Hybrid heat transfer label assembly

Abstract

Methods for applying a hybrid heat transfer label to an article are provided. The methods include non-digital printing a protective layer onto a carrier layer, digitally printing a graphic layer, non-digital printing a backing layer, and printing an adhesive. The adhesive and the protective layer can be printed to overlap such that upon application of heat and pressure to the protective layer, the adhesive and the protective layer mutually bond via a chemical-physical interaction. Additionally, a hybrid heat transfer label assembly is provided that includes a plastic carrier layer, a non-digital printed protective layer, a digitally printed layer disposed such that the non-digital printed protective layer is between the digitally printed layer and the plastic carrier layer, and a non-digital printed second layer disposed such that the digitally printed layer is between the non-digital printed protective layer and the non-digital printed second layer. The non-digital printed second layer includes a rubber layer.

Description

[0001] Cross-reference to related applications This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. Patent Application No. 18 / 017,286 (filed January 20, 2023), which is the national phase application of International Patent Application No. PCT / US2021 / 043599 (filed July 29, 2021), which claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 059,421 (filed July 31, 2020). The entire disclosure of these applications is incorporated herein by reference.

[0002] background. Technical Field

[0003] The subject described in this article relates to labels that can be transferred to a surface using the application of heat or a combination of heat and pressure. Background Technology

[0004] Labels with markings and / or graphics are used in the apparel industry to decorate garment items and / or mark items (e.g., to identify the manufacturer, size, washing instructions, etc.). These labels can also be used with durable goods.

[0005] Thermal transfer labels, including graphics and / or markings, can be made using screen printing, flexographic printing, gravure printing, or rotary gravure undercoating processes. These printing processes use ink and heat-activated adhesive systems that provide thermal transfer labels with the necessary properties, such as adhesion to the target item, as well as other chemical and environmental resistance.

[0006] Digital printing offers higher quality graphics than the aforementioned printing processes, with its tighter tolerances, finer details, and multi-color capabilities. Furthermore, digital printing allows for the easy printing of variable data onto items (e.g., different personalized information for different items) because it does not require pre-made printing plates.

[0007] Some heat transfer labels are hybrid labels, which combine non-digital printing processes (e.g., screen printing, flexographic printing, or rotary gravure undercoating) and digital printing processes to produce the label. These labels may have: a carrier layer; a digitally printed layer (e.g., images and / or markings) on the carrier layer; a polymer coating on the digitally printed layer; and an adhesive on the coating. The coating and / or adhesive can be printed using non-digital printing processes, while the images and / or markings in the digitally printed layer can be printed using a digital printing press. The label is transferred to an article (e.g., clothing) by placing the adhesive against the article and applying heat or heat and pressure to separate the digitally printed layer and protective layer from the carrier layer. The adhesive then attaches the digitally printed layer and coating to the article.

[0008] For example, a known thermal transfer label may include a carrier paper formed from silicone-coated paper, a screen-printed protective coating on the carrier paper (e.g., formed from an Estane 5703 polyurethane / cellulose ester resin blend), a barcode printed on the protective coating (e.g., a black-and-white RICOH variable barcode printed using polyester dry toner resin), two screen-printed support layers on the barcode (e.g., two layers of Estane 5703 polyurethane / cellulose ester resin blend forming a white layer), and three screen-printed adhesive layers on the screen-printed support layers (e.g., formed from a copolyamide / polyurethane resin dispersion blend).

[0009] One problem with these types of hybrid labels is that the digital printing layer may be susceptible to damage or other effects after being transferred to the item. This can degrade the appearance of the image and / or markings. Another problem with these types of hybrid labels is that dye from within the item may seep into the label and interfere with the appearance of the image and / or markings. Summary of the Invention

[0010] In one example, a method is provided for applying a hybrid thermal transfer label from a hybrid thermal transfer label assembly to an article. The method includes non-digitally printing a protective layer onto a carrier layer, digitally printing a graphic layer onto the protective layer, non-digitally printing a backing layer onto the graphic layer, and printing an adhesive onto the backing layer. The adhesive and the protective layer may be printed to overlap such that, when heat and pressure are applied to the protective layer, the adhesive and the protective layer bond to each other via a chemical-physical interaction. The adhesive and the protective layer are printed to bond to each other using this chemical-physical interaction such that the protective layer is peeled away in the overlapping area of ​​the adhesive and the protective layer, separating the hybrid thermal transfer label from the carrier layer and the remainder of the hybrid thermal transfer label assembly to apply the hybrid thermal transfer label to the article.

[0011] In another example, a method is provided for applying a hybrid thermal transfer label from a hybrid thermal transfer label assembly to an article. The method includes: non-digitally printing a protective layer onto a carrier layer, digitally printing a graphic layer onto the protective layer, non-digitally printing a backing layer onto the graphic layer, printing an adhesive onto the backing layer, bonding the protective layer to the adhesive using chemical-physical interactions, and applying the hybrid thermal transfer label to the article by applying heat and pressure to the carrier layer using a heated mold.

[0012] In another example, a hybrid thermal transfer label assembly is provided. The label assembly includes: a plastic carrier layer; a non-digital printed protective layer; a digitally printed layer disposed between the digitally printed protective layer and the plastic carrier layer; and a non-digital printed second layer disposed between the digitally printed protective layer and the non-digital printed second layer. The non-digital printed protective layer, the digitally printed layer, and the non-digital printed second layer form a hybrid thermal transfer label configured to detach from the plastic carrier layer and adhere to an article when heat is applied to the plastic carrier layer. The non-digital printed second layer includes a rubber layer.

[0013] This application discloses the following technical content: Solution 1. A method for applying a hybrid thermal transfer label from a hybrid thermal transfer label assembly to an article, the method comprising: The protective layer is non-digitally printed onto the carrier layer; The graphic layer is digitally printed onto the protective layer; The backing layer is non-digitally printed onto the graphic layer; and An adhesive is printed onto the backing layer, and the adhesive and the protective layer are printed to overlap such that when heat and pressure are applied to the protective layer, the adhesive and the protective layer bond to each other via chemical-physical interactions. The adhesive and the protective layer are printed to bond to each other using the chemical-physical interactions such that the protective layer is torn apart in the area where the adhesive and the protective layer overlap, and the hybrid heat transfer label is separated from the carrier layer and the remainder of the hybrid heat transfer label assembly to apply the hybrid heat transfer label to the article.

[0014] Option 2. The method of Option 1, wherein the adhesive is printed only in the following areas of the graphic layer: wherein the protective layer, the graphic layer and the backing layer are removed from the hybrid heat transfer label assembly to form the hybrid heat transfer label.

[0015] Option 3. The method as described in Option 1, further comprising: The graphic layer and the backing layer are encapsulated between the adhesive and the protective layer by applying heat and pressure to the protective layer.

[0016] Option 4. The method as described in Option 1, wherein the printed protective layer is chemically incompatible with the article, and the printed protective layer is chemically compatible with the printed adhesive.

[0017] Option 5. The method as described in Option 1, wherein the adhesive being printed comprises rubber.

[0018] Option 6. The method of Option 5, wherein the rubber in the adhesive is vulcanized during the application of the heat and the pressure, and the method further comprises: A stabilizing layer is applied between the graphic layer and the adhesive, which protects the ink in the graphic layer from seepage, flow, or washing away during the vulcanization of the rubber in the adhesive layer.

[0019] Option 7. The method of Option 1, wherein the adhesive is chemically compatible with the rubber surface of the article.

[0020] Option 8. A method for applying a hybrid thermal transfer label from a hybrid thermal transfer label assembly to an article, the method comprising: The protective layer is non-digitally printed onto the carrier layer; The graphic layer is digitally printed onto the protective layer; The backing layer is non-digitally printed onto the graphic layer; The adhesive is printed onto the backing layer; and The protective layer is bonded to the adhesive using chemical-physical interactions, and the hybrid heat transfer label is applied to the article by applying heat and pressure to the carrier layer using a heated mold.

[0021] Option 9. The method of Option 8, wherein the protective layer is torn apart in the area where the adhesive and the protective layer overlap and the hybrid thermal transfer label is separated from the carrier layer and the remainder of the hybrid thermal transfer label assembly.

[0022] Option 10. The method of Option 8, wherein the adhesive is printed only in the following areas of the graphic layer: wherein the protective layer, the graphic layer and the backing layer are removed from the hybrid heat transfer label assembly to form the hybrid heat transfer label.

[0023] Option 11. The method of Option 8, wherein the adhesive comprises rubber vulcanized during the application of the heat and the pressure, and the method further comprises: A non-digitally printed or coated stabilizing layer is applied between the graphic layer and the adhesive, which protects the ink in the graphic layer from seepage, flow, or washing away during the vulcanization of the rubber in the adhesive layer.

[0024] Option 12. The method as described in Option 8, further comprising: The graphic layer and the backing layer are encapsulated between the adhesive and the protective layer.

[0025] Option 13. The method as described in Option 12, wherein the printed protective layer is chemically incompatible with the article.

[0026] Solution 14. A hybrid thermal transfer label assembly, the hybrid thermal transfer label assembly comprising: Plastic carrier layer; Non-digital printed protective layer; A digitally printed layer, wherein the digitally printed layer is configured such that the non-digitally printed protective layer lies between the digitally printed layer and the plastic carrier layer; and A non-digital printed second layer is provided, wherein the digital printed layer is positioned between the non-digital printed protective layer and the non-digital printed second layer, wherein the non-digital printed protective layer, the digital printed layer, and the non-digital printed second layer form a hybrid heat transfer label, the hybrid heat transfer label being configured to separate from the plastic carrier layer and adhere to an article when heat is applied to the plastic carrier layer. The non-digital printed second layer includes a rubber layer.

[0027] Option 15. The hybrid thermal transfer label assembly as described in Option 14, wherein once the label is adhered to the article, the digitally printed layer is visible through the non-digitally printed protective layer.

[0028] Option 16. The hybrid thermal transfer label assembly as described in Option 14, wherein the non-digital printed second layer includes an adhesive.

[0029] Option 17. The hybrid thermal transfer label assembly as described in Option 14, wherein the non-digital printed second layer includes an adhesive layer.

[0030] Option 18. The hybrid thermal transfer label assembly as described in Option 14, wherein the non-digital printed second layer includes a screen-printed graphic layer.

[0031] Option 19. The hybrid thermal transfer label assembly as described in Option 1, wherein the non-digital printed second layer includes a screen-printed support layer.

[0032] Option 20. The hybrid thermal transfer label assembly of Option 14, wherein the non-digital printing layer includes a barrier layer that prevents stains from migrating from the article to the digital printing layer. Attached Figure Description

[0033] The subject matter of the invention can be understood by reading the following description of non-limiting embodiments and by referring to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 An example of a hybrid thermal transfer label component is shown; Figure 2 Examples Figure 1 The label component shown is applied to the item; Figure 3 Also exemplified Figure 1 The label component shown is applied to Figure 2 The items shown; Figure 4 An example of a hybrid thermal transfer label component is shown; Figure 5 Another example of a hybrid thermal transfer label assembly is shown; Figure 6 Another example of a hybrid thermal transfer label assembly is shown; Figure 7 Another example of a hybrid thermal transfer label assembly is shown; Figure 8 Another example of a hybrid thermal transfer label assembly is shown; Figure 9 Another example of a hybrid thermal transfer label assembly is shown; Figure 10 Another example of a hybrid thermal transfer label assembly is shown; Figure 11 Another example of a hybrid thermal transfer label assembly is shown; Figure 12 Another example of a hybrid thermal transfer label assembly is shown; Figure 13 An example of an online printing system is illustrated, which can be used to produce one or more hybrid digital thermal transfer label components as described herein; Figure 14 Another example of a printing system that can be used to produce one or more hybrid digital thermal transfer label assemblies as described herein is illustrated. Figure 15 Another example of a hybrid thermal transfer label assembly is shown; Figure 16 Examples are given for constructing and / or using Figure 15 The image shows an example of a method for applying a label to an item; Figure 17 Another example of a hybrid thermal transfer label assembly is shown; Figure 18 Examples are given for constructing and / or using Figure 17 The image shows an example of a method for applying a label to an item; Figure 19 Another example of a hybrid thermal transfer label assembly is shown; Figure 20 Another example of a hybrid thermal transfer label assembly is shown; Figure 21Another example of a hybrid thermal transfer label assembly is shown; Figure 22 Another example of a hybrid thermal transfer label assembly is shown; Figure 23 Another example of a hybrid thermal transfer label assembly is shown; Figure 24 Another example of a hybrid thermal transfer label component is shown; and Figure 25 Another example of a hybrid thermal transfer label component is shown. Detailed Implementation

[0034] The inventive subject described herein provides a hybrid thermal transfer label assembly and methods for manufacturing and applying it. The label assembly combines digital and non-digital printing processes to provide a label assembly applicable to a variety of surfaces, while possessing the advantages of both digital and non-digital printing. For example, digitally printed images and / or markings can have higher quality, higher resolution, and more realistic appearance than the same images and / or markings printed using non-digital printing, relative to the digitally printed portion of the label assembly. Digitally printed images and / or markings can be printed using a wide variety of colors, including (but not limited to) cyan, magenta, yellow, black, white, invisible (or translucent), labeling agents, spot colors, metallic colors, foil, fluorescent, clear matte, and glossy inks. These images and / or markings can be printed in a single pass using a digital printing press. This reduces the need for re-insertion of the label assembly compared to some known printing methods. It also provides more reliable registration between digitally printed colors.

