DECORATIVE FILM, METHOD FOR PRODUCING A DECORATIVE FILM AND METHOD FOR DECORATING A TARGET SUBSTRATE

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a decorative film, in particular laminating film, hot stamping film and / or cold stamping film, a method for producing a decorative film and a method for decorating a target substrate with a decorative film.

[0002] It is known to use decorative films for applying a complete lacquer layer to, for example, security documents such as passports, credit cards or banknotes. Laminating films, hot stamping foils and / or cold stamping foils are used for this purpose in particular. In this process, a complete lacquer layer of the decorative film is transferred to a target substrate and then the carrier film of the decorative film is detached. During such a transfer of the complete lacquer layer of a decorative film from a carrier film to a target substrate, the complete lacquer layer is torn along a boundary line that defines the partial area of ​​the complete lacquer layer to be transferred. This partial area can be defined in particular by an adhesive layer applied to the target substrate, which connects the complete lacquer layer to the target substrate. The applied adhesive layer is in particular only partially applied and can, for example, be designed in the form of a pattern.Ideally, the decorative film will tear at the outer edge of the adhesive layer. However, depending on the structure and composition of the decorative film, this can lead to undefined cracks in the entire paint layer far from the outer edge of the adhesive layer, resulting in an unclean decoration.

[0003] EP 2 172 347 A2 discloses a transfer film which can be used in a cold transfer process and which has a carrier film and a transfer layer which can be detached from the carrier film.

[0004] From DE 10 2015 121 849 A1 a method for producing a security element and a transfer film are known.

[0005] The invention is based on the object of providing an improved decorative film, an improved method for producing a decorative film and an improved method for decorating a target substrate.

[0006] The object is achieved by a decorative film, in particular laminating film, cold stamping film or hot stamping film according to patent claim 1.

[0007] This object is further achieved by a method for producing a decorative film according to patent claim 16.

[0008] It is preferably provided that at least a partial region of the at least one region is arranged on at least one surface of the at least one surface of the carrier film, wherein said partial region at least partially covers at least one surface of the at least one surface of the carrier film.

[0009] Furthermore, this object is achieved by a method for decorating a target substrate according to claim 19.

[0010] Preferably, it is provided that at least a partial region of the at least one region is arranged on at least one surface of the at least one surface of the target substrate, wherein said partial region at least partially covers at least one surface of the at least one surface of the target substrate.

[0011] Surprisingly, tests have shown that the present invention achieves improved coverage and a cleaner decoration compared to conventional decorative films. This is because the reduced carrier film thickness reduces the initiation force and the tear-prone force, which are crucial for high-quality decoration of the target substrate. When the carrier film is peeled off the overall lacquer layer, the carrier film is bent, resulting in stresses, particularly across the entire cross-section of the decorative film. The reduced carrier film thickness allows these stresses to be reduced, and the resulting initiation force and tear-prone force are also reduced. Furthermore, the fluctuations in the force amplitude of the tear-prone force are significantly reduced, which further improves the removal behavior and promotes clean decoration.

[0012] Furthermore, a decorative film with a carrier film thickness in the range of 3.0 µm to 10.0 µm reduces the amount of plastic waste compared to conventional decorative films.

[0013] Another advantage is that longer film rolls can be wound while maintaining the same film roll diameter. This is particularly advantageous in logistics and transport.

[0014] Advantageous embodiments of the invention are defined in the subclaims.

[0015] According to the invention, the total lacquer layer has a thickness in the range of 1.0 µm to 2.5 µm. It has been shown that with such a layer thickness, the total lacquer layer breaks particularly well at the predefined edges defined by the outer edge of the adhesive layer. This allows for a clean application of the decorative film to the target substrate.

[0016] Preferably, the ratio of the carrier film thickness to the total lacquer layer thickness is in a range from 1.8:1 to 7.0:1, more preferably from 2.5:1 to 5.8:1, wherein the carrier film has a thickness in a range from greater than or equal to 3 µm to less than or equal to 7 µm and / or the ratio of the carrier film thickness to the total lacquer layer thickness is in a range from 4.1:1 to 10.0:1, preferably from 4.4:1 to 8.3:1, wherein the carrier film has a thickness in a range from greater than or equal to 7 µm to less than or equal to 10 µm. Such ratios promote good detachment behavior of the carrier film from the total lacquer layer. This is because, under such ratios, lower stresses occur when the carrier film is peeled off the total lacquer layer than with conventional decorative films. This also improves the decoration quality.

[0017] When using a decorative film with the specified ratios of carrier film thickness to total lacquer layer thickness, it has been shown in particular that the embossing quality and embossing performance are significantly improved compared to decorative films whose ratio of carrier film thickness to total lacquer layer thickness is outside the specified range.

[0018] In particular, the carrier film comprises a material or a combination of materials selected from: PET, PMMA, PC, PE, PVC, PS, ABS, PU, ​​PBS, PLA, PAN and / or glass.

[0019] It is particularly provided that the overall lacquer layer has at least one release layer and / or at least one protective lacquer layer and / or at least one primer layer and / or at least one adhesive layer and / or at least one color layer.

[0020] Preferably, at least one release layer of the at least one release layer comprises a material or a combination of materials selected from: waxes, silicones, polyurethanes and / or polymers, preferably acrylate copolymers, polyester copolymers, polystyrene copolymers, polycarbonate copolymers.

[0021] The tear force indicates the force required to separate two layers from each other; there is a positive correlation between the tear force of a first layer from a second layer and the adhesion between the first and second layers.

[0022] The adhesion of at least one ink layer of the at least one ink layer to at least one area of ​​the total lacquer layer of the decorative film, which was transferred to a target substrate, was determined immediately after printing and one day after printing using the following Tesa test at room temperature: A test sample in the form of a target substrate with the total lacquer layer applied thereto and a print of at least one ink layer on at least one area of ​​the total lacquer layer was placed in a ZwickRoell GmbH & Co. KG type Z005 materials testing machine. A 13 to 16 cm long strip of Tesa tape, type 4104, with a width of 19 mm was affixed to the test sample so that approximately 5 cm to 7 cm of the Tesa tape protruded over the edge of the substrate.The adhesive tape was then pressed down three to four times with the thumb and finally peeled off the test sample at a 90° angle at a speed of 500 mm / min. The force required to separate at least one ink layer from the overall coating layer was measured. The test was considered passed if 90% of the printing ink remained on the test sample or if the test sample itself was torn.

[0023] Printing of a complete varnish layer with conventional printing inks, in particular with the above-mentioned UV-curing printing inks, UV-curing varnishes, hybrid inks or hybrid varnishes and / or oxidatively curing printing inks and / or low-migration inks (LMI or MGA inks, LMI = low migration, MGA = low migration), adhered very well to the transfer layer, so that the test could be rated as having passed with very good results.

[0024] It is preferably provided that the overall lacquer layer has at least one color layer on at least one surface, wherein the adhesive force between at least one color layer of the at least one color layer and the overall lacquer layer is at least 25 cN, preferably at least 30 cN.

[0025] Preferably, at least one release layer of the at least one release layer has a thickness in the range from 0.01 µm to 0.50 µm, preferably from 0.10 µm to 0.30 µm. This comparatively low thickness of the release layer allows for clean, sharp-edged removal of the entire lacquer layer from the carrier film. The achievable accuracy and resolution can correspond comparatively precisely to the layout of the at least one adhesive layer, preferably applied partially to the target substrate, without significantly deviating therefrom, thereby enabling high register accuracy of the film layout to any existing print layout using conventional printing inks.

[0026] Register or registration or registration accuracy or registration accuracy is preferably understood to mean the positional accuracy of two or more elements and / or layers.

[0027] The registration accuracy should be within a specified tolerance and as low as possible. At the same time, the registration accuracy of multiple elements, layers, and sub-areas relative to each other is an important feature for increasing process reliability.

[0028] Precise positioning is achieved in particular by means of markings, in particular by means of sensor-detectable, preferably optically detectable, registration marks or register marks. These markings, in particular registration marks or register marks, preferably represent either specific separate elements, regions, or layers or are preferably themselves part of the elements, regions, or layers to be positioned.

