Spray plate, method for manufacture thereof and method for checking the colour of a sprayed paint

Abstract

Spray plate (10) for checking the colour of a sprayed paint, which spray plate comprises a carrier to which is applied a white or coloured layer (11) which extends over at least 70% of at least one side of the carrier and to which are applied one or more dark coverage areas (12), preferably black coverage areas, which extend over a portion of the carrier and are applied adjacently and / or on top of the white or coloured layer; wherein the carrier is manufactured from a synthetic paper material; wherein the white or coloured layer comprises at least one ink layer; and wherein the one or more dark coverage areas are one or more ink layers.

Description

[0001] Spray plate, method for manufacture thereof and method for checking the colour of a sprayed paint

[0002] Field of the invention

[0003] The field of the present invention relates to spray plates for checking the colour of a sprayed paint, for instance an automotive paint, to a method for manufacture, and to a method for checking the colour of the sprayed paint.

[0004] Known spray plates, also referred to as spray samples, are typically metal plates treated with a white, light grey or dark grey primer, wherein a black coverage stripe is applied over the whole length in order to check the paint coverage after spraying. The spray plate can be provided with a round hole for colour checking and / or for hanging.

[0005] Such spray plates are used to check the colour correctness of water-based and conventional paints.

[0006] The drawback of metal spray plates is that they are not very flexible in use, and particularly do not allow for the properties of the spray plate to be adapted in simple manner. of the invention

[0007] Embodiments of the invention have the object of providing a spray plate which can be adapted to the wishes of a client in simple manner.

[0008] A first aspect of the invention relates to a spray plate for checking the colour of a sprayed paint. The spray plate comprises a carrier to which a white or coloured layer is applied, which extends over at least 70% of at least one side of the carrier and preferably over a whole side or over substantially a whole side of the carrier. Further applied to the carrier are one or more dark coverage areas, preferably black coverage areas, which extend over a portion of the carrier and are applied adjacently and / or on top of the white or coloured layer. The carrier is manufactured from a paper material, preferably a synthetic paper material, the white or coloured layer comprises at least one ink layer, and the one or more dark coverage areas are one or more ink layers.

[0009] Working with synthetic paper and applying the white or coloured layer and the one or more dark coverage areas as ink layers provides a spray plate which on one hand is suitable for water-based and conventional paints and on the other hand can be adapted to the wishes of a client in simple manner. This is because the ink layers can be applied in any desired pattern, and the synthetic paper can be cut to size in simple manner.

[0010] A synthetic paper comprises plastic fibres and optionally cellulose fibres, and has properties which are similar to those of standard paper. Examples of synthetic paper are polyester synthetic paper, polypropylene synthetic paper, polyethylene synthetic paper, vinyl synthetic paper (or PVC synthetic paper).

[0011] The ink layers are preferably cured UV ink layers. The inventors have surprisingly discovered that such ink layers are highly suitable for checking the colour of a paint, and that they can also be readily bonded to synthetic paper.

[0012] The carrier preferably comprises a synthetic, polyester-based, more preferably polyethylene terephthalate-based (PET-based), paper. Such materials are very suitable for printing with UV- curable inks

[0013] The carrier is preferably coated on at least one side, preferably on both sides, with an ink receptive coating to which the white or coloured layer is applied, more preferably a water-based ink receptive coating. Such a coating can further improve the bonding of an ink layer to the carrier.

[0014] The carrier is preferably substantially rectangular. The corners of the carrier can optionally be rounded. It is however also possible to provide a carrier with a different form, such as a round or oval shape.

[0015] The one or more dark coverage areas preferably together cover a surface area smaller than 20% of the surface area of a side of the carrier, preferably smaller than 10% of the surface area of a side of the carrier.

[0016] The one or more dark coverage areas preferably comprise a stripe, more preferably a stripe with a width which is smaller than 10% of a width of the carrier. The stripe preferably extends over the whole length of the carrier.

[0017] The carrier preferably has a length of between 50 and 250 mm and a width of between 50 and 250 mm. More preferably, the carrier is substantially rectangular, with a width of between 75 and 150 mm and a length of between 100 and 200 mm. According to a possible embodiment, the white or coloured layer and the one or more dark coverage areas are applied to only one side of the carrier. A printing, such as a printed text or a printed logo, can then optionally be provided on the other side of the carrier. The composition of the colour or other useful information can thus for instance be printed on the other side of the carrier. According to another possible embodiment, the white or coloured layer is applied to both sides of the carrier and one or more dark coverage areas are provided on both sides of the carrier.