[0035] Digital printing also offers the ability to incorporate variable data, such as different images and / or markings for each or at least several label components. Variable designs, decorations, effects, variable barcodes (e.g., 1D or 2D barcodes), quick-response (QR) codes, sequential numbering, etc., can all be digitally printed in a single pass using a digital printing press.

[0036] Digital printing also offers the ability to incorporate security features into label components. These security features may include watermarks (which may be invisible to the naked eye or the naked eye without magnification), markings that can be detected by scanners or mobile devices, etc. These watermarks may also, or alternatively, be used to provide consumer engagement, brand authenticity, and tracking and tracing functionality using markings that are virtually imperceptible to the naked eye and the naked eye without magnification. Invisible ultraviolet (UV) inks can be digitally printed into label components to provide covert identification, serial numbering, and other variable data designs. This type of ink can then be seen by exposing the label component to UV light. Labeling inks, magnetic inks, or other inks can be digitally printed into label components. These inks can be electronically inspected and authenticated using handheld scanners. Additionally, other inks that provide special effects, gloss, matte, foil, embossing, etc., can be applied to the label component in the same single print pass on a digital printer, further reducing the need for additional conventional screen printing passes to achieve the desired effect. Using digital printing to provide some or all of these inks can simplify the manufacturing process of label components by reducing the number of printing passes (e.g., the number of identical imprints or areas of ink applied over a carrier layer), time, and materials that would otherwise require producing the same label components using only non-digital printing processes.

[0037] Hybrid label components also benefit from the aforementioned digital printing processes, as well as the benefits offered by non-digital printing. The security features described herein may optionally be printed using one or more of the non-digital printing processes or techniques described herein. For example, one or more layers in the component may be screen-printed, providing a highly opaque support layer (e.g., a layer behind digitally printed images and / or markings when the label component is adhered to clothing), adding hard-to-match spot colors, extended color gamut colors (or other colors not possible via digital printing), and combining metallic inks with the aforementioned non-digital printing security features. Additionally, non-digital printing of one or more layers of the label assembly allows for the combination of different adhesive coatings and / or adhesive layers for adhesion to a variety of substrates (e.g., surfaces of articles), such as plastics (e.g., polyester, copolyester, polypropylene cosmetic containers and toothbrush handles; ABS, SAN, PS, and HIPS razor handles and appliance parts; PVC for automotive sun visor labels, etc.); fabrics for automotive sun visor labels and seat belt labels; engineering resins (e.g., polycarbonate, nylon, and various blends); metal and painted metal appliance parts and sports equipment; painted graphite sports equipment; glass; and rubber for belts, hoses, tires, etc. The non-digital printing layer provides improved durability for the underlying digitally printed image and / or marking, such as scratch and abrasion resistance due to the thicker deposit, and improved chemical resistance and durability through the combination of a first lower protective layer (e.g., a layer deposited between the carrier layer and the digitally printed layer, as described below).

[0038] Heat transfer labels for application to various substrates include a carrier (typically in roll-to-roll or sheet form), a release coating applied to the carrier, an optional protective layer applied to the release coating, and a composition comprising a digitally printed graphic design, a screen-printed support layer applied to the digitally printed graphic design, and an adhesive applied directly to the digitally printed graphic design or the screen-printed support layer. Depending on the digital printing engine, an adhesive layer may be screen-printed between the digitally printed graphic design and any subsequent screen-printed layers. The digitally printed design and screen-printed layers are printed and cured to form a restorable film on the carrier web. Some examples of screen-printable inks suitable for use in this invention include solvent-based inks, water-based inks, UV-curable inks, and 100% solid inks as described by Downs et al. in US 5,919,834 and Penrose et al. in US 2019 / 0378438 A1. The composition is heat-transferred to the substrate, and the carrier web is removed. A method for manufacturing the label and a method for marking objects are also disclosed.

[0039] According to various embodiments, hybrid heat transfer labels are provided, manufactured using a combination of digital printing and at least one other conventional printing method, such as screen printing. The hybrid heat transfer label includes a heat-activated adhesive layer and an optional protective layer, printed via screen printing, flexographic printing, rotary gravure printing, or pad printing methods to provide excellent adhesion to the target article and good chemical and other environmental resistance. Furthermore, the hybrid heat transfer label includes a digitally printed layer that provides high-quality graphic images and markings that can be quickly and easily customized to provide cost-effective dedicated heat transfer labels.

[0040] The label assembly described herein can be a hybrid digital and screen-printed thermal transfer label for application to a variety of surfaces, such as plastics, metals, glass, automotive fabrics and rubber compounds, fabrics for outdoor sports and safety equipment, fabrics for medical applications, etc. One or more printing presses used to produce the label assembly may include printing presses such as the HP Indigo liquid electrophotographic digital offset press, 'solid' or 'dry toner' printing presses or offset presses, water-based pigment dye, sublimation or latex inkjet printing presses and offset presses, UV-curable inkjet printheads and offset presses, vegetable or mineral oil-based direct imaging offset lithography presses or flexographic offset presses, etc.

[0041] Figure 1 An example of a hybrid thermal transfer label assembly 100 is illustrated. The assembly shown in the figure is not necessarily drawn to scale. One or more layers in the assembly may be thicker or thinner than one or more other layers, even though the relative thicknesses of the layers shown in the figure may indicate different relative thicknesses. In other words, a first layer shown as thinner than the second layer in the figure may actually be thicker than the second layer.

[0042] The label assembly 100 includes a carrier layer 102 having an upper surface 104 supporting a multilayer label 106 and an adhesive 108. As described herein, the multilayer label 106 is formed on the upper surface 104 of the carrier layer 102 by a plurality of layers, wherein at least one layer is digitally printed (e.g., through one or more digital printing presses in one or more passes), and at least one layer is non-digitally printed (e.g., screen printing, flexographic printing, gravure printing, rotary gravure printing, pad printing, etc.).

[0043] The carrier layer 102 may be formed of paper or plastic film. Suitable materials for the carrier layer 102 include polypropylene film and polyester film, wherein polyester is more heat-resistant. MYLAR® and MELINEX® are two trademarks under which these materials are commercially available. The carrier film 102 may also be formed of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) film. Paper is less expensive than plastic film; however, paper has less ideal dimensional stability unless printing is performed in a controlled environment with respect to temperature and relative humidity. The carrier layer 102 may be a release-coated paper or plastic film. The release coating may be silicone-based, or the release coating may include other coatings. In one embodiment, both surfaces 104 and 110 of the carrier layer 102 are coated with a release coating, wherein the release coatings have different release properties. For example, the printed surface 104 will typically have a tighter release force than the non-printed surface 110; alternatively, it may have the same release value to help prevent curling problems, or it may be only on the printed surface 104.

[0044] Adhesive 108 can be non-digitally printed onto multilayer label 106, or it can be applied to multilayer label 106 as a powder or a printable adhesive. For example, adhesive 108 can be applied to multilayer label 106 as a powder, and the upper surface or layer on which the powdered adhesive 108 is applied is wet. Adhesive 108 can be a heat-activated adhesive, such as one or more powdered resins including polyamides, polyesters, and polyurethanes. Examples of polyamide resins include GRILTEX® IA and other polyamides from EMS-GRILTECH (a division of EMS-CHEMIE), and UNEX® PA T11 and other polyamides from DAKOTA COATINGS NV. Examples of polyester resins include GRILTEX® 6E and other polyesters from EMS-GRILTECH, and UNEX® PES T6 and other polyesters from DAKOTA COATING NV. Examples of polyurethane resins include UNEX® 4529 and other polyurethanes from DAKOTA COATINGS NV. If applied as a powder, the adhesive powder resin can be dispersed in a resin solution, solvent, or water before application to produce a printable adhesive.

[0045] Adhesive 108 can also be a non-digital printing adhesive based on a combination of one or more rosins and / or one or more resins. These can be solvent-based, water-based, or UV-curable. These can be thermally activated combinations of polyolefins, polyesters, polyacrylates, polyvinyl chloride / polyvinyl acetate (PVC / PVA) resins, and terpene-based rosins. Examples of polyolefin resins can be ADVANTIS 510W, CP343, etc., provided by Eastman Chemical Company, and LICOCENEP P2602, LICOCENE PP MA4221, etc., provided by Clariant Plastics & Coatings Ltd., a subsidiary of Clariant International. Examples of polyesters can be AROPLAZ® 4097-WG4-55, FINE-TONE® T-6694, etc., provided by Reichold, LLC, and VITEL 2200B, VITEL 3300B, etc., provided by Bostik, Inc. Examples of polyacrylates may include PARALOID® B-48N, supplied by Dow Coating Materials (a division of Dow Chemical Corporation). PVC / PVA resins may include other VINNOL® E 22 / 48A and VINNOL® H 15 / 50 supplied by WackerChemie AG. Examples of terpene rosins include SYLVARES® 1095 and SYLVARES® TR7125 from Kraton Corporation, and STABELITE™ ESTER 10-E and LEWISOL™ 28-M from Eastman Chemical Company. These can be blended in different percentages in solvents, water, and / or liquid monomers prior to application to produce printable adhesives.

[0046] Figure 2 and Figure 3 Example Figure 1The label assembly 100 shown is applied to article 212. Article 212 may represent an object to which multiple layers of labels 106 are to be attached, such as clothing, plastics, cosmetic or personal care objects or containers, medical fabrics, sports fabrics, safety fabrics, automotive fabrics, rubber objects, vulcanized rubber objects, metal objects, fiber objects, glass objects, etc. The label assembly 100 is positioned on article 212 such that adhesive 108 contacts surface 214 of article 212. Heat 216 or a combination of heat 216 and pressure 218 may be applied to the non-printed surface 110 of carrier layer 102, which is opposite to the printed surface 104 of carrier layer 102. As shown, when applied to article 212, the label assembly 100 may be positioned relative to... Figure 1 The perspective view in the image is flipped. Heat 216 or heat 216 and pressure 218 can cause the multilayer label 106 to separate from the peel coating of the carrier layer 102 and cause the adhesive 108 to couple the multilayer label 106 to the article 212.

[0047] For example, when heat 216 or heat 216 and pressure 218 are applied, the adhesive 108 can soften and permanently adhere to the article 212. Because the adhesive strength between the layers of the multilayer label 106 is greater than the adhesive strength between the multilayer label 106 and the carrier layer 102, the layers of the multilayer label 106 remain attached to each other and are transferred together to the article 212 when heat 216 or heat 216 and pressure 218 are applied, as... Figure 3 As shown. After this heat transfer process, the carrier layer 102 is peeled off or otherwise removed from the multilayer label 106, and the multilayer label 106 is permanently attached to the article 212 via adhesive 108, as... Figure 3 As shown.

[0048] Each of the non-digital and digital printing layers described herein can be formed by a single printing pass or multiple printing passes. For example, any layer can be formed by a single pass on an underlying layer using a digital or non-digital printing press, or by a number of consecutive printing passes (e.g., as multiple layers printed directly onto each other in consecutive printing passes).

[0049] Figure 4 An example of a hybrid thermal transfer label assembly 400 is shown. Label assembly 400 may represent... Figure 1 and Figure 2 The label component 100 shown includes a label that can represent Figures 1 to 3The multi-layer label 406 shown is a multi-layer label 106. The multi-layer label 406 can be formed (e.g., printed) onto the aforementioned carrier layer 102. The multi-layer label 406 includes a coated protective layer 420 that can be non-digitally printed directly onto the carrier layer 102. Optionally, some or all of the protective layer 420 can be digitally printed onto the carrier layer 102. The protective layer 420 may be referred to as the first lower layer. The protective layer 420 can be transparent, translucent, light-transmitting, etc., such that after the multi-layer label 406 is adhered to the article 212, one or more layers printed onto the protective layer 420 are visible through the protective layer 420. The protective layer 420 can be formed of a polymer material through which one or more layers printed onto the protective layer 420 are visible.

[0050] For example, protective layer 420 can be printed from a composition comprising: approximately 82.6% by weight of Estane® 5703 resin solution (composed of approximately 20% polyester-type thermoplastic polyurethane in a mixture of cyclohexanone / ethyl 3-ethoxypropionate) (Lubrizol Advanced Materials, Inc.); approximately 9.9% by weight of CAB-381-20 resin solution (composed of approximately 20% cellulose acetate butyrate in a mixture of cyclohexanone / ethyl 3-ethoxypropionate) (Eastman Chemical Company); approximately 5% cyclohexanone (Ashland Inc.); approximately 2% Cab-O-Sil® TS-610 fumed silica (Cabot Corp.); and approximately 0.5% TEGO® Foamex-N defoamer (Evonik Industries AG). The above composition contains approximately 20.5% by weight of solids and approximately 79.5% by weight of VOCs. Optionally, the protective top clear adhesive may contain any of a number of crosslinking agents to improve the toughness and chemical resistance of the protective top clear adhesive, such as 5% Desmodur® N-75 aliphatic polyisocyanate (Bayer Material Science). The term "about" includes the values ​​mentioned above, as well as other values ​​within manufacturing tolerances (e.g., in different embodiments, in the range of 1%, in the range of 2%, or in the range of 3%).