[0029] With this sharp-edged, partial detachment, the thin layer of the release layer results in only very small and very few so-called flakes, i.e., small layer residues of the decorative film's overall coating layer, which can be disruptive in subsequent process steps and / or impair the visual appearance of the coated target substrate. Due to the comparatively thin layer of the release layer, resolutions can be achieved that are below the resolution of the human eye.

[0030] In particular, it is advantageous if at least one release layer of the at least one release layer is transparent and / or translucent and / or opaque and / or colored and / or at least partially colored and / or crystal clear.

[0031] Preferably, at least one protective lacquer layer of the at least one protective lacquer layer comprises a material or a combination of materials selected from: polymers, in particular acrylate copolymers, polyester copolymers, polystyrene copolymers, polycarbonate copolymers and / or SMA copolymers (SMA = styrene-maleic anhydride).

[0032] To achieve high opacity, it is particularly advantageous if the layers of the overall lacquer layer comprise long-chain, particularly high-molecular-weight, polymers. However, to achieve a clean finish, it is preferably advantageous if the layers of the overall lacquer layer comprise short-chain, particularly low-molecular-weight, polymers. To combine both advantages, it is particularly provided that the polymers, in particular acrylate copolymers, polyester copolymers, polycarbonate copolymers, polystyrene copolymers and / or SMA copolymers and / or combinations thereof, of the overall lacquer layer have a molar mass in the range from 1000 g / mol to 100,000 g / mol, preferably from 3000 g / mol to 35,000 g / mol.

[0033] The opacity is a measure of the number of defects in a target substrate decorated with a continuous, solid surface. With 100% opacity, no defects or holes appear within this solid surface on the decorated target substrate. The defects can be microscopic, i.e., not visible to the human eye, or macroscopic, i.e., visible to the human eye. A low and homogeneous tear force enables high opacity of the decoration.

[0034] Preferably, at least one protective lacquer layer of the at least one protective lacquer layer has a thickness in the range from 0.5 µm to 3 µm, in particular from 0.8 µm to 1.3 µm.

[0035] The protective lacquer layer provides, in particular, protection against mechanical and / or chemical stress on the entire lacquer layer on a target substrate.

[0036] It is preferably possible for at least one protective lacquer layer of the at least one protective lacquer layer to be transparent and / or translucent and / or opaque and / or colored and / or at least partially colored and / or crystal clear.

[0037] It is provided in particular that at least one decorative layer of the at least one decorative layer comprises at least one metallic layer and / or at least one dielectric layer.

[0038] According to the invention, at least one decorative layer of the at least one decorative layer has a thickness in the range of 8 nm to 500 nm. In order to achieve the desired high UV permeability of the decorative film when using a UV adhesive as a cold adhesive, even with a decorative layer in the form of a metallic layer, it is particularly preferred if the metallic layer has a layer thickness in the range of 8 nm to 60 nm, preferably in the range of 10 nm to 30 nm. This achieves good visibility and a decorative effect of the metallic layer in combination with high permeability to UV radiation (OD = optical density, optical density approx. 1.2).

[0039] To achieve sufficient curing of a UV adhesive, it is particularly intended that the decorative film has a transmittance for UV radiation in the wavelength range from 250 nm to 400 nm in the range of 5% to 70%, in particular from 10% to 40%. This enables particularly rapid and, in particular, sufficient curing of a cold adhesive based on an adhesive that crosslinks under UV irradiation on the target substrate, thereby further improving the adhesion of the entire paint layer to the target substrate. Only with a sufficiently high radiation intensity is the adhesive that crosslinks under UV irradiation fully crosslinked and cured, achieving a high adhesive strength, thus reliably preventing the entire paint layer areas transferred to the target substrate from detaching from the target substrate. The decisive factor for the UV transmittance of a decorative film is the layer of a decorative film that has the lowest UV transmittance of all existing layers.

[0040] It is particularly provided that at least one metallic layer of the at least one metallic layer comprises a material or a combination of materials selected from: aluminium, silver, gold, copper, nickel, chromium and / or an alloy comprising at least two of these metals.

[0041] Preferably, at least one dielectric layer of the at least one dielectric layer comprises a material or a material combination selected from: metal oxide, polymer, lacquer and / or HRI material (HRI = High Refractive Index), in particular MgO, TiO n , Al 2 O 3 , ZnO, ZnS and / or SiO n , wherein the variable n is preferably in the range from greater than or equal to 0 to less than or equal to 3.

[0042] It is provided in particular that at least one decorative layer of the at least one decorative layer is also formed from an HRI material (HRI = High Refractive Index) which is particularly radiolucent at least for partial regions of the spectrum in the UV range, such as CdSe, CeTe, Ge, HfO 2 , PbTe, Si, Te, TiCl or ZnTe.

[0043] It has proven effective for a decorative layer to have a diffractive and / or refractive relief structure for creating optically variable effects and / or a macrostructure for creating three-dimensional or depth effects. Diffractive and / or refractive relief structures, which are particularly formed in a transparent lacquer layer or replication lacquer layer, can create different optical effects, so-called optically variable effects, depending on the viewing angle, such as holograms, three-dimensional representations with viewing-angle-dependent kinematic effects, etc.

[0044] To improve the visibility of relief structures, they are usually arranged adjacent to a highly reflective metallic layer and / or a dielectric HRI (High Refractive Index) layer with a comparatively high to very high refractive index, particularly made of a metal oxide. Such a highly reflective layer is preferably formed over the entire surface or in a pattern.

[0045] It is therefore provided in particular that at least one decorative layer of the at least one decorative layer has at least one replication lacquer layer with a surface structure molded into at least one replication lacquer layer of the at least one replication lacquer layer, in particular selected from: diffractive surface structure, refractive surface structure, lens structure, matt structure and / or blaze grating.

[0046] It is further possible, in particular, for at least one decorative layer of the at least one decorative layer to have at least one layer generating an optically variable effect.

[0047] Preferably, at least one decorative layer of the at least one decorative layer has at least one reflective layer, in particular at least one reflective layer formed in a pattern in the form of a first piece of information.

[0048] It is also preferably possible for at least one decorative layer of the at least one decorative layer to have at least one color layer formed in a pattern in the form of a second piece of information.

[0049] In particular, at least one decorative layer of the at least one decorative layer has at least one thin film layer element for generating a viewing angle-dependent color shift effect.

[0050] Furthermore, it is also preferably provided that at least one decorative layer of the at least one decorative layer is designed with optically variable pigments, luminescent substances, magnetic or electrically conductive substances, a colored lacquer layer, a thin film stack with a viewing angle-dependent interference color effect, a liquid crystal layer, or also a combination of the aforementioned layers comprising metallic layers, dielectric layers, etc., as at least one decorative layer of the at least one decorative layer.

[0051] It is preferably provided that at least one primer layer of the at least one primer layer has a thickness in the range from 0.1 µm to 2 µm, preferably from 0.2 µm to 0.8 µm.

[0052] In particular, at least one primer layer of the at least one primer layer is transparent and / or translucent and / or opaque and / or colored and / or at least partially colored and / or crystal-clear. In particular, if at least one primer layer of the at least one primer layer is at least partially colored or colored, the contrast with the target substrate is enhanced, creating a particularly high-quality visual impression or effect.

[0053] It is further preferably provided that at least one primer layer of the at least one primer layer has a surface roughness in the range from 100 nm to 200 nm, preferably from 120 nm to 160 nm. The surface roughness is determined, among other things, by the application method and the formulation of the primer layer. It has been found that a lower surface roughness, but surprisingly also a higher surface roughness of the primer layer, leads to a reduction in the achievable adhesion between a cold adhesive and the transfer layer or overall coating layer. The surface roughness of the primer layer was determined using interference microscopy.

[0054] Furthermore, it is possible, for example, for the overall paint layer to comprise multiple primer layers that differ in their chemical and / or physical properties, thus achieving optimal adhesion to the adjacent layers. For example, it is possible to achieve optimal adhesion to at least one decorative layer of the at least one decorative layer on the one hand, and optimal adhesion to at least one adhesive layer of the at least one adhesive layer on the other.

