Cold-stamping three-dimensional objects with UV-cured adhesive
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for cold-stamping are unable to effectively apply decorative materials to three-dimensional objects, such as cylindrical, oval, or rectangular objects, as they require parallel alignment for UV adhesive curing, which is not feasible for rotating objects.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus that allows for cold-stamping on three-dimensional objects by applying adhesive and pressing a transfer film onto the object while rotating, with simultaneous curing, using a transfer film with a thermoplastic primer layer and UV-cross-linking adhesive to ensure strong adhesion, and a release layer for easy removal without residue.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If cold-stamping is performed on three-dimensional objects using known methods, then the adhesive can be cured by UV-radiation, but the material and transfer film must be guided in parallel for a period of time which is not feasible for rotating objects
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the pressing operation and UV-curing operation into a single simultaneous process. The pressing device applies pressure to the transfer film while UV-radiation sources cure the adhesive at the same time, eliminating the need for sequential operations and the associated time loss.
Solution Approach 2:
The adhesive is pre-applied to the three-dimensional object before the transfer film is applied. This preliminary action allows the adhesive to be in position and ready for immediate curing when the transfer film is pressed onto the object, eliminating waiting time.
2Strength
If a stamp die is used for hot-stamping, then strong adhesion is achieved, but tool costs increase and production speed decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical stamp die system with a pressing device that applies pressure through a cylindrical surface. This substitution eliminates the need for complex stamp dies while achieving comparable adhesion strength, and the continuous pressing action maintains high production speed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the fundamental parameter from thermal activation (hot-stamping) to UV-radiation activation (cold-stamping). This allows the adhesive to cure at ambient temperature under UV light while under pressure, achieving strong adhesion without the need for heating and enabling continuous operation.
3Strength
If adhesive is applied and then transfer film is pressed on in separate steps, then proper adhesion is achieved, but production time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple process steps into a single integrated operation. The pressing device simultaneously applies pressure to the transfer film and activates UV-radiation sources to cure the adhesive at the same time, reducing the number of discrete steps while maintaining adhesion quality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent establishes continuous action where the pressing force and UV-curing occur simultaneously throughout the process. This continuous useful action eliminates idle time between steps and maintains constant productivity.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables successful cold-stamping on complex shapes with high adhesion and minimal residue, allowing for precise registration and effective transfer of decorative materials, even on rotating objects, with improved handling and curing efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
the adhesive is cured by UV irradiation at the same time
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a method and an apparatus for cold-stamping onto a three-dimensional object. In a first step, an adhesive is applied to the object at a first workstation. In a second step, a transfer film is pressed onto the object by a pressing device at a second workstation. At the same time, the adhesive is cured at the second workstation. As a result, the decorative material of the transfer film adheres to the object at the positions on the object which are provided with adhesive. If, following this, the transfer film is removed from the three-dimensional object after being pressed on, the decorative material remains on the object at the desired positions. At the positions at which in the first step no adhesive has been applied to the object, the decorative material does not adhere to the object but rather remains on the carrier film of the transfer film.