[0051] Surface treatment layer 422 can be printed onto protective layer 420. Surface treatment layer 422 can be printed using the non-digital printing processes described herein. Alternatively, part or all of surface treatment layer 422 can be digitally printed. Surface treatment layer 422 may be formed from one or more primers or coatings to provide a surface on which digital printing layer 424 can be digitally printed. For example, protective layer 420 may be too smooth for a digital printing press (e.g., an inkjet printer) to directly digitally print digital printing layer 424 onto protective layer 420. Surface treatment layer 422 can provide a less smooth surface that is more receptive to digital printing inks of digital printing layer 424 (e.g., higher or lower surface energy to prevent accidental smearing, beading, or mixing of digital or post-printing inks with incompatible surface tensions). Alternatively, instead of providing surface treatment layer 422, the exposed surface of protective layer 420 is treated to improve adhesion between the protective layer and digital printing layer 424. For example, instead of printing or coating a surface treatment layer 422 on the protective layer 420, the surface of the protective layer 420 (e.g., the surface facing away from the carrier layer 102) can be treated to change the surface energy (e.g., by changing the surface energy of the protective layer 420) to roughen, clean, and prepare the surface, thereby improving the adhesion between the protective layer 420 and the digitally printed layer 424. One or more of a variety of techniques can be used to treat the surface, such as exposing the surface to a gas flame, exposing the surface to an air plasma, using corona treatment, exposing the surface to a chemical plasma, etc.

[0052] Digital printing layer 424 may include one or more inks that are digitally printed to form one or more images and / or markings. As described above, these images may include variable data (e.g., different images and / or markings on different labels) and / or non-variable data (e.g., the same image and / or markings on each label). For example, digital printing layer 424 may include barcodes, variable decorations and effects, QR codes, sequential numbering (e.g., between or within different labels), etc. Digital printing layer 424 may include security features such as data and watermarks, with watermarks having invisible markings for security detection (e.g., via a handheld scanner or mobile device). The watermark formed in digital printing layer 424 may be optically detected by an optical sensor (e.g., a camera on a mobile phone) and may enable the mobile device to take one or more actions, such as performing a security verification check or loading a website connected to item 212 to which digital printing layer 424 is ultimately interconnected. Digital printing layer 424 may include UV-sensitive inks such that images and / or markings are only visible when exposed to UV light. Digital printing layer 424 may include machine labeling inks or magnetic inks that can be electronically detected by a scanner. As another example, digital printing layer 424 may include inks that provide unique effects, such as a glossy appearance, a matte appearance, a foil or metallic appearance, embossing, etc. These detectable designs, watermarks, or inks can also be printed onto the label via the non-digital portion of the process, i.e., screen printing with magnetic or coded inks, to provide more reliable functionality or detection by increasing deposit thickness or visibility. Digital printing layers containing images, markings, text, numbers, or other graphics as described herein may be referred to as graphic or graphic layers.

[0053] Adhesive layer 426 may be printed onto digitally printed layer 424. Optionally, adhesive layer 426 is not included in label assembly 406. Adhesive layer 426 may be printed using non-digital printing processes such as screen printing. Adhesive layer 426 facilitates coupling of underlying layers 420, 422, 424 to article 212 via adhesive 108. Adhesive layer 426 may be formed of a polymeric material that softens and bonds to article 212 when subjected to heat 216 or a combination of heat 216 and pressure 218. Adhesive 108 may be applied onto adhesive layer 426 or digitally printed layer 424 (if adhesive layer 426 is not present in label assembly 400).

[0054] Alternatively, adhesive layer 426 and adhesive 108 can be combined into a single layer. For example, Figure 4 The adhesive layer 426 and adhesive 108 shown (and in other figures where the adhesive layer 426 is in direct contact with or otherwise adjacent to the adhesive 108) may be replaced by a single layer representing a combination of materials forming the adhesive layer 426 and adhesive 108.

[0055] One or more surfaces of the tag assembly 400 can be treated to alter the surface energy, surface tension, or smoothness, thereby improving the adhesion of a layer to the treated surface. For example, the surfaces of one or more of layers 420, 422, 424, and / or 426 can be exposed to air plasma (e.g., corona treatment), chemical plasma, gas flame, etc., to roughen the surfaces (e.g., at a microscale) to alter the surface tension of layers 420, 422, 424, and / or 426, or otherwise improve the adhesion between the surface and another layer 420, 422, 424, or 426.

[0056] As described above, the label assembly 400 can contact the article 212, such that the adhesive 108 contacts the surface 214 of the article 212. Heat 216, or a combination of heat 216 and pressure 218, is applied to the surface 110 of the carrier layer 102 to detach the label 406 from the carrier layer 102 and to adhere the label 406 to the article 212. The label 406 can adhere to articles 212, such as cosmetic containers, personal care products (e.g., toothbrushes, hairbrushes, etc.), other polymer surfaces, etc.

[0057] Figure 5 Another example of a hybrid thermal transfer label assembly 500 is illustrated. Label assembly 500 may represent... Figure 1 and Figure 2 The label component 100 shown includes a label that can represent Figures 1 to 3 The multi-layer label 106 shown is a multi-layer label 506. Label component 500 and label 506 can represent... Figure 4 Another embodiment of the label assembly 400 and label 406 is shown. One difference between label assemblies 400, 500 and labels 406, 506 is the presence of an additional graphic layer 528 and an optional support or backing layer 530. The graphic layer 528 may be printed onto the adhesive layer 426 or the digital printing layer 424 (if the adhesive layer 426 is not included in the label 506). The graphic layer 528 may include one or more images and / or markings printed in a non-digital manner (e.g., using screen printing). The graphic layer 528 is printed over the digital printing layer 424 such that once the label 506 is adhered to the article 212, the digital printing layer 424 is on top of the graphic layer 528.

[0058] The graphic layer 528 can be printed using non-digital techniques such as screen printing. The graphic layer 528 can be a solid color (e.g., the same) ink layer, or it can include different colors of ink in different areas of the graphic layer 528. Optionally, the graphic layer 528 may include images and / or markings. The digitally printed layer 424 covering the graphic layer 528 can provide various appearances, such as a different background color (different from article 212), increased contrast between the digitally printed layer 424 and article 212, etc.

[0059] The support layer 530 can be printed using non-digital techniques such as screen printing. The support layer 530 can be a solid color (e.g., the same) ink layer, such as white, black, etc. In one embodiment, the support layer 530 is printed using white pigment. For example, the support layer 530 may be formed from a white ink formulation comprising a resin solution (formulated from 36.73 wt% ethyl 3-ethoxypropionate, 4.51 wt% cyclohexanone, 4.61 wt% Estane® 5703 thermoplastic polyurethane resin and 1.14 wt% CAB-381-20 cellulose ester resin), 1.84 wt% Nanomer® 1.28E nanoclay, a white paste (formulated from 18.66 wt% ethyl 3-ethoxypropionate, 3.96 wt% cyclohexanone, 5.66 wt% Estane® 5703 thermoplastic polyurethane resin and 18.86 wt% TIOXIDE® TR90 titanium dioxide), 0.86 wt% INEOS® IJI silicone, and 0.17 wt% TEGO® Foamex. N defoamer and 3.00% Desmodur® N-75 aliphatic polyisocyanate. White ink can be screen-printed on top of adhesive layer 20 via a stainless steel mesh, for example, 270 lines per inch. The white ink can be applied once or via multiple passes. Layer 530 can be formed from one or more rubber-based inks, such as rubber-based screen printing inks.

[0060] Optionally, the support layer 530 may include images and / or markings. The support layer 530 may make the images, markings, and / or colors of the digital printing layer 424 and / or graphics layer 528 clearer, and / or have increased contrast relative to the label 506 without the support layer 530. For example, the support layer 530 may prevent the colors of the underlying article 212 (once the label 506 is applied to the article 212) from showing through or make the images and / or markings more difficult to see.

[0061] In another embodiment, the label assembly 500 does not include a surface treatment layer 422, an adhesive layer 426, and / or a support layer 530. One or more surfaces of the label assembly 500 may be treated to change the energy of the surface, change the surface tension of the surface, or roughen the surface, thereby improving the adhesion of a layer to the treated surface, as described above.

[0062] The label assembly 500 is in contact with the article 212, allowing the adhesive 108 to contact the surface 214 of the article 212. Heat 216, or a combination of heat 216 and pressure 218, is applied to the surface 110 of the carrier layer 102 to detach the label 506 from the carrier layer 102 and to adhere the label 506 to the article 212. The label 506 can adhere to articles 212, such as cosmetic containers, personal care products (e.g., toothbrushes, hairbrushes, etc.), other polymer surfaces, etc.

[0063] Figure 6 Another example of a hybrid thermal transfer label assembly 600 is illustrated. Label assembly 600 may represent... Figure 1 and Figure 2 The label component 100 shown includes a label that can represent Figures 1 to 3 The multi-layer label 606 shown is a multi-layer label 106. As shown, the label assembly 600 includes a carrier layer 102, a protective layer 420, and a digital printing layer 424, and may optionally include a surface treatment layer 422. In another embodiment, the label assembly 600 does not include a surface treatment layer 422.

[0064] The label assembly 600 includes a support layer 630 that may be identical to the support layer 530, except that the support layer 530 may be formed in a single printing pass, while the support layer 630 may be formed in multiple printing passes. For example, the support layer 530 may be printed via screen printing by applying ink in a single pass, while the support layer 630 may be printed via screen printing by applying ink in several passes. Therefore, the support layer 630 may be thicker than the support layer 530, and / or provide increased contrast between the digitally printed layer 424 and the underlying article 212. Alternatively, the support layer 530 may be printed in multiple passes and / or the support layer 630 may be printed in a single pass.

[0065] The label assembly 600 includes an adhesive 608, which may represent adhesive 108. Adhesive 608 may be identical to adhesive 108, except that adhesive 108 may be formed by a single printing pass of adhesive material, while adhesive 608 may be formed by multiple printing passes. For example, adhesive 108 may be printed from a single application of adhesive via screen printing, while adhesive 608 may be printed from several applications of adhesive via screen printing. Therefore, adhesive 608 may be thicker than adhesive 108 and / or provide increased adhesion or coupling to the underlying article 212. Alternatively, adhesive 108 may be printed in multiple passes and / or adhesive 608 may be printed in a single pass. One or more surfaces of the label assembly 600 may be treated to change the surface energy, change the surface tension of the surface, or roughen the surface, and thereby improve the adhesion of a layer to the treated surface, as described above. For example, the surface of the label assembly 600 may be heated, exposed to plasma, etc.

[0066] As described above, the label assembly 600 can contact the article 212, such that the adhesive 608 contacts the surface 214 of the article 212. Heat 216, or a combination of heat 216 and pressure 218, is applied to the surface 110 of the carrier layer 102 to detach the label 606 from the carrier layer 102 and to adhere the label 606 to the article 212. The label 606 can adhere to fabric articles 212, such as medical fabrics, sports and safety fabrics, automotive fabrics, etc. The added adhesive 608 helps to keep the label 606 attached to the fabric (relative to labels 406, 506).

[0067] Figure 7 Another example of a hybrid thermal transfer label assembly 700 is illustrated. Label assembly 700 may represent... Figure 1 and Figure 2 The label component 100 shown includes a label that can represent Figures 1 to 3 The multi-layer label 706 shown is a multi-layer label 106. As shown, the label assembly 700 includes a carrier layer 102, a protective layer 420, a digital printing layer 424, a support layer 530, and an adhesive 108, and may optionally include a surface treatment layer 422. In another embodiment, the label assembly 700 does not include a surface treatment layer 422.

[0068] The label assembly 700 includes a barrier layer 732 that prevents dyes, stains, etc., from migrating from the article 212 to the support layer 530 and / or the digital printing layer 424. The barrier layer 732 may be formed of the same material as the protective layer 420, or of carbon, polyamide, acrylic resin, or other polymers that can be applied in a non-digital printing press and form a barrier against dyes, stains, etc. The barrier layer 732 may be printed onto the support layer 530. This helps ensure that the color and other characteristics of the appearance of the digital printing layer 424 and / or the support layer 530 are not altered by dyes, stains, etc., from the article 212. One or more surfaces of the label assembly 700 may be treated to change the surface energy, change the surface tension, or roughen the surface, thereby improving the adhesion of a layer to the treated surface, as described above.