[0055] In particular, a Tesa-resistant bond (Tesate test, see above) is achieved between the transfer layer and the substrate. When using a conventionally drying cold adhesive, the Tesa test was passed after just a few minutes, and when using a UV adhesive, the Tesa test was passed immediately after irradiation with UV light. Over 90% of the transfer layer remained on the target substrate.

[0056] It is provided in particular that at least one adhesive layer of the at least one adhesive layer covers at least a first region of the overall lacquer layer at least partially or over its entire surface.

[0057] Preferably, at least one adhesive layer of the at least one adhesive layer does not cover at least a second region of the overall lacquer layer, in particular wherein at least a second region of the at least one second region does not overlap at least a first region of the at least one first region or overlaps at least partially or over the entire area.

[0058] It is preferably provided that at least a first region of the at least one first region and / or at least a second region of the at least one second region comprises at least one of the following design elements or a combination of the following design elements: alphanumeric character, character, symbol, micro-font, image, photo, logo, portrait, pictogram, pattern, in particular endless pattern, grid, in particular periodic grid, amplitude-modulated grid, dot grid, line grid, motif.

[0059] It is preferably also possible for at least one adhesive layer of the at least one adhesive layer to be formed from a hot-melt adhesive and / or a thermoplastic adhesive and / or a cold-melt adhesive and / or a radiation-curable adhesive, in particular an adhesive curable by means of electromagnetic radiation and / or electron radiation and / or by means of UV radiation, and / or an oxidatively curing adhesive and / or a low-migration adhesive (LMI and / or MGA adhesive, LMI = low migration, MGA = low migration).

[0060] As already explained in the prior art, the entire paint layer ideally tears at the outer edge, in particular at the leading edge in the feed direction, of at least one adhesive layer of the at least one adhesive layer. The force required to initiate a tear in the entire paint layer is referred to as the initiation force. The force required to tear the entire paint layer at the trailing edge of at least one adhesive layer of the at least one adhesive layer in the feed direction is referred to as the tear force.

[0061] Once the entire coating layer has cracked or broken at the predefined locations, the desired surface is then decorated by detaching the entire coating layer from the carrier film. The force required for this is referred to as the tear force. The tear force is the force required to separate the entire coating layer from the carrier film, or analogously, to separate the carrier film from the entire coating layer adhering to at least one adhesive layer of the at least one adhesive layer. A low and uniform tear force across the entire surface or area to be decorated enables high coverage and a clean finish.

[0062] Accordingly, it is particularly intended that the tear force of the entire lacquer layer from the carrier film is in a range of 2 cN to 8 cN.

[0063] As a rule, the tear force is constant on average, but irregularities in the layer structure of the overall paint layer can lead to fluctuations in the tear force. These fluctuations in the force amplitude of the tear force should be kept as small as possible so that a homogeneous tear force can be achieved and high coverage can be achieved. For this reason, it is particularly useful if the tear force exhibits fluctuations in the force amplitude around its mean value in a range from greater than or equal to -0.5 cN to less than or equal to 0.5 cN.

[0064] Furthermore, the quality of the decoration can be improved by a low and homogeneous tear force. This is also referred to as point perception. Point perception is preferably an indicator of pinpoint film decoration for individually applied adhesive dots. Pinpoint accuracy in this context means that the decoration covers the entire adhesive dot and does not protrude beyond the adhesive dot. Accordingly, it is preferred if the overall lacquer layer has a covering power of greater than or equal to 99.5%, preferably 100%, when decorating a continuous solid surface, and a decoration or point perception of greater than or equal to 99.5%, preferably 100%, when decorating a 10% halftone field. With a 10% halftone field, any area of ​​a target substrate is provided with adhesive dots in such a way that 10% of the area of ​​the target substrate is covered with adhesive dots.Preferably, the adhesive dots are arranged equidistantly, in a pattern, in a grid and / or at a distance from one another.

[0065] For the method for producing a decorative film, it is provided in particular that the ratio of the thickness of the carrier film to the thickness of the total lacquer layer is in a range from 1.8:1 to 7.0:1, preferably from 2.5:1 to 5.8:1, wherein the carrier film has a thickness in a range from greater than or equal to 3 µm to less than or equal to 7 µm and / or that the ratio of the thickness of the carrier film to the thickness of the total lacquer is in a range from 4.1:1 to 10.0:1, preferably from 4.4:1 to 8.3:1, wherein the carrier film has a thickness in a range from greater than or equal to 7 µm to less than or equal to 10 µm.

[0066] According to the invention, the total lacquer layer in step b) has a thickness in the range from 1.0 µm to 2.5 µm.

[0067] Furthermore, it is preferably provided that the overall lacquer layer in step b) has at least one release layer and / or at least one protective lacquer layer and / or at least one primer layer and / or at least one adhesive layer and / or at least one color layer.

[0068] Preferably, in step b) at least one release layer of the at least one release layer and / or at least one protective lacquer layer of the at least one protective lacquer layer and / or at least one decorative layer of the at least one decorative layer and / or at least one primer layer of the at least one primer layer and / or at least one adhesive layer of the at least one adhesive layer and / or at least one ink layer of the at least one ink layer is applied by means of gravure printing and / or screen printing and / or letterpress printing and / or pad printing and / or inkjet printing and / or offset printing and / or flexographic printing and / or casting techniques.

[0069] Furthermore, it is preferably provided that in step b) the at least one adhesive layer is applied as a hot-melt adhesive, a thermoplastic adhesive, a cold-curing adhesive, a radiation-curable adhesive, in particular an adhesive curable by means of electromagnetic radiation and / or electron radiation and / or by means of UV radiation, or an oxidatively curing adhesive and / or a low-migration adhesive.

[0070] It is particularly possible that step b) further comprises the following step and / or that the following step is carried out after step b): c) applying at least one adhesive layer of the at least one adhesive layer in such a way that at least one adhesive layer of the at least one adhesive layer covers at least a first region of the overall lacquer layer at least partially or over its entire area and / or does not cover a second region of the overall lacquer layer, in particular wherein at least a second region of the at least one second region does not overlap at least a first region of the at least one first region or at least partially or over its entire area.

[0071] For example, the areas not covered by the adhesive layer are not decorated with the decorative film. This allows, for example, negative lettering and / or negative patterns to be created.

[0072] In particular, at least a first region of the at least one first region and / or at least a second region of the at least one second region comprises at least one of the following design elements or a combination of the following design elements: alphanumeric character, character, symbol, micro-font, image, photo, logo, portrait, pictogram, pattern, in particular endless pattern, grid, in particular periodic grid, amplitude-modulated grid, dot grid, line grid, motif.

[0073] With regard to the method for decorating a target substrate, it is preferred if the method comprises the following steps, which are carried out in particular in the following order: d) providing a decorative film, e) providing a target substrate, f) applying the decorative film to the target substrate.

[0074] Furthermore, it is particularly provided that the following step is carried out before step f): g) applying at least one adhesive layer to the decorative film in such a way that at least one adhesive layer of the at least one adhesive layer covers at least a first region of the overall lacquer layer at least partially or over its entire surface and / or does not cover at least a second region of the overall lacquer layer, in particular wherein at least a second region of the at least one second region does not overlap at least a first region of the at least one first region or overlaps at least partially or over its entire surface, and / or applying at least one adhesive layer to the target substrate in such a way that at least one adhesive layer of the at least one adhesive layer covers at least a third region of the target substrate at least partially or over its entire surface and / or does not cover at least a fourth region of the target substrate,in particular wherein at least a fourth region of the at least one fourth region does not overlap at least a third region of the at least one third region or at least partially or completely overlaps.,

[0075] The first and second regions are preferably located in a plane spanned by the entire lacquer layer. In particular, the spanned plane encompasses at least one surface of the entire lacquer layer. The third and fourth regions are preferably located in a plane spanned by the target substrate. In particular, the spanned plane encompasses at least one surface of the target substrate.

[0076] Preferably, the first and second regions can be arranged side by side, spaced apart, partially overlapping, and / or fully overlapping. Furthermore, it is also provided, in particular, that the third and fourth regions are arranged side by side, spaced apart, partially overlapping, and / or fully overlapping.

