Thermally Reactive Ink Transfer System

Abstract

An ink transfer system including an ink transfer decal that is transferable to a final substrate, such as a bare metal or pre-painted autobody part, without use of a separate adhesive. The transferred ink decal is capable of withstanding temperature elevations common during automotive paint baking without significant thermal degradation, discoloration, shrinkage or pealing.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0001]This invention relates to methods of transferring paint or ink to solid surfaces and more particularly to a method of transferring a substantially solid ink layer to a surface without the use of a separately applied adhesive.[0002]In the vehicle manufacturing industry, painted or inked designs are typically applied through application of liquid paint to the surface of a body element, such as a fender or hood. An example of this type of application is pinstriping. Manual application of stripes or designs requires artistic skill, even if the process is augmented through use of stencils or tape. Airbrushed designs are very labor intensive and require considerable skill.[0003]One prior art method of automating the application of designs or stripes is the use of adhesive decals. A decal is created by applying ink to a plastic film bearing adhesive on the opposite surface. The adhesive side of the decal may then be applied to the desired surface. Further p...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0005]The present invention presents an ink transfer system including a decal that may be subjected to high temperatures and UV radiation. The decal is provided as an alternative to hand painted detail trim for vehicles and accessories such as automobiles, motorcycles, boats, boat motors and helmets. The decal may be applied to various metallic, plastic or painted surfaces and is particularly advantageous when applied to pre-painted metal structures that are subjected to baking in order to cure overlying thermoset clear coats.

[0006]An ink transfer system according to the present invention may include one or more layers of temperature and UV resistant ink deposited upon a backing sheet by screening or other currently known or later developed techniques. If a waterslide decal is desired, the ink may be deposited upon waterslide decal paper having a water soluble coating. A transfer medium is deposited over the ink to aid in transfer of the ink to a final receiving substrate. Because the ink is typically deposited upon the backing sheet to form a thin film, the transfer medium aids transfer of the decal from the backing sheet to the substrate without wrinkling or damaging the decal. The transfer medium may be applied over the ink layer through screen printing and it becomes an integral part of the transfer system. Because the transfer medium is designed not to bond to the ink, it is removed prior to application of a subsequent coating such as a clear coat.

[0007]The decal exhibits high flexibility and elongation and may be applied over contoured surfaces. Alternatively, the decal may be applied to a flat surface that is later bent, stamped or otherwise shaped.

[0008]Antioxidants and UV absorbers / light stabilizers are added to the base resin to enhance heat and light stability and to increase tackiness and plasticity of the ink, particularly during heat curing of an overlying clear coat material as is often the case in automotive applications. Although the decal is solid once formed, the ink comprising the decal adheres particularly well to metal and most painted and plastic surfaces due to the low molecular weight polymers comprising the base resin (polymer vehicle). The addition of the antioxidants tends to suppress polymerization enhancing the ability of the polymer vehicle to migrate into the adjacent substrate and form a tight bond. The decal therefore provides a means for transferring solid ink to a substrate without the need for a separate, intervening adhesive layer. When applied to a pre-painted surface, the decal adheres to and binds with the underlying paint to form a uniform coating. Due to the thin layers of ink used to form the decal, the margins of the decal do not noticeably project above the substrate surface and are therefore unlikely to chip or peel, particularly if covered with a clear coating.

Problems solved by technology

Airbrushed designs are very labor intensive and require considerable skill.

These prior art decals have very limited elongation properties and are difficult to apply to highly curved, edged or contoured surfaces.

Further problems with prior art decals include separation of the decal from the substrate surface due to failure of the adhesive, and shrinkage, peeling and cracking of the decal itself over time.

The raised decal detracts from the overall appearance and makes the decal prone to increased abrasion, chipping and peeling.

Edges of prior on decals are prone to curl after exposure to heat during baking of a thermoset clear coat.

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