Information card and manufacturing method thereof

Abstract

To enable re-use of inspection pieces of a resin film, and to provide an information card having an excellent design and durability.SOLUTION: The information card comprises: a polyvinyl alcohol resin layer; a first outer resin layer and a second outer resin layer provided on both sides of the polyvinyl alcohol resin layer; and an information display part etched with information to be presented, provided on a surface of either the first outer resin layer or the second outer resin layer. A depth of an etching of the information display part is 15 μm or more, and a deepest part of the information display part is separated from the polyvinyl alcohol resin layer by 15 μm or more.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an information card and a method for manufacturing the same. [Background technology]

[0002] Resin films and laminated films containing such resin films (hereinafter collectively referred to as "resin films") are widely used in various applications. Resin films may undergo quality inspection before being shipped to users as products. Specifically, a predetermined length in the longitudinal direction is cut from the end of a roll of resin film before shipping to prepare an inspection film, which is then subjected to quality inspection. In many cases, inspection films after quality inspection are discarded. Recently, there has been a growing demand for resource conservation and effective utilization, and corporate ESG and SDG activities have also become more active. In light of this situation, Patent Document 1, for example, proposes a liquid ink composition and a method for recycling plastic film that enable the reuse of plastic film. Thus, from the perspective of resource conservation and effective utilization, the reuse of inspection films after quality inspection has been considered. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2024-033226 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] A primary object of the present invention is to provide an information card that allows for the reuse of scraps of resin film used for inspection and that is excellent in design and durability. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] [1] An information card according to an embodiment of the present invention comprises a polyvinyl alcohol-based resin layer, a first outer resin layer and a second outer resin layer disposed on either side of the polyvinyl alcohol-based resin layer, and an information display section formed by engraving information to be displayed on the surface of either the first outer resin layer or the second outer resin layer. The engraving depth of the information display section is 15 μm or more, and the deepest part of the information display section is separated from the polyvinyl alcohol-based resin layer by 15 μm or more. [2] In the above [1], the information to be presented is selected from letters, numbers, symbols, designs, logos, characters, slogans, barcodes, or combinations thereof. [3] In the above [1] or [2], the outermost part of the information display section in plan view is spaced 2 mm or more from the outer periphery of the information card. [4] In any one of the above [1] to [3], the information card has a rectangular shape in a plan view, and has chamfered portions at the four corners formed in an R-shape with a curvature radius of 2 mm to 6 mm. [5] In any one of the above items [1] to [4], the total thickness of the information card is 150 μm to 300 μm. [6] In any one of the above [1] to [5], the information display portion is formed on the surface of the first outer resin layer, and the thickness of the first outer resin layer is 30 μm or more. [7] In any of [1] to [6] above, the information card is selected from a business card, a greeting card, a message card, a pamphlet, an instruction manual, a banquet or ceremony seating chart, a point card, a special offer card, a commemorative visitor card, an employee ID card, a membership card, or a medical information card. [8] In any one of the above [1] to [7], the polyvinyl alcohol-based resin layer is a polarizer, and the first outer resin layer and the second outer resin layer are protective layers. [9] According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method for manufacturing an information card. The information card has a polyvinyl alcohol-based resin layer, a first outer resin layer and a second outer resin layer disposed on either side of the polyvinyl alcohol-based resin layer, and an information display section formed by engraving information to be displayed on the surface of either the first outer resin layer or the second outer resin layer. The manufacturing method includes the steps of: cutting a predetermined length in the longitudinal direction from an end of an original roll of a laminated film having the polyvinyl alcohol-based resin layer, the first outer resin layer, and the second outer resin layer to form an inspection film; subjecting the inspection film to a quality inspection; forming the information display section on the surface of either the first outer resin layer or the second outer resin layer of the inspection film after the quality inspection; and cutting the inspection film after the quality inspection to a predetermined size.

[10] In the above [9], the information display portion is formed before the cutting.

[11] In the above [9], the cutting is performed before the formation of the information display portion.

[12] In any one of the above [9] to

[11] , the information display portion is formed by irradiating a surface of either the first outer resin layer or the second outer resin layer with laser light.

[13] In any of the above items [9] to

[12] , the cutting is performed by irradiating the inspection film with laser light.

[14] In any one of the above [9] to

[13] , the polyvinyl alcohol-based resin layer is a polarizer, and the first outer resin layer and the second outer resin layer are protective layers. [Effects of the Invention]

[0006] According to an embodiment of the present invention, it is possible to realize the reuse of scraps of resin film for inspection, and to obtain an information card that is excellent in design and durability. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0007] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view of an information card according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a schematic plan view of the information card of FIG. 1. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0008] Representative embodiments of the present invention will be described below, but the present invention is not limited to these embodiments. Note that the drawings are drawn schematically for ease of understanding, and thickness, length, width, shape, proportions, etc. do not accurately reflect the actual shape.

