Method for manufacturing a printed image, printed image, and foamed transfer sheet

Abstract

The present invention provides a method for manufacturing a printed material with high surface strength and capable of forming an uneven pattern due to expansion, as well as a printed material and a foamed transfer sheet. [Solution] A method for manufacturing a printed object comprises the steps of: preparing a first heat transfer sheet having a first substrate and a colorant layer provided on one side of the first substrate; preparing a second heat transfer sheet having a second substrate and a transfer layer provided on one side of the second substrate, including a foamed layer containing foamed particles; heating the first heat transfer sheet and transferring the colorant onto a stretchable film to form an image; heating the second heat transfer sheet and transferring the transfer layer onto the stretchable film on which the image has been formed; and overlapping the transfer layer on the stretchable film with the object to be transferred and bonding them together by heating or pressurizing.

Description

Technical Field

[0006] , , , , , , ,

[0005]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a method for manufacturing a printed matter, a printed matter, and a foaming transfer sheet.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, various thermal transfer methods using dyes or pigments have been proposed. The applications of printed matters manufactured by thermal transfer methods are diverse. For example, they are used for cards having face photos such as ID cards and credit cards, synthetic photos in amusement facilities, trading cards, and the like.

[0003] In recent years, a method has been proposed in which a transfer layer containing foaming particles is pattern-transferred onto a transfer target, heated to expand the foaming particles, and a printed matter having a concavo-convex pattern is manufactured. However, since the surface is covered with a resin capable of thermal transfer, when used for wallpapers or the like, the surface strength was insufficient.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

Patent Document 3

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] An object of the present disclosure is to provide a method for manufacturing a printed matter, a printed matter, and a foaming transfer sheet, which have high surface strength and can form a concavo-convex pattern by an expanded portion.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] The present disclosure's method for manufacturing a printed object comprises the steps of: preparing a first thermal transfer sheet having a first substrate and a colorant layer provided on one side of the first substrate; preparing a second thermal transfer sheet having a second substrate and a transfer layer provided on one side of the second substrate, including a foamed layer containing foamed particles; heating the first thermal transfer sheet and transferring the colorant onto a stretchable film to form an image; heating the second thermal transfer sheet and transferring the transfer layer onto the stretchable film on which the image has been formed; and overlapping and bonding the transfer layer on the stretchable film to a transfer object. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to this disclosure, it is possible to manufacture printed materials that have high surface strength and can form uneven patterns due to expansion. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] [Figure 1] This is a cross-sectional view of a thermal transfer sheet according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] This is a cross-sectional view illustrating a method for manufacturing printed materials. [Figure 3] This is a plan view of a heat transfer sheet. [Figure 4] This is a plan view of a heat transfer sheet. [Figure 5] This is a cross-sectional view illustrating a method for manufacturing printed materials. [Figure 6] This is a cross-sectional view of a heat transfer sheet. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0009] The embodiments of this disclosure will be described below with reference to the drawings. Note that, in order to clarify the explanation, the drawings may schematically represent the width, thickness, etc., of each part compared to the actual embodiment; however, these are merely examples and do not limit the interpretation of this disclosure. Furthermore, in this specification and in each drawing, elements similar to those described above in previously shown drawings are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed explanations may be omitted as appropriate.

[0010] Figure 1 is a cross-sectional view of a thermal transfer sheet according to an embodiment of the present invention. The thermal transfer sheet 10 is in the shape of a long strip, and Figure 1 shows a cross-section along the longitudinal direction. As shown in Figure 1, the thermal transfer sheet 10 comprises a base material 1, a colorant layer 7, a transfer layer 5, and an adhesive layer 6 arranged in order on one surface of the base material 1, and a back layer 8 provided on the other surface of the base material 1.

[0011] The colorant layer 7 comprises a yellow colorant layer 7Y containing yellow colorant, a magenta colorant layer 7M containing magenta colorant, and a cyan colorant layer 7C containing cyan colorant, arranged in order of surface. The colorants contained in the yellow colorant layer 7Y, magenta colorant layer 7M, and cyan colorant layer 7Y are, for example, sublimation dyes or heat-meltable inks. Known colorants can be used for the colorant layer 7. The colorant layer 7 may also include layers containing colorants such as fluorescent dyes, black pigments, metallic pigments, pearl pigments, and other colorants, or special color layers such as hologram layers.

[0012] The transfer layer 5 is provided on one surface of the substrate 1 and has a foamed layer 3. The transfer layer 5 may have a release layer 2 between the substrate 1 and the foamed layer 3. Alternatively, the transfer layer 5 may have a structure in which the release layer 2, the foamed layer 3, and the adhesive layer 4 are laminated in order from the substrate 1 side. The substrate 1 may have a release layer on the surface facing the transfer layer 5. The foamed layer 3 contains foamed particles. The foamed particles have an outer shell made of thermoplastic resin and a foaming agent enclosed within the outer shell that vaporizes when heated. Therefore, the foamed particles expand when heated.