[0077] Furthermore, it is provided in particular that at least a first and / or third region of the at least one first and / or third region and / or at least a second and / or fourth region of the at least one second and / or fourth region comprises at least one of the following design elements or a combination of the following design elements: alphanumeric character, character, symbol, micro-font, image, photo, logo, portrait, pictogram, pattern, in particular endless pattern, grid, in particular periodic grid, amplitude-modulated grid, dot grid, line grid, motif.

[0078] Preferably, at least one adhesive layer of the at least one adhesive layer in step g) is formed from a hot-melt adhesive, a thermoplastic adhesive, a cold-curable adhesive, a radiation-curable adhesive, in particular an adhesive curable by means of electromagnetic radiation and / or electron radiation and / or by means of UV radiation, and / or an oxidatively curing adhesive and / or a low-migration adhesive.

[0079] Preferably, in step g), at least one adhesive layer of the at least one adhesive layer is applied by means of gravure printing and / or screen printing and / or letterpress printing and / or pad printing and / or inkjet printing and / or offset printing and / or flexographic printing and / or casting techniques.

[0080] It is particularly possible that at least a first and / or third region of the at least one first and / or third region is decorated by the overall lacquer layer and / or at least a second and / or fourth region of the at least one second and / or fourth region is not decorated by the overall lacquer layer.

[0081] Furthermore, it is preferably possible that at least a first and / or third region of the at least one first and / or third region, which is at least partially or completely covered by the at least one adhesive layer of the at least one adhesive layer, is decorated by the overall lacquer layer.

[0082] Advantageously, it is preferably possible that at least one color layer is applied to at least one surface of the overall paint layer after step f), so that the adhesive force between at least one color layer of the at least one color layer and the overall paint layer is at least 25 cN, preferably at least 30 cN.

[0083] It is preferably provided that the total lacquer layer after step f) has a covering power when decorating a continuous solid area of ​​greater than or equal to 99.5%, preferably of 100%, and a decoration or point perception when decorating a 10% halftone field of greater than or equal to 99.5%, preferably of 100%.

[0084] Furthermore, it is provided in particular that after step f) the following step is carried out: peeling off the carrier film from the total lacquer layer, wherein the peeling angle between the carrier film and the total lacquer layer is in a range from 0° to 120°, preferably from 0° to 90°.

[0085] In particular, it is possible that in step f) and / or after step f) the following step is carried out: h) pressing the decorative film with at least one pressing stamp and / or at least one pressing roller.

[0086] Furthermore, it is preferably provided that at least one pressure stamp of the at least one pressure stamp and / or at least one pressure roller of the at least one pressure roller in step h) is designed as a heated surface and / or shaped stamp and / or a heated roller is designed, wherein this / this activates at least one adhesive layer of the at least one adhesive layer at least partially and / or in at least one first and / or third region of the at least one first and / or third region and connects the decorative film to the target substrate.

[0087] The invention is explained below using several exemplary embodiments with the aid of the accompanying drawings. The exemplary embodiments shown are therefore not to be understood as limiting. Fig. 1 shows a sectional view of a decorative film Fig. 2 shows another sectional view of a decorative film Fig. 3 shows a sectional view of a target substrate, wherein at least one adhesive layer is applied to the target substrate Fig. 4 shows a sectional view of a decorated target substrate Fig. 5 shows another sectional view of a decorated target substrate Fig. 6 shows a schematic view of a method for producing a decorative film Fig. 7 shows a schematic view of a method for decorating a target substrate Fig. 8 shows a schematic view of a method for decorating a target substrate Fig. 9a shows the tear force measurement for a decorative film with a carrier film thickness of 5.7 µm Fig. 9b shows the tear force measurement for a decorative film with a carrier film thickness of 12 µm Fig. 10a shows the decorated 10% halftone field of a decorative film with a carrier film thickness of 5.7 µm Fig.10b shows the decorated 10% halftone field of a decorative film with a carrier film thickness of 12 µm. Fig. 11a shows a schematic representation of a decorative film with a carrier film thickness of 5.7 µm, with a neutral fiber drawn in. Fig. 11b shows a schematic representation of a decorative film with a carrier film thickness of 12 µm, with a neutral fiber drawn in.

[0088] Fig. 1 shows a sectional view of a decorative film 40, in particular laminating film, cold stamping film or hot stamping film, comprising a carrier film 42 and an overall lacquer layer 41, wherein the carrier film has a thickness in the range of 3.0 µm to 10.0 µm.

[0089] It is particularly possible that the total lacquer layer 41 has a thickness in the range from 1.0 µm to 2.5 µm, in particular from 1.0 µm to 1.7 µm.

[0090] In this embodiment, the overall lacquer layer 41 comprises a release layer 43, a protective lacquer layer 44, a decorative layer 45 and a primer layer 46. In an alternative embodiment, it is preferably provided that the overall lacquer layer 41 has at least one release layer 43 and / or at least one protective lacquer layer 44 and / or at least one decorative layer 45 and / or at least one primer layer 46 and / or at least one adhesive layer 47 and / or at least one color layer.

[0091] It is preferred that the ratio of the carrier film thickness to the total paint layer thickness is in a range from 1.8:1 to 7.0:1, preferably from 2.5:1 to 5.8:1, wherein the carrier film 42 has a thickness in a range from greater than or equal to 3 µm to less than or equal to 7 µm and / or that the ratio of the carrier film thickness to the total paint layer thickness is in a range from 4.1:1 to 10.0:1, preferably from 4.4:1 to 8.3:1, wherein the carrier film 42 has a thickness in a range from greater than or equal to 7 µm to less than or equal to 10 µm.

[0092] It is particularly advantageous if the decorative film 40 has a transmittance for UV radiation in the wavelength range from 250 nm to 400 nm in the range from 5% to 70%, in particular from 10% to 40%.

[0093] Preferably, the carrier film 42 comprises a material or a combination of materials selected from: PET, PMMA, PC, PE, PVC, PS, ABS, PU PBS, PLA, PAN and / or glass.

[0094] Preferably, at least one release layer 43 of the at least one release layer 43 has a thickness in the range from 0.01 µm to 0.50 µm, preferably from 0.10 µm to 0.30 µm.

[0095] Preferably, at least one release layer 43 of the at least one release layer 43 comprises a material or a combination of materials selected from: waxes, silicones, polyurethanes and / or polymers, preferably acrylate copolymer, polyester copolymer, polycarbonate copolymer, polystyrene copolymer.

[0096] Preferably, at least one release layer 43 of the at least one release layer 43 is transparent and / or translucent and / or opaque and / or colored and / or at least partially colored and / or crystal clear.

[0097] The protective lacquer layer 44 is an optional layer that serves, in particular, to protect the decorative layer 45 from mechanical and / or chemical stress. The protective lacquer layer 44 is, in particular, a lacquer layer based on nitrocellulose and acrylate polymers, polyester copolymer, polycarbonate copolymer, polystyrene copolymer, and / or SMA copolymers.

[0098] Preferably, at least one protective lacquer layer 44 of the at least one protective lacquer layer 44 has a thickness in the range from 0.5 µm to 3 µm, in particular from 0.8 µm to 1.3 µm.

[0099] Preferably, at least one protective lacquer layer 44 of the at least one protective lacquer layer 44 is transparent and / or translucent and / or opaque and / or colored and / or at least partially colored and / or crystal clear.

[0100] It is preferably possible that at least one protective lacquer layer 44 of the at least one protective lacquer layer 44 comprises a material or a combination of materials selected from: polymers, in particular acrylate copolymers, polyester copolymers, polystyrene copolymers, polycarbonate copolymers, and / or SMA copolymers.

[0101] Preferably, the polymers, in particular acrylate copolymers and / or SMA copolymers, polyester copolymer, polycarbonate copolymer, polystyrene copolymer or combinations thereof, of the total lacquer layer 41 have a molar mass in the range from 1000 g / mol to 100,000 g / mol, preferably from 3000 g / mol to 35,000 g / mol.

[0102] It is provided that at least one decorative layer 45 of the at least one decorative layer 45 comprises at least one metallic layer and / or at least one dielectric layer.