[0009] A. Information Card Overview FIG. 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view of an information card according to one embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 2 is a schematic plan view of the information card of FIG. 1. The illustrated information card 100 comprises a polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) resin layer 10, a first outer resin layer 21 disposed on one side (the upper side in the illustrated example) of the PVA resin layer 10, a second outer resin layer 22 disposed on the other side (the lower side in the illustrated example) of the PVA resin layer 10, and an information display section 30. The PVA resin layer 10, the first outer resin layer 21, and the second outer resin layer 22 are laminated via any suitable adhesive layer (e.g., an adhesive layer, a pressure-sensitive adhesive layer). The adhesive layer is preferably an adhesive layer. This configuration suppresses stickiness at the edges, resulting in an information card with excellent handleability. Note that in this specification, the upper side of the drawing is the side from which the user of the information card views the information card (hereinafter, sometimes simply referred to as the viewing side).

[0010] The information display section 30 is provided on the surface of either the first outer resin layer 21 or the second outer resin layer 22. That is, the information display section 30 may be formed on the visible side of the information card 100, or on the side opposite to the visible side. The information display section 30 is preferably provided on the first outer resin layer 21 (i.e., the visible side of the information card) as shown in the illustrated example. With this configuration, an information display section (and consequently the entire information card) with excellent visibility can be realized. The information display section 30 is typically formed by engraving the information to be displayed on the surface of the first outer resin layer or the second outer resin layer (the first outer resin layer in the illustrated example). The information display section 30 can typically be formed by irradiating the surface of the first outer resin layer or the second outer resin layer with laser light (details will be described in Section C below). The information to be displayed can be appropriately set depending on the purpose and use of the information card. The information to be presented may be, for example, letters, numbers, symbols, designs, logos, characters, slogans, bar codes, or combinations thereof.

[0011] In an embodiment of the present invention, the engraving depth A of the information display section 30 is 15 μm or more, preferably 20 μm or more, more preferably 25 μm or more, even more preferably 30 μm or more, and particularly preferably 35 μm or more. With this configuration, an information display section (and consequently, the entire information card) with excellent visibility can be realized. The upper limit of the engraving depth A can vary depending on the thickness of the first outer resin layer or the second outer resin layer in which the information display section is formed. The engraving depth A can be, for example, 70 μm or less, or, for example, 65 μm or less. In an embodiment of the present invention, the deepest portion of the information display section 30 is further separated from the PVA-based resin layer 10 by 15 μm or more. In other words, the distance B between the deepest portion of the information display section 30 and the PVA-based resin layer 10 is 15 μm or more. The distance B is preferably 20 μm or more, more preferably 30 μm or more, even more preferably 35 μm or more, and particularly preferably 40 μm or more. The information display section can be formed by irradiating it with laser light, and this configuration can prevent discoloration (e.g., bleaching) of the PVA-based resin layer due to the laser light. Furthermore, exposure of the PVA-based resin layer can be prevented, and therefore water penetration into the PVA-based resin layer can be prevented. As a result, an information card with excellent water resistance can be obtained. The distance B can be, for example, 75 μm or less. If the distance B is too large, the desired engraving depth A may not be ensured.

[0012] FIG. 2 shows the layout of a business card as an example of an information card. In the illustrated example, the information to be presented on the business card is engraved with letters and numbers (in the illustrated example, company name, name, and contact information), as well as a two-dimensional barcode directing to an appropriate site, forming an information display section 30. As described above, the information to be presented can be appropriately set depending on the purpose and use of the information card. For example, a company logo, slogan, and / or mascot character may be engraved on the business card, and / or a decorative design may also be engraved. By appropriately selecting the information to be presented and its placement, an information card with excellent design can be obtained.

[0013] In one embodiment, the information card 100 has a rectangular shape in plan view, like the business card shown in the figure, with chamfered corners 40. The chamfered corners 40 are typically rounded, with a curvature radius of preferably 2 mm to 6 mm, and more preferably 3 mm to 5 mm. This configuration can prevent the information card from folding and prevent the user from being injured by unchamfered corners. Furthermore, this, combined with the fact that the information card is a laminated resin film containing a PVA-based resin layer, can provide excellent design. The planar shape of the information card can be appropriately set depending on the purpose and use of the information card, and needless to say, is not limited to a rectangular shape. Specific examples of planar shapes include a circle, an ellipse, a polygon, and an irregular shape.

[0014] In one embodiment, the outermost portion of the information display unit 30 in plan view (the portion closest to the outer periphery of the information card) is preferably separated from the outer periphery of the information card by 2 mm or more. In other words, the distance C between the outermost portion of the information display unit 30 in plan view and the outer periphery of the information card is preferably 2 mm or more. The distance C is more preferably 3 mm or more, and even more preferably 5 mm or more. With this configuration, the influence of the laser light on the outer periphery of the information card (the exposed portion of the PVA-based resin layer) can be suppressed. As a result, discoloration (e.g., bleaching) and cracking of the PVA-based resin layer can be suppressed. The upper limit of the distance C can be determined or restricted by the design of the information card. The distance C can be, for example, 9 mm or less.

[0015] The total thickness of the information card is preferably 150 μm to 300 μm, more preferably 180 μm to 280 μm, and even more preferably 190 μm to 270 μm. If the total thickness of the information card is within this range, the information card can be endowed with appropriate mechanical strength, and defects that occur when forming the information display section can be suppressed.