[0013] When manufacturing a printed object, a known thermal transfer printer having a thermal head and a stretchable film 20 as shown in Figure 2(a) are prepared. The stretchable film 20 is transparent or translucent and exhibits stretchability at the maximum expansion temperature of the foamed particles. The thermal transfer printer heats the thermal transfer sheet 10 from the back layer 8 side. First, the yellow colorant layer 7Y, the magenta colorant layer 7M, and the cyan colorant layer 7Y are heated in order, and the colorants are transferred to the stretchable film 20 by a melt transfer method or a sublimation transfer method to form an image.

[0014] Next, as shown in Fig. 2(b), the transfer layer 5 is transferred onto the image forming surface of the stretchable film 20 in a predetermined pattern. The transfer layer 5 may be transferred onto the image forming area or onto the area where no image is formed, and it is sufficient if it is transferred onto at least a part of the stretchable film 20. Subsequently, as shown in Fig. 2(c), an adhesive layer 6 is transferred onto the entire surface of the stretchable film 20 provided with the transfer layer 5 to produce the foaming transfer sheet 30. The pattern-transferred transfer layer 5 is covered with the adhesive layer 6. In the area where the transfer layer 5 is not provided, the adhesive layer 6 contacts the stretchable film 20.

[0015] As shown in Fig. 2(d), the adhesive layer 6 of the foaming transfer sheet 30 and the transfer object 40 to be decorated are opposed and overlapped, and are adhered by heating and / or pressurization to obtain a printed matter in which the foaming transfer sheet 30 and the transfer object 40 are integrated. The transfer object 40 is not particularly limited, such as a plastic card substrate, a plastic substrate, a plastic molded product, cloth or paper. Also, the shape of the transfer object 40 may be flat or curved.

[0016] Thereafter, the printed matter is heated using a heating device such as a heat roller, an oven, a thermal head, or a laser. By heating, the foaming particles in the foaming layer 3 of the transfer layer 5 expand, and a concavo-convex pattern is formed. The heating temperature is preferably not less than the temperature at which the foaming particles foam and not more than the temperature at which the foaming particles shrink or melt, and preferably not less than 90 degrees and not more than 200 degrees. At this time, the stretchable film 20 stretches so as to follow the concavo-convex pattern. Since the printed matter has the stretchable film 20 provided on its surface, it has high surface strength and is suitable for use as wallpaper or the like.

[0017] The adhesive layer 6 and the transfer object 40 may be adhered by heating and / or pressurization, and the foaming layer 3 may be expanded by heating. The heating temperature is preferably not less than the temperature at which the foaming particles foam and not more than the temperature at which the foaming particles shrink or melt, and preferably not less than 90 degrees and not more than 200 degrees.

[0018] In the thermal transfer sheet 10 shown in FIG. 1, in a set of a coloring material layer 7, a transfer layer 5, and an adhesive layer 6 that are sequentially provided on one surface of a base material 1, the transfer layer 5 was a single panel. However, as shown in FIG. 3, a plurality of panels (two panels in FIG. 3) of the transfer layer 5 may be included. In this case, in the process shown in FIG. 2(b), the transfer layer 5 is transferred a plurality of times to laminate a plurality of transfer layers 5. For example, when the transfer layer 5 is transferred twice, the second transfer pattern may be the same as the first transfer pattern, may be smaller than the first transfer pattern, may partially overlap the first transfer pattern and other parts may not overlap, or may cover the first transfer pattern.

[0019] As shown in FIG. 4, adhesive layers 6 may be provided before and after the transfer layer 5. In this case, as shown in FIG. 5, the first adhesive layer 6 is transferred onto the entire surface of the stretchable film 20 on which an image is formed, and the transfer layer 5 is pattern-transferred onto the adhesive layer 6. Thereafter, the second adhesive layer 6 is transferred onto the transfer layer 5. <000009​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​There are no limitations on the base material 1 of the heat transfer sheet 10, and any material conventionally known in the field of heat transfer sheets can be appropriately selected and used. Examples include stretched or unstretched films of plastics such as polyester, polyphenylene sulfide, polyether ketone, polyether sulfone, polypropylene, polycarbonate, cellulose acetate, polyethylene derivatives, polyvinyl chloride, polyvinylidene chloride, polystyrene, polyamide, polyimide, polymethylpentene, or ionomer. As for polyester, those with high heat resistance are preferred, such as polyethylene terephthalate, polyethylene naphthalate, and polybutylene terephthalate. Composite films made by laminating two or more of these materials can also be used. There are no particular limitations on the thickness of the base material 1, but a range of 2 μm to 10 μm is preferred.

