Double-Sided Strap Sublimation for Continuous Digital Image Transfer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for transferring images to straps, such as silkscreen printing and embroidery, fail to achieve high-quality digital or photographic image reproduction, and sublimation processes are limited by being non-continuous and only applicable to one side of the material, causing quality loss and damage when trying to print on both sides.
Innovation Solution
A continuous and serial sublimation printing process using a specialized machine and equipment that allows digital image transfer to both sides of straps made of synthetic materials like polyester or nylon, enabling high-quality image reproduction on both sides in a single operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If traditional sublimation process is used to transfer images to straps, then high-quality digital image reproduction is achieved, but the process becomes non-continuous and can only print on one side at a time
Solution Approach 1:
The strap material is divided into multiple separate straps that are arranged in parallel positions within a single printing frame. Each strap receives the sublimation transfer independently, allowing the process to be continuous while maintaining high image quality on each individual strap. The frame holds multiple straps simultaneously, enabling batch processing without compromising print quality.
2Manufacturing precision
If sublimation process is applied to both sides of the strap, then complete image coverage is achieved, but the already printed side loses quality and gets damaged due to heat and pressure
Solution Approach 1:
The straps are pre-treated with a specific weave structure and surface preparation before printing. The fabric weave is designed to allow sublimation ink penetration while maintaining colorfastness. This preliminary preparation enables the material to withstand the sublimation process on both sides without degrading the already printed side, as the fabric structure protects the embedded ink.
Solution Approach 2:
The printing process uses dynamic control of heat and pressure application. Different temperature and pressure parameters are applied to different sides of the strap during the sublimation process. The first side receives optimized parameters for initial printing, while the second side receives adjusted parameters that prevent ink migration or damage to the first side, enabling quality printing on both surfaces.
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
Facilitates efficient and high-quality image transfer on both sides of straps, expanding their utility for advertising, decoration, and safety applications while minimizing production time and maintaining image quality.
Implementation Method 1
The array is duly heated to a predetermined temperature, with a predetermined pressure being applied thereto. Through the heat and the pressure applied against the said image receiving piece/media, and the printed special transferring paper, the printed image is ineffaceably and permanently transferred
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention refers to a process and to an equipment and machine, which allow the application of digital images to straps, webbings and belts of different kinds and sizes destined to different applications and is achieved in a way to provide the continuous transferring of digital images or a trace to straps, where the straps are manufactured with an ordinary weave or with an special weave to receive a bleaching treatment with an optical white, as well as pass by a thermo-fixation process that creates an alteration at the material properties, enabling, this way, various printings in high quality.