Method for manufacturing transfer medium

Abstract

To provide a method for manufacturing a transfer medium by which a transcript with excellent image quality, and improved transferability, dry friction fastness and wet friction fastness is obtained.SOLUTION: A method for manufacturing a transfer medium has: a first layer forming step of ejecting color ink by an inkjet method to form a first layer on a transfer medium having a release layer; a second layer forming step of ejecting primer ink by an inkjet method to form a second layer so as to overlap the first layer; and a third layer forming step of ejecting adhesive ink by the inkjet method to form a third layer so as to overlap the second layer, where the adhesive ink contains resin and water, and the primer ink contains primer pigment, resin and water. The adhesion amount C of the adhesive ink is an adhesion amount A of the color ink or more. The adhesion amount B of the primer ink is the adhesion amount A of the color ink or more. A total adhesion amount of the color ink, the primer ink and the adhesive ink is 230 g / m2 or less.SELECTED DRAWING: None

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a method for manufacturing a transfer medium. [Background technology]

[0002] A transfer printing method is known in which a transfer sheet, which is a transfer medium on which an image has been formed, is superimposed on a receiving medium such as fabric, and the image is transferred to the receiving medium by applying heat and pressure. In such a method, an inkjet method is often used when forming an image on the transfer sheet, because it is advantageous in forming a fine image with high on-demand performance.

[0003] In the transfer printing method described above, an image is generally formed on a transfer sheet having a release layer and a hot melt layer formed on the entire surface of a substrate, and then this transfer sheet is heated and pressed onto a medium to be transferred.

[0004] Patent Document 1 discloses a transfer medium manufacturing device that aims to improve the production speed of transfer media and includes a base nozzle row in which multiple nozzles that eject base ink are aligned in a predetermined direction, an adhesive nozzle row in which multiple nozzles that eject adhesive liquid are aligned in the predetermined direction, and a carriage that moves the base nozzle row and the adhesive nozzle row in a movement direction, and that manufactures transfer media coated with the base ink and adhesive liquid by ejecting the base ink from the nozzles of the base nozzle row while the carriage is moving and ejecting the adhesive liquid from the nozzles positioned in line in the movement direction with the nozzles that eject the base ink. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2012-250504 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] Patent Document 1 aims to improve production speed by applying base ink and adhesive ink in the same pass. However, depending on the amount of ink applied at one time, it may exceed the ink receiving capacity of the transfer medium, causing bleeding. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The method for producing a transfer medium of the present invention includes a first layer forming step of ejecting color inks by an inkjet method to form a first layer on a transfer medium having a release layer, a second layer forming step of ejecting base inks by an inkjet method to form a second layer so as to overlap the first layer, and a third layer forming step of ejecting adhesive ink by an inkjet method to form a third layer so as to overlap the second layer, wherein the adhesive ink contains a resin and water, the base ink contains a base pigment, a resin, and water, the adhesion amount C of the adhesive ink is equal to or greater than the adhesion amount A of the color ink, the adhesion amount B of the base ink is equal to or greater than the adhesion amount A of the color ink, and the total adhesion amount of the color ink, the base ink, and the adhesive ink is 230 g / m 2 The following is the result. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1A] FIG. 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a state in which a first layer (colored layer), a second layer (underlayer), and a third layer (adhesive layer) are formed on a transfer medium. [Figure 1B] 1A to 1C are schematic diagrams illustrating a transfer process for transferring a first layer, a second layer, and a third layer from a transfer medium to a transfer receiving medium. [Figure 2] 1 is a table showing the composition of each ink. [Figure 3] 1 is a table showing evaluation results of Examples and Comparative Examples. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention (hereinafter referred to as "the present embodiment") will be described in detail with reference to the drawings as necessary, but the present invention is not limited to this, and various modifications are possible without departing from the spirit of the present invention. In the drawings, the same elements are given the same reference numerals, and redundant explanations will be omitted. Furthermore, positional relationships such as up, down, left, and right will be based on the positional relationships shown in the drawings unless otherwise specified. Furthermore, the dimensional ratios of the drawings are not limited to those shown in the drawings.

[0010] In this embodiment, the term "transfer medium" refers to a medium from which an image is transferred to a transfer medium. The term "transfer medium" refers to a medium to which an image recorded on the transfer medium is transferred. The term "transfer material" refers to the transfer medium after the image recorded on the transfer medium has been transferred.

[0011] 1. Method for manufacturing transfer media The method for producing a transfer medium of this embodiment includes a first layer forming step of ejecting color inks by an inkjet method to form a first layer on a transfer medium having a release layer, a second layer forming step of ejecting base inks by an inkjet method to form a second layer so as to overlap the first layer, and a third layer forming step of ejecting adhesive ink by an inkjet method to form a third layer so as to overlap the second layer, wherein the adhesive ink contains a resin and water, the base ink contains a base pigment, a resin, and water, the adhesion amount C of the adhesive ink is equal to or greater than the adhesion amount A of the color ink, the adhesion amount B of the base ink is equal to or greater than the adhesion amount A of the color ink, and the total adhesion amount of the color ink, the base ink, and the adhesive ink is 230 g / m 2 The following is the result.