[0069] The label assembly 700 is in contact with the article 212, allowing the adhesive 108 to contact the surface 214 of the article 212. Heat 216, or a combination of heat 216 and pressure 218, is applied to the surface 110 of the carrier layer 102 to detach the label 706 from the carrier layer 102 and to adhere the label 706 to the article 212. The label 706 can adhere to fabric articles 212, such as medical fabrics, sports and safety fabrics, automotive fabrics, etc. A barrier layer 732 helps prevent sweat, body fluids, dyes, or other sources of staining from altering the appearance of the label 706.

[0070] Figure 8Another example of a hybrid thermal transfer label assembly 800 is illustrated. Label assembly 800 may represent... Figure 1 and Figure 2 The label component 100 shown includes a label that can represent Figures 1 to 3 The multi-layer label 806 shown is a multi-layer label 106. As shown, the label assembly 800 includes a carrier layer 102, a digital printing layer 424, a support layer 530, a barrier layer 732, and an adhesive 608, and may optionally include a surface treatment layer 422. In another embodiment, the label assembly 700 does not include the surface treatment layer 422 and / or the barrier layer 732.

[0071] The label assembly 800 includes an adhesive layer 834 that can be printed (using non-digital technology) onto a support layer 530. For example, the adhesive layer 834 can be screen-printed onto the support layer 530. The adhesive layer 834 can attach underlying layers 102, 422, 424, 530, 834 (where these layers are included) to a barrier layer 732. The adhesive layer 834 can be formed of a polymeric material that softens and bonds to the barrier layer 732 when subjected to heat and pressure during the transfer of the label 806 to the article 212. For example, the adhesive layer 834 can be formed of a varnish or other translucent (e.g., transparent) material.

[0072] In one embodiment, the support layer 530 may be a multi-stroke or pass layer. For example, as described above, the support layer 530 may be formed by several passes or printing operations rather than a single printing pass. One or more surfaces of the label assembly 800 may be treated to change the surface energy, change the surface tension of the surface, or roughen the surface, and thereby improve the adhesion of a layer to the treated surface, as described above.

[0073] The label assembly 800 is in contact with the article 212, allowing the adhesive 608 to contact the surface 214 of the article 212. Heat 216, or a combination of heat 216 and pressure 218, is applied to the surface 110 of the carrier layer 102 to detach the label 806 from the carrier layer 102 and to adhere the label 806 to the article 212. The label 806 can adhere to fabric articles 212, such as medical fabrics, sports and safety fabrics, automotive fabrics, etc. A barrier layer 832 helps prevent sweat, body fluids, dyes, or other sources of staining from altering the appearance of the label 806.

[0074] Figure 9 Another example of a hybrid thermal transfer label assembly 900 is illustrated. Label assembly 900 may represent... Figure 1 and Figure 2 The label component 100 shown includes a label that can represent Figures 1 to 3The multi-layer label 906 shown is a multi-layer label 106. As shown, the label assembly 900 includes a carrier layer 102, a surface treatment layer 422, a digital printing layer 424, and an adhesive 108. In another embodiment, the label assembly 900 does not include the protective layer 420, the surface treatment layer 422, and / or the adhesive 108.

[0075] The label assembly 900 includes a rubber layer 936 that can be printed onto a digitally printed layer 424 (using non-digital technology). For example, the rubber layer 936 may be formed from rubber screen-printed onto the digitally printed layer 424 or from inks containing rubber. The rubber layer 936 enables the label 906 to adhere to a rubber surface of the article 212, such as automotive parts (e.g., tires, hoses, or belts) or other vulcanized materials. In one embodiment, the label 906 may remain adhered to the rubber article 212 without the rubber layer 936. The rubber layer 936 may be black or white so that it can also be used as a backing layer, as described above. Alternatively, the rubber layer 936 may have another color or combination of colors. One or more surfaces of the label assembly 900 may be treated to change the surface energy, change the surface tension of the surface, or roughen the surface, and thereby improve the adhesion of a layer to the treated surface, as described above.

[0076] The label assembly 900 can contact the article 212, such that the adhesive 108 or rubber layer 936 contacts the surface 214 of the article 212. Heat 216 or a combination of heat 216 and pressure 218 is applied to the surface 110 of the carrier layer 102 to detach the label 906 from the carrier layer 102 and to adhere the label 906 to the article 212. The label 906 can adhere to rubber or vulcanized articles 212, such as automotive hoses, tires, etc.

[0077] Figure 10 Another example of a hybrid thermal transfer label assembly 1000 is illustrated. Label assembly 1000 may represent... Figure 1 and Figure 2 The label component 100 shown includes a label that can represent Figures 1 to 3 The multi-layer label 1006 shown is a multi-layer label 1006. As shown, the label assembly 1000 includes a carrier layer 1002, a surface treatment layer 422, a digital printing layer 424, an adhesive layer 426, an additional graphic layer 528, a rubber layer 936, and an adhesive 108. In another embodiment, the label assembly 1000 does not include the protective layer 420, the surface treatment layer 422, and / or the additional graphic layer 528.

[0078] Carrier layer 1002 can be Figures 1 to 3The carrier layer 102 shown is an example of a carrier layer 1002 without a release coating. For example, while a carrier layer 102 with a release coating already present on it is possible, the carrier layer 1002 may not have any release coating. The release coating 1038 may be printed (e.g., in a non-digital manner, such as via screen printing, gravure printing, or flexographic printing) onto the carrier layer 1002. For example, silicone, wax, or other materials that peel the carrier layer 1002 from the other layers 420, 422, 424, 528, and / or 936 may be added to the carrier layer 1002. One or more surfaces of the label assembly 1000 may be treated to change the surface energy, change the surface tension, or roughen the surface, thereby improving the adhesion of a layer to the treated surface, as described above.

[0079] The label assembly 1000 is in contact with the article 212, such that the adhesive 108 or rubber layer 1036 contacts the surface 214 of the article 212. Heat 216 or a combination of heat 216 and pressure 218 is applied to the surface 110 of the carrier layer 102 to detach the label 1006 from the carrier layer 102 and to adhere the label 1006 to the article 212. The label 1006 can adhere to rubber articles 212, such as automotive belts, hoses, tires, etc.

[0080] Figure 11 Another example of a hybrid thermal transfer label assembly 1100 is illustrated. Label assembly 1100 may represent... Figure 1 and Figure 2 The label component 100 shown includes a label that can represent Figures 1 to 3 The multi-layer label 1106 shown is a multi-layer label 106. As shown, the label assembly 1100 includes a carrier layer 102, a surface treatment layer 422, a digital printing layer 424, an adhesive layer 426, an additional graphic layer 528, and an adhesive 108. In another embodiment, the label assembly 1100 does not include the surface treatment layer 422, the adhesive layer 426, and / or the additional graphic layer 528. One or more surfaces of the label assembly 1100 may be treated to change the surface energy, change the surface tension of the surface, or roughen the surface, and thereby improve the adhesion of a layer to the treated surface, as described above.

[0081] The label assembly 1100 is in contact with the article 212, allowing the adhesive 108 to contact the surface 214 of the article 212. The article 212 may be formed of metal, fiber, or glass, and / or the surface 214 of the article 212 may include metal, fiber, or glass. Heat 216 or a combination of heat 216 and pressure 218 is applied to the surface 110 of the carrier layer 102 to detach the label 1106 from the carrier layer 102 and to adhere the label 1106 to the preheated article 212.

[0082] Figure 12Another example of a hybrid thermal transfer label assembly 1200 is illustrated. Label assembly 1200 may represent... Figure 1 and Figure 2 The label component 100 shown includes a label that can represent Figures 1 to 3 The multi-layer label 1206 shown is a multi-layer label 106. As shown, the label assembly 1200 includes an uncoated carrier layer 1002, a release layer 1038, a protective or special effects layer 1240, a surface treatment layer 422, a digital printing layer 424, an additional graphic layer 528, a support layer 530, and an adhesive 108. In another embodiment, the label assembly 1200 does not include the surface treatment layer 422, the additional graphic layer 528, and / or the support layer 530.

[0083] The protective or special effects layer 1240 may include one or more materials that add a glossy appearance to the underlying digital printing layer 424 or a matte appearance to the underlying digital printing layer 424. Optionally, the special effects layer 1240 may include a metallic foil (or HRI high reflectivity ZnS foil) to provide a metallic appearance to the label 1206. The metallic foil may be thin enough that the digital printing layer 424 is visible through layer 1240 once the label 1206 is applied to article 212 and carrier layer 1002 is removed. The special effects layer 1240 may be an embossed layer having one or more graphics or markings embossed into layer 1240. The special effects layer 1240 may be digitally printed using the same digital printing press that printed the digital printing layer 424 or using another digital or analog printing method. Alternatively, layer 1240 may be a protective layer 420. One or more surfaces of the label assembly 1200 can be processed to change the energy of the surface, change the surface tension of the surface, or roughen the surface, thereby improving the adhesion of a layer to the processed surface, as described above.

[0084] The label assembly 1200 is contactable with the article 212, allowing the adhesive 108 to contact the surface 214 of the article 212. The article 212 may be formed of metal, fiber, or glass, and / or the surface 214 of the article 212 may include metal, fiber, or glass. Heat 216 or a combination of heat 216 and pressure 218 is applied to the surface 110 of the carrier layer 102 to detach the label 1206 from the carrier layer 102 and to adhere the label 1206 to the article 212.

[0085] Figure 13An example of an in-line printing system 1342 is illustrated, which can be used to produce one or more hybrid digital thermal transfer label assemblies as described herein. The in-line printing system 1342 can print several or all layers of the label assembly 100 without removing the partially formed label assembly from the printing system 1342. For example, the carrier layer 102 of the label assembly 100 can be inserted into the printing system 1342 at the input end 1344 of the housing 1346 of the printing system 1342 and not removed from the housing 1346 of the printing system 1342 until the label assembly 100 is manufactured (via the exit end 1348 of the housing 1346).

[0086] For example, carrier layer 102 may be provided to printing system 1342 as a separate sheet 102A (e.g., in sheet form) or as a continuous roll 102B (e.g., in roll form). One or more conveyors, cylinders, or rollers 1350 may transport carrier layer 102 to and / or through several printing presses 1352 (e.g., printing presses 1352A-E). The number of printing presses 1352 is provided as an example. Each printing press in the printing presses 1352 may print one or more additional layers 1354 onto carrier layer 102 and / or other layers 1354 already on carrier layer 102, such as... Figure 13 As shown. Layer 1354 may represent layers 420, 422, 424, 426, 528, 530, 608, 630, 732, 834, 936, 1002, 1038 and / or 1240, as described above.

[0087] At least one of the printing presses 1352 may be a digital printing press (e.g., an inkjet printer), while at least one other printing press 1352 may be a non-digital printing press (e.g., a screen printing press). For example, a digital printing press (e.g., 1352B) may be positioned downstream of a non-digital printing press (e.g., 1352A) and upstream of another non-digital printing press (e.g., 1352C), such that digitally printed layers printed by the digital printing press are disposed between non-digital printed layers. Optionally, one or more printing presses 1352 may include and / or represent a heating device that heats, dries, and / or cures the uppermost layer on the carrier layer 102 as the layers on the carrier layer 102 pass through the printing press 1352 or the heating device. Examples of such heating devices include air-impact dryers, ovens, infrared lamps, etc.

[0088] As shown, the carrier layer 102 passes through or is below the printing press 1352 so that the layers in the label assembly 100 are printed sequentially without removing the carrier layer 102 or the printed layers from the printing system 1342. As described above, one or more printing presses in the printing press 1352 can deposit layers in a single pass or stroke, or by depositing layers in multiple passes or strokes. Once the layers forming the label 106 have been printed onto the carrier layer 102, the label 106 (in roll or sheet form) can be removed from the printing system 1342. The in-line printing system 1342 can form the label assembly 100 and reduce the number of times the operator handles the label assembly 100, thereby reducing registration errors between layers, shortening printing time, etc.

[0089] Figure 14 Another example of a printing system 1442 is illustrated, which can be used to produce one or more hybrid digital thermal transfer label assemblies as described herein. Compared to an in-line printing system 1342, the printing system 1442 has two or more separate printing presses 1352 that do not directly supply the carrier layer 102 (and any printed layers) from one printing press 1352 to the next. Instead, the carrier layer 102 and any printed layers are removed from one printing press 1352 (e.g., by the operator of the printing system 1442) and then inserted into the next printing press 1352.

[0090] A method for producing a hybrid thermal transfer label assembly may include obtaining a carrier layer. This method can be used to create one or more label assemblies as described herein. If the carrier layer does not include a release coating or layer, the method may include subsequently printing (e.g., non-digitally) the release coating or layer onto the carrier layer. The method may also include subsequently printing one or more underlying layers non-digitally onto the carrier layer (having a release coating). These underlying layers may include one or more of a protective layer, a surface treatment layer, and / or a special effects layer.

[0091] The method includes subsequently digitally printing one or more images and / or markings on an underlying layer. These images and / or markings may be the digitally printed layer described above. The method also includes subsequently printing (e.g., in a non-digital manner) one or more additional layers on the digitally printed layer. These additional layers may include the adhesive layer, adhesive, additional graphic layer, support layer, barrier layer, and / or rubber layer described above. This forms one or more label components among the label components described herein.