[0024] (Exfoliation layer) To improve the transferability of the transfer layer 5, a release layer 2 is provided at the position of the transfer layer 5 closest to the substrate 1. Examples of binder resins constituting the release layer include thermoplastic resins such as cellulose derivatives like ethylcellulose, nitrocellulose, and cellulose acetate; acrylic resins such as polymethyl methacrylate, polyethyl methacrylate, and polybutyl acrylate; vinyl resins such as polyvinyl chloride, vinyl chloride-vinyl acetate copolymer, and polyvinyl butyral; saturated or unsaturated polyesters; polyurethane resins; thermosetting resins such as thermosetting epoxy-amino copolymers and thermosetting alkyd-amino copolymers (thermosetting amino alkyd resins); silicone waxes; silicone resins; silicone-modified resins; fluororesins; fluorine-modified resins; and polyvinyl alcohol.

[0025] (Foam layer) The foamed layer 3 contains foamed particles and a binder resin. The foamed particles are thermally expandable microspheres composed of an outer shell made of thermoplastic resin and a foaming agent (core) enclosed within it. The foamed particles have a core-shell structure and exhibit thermal expandability as a whole microsphere (the property of the entire microsphere expanding when heated). The thermoplastic resin is a polymer of polymerizable components.

[0026] Polymerizable components refer to monomers having at least one polymerizable group in their molecule, and are components that, when polymerized, become thermoplastic resins that form the outer shell of foam particles. Examples of polymerizable components include non-crosslinkable monomers having one reactive carbon-carbon double bond (hereinafter simply referred to as non-crosslinkable monomers) and crosslinkable monomers having two or more reactive carbon-carbon double bonds (hereinafter simply referred to as crosslinkable monomers). Crosslinkable monomers can introduce a crosslinking structure into the polymer. The reactive carbon-carbon double bond referred to here means a carbon-carbon double bond that exhibits radical reactivity, and refers to carbon-carbon double bonds contained in vinyl groups, (meth)acryloyl groups, allyl groups, vinylene groups, etc., rather than carbon-carbon double bonds located in aromatic rings such as benzene rings or naphthalene rings. Here, (meth)acryloyl group refers to an acryloyl group or a methacryloyl group.

[0027] A foaming agent is a component that vaporizes when heated. While not particularly limited, examples of foaming agents include hydrocarbons with 3 to 13 carbon atoms such as propane, (iso)butane, (iso)pentane, (iso)hexane, (iso)heptane, (iso)octane, (iso)nonane, (iso)decane, (iso)undecane, (iso)dodecane, and (iso)tridecane; hydrocarbons with more than 13 carbon atoms but 20 or less, such as (iso)hexadecane and (iso)eicosane; pseudocumene; petroleum ether; and normal paraffins and isoparaffins with an initial boiling point of 150°C to 260°C and / or a distillation range of 70°C to 360°C. Examples include hydrocarbons such as petroleum fractions, halides of hydrocarbons having 1 to 12 carbon atoms such as methyl chloride, methylene chloride, chloroform, and carbon tetrachloride, fluorine-containing compounds such as hydrofluoroethers, silanes having alkyl groups with 1 to 5 carbon atoms such as tetramethylsilane, trimethylethylsilane, trimethylisopropylsilane, and trimethyl-n-propylsilane, and compounds that generate gas through thermal decomposition upon heating, such as azodicarbonamide, N,N'-dinitrosopentamethylenetetramine, and 4,4'-oxybis(benzenesulfonylhydrazide).

[0028] The foaming agent may consist of one compound or a mixture of two or more compounds. The foaming agent may be linear, branched, or alicyclic, and is preferably aliphatic.

[0029] The encapsulation rate of the blowing agent in the foamed particles is defined as the percentage of the weight of the encapsulated blowing agent relative to the weight of the foamed particles. The encapsulation rate of the blowing agent is not particularly limited, but is preferably 2% by weight or more and 50% by weight or less, and more preferably 10% by weight or more and 20% by weight or less, relative to the weight of the foamed particles.

[0030] The expansion start temperature of the foamed particles is not particularly limited, but is preferably 70°C or higher, and more preferably 90°C or higher. The maximum expansion temperature is preferably 70°C to 200°C, and more preferably 90°C to 160°C. The average particle size (D50) of the foamed particles is 5 μm to 30 μm. The average particle size (D50) can be measured by laser diffraction / scattering particle size distribution measurement.

[0031] Examples of the first binder resin contained in the foam layer include cellulose resin, vinyl resin, acrylic resin, polyester, etc., with polyester being particularly preferred. Here, the first binder resin is the binder resin with the highest blending ratio among the binder resins contained in the foam layer.

[0032] From the viewpoint of the fine-line sharpness of the uneven pattern after foaming, the first binder resin contained in the foamed layer is preferably one with a high glass transition temperature, and the ratio of the foaming agent in the foamed layer is preferably low. For example, the glass transition temperature of the first binder resin is preferably 40°C to 80°C, and the weight ratio of the foaming agent to the total weight of the foamed layer is preferably 10% to 60% by weight, and more preferably 20% to 40% by weight. On the other hand, from the viewpoint of the thickness increase rate of the foamed layer, the first binder resin contained in the foamed layer is preferably one with a low glass transition temperature. For example, the glass transition temperature of the first binder resin is preferably -20°C to 20°C. The first binder resin is determined according to the shape required for the uneven pattern.