[0012] In the manufacturing method of a transfer medium, multiple types of ink, such as color ink, base ink, and adhesive ink, are deposited on the transfer medium in layers. Therefore, from the perspective of improving productivity, it is necessary to deposit these multiple types of ink in a shorter time. However, if the total amount of ink deposited at one time is too large, it is expected that the ink receiving capacity of the transfer medium will be exceeded. This can result in bleeding in the image on the resulting transfer, degrading the image quality.

[0013] On the other hand, simply reducing the amount of each ink attached could be considered from the viewpoint of improving productivity and maintaining image quality, but reducing the amount of adhesive ink attached in particular would not only result in a decrease in transferability, but also raises concerns about a decrease in the abrasion resistance of the resulting transferred product.

[0014] Therefore, in the method for producing a transfer medium according to the present embodiment, the relationship between the amounts of the various inks attached and the total amount of the inks attached are specified, along with the various ink compositions, thereby making it possible to obtain a transfer medium with excellent image quality, transferability, and improved dry and wet rub fastness.

[0015] 1.1.First layer formation process The first layer forming step is a step of ejecting color inks by an inkjet method to form a first layer on a transfer medium having a release layer.

[0016] The amount of color ink applied A is preferably 5.0 to 50 g / m 2 and 7.5 to 40 g / m 2 and 10 to 30 g / m 2 and 15 to 25 g / m 2 is.

[0017] The "inkjet method" refers to a method in which a pressure generating means provided in an inkjet head is driven to eject an ink composition filled in a pressure generating chamber of the inkjet head from a nozzle. Depending on the pressure generating means, inkjet methods include, for example, a charge deflection method, a continuous method, a piezoelectric method, and an on-demand method such as a bubble jet (registered trademark) method. Among these, the piezoelectric method is preferred from the viewpoints of the resistance to deterioration of the ink composition and ejection stability.

[0018] Ink jet heads used in the ink jet method include a line head that performs recording by a line method and a serial head that performs recording by a serial method.

[0019] In the line method using a line head, for example, an inkjet head having a width equal to or greater than the recording width of the transfer medium is fixed to the recording device. Then, the transfer medium 1 is moved in the sub-scanning direction (the transport direction of the transfer medium 1), and ink droplets are ejected from the nozzles of the line head in conjunction with this movement to form a first layer on the transfer medium.

[0020] In the serial method using a serial head, for example, an inkjet head is mounted on a carriage that can move in the width direction of the transfer medium. The carriage is then moved in the main scanning direction (width direction of the transfer medium), and ink droplets are ejected from the nozzles of the serial head in conjunction with this movement to form the first layer on the transfer medium.

[0021] Although the above description has been given taking the first layer as an example, the same applies to the second and third layers described below.

[0022] 1.1.1. Transfer medium Figure 1 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of a transfer medium with a first layer (colored layer), a second layer (underlayer), and a third layer (adhesive layer) formed on it. As shown in Figure 1, the transfer medium is not particularly limited as long as it has a release layer, and may have a release layer on a substrate, or may further have a protective layer on the release layer. The transfer medium may be in the form of a sheet or film.

[0023] The substrate is not particularly limited as long as it is a support for supporting the release layer, and examples of such substrates include, but are not limited to, resin films such as polyesters such as polyethylene terephthalate, polyethylene, polyolefins such as polypropylene, metals, wood, and paper.

[0024] The release layer is a layer for improving transferability from a transfer medium to a transfer-receiving medium. The release layer may be a layer containing a known release agent. The release agent is not particularly limited, but examples thereof include polyethylene wax-based release agents, silicone-based release agents, and fluorine-based release agents. The thickness of the release layer is, for example, 5 to 80 μm, or 10 to 50 μm.

[0025] The protective layer is a layer that peels off at the interface with the release layer during transfer and is transferred to the receiving medium together with the first, second, and third layers, and is a layer that increases the printing durability of the first and second layers transferred to the receiving medium.

[0026] In addition, if there is no protective layer, the first layer, second layer, and third layer are formed on the release layer, and during transfer, the first layer peels off at the interface with the release layer, and the first layer, second layer, and third layer are transferred to the transfer medium.

[0027] The first layer (colored layer) is formed by applying color ink to the transfer medium. In the figure, the colored layer is formed on the upper side of the protective layer (on the upper side of the substrate) on the transfer medium, but if there is no protective layer, it may be formed on the release layer.

[0028] The second layer (underlayer) is a layer that serves as a base for the first layer (colored layer) that is transferred to the transfer medium. The underlayer is formed above the colored layer on the transfer medium so that it is located between the adhesive layer and the colored layer during transfer.

[0029] The third layer (adhesive layer) is a layer for adhering the colored layer to the transfer medium. The adhesive layer is formed on the transfer medium above the base layer so that it is positioned between the transfer medium, the base layer, and the colored layer during transfer.

[0030] 1.1.2.Color ink The color ink may include a pigment, a resin, a water-soluble organic solvent, a surfactant, and water. The color ink may include a plurality of inks of different colors, such as cyan ink, magenta ink, yellow ink, and black ink.

[0031] 1.1.2.1.Pigments Examples of pigments that can be used include organic pigments such as azo pigments (including, for example, azo lakes, insoluble azo pigments, condensed azo pigments, and chelate azo pigments), polycyclic pigments (such as phthalocyanine pigments, perylene pigments, perinone pigments, anthraquinone pigments, quinacridone pigments, dioxazine pigments, thioindigo pigments, isoindolinone pigments, and quinophthalone pigments), nitro pigments, nitroso pigments, and aniline black; inorganic pigments such as carbon black (such as furnace black, thermal lamp black, acetylene black, and channel black), metal oxides, metal sulfides, and metal chlorides; and extender pigments such as calcium carbonate and talc.