[0018] At least one hole for hanging the carrier is preferably provided in the carrier. The at least one hole can optionally be provided in the one or more dark coverage areas. The hole is preferably a round hole with a diameter of between 5 and 25 mm.

[0019] The carrier (without the ink layers) preferably has a thickness of between 80 and 500 microns, determined in accordance with ASTM D-6988, more preferably between 100 and 400 microns, still more preferably between 150 and 250 microns.

[0020] The carrier (without the ink layers) preferably has a grammage of between 80 and 500 g / m2, more preferably between 150 and 400 g / m2, still more preferably between 160 and 300 g / m2.

[0021] The carrier (without the ink layers) preferably has a mass density of between 1.0 and 1.5 g / cm3, measured in accordance with ISO 534.

[0022] The carrier (without the ink layers) preferably has an initial tear strength greater than 20 N, determined in accordance with ASTM DI 004, more preferably of between 30 and 150 N, still more preferably of between 50 and 120 N.

[0023] The carrier (without the ink layers) preferably has a stiffness greater than 1 mN, determined in accordance with ISO 2493, more preferably between 5 and 150 mN, still more preferably between 5 and 100 mN.

[0024] The one or more dark coverage areas are preferably black areas, although these could also be dark grey areas which are darker than the coloured or white layer.

[0025] The colour of the white or coloured layer is preferably one of the following: white, grey. The white colour can for instance be RAL9010, but can more generally be any RAL9000 value. The grey colour can for instance be RAL7047 (light grey), RAL7042 (mid grey) or RAL7024 (dark grey), but can more generally be any grey value of the RAL7000 series. The two sides of the carrier can optionally be provided be provided with a different white or coloured layer.

[0026] According to another aspect of the invention, a U-shaped holder is provided, comprising a U-shaped frame with a slot into which a spray plate according to any one of the above described embodiments is received and is for instance slidable.

[0027] According to yet another aspect, a method is provided for checking the colour of a sprayed paint. The method comprises the following steps of: providing a spray plate according to any one of the above described embodiments; spraying a paint layer onto the spray plate, over the white or coloured layer and over the one or more dark coverage areas.

[0028] According to yet another aspect, a method is provided for manufacturing a spray plate according to any one of the above described embodiments. The method comprises of: providing a carrier from a paper material, preferably a synthetic paper material, optionally provided with an ink receptive coating; printing, with a UV dry-offset technique, at least one white or coloured ink layer over at least 70% of at least one side of the carrier and one or more dark coverage areas adjacently and / or on top of the white or coloured layer. When the white or coloured layer is printed adjacently of the one or more coverage areas, the white or coloured layer can be printed before or after the one or more coverage areas.

[0029] According to a possible embodiment, the at least one white or coloured ink layer is applied to at least one side of the carrier, preferably over the whole surface area thereof, after which the one or more dark coverage areas are applied on top of the white or coloured layer. The UV curing of the white or coloured ink layer is then preferably done before the one or more dark coverage areas are applied. One or more layers can be printed, subject to the desired properties of the white or coloured ink layer.

[0030] According to another possible embodiment, a white or coloured ink layer and the one or more dark coverage areas are applied adjacently of each other in one printing operation, preferably such that together they cover the whole surface area of at least one side of the carrier. In such an embodiment the UV curing of the white or coloured layer and the one or more dark coverage areas then preferably takes place simultaneously.

[0031] The above stated and other advantageous features and objects of the invention will become more apparent, and the invention better understood, on the basis of the following detailed description when read in combination with the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0032] FIG. 1, 2 and 3 illustrate a top view of three possible embodiments of a spray plate; and

[0033] FIG. 4, 5, 6 and 7 illustrate a cross-section of four possible embodiments of a spray plate.

[0034] Detailed embodiments

[0035] FIG. 1, 2 and 3 illustrate embodiments of a spray plate 10 for checking the colour of a sprayed paint. The spray plate comprises a carrier to which a white or coloured layer 11 is applied and to which one or more dark coverage areas 12, preferably black coverage areas 12, are applied. The white or coloured layer 11 preferably extends over at least 70% of at least one side of the carrier. The one or more dark coverage areas 12 preferably extend over a portion of the carrier and are applied adjacently and / or on top of the white or coloured layer 11. The carrier is manufactured from a paper material, preferably a synthetic paper material, the white or coloured layer comprises at least one ink layer, and the one or more dark coverage areas 12 are one or more ink layers. The ink layers are preferably cured UV ink layers. The carrier preferably comprises a synthetic, polyester-based paper. The carrier can for instance be a synthetic paper sold by Agfa-Gevaert Group, PPG Industries Inc., Seiko Epson Corporation, etc.