[0033] The thickness of the foamed layer before the foamed particles expand (the total thickness of multiple foamed layers) is preferably 5 μm to 50 μm. The thickness of the foamed layer after the foamed particles expand (the total thickness of multiple foamed layers) is preferably 40 μm to 600 μm.

[0034] Examples of commercially available foaming particles used include Matsumoto Microspheres® F-30, F-36, F-36LV, F-48, FN-80GS, F-50, F-65, FN-100SS, etc., manufactured by Matsumoto Oil & Fat Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., and the ExpanseL® series, manufactured by Nippon Filight Co., Ltd.

[0035] (adhesive layer) To improve the adhesion between the transfer object and the transfer layer 5, an adhesive layer 4 is provided on the foam layer 3. Examples of materials for the adhesive layer include cellulose derivatives such as ethylcellulose and cellulose butyrate, styrene copolymers such as polystyrene and poly-α-methylstyrene, acrylic resins such as polymethyl methacrylate, polyethyl methacrylate, and polyethyl acrylate, vinyl resins such as polyvinyl chloride, polyvinyl acetate, vinyl chloride-vinyl acetate copolymer, and polyvinyl butyral, polyester, nylon resin, epoxy resin, and polyurethane. These materials can also be used for the adhesive layer 6.

[0036] (back layer) There are no limitations on the material of the back layer 8. Examples include cellulose resins such as cellulose acetate butyrate and cellulose acetate propionate, vinyl resins such as polyvinyl butyral and polyvinyl acetal, acrylic resins such as polymethyl methacrylate, polyethyl polyacrylate, polyacrylamide, and acrylonitrile-styrene copolymer, polyamide resins, polyamide-imide, polyester, polyurethane, and natural or synthetic resins such as silicone-modified or fluorine-modified urethane. The back layer may contain one of these resins alone or two or more.

[0037] Next, the stretchable film 20 will be described.

[0038] The stretchable film 20, after being transferred to the transfer object 40 to be decorated, covers the surface of the article and protects the image, and is preferably transparent or translucent. Translucency includes a matte surface finish. The stretchable film 20 may contain pearl pigments, metallic pigments, ultraviolet absorbers, and infrared absorbers.

[0039] The stretchable film exhibits stretchability at the maximum expansion temperature of the foamed particles, and preferably at a temperature above the foaming initiation temperature of the foamed particles.

[0040] The stretchable film is stretchable. Specifically, the stretchable film is preferably stretched to 3% to 70% when a tensile load of 0.05 N is applied at a temperature of 110°C, near the maximum expansion temperature of the foamed particles. A stretch of 3% or more does not hinder the foamed particles from expanding and growing, allowing them to expand to the desired height and volume. A stretch of 70% or less prevents the stretchable film from stretching too much and causing wrinkles. By having such stretchability in the stretchable film, the stretchability and moldability of the foamed transfer sheet 30 can be improved.

[0041] The elongation rate of a stretchable film is measured by thermomechanical analysis (TMA). Specifically, first, the stretchable substrate is cut into a rectangular shape with a length of 80 mm and a width of 4 mm. Next, using a thermomechanical analyzer, the elongation of the stretchable substrate, which is placed in a jig with an initial chuck distance of 10 mm, is measured under the following measurement conditions. The elongation rate is determined from the initial chuck distance and the chuck distance at a predetermined temperature. The same measurement is performed three times, and the arithmetic mean is taken as the elongation rate. <Measurement conditions> • Measurement mode: Tensile Temperature range: 70°C to 200°C • Heating rate: 5°C / min • Load mode: Constant load 0.05N Sampling: 0.5 seconds

[0042] The stretchable film only needs to satisfy the above-mentioned elongation ratio, and for example, a thermoplastic resin film can be used. Examples of thermoplastic resins that make up the thermoplastic resin film include acrylic resins, ABS resin (acrylonitrile-styrene-butadiene copolymer), styrene resin, polycarbonate resin, ionomer, polyester resin, polyolefin resin, polyvinyl chloride, and polyurethane resin. Examples of polyester resins include amorphous polyethylene terephthalate (A-PET) and glycol-modified polyethylene terephthalate (PET-G). Examples of polyolefin resins include polypropylene. Among these, ionomer, amorphous polyethylene terephthalate (A-PET), glycol-modified polyethylene terephthalate (PET-G), cast polypropylene, polyvinyl chloride (PVC), and thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) are preferred. In particular, polyvinyl chloride (PVC), thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU), and glycol-modified polyethylene terephthalate (PET-G) are preferred. These are easily plastically deformable and allow for image formation on the surface using sublimation transfer media.

[0043] The stretchable film may contain various additives as needed. Examples of additives include stabilizers, plasticizers, colorants, UV absorbers, light stabilizers, and extender pigments.

[0044] The stretchable film may have a single-layer structure or a multi-layer structure.