[0032] The above-mentioned pigment may be added to the ink as a pigment dispersion obtained by dispersing the pigment in water with a dispersant, or as a pigment dispersion obtained by dispersing a self-dispersing surface-treated pigment in which hydrophilic groups have been introduced onto the pigment particle surfaces using a chemical reaction (hereinafter also referred to as a "self-dispersing pigment") in water, or as a pigment dispersion obtained by dispersing a pigment coated with a polymer (hereinafter also referred to as a "resin-dispersed pigment") in water.

[0033] The content of the pigment is preferably 1.0 to 10% by mass, 2.0 to 8.0% by mass, or 3.0 to 7.0% by mass relative to the total mass of the color ink.

[0034] Resin The inclusion of resin particles in the color ink tends to further improve the abrasion resistance of the resulting coating film. The resin may be in a dispersed state such as a resin emulsion or resin particles, or in a dissolved state such as a water-soluble resin. One type of resin may be used alone, or two or more types may be used in combination.

[0035] Examples of the particles include resins such as urethane resins, acrylic resins (including styrene acrylic resins), fluorene resins, polyolefin resins, rosin-modified resins, terpene resins, polyester resins, polyamide resins, epoxy resins, and vinyl chloride resins.

[0036] The urethane resin is not particularly limited, but examples thereof include urethane resin emulsions. The urethane resin emulsions are not particularly limited as long as they are resin emulsions having urethane bonds in the molecules, and examples thereof include polyether-type urethane resins having ether bonds in the main chain, polyester-type urethane resins having ester bonds in the main chain, and polycarbonate-type urethane resins having carbonate bonds in the main chain. Among these, cationic or anionic urethane resin particles are preferred.

[0037] The acrylic resin is not particularly limited, but examples thereof include those obtained by polymerizing (meth)acrylic monomers such as (meth)acrylic acid and (meth)acrylic acid esters, and acrylic resin emulsions obtained by copolymerizing (meth)acrylic monomers with other monomers.

[0038] The resin content (solid content) is preferably 2.0 to 15 mass %, 3.0 to 10 mass %, or 4.0 to 8.0 mass % relative to the total mass of the color ink, which makes it possible to further improve the dispersion stability of the pigment in the color ink while ensuring sufficiently excellent ejection stability of the color ink when ink-jet printing, production stability of the transferred product, and texture of the transferred product.

[0039] 1.1.2.3. Water-soluble organic solvents The water-soluble organic solvent is not particularly limited, and examples thereof include polyol compounds, glycol ethers, cyclic amide compounds, etc. The water-soluble organic solvents may be used alone or in combination of two or more.

[0040] In this embodiment, the water-soluble organic solvent refers to an organic solvent whose solubility in water at 25° C. is 10 g / 100 g water or more.

[0041] Examples of polyol compounds include polyol compounds having 2 to 6 carbon atoms in the molecule and optionally having one ether bond in the molecule, preferably diol compounds. Specific examples include 1,2-pentanediol, glycerin, ethylene glycol, diethylene glycol, triethylene glycol, polyethylene glycol, propylene glycol, dipropylene glycol, tripropylene glycol, polypropylene glycol, polyoxyethylene polyoxypropylene glycol, 1,2-hexanediol, 1,2-heptanediol, 1,3-propanediol, 1,2-butanediol, 1,3-butanediol, 1,4-butanediol, Examples of glycols include 2,3-butanediol, 2-methyl-3-phenoxy-1,2-propanediol, 3-(3-methylphenoxy)-1,2-propanediol, 3-hexyloxy-1,2-propanediol, 2-hydroxymethyl-2-phenoxymethyl-1,3-propanediol, 3-methyl-1,3-butanediol, 1,5-pentanediol, 1,6-hexanediol, 2-methyl-2,4-pentanediol, and 3-methyl-1,5-pentanediol.

[0042] Examples of glycol ethers include monoalkyl ethers of glycols selected from ethylene glycol, diethylene glycol, triethylene glycol, polyethylene glycol, propylene glycol, dipropylene glycol, tripropylene glycol, polypropylene glycol, and polyoxyethylene polyoxypropylene glycol. Examples of the monoalkyl ethers include triethylene glycol monomethyl ether, triethylene glycol monobutyl ether, triethylene glycol monoethyl ether, and dipropylene glycol monopropyl ether.

[0043] Examples of cyclic amide compounds include 2-pyrrolidone, N-methyl-2-pyrrolidone, N-hydroxyethyl-2-pyrrolidone, 1,3-dimethylimidazolidinone, 2-piperidone (δ-valerolactam), and N-cyclohexyl-2-pyrrolidone.

[0044] The content of the water-soluble organic solvent is preferably 5 to 35 mass %, 10 to 30 mass %, or 15 to 25 mass % relative to the total mass of the color ink. This allows the viscosity and surface tension of the color ink to be more suitably adjusted. In addition, the moisture retention of the color ink is improved, which more effectively prevents the solid content of the color ink from unintentionally precipitating due to drying in an inkjet head or the like, improves clogging recovery, and improves the ejection stability of the color ink.

[0045] Surfactants The ink composition may contain a surfactant. Examples of the surfactant include acetylene glycol surfactants, silicone surfactants, and fluorine surfactants. The surfactant may be used alone or in combination of two or more.

