Transfer-printing and thermoforming of pattern into plastic film, exploits computer to control registration, anamorphosis and color density to arrive at desired pattern and color vibrance in geometric embossments

摘要

For each elementary zone (a selected, simple geometric shape delimiting an embossment) of the film, the local degree of stretching during thermoforming into a non-planar surface is determined. For each elementary zone, a pre-deformed pattern (140a-d) to be printed on the surface of the flat film is determined. For each elementary zone (a selected, simple geometric shape delimiting an embossment) of the film, the local degree of stretching during thermoforming into a non-planar surface is determined. For each elementary zone, a pre-deformed pattern (140a-d) to be printed on the surface of the flat film is determined. The pre-deformed pattern is defined by anamorphosis (a generally non-linear transformation) from the elements of the finally-intended pattern (141a-d) to appear on the non-planar, thermoformed surface. Account is taken of the degree of local stretching, in passing from the deformed, to the final pattern (141). The deformed pattern (140), as defined by its components obtained from the previous stage, is printed onto the surface of the film be thermoformed (114). An Independent claim is also included for film embossed and printed as described. Preferred features: The shade of coloring for each elementary zone is determined in terms of the final required shade, in each part of the pattern, following deformation (stretching generally weakening the color). Marks (31, 32) are printed for precise registration of the delimited zone being thermoformed; they comprise a longitudinal line (31) and a transverse stroke (32). A known sublimation transfer technique employing a supportive paper substrate temporarily hot-adhered to the film is used to print the pattern onto the film, which is cooled and re-separated. The film is printed directly from a paper transfer using inks with additives preventing adhesion between transfer paper and film. In an alternative, a white fibrous flocking is first applied to the film for printing ( known processes further described and illustrated in the disclosure). The printed film is thermoformed using a tool (50), in registration.