[0036] The carrier is preferably substantially rectangular, optionally with rounded corners. The one or more dark coverage areas preferably together cover a surface area which is smaller than 20% of the surface area of a side of the carrier, preferably smaller than 10% of the surface area. The carrier preferably has a length of between 50 and 250 mm and a width of between 50 and 250 mm.

[0037] In a possible embodiment, which is shown in FIG. 1 , the one or more dark coverage areas comprise a stripe with a width which is smaller than 10% of a width of the carrier and with a length which is substantially equal to the length of the carrier. In other possible embodiment, which is shown in FIG. 2, the one or more dark coverage areas have a random shape, such as a logo. In yet another possible embodiment, which is shown in FIG. 3, the one or more dark coverage areas comprise a text.

[0038] As shown in FIG. 1, 2 and 3, at least one hole 15 can be provided in the carrier for the purpose of hanging the carrier.

[0039] FIG. 4-7 illustrate the manner in which the ink layers can be applied. In the embodiments of FIG. 4 and 5 the white or coloured layer 11 is applied to only one side of the carrier and the one or more dark coverage areas 12 extend over this one side of the carrier. The carrier comprises a layer of synthetic paper 21 on which is preferably provided an ink receptive coating 22 to which the white or coloured layer 11 is applied, preferably a water-based ink receptive coating 22.

[0040] When only one side is provided with a white or coloured layer 11, a print (not shown), such as a printed text, can optionally be printed on the other side of the carrier.

[0041] The ink layers 11, 12 are applied with a UV dry-offset technique, wherein the one or more dark coverage areas 12 are printed adjacently of the white or coloured layer 11 (FIG. 5) and / or on top of the white or coloured layer 11 (FIG. 4). In the embodiment of FIG. 4 the white or coloured ink layer 11 is applied to one side of the carrier, over the whole surface area thereof, after which the one or more dark coverage areas 12 are applied on top of the white or coloured layer 11. In the embodiment of FIG. 5 the white or coloured ink layer 11 and the one or more dark coverage areas 12 are applied adjacently of each other in one printing operation, preferably such that together they cover the whole surface area of a side of the carrier.

[0042] In the embodiments of FIG. 6 and 7 the white or coloured layer 11 is applied on both sides of the carrier and one or more dark coverage areas 12, which extend over a portion of the respective side of the carrier, are provided on both sides of the carrier. The carrier comprises a layer of synthetic paper 21 on both sides of which is preferably provided an ink receptive coating 22, preferably a water-based ink receptive coating 22.

[0043] The ink layers 11, 12 are here applied on both sides with a UV dry-offset technique, wherein the one or more dark coverage areas 12 are printed adjacently of the white or coloured layer 11 (FIG. 7) and / or on top of the white or coloured layer 11 (FIG. 6). In the embodiment of FIG. 6 the white or coloured ink layer 11 is applied on both sides of the carrier, over the whole surface area thereof, after which the one or more dark coverage areas 12 are applied on top of the white or coloured layers 11. In the embodiment of FIG. 7 the white or coloured ink layer 11 and the one or more dark coverage areas 12 are applied adjacently of each other on both sides of the carrier in one printing operation, preferably such that together they cover the whole surface area of a side of the carrier.

[0044] A number of advantageous features of the carrier, which may be present in all the embodiments described above, are stated below. The carrier preferably has a thickness of between 80 and 500 microns, determined in accordance with ASTM D-6988, more preferably between 100 and 400 microns, still more preferably between 150 and 250 microns. The carrier preferably has a grammage of between 80 and 500 g / m2, more preferably between 150 and 400 g / m2, still more preferably between 160 and 300 g / m2. The carrier preferably has a mass density of between 1.0 and 1.5 g / cm3, measured in accordance with ISO 534.

[0045] The carrier preferably comprises a polyester film 21 with a coating 22, wherein the film is stretched during manufacture of the carrier. Depending on the desired print, a suitable coating can be opted for. The polyester film is preferably water-impermeable, but can optionally comprise air bubbles to give it a more or less white appearance.

[0046] The white or coloured layer 11 preferably has one of the following colours: white, light grey, dark grey.