[0092] In one embodiment, a hybrid thermal transfer label assembly is provided. The label assembly includes a carrier layer, a non-digital printed protective layer disposed above the carrier layer, a digitally printed layer disposed above the non-digital printed protective layer, and a non-digital printed layer disposed above the digitally printed layer. The non-digital printed protective layer, the digitally printed layer, and the non-digital printed layer form a label configured to detach from the carrier layer and adhere to an article when heat is applied to the carrier layer.

[0093] Alternatively, once the label is affixed to the item, the digitally printed layer is visible through a non-digitally printed protective layer.

[0094] Optionally, the non-digital printed layer includes an adhesive.

[0095] Optionally, the non-digital printed layer includes an adhesive layer.

[0096] Optionally, the non-digital printed layer includes a screen-printed graphic layer.

[0097] Alternatively, the non-digital printed layer may include a screen-printed support layer.

[0098] Optionally, the non-digital printed layer includes a barrier layer that prevents stains from migrating from the article to the digital printed layer.

[0099] Optionally, the non-digital printed layer includes a lacquer layer.

[0100] Optionally, the non-digital printed layer includes a rubber layer.

[0101] Optionally, the non-digital printing layer is a first non-digital printing layer, and the label assembly may also include a second non-digital printing layer disposed above the first non-digital printing layer and the digital printing layer.

[0102] A method for producing a hybrid thermal transfer label assembly is also provided. The method includes printing a protective layer over a carrier layer using a first non-digital printing press, digitally printing a digitally printed layer over the non-digital printed protective layer, and printing a non-digital printed layer over the digitally printed layer using either a first or a second non-digital printing press. The protective layer, the digitally printed layer, and the non-digital printed layer form a label configured to detach from the carrier layer and adhere to an article when heat is applied to the carrier layer.

[0103] Alternatively, the protective layer may be printed as one or more of a transparent layer, a translucent layer, or a light-transmitting layer.

[0104] Alternatively, the protective layer and the non-digital printed layer are screen-printed.

[0105] Alternatively, an adhesive can be used to print a non-digital printed layer.

[0106] Alternatively, the non-digital printed layer is printed as an adhesive layer.

[0107] Alternatively, the non-digital printed layer is screen-printed as a graphic layer.

[0108] Alternatively, the non-digital printed layer is screen-printed as a support layer.

[0109] Optionally, the non-digital printed layer is printed as a barrier layer to prevent stains from migrating from the article to the digital printed layer.

[0110] Alternatively, lacquer can be used to print non-digital printed layers.

[0111] In another embodiment, a different method for producing a hybrid thermal transfer label assembly is provided. The method includes screen printing a protective layer onto a carrier layer, digitally printing one or more graphics or marks on the protective layer, screen printing one or more additional layers on the digitally printed graphics or marks, and applying an adhesive to the one or more additional layers to form the hybrid thermal transfer label assembly.

[0112] In the field of label manufacturing and application, there are ongoing challenges in reliably and efficiently transferring labels onto a wide variety of substrates. Some known methods typically involve printed coatings that require precise alignment and application techniques, which can be cumbersome and error-prone. These methods often rely on die-cutting processes or multi-step application, which can lead to inefficiencies and increased production costs. Furthermore, the adhesion of labels to substrates such as rubber, polypropylene, and other materials often requires specific chemical treatments or surface preparations, which can complicate manufacturing processes and limit the versatility of label systems.

[0113] Previously developed solutions have attempted to address these problems using various techniques, such as printed coatings or multilayer constructions. However, these methods typically have several drawbacks. Printed coatings can be inconsistent, leading to variations in label quality and adhesion strength. Additionally, reliance on die-cutting or other mechanical separation techniques can result in waste and increased material costs. Furthermore, the need for specific chemical treatments or surface preparations can limit the applicability of these solutions to a narrow range of substrates, thus reducing their overall utility and adaptability across various industrial applications.

[0114] One or more additional embodiments of the inventive subject matter described herein offer innovative solutions to these challenges by introducing a non-printing coating method utilizing a chemically dependent adhesive system. This system is designed to selectively transfer labels onto a wide variety of substrates without requiring die-cutting or extensive surface treatments. In one example, a Mayer rod is used to apply a coating that forms a protective layer, ensuring uniform application of the protective layer. This protective layer may be chemically incompatible with the substrate or article. This incompatibility allows the label assembly to detach neatly from the carrier when the adhesive is activated, enabling a precise and efficient transfer process. The versatility of this method is further enhanced by the ability to adapt to different substrate materials, such as rubber, steel, and various plastics, through the selection of appropriate chemical compositions for the adhesive and protective layer. This method not only simplifies the label application process but also reduces waste and production costs, offering a significant advancement over existing technologies.

[0115] Chemical incompatibility refers to the unfavorable reaction between two or more chemical substances when combined, resulting in undesirable effects such as degradation, precipitation, or the formation of harmful byproducts. This incompatibility prevents substances from functioning as intended, especially in applications where adhesion, stability, or performance requires the application of specific chemical interactions. For example, chemical incompatibility between layers or surfaces may mean that no chemical-physical interactions form between them, while chemical compatibility means that chemical-physical interactions form between them. Chemical-physical interactions are forces that hold atoms or molecules in different layers or surfaces together to chemically bind the layers or surfaces together. Chemical-physical interactions between layers or surfaces can be covalent bonds, ionic bonds, or metallic bonds. In one example, chemical-physical interactions between layers mean that the layers cannot be separated without damaging or destroying them.

[0116] A neat separation occurs when the label assembly separates from the carrier along a desired straight line or curve, rather than outside the desired straight line or curve. For example, a label may have a rectangular shape, and a neat separation occurs when the label assembly retains the rectangular shape after separation from the carrier, with no visible curves or deviations from the lines forming the rectangular shape.

[0117] Figure 15 Another example of a hybrid thermal transfer label assembly 1500 is illustrated. Label assembly 1500 may represent... Figure 1 and Figure 2 The label component 100 shown includes a label that can represent Figures 1 to 3The multi-layer label 106 shown is a multi-layer label 1506. As described herein, a Mayer bar coater can be used instead of screen printing, flexographic printing, gravure printing, or pad printing to apply the coating as a non-digital printed layer onto the label assembly 100. This provides increased control over the coating thickness, as well as a more consistent coating thickness across the entire label 1506 (when compared to these other printing techniques).

[0118] The label assembly 1500 includes an uncoated carrier layer 1002 and a chemically incompatible coated protective layer 1520. The carrier layer 1002 may optionally be a carrier layer 102. The carrier layer 1002 may be formed of polypropylene, such as extruded uniaxially oriented polypropylene (MOPP). This material is a type of polypropylene film that has been stretched in one direction (e.g., in uniaxial orientation) during manufacturing to improve the strength, stiffness, and barrier properties of the carrier layer 1002. This makes the carrier layer 1002 mechanically stronger (e.g., having higher tensile strength) in that direction than other carrier layers and allows the carrier layer 1002 to be more easily torn in certain directions.

[0119] A chemically incompatible protective coating 1520 can be non-digitally printed directly onto the carrier layer 1002. For example, there may be no other material, layer, or coating between the carrier layer 1002 and the protective layer 1520. The protective layer 1520 is referred to as a non-digitally printed separation protective coating because it is designed to peel off from itself and separate from the carrier layer 1502 when the label 1506 is applied to the article 212. The protective layer 1520 is chemically incompatible with the carrier layer 1002 (to prevent chemical-physical interaction with the carrier layer 1002), but chemically compatible with the adhesive layer 936 (to form a chemical-physical interaction with the adhesive layer 936). As described herein, the adhesive layer 936 forms a chemical-physical interaction with the protective layer 1520, which results in the protective layer 1520 perforating and separating only where there is contact or overlap between the adhesive layer 936 and the protective layer 1520. The protective layer 1520 may be printed onto or applied to all or substantially all (e.g., at least 95% of the surface area on one side) of the carrier layer 1002. As described above, chemical-physical interactions determine where the protective layer 1520 tears, separating the label 1506 from the label assembly 1500. Therefore, the protective layer 1520 may be applied to most (if not all) of one side of the carrier layer 1002.

[0120] The protective layer 1520 may be formed of a material chemically incompatible with the article 212 to which the label 1506 is applied. For example, when the label 1506 is applied to the article 212, the protective layer 1520 does not form a chemical-physical interaction with the article 212 or its surface, regardless of whether heat and / or pressure are used to apply the label 1506 to the article 212. In one example, the protective layer 1520 may be non-digitally printed by forming a PVC layer 1520 on the carrier layer 1002 using a Mayer rod. The article 212 to which the label 1506 is applied or its surface may be formed of rubber, such as vulcanized rubber (used in automotive products such as tires, hoses, etc.), which does not form a chemical-physical interaction with the protective layer 1520. Alternatively, the article 212 or its surface may be formed of steel, graphite, PET, polypropylene, acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) plastic, cotton, polyester, leather, etc., which do not form a chemical-physical interaction with the protective layer 1520.

[0121] The label assembly 1500 includes a digitally printed layer 424 on a protective layer 1520. The digitally printed layer 424 can be digitally printed using a toner or inkjet printer, such as a printer that can directly digitally print cyan, magenta, yellow, black, white, orange, purple, and / or green onto the protective layer 1520 to form the digitally printed layer 424 described herein. The label assembly 1500 includes a support or backing layer 530 that can be directly printed onto the digitally printed layer 424. The support layer 530 can be chemically compatible with the article 212 on which the label 1506 is applied or the surface of the article 212. For example, the support layer 530 can be a rubber-based ink screen-printed onto the digitally printed layer 424. The support layer 530 can provide a solid color as a support for the digitally printed layer 424. For example, the support layer 530 may be a solid monochrome (e.g., only white, only black, or only another monochrome), which increases contrast or otherwise improves the appearance of graphics, text, numbers, or other markings formed by the digital printing layer 424 once the label 1506 is adhered to the article 212.

[0122] The label assembly 1500 includes a printable (using non-digital technology) rubber layer 936 on a support layer 530. For example, the rubber layer 936 may be formed from rubber screen-printed on the support layer 530 or from ink having rubber. Alternatively, the support layer 530 and the rubber layer 936 may be formed as a single layer. The rubber layer 936 may be referred to as a chemically compatible adhesive layer. The rubber layer 936 enables the label 1506 to adhere to a rubber surface of the article 212, such as an automotive part or other vulcanized material. One or more surfaces of the label assembly 1500 may be treated to alter the surface energy, change the surface tension, or roughen the surface, thereby improving the adhesion of a layer to the treated surface, as described above. The chemically compatible adhesive layer or rubber layer 936 may be chemically compatible with the article 212 or the surface of the article 212, such that a chemical-physical interaction is formed between the article 212 and the adhesive or rubber layer 936.

[0123] As schematically shown, the protective layer 1520 forms a chemical-physical interaction 1510 with the adhesive or rubber layer 936 outside the design layers (e.g., the digitally printed layer 424 and support layer 530 that provide the appearance or design of label 1506). The chains representing the chemical-physical interaction 1510 are not actual chains, but rather represent the chemical-physical interaction 1510 between the adhesive / rubber layer 936 and the protective layer 1520. As shown, the chains representing the chemical-physical interaction 1510 do not extend into the carrier layer 1002 or into the carrier layer. This indicates that there is a lack or absence of any chemical-physical interaction 1510 between the carrier layer 1002 and the protective layer 1520 (or between the carrier layer 1002 and any other layers 424, 530, 936).

[0124] The protective layer 1520 does not peel off from the carrier layer 1002 and does not tear or separate from itself without a chemical-physical interaction 1510. The protective layer 1520 is formed of a material that is not chemically compatible with the article 212 on which the protective layer 1520 is applied. For example, the application surface 1504 of the rubber or adhesive layer 936 may be placed on the article 212. Heat and pressure may be applied to the label assembly 1500 on top of or through the carrier layer 1002. The rubber or adhesive layer 936 is chemically bonded to the article 212 or the surface of the article 212 to form a chemical-physical interaction 1510 between the rubber or adhesive layer 936 and the article 212. Therefore, a chemical-physical interaction 1510 exists between the protective layer 1520 and the rubber adhesive layer 936 (and between the rubber adhesive layer 936 and the article 212).

[0125] When the chemically compatible adhesive layer 936 is used in conjunction with the pressure-heated label assembly 1500, the chemical-physical interaction 1510 between the protective layer 1520 and the rubber adhesive layer 936 creates a complete film encapsulation of the digital design layer 424 and the non-digitally printed design layers (e.g., layer 530). These design layers 424, 530 are completely sealed (e.g., encapsulated) within and between the protective layer 1520 and the adhesive rubber layer 936, wherein no portion of layers 424, 530 is exposed. Although Figure 15 The exposed side edges of layers 424 and 530 are shown, but in practice, the portions of layers 1520 and 936 outside these side edges form chemical-physical interactions 1510 with each other, which seal, close or encapsulate the entire layers 424 and 530 between and within layers 1520 and 936.