[0103] Furthermore, it is provided in particular that at least one metallic layer of the at least one metallic layer comprises a material or a combination of materials selected from: aluminium, silver, gold, copper, nickel, chromium and / or an alloy comprising at least two of these metals.

[0104] It is preferably possible for at least one dielectric layer of the at least one dielectric layer to comprise a material or a combination of materials selected from: metal oxide, polymer, lacquer and / or HRI material, in particular MgO, TiO n , Al 2 O 3 , ZnO, ZnS and / or SiO n , wherein the variable n is preferably in the range from greater than or equal to 0 to less than or equal to 3.

[0105] It is preferably provided that at least one decorative layer 45 of the at least one decorative layer 45 has a thickness in the range from 8 nm to 500 nm, preferably from 8 nm to 60 nm, particularly preferably from 10 nm to 30 nm. In particular, at least one metallic layer of the at least one metallic layer has a thickness in the range from 8 nm to 60 nm, preferably from 10 nm to 30 nm. This layer thickness ensures that a high permeability to UV radiation is achieved for at least one metallic layer of the at least one metallic layer.This is particularly important when using a cold adhesive and / or an adhesive curable by electromagnetic radiation, particularly preferably an adhesive curable by UV radiation, since it can thus be guaranteed that the UV radiation from a light source emitting UV radiation penetrates, in particular, at least one metallic layer of the at least one metallic layer, thus curing the UV adhesive located underneath. At the same time, good visibility and a decorative effect of at least one metallic layer of the at least one metallic layer are achieved.

[0106] It is particularly possible for at least one decorative layer 45 of the at least one decorative layer 45 to have at least one layer generating an optically variable effect. This allows particularly high-quality optical properties of the decorative film 40 to be achieved. Furthermore, it is possible for these to be security elements, which are preferably forgery-proof.

[0107] Furthermore, it is preferred that at least one decorative layer 45 of the at least one decorative layer 45 has at least one replication lacquer layer with a surface structure molded into at least one replication lacquer layer of the at least one replication lacquer layer, in particular selected from: diffractive surface structure, refractive surface structure, lens structure, matt structure and / or blaze grating.

[0108] In particular, it is advantageous if at least one decorative layer 45 of the at least one decorative layer 45 has at least one reflective layer, in particular at least one reflective layer formed in a pattern in the form of a first piece of information.

[0109] It is further preferably provided that at least one decorative layer 45 of the at least one decorative layer 45 has at least one color layer formed in a pattern in the form of a second piece of information.

[0110] It is particularly possible that at least one decorative layer 45 of the at least one decorative layer 45 has at least one thin-film layer element for generating a viewing angle-dependent color shift effect.

[0111] Furthermore, it is provided in particular that at least one primer layer 46 of the at least one primer layer 46 has a thickness in the range from 0.1 µm to 2 µm, particularly preferably from 0.2 µm to 0.8 µm.

[0112] It is preferably possible for at least one primer layer 46 of the at least one primer layer 46 to be transparent and / or translucent and / or opaque and / or colored and / or at least partially colored and / or crystal-clear. In particular, if at least one primer layer 46 of the at least one primer layer 46 is at least partially colored and / or tinted, the advantage arises that the contrast with the target substrate 10 is enhanced, resulting in a particularly high-quality visual impression or effect.

[0113] It is preferred that at least one primer layer 46 of the at least one primer layer 46 has a surface roughness in the range from 100 nm to 200 nm, preferably from 120 nm to 160 nm.

[0114] Furthermore, it is possible, for example, for the overall paint layer 41 to comprise a plurality of primer layers 46 that differ in their chemical and / or physical properties, thus achieving optimal adhesion to the adjacent layers. Thus, for example, it is possible to achieve optimal adhesion toward at least one decorative layer 45 of the at least one decorative layer 45 on the one hand and optimal adhesion toward at least one adhesive layer 47 of the at least one adhesive layer 47 on the other hand.

[0115] In Fig. 2 The decorative film 40 has the same structure as in Fig. 1 shown, except that an adhesive layer 47 covers a surface of the overall lacquer layer 41 in the first regions 21 and does not cover it in the second regions 22.

[0116] It is provided in particular that at least one adhesive layer 47 of the at least one adhesive layer 47 covers at least a first region 21 of the overall lacquer layer 41 at least partially or over its entire surface.

[0117] It is further also provided that at least one adhesive layer 47 of the at least one adhesive layer 47 does not cover at least a second region 22 of the overall lacquer layer 41, in particular wherein at least a second region 22 of the at least one second region 22 does not overlap at least a first region 21 of the at least one first region 21 or at least partially or completely overlaps.

[0118] In particular, it is possible for at least one first region 21 of the at least one first region 21 and / or at least one second region 22 of the at least one second region 22 to comprise at least one of the following design elements or a combination of the following design elements: alphanumeric character, character, symbol, micro-font, image, photo, logo, portrait, pictogram, pattern, in particular continuous pattern, grid, in particular periodic grid, amplitude-modulated grid, dot grid, line grid, motif. This allows for individual design options that create a particularly high-quality impression on the viewer.

[0119] Furthermore, it is preferably possible for at least one adhesive layer 47 of the at least one adhesive layer 47 to be formed from a hot-melt adhesive and / or a thermoplastic adhesive and / or a cold-curing adhesive and / or a radiation-curable adhesive, in particular an adhesive curable by electromagnetic radiation and / or electron beams and / or by UV radiation, and / or an oxidatively curing adhesive and / or a low-migration adhesive. As a result, the decorative film 40 can be applied to the target substrate 10 by cold embossing, for example when using a cold adhesive and / or an adhesive curable by UV radiation, or can be applied to the target substrate by hot embossing, for example when using a thermoplastic adhesive, by activating the at least one adhesive layer 47 of the at least one adhesive layer 47, which comprises a thermoplastic adhesive, by means of a heated pressing die and / or a pressing roller.

[0120] In Fig. 3 A sectional view of the target substrate 10 is shown, wherein a surface of the target substrate 10 is covered with at least one adhesive layer 47 in the third regions 23 and not covered in the fourth regions 24. It is provided, in particular, that at least one adhesive layer 47 of the at least one adhesive layer 47 is applied in at least one third region 23 of the at least one third region 23 before the decorative film 40 is applied to the target substrate 10 and is not applied in a fourth region 24 of the at least one fourth region 24.

[0121] It is also possible for at least one adhesive layer 47 of the at least one adhesive layer 47 to completely cover at least one surface of the target substrate 10.

[0122] For this variant, a decorated target substrate in Fig. 4shown in its sectional view. In particular, at least one adhesive layer 47 of the at least one adhesive layer 47 is arranged on a target substrate 10 such that it completely covers a surface of the target substrate 10. Furthermore, the decorated target substrate comprises a complete lacquer layer 41 of the decorative film 40, wherein the carrier 42 has already been removed from the decorative film 40. Preferably, it can also be provided that the carrier 42 remains on the decorative film 40.

[0123] In the embodiment shown, the release layer 43 is transferred to the target substrate 10 and does not remain or only partially remains on the carrier film 42. In an alternative embodiment not shown in detail, it is also possible for the release layer 43 to remain on the peeled-off carrier film 42 or for only very few areas of the release layer 43 to be transferred to the target substrate 10.

[0124] In Fig. 5A further alternative for a decorated target substrate is shown in a sectional view. Here, at least a third region 23 of the at least one third region 23 is decorated by the overall resist layer 41, and at least a fourth region 24 of the at least one fourth region 24 is not decorated by the overall resist layer 41.

[0125] However, it is also possible that at least a first and / or third region 21, 23 of the at least one first and / or third region 21, 23 is decorated by the overall lacquer layer 41 and / or at least a second and / or fourth region 22, 24 of the at least one second and / or fourth region 22, 24 is not decorated by the overall lacquer layer 41.

[0126] It is provided in particular that the total lacquer layer 41 has at least one color layer on at least one surface, wherein the adhesive force between at least one color layer of the at least one color layer and the total lacquer layer 41 is at least 25 cN, preferably at least 30 cN.