[0047] The illustrated spray plates 10 can be used in a method for checking the colour of a sprayed paint. This method typically comprises the following steps of: providing a spray plate 10 according to any one of the above described embodiments; spraying a paint layer onto the spray plate, over the white or coloured layer 11 and over the one or more dark coverage areas 12.

[0048] The skilled person will appreciate that the invention is not limited to the above described embodiments and that many modifications and variants are possible within the scope of the invention, which is defined solely by the following claims.

Claims

Claims1. Spray plate (10) for checking the colour of a sprayed paint, which spray plate comprises a carrier to which is applied a white or coloured layer (11) which extends over at least 70% of at least one side of the carrier and to which are applied one or more dark coverage areas (12), preferably black coverage areas, which extend over a portion of the carrier and are applied adjacently and / or on top of the white or coloured layer; characterized in that the carrier is manufactured from a synthetic paper material; that the white or coloured layer comprises at least one ink layer; and that the one or more dark coverage areas are one or more ink layers.

2. Spray plate according to claim 1, wherein the ink layers are cured UV ink layers.

3. Spray plate according to any one of the foregoing claims, wherein the carrier comprises a synthetic, polyester-based, preferably PET-based, paper (21).

4. Spray plate according to any one of the foregoing claims, wherein the carrier is coated on at least one side, preferably on both sides, with an ink receptive coating (22) to which the white or coloured layer is applied, preferably a water-based ink receptive coating.

5. Spray plate according to any one of the foregoing claims, wherein the carrier is substantially rectangular.

6. Spray plate according to any one of the foregoing claims, wherein the one or more dark coverage areas together cover a surface area which is smaller than 20% of the surface area of a side of the carrier, preferably smaller than 10% of the surface area.

7. Spray plate according to any one of the foregoing claims, wherein the one or more dark coverage areas comprise a stripe with a width which is smaller than 10% of a width of the carrier and with a length which is substantially equal to the length of the carrier.

8. Spray plate according to any one of the foregoing claims, wherein the carrier has a length of between 50 and 250 mm and has a width of between 50 and 250 mm.

9. Spray plate according to any one of the foregoing claims, wherein the white or coloured layer is applied to only one side of the carrier and the one or more dark coverage areas extend over this one side of the carrier.

10. Spray plate according to the foregoing claim, wherein a printing, such as a printed text, is printed on the other side of the carrier.

11. Spray plate according to any one of the foregoing claims, wherein the white or coloured layer is applied on both sides of the carrier and wherein one or more dark coverage areas, which extend over a portion of the respective side of the carrier, are provided on both sides of the carrier.

12. Spray plate according to any one of the foregoing claims, wherein at least one hole for hanging the carrier is provided in the carrier.

13. Spray plate according to any one of the foregoing claims, wherein the carrier has a thickness of between 80 and 500 microns, determined in accordance with ASTM D-6988, preferably between 100 and 400 microns, more preferably between 150 and 250 microns.

14. Spray plate according to any one of the foregoing claims, wherein the carrier has a grammage of between 80 and 500 g / m2, preferably between 150 and 400 g / m2, more preferably between 160 and 300 g / m2.

15. Spray plate according to any one of the foregoing claims, wherein the carrier has a mass density of between 1.0 and 1.5 g / cm3, measured in accordance with ISO 534.

16. Spray plate according to any one of the foregoing claims, wherein the white or coloured layer has one of the following colours: white, light grey, dark grey.

17. U-shaped holder comprising a U-shaped frame with a slot into which a spray plate according to any one of the foregoing claims is slidable.

18. Method for checking the colour of a sprayed paint, comprising the following steps of: providing a spray plate according to any one of the foregoing claims; spraying a paint layer onto the spray plate, over the white or coloured layer and over the one or more dark coverage areas; optionally drying the spray plate with paint layer.

19. Method for manufacturing a spray plate according to any one of the claims 1-17, comprising of: providing a carrier from a paper material, preferably a synthetic paper material, optionally provided with an ink receptive coating; - printing, with a UV dry-offset technique, at least one white or coloured ink layer over at least 70% of at least one side of the carrier and one or more dark coverage areas adjacently and / or on top of the white or coloured layer.

20. Method according to claim 19, wherein the at least one white or coloured ink layer is applied to at least one side of the carrier, preferably over the whole surface area thereof, after which the one or more dark coverage areas are applied on top of the at least one white or coloured layer.

21. Method according to claim 19, wherein a white or coloured ink layer and the one or more dark coverage areas are applied adjacently of each other in one printing operation, preferably such that together they cover the whole surface area of at least one side of the carrier.

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