[0126] The chemical-physical interaction 1510 between the adhesive layer 936 and the article 212 permanently bonds the label 1506 to the article 212. When the carrier layer 1002 is pulled off the article 212, these chemical-physical interactions 1510 create perforations or separations 1508 through the protective layer 1520 around the design of the marking created by layers 424, 530. This perforation or separation 1508 can be a neat tear along the outer edge of the layers 424, 530 through the protective layer 1520. The tear can be located at a position corresponding to the interface between the adhesive layer 936 and the protective layer 1520. For example, the protective layer 1520 is torn at the outer edge where the adhesive layer 936 contacts, overlaps, or is chemically bonded to the protective layer 1520. Although in Figure 15 Not shown, but adhesive layer 936 may be applied on opposite sides of layers 424 and 530. Figure 15 The adhesive layer 936 extends downward and contacts the protective layer 1520. The outer edge of the contact between the adhesive layer 936 and the protective layer 1520 is the location where the protective layer 1520 is torn into different segments, wherein the segments of the protective layer 1520 that overlap, cover, or contact the adhesive layer 936 are removed from the carrier 1002, while the other segments of the protective layer 1520 remain on the carrier layer 1002.

[0127] For example, the chemophysical interaction 1510 between adhesive 936 and protective layer 1520, and between adhesive 936 and article 212, causes label 1506 to separate from carrier layer 1002, and causes protective layer 1520 to tear at the location indicated by perforation 1508. The portions of protective layer 1520, digital printing layer 424, support layer 530, and adhesive layer 936 between these locations remain on article 212 as label 1506, while the remaining portions of these layers 1520, 424, 530, 936, and the entire carrier layer 1002 are removed from article 212 (and carrier layer 1002 is removed from label 1506). In other words, the shape of label 1506, which breaks off or is torn from label assembly 1500, is defined by the locations or areas where adhesive layer 936 and protective layer 1520 overlap, contact, and are chemically bonded to each other. These overlapping, contact, and chemically bonded areas between the adhesive layer 936 and the protective layer 1520 define the outer boundary of the label 1506, which can be peeled or separated from the label assembly 1500. For example, if the adhesive layer 936 contacts, overlaps, and chemically bonds to the protective layer 1520 in the area forming the outer boundary of a square, then the label 1506 peeled or separated from the label assembly 1500 will have a square shape and will be included in the portion of the label assembly 1500 within the boundary of the square shape (even if the adhesive layer 936 and the protective layer 1520 do not contact or chemically bond to each other inside the square shape). As described herein, the adhesive layer 936 forms a chemical-physical interaction with the protective layer 1520, which causes the protective layer 1520 to perforate and separate only where there is contact or overlap between the adhesive layer 936 and the protective layer 1520.

[0128] While the above description of label 1506 focuses on adhering label 1506 to rubber or vulcanized rubber article 212, other materials can be used. For example, the materials used to form the protective layer 1520 and adhesive layer 936 can be varied and selected, depending on the chemical composition of article 212. For instance, the material used to form adhesive layer 936 can be selected to form a chemical-physical interaction 1510 with article 212, the material used to form protective layer 1520 can be selected to form a chemical-physical interaction 1510 with adhesive layer 936, and the material used to form protective layer 1520 may not form a chemical-physical interaction 1510 with article 212. This allows label 1506 to be neatly separated from label assembly 1500.

[0129] Figure 16 Examples are given for constructing and / or using Figure 15This is an example of a method 1600 for applying label 1506 to article 212. For example, a portion of method 1600 may include forming or manufacturing a portion of a hybrid thermal transfer label assembly including a hybrid thermal transfer label, and another portion of method 1600 may include applying the label from the assembly. Not all embodiments of method 1600 are limited to merely constructing, merely applying, or constructing and applying both, unless clearly and explicitly limited in this way. Article 212 is shown as a cylindrical or tubular body, such as a vulcanized rubber hose for automobiles, but may alternatively have another shape. Method 1600 may include printing a protective layer 1520 (in a non-digital or digital manner) onto a carrier layer 1002 using a Mayer rod 1606, and digitally printing a digitally printed layer 424 onto the protective layer 1520. The carrier layer 1002, protective layer 1520, and digitally printed layer 424 may be moved, stored, or otherwise handled on a roll or reel 1602. At 1604, when the digital printing layer 424, the protective layer 1520, and the carrier layer 1002 are unrolled from the roll or reel 1602, a non-digital printing backing layer 530 is printed onto the digital printing layer 424. The non-digital printing backing layer 530 can be printed using a Mayer stick 1606.

[0130] For example, a controlled, uniform liquid layer can be applied to the digitally printed layer 424 using a wire-wound bar or a metering bar to form a non-digitally printed layer 530. The bar 1606 has a tightly wound wire, the diameter of which controls the amount of liquid applied to form the non-digitally printed layer 530. The bar 1606 is pulled across the surface of the digitally printed layer 424, spreading and leveling the liquid into a thin, consistent layer to form the non-digitally printed layer 530. Excess material is scraped off by the bar 1606 to provide a uniform thickness to the non-digitally printed layer 530. Applying the non-digitally printed layer 530 using the bar 1606 ensures uniform application of the layer 530 with precise thickness control.

[0131] Layers 530 and 936 can both be formed by applying the material forming layers 530 and 936 in a single pass using a Mayer rod 1606. That is, layers 530 and 936 can be formed as a single layer of material. Alternatively, the Mayer rod 1606 (or different Mayer rods 1606) can be used in separate passes to form layers 530 and 936 individually. After applying layers 530 and 936, the label assembly 1500 is fully formed.

[0132] At 1608, a portion 1610 of the label assembly 1500 is cut or separated from the remainder of the label assembly 1500 and rotated such that the carrier layer 1002 is on top (and furthest from the article 212), while the adhesive layer 936 is on the bottom (and closest to the article 212). At 1612, the portion 1610 is applied to the article 212 such that the adhesive layer 936 contacts the article 212. At 1614, heat and pressure are applied to the portion 1610 of the label assembly 1500 through the carrier layer 1002 and the protective layer 1520. The heat and pressure can be applied by a heat transfer labeling machine 1618 (e.g., a cylindrical heat transfer label applicator) that applies heat and pressure to all or more of the article 212, not just the location where the label 1506 is to adhere to the article 212. The heat and pressure create a chemical-physical interaction 1510 between the adhesive layer 936 and the article 212, and between the adhesive layer 936 and the protective layer 1520.

[0133] At 1616, portions of the carrier layer 1002 and protective layer 1520 that are not chemically bonded to the adhesive layer 936 are then removed (e.g., at locations where adhesive layer 936 is not applied), thereby forming an encapsulation label 1506 on article 212. The use of a chemical-physical interaction 1510 to define the location where the protective layer 1520 tears and the label 1506 separates from the carrier layer 1002 allows heat and pressure to be applied to an area much larger than where the label 1506 is located. This reduces complexity or eliminates the need to precisely align the applied heat and pressure with the precise location of the label 1506 (because applying heat and pressure outside the location of the label 1506 will not cause any additional portion of the label assembly 1500 outside the label 1506 to unintentionally adhere to article 212). The shape of the label 1506 is defined by the outer boundary of the shape formed by the chemical-physical interaction 1510 between the protective layer 1520 and the adhesive layer 936, as described above. The shape is defined and limited to the locations where the protective layer 1520 and the adhesive layer 936 overlap and are chemically bonded to each other (and the areas within or surrounded by these locations), regardless of other areas or locations where heat and pressure are applied. That is, if there is no chemical-physical interaction 1510 between the adhesive layer 936 and the protective layer 1520, and no chemical-physical interaction 1510 between the adhesive layer 936 and the protective layer 1520 at the boundaries of the bounded area of ​​the label assembly 1500, then this portion of the label assembly 1500 will not separate from the label assembly 1500 as label 1506. Therefore, the adhesive layer 936 may be absent, unable to form, or unable to extend across the entire label assembly 1500. Instead, the adhesive layer 936 may only be present in the label assembly 1500 at the locations where label 1506 is to be formed. The adhesive layer 936 may selectively be printed onto the support layer 530 only in the areas where label 1506 is to be formed, to separate from the rest of the label assembly 1500.

[0134] exist Figure 15 In the example shown, the outer boundary of each word in the word "mark" represents the area or location where the adhesive layer 936 is present, such that a chemical-physical interaction 1510 is formed between the protective layer 1520 and the adhesive layer 936 when heat and pressure are applied. The inner region of each word in the word "mark" represents the encapsulation portion of layers 424, 530 between these chemical-physical interactions 1510 between the protective layer 1520 and the adhesive layer 936.

[0135] Figure 17 Another example of a hybrid thermal transfer label assembly 1700 is illustrated. Label assembly 1700 may represent... Figure 1 and Figure 2 The label component 100 shown includes a label that can represent Figures 1 to 3The multi-layer label 106 shown is a multi-layer label 1706. The label assembly 1700 includes an uncoated carrier layer 1702, a chemically incompatible coating protective layer 1720, a digitally printed graphic layer 424, a backing or support layer 530, and a rubber adhesive layer 936.

[0136] In one example, carrier layer 1702 may represent carrier layer 102. Carrier layer 1702 may be formed of PET, such as a PET layer fifty micrometers thick. This type of carrier layer 1702 provides a good balance of mechanical strength, stability, and peel performance. PET can withstand the high temperatures required for heat transfer without deforming or melting the carrier layer 1702. PET also ensures that the label 1706 is smoothly and controlledly transferred onto the article 212. The PET carrier layer 1702 is thin enough to maintain the flexibility of the label assembly 1700, while being thick enough to prevent wrinkling or stretching.

[0137] A chemically incompatible protective coating 1720 can be non-digitally printed directly onto a carrier layer 1702. For example, there may be no other material, layer, or coating between the carrier layer 1702 and the protective coating 1720. The protective coating 1720 may be formed of a material chemically incompatible with the article 212 onto which the label 1706 is applied. For example, when the label 1706 is applied to the article 212, the protective coating 1720 does not form a chemical-physical interaction 1510 with the article 212 or its surface, regardless of whether heat and / or pressure are used to apply the label 1506 to the article 212. In one example, the protective coating 1720 may be non-digitally printed by an acrylic forming layer 1720 coated onto the carrier layer 1702 using a Mayer rod 1606. As described herein, the protective coating 1720 may be printed onto or applied to all or substantially all of the carrier layer 1702 (e.g., at least 95% of the surface area on one side). As described above, the heat and pressure applied by the heated mold determine the tear position of the protective layer 1720 to separate the label 1706 from the label assembly 1700. Therefore, the protective layer 1720 can be applied to most (if not all) of one side of the carrier layer 1702.

[0138] The article 212 to which label 1706 is applied, or the surface of article 212, may be formed of PVC or another polymer that does not form a chemical-physical interaction with the protective layer 1720. Alternatively, article 212 or the surface of article 212 may be formed of steel, graphite, PET, polypropylene, ABS plastic, cotton, polyester, leather, etc., which do not form a chemical-physical interaction with the protective layer 1720.

[0139] The label assembly 1700 includes a digitally printed layer 424 on a protective layer 1720. The digitally printed layer 424 can be digitally printed using a toner or inkjet printer, as described above. The label assembly 1700 includes a support or backing layer 530 that can be directly printed onto the digitally printed layer 424, as described above. The support layer 530 can be chemically compatible with the article 212 on which the label 1706 is applied or the surface of the article 212. For example, the support layer 530 can be formed of a material chemically bonded 1510 to the article 212. The support layer 530 can be formed of solvent-based vinyl screen printing inks screen-printed onto the digitally printed layer 424. The support layer 530 can provide a solid color as a support for the digitally printed layer 424, as described above. Solvent-based vinyl inks are chemically bonded to a variety of substrates, including synthetic fabrics, plastics, and coated surfaces, which increases the durability of the label 1706. This type of ink resists cracking, peeling, and fading over time, even under repeated washing, abrasion, and exposure to outdoor elements. The vinyl ink remains flexible, preventing Label 1706 from hardening or becoming brittle when applied to soft or stretchable fabrics such as polyester or spandex blends. This type of ink is also resistant to chemicals, solvents, and detergents, making it ideal for Label 1706 on clothing subjected to harsh washing or industrial cleaning.

[0140] The label assembly 1700 includes an adhesive layer 108 that can be printed (using non-digital technology) onto a support layer 530. The adhesive layer 108 may be referred to as an sizing layer and may be formed of a material chemically compatible with the surface of the article 212 or the article 212 onto which the label 1706 is applied. For example, the adhesive layer 108 may be formed of a solvent-based polyurethane-based ink (optionally having one or more crosslinking agents) screen-printed onto the support layer 530. The adhesive layer 108 allows the label 1706 to adhere to the PVC surface of the article 212. One or more surfaces of the label assembly 1700 may be treated to change the surface energy, change the surface tension, or roughen the surface, thereby improving the adhesion of a layer to the treated surface, as described above. The chemically compatible adhesive layer 108 may be chemically compatible with the article 212 or the surface of the article 212, such that a chemical-physical interaction 1510 is formed between the article 212 and the adhesive layer 108.