[0127] In Fig. 6 a schematic representation of a method for producing a decorative film 40 is shown, wherein the method comprises the following steps, which are carried out in particular in the following order: a) Providing a carrier film 42, wherein the carrier film 42 has a thickness in the range from 3.0 µm to 10.0 µm, b) Applying a total lacquer layer 41 to at least one region of at least one surface of the carrier film 42, whereby a decorative film 40 is formed.

[0128] It is preferably possible for the total lacquer layer 41 in step b) to have a thickness in the range from 1.0 µm to 2.5 µm, preferably from 1.0 µm to 1.7 µm.

[0129] In particular, it is provided that the ratio of the carrier film thickness to the total paint layer thickness is in a range from 1.8:1 to 7.0:1, preferably from 2.5:1 to 5.8:1, wherein the carrier film 42 has a thickness in a range from greater than or equal to 3 µm to less than or equal to 7 µm and / or that the ratio of the carrier film thickness to the total paint layer thickness is in a range from 4.1:1 to 10.0:1, preferably from 4.4:1 to 8.3:1, wherein the carrier film 42 has a thickness in a range from greater than or equal to 7 µm to less than or equal to 10 µm.

[0130] Furthermore, it is preferably provided that the overall lacquer layer in step b) has at least one release layer 43 and / or at least one protective lacquer layer 44 and / or at least one decorative layer 45 and / or at least one primer layer 46 and / or at least one adhesive layer 47 and / or at least one color layer.

[0131] In particular, it is also possible for at least one release layer 43 of the at least one release layer 43 and / or at least one protective lacquer layer 44 of the at least one protective lacquer layer 44 and / or at least one decorative layer 45 of the at least one decorative layer 45 and / or at least one primer layer 46 of the at least one primer layer and / or at least one adhesive layer 47 of the at least one adhesive layer 47 and / or at least one ink layer of the at least one ink layer to be applied by means of gravure printing and / or screen printing and / or letterpress printing and / or pad printing and / or inkjet printing and / or offset printing and / or flexographic printing and / or casting techniques.

[0132] In particular, it is provided that in step b), the at least one adhesive layer 47 is applied as a hot-melt adhesive, a thermoplastic adhesive, a cold-melt adhesive, a radiation-curable adhesive, in particular an adhesive curable by electromagnetic radiation and / or electron beams and / or by UV radiation, or an oxidatively curing adhesive and / or a low-migration adhesive. It is also possible for the adhesive layer 47 to be applied at least partially to a surface of the overall lacquer layer 41.

[0133] It is in particular also possible for step b) to further comprise the following step and / or for the following step to be carried out after step b): c) applying at least one adhesive layer 47 of the at least one adhesive layer 47 in such a way that at least one adhesive layer 47 of the at least one adhesive layer 47 covers at least a first region 21 of the overall lacquer layer 41 at least partially or over its entire area and / or does not cover a second region 22 of the overall lacquer layer 41, in particular wherein at least a second region 22 of the at least one second region 22 does not overlap at least a first region 21 of the at least one first region 21 or at least partially or over its entire area.

[0134] In particular, it is also possible for at least a first region 21 of the at least one first region 21 and / or at least a second region 22 of the at least one second region 22 to comprise at least one of the following design elements or a combination of the following design elements: alphanumeric character, character, symbol, micro-font, image, photo, logo, portrait, pictogram, pattern, in particular endless pattern, grid, in particular periodic grid, amplitude-modulated grid, dot grid, line grid, motif.

[0135] In Fig. 7 a method for decorating a target substrate 10 is shown schematically, the method comprising the following steps, which are carried out in particular in the following order: d) Providing a decorative film 40 e) Providing a target substrate 10 f) Applying the decorative film 40 to the target substrate 10.

[0136] As in Fig. 8schematically shown, it is also provided in particular that the following step is carried out before step f): g) applying at least one adhesive layer 47 to the decorative film 40 such that at least one adhesive layer 47 of the at least one adhesive layer 47 covers at least a first region 21 of the overall lacquer layer 41 at least partially or over its entire surface and / or does not cover at least a second region 22 of the overall lacquer layer 41, in particular wherein at least a second region 22 of the at least one second region 22 does not overlap at least a first region 21 of the at least one first region 21 or at least partially or over its entire surface, and / or applying at least one adhesive layer 47 to the target substrate 10 such thatthat at least one adhesive layer 47 of the at least one adhesive layer 47 covers at least one third region 23 of the target substrate 10 at least partially or over its entire surface and / or does not cover at least one fourth region 24 of the target substrate 10, in particular wherein at least one fourth region 24 of the at least one fourth region 24 does not overlap at least one third region 23 of the at least one third region 23 or at least partially or over its entire surface.

[0137] It is further also provided that at least one first and / or third region 21, 23 of the at least one first and / or third region 21, 23 and / or at least one second and / or fourth region 22, 24 of the at least one second and / or fourth region 22, 24 comprises at least one of the following design elements or a combination of the following design elements: alphanumeric character, character, symbol, micro-font, image, photo, logo, portrait, pictogram, pattern, in particular endless pattern, grid, in particular periodic grid, amplitude-modulated grid, dot grid, line grid, motif.

[0138] Preferably, at least one adhesive layer 47 of the at least one adhesive layer 47 in step g) is formed from a hot-melt adhesive, a thermoplastic adhesive, a cold-curable adhesive, a radiation-curable adhesive, in particular an adhesive curable by means of electromagnetic radiation and / or electron radiation and / or by means of UV radiation, and / or an oxidatively curing adhesive and / or a low-migration adhesive.

[0139] In particular, it is further provided that in step g) at least one adhesive layer 47 of the at least one adhesive layer 47 is applied by means of gravure printing and / or screen printing and / or letterpress printing and / or pad printing and / or inkjet printing and / or offset printing and / or flexographic printing and / or casting techniques.

[0140] It is also possible that at least one first and / or third region 21, 23 of the at least one first and / or third region 21, 23, which is at least partially or completely covered by the at least one adhesive layer 47 of the at least one adhesive layer 47, is decorated by the overall lacquer layer 41.

[0141] Furthermore, it is advantageous if at least one color layer is applied to at least one surface of the overall paint layer 41 after step f), so that the adhesive force between at least one color layer of the at least one color layer and the overall paint layer 41 is at least 25 cN, preferably at least 30 cN.

[0142] It is also advantageous if the total lacquer layer 41 after step f) has a covering power when decorating a continuous solid area of ​​greater than or equal to 99.5%, preferably of 100%, and a decoration or point perception when decorating a 10% halftone field of greater than or equal to 99.5%, preferably of 100%.

[0143] It is also preferably conceivable that in step f) and / or after step f) the following step is carried out: h) pressing the decorative film 40 with at least one pressing stamp and / or at least one pressing roller.

[0144] Furthermore, it is preferably also possible for at least one pressure stamp of the at least one pressure stamp and / or at least one pressure roller of the at least one pressure roller in step h) to be designed as a heated surface and / or shaped stamp and / or a heated roller, wherein said at least one adhesive layer 47 of the at least one adhesive layer 47 is activated at least partially and / or in at least one first and / or third region 21, 23 of the at least one first and / or third region 21, 23 and connects the decorative film 40 to the target substrate 10.

[0145] In particular, it is also possible that after step f) the following step is carried out: peeling off the carrier film 42 from the total lacquer layer 41, wherein the peeling angle between the carrier film 42 and the total lacquer layer 41 is in a range from 0° to 120°, preferably from 0° to 90°.

[0146] When peeling the carrier film 42 from the overall lacquer layer 41, it is provided in particular that at least one adhesive layer 47 of the at least one adhesive layer 47 is applied to at least one first and / or third region 21, 23 of the at least one and / or third region 21, 23 and that decoration takes place in this region. In order for decoration to take place only in the aforementioned region, the so-called tearing force must be overcome. The tearing force is the force that must be overcome during transfer to a surface or region to be decorated in order to result in defined local fractures in the overall lacquer layer 41 of the decorative film 40 and to enable sharp-edged decoration of the surface or region to be decorated.