[0045] The thickness of the stretchable film is preferably 25 μm or more, more preferably 50 μm or more, and even more preferably 80 μm or more. A thickness of 25 μm or more increases the surface strength after transfer to the transfer target. Alternatively, the thickness of the stretchable film is preferably 300 μm or less, more preferably 200 μm or less, and even more preferably 150 μm or less. A thickness of 300 μm or less improves the ability of the stretchable film to conform to irregularities caused by the foaming of the foamed particles. When the stretchable film has a multilayer structure, the thickness of the stretchable film refers to the total thickness of the stretchable film.

[0046] The stretchable film may be transparent or semi-transparent. Furthermore, the side of the stretchable film opposite to the side onto which the transfer layer is transferred may be glossy or have a matte finish.

[0047] The thickness of the stretchable film is measured from a cross-section in the film thickness direction, observed using a scanning electron microscope (SEM), and is the average of 10 randomly selected thicknesses.

[0048] In the case of fusion transfer, where pigment is used as the coloring agent for image formation in a thermal transfer printer, the pigment is transferred to a stretchable film to form the desired image.

[0049] Furthermore, in the case of sublimation transfer using dyes as the coloring material in a thermal transfer printer, if the stretchable film contains a resin capable of being dyed with sublimation dyes, the dye will be transferred onto the stretchable film to form the desired image.

[0050] There are no particular limitations on the resins that can be dyed with sublimable dyes contained in the stretchable film. Examples include polyolefin resins such as polypropylene, halogenated resins such as polyvinyl chloride (PVC) or polyvinylidene chloride, vinyl resins such as polyvinyl acetate, vinyl chloride-vinyl acetate copolymer, ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer, or polyacrylic acid ester, polyester resins such as polyethylene terephthalate or polybutylene terephthalate, polystyrene resins, polyamide resins, copolymers of olefins such as ethylene or propylene with other vinyl polymers, cellulose resins such as ionomers or cellulose diastase, polycarbonate, acrylic resins, polyurethane, polyamide, polyimide, and styrene resins. The stretchable film may contain one type of resin alone or two or more types as the resin that can be dyed with sublimable dyes. In addition, the film may contain a resin that does not have sublimable dye-adhering properties along with the resin that can be dyed with sublimable dyes.

[0051] Furthermore, the stretchable film may contain a plasticizer, along with a resin capable of dyeing with the sublimable dye, to adjust the elongation of the stretchable film within the above range. By incorporating a plasticizer into the stretchable film, the elongation of the stretchable film can be easily adjusted within a desired range.

[0052] Examples of plasticizers include phthalate-based plasticizers such as dioctyl phthalate, diisononyl phthalate, octyldecyl phthalate, and diisodecyl phthalate; adipic acid-based plasticizers such as di-2-ethylhexyl adipate, diisononyl adipate, and diisodecyl adipate; di-2-ethylhexyl azelaate, di-2-ethylhexyl sebacate, tricresyl phosphate, trixylyl phosphate, tributyl phosphate, tri-2-ethylhexyl phosphate, octyldiphenyl phosphate, chlorinated paraffin, chlorinated fatty acid esters, and epoxidized soybean oil. The stretchable film may contain one type of plasticizer or two or more types of lubricants.

[0053] There are no particular limitations on the plasticizer content; it can be appropriately set according to the type of resin to which the sublimation dye contained in the stretchable film can be dyed.

[0054] Instead of incorporating a resin capable of sublimation dyeing into the stretchable film, a dye-receiving layer may be provided on the stretchable film. There are no particular limitations on the composition of the receiving layer, and examples include polyolefins such as polypropylene, halogenated resins such as polyvinyl chloride or polyvinylidene chloride, vinyl resins such as polyvinyl acetate, vinyl chloride-vinyl acetate copolymer, ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer, or polyacrylic acid ester, polyesters such as polyethylene terephthalate or polybutylene terephthalate, copolymers of polyolefins such as ethylene or propylene with other vinyl polymers, cellulose resins such as ionomer or cellulose diacetate, and solvent-based resins such as polycarbonate, polystyrene, polyamide, and acrylic resin. These materials may be used individually or in combination of two or more. There are no particular limitations on the thickness of the receiving layer, but it is preferably 0.5 μm to 10 μm, more preferably 1 μm to 8 μm, and even more preferably 2 μm to 6 μm. [Examples]

[0055] The present disclosure will be explained in more detail below with reference to examples, but the present disclosure is not limited to these examples.

[0056] (Preparation of thermal transfer sheet I) A PET film with a thickness of 5 μm was used as the base material. A back layer with a thickness of 1 μm was formed by applying a back layer coating liquid with the composition described below to one side of the base material and drying it. A release layer with a thickness of 0.5 μm was formed by applying a release layer coating liquid with the composition described below to the other side of the base material and drying it. Next, a foam layer with a thickness of 12 μm was formed by applying a foam layer coating liquid with the composition described below to the release layer and drying it. Next, an adhesive layer with a thickness of 0.5 μm was formed by applying an adhesive layer coating liquid with the composition described below to the foam layer and drying it, thereby obtaining a thermal transfer sheet I in which the back layer, base material, release layer, foam layer, and adhesive layer were laminated in this order.