[0141] In one example, an optional adhesive layer is non-digitally printed on the support layer 530 between the support layer 530 and the adhesive layer 108. This adhesive layer may be formed from one or more solvent-based vinyl screen inks. The adhesive layer may help maintain the adhesive layer 108 bonded to other layers in the label 1706. Alternatively, the support layer 530 and the adhesive layer may be formed as a single layer.

[0142] and Figure 15 and Figure 16Unlike the label 1500 and label 1506 shown and described, label 1706 separates from label assembly 1500 (including carrier 1702) at the location where heated mold 1704 contacts label assembly 1700. Heated mold 1704 represents a body, such as a metal body, heated to a certain temperature and pressed onto carrier layer 108, separating label 1706 from label assembly 1700 and applying label 1706 to article 212. The heat and pressure applied by heated mold 1704 create a chemical-physical interaction 1510 between protective layer 1702 and adhesive layer 108. This causes the location or area where mold 1704 contacts label assembly 1700 to transfer label 1706, rather than the location or area where adhesive 936 contacts protective layer 1502 defining label assembly 1506 of label assembly 1500.

[0143] As schematically shown, the protective layer 1720 forms a chemical-physical interaction 1510 with the adhesive layer 108 outside the design layers (e.g., the digital printing layer 424 and support layer 530 that provide the appearance or design of label 1706). As illustrated, the chains representing the chemical-physical interaction 1510 do not extend into or into the carrier layer 1702. This indicates that there is a lack of or absence of any chemical-physical interaction 1510 between the carrier layer 1702 and the protective layer 1720 (or between the carrier layer 1702 and any other layers 424, 530, 108).

[0144] The protective layer 1720 does not peel off from the carrier layer 1702 and does not tear or separate from itself without a chemical-physical interaction 1510. The protective layer 1720 is formed of a material that is not chemically compatible with the article 212 on which the protective layer 1720 is applied. For example, the application surface 1704 of the adhesive layer 108 may be placed on the article 212. Heat and pressure may be applied to the label assembly 1700 on top of or through the carrier layer via the mold 1704. The adhesive layer 108 is chemically bonded to the article 212 or the surface of the article 212 to form a chemical-physical interaction 1510 between the adhesive layer 108 and the article 212. Therefore, a chemical-physical interaction 1510 exists between the protective layer 1720 and the adhesive layer 108 (and between the adhesive layer 108 and the article 212).

[0145] The tear opening through the protective layer 1720 can be located at a position corresponding to the interface between the adhesive layer 108 and the protective layer 1720. For example, the protective layer 1720 can be torn at the outer edge of the location where the adhesive layer 108 contacts, overlaps, or is chemically bonded to the protective layer 1720. Although Figure 17 Not shown, but adhesive layer 108 may be present. Figure 17The label assembly 1700 extends upward on the opposite sides of layers 424 and 530 and contacts the protective layer 1720 (due to the application or printing of the adhesive layer 108, the label assembly 1700 extends from...). Figure 17 (The perspective shown is inverted). The outer edge of the contact between the adhesive layer 108 and the protective layer 1720 is where the protective layer 1720 is torn into different segments, wherein the segments of the protective layer 1720 that overlap, cover, or contact the adhesive layer 108 are removed from the carrier 1702, while the other segments of the protective layer 1720 remain on the carrier layer 1702.

[0146] When the chemically compatible adhesive layer 108 is used in conjunction with the pressure-heated label assembly 1700, the chemical-physical interaction 1510 between the protective layer 1720 and the adhesive layer 108 produces a complete film encapsulation of the digital design layer 424 and the non-digitally printed design layer (e.g., layer 530). As described above, these design layers 424, 530 are completely sealed (e.g., encapsulated) within and between the protective layer 1720 and the adhesive layer 108.

[0147] The chemical-physical interaction 1510 between the adhesive layer 108 and the article 212 permanently bonds the label 1706 to the article 212. When the carrier layer 1702 is pulled away from the article 212, these chemical-physical interactions 1510 create perforations or separations 1708 around the marking design created by layers 424 and 530. For example, the chemical-physical interaction 1510 between the adhesive layer 108 and the protective layer 1720, and between the adhesive layer 108 and the article 212, causes the label 1706 to separate from the carrier layer 1702, and causes the protective layer 1720 to tear at the location indicated by the perforation 1708. The portions of the protective layer 1720, the digital printing layer 424, the support layer 530, and the adhesive layer 108 between these locations remain on the article 212 as label 1706, while the remaining portions of these layers 1720, 424, 530, 108 and the entire carrier layer 1702 are removed from the article 212 (and the carrier layer 1702 is removed from label 1706).

[0148] While the above description of label 1706 mentions adhering label 1706 to article 212 (such as a PVC or rubber surface of article 212), other materials can be used. For example, depending on article 212, the materials used to form the protective layer 1720 and the adhesive layer 108 can be varied and selected. This allows label 1706 to be neatly separated from label assembly 1700.

[0149] Figure 18 Examples are given for constructing and / or using Figure 17This is an example of a method 1800 for applying label 1706 to article 212. For example, a portion of method 1800 may include forming or manufacturing a portion of a hybrid thermal transfer label assembly including a hybrid thermal transfer label, and another portion of method 1800 may include applying the label from the assembly. Not all embodiments of method 1800 are limited to merely constructing, merely applying, or constructing and applying both, unless clearly and explicitly limited in this way. Article 212 is shown as a flat or planar body, but may alternatively have another shape. Method 1800 may include printing a protective layer 1720 (in a non-digital or digital manner) onto a carrier layer 1702 using a Mayer stick 1606, and digitally printing a digital printing layer 424 onto the protective layer 1720. The carrier layer 1702, the protective layer 1720, and the digital printing layer 424 may be moved, stored, or otherwise handled on a roll or reel 1802. At 1804, when the digital printing layer 424, the protective layer 1720, and the carrier layer 1702 are unrolled from the roll or reel 1802, a non-digital printing backing layer 530 is printed onto the digital printing layer 424. The non-digital printing backing layer 530 can be non-digitally printed or coated using a Mayer rod 1606.

[0150] At 1806, a portion 1810 of the label assembly 1700 is cut or separated from the remainder of the label assembly 1700 and rotated such that the carrier layer 1702 is on top (and furthest from the article 212), and the adhesive layer 108 is on the bottom (and closest to the article 212). At 1808, the portion 1810 is applied to the article 212 such that the adhesive layer 108 contacts the article 212. At 1812, heat and pressure are applied to the portion 1810 of the label assembly 1700 through the carrier layer 1702 and the protective layer 1720. The heat and pressure can be applied by the heated die 1704 of the heat transfer labeling machine, which applies heat and pressure only to the portion of the article 212 to which the label 1706 is to be adhered. This is related to bonding Figure 15 and Figure 16 The label assembly 1500 and label 1506 shown and described contrast with each other, wherein the area to which heat and pressure are applied is larger than the area to which label 1506 separates from label assembly 1500 and adheres to article 212. This heat and pressure create a chemical-physical interaction 1510 between adhesive layer 108 and article 212, and between adhesive layer 108 and protective layer 1720.

[0151] At 1814, portions of the carrier layer 1702 and protective layer 1720 that are not chemically bonded to the adhesive layer 936 are then removed (e.g., at locations where heat and pressure are not applied from the mold 1704), thereby forming an encapsulation label 1706 on the article 212. The use of heat and pressure to form the chemical-physical interaction 1510 and to define the locations where the protective layer 1720 tears and the label 1706 separates from the carrier layer 1702 allows heat and pressure to define the shape and size of the label 1706.

[0152] One or more examples of hybrid heat transfer label assemblies and hybrid heat transfer labels described herein may optionally include a protective stabilizing layer to protect the digitally printed graphics layer in the assembly and label. As described and shown herein, the protective stabilizing layer may be located between the digitally printed layer 424 and the rubber adhesive layer 936 (which may include the adhesive layer 108 or be separate from the adhesive layer). During the application of heat and / or pressure to the label assembly (especially the rubber layer 936) by the heated mold 1704, the stabilizing layer may retain and stabilize the ink forming the digitally printed layer 424. The stabilizing layer may be coated or non-digitally printed onto the digitally printed graphics layer 424 (e.g., using screen printing, using Mayer sticks, or another non-digital printing technique described herein). Alternatively, the stabilizing layer may be digitally printed onto the graphics layer 424. The stabilizing layer may be formed from the same material used to form the protective layer 1520 as a coating that completely covers the digitally printed layer. The stabilizing layer may be transparent or translucent, or may have color or tint.

[0153] A stabilizing layer protects and stabilizes the digital printing inks forming the digital printing layer 424 during the vulcanization of the rubber layer 936, which occurs during the application of the label to the article 212 (e.g., a rubber component or surface). As described herein, heat and pressure are applied to the label assembly to separate the label from the assembly and to adhere the label to the article 212. The heat-curable rubber layer 936 permanently bonds the rubber layer 936 (and thus the label) to the article 212. During the vulcanization of the rubber layer 936, the rubber layer 936 may change phase or become less viscous (or more fluid), thus becoming less viscous due to increased temperature. The rubber layer 936 then crosslinks again and changes phase to become solid. In a fluid state or phase, the rubber layer 936 can cause the inks forming the digital printing layer 434 to flow, bleed, or wash away. For example, contact between fluid (or partially fluid) rubber layers 936 can cause these inks to diffuse beyond the intended boundaries of the inks into adjacent areas or inks of different colors (e.g., flow or bleed). The ink may also lose its strength or be removed from the label (e.g., washed off). The ink may drip or streak, or produce an unintended blurry or irregular appearance.

[0154] The stabilizing layer prevents ink from flowing, seeping, or washing away. This prevents the digital image or graphic formed by the ink from melting, deforming, deteriorating, or being destroyed. During the vulcanization of the rubber layer 936, the stabilizing layer prevents the ink in layer 424 from contacting or being contacted by the fluid rubber in the rubber layer 936. Therefore, the ink in layer 424 will not flow, seep, or wash away due to contact with the liquid rubber in layer 936. Applying heat and pressure to the label creates a complete film encapsulation of the digitally printed layer 424, which fixes the position of the graphic or mark in layer 424 between the protective layer and the stabilizing layer. During the vulcanization of the rubber layer 936, fluid or partially fluid rubber layer 936 cannot contact the ink in the graphic layer 424, and cannot cause these inks to flow, seep, or wash away. The protective layer and the stabilizing layer may bond and melt (or partially melt) each other during vulcanization to permanently bond the label to article 212.

[0155] Figures 19 to 21 Additional examples of hybrid thermal transfer label components 1900, 2000, and 2100 are shown. These label components 1900, 2000, and 2100 can be... Figure 9 The shown is a variation of the label component 900, and includes a design that can be combined with... Figure 16 The method 1600 shown and described applies a mixed heat transfer label 1906, 2006, 2106 to article 212. Figure 19 The label assembly 1900 includes a carrier sheet, a layer or film 102, and a protective coating or layer 420, similar to label assembly 900. The carrier film 102 may be coated with a release coating, such as a silicone-based coating, to aid in the separation of the mixed thermal transfer label 1906 from the carrier film 102 and label assembly 1900. Alternatively, the carrier film or layer 102 may not be coated with any release coating.

[0156] Label assembly 1900 does not include surface treatment layer 422, but may optionally include it. Label assembly 1900 includes a digitally printed graphics layer 424 situated on a protective layer or coating 420 (e.g., digitally printed on top of it). Label assembly 1900 includes a rubber adhesive layer 936, which may optionally represent adhesive layer 108 or a combination of rubber layer 936 and adhesive layer 108, for bonding a mixed thermal transfer label 1906 from label assembly 1900 to article 212, as described herein, when heat and pressure from heated mold 1704 are applied to carrier film 102. Rubber layer 936 is formed of a material chemically compatible with article 212. For example, when heat and pressure are applied to vulcanized rubber layer 936, rubber layer 936 permanently bonds label 1906 to article 212. Rubber layer 936 may be a coating extending throughout label assembly 1900 and therein from label 1906.

[0157] The label assembly 1900 also includes a protective stabilizing layer 1902 located on (e.g., coated or non-digitally printed onto) the digitally printed graphics layer 424, wherein a rubber adhesive layer 936 is located on (e.g., coated or non-digitally printed onto) the stabilizing layer 1902. The stabilizing layer 1902 may be formed of the same material as the protective layer 420. As described above, the stabilizing layer 1902 protects the ink forming the digitally printed graphics layer 424 from melting, deformation, deterioration, or destruction of the digital image provided by the ink in the graphics layer 424. The stabilizing layer 1902 may be translucent or have dyes or inks to provide graphic color to the label 1906.

[0158] When the label assembly 1900 is heated and pressure is applied by the mold 1704, the chemically compatible rubber layer 936 permanently bonds the label 1906 to the article 212. This creates a complete film encapsulation of the digital image in the graphic layer 424, thereby fixing the position of the digital graphic in layer 424 between the protective layer 420 (or the carrier film 102 in an example where the protective layer 420 is not included in the label assembly 1900) and the stabilizing layer 1902. The stabilizing layer 1902 and the non-digitally printed (or coated) rubber-compatible layer 936 bond and melt during vulcanization to permanently bond the label 1906 to the article 212. After the vulcanization process is complete, the used carrier film 102 is removed and discarded.