[0016] The thickness of the first outer resin layer 21 or the second outer resin layer 22 is, for example, 30 μm or more, preferably 50 μm or more, more preferably 70 μm or more, even more preferably 80 μm or more, and particularly preferably 100 μm or more. With this configuration, the total thickness of the information card, the engraving depth A of the information display unit, and the distance B between the deepest part of the information display unit and the PVA-based resin layer can be set within the desired ranges. The thickness of the first outer resin layer 21 or the second outer resin layer 22 can be, for example, 140 μm or less. The thicknesses of the first outer resin layer 21 and the second outer resin layer 22 may be the same or different. For example, when the information display unit 30 is formed on the surface of the first outer resin layer 21, the thickness of the first outer resin layer 21 can be, for example, 30 μm or more, and the thickness of the second outer resin layer 22 can be any appropriate thickness.

[0017] Examples of uses for information cards include business cards, greeting cards, message cards, pamphlets, instruction manuals, banquet or ceremony seating charts, point cards, special offer cards, visitor commemorative cards, employee ID cards, membership cards, and medical information cards, such as patient registration cards and medicine notebooks.

[0018] Typically, information cards can be made from inspection films of various resin films (including laminated films containing the resin films). Resin films are usually subjected to quality inspection before being shipped to users as products, and information cards can be made from the inspection films after the quality inspection. More specifically, information cards can be made from inspection films that have been cut out to a predetermined length in the longitudinal direction from the end of a roll of resin film before shipping and subjected to quality inspection, i.e., from inspection scraps of resin film. In this way, according to embodiments of the present invention, inspection scraps of resin film can be reused. While inspection scraps of resin film are often discarded after quality inspection, embodiments of the present invention are in line with recent global demands for the protection and effective use of resources.

[0019] Specific examples of resin films include food packaging films, food packaging wrap films, base films for adhesive tapes, optical films (e.g., retardation films, polarizers), surface protection films, window films (UV-blocking, heat-blocking, shatterproof, security, privacy, decorative), agricultural films, medical films, insulating films, and building film materials. In one embodiment, the resin film may be a polarizing plate. That is, the PVA-based resin layer may be a polarizer, and the first outer resin layer and the second outer resin layer may be protective layers. Hereinafter, the first outer resin layer may be referred to as the first protective layer, and the second outer resin layer may be referred to as the second protective layer.

[0020] When the resin film is a polarizing plate, the following advantages can be obtained. (i) Because the polarizing plate contains a polarizer, the information display area formed by engraving can be viewed by reflection. As a result, coloring the information display area is unnecessary. In the case of a resin film other than a polarizing plate, coloring the information display area formed by engraving may be necessary. (ii) The polarizer's individual transmittance is typically about 40% to 46%, and as a result, the transmittance of the entire polarizing plate is also about 40% to 46%. Furthermore, naturally, the polarizing plate has a polarizing function. As a result, the polarizing plate has a unique appearance (e.g., color and texture). Here, as described above, the information display area can be viewed by reflection. Due to the synergistic effect of the unique appearance of the polarizing plate and the visibility mechanism of the information display area, information cards using polarizing plates can exhibit designs (typically, appearance, color, texture, and visibility of the information display area) that are completely different from those of metal plates or simple plastic plates. As a result, information cards with excellent designs that are completely different from conventional designs can be realized. (iii) The polarizing plate has the durability required for an image display device, and therefore has sufficient durability as an information card. Furthermore, the polarizing plate includes a protective layer that has sufficient water resistance to protect the polarizer from moisture, and therefore has sufficient water resistance as an information card.

[0021] Furthermore, when the resin film is a polarizing plate, the following economic significance and secondary effects are achieved. (iv) Residuals of resin films other than polarizing plates (not limited to inspection scraps but also punched scraps, etc.) are easily recycled. For example, in manufacturing sites, such scraps may be widely used as disposable and general-purpose packaging materials, sealing materials, cover materials, etc. On the other hand, polarizing plates are difficult to use as general-purpose materials due to their specialized applications and the unique properties resulting from those applications. Embodiments of the present invention promote the recycling of such polarizing plate scraps, which is significant from the perspective of effective resource utilization. (v) Polarizing plates are not common consumer goods and therefore not widely recognized by the public. However, expanding their use to everyday applications such as information cards (e.g., business cards) can increase awareness of polarizing plates, which in turn can increase awareness in the optical film and image display industries.

[0022] The structure of the polarizing plate and the method for manufacturing an information card using a test scrap of the polarizing plate will be described below.

[0023] B. Polarizing plate B-1.Polarizer The polarizer 10 is typically made of a polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) resin film containing a dichroic material (e.g., iodine). Examples of PVA resins include polyvinyl alcohol, partially formalized polyvinyl alcohol, ethylene-vinyl alcohol copolymer, and partially saponified ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer.