[0057] <Coating liquid for back layer> • Polyvinyl acetal 36 parts by mass (S-REC® KS-1, Sekisui Chemical Co., Ltd.) • Isocyanate compound 25 parts by mass (Barnock® D750, DIC Corporation) • Silicone resin fine particles: 1 part by mass (TOSPARD® 240, Momentive Performance Materials Japan LLC) • Zinc stearyl phosphate 10 parts by mass (LBT1830 refined, Sakai Chemical Industry Co., Ltd.) • Zinc stearate 10 parts by mass (SZ-PF, Sakai Chemical Industry Co., Ltd.) • Polyethylene wax 3 parts by mass (Polywax 3000, Toyo Adore Co., Ltd.) • Ethoxylated alcohol-modified wax: 7 parts by mass (Unitox 750, Toyo Adore Co., Ltd.) Methyl ethyl ketone 200 parts by mass • Toluene 100 parts by mass

[0058] <Coating liquid for release layer> • Acrylic resin 19 parts by mass (Dianal® BR-87, Mitsubishi Chemical Corporation, Glass transition temperature: 105℃) • Polyester 1 part by mass (Byron® 200, Toyobo Co., Ltd.) • Methyl ethyl ketone 40 parts by mass • Toluene 40 parts by mass

[0059] <Coating liquid for foamed layers> • Foamed particle A: 5 parts by mass (Matsumoto Microspheres® FN-80GSD, Matsumoto Oil & Fat Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., Maximum expansion temperature: 125~135℃, Average particle size: 6~10μm) • Polyester 5 parts by mass (Byronal® MD1930, Toyobo Co., Ltd., glass transition temperature: -10℃) ·Water 23 parts by mass

[0060] <Coating liquid for adhesive layer> • Polyester 5 parts by mass (Elitel® UE-3380, Unitika Ltd., Glass transition temperature: 60℃) • Methyl ethyl ketone 7.5 parts by mass • Toluene 7.5 parts by mass

[0061] (Preparation of adhesive layer transfer ribbon) A PET film with a thickness of 5 μm was used as the base material. A back layer with a thickness of 1 μm was formed by applying a back layer coating liquid of the above composition to one side of the base material and drying it. A release layer with a thickness of 0.2 μm was formed by applying a release layer coating liquid of the following composition to the other side of the base material and drying it. An adhesive layer with a thickness of 1.5 μm was formed by applying an adhesive layer coating liquid of the above composition to the release layer and drying it, thereby obtaining an adhesive layer transfer ribbon in which the back layer, base material, release layer, and adhesive layer were laminated in this order.

[0062] <Release layer coating liquid> • Modified polyolefin 20 parts by mass (Arrowbase SD-1200, Unitika Ltd., solids content 20%) • PVA (Poval 27-96, Kuraray Co., Ltd.) 1 part by mass ·Water 35 parts by mass ·IPA 44 parts by mass

[0063] (Preparation of Thermal Transfer Sheet II) A thermal transfer sheet II was prepared in the same manner as thermal transfer sheet I, except that foaming particle A contained in the above-mentioned foaming layer coating liquid was replaced with foaming particle B (Matsumoto Microsphere® FN-100SSD, Matsumoto Oil & Fat Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., maximum expansion temperature: 145~155℃, average particle diameter: 6~11μm).

[0064] (Preparation of intermediate transfer medium) A PET film with a thickness of 5 μm was used as the substrate. A release layer coating solution with the above composition was applied to one side of the substrate and dried to form a release layer with a thickness of 0.5 μm. Next, a receiving layer coating solution with the following composition was applied to the release layer and dried to form a receiving layer with a thickness of 1 μm. An intermediate transfer medium was obtained in which the substrate, release layer, and receiving layer were laminated in this order.

[0065] <Receiving layer coating liquid> • Vinyl chloride-vinyl acetate copolymer 95 parts by mass (Solvine CNL, manufactured by Nisshin Chemical Industry Co., Ltd.) • Epoxy-modified silicone oil (Shin-Etsu Chemical Co., Ltd. KP-1800U) 5 parts by mass Methyl ethyl ketone 400 parts by mass

[0066] Example 1 A 110 μm thick PVC film (stretch rate in the MD direction at 110°C: 8.3%, stretch rate in the TD direction: 22.4%) was prepared as a stretchable film. An image was directly formed on the stretchable film using the thermal transfer printer described below. Subsequently, the adhesive layer of the thermal transfer sheet I prepared above was placed opposite the stretchable film using the thermal transfer printer described below, and a transfer layer consisting of a release layer, a foam layer, and an adhesive layer was transferred onto the stretchable film. The transfer pattern of the transfer layer was the same size as the image, and was a 10 mm × 10 mm square (size 10 mm in both the x and y directions) in plan view.