[0046] The acetylene glycol surfactant is not particularly limited, but examples thereof include alkylene oxide adducts of 2,4,7,9-tetramethyl-5-decyne-4,7-diol and 2,4,7,9-tetramethyl-5-decyne-4,7-diol, and alkylene oxide adducts of 2,4-dimethyl-5-decyne-4-ol and 2,4-dimethyl-5-decyne-4-ol.

[0047] The silicone surfactant is not particularly limited, but examples thereof include polysiloxane compounds and polyether-modified organosiloxanes.

[0048] The fluorine-based surfactant is not particularly limited, but examples thereof include perfluoroalkyl sulfonates, perfluoroalkyl carboxylates, perfluoroalkyl phosphates, perfluoroalkyl ethylene oxide adducts, perfluoroalkyl betaines, and perfluoroalkyl amine oxide compounds.

[0049] The content of the surfactant relative to the total mass of the color ink is preferably 0.02 to 1.50 mass%, 0.05 to 1.00 mass%, or 0.10 to 0.70 mass%, which allows the viscosity and surface tension of the color ink to be more suitably adjusted.

[0050] 1.1.2.5.Water The water content is preferably 50 to 90 mass %, 55 to 85 mass %, or 60 to 80 mass % relative to the total amount of the color ink, which allows the viscosity and surface tension of the color ink to be more suitably adjusted.

[0051] 1.1.2.6.Other ingredients Various additives may also be added to the color ink as appropriate in order to maintain good storage stability and ejection stability from the head, to improve clogging, or to prevent deterioration of the ink composition, such as dissolution aids, viscosity adjusters, pH adjusters, antioxidants, preservatives, antifungals, corrosion inhibitors, and chelating agents for capturing metal ions that affect dispersion.

[0052] 1.2.Second layer formation process The second layer formation process is a process in which the base ink is ejected by the inkjet method to form a second layer that overlaps the first layer. In the second layer formation process, the amount of base ink attached (B) is set to be equal to or greater than the amount of color ink attached (A). This makes the second layer of base ink thicker, which tends to further improve transferability and the abrasion resistance of the transferred product. Furthermore, from the perspective of improving transferability and the abrasion resistance of the transferred product, there is no longer a need to attach excessive adhesive ink, so the overall amount attached can be reduced. Furthermore, the shielding ability is improved, which further improves the color development of the color ink.

[0053] The amount of base ink applied B is preferably 0.6 g / m 2 or more, and 1.0 to 170 g / m 2 and 5.0 to 160 g / m 2 and 10 to 150 g / m 2 and 15 to 140 g / m 2 and 50 to 130 g / m 2 and 75 to 130 g / m 2 The amount of ink applied to the base is 0.6 g / m 2 By satisfying the above conditions, the shielding property is improved and the color development of the color ink is further improved, and the transfer property and the friction resistance of the transferred product also tend to be improved. 2 By keeping the above value, bleeding and the like are less likely to occur and image quality tends to be improved.

[0054] The ratio (B / A) of the base ink deposition amount B to the color ink deposition amount A is preferably 1.0 to 10, 1.0 to 8.0, 2.0 to 7.0, or 3.0 to 6.0. When the ratio (B / A) is 1.0 or more, the shielding property is improved and the color development of the color ink is further improved, and the transferability and the rub fastness of the transferred product also tend to be further improved. When the ratio (B / A) is 10 or less, bleeding and the like are less likely to occur, and image quality tends to be further improved.

[0055] In the second layer forming step, there are no particular limitations as long as the second layer is formed so as to overlap the first layer, and the first and second layers may have the same pattern, or the second layer may have a wider pattern. Furthermore, when laminating the second layer on the first layer, the second layer may be laminated before the first layer dries (also called "wet-on-wet"), or the second layer may be laminated after the first layer dries (also called "wet-on-dry").

[0056] 1.2.1.Base ink The base ink contains a base pigment, a resin, and water, and may contain a water-soluble organic solvent and a surfactant as needed.

[0057] 1.2.1.1. Base pigment Examples of the base pigment include white pigments and metallic pigments.

[0058] By using a white pigment, a white background layer can be formed. The light-shielding white background layer is positioned between the transfer medium and the colored layer after transfer, which tends to improve the visibility of the color image (colored layer). Furthermore, even in areas where there is no colored layer on the base layer, the light-shielding white background layer is transferred to the transfer medium, so that the background color of the transfer medium can be hidden.

[0059] Furthermore, a metallic layer can be formed by using a metallic pigment. The metallic layer, which has a metallic luster, is located between the transfer medium and the colored layer after transfer, so that the color image (colored layer) appears to have a metallic luster.

[0060] The solid content of the base pigment is preferably 5.0 to 15% by mass, and more preferably 7.5 to 12.5% ​​by mass, relative to the total amount of the base ink. When the solid content of the base pigment is within the above range, the opacity is improved and the color development of the color ink is further improved, and the transferability, rub fastness of the transferred product, and ejection stability also tend to be further improved.

[0061] Resin Examples of resins include those similar to those exemplified for the color inks. The resins of the color inks and the resins of the base inks may be the same or different. Among these, it is preferable that the resin types, such as urethane-based resins, are the same. This tends to further improve transferability and the abrasion resistance of the transferred product, since the first and second layers are composed of the same type of resin. Note that the resins in question are those that constitute the ink coating film and do not include hollow resin particles that are sometimes used as white pigments.

