.
[0078] The above results show that the elements of the invention
having a protective overcoat had better water and stain resistance
than the control elements.
Example 2
[0079] Lamination Test
[0080] Control Element 4
[0081] This element was prepared the same as Element 1 of the
invention except that the transfer laminating element was a 75.mu.
thick commercial laminating film, Seal ThermaShield R.RTM. (Hunt
Graphics Americas Co.).
[0082] Control Element 4 and Elements 1-6 of the invention were
then evaluated for peel. Peel ratings from 1 to 5 are listed below.
A peel rating of 1 corresponds to a continuous film that extends
beyond the edge of the fused area and must be cut to separate it
from the image, i.e., failure. A rating of 5 corresponds to a clean
break at the interface. The following results were obtained:
2TABLE 2 Element Peel Rating Comment 1 5 Clean break at interface 2
5 Clean break at interface 3 5 Clean break at interface 4 5 Clean
break at interface 5 5 Clean break at interface 6 5 Clean break at
interface Control 4 1 Continuous film that required cutting
[0083] The above results show that costly cutting steps can be
eliminated using the transfer laminating element of the
invention.
[0084] Although the invention has been described in detail with
reference to certain preferred embodiments for the purpose of
illustration, it is to be understood that variations and
modifications can be made by those skilled in the art without
departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.
* * * * *