[0067] A transfer layer on a stretchable film and a transfer target (a PET film with a thickness of 100 μm) were placed facing each other, and they were bonded together by applying pressure with a roller using a 0.05 mm thick adhesive film (S46-7MP-S, 3M Japan Ltd.). Then, the film was heated in an oven at 130°C for 3 minutes to expand the foam particles in the foam layer, and the print of Example 1 was produced.

[0068] <Thermal Transfer Printer> • Thermal head: F3589 (manufactured by Toshiba Hokuto Electronics Co., Ltd.) • Average resistance of heating element: 5015Ω Printing voltage: 18.5V • Main scanning resolution: 300 dpi (dots per inch) Sub-scanning direction resolution: 300dpi Line speed: 6.0 msec. / line • Pulse duty cycle: 85% • Tone value: Image formation (sublimation transfer method) 255 / 255 (maximum energy tone) Image formation (melt transfer method), transfer of transfer layer, transfer of adhesive layer 195 / 255 When forming sublimation transfer images, the yellow, magenta, and cyan dye panels of a thermal transfer printer (DS620, manufactured by Dai Nippon Printing Co., Ltd.) were used. When forming the fused transfer image, use the R510C fused thermal transfer ribbon in red, blue, or green.

[0069] Table 1 shows the type of stretchable film, image formation method, type of thermal transfer sheet used to transfer the transfer layer including the foam layer, and the number of transfers of the transfer layer in each example and comparative example. "Melting" in the image formation method indicates the use of a thermally fused ink, and "Sublimation" indicates the use of a sublimation dye. "In™" indicates the use of an intermediate transfer medium. The thermal transfer printer described above was used for image formation, transfer of the transfer layer, and transfer of the adhesive layer.

[0070] Example 2 A 100 μm thick PVC film (stretch rate in the MD direction at 110°C: 8.3%, stretch rate in the TD direction: 22.4%) was prepared as a stretchable film, and an image was formed on the stretchable film using the method described in Table 1. The first adhesive layer was transferred to the entire surface of the stretchable film on which the image had been formed using the adhesive layer transfer ribbon prepared above. The transfer layer of the heat transfer sheet II was transferred onto this first adhesive layer, and the second adhesive layer was transferred onto the transfer layer using the adhesive layer transfer ribbon to the entire surface of the PVC film. The second adhesive layer on the stretchable film and the object to be transferred were placed on top of each other and bonded by heating and pressurizing with a laminator (130°C, 0.1 m / min). After that, it was heated in an oven at 150°C for 3 minutes to expand the foam particles of the foam layer, and the print of Example 2 was produced.

[0071] Example 3 The print of Example 3 was prepared in the same manner as in Example 2, except that the transfer layer of the heat transfer sheet II was transferred twice onto the first adhesive layer transferred to the stretchable film. The transfer pattern of the first transfer layer was a square of 7 mm × 7 mm (size in both the x and y directions) in plan view. The transfer pattern of the second transfer layer was a square of 10 mm × 10 mm (size in both the x and y directions) in plan view, with the first transfer pattern positioned in the center.

[0072] Example 4 The print of Example 4 was prepared in the same manner as in Example 2, except that the stretchable film was a PET-G film with a thickness of 100 μm (stretch rate in the MD direction at 110°C: 52.8%, stretch rate in the TD direction: 50.8%).

[0073] Example 5 The print of Example 5 was prepared in the same manner as in Example 2, except that the stretchable film was an 80 μm thick TPU film (stretch rate in the MD direction at 110°C: 51.5%, stretch rate in the TD direction: 51.4%), the transfer layer of the thermal transfer sheet I was transferred, and it was adhered to the transfer target using a laminator (140°C, 0.1 m / min) while simultaneously expanding the foam particles of the foam layer.

[0074] Example 6 The print of Example 6 was prepared in the same manner as in Example 2, except that the stretchable film was a 100 μm thick TPU film (stretch rate in the MD direction at 110°C: 51.5%, stretch rate in the TD direction: 51.4%), a receptive layer for an intermediate transfer medium was applied to the stretchable film, and an image was formed on the receptive layer.

[0075] Example 7 The print of Example 7 was prepared in the same manner as in Example 2, except that the stretchable film was a 100 μm thick TPU film (stretch rate in the MD direction at 110°C: 51.5%, stretch rate in the TD direction: 51.4%) and a heat-meltable ink was used for image formation.

[0076] Example 8 The print of Example 8 was prepared in the same manner as in Example 2, except that the stretchable film was a 200 μm thick ABS film (stretch rate in the MD direction at 110°C: 4.7%, stretch rate in the TD direction: 26.7%).

[0077] Example 9 The print of Example 9 was prepared in the same manner as in Example 2, except that the stretchable film was a PMMA film with a thickness of 200 μm (stretch rate in the MD direction at 110°C: 11.5%, stretch rate in the TD direction: 44.6%).

[0078] Comparative Example 1 The print of Comparative Example 1 was prepared in the same manner as in Example 2, except that InTM (intermediate transfer medium) was used instead of the stretchable film.