[0062] The solid content of the resin contained in the base ink is preferably 5 to 15 mass %, and more preferably 7.5 to 12.5 mass %, relative to the total amount of the base ink, which tends to further improve the transferability, the abrasion resistance of the transferred product, and the ejection stability, while ensuring sufficiently excellent ejection stability of the base ink when inkjet printing, the stability of the production of the transferred product, and the texture of the transferred product.

[0063] 1.2.1.3. Water-soluble organic solvents Examples of the water-soluble organic solvent include the same as those exemplified for the color inks. The water-soluble organic solvent of the color ink and the water-soluble organic solvent of the base ink may be the same or different.

[0064] The content of the water-soluble organic solvent is preferably 5 to 30 mass %, 10 to 25 mass %, or 15 to 20 mass % relative to the total mass of the base ink. This allows the viscosity and surface tension of the base ink to be more suitably adjusted. In addition, the moisture retention of the base ink is improved, which more effectively prevents the solid content of the base ink from unintentionally precipitating due to drying in an inkjet head or the like, improves clogging recovery, and improves the ejection stability of the base ink.

[0065] Surfactants The surfactants may be the same as those exemplified for the color inks. The surfactants for the color inks and the surfactants for the base inks may be the same or different.

[0066] The content of the surfactant relative to the total mass of the base ink is preferably 0.02 to 1.50 mass%, 0.05 to 1.00 mass%, or 0.10 to 0.70 mass%, which allows the viscosity and surface tension of the base ink to be more suitably adjusted.

[0067] 1.2.1.5.Water The water content is preferably 45 to 80% by mass, more preferably 50 to 75% by mass, and even more preferably 55 to 70% by mass, relative to the total amount of the base ink, which allows the viscosity and surface tension of the base ink to be more suitably adjusted.

[0068] 1.2.1.6. Other ingredients In order to maintain good storage stability and ejection stability from the head, to improve clogging, or to prevent deterioration of the ink composition, various additives may also be added to the base ink as appropriate, such as a dissolution aid, a viscosity adjuster, a pH adjuster, an antioxidant, a preservative, an antifungal agent, a corrosion inhibitor, and a chelating agent for capturing metal ions that affect dispersion.

[0069] 1.3. Third layer formation process The third layer formation process is a process in which adhesive ink is ejected by an inkjet method to form a third layer so as to overlap the second layer. Conventionally, the third layer has been formed by sprinkling the adhesive powder onto the second layer, rather than by an inkjet method. However, methods using powder require a mechanism for sprinkling the powder, which increases the size of the device. Furthermore, excess powder must be removed, and there is a risk that the texture of the transferred product may be impaired by the excess powder. In contrast, in this embodiment, the third layer is formed by an inkjet method, which prevents the manufacturing device from becoming too large and also improves the texture.

[0070] In the third layer formation process, the adhesion amount C of the adhesive ink is set to be equal to or greater than the adhesion amount A of the color ink. This allows the first layer to peel off at the interface with the peel layer, making it easier for the first, second, and third layers to be transferred to the transfer medium.

[0071] The amount of adhesive ink applied C is preferably 20 to 200 g / m 2 and 40 to 180 g / m 2 and 60 to 160 g / m 2 The adhesive ink may have a deposition amount C of 20 g / m 2 When the adhesive ink adhesion amount C is 200 g / m or more, the peelability tends to be further improved. 2 By satisfying the above condition, bleeding tends to be reduced.

[0072] The ratio (C / A) of the adhesive ink adhesion amount C to the color ink adhesion amount A is preferably 1 to 10, 2 to 9, or 3 to 8. When the ratio (C / A) is within the above range, the releasability tends to be further improved and bleeding tends to be further suppressed. Furthermore, from the viewpoint of further improving color development, the ratio (C / A) may be 1 to 6 or 2 to 5. In addition, from the viewpoint of further improving releasability, the ratio (C / A) may be 5 to 10 or 6 to 9.

[0073] Furthermore, the ratio (C / B) of the adhesive ink deposition amount C to the base ink deposition amount B is preferably 0.3 to 10, or 0.5 to 8. When the ratio (C / B) is within the above range, the releasability tends to be further improved and bleeding tends to be further suppressed. Furthermore, from the viewpoint of further improving color development, the ratio (C / B) may be 0.3 to 3, 0.3 to 2, or 0.4 to 1. Furthermore, from the viewpoint of further improving releasability, the ratio (C / B) may be 5 to 10, 6 to 9, or 7 to 8.

[0074] The total amount of color ink, base ink, and adhesive ink (A+B+C) is 230g / m 2 Preferably, it is 220 g / m or less. 2 or less, 210 g / m 2 less than 200 g / m 2 or less, 195 g / m 2 The total amount of the color ink, base ink, and adhesive ink (A+B+C) is preferably 150 g / m or less. 2 or more, 160 g / m 2 or more, 170 g / m 2 or more, 180 g / m 2 or more, 190 g / m 2 The total amount of adhesion (A+B+C) is 230g / m 2 By keeping the adhesion amount (A+B+C) at 150 g / m or less, bleeding of the image is suppressed and the abrasion fastness and washing fastness are also improved. 2 By satisfying the above, color development and transferability tend to be further improved.