[0024] The PVA resin preferably contains an acetoacetyl-modified PVA resin. With this configuration, a polarizer having desired mechanical strength can be obtained. The amount of the acetoacetyl-modified PVA resin is preferably 5% by weight to 20% by weight, and more preferably 8% by weight to 12% by weight, based on 100% by weight of the entire PVA resin. If the amount is within this range, a polarizer having better mechanical strength can be obtained.

[0025] The polarizer preferably contains iodide or sodium chloride (sometimes collectively referred to as a halide). Examples of iodides include potassium iodide, sodium iodide, and lithium iodide. The content of the halide in the polarizer is preferably 5 to 20 parts by weight, more preferably 10 to 15 parts by weight, relative to 100 parts by weight of the PVA-based resin. In the manufacturing method described below, the halide is blended into a coating liquid that forms a PVA-based resin layer, which is a precursor of the polarizer, and can be finally introduced into the polarizer. Introducing a halide into the polarizer can improve the orientation of PVA molecules in the polarizer, thereby achieving a polarizer with excellent optical properties (typically, both a high degree of polarization and a high single-unit transmittance).

[0026] The polarizer preferably exhibits absorption dichroism at any wavelength between 380 nm and 780 nm. The single transmittance of the polarizer is preferably 40.0% to 46.0%, more preferably 42.0% to 45.0%. The degree of polarization of the polarizer is preferably 97.0% or more, more preferably 99.0% or more, and even more preferably 99.9% or more. By using such a polarizer in an information card, an information card having excellent and completely different design properties (typically, appearance, color, texture, and visibility of the information display section) from conventional ones can be realized.

[0027] The thickness of the polarizer can be appropriately set depending on the purpose, configuration, use, and total thickness of the information card, as well as the thickness of the protective layer. The thickness of the polarizer may be, for example, 15 μm to 50 μm, or, for example, 18 μm to 40 μm, or, for example, 20 μm to 30 μm. Alternatively, the thickness of the polarizer may be, for example, less than 15 μm, or, for example, 1 μm to 12 μm, or, for example, 2 μm to 10 μm, or, for example, 3 μm to 8 μm.

[0028] The polarizer can be produced by any appropriate method. For example, the resin film forming the polarizer may be a single-layer resin film or a laminate of two or more layers.

[0029] Specific examples of polarizers made of a single-layer resin film include hydrophilic polymer films such as PVA films, partially formalized PVA films, and partially saponified ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer films that have been dyed with iodine or a dichroic substance such as a dichroic dye and stretched, and polyene-based oriented films such as dehydrated PVA films and dehydrochlorinated polyvinyl chloride films. A polarizer obtained by dyeing a PVA film with iodine and uniaxially stretching it is preferred because of its excellent optical properties.

[0030] The dyeing with iodine is carried out, for example, by immersing the PVA film in an aqueous iodine solution. The stretching ratio of the uniaxial stretching is preferably 3 to 7 times. The stretching may be carried out after the dyeing treatment or while dyeing. Alternatively, the PVA film may be stretched and then dyed. If necessary, the PVA film may be subjected to a swelling treatment, a crosslinking treatment, a washing treatment, a drying treatment, or the like. For example, by immersing the PVA film in water and washing it before dyeing, it is possible to wash away dirt and antiblocking agents on the surface of the PVA film, and also to swell the PVA film, thereby preventing uneven dyeing.

[0031] Specific examples of polarizers obtained using laminates include a laminate of a resin substrate and a PVA-based resin layer (PVA-based resin film) laminated on the resin substrate, or a polarizer obtained using a laminate of a resin substrate and a PVA-based resin layer coated on the resin substrate. A polarizer obtained using a laminate of a resin substrate and a PVA-based resin layer coated on the resin substrate can be produced, for example, by applying a PVA-based resin solution to the resin substrate and drying the resin substrate to form a PVA-based resin layer on the resin substrate, thereby obtaining a laminate of the resin substrate and the PVA-based resin layer; and then stretching and dyeing the laminate to convert the PVA-based resin layer into a polarizer. In this embodiment, a polyvinyl alcohol-based resin layer containing a halide and a polyvinyl alcohol-based resin is preferably formed on one side of the resin substrate. The stretching typically involves immersing the laminate in a boric acid aqueous solution and stretching it. Furthermore, the stretching may further include, if necessary, in-air stretching of the laminate at an elevated temperature (e.g., 95°C or higher) before stretching in the boric acid aqueous solution. Additionally, in this embodiment, the laminate is preferably subjected to a drying shrinkage treatment by heating while being transported in the longitudinal direction, thereby shrinking the laminate by 2% or more in the width direction. Typically, the manufacturing method of this embodiment includes subjecting the laminate to an auxiliary in-air stretching treatment, a dyeing treatment, an underwater stretching treatment, and a drying shrinkage treatment, in this order. By introducing auxiliary stretching, it is possible to increase the crystallinity of PVA, even when PVA is coated on a thermoplastic resin, thereby achieving high optical properties. Furthermore, by simultaneously increasing the orientation of PVA in advance, problems such as a decrease in orientation or dissolution of PVA when immersed in water in the subsequent dyeing or stretching steps can be prevented, thereby achieving high optical properties. Furthermore, when the PVA-based resin layer is immersed in a liquid, the disordering of the orientation of polyvinyl alcohol molecules and the decrease in orientation can be suppressed compared to when the PVA-based resin layer does not contain a halide. This can improve the optical properties of a polarizer obtained through treatment steps in which the laminate is immersed in a liquid, such as a dyeing treatment and an underwater stretching treatment. Furthermore, the optical properties can be improved by shrinking the laminate in the width direction through the drying shrinkage treatment.The obtained resin substrate / polarizer laminate may be used as is (i.e., the resin substrate may be used as a protective layer for the polarizer), or any suitable protective layer may be laminated on the surface obtained by peeling the resin substrate from the resin substrate / polarizer laminate or on the surface opposite to the peeled surface, depending on the purpose. Details of the method for producing such a polarizer are described in, for example, JP 2012-73580 A and Japanese Patent No. 6470455 A. The entire disclosures of these publications are incorporated herein by reference.