[0079] Comparative Example 2 A print of Comparative Example 2 was prepared in the same manner as in Example 2, except that a 100 μm thick PET film (Lumirror®, Toray Industries, Inc.) was used instead of a stretchable film, a receptive layer was applied to the PET film, and an image was formed on the receptive layer.

[0080] <<Rating>> The density (OD value) of each single-color print was measured using a spectrometer (X-Rite i1Pro2) and evaluated according to the following criteria. The evaluation results are shown in Table 2. For sublimation transfer images, yellow, magenta, and cyan were measured, and for melt transfer images, red, green, and blue were measured. (Measurement conditions) • Density Status: Status A • Measurement illumination conditions: M0 (ISO 13655-2009) (Evaluation Criteria) ○: The density (OD value) of each individual color is 1.0 or higher. △: The density (OD value) of at least one color is less than 1.0

[0081] In addition, the surface irregularities of the printed material were observed visually, and the texture was checked to evaluate the irregularities and foam shape. The evaluation results are shown in Table 2.

[0082] Furthermore, the surface strength of the printed material was tested using a friction tester (FR-II, Suga Test Machine Co., Ltd.) under the following measurement conditions, and the surface condition after the test was visually confirmed. The evaluation results are shown in Table 2.

[0083] (Measurement conditions) • Sample size: 220mm x 30mm ·Load: friction part body 200g + additional 300g • Number of friction element cycles: 200 cycles

[0084] [Table 1]

[0085] [Table 2]

[0086] Although this disclosure has been described in detail using specific embodiments, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications are possible without deviating from the intent and scope of this disclosure. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0087] 1 Base material 2. Exfoliation layer 3. Foam layer 4 Adhesive layer 5. Transfer layer 6 Adhesive layer 7 Color material layer 8 Back layer 10 Heat Transfer Sheets 20 Stretchable film

Claims

1. A step of preparing a first heat transfer sheet having a first substrate and a color material layer provided on one side of the first substrate, A step of preparing a second heat transfer sheet having a second substrate and a transfer layer provided on one side of the second substrate and containing a foamed layer containing foamed particles, The process involves heating the first heat transfer sheet and transferring a colorant onto a stretchable film to form an image, A step of heating the second heat transfer sheet and transferring the transfer layer onto the stretchable film on which the image has been formed, A step of overlapping and bonding the transfer layer on the stretchable film with the object to be transferred, A method for manufacturing a printed image, comprising the following features.

2. A method for manufacturing a printed object according to claim 1, comprising bonding the transfer layer to the object to be transferred by heating or pressurizing, and expanding the foamed layer by heating.

3. A step of preparing a third heat transfer sheet having a third substrate and an adhesive layer provided on one side of the third substrate, A step of heating the third heat transfer sheet and transferring the adhesive layer so as to cover the transfer layer on the stretchable film, A method for manufacturing a printed image according to claim 1, further comprising:

4. The process further comprises heating the third heat transfer sheet and transferring the first adhesion onto the stretchable film on which the image is formed, The second heat transfer sheet is heated to transfer the transfer layer onto the first adhesive layer. The method for manufacturing a printed object according to claim 3, comprising heating the third heat transfer sheet and transferring the second adhesive layer so as to cover the transfer layer.

5. The method for manufacturing a printed object according to claim 1, wherein the colorant layer has a heat-meltable ink, the first heat transfer sheet is heated, and the image is formed by a melt transfer method.

6. The method for manufacturing a printed object according to claim 1, wherein the colorant layer contains a dye, the first heat transfer sheet is heated, and the image is formed by a sublimation transfer method.

7. The method for manufacturing a printed object according to claim 6, wherein a receiving layer is provided on the stretchable film.

8. The method for manufacturing a printed object according to claim 1, further comprising the step of heating the printed object on which the object to be transferred is adhered to the transfer layer to expand the foam layer.

9. The method for manufacturing a printed object according to claim 1, wherein the transfer layer has a release layer, a foam layer, and an adhesive layer laminated in order on one side of the second substrate.

10. The method for manufacturing a printed image according to claim 1, wherein the thickness of the stretchable film is 25 μm or more and 300 μm or less.

11. The method for manufacturing a printed image according to claim 1, wherein the stretchability of the stretchable film at 110°C is 3% or more and 70% or less.

12. A stretchable film on which an image has been formed, A foamed layer containing foamed particles is provided on the stretchable film in a predetermined pattern, An adhesive layer provided on the stretchable film so as to cover the foamed layer, The transfer object adhered to the adhesive layer, A photographic image that includes the following features.

13. The print according to claim 12, wherein the foam layer is provided in a pattern that overlaps with the image.

14. The print according to claim 12, wherein the foam layer is provided in the region where the image is not formed.

15. A stretchable film on which an image has been formed, A foamed layer containing foamed particles is provided on the stretchable film in a predetermined pattern, An adhesive layer provided on the stretchable film so as to cover the foamed layer, A foamed transfer sheet equipped with [specific features / features].

Images