[0159] Figure 20 The label component 2000 shown is... Figure 19 The label assembly 1900 shown differs in that the label assembly 2000 does not include a protective coating or layer 420, but instead includes a support or backing layer 530. The support / backing layer 530 can provide a background for the graphic layer 424 and / or help prevent the article 212 from being visible through the graphic layer 424. Alternatively, the support or backing layer 530 can be replaced by an adhesive layer 426. In another example, the label assembly 2000 does not include a support / backing layer 530 or an adhesive layer 426. The hybrid heat transfer label 2006 can be separated from the label assembly 2000 and the carrier film 102 and is permanently bonded to the article 212 when vulcanizing heat and pressure are applied from the heated mold 1704. As described above, the digitally printed graphic layer 424 is protected by a stabilizing layer 1902 during this application of heat and pressure. The digitally printed layer 424 may include a tougher polymer resin, such as PET, polyolefin, epoxy, polyurethane, or acrylic, to make the ink forming layer 424 harder and more flexible. This helps layer 424 adhere firmly to stabilizing layer 1902 and prevents ink scratching within layer 424. These inks are able to withstand abrasion, friction, or surface wear (compared to inks that do not contain resin).

[0160] Figure 21 The label component 2100 shown is... Figure 19The label assembly 1900 shown differs in that the label assembly 2100 has a carrier film 102 having a release coating and a backing / support layer 530. Alternatively, the label assembly 2100 may not include the release coating on the carrier film 102. In another example, the support / backing layer 530 may be replaced by an adhesive layer 426. The hybrid heat transfer label 2106 is separable from the label assembly 2100 and the carrier film 102 and is permanently bonded to the article 212 when vulcanizing heat and pressure are applied from the heated mold 1704. As described above, the digitally printed graphic layer 424 is protected by the stabilizing layer 1902 during this application of heat and pressure.

[0161] Figure 22 and Figure 23 Additional examples of hybrid thermal transfer label components 2200 and 2300 are shown. These label components 2200 and 2300 can be... Figure 15 The shown is a variation of the label component 1500, and includes a design that can be combined with... Figure 16 The method 1600 shown and described applies a mixed heat transfer label 2206, 2306 to article 212. Figure 22 The label assembly 2200 shown includes the carrier sheet, layer or film 1002, protective coating or layer 1520, digitally printed graphics layer 424, and adhesive / rubber layer 936 described herein. Optionally, the carrier film 1002 may include a release coating.

[0162] Label assembly 2200 does not include the support / backing layer 530 in label assembly 1500 and label 1506. Label assembly 2200 also includes a protective stabilizing layer 1902 located (e.g., coated or non-digitally printed onto) the graphic layer 424, wherein a rubber adhesive layer 936 is located (e.g., coated or non-digitally printed onto) the stabilizing layer 1902. As described above, the stabilizing layer 1902 protects the ink forming the graphic layer 424 from melting, deformation, deterioration, or destruction of the digital image provided by the ink in the graphic layer 424. The stabilizing layer 1902 may be translucent or have dyes or inks to provide graphic color to label 2206.

[0163] As described above, the protective coating 1520 is incompatible with article 212 (and does not form a chemical-physical interaction 1510 or bond with article 212), while the adhesive / rubber layer 936 is chemically compatible with article 212. Therefore, interaction 1510 forms a permanent bond between the adhesive / rubber layer 936 and the protective layer 1520, encapsulating layers 424, 1902 between the adhesive / rubber layer 936 and the protective layer 1520, and forming a perforation or separation 1708 for separating label 2206, as described above.

[0164] Figure 23The label assembly 2300 includes a carrier sheet, layer, or film 1002, but in one example includes a release coating. The label assembly 2300 also includes a protective layer 1520, a digitally printed graphics layer 454, a stabilizing layer 1902, and an adhesive / rubber layer 936. Figure 22 In contrast to the label assembly 2200 shown, the label assembly 2300 may include a support layer / backing layer 530 located between the stabilizing layer 1902 and the adhesive / rubber layer 936.

[0165] As described above, the protective coating 1520 is incompatible with article 212 (and does not form a chemical-physical interaction 1510 or bond with article 212), while the adhesive / rubber layer 936 is chemically compatible with article 212. Therefore, interaction 1510 forms a permanent bond between the adhesive / rubber layer 936 and the protective layer 1520, encapsulating layers 424, 1902, and 530 between the adhesive / rubber layer 936 and the protective layer 1520, and forming a perforation or separation 1708 for separating label 2306, as described above.

[0166] Figure 24 and Figure 25 Additional examples of hybrid thermal transfer label components 2400 and 2500 are shown. These label components 2400 and 2500 can be... Figure 17 The shown is a variation of the label component 1700, and includes features that can be combined with... Figure 18 The method 1800 shown and described applies a mixed heat transfer label 2406, 2506 to article 212. Figure 24 The label assembly 2400 includes the carrier sheet, layer or film 1702, protective coating or layer 1720, digitally printed graphics layer 424, backing / support layer 530, and adhesive / rubber layer 936 described herein. Optionally, the carrier film 1702 may include a release coating.

[0167] The label assembly 2400 also includes a protective stabilizing layer 1902 on (e.g., coated or non-digitally printed onto) the graphic layer 424, wherein the backing / support layer 530 is (e.g., coated or non-digitally printed onto) the stabilizing layer 1902. As described above, the stabilizing layer 1902 protects the ink forming the graphic layer 424 from melting, deformation, deterioration, or destruction of the digital image provided by the ink in the graphic layer 424. The stabilizing layer 1902 may be translucent or have dyes or inks to provide graphic color to the label 2406.

[0168] As described above, the protective coating 1720 is incompatible with article 212 (and does not form a chemical-physical interaction 1510 or bond with article 212), while the adhesive / rubber layer 936 is chemically compatible with article 212. Interaction 1510 forms a permanent bond between the adhesive / rubber layer 936 and the protective layer 1720, which encapsulates layers 424, 1902, and 530 between the adhesive / rubber layer 936 and the protective layer 1720, and forms a perforation or separation 1708 for separating label 2406, as described above.

[0169] Figure 25 The label assembly 2500 includes a carrier sheet, layer or film 1702, digitally printed graphics layer 424, stabilizing layer 1902, backing / support layer 530, and adhesive / rubber layer 936 as described herein. The carrier film 1702 may include a release coating. Alternatively, the carrier film 1702 may not include a release coating. In one example, the label assembly 2500 does not include a protective coating or layer 1702. The digitally printed layer 424 may include a tougher polymer resin, such as PET, polyolefin, epoxy, polyurethane, or acrylic, to make the ink forming layer 424 harder and more flexible. This helps layer 424 adhere firmly to the stabilizing layer 1902 and prevents the ink in layer 424 from scratching. These inks are able to withstand abrasion, friction, or surface abrasion (when compared to inks that do not contain resin).

[0170] The non-digital printing layer described herein may be coated or applied as a coating rather than printed. For example, instead of using a printing pad or plate to transfer the material used to form the non-digital printing layer, the non-digital printing layer may be applied as a coating using a Mayer rod, a squeegee, or a roll coating (e.g., as a full coating), and may be referred to as a coating rather than a printing layer. Alternatively, the non-digital printing layer may be printed using pad printing, gravure printing, flexographic printing, screen printing, offset printing, etc.

[0171] Unless the context clearly specifies otherwise, the singular forms “an” and “the” include plural references. “Optional” or “optionally” means that an event or situation subsequently described may or may not occur, and the description may include situations in which the event occurs and situations in which the event does not occur. As used herein throughout the specification and claims, approximate language may be used to modify any quantitative expression that allows for variation without resulting in a change in its underlying function. Therefore, a value modified by one or more terms such as “about,” “substantially,” and “approximate” may not be limited to the specified precise value. In at least some cases, approximate language may correspond to the precision of the instrument used to measure the value. Scope limitations may be combined and / or interchanged herein and throughout the specification and claims; such scopes may be identified and include all subscopes contained herein, unless the context or language indicates otherwise.

[0172] This written description uses examples to disclose embodiments, including best practices, and to enable those skilled in the art to practice the embodiments, including making and using any device or system and performing any combined methods. The claims define the patentable scope of this disclosure and include other examples that would occur to those skilled in the art. Such other examples are intended to fall within the scope of the claims if they have structural elements that are not different from the literal language of the claims, or if they include equivalent structural elements that are not substantially different from the literal language of the claims.

Claims

1. A method for applying a hybrid thermal transfer label from a hybrid thermal transfer label assembly to an article, the method comprising: The graphic layer is digitally printed onto a non-digitally printed protective layer; The backing layer is non-digitally printed onto the graphic layer; as well as An adhesive is printed onto the backing layer, the adhesive being printed to overlap the protective layer such that when heat and pressure are applied to the protective layer, the adhesive bonds to the protective layer via a chemical-physical interaction. The adhesive bonds to the protective layer using the chemical-physical interaction such that the protective layer is torn apart in the area where the adhesive and the protective layer overlap, and the hybrid heat transfer label is separated from the remainder of the hybrid heat transfer label assembly to apply the hybrid heat transfer label to the article.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein the adhesive is printed only in the following areas of the graphic layer: wherein the protective layer, the graphic layer, and the backing layer are removed from the hybrid heat transfer label assembly to form the hybrid heat transfer label.

3. The method of claim 1, further comprising: The graphic layer and the backing layer are encapsulated between the adhesive and the protective layer by applying heat and pressure to the protective layer.

4. The method of claim 1, further comprising: The protective layer is not digitally printed, wherein the protective layer is chemically incompatible with the article, and the printed protective layer is chemically compatible with the printed adhesive.

5. The method of claim 1, wherein the adhesive being printed comprises rubber.

6. The method of claim 5, wherein the rubber in the adhesive is vulcanized during the application of the heat and the pressure, and the method further comprises: A stabilizing layer is applied between the graphic layer and the adhesive, which protects the ink in the graphic layer from seepage, flow, or washing away during the vulcanization of the rubber in the adhesive layer.

7. The method of claim 1, wherein the adhesive is chemically compatible with the rubber surface of the article.

8. A method for applying a hybrid thermal transfer label from a hybrid thermal transfer label assembly to an article, the method comprising: The graphic layer is digitally printed onto a non-digitally printed protective layer; The backing layer is non-digitally printed onto the graphic layer; The adhesive is printed onto the backing layer; as well as The adhesive is bonded to the protective layer using chemical-physical interactions, and the hybrid heat transfer label is applied to the article by applying heat and pressure using a heated mold.

9. The method of claim 8, wherein the protective layer is torn apart in the area where the adhesive and the protective layer overlap and the hybrid heat transfer label is separated from the remainder of the hybrid heat transfer label assembly.

10. The method of claim 8, wherein the adhesive is printed only in the following areas of the graphic layer: wherein the protective layer, the graphic layer, and the backing layer are removed from the hybrid heat transfer label assembly to form the hybrid heat transfer label.

11. The method of claim 8, wherein the adhesive comprises rubber vulcanized during the application of the heat and the pressure, and the method further comprises: A non-digitally printed or coated stabilizing layer is applied between the graphic layer and the adhesive, which protects the ink in the graphic layer from seepage, flow, or washing away during the vulcanization of the rubber in the adhesive layer.

12. The method of claim 8, further comprising: The graphic layer and the backing layer are encapsulated between the adhesive and the protective layer.

13. The method of claim 12, further comprising: The protective layer is not digitally printed, wherein the protective layer is chemically incompatible with the article.

14. A hybrid thermal transfer label assembly, the hybrid thermal transfer label assembly comprising: Non-digital printed protective layer; Digital printing layer; and A non-digital printed second layer is provided, wherein the digital printed layer is disposed between the non-digital printed protective layer and the non-digital printed second layer, wherein the non-digital printed protective layer, the digital printed layer, and the non-digital printed second layer form a hybrid heat transfer label, the hybrid heat transfer label being configured to adhere to an article upon application of heat. The non-digital printed second layer includes a rubber layer.

15. The hybrid thermal transfer label assembly of claim 14, wherein once the label is adhered to the article, the digitally printed layer is visible through the non-digitally printed protective layer.

16. The hybrid thermal transfer label assembly of claim 14, wherein the non-digital printed second layer comprises an adhesive.

17. The hybrid thermal transfer label assembly of claim 14, wherein the non-digital printed second layer includes an adhesive layer.

18. The hybrid thermal transfer label assembly of claim 14, wherein the non-digital printed second layer comprises a screen-printed graphic layer.

19. The hybrid thermal transfer label assembly of claim 14, wherein the non-digital printed second layer comprises a screen-printed support layer.

20. The hybrid thermal transfer label assembly of claim 14, wherein the non-digital printing layer includes a barrier layer that prevents stains from migrating from the article to the digital printing layer.

Images