[0032] B-2.Protective layer The first protective layer 21 and the second protective layer 22 are each made of any appropriate resin film. Typical materials for the resin film include cellulose-based resins such as triacetyl cellulose (TAC), cycloolefin-based resins such as polynorbornene, (meth)acrylic resins, polyester-based resins such as polyethylene terephthalate (PET) and polyethylene naphthalate (PEN), polyolefin-based resins such as polyethylene, and polycarbonate-based resins. Typical examples of (meth)acrylic resins include (meth)acrylic resins having a lactone ring structure. Examples of (meth)acrylic resins having a lactone ring structure are described in, for example, JP 2000-230016 A, JP 2001-151814 A, JP 2002-120326 A, JP 2002-254544 A, and JP 2005-146084 A. These publications are incorporated herein by reference. From the viewpoint of ease of processing into different shapes, a cellulose-based resin is preferred, and TAC is more preferred. From the viewpoint of obtaining a polarizing plate with low moisture permeability and excellent durability, a cycloolefin-based resin and a (meth)acrylic resin are preferred. The first protective layer 21 and the second protective layer 22 may be made of the same material or different materials.

[0033] When the polarizing plate is disposed on the viewing side of the image display device, the protective layer disposed on the viewing side may be subjected to a surface treatment, if necessary. Examples of the surface treatment include a hard coat treatment, an anti-reflection treatment, an anti-sticking treatment, and an anti-glare treatment.

[0034] As described above, the thickness of the first protective layer 21 or the second protective layer 22 is preferably 60 μm or more, more preferably 70 μm or more, and even more preferably 80 μm or more. As described above, the thicknesses of the first protective layer 21 and the second protective layer 22 may be the same or different. If the thickness is within this range, the desired engraving depth of the information display section and the desired distance between the deepest part of the information display section and the PVA-based resin layer can be ensured. The thickness can be, for example, 300 μm or less. If the thickness is too large, the handleability (usage feel) of the information card may be insufficient.

[0035] C. Information Card Manufacturing Method A method for manufacturing an information card according to an embodiment of the present invention is carried out using a test scrap of the original roll of laminate film for an information card described in Section A above. Specifically, the method includes the steps of: cutting a predetermined length in the longitudinal direction from an end of the original roll of laminate film having a polyvinyl alcohol (PVA)-based resin layer and first and second outer resin layers to form an inspection film (inspection film preparation step); subjecting the inspection film to a quality inspection (inspection step); forming an information display section on the surface of either the first or second outer resin layer of the inspection film after the quality inspection (information display section formation step); and cutting the inspection film after the quality inspection to a predetermined size (cutting step). In one embodiment, the laminate film may be a polarizing plate. That is, the manufacturing method is carried out using a test scrap of a polarizing plate. Below, each step of a manufacturing method using a polarizing plate will be described as an example of a method for manufacturing an information card according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0036] C-1. Inspection film production process and inspection process Polarizing plates manufactured as products are typically stored in a rolled state until shipment. Furthermore, such polarizing plates (polarizing plate rolls) are subjected to quality inspection before shipment. A quality inspection film can be obtained by cutting a predetermined length in the longitudinal direction from an end of a polarizing plate roll. The predetermined length can be, for example, 0.5 m to 3.0 m, or 1.0 m to 2.0 m. The inspection film can be cut out by any appropriate means (e.g., scissors, a cutter, or a cutting machine). An information card according to an embodiment of the present invention can be produced from inspection film after quality inspection, which would previously have been discarded.

[0037] C-2. Information display section formation process The information display portion is formed by irradiating the surface of either the first protective layer or the second protective layer with laser light. In one embodiment, the information to be displayed (e.g., letters, numbers, symbols, designs, logos, characters, slogans, barcodes, or a combination thereof) can be engraved on the surface of either the first protective layer or the second protective layer by irradiating the surface with laser light while moving the laser light source and the polarizing plate relative to each other. In this case, the laser light source may be moved, the polarizing plate may be moved, or both the laser light source and the polarizing plate may be moved. Any appropriate means (e.g., an XY plotter programmatically controlled according to the information to be displayed) may be used to move the laser light source and / or the polarizing plate.