[0075] The ratio ((B+C) / A) of the total adhesion amount (B+C) of the base ink and adhesive ink to the adhesion amount A of the color ink is preferably 2.0 to 14, 4.0 to 12, or 6.0 to 10. When the ratio ((B+C) / A) is within the above range, transferability, dry rub fastness, wet rub fastness, wash fastness, etc. tend to be further improved.

[0076] 1.3.1.Adhesive ink The adhesive ink contains a resin and water, and may contain an organic solvent or a surfactant as needed. The resin contained in the adhesive ink mainly contributes to the transferability and the abrasion resistance of the transferred product. Furthermore, the adhesive ink preferably does not contain a coloring material such as a pigment. The content of the coloring material in the adhesive ink is preferably 0.5% by mass or less, and more preferably 0.1% by mass or less.

[0077] Resin The resin may be in a dispersed state such as a resin emulsion or resin particles, or in a dissolved state such as a water-soluble resin. One type of resin may be used alone, or two or more types may be used in combination.

[0078] The resin contained in the adhesive ink is not particularly limited, but examples include monomers and oligomers commonly used in adhesives, such as acrylic resins, urethane resins, vinyl chloride resins, styrene acrylic resins, and vinyl acetate resins; vinyl resins such as polyester resins, polyacrylate resins, polyvinyl acetate resins, polyvinyl chloride resins, and polyvinyl alcohol resins; polyvinyl acetal resins such as polyvinyl acetoacetal and polyvinyl butyral; polyether resins, polyethersulfone resins, polyurethane resins, styrene acrylate resins, polyacrylamide resins, polyamide resins, polystyrene resins, polyethylene resins, polypropylene resins, and polyvinylpyrrolidone resins.

[0079] The glass transition temperature of the resin contained in the adhesive ink is preferably −20 to 50° C., −10 to 45° C., or 0 to 40° C. When the glass transition temperature is within the above range, transferability, texture, and abrasion fastness and washing fastness can be simultaneously achieved at a higher level.

[0080] The melting point of the resin contained in the adhesive ink is preferably 80 to 140° C., 85 to 130° C., or 90 to 120° C. When the melting point is within the above range, transferability, texture, and abrasion fastness and washing fastness can be simultaneously achieved at a higher level.

[0081] The solid content of the resin contained in the adhesive ink is preferably 10 to 20% by mass, and more preferably 7.5 to 12.5% ​​by mass, based on the total amount of the adhesive ink, which tends to further improve the transferability, the abrasion resistance of the transferred product, and the ejection stability, while ensuring sufficiently excellent ejection stability of the base ink when inkjet printing, the stability of the production of the transferred product, and the texture of the transferred product.

[0082] 1.2.1.2. Water-soluble organic solvents Examples of the water-soluble organic solvent include the same as those exemplified for the color inks. The water-soluble organic solvent of the color ink and the water-soluble organic solvent of the base ink may be the same or different.

[0083] The content of the water-soluble organic solvent is preferably 5 to 30 mass %, 10 to 25 mass %, or 15 to 20 mass % relative to the total mass of the adhesive ink. This allows the viscosity and surface tension of the base ink to be more suitably adjusted. In addition, the moisture retention of the base ink is improved, which more effectively prevents the solid content of the base ink from unintentionally precipitating due to drying in an inkjet head or the like, improves clogging recovery, and improves the ejection stability of the base ink.

[0084] Surfactants The surfactants may be the same as those exemplified for the color inks. The surfactants for the color inks and the surfactants for the base inks may be the same or different.

[0085] The content of the surfactant relative to the total mass of the adhesive ink is preferably 0.02 to 1.50 mass%, 0.05 to 1.00 mass%, or 0.10 to 0.70 mass%, which allows the viscosity and surface tension of the adhesive ink to be more suitably adjusted.

[0086] 1.3.1.4.Water The water content is preferably 55 to 85% by mass, more preferably 60 to 80% by mass, and even more preferably 65 to 75% by mass, relative to the total amount of the adhesive ink, which allows the viscosity and surface tension of the adhesive ink to be more suitably adjusted.

[0087] 1.4.Transfer process 1B is a schematic diagram showing a transfer process for transferring the first, second, and third layers from a transfer medium to a transfer receiving medium. While FIG. 1B shows transfer onto a transfer receiving medium having a curved surface, the transfer receiving medium is not limited to one having a curved surface and may also be one having a flat surface.

[0088] In the transfer process, the third layer (adhesive layer) adheres to the transfer surface of the transfer medium, and the first layer peels off at the interface of the release layer, thereby transferring the first, second, and third layers to the transfer medium. After transfer, the protective layer, the first layer (colored layer), the second layer (underlayer), and the third layer (adhesive layer) are formed (transferred) on the transfer medium in this order from the top (surface side).

[0089] This image transfer method makes it easy to form a color image on any surface, whether the transfer surface of the transfer medium is curved or flat, making it possible to transfer images onto transfer mediums of various shapes, such as automobile interiors, laptop computer exteriors, mobile phone exteriors, cosmetic containers, and stationery.

[0090] The transfer medium is not particularly limited, but examples thereof include various types of paper, porous metal, porous ceramics, porous glass, porous plastic, fabric, and leather.