[0147] The outer edge, in particular the leading edge in the feed direction of at least one adhesive layer 47 of the at least one adhesive layer 47, is referred to as the tearing edge. It is particularly provided that the entire lacquer layer 41 breaks precisely and in a defined manner at this tearing edge, so that at least one adhesive layer 47 of the at least one adhesive layer 47, which is applied in at least one first and / or third region 21, 23 of the at least one first and / or third region 21, 23, predefines the decoration.

[0148] The outer rear edge of the adhesive layer 47 in the feed direction is referred to as the tear-off edge. It is particularly provided that the entire lacquer layer 41 also breaks precisely and precisely at this tear-off edge, so that at least one adhesive layer 47 of the at least one adhesive layer 47, which is applied in at least one first and / or third region 21, 23 of the at least one first and / or third region 21, 23, predefines the decoration.

[0149] After the initial tearing of the entire lacquer layer 41 has been completed, the surface or area to be decorated is decorated by detaching the entire lacquer layer 41 from the carrier film 42. The force required for this is referred to as the tear force and is generally smaller than the initial tear force, since the entire lacquer layer 41 does not need to be broken. In general, a low and homogeneous tear force across the entire area to be decorated ensures high coverage and reduces the number of decorative defects.

[0150] In the Fig. 9a and 9b are examples of the force progressions of the tear force for a decorative film 40 according to the invention with a thickness of the carrier film 42 of 5.7 µm ( Fig. 9a ) and a decorative film 40 according to the state of the art ( Fig. 9b) with a carrier film 42 thickness of 12 µm, with the tear force in cN being given over the distance in mm. The two tested decorative films 40 have the same layer structure and material composition, except that the carrier film thicknesses are different.

[0151] A Z005 materials testing machine from ZwickRoell GmbH & Co. KG was used to record the measured values. The carrier film 42 to be removed in both tests had a width of 13.5 mm and a length of 41 mm. The carrier film 42 was removed longitudinally at a speed of 100 mm / min.

[0152] The average tear force for a decorative film 40 with a carrier film thickness of 5.7 µm is approximately 2.75 cN (see Fig. 9a ), whereas the average tear force for a decorative film 40 with a carrier film thickness of 12 µm is approximately 4.5 cN (see Fig. 9b ).

[0153] The fluctuations in the force amplitude, whereby in this case the fluctuation of the tear force around its mean value is understood, are for a decorative film 40 with a carrier film thickness of 5.7 µm ( Fig. 9a ) is lower than for a decorative film 40 with a carrier film thickness of 12 µm ( Fig. 9b ). The fluctuations in the force amplitude, viewed in absolute terms, are less than ± 0.5 cN for a decorative film 40 with a carrier film thickness of 5.7 µm, whereas for a decorative film 40 with a carrier film thickness of 12 µm, fluctuations in the force amplitude around the mean value of up to ± 1 cN occur.

[0154] Overall, it can be said that both the absolute tear force for a decorative film 40 with a carrier film thickness of 5.7 µm is lower than for a decorative film 40 with a carrier film thickness of 12 µm, and the fluctuations in the force amplitude around its mean value for a decorative film 40 with a carrier film thickness of 5.7 µm are significantly lower than for a decorative film 40 with a carrier film thickness of 12 µm. With a decorative film 40 whose carrier film 42 has a thickness in the range of 3 µm to 10 µm, the tear force behaves particularly homogeneously, resulting in improved decoration and improved opacity.

[0155] A further series of tests demonstrates the advantages outlined above. First, several similar target substrates 10 are prepared, with an adhesive layer 47 being applied to the target substrates 10 in a halftone field with a 10% area coverage, i.e., 10% of the surface of the target substrate 10 is covered with adhesive dots. The 10% halftone field has a resolution of 100 lpi (lpi = "lines per inch"), is amplitude-modulated, and has a halftone dot angle of 45°.

[0156] To determine the maximum adhesive dots per target substrate 10, a target substrate 10 without decorative film 40 is scanned with a scanner with a resolution of 1200 dpi, and the number of adhesive dots is counted. The resulting image is also referred to as the adhesive image.

[0157] The same procedure is also carried out for decorated target substrates 10, wherein beforehand a target substrate 10 is decorated with a decorative film 40 having a carrier film thickness of 5.7 µm (A) and a target substrate 10 is decorated with a decorative film 40 having a carrier film thickness of 12 µm (B) and after curing of the adhesive layer 47, the carrier film 42 is detached from the overall lacquer layer 41.

[0158] This process is also carried out for several target substrates 10, in which the adhesive layer 47 is applied in a solid field, i.e. with a 100% area coverage.

[0159] The results of this series of tests are shown in the following table: 10% grid (number of decorated points) Relative proportion (of 8240 determined points from adhesive image) in % Opacity of the solid field in % A (5.7 µm) 8240 100 100 B (12 µm) 5116 62 99

[0160] In the 10% grid, all 8240 adhesive points are decorated by a decorative foil 40 with a carrier foil thickness of 5.7 µm, this is also in Fig. 10aIn contrast, with a decorative film 40 with a carrier film thickness of 12 µm, only 62% of the adhesive dots are decorated, as also in Fig. 10b Accordingly, for a decorative film 40 with a carrier film thickness of 5.7 µm, one can speak of a clean finish or a high point perception, since 100% of the adhesive points are decorated and thus the entire lacquer layer 41 breaks optimally at the tear edge and / or the tear-off edge.

[0161] Furthermore, with a decorative film 40 with a carrier film thickness of 5.7 µm, an opacity of the solid tone field of 100% is achieved, whereas with a decorative film 40 with a carrier film thickness of 12 µm, an opacity of the solid tone field of 99% is achieved.

[0162] Therefore, a decorative film 40 with a carrier film thickness in the range of 3 µm to 10 µm offers the advantages of a clean finish and very high opacity.

[0163] The following are further explained: Figures 11 a and 11b, in which a neutral fiber 50 for a decorative film 40 with a carrier film thickness of 5.7 µm ( Fig. 11a ) and for a decorative film 40 with a carrier film thickness of 12 µm ( Fig. 11b) is shown. The neutral fiber 50 runs along the geometric center plane or center line of the decorative film 40. The neutral fiber 50 is the fiber whose length does not change when twisted and / or bent, i.e. no tensile or compressive stresses act on the neutral fiber 50. The distance x from the neutral fiber to the overall lacquer layer 41 is also shown. The smaller the carrier film thickness of the decorative film 40, the smaller the distance x. As the distance x decreases, the normal stress of the overall lacquer layer 41 is then also reduced as a result of bending. The reduced normal stress of the overall lacquer layer 41 in the case of a decorative film 40 with a carrier film thickness in the range from 3 µm to 10 µm ensures that undefined and / or random local fractures in the overall lacquer layer 41 do not occur before the carrier film is detached. This allows a clean expression or a very high point perception to be achieved.

[0164] In particular, it is intended that the tear-away force exhibits fluctuations in the force amplitude around its mean value in a range from greater than or equal to -0.5 cN to less than or equal to 0.5 cN.

[0165] Furthermore, it is preferably provided that the total lacquer layer 41 has a covering power when decorating a continuous solid area of ​​greater than or equal to 99.5%, preferably of 100%, and a decoration or point perception when decorating a 10% halftone field of greater than or equal to 99.5%, preferably of 100%.

[0166] In particular, it is possible that the tear force of the entire lacquer layer 41 from the carrier film 42 is in a range of 2 cN to 8 cN. List of reference symbols

[0167] 10Target substrate 21First area 22Second area 23Third area 24Fourth area 40Decorative film 41Total lacquer layer 42Carrier film 43Release layer 44Protective lacquer layer 45Decorative layer 46Primer layer 47Adhesive layer 50Neutral fiber xDistance

Claims

1. Decorative foil (40), in particular laminating foil, cold stamping foil, or thermographic foil, comprising a carrier film (42) and a total paint layer (41), characterised in that the carrier film (42) has a thickness in the range from 3.0 µm to 10.0 µm and the total paint layer (41) has a thickness in the range from 1.0 µm to 2.5 µm and the total paint layer (41) has at least one decorative layer and at least one decorative layer (45) of the at least one decorative layer (45) has a thickness in the range from 8 nm to 500 nm.