[0038] Examples of laser light include gas lasers, solid-state lasers, and semiconductor lasers. Examples of gas lasers include excimer lasers and CO2 lasers (9.4 μm). Examples of excimer lasers include F2 excimer lasers (157 nm), ArF excimer lasers (193 nm), KrF excimer lasers (248 nm), and XeCl excimer lasers (308 nm). Examples of solid-state lasers include Nd:YAG lasers (1064 nm), the second harmonic of Nd:YAG lasers (532 nm), the third harmonic of Nd:YAG lasers (355 nm), and the fourth harmonic of Nd:YAG lasers (266 nm). Examples of semiconductor lasers include semiconductor lasers with a wavelength of 405 nm. The pulse width of the laser light used to form the information display portion is, for example, 0.5 μsec to 50 μsec, the pulse frequency is, for example, 1 kHz to 200 kHz, the laser output is, for example, 2 W to 250 W, and the beam spot diameter of the laser light is, for example, 50 μm to 500 μm. The numbers in parentheses are the wavelength of the laser light.

[0039] C-3.Cutting process After quality inspection, the inspection film is cut to a predetermined size. The predetermined size may vary depending on the purpose and use of the information card. Cutting may be performed before or after the information display section forming step. Cutting is performed by any appropriate means. Specific examples of cutting means include a punching blade such as a Pinnacle (registered trademark) blade or a Thomson blade, laser light irradiation, and water jet. Laser light irradiation is preferred. Cutting by laser light irradiation does not make the cut portion (i.e., the outer periphery of the resulting information card) excessively sharp, making it possible to obtain an information card with excellent safety.

[0040] In this manner, an information card can be produced. [Example]

[0041] The present invention will be specifically described below with reference to examples, but the present invention is not limited to these examples. Measurement and evaluation methods in the examples are as follows. Unless otherwise specified, "parts" and "%" in the examples are by weight.

[0042] (1) The depth of the engraved information display area and the distance between the deepest part of the information display area and the PVA resin layer The cross sections of the information cards obtained in the examples and comparative examples were photographed using a scanning electron microscope (SEM), and the obtained images were subjected to image processing to determine the properties.

[0043] (2) Durability (water resistance) The information cards obtained in the examples and comparative examples were immersed in water for 10 seconds and evaluated according to the following criteria. ○ (Good): No deformation that affects use or design was observed. △ (Acceptable for practical use): Appearance changed slightly, but no deformation that would affect use was observed × (bad): The deformation was so great that it was impossible to use.

[0044] (3) Feeling of use The information cards obtained in the examples and comparative examples were actually used and evaluated according to the following criteria. ○ (Good): The feel was the same as that of a paper business card. × (bad): Too thin and difficult to maintain shape, or too thick and difficult to handle

[0045] (4) Visibility of the information display (4-1) Characters The information cards obtained in the examples and comparative examples were visually checked for legibility of the characters while actually using them, and were evaluated according to the following criteria. ○ (Good): Read without any problems △ (Acceptable for practical use): Some parts were difficult to read × (bad): Unreadable

[0046] (4-2) 2D barcode The two-dimensional barcodes on the information cards obtained in the examples and comparative examples were read with a camera and evaluated according to the following criteria. ○ (Good): Read without any problems △ (Acceptable for practical use): Reading was unstable × (bad): Unreadable

[0047] (5) Design (5-1) Appearance of the information display The information display sections of the information cards obtained in the examples and comparative examples were visually inspected and evaluated according to the following criteria. ○ (Good): There was no burning or discoloration on the polarizer, and the information display area as a whole displayed clearly. × (bad): The polarizer was burnt and discolored, and the overall appearance of the information display was poor. (5-2) Overall design of the information card The information cards obtained in the examples and comparative examples were visually inspected and evaluated according to the following criteria. ○ (Good): Overall balance was good × (Poor): The corners did not look good.

[0048] (6) Safety The information cards obtained in the examples and comparative examples were actually used and evaluated according to the following criteria. ○ (Good): The corners were not sharp and there was no risk of cuts. × (bad): The corners were sharp and there was a risk of cuts.

[0049] (7) Overall rating The evaluations of (2) to (6) above were combined and evaluated according to the following criteria. ○ (Good): All evaluations of (2) to (6) were "○ (Good)" △ (Acceptable for practical use): At least one of (2) to (6) was rated "△ (Acceptable for practical use)" and there was no "× (Poor)" × (bad): At least one of (2) to (6) was marked as “× (bad)”

[0050] [Example 1] 1. Preparation of Polarizing Plates A long roll of a 50 μm-thick PVA resin film (manufactured by Nippon Gohsei Co., Ltd., product name "PS7500") was uniaxially stretched in the longitudinal direction using a roll stretching machine so that the total stretching ratio became 6.0 times, while simultaneously undergoing swelling, dyeing, crosslinking, and washing treatments, and finally undergoing a drying treatment, thereby producing a long polarizer with a thickness of 20 μm. An HC-TAC film was roll-to-roll laminated to each side of the obtained polarizer via a UV-curable adhesive (thickness 1 μm) to obtain a long polarizing plate. The polarizing plate had a thickness of 192 μm. The HC-TAC film was a triacetyl cellulose (TAC) film with a hard coat (HC) layer formed on it, and was laminated so that the TAC film faced the PVA-based resin layer. The TAC film had a thickness of 80 μm, and the HC layer had a thickness of 5 μm. The obtained polarizing plate was wound into a roll and stored.