[0091] In the transfer step, the adhesive strength of the third layer (adhesive layer) located on the surface of the transfer medium may be improved by heating before transferring to the transfer-receiving medium. The heating temperature in the transfer step is, for example, 120 to 270°C, 140 to 250°C, or 150 to 210°C. The heating time in the transfer step is, for example, 5 to 90 seconds, 15 to 70 seconds, or 20 to 60 seconds. This not only improves the adhesive strength of the third layer (adhesive layer) to the transfer-receiving medium, but also further improves the releasability of the release layer and the first layer. This tends to prevent the first, second, and third layers from remaining on the release layer after transfer.

[0092] In the transfer step, the transfer medium may be pressed against the transfer receiving medium before transferring to the transfer receiving medium. The pressure applied to the transfer medium and the transfer receiving medium is, for example, 0.1 to 30 N / cm. 2 and 0.6 to 15 N / cm 2 and 1.5 to 5 N / cm 2 This tends to improve the adhesive strength of the third layer (adhesive layer) to the transfer medium, which tends to prevent the first, second, and third layers from remaining on the release layer after transfer. [Example]

[0093] The present invention will be described in more detail below using examples and comparative examples. The present invention is not limited to the following examples. Unless otherwise specified, each operation was carried out at room temperature (25°C).

[0094] 1. Adjusting the ink Figure 2 shows a table showing the composition of each ink. Each component was placed in a mixing tank, mixed and stirred, and then filtered through a membrane filter to obtain the composition shown in Figure 2, thereby obtaining an inkjet ink composition for each example. The numerical values ​​for each component shown in each example in the table represent % by mass unless otherwise specified. Furthermore, the numerical values ​​for pigments in the table represent % by mass of the solid content.

[0095] The abbreviations and product ingredients used in Figure 1 are as follows: [Colorant] Titanium oxide dispersion solids (CI Kasei Co., Ltd., anionic resin dispersion) Carbon black dispersion solids (manufactured by Orient Chemical Industries Co., Ltd., anionic self-dispersing product) 〔resin〕 Urethane resin solid concentration (Mitsui Chemicals, Takelac WS-6021) PES resin solid content (Goo Chemical Industry Co., Ltd., Z-880) 〔solvent〕 glycerin Triethylene glycol Triethylene glycol monobutyl ether Propylene glycol [Surfactant] BYK-348 Silicone surfactant (BYK) BYK-3420 Silicone surfactant (manufactured by BYK)

[0096] 2. Manufacture of transfer media A transfer medium (DTF print film manufactured by Inkmania) was prepared, which had a release layer containing a release agent on a substrate made of polyethylene terephthalate. Next, each ink prepared as described above was filled into an inkjet recording device (SC-F2150 manufactured by Seiko Epson Corporation).

[0097] Then, color inks were ejected from an inkjet head onto the release layer side of the transfer medium to form a first layer with a predetermined pattern. Next, a base ink was ejected from the inkjet head to form a second layer on the first layer. Finally, an adhesive ink was ejected from the inkjet head to form a third layer on the second layer. The transfer medium was then heated at 160°C for 2.5 minutes to obtain a transfer medium. In Comparative Example 2, instead of forming a third layer, a cascade shaker (manufactured by Europort) was used to sprinkle a resin powder of hot melt powder PU (polyurethane) manufactured by Inkmania as a heat-meltable powder, and the excess resin powder was then shaken off to obtain the transfer medium.

[0098] 3. Evaluation 3.1.Color development The dyed products of the Examples and Comparative Examples were evaluated for color development. Specifically, the OD value of the recorded portion of each color of each dyed product obtained as described above was measured using a spectrodensitometer FD-7 (manufactured by Konica Minolta). Then, the ratio of the OD value of the recorded portion of the dyed product of Comparative Example 1 to the OD value of the other Examples and Comparative Examples was calculated and evaluated according to the following evaluation criteria. It can be said that the higher this ratio, the better the color development. (Evaluation criteria) A: OD value is 120% or more of the comparative example B: OD value is more than 100% but less than 120% of the comparative example C:OD values ​​are 100% or less of those of the comparative examples.

[0099] 3.2.Image quality blur The ink composition was filled into an inkjet printer (product name PX-G930, manufactured by Seiko Epson Corporation), and recording was performed on a recording medium (DTF print film manufactured by Inkmania). Specifically, a solid pattern that could be recorded at a resolution of 720 dpi horizontally and 720 dpi vertically at 100% duty was prepared and used. The solid pattern of the transferred product was visually observed and evaluated according to the following evaluation criteria. (Evaluation criteria) A: No abnormalities B: Slight image quality disturbances are observed C: Image quality is clearly impaired

[0100] 3.3. Transferability When the image of each transfer recording medium was transferred onto the recording medium, the state of peeling from the film was visually confirmed to evaluate the peelability. (Evaluation criteria) A: 100% of the printed image area is transferred B: 80% or more but less than 100% of the printed image area has been transferred C: Less than 80% of the printed image area has been transferred

[0101] 3.4.Texture The dyed products according to the Examples and Comparative Examples were evaluated for texture. Specifically, specific evaluators evaluated the texture of each transferred product according to the following criteria. The evaluation results were ranked in the order of C, B, and A, with the order being excellent in texture. (Evaluation criteria) A: It is soft and does not feel stiff. B: Slightly hard and slightly stiff to the touch. C: There is a noticeable stiffness to the touch.