2. Decorative foil according to the preceding claim, characterised in that the total paint layer (41) has a thickness in the range from 1.0 µm to 1.7 µm and / or the ratio of the carrier film thickness to the total paint layer thickness is in the range from 1.8:1 to 7.0:1, preferably from 2.5:1 to 5.8:1, wherein the carrier film (42) has a thickness in a range from greater or equal to 3 µm to less than or equal to 7 µm and / or the ratio of the carrier film thickness to the total paint layer thickness is in a range from 4.1:1 to 10.0: 1, preferably from 4.4:1 to 8.3:1, wherein the carrier film (42) has a thickness in a range from greater than or equal to 7 µm to less than or equal to 10 µm.

3. Decorative foil according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the decorative foil (40) has a permeability in the range of 5% to 70%, in particular from 10% to 40% for UV radiation in the wavelength range from 250 nm to 400 nm.

4. Decorative foil according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the tearing force fluctuations in the force amplitude around its mean value is in a range from greater than or equal to -0.5 cN to less than or equal to -0.5 cN and / or the total paint layer (41) has at least one colour layer on at least one surface, wherein the adhesive strength is at least 25 cN, preferably at least 30 cN, between at least one colour layer of the at least one colour layer and the total paint layer (41).

5. Decorative foil according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the total paint layer (41) has coverage, with decoration of an associated full surface, of greater than or equal to 99.5%, preferably 100%, and a decoration or point perception with decoration of a 10% mid-tone field of greater than or equal to 99.5%, preferably 100%.

6. Decorative foil according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the total paint layer (41) has at least one release layer (43) and / or at least one protective paint layer (44) and / or at least one primer layer (46) and / or at least one adhesive layer (47) and / or at least one colour layer.

7. Decorative foil according to claim 6, characterised in that at least one release layer (43) of the at least one release layer (43) comprises a material or a material combination, selected from: waxes, silicones, polyurethanes and / or polymers, preferably acrylate-copolymers, polyester-copolymers, polystyrene-copolymers, polycarbonate-copolymers; and / or at least one release layer (43) of the at least one release layer (43) has a thickness in the range from 0.01 µm to 0.50 µm, preferably from 0.10 µm to 0.30 µm and / or at least one release layer (43) of the at least one release layer (43) is formed to be transparent and / or translucent and / or opaque and / or coloured in and / or at least partially coloured in and / or crystal clear.

8. Decorative foil according to claim 6 or 7, characterised in that at least one protective paint layer (44) of the at least one protective paint layer (44) comprises a material or a material combination, selected from: polymers, in particular acrylate-copolymers, polyester-copolymers, polystyrene-copolymers, polycarbonate-copolymers and / or SMA-copolymers.

9. Decorative foil according to claim 7 or 8, characterised in that the polymers, in particular acrylate-copolymers, polyester-copolymers, polystyrene-copolymers, polycarbonate-copolymers and / or SMA-copolymers, or a combination thereof, of the total paint layer (41) has a molar mass in the range from 1000 g / mol to 100000 g / mol, preferably from 3000 g / mol to 35000 g / mol.

10. Decorative foil according to one of claims 6 to 9, characterised in that the at least one protective paint layer (44) of the at least one protective paint layer (44) has a thickness in the range from 0.5 µm to 3 µm, in particular from 0.8 µm to 1.3 µm and / or at least one protective paint layer (44) of the at least one protective paint layer (44) is formed to be transparent and / or translucent and / or opaque and / or coloured in and / or at least partially coloured in and / or crystal clear.

11. Decorative foil according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the tearing force of the total paint layer (41) of the carrier film (42) is in a range from 2 cN to 8 cN.

12. Decorative foil according to one of claims 6 to 11, characterised in that at least one decorative layer (45) of the at least one decorative layer (45) has at least one layer generating a visually variable effect and / or at least one decorative layer (45) of the at least one decorative layer (45) has at least one replicating paint layer having a surface structure moulded into at least one replicating paint layer of the at least one replicating paint layer, in particular selected from: diffractive surface structure, refractive surface structure, lens structure, matte structure and / or blazed grating; and / or at least one decorative layer (45) of the at least one decorative layer (45) has at least one reflective layer, in particular at least one reflective layer moulded in a pattern in the shape of a first piece of information.

13. Decorative foil according to one of claims 6 to 12, characterised in that at least one decorative layer (45) of the at least one decorative layer (45) has at least one thin film layer element for generating a viewing-angle-dependent colour shifting effect and / or at least one decorative layer (45) of the at least one decorative layer (45) has at least one colour layer moulded in a pattern in the shape of a second piece of information and / or at least one decorative layer (45) of the at least one decorative layer (45) comprises at least one metallic layer and / or at least one dielectric layer and / or at least one decorative layer (45) of the at least one decorative layer (45) has a thickness in the range from 8 nm to 60 nm, in particular from 10 nm to 30 nm.

14. Decorative foil according to claim 13, characterised in that at least one metallic layer of the at least one metallic layer comprises a material or a material combination, selected from: aluminium, silver, gold, copper, nickel, chromium and / or an alloy comprising at least two of these metals; and / or at least one dielectric layer of the at least one dielectric layer comprises a material or a material combination, selected from: metal oxide, polymer, paint and / or HRI material, in particular MgO, TiOn, Al2O3, ZnO, ZnS and / or SiOn, wherein the variable n is preferably in the range from greater than or equal to 0 to less than or equal to 3.

15. Decorative foil according to one of claims 6 to 14, characterised in that at least one primer layer (46) of the at least one the primer layer (46) has a thickness in the range from 0.1 µm to 2 µm, in particular preferably from 0.2 µm to 0.8 µm and / or at least one primer layer (46) of the at least one primer layer (46) is formed to be transparent and / or translucent and / or opaque and / or coloured in and / or at least partially coloured in and / or crystal clear.

16. Method for producing a decorative film, in particular according one of claims 1 to 15, wherein the method comprises the following steps, which in particular are performed in the following order: a) providing a carrier film (42), wherein the carrier film (42) has a thickness in the range from 3.0 µm to 10.0 µm, b) applying a total paint layer (41) onto at least one area of at least one surface of the carrier film (42), wherein a decorative foil (40) is formed, and in step b) the total paint layer (41) has a thickness in the range from 1.0 µm to 2.5 µm and in step b) the total paint layer (41) has at least one decorative layer and at least one decorative layer (45) of the at least one decorative layer (45) has a thickness in the range from 8 nm to 500 nm.

17. Method according to claim 16, characterised in that in step b) the total paint layer (41) has a thickness in the range from 1.0 µm to 1.7 µm and / or the ratio of the thickness of the carrier film (42) to the thickness of the total paint layer (41) is in a range from 1.8:1 to 7.0:1, preferably from 2.5:1 to 5.8:1, wherein the carrier film (42) has a thickness in a range from greater than or equal to 3 µm to less than or equal to 7 µm and / or the ratio of the thickness of the carrier film (42) to the thickness of the total paint is in a range from 4.1:1 to 10.0:1, preferably from 4.4:1 to 8.3:1, wherein the carrier film (42) has a thickness in a range from greater than or equal to 7 µm to less than or equal to 10 µm.

18. Method according to claim 16 or 17, characterised in that in step b) the total paint layer (41) has at least one release layer (43) and / or at least one protective paint layer (44) and / or at least one primer layer (46) and / or at least one adhesive layer (47) and / or at least one colour layer.

19. Method for decorating a target substrate, wherein the method comprises the following steps, which in particular are performed in the following order: d) providing a decorative film (40) according to one of claims 1 to 15, e) providing a target substrate (10), f) applying the decorative foil (40) onto the target substrate (10).

20. Method according to claim 19, characterised in that, after step f) on at least one surface of the total paint layer (41), at least one colour layer is applied, so that the adhesive strength is at least 25 cN, preferably at least 30 cN, between at least one colour layer of the at least one colour layer and the total paint layer (41).

21. Method according to claim 19 or 20, characterised in that after step f) the total paint layer (41) has a coverage with decoration of an associated full surface from greater than or equal to 99.5%, preferably from 100% and a decoration or point perception with decoration of a 10% mid-tone field from greater than or equal to 99.5%, preferably from 100%.