[0051] 2. Creating information cards A section of the polarizing plate roll obtained above, extending 2.0 m in the longitudinal direction, was cut out and used as a test film. The test film obtained was subjected to a quality inspection before shipping. After the quality inspection, the test film was irradiated with laser light and cut into a horizontally elongated business card shape measuring 55 mm in length and 91 mm in width, with the four corners chamfered to form a rounded shape. The radius of curvature of the rounded shape was 2 mm. The laser light irradiation conditions were as follows: Laser light: CO2 laser Oscillator: specified laser processing machine Wavelength: 9.4μm Output: 20W Pulse width: 5 μs

[0052] A laser beam was irradiated at a predetermined position on one of the TAC films of the polarizing plate cut out above to form an information display area as shown in Figure 2, and an information card was produced. The engraving depth of the information display area was 15 μm, and the distance between the deepest part of the information display area and the polarizer was 70 μm. The information display area included the company name, the individual's name, contact information, and a two-dimensional barcode. The distance between the outermost part of the information display area and the outer periphery of the information card was 2 mm. The laser beam irradiation conditions were as follows: Laser light: CO2 laser Oscillator: specified laser processing machine Wavelength: 9.4μm Output: 2.0W Pulse width: 5 μs

[0053] The obtained information cards were subjected to the above evaluations (2) to (7). The results are shown in Table 1.

[0054] [Examples 2 to 4 and Comparative Examples 1 and 2] Information cards were produced in the same manner as in Example 1, except that the thickness of the polarizing plate, the engraving depth of the information display portion, the distance between the deepest part of the information display portion and the polarizer, the distance between the outermost part of the information display portion and the outer periphery of the information card, and the radius of curvature of the R-shape of the chamfered portion were changed as shown in Table 1. The engraving depth of the information display portion was adjusted by changing the output of the laser light as shown in Table 1. The thickness of the polarizing plate was adjusted by changing the thickness of the TAC film on which the information display portion was not formed. The obtained information cards were subjected to the same evaluation as in Example 1. The results are shown in Table 1.

[0055] Comparative Example 3 1. Polarizer Fabrication As the thermoplastic resin substrate, a long amorphous isophthalic copolymerized polyethylene terephthalate film (thickness: 100 μm) having a Tg of about 75° C. was used, and one side of the resin substrate was subjected to a corona treatment. A PVA aqueous solution (coating solution) was prepared by dissolving 100 parts by weight of a PVA-based resin made by mixing polyvinyl alcohol (polymerization degree 4200, saponification degree 99.2 mol%) and acetoacetyl-modified PVA (manufactured by Nippon Synthetic Chemical Industry Co., Ltd., trade name "GOHSEFFIMER") in a 9:1 ratio, to which 13 parts by weight of potassium iodide was added, in water. The above PVA aqueous solution was applied to the corona treated surface of the resin substrate and dried at 60° C. to form a PVA resin layer with a thickness of 13 μm, thereby producing a laminate. The resulting laminate was uniaxially stretched 2.4 times in the machine direction (longitudinal direction) in an oven at 130°C (auxiliary in-air stretching treatment). Next, the laminate was immersed in an insolubilizing bath (a boric acid aqueous solution obtained by mixing 4 parts by weight of boric acid with 100 parts by weight of water) at a liquid temperature of 40°C for 30 seconds (insolubilizing treatment). Next, the film was immersed in a dye bath (an aqueous iodine solution obtained by mixing iodine and potassium iodide in a weight ratio of 1:7 with 100 parts by weight of water) at a liquid temperature of 30°C for 60 seconds while adjusting the concentration so that the single transmittance (Ts) of the finally obtained polarizer would be a desired value (dyeing treatment). Next, the sample was immersed in a crosslinking bath (a boric acid aqueous solution obtained by blending 3 parts by weight of potassium iodide and 5 parts by weight of boric acid with 100 parts by weight of water) at a liquid temperature of 40°C for 30 seconds (crosslinking treatment). The laminate was then immersed in a boric acid aqueous solution (boric acid concentration 4 wt %, potassium iodide concentration 5 wt %) at a liquid temperature of 70°C and uniaxially stretched in the longitudinal direction (longitudinal direction) between rolls with different peripheral speeds to a total stretch ratio of 5.5 times (underwater stretching treatment). Thereafter, the laminate was immersed in a cleaning bath (aqueous solution obtained by mixing 4 parts by weight of potassium iodide with 100 parts by weight of water) at a liquid temperature of 20° C. (cleaning treatment). Thereafter, the film was dried in an oven maintained at about 90°C, and brought into contact with a heated roll made of SUS whose surface temperature was maintained at about 75°C (drying shrinkage treatment). In this manner, a polarizer having a thickness of 5 μm was formed on the resin substrate, and a long polarizing plate having a resin substrate / polarizer structure was obtained.