[0102] 3.5. Dry rubbing fastness The dyed products of the Examples and Comparative Examples were evaluated for dry rub fastness. Specifically, each dyed product was left to stand for 1 hour after production at 25°C, and the printed surface of the dyed product was rubbed 20 times with a cotton cloth under a load of 200g using a Gakushin-type rub fastness tester AB-301 (manufactured by Tester Sangyo Co., Ltd.). The state of peeling of the printed surface and the state of ink transfer to the cotton cloth were visually confirmed, and evaluation was performed according to the following evaluation criteria. The less color transfer and peeling, the better the rub resistance, and the better the dry rub fastness, the better the fastness. (Evaluation criteria) A: No color transfer or peeling is observed. B: Slight color transfer and peeling are observed. C: Color transfer and peeling are clearly observed.

[0103] 3.6. Wet rubbing fastness The dyed products of the Examples and Comparative Examples were evaluated for wet rubbing fastness. Specifically, each dyed product was left to stand for 1 hour after production at 25°C, and the printed surface of the dyed product was rubbed 20 times with a cotton cloth soaked in pure water under a load of 200 g using a Gakushin-type rub fastness tester AB-301 (manufactured by Tester Sangyo Co., Ltd.). The state of peeling of the printed surface and the state of ink transfer to the cotton cloth were visually confirmed, and evaluation was performed according to the following evaluation criteria. The less color transfer and peeling, the better the wet rubbing fastness, and the better the abrasion resistance, the better the fastness. (Evaluation criteria) A: No color transfer or peeling is observed. B: Slight color transfer and peeling are observed. C: Color transfer and peeling are clearly observed.

[0104] 2.7. Washing fastness The dyed products of each example and comparative example were evaluated for washing fastness. Specifically, a washing fastness test (ISO 105 C10 (B2)) was carried out and the evaluation was carried out according to the following evaluation criteria. (Evaluation criteria) A: Washing fastness level 3 or higher B: Washing fastness is between grade 2 and grade 3 C: Washing fastness is grade 2 or lower

[0105] 2.8.Clogging An inkjet printer (product name PX-G930, manufactured by Seiko Epson Corporation) was filled with the adhesive ink and left for one month with the cap open. After that, cleaning was performed three times and the number of nozzles missing was determined. The clogging property was evaluated according to the following evaluation criteria. Note that in Comparative Example 2, a resin powder was used instead of the adhesive ink, so the clogging property was not evaluated. (Evaluation criteria) A: No missing nozzles B: 1 to 5 missing nozzles B-: 6 to 20 missing nozzles C: 21 or more missing nozzles

[0106] 2.9.Device Size The installation area of ​​the printer and the automatic device for sprinkling powder was compared with the installation area of ​​the printer and the printing device for ejecting adhesive ink. The installation area of ​​the printer and the printing device for ejecting adhesive ink was compared based on the installation area of ​​the printer and the automatic device for sprinkling powder in Comparative Example 1. When the powder is sprinkled manually without using an automatic device, the workspace required for the powder sprinkling operation is included in the installation area. (Evaluation criteria) A: The footprint is less than 50% of the equipment size B: The installation area is 50% or more but less than 100% of the equipment size C: The installation area of ​​the equipment is 100% or more

[0107] A table showing each ink and the evaluation results is shown in Figure 3. As can be seen from Figure 3, by performing printing with a specified amount of ink applied, bleeding can be suppressed, and color development, transferability, rubbing fastness, and washing fastness are all improved.

Claims

1. a first layer forming step of ejecting color inks by an inkjet method to form a first layer on a transfer medium having a release layer; a second layer forming step of ejecting a base ink by an inkjet method to form a second layer so as to overlap the first layer; a third layer forming step of ejecting an adhesive ink by an inkjet method to form a third layer so as to overlap the second layer, the adhesive ink contains a resin and water; the base ink contains a base pigment, a resin, and water; the adhesion amount C of the adhesive ink is equal to or greater than the adhesion amount A of the color ink, the adhesion amount B of the base ink is equal to or greater than the adhesion amount A of the color ink; The total amount of the color ink, the base ink, and the adhesive ink applied is 230 g / m ２ Below is the A method for manufacturing a transfer medium.

2. a ratio (C / B) of an amount C of the adhesive ink to an amount B of the base ink is 0.3 to 10; A method for manufacturing the transfer medium according to claim 1 .

3. a ratio (B / A) of an amount B of the base ink to an amount A of the color ink is 1.0 to 8.0; A method for manufacturing the transfer medium according to claim 1 .

4. a ratio (C / A) of an adhesion amount C of the adhesive ink to an adhesion amount A of the color ink is 1.0 to 10; A method for manufacturing the transfer medium according to claim 1 .

5. a ratio ((B+C) / A) of the total adhesion amount (B+C) of the base ink and the adhesive ink to the adhesion amount A of the color ink is 2.0 to 14; A method for manufacturing the transfer medium according to claim 1 .

6. The amount of the base ink adhered B is 0.6 g / m ２ That's all. A method for manufacturing the transfer medium according to claim 1 .

7. the solid content of the base pigment is 5.0 to 15% by mass relative to the total amount of the base ink; A method for manufacturing the transfer medium according to claim 1 .

8. the solid content of the resin contained in the base ink is 5 to 15% by mass with respect to the total amount of the base ink; A method for manufacturing the transfer medium according to claim 1 .

9. a solid content of the resin contained in the adhesive ink is 10 to 20 mass % with respect to the total amount of the adhesive ink; A method for manufacturing the transfer medium according to claim 1 .

Images