[0056] 2. Preparation of Polarizing Plates A TAC film (thickness 37 μm) was bonded to the surface of the obtained polarizer (the surface opposite to the resin substrate) via a UV-curable adhesive (thickness 1 μm). Next, the resin substrate was peeled off, and a TAC film (thickness 37 μm) was bonded to the peeled surface via a UV-curable adhesive (thickness 1 μm). The bonding of the TAC film and the peeling of the resin substrate were performed by a roll-to-roll process. In this way, a polarizing plate (thickness 81 μm) was produced.

[0057] 3. Creating information cards Information cards were produced in the same manner as in Example 1, except that the polarizing plate obtained above was used and the distance between the information display portion and the outer periphery of the information card and the radius of curvature of the R-shape of the chamfered portion were changed as shown in Table 1. The obtained information cards were subjected to the same evaluation as in Example 1. The results are shown in Table 1.

[0058] Comparative Example 4 Commonly used paper business cards were subjected to the evaluation of "(2) Durability (Water Resistance)." The results are shown in Table 1.

[0059] [Table 1]

[0060] In Table 1, "exposed" means that the engraving of the information display portion penetrates the protective layer and the polarizer is exposed.

[0061] As is clear from Table 1, the examples of the present invention enable the reuse of polarizing plate test scraps and provide business cards with excellent design and durability. Furthermore, the business cards according to the examples of the present invention are also excellent in usability (ease of handling), safety, and visibility of the information display section. [Industrial Applicability]

[0062] Information cards according to embodiments of the present invention can be suitably used, for example, as business cards, greeting cards, message cards, pamphlets, instructions, banquet or ceremony seating charts, point cards, bonus cards, visitor commemorative cards, employee ID cards, membership cards, and medical information cards (e.g., patient registration cards, medicine notebooks). [Explanation of symbols]

[0063] 10 PVA resin layer 21 First outer resin layer 22 Second outer resin layer 30 Information display section 40 Chamfered part 100 Information Cards

Claims

1. a polyvinyl alcohol-based resin layer; a first outer resin layer and a second outer resin layer disposed on both sides of the polyvinyl alcohol-based resin layer; an information display portion provided on a surface of either the first outer resin layer or the second outer resin layer, the information to be displayed being engraved thereon; and the information display portion has an engraved depth of 15 μm or more, and the deepest part of the information display portion is spaced from the polyvinyl alcohol-based resin layer by 15 μm or more; Information card.

2. The information card according to claim 1 , wherein the information to be presented is selected from letters, numbers, symbols, designs, logos, characters, slogans, barcodes, or combinations thereof.

3. 2. The information card according to claim 1, wherein the outermost portion of the information display portion in a plan view is spaced apart from the outer periphery of the information card by 2 mm or more.

4. It has a rectangular shape in a plan view, The four corners have chamfered portions formed in an R shape with a curvature radius of 2 mm to 6 mm.

2. The information card of claim 1.

5. 2. The information card according to claim 1, having a total thickness of 150 μm to 300 μm.

6. 6. The information card according to claim 5, wherein the information portion is formed on the surface of the first outer resin layer, and the thickness of the first outer resin layer is 30 [mu]m or more.

7. The information card according to claim 1, which is selected from business cards, greeting cards, message cards, pamphlets, instructions, banquet or ceremony seating charts, point cards, privilege cards, visitor commemorative cards, employee ID cards, membership cards, or medical information cards.

8. 8. The information card according to claim 1, wherein the polyvinyl alcohol-based resin layer is a polarizer, and the first outer resin layer and the second outer resin layer are protective layers.

9. A method for manufacturing an information card, comprising: The information card has a polyvinyl alcohol-based resin layer, a first outer resin layer and a second outer resin layer disposed on both sides of the polyvinyl alcohol-based resin layer, and an information display section formed by engraving information to be presented on the surface of either the first outer resin layer or the second outer resin layer, The manufacturing method comprises: a step of cutting out a predetermined length in the longitudinal direction from an end of an original roll of a laminated film having the polyvinyl alcohol-based resin layer, the first outer resin layer, and the second outer resin layer to prepare an inspection film; subjecting the inspection film to a quality inspection; forming the information display portion on a surface of either the first outer resin layer or the second outer resin layer of the inspection film after quality inspection; a step of cutting the inspection film after quality inspection to a predetermined size; A manufacturing method comprising:

10. The method for manufacturing an information card according to claim 9, wherein the information display portion is formed before the cutting.

11. The method for manufacturing an information card according to claim 9, wherein the cutting is performed before the formation of the information display portion.

12. The method for manufacturing an information card according to claim 9, wherein the information display portion is formed by irradiating a surface of either the first outer resin layer or the second outer resin layer with laser light.

13. The method for manufacturing an information card according to claim 9, wherein the cutting is performed by irradiating the inspection film with laser light.

14. The method for manufacturing an information card according to claim 9 , wherein the polyvinyl alcohol-based resin layer is a polarizer, and the first outer resin layer and the second outer resin layer are protective layers.

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