Heat Transfer Material Kit for Image Weedability and Durability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current heat transfer papers face challenges in achieving precise image transfer, especially around intricate designs, and require improved weedability and durability, with existing methods being difficult to implement effectively.
Innovation Solution
The use of a method involving a first image transfer material with a release layer and a second image transfer material having a film-forming binder with a solubility parameter greater than 17 (MPa)1/2, allowing for a polar polymer outer layer to be positioned between the substrate and the image, enhancing transferability and durability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If a heat transfer material with an image-receptive coating is used to transfer images to articles of clothing, then the image transfer capability is improved, but the weedability (ease of removing excess coating) deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The heat transfer material is divided into distinct functional layers: a base sheet, an image-receptive coating layer, and a release layer. This segmentation allows the release layer to be selectively removed (weeded) without affecting the image-receptive coating, thereby improving weedability while maintaining image transfer precision.
Solution Approach 2:
A release layer is introduced as an intermediary between the base sheet and the image-receptive coating. This release layer facilitates easy removal of excess coating (improving weedability) while the image-receptive coating maintains its ability to transfer images precisely to the substrate.
2Reliability
If plasticizers and coating additives are added to improve crack resistance and washability, then the durability of the transferred laminate is improved, but the complexity of the coating formulation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The coating formulation uses a composite approach by incorporating specific polymeric binders with inherent flexibility and adhesion properties. This composite material strategy improves crack resistance and washability (durability) without significantly increasing formulation complexity, as the polymeric binder provides multiple functional benefits in a single component.
3Loss of substance
If the transferable surface is designed to transfer only in areas with graphic images, then the overall area of substrate coated is reduced, but the difficulty of achieving precise transfer control increases
Solution Approach 1:
The image-receptive coating is applied uniformly across the entire transferable surface, but the actual image transfer occurs only in areas where graphic images are applied. This local quality approach allows precise control over where transfer occurs (matching the graphic image areas) while maintaining simple uniform coating application, thereby reducing the overall area coated without increasing control difficulty.
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
This approach enables precise image transfer, improved weedability, and increased durability of the transferred laminate, allowing it to withstand multiple wash cycles and normal wear without cracking or fading.
Implementation Method 1
The images are transferred to the article of clothing by means of heat and pressure
Implementation Method 2
The images are transferred to the article of clothing by means of heat and pressure
Implementation Method 3
an outer layer, the outer layer comprising a film forming binder and thermoplastic particles
Implementation Method 4
thermoplastic particles
Implementation Method 5
thermoplastic particles
Data Source
AI summary
A heat transfer material kit is disclosed that includes a first image transfer material that includes a printable non-porous surface, and a second image transfer material that includes an outer layer having a film forming binder and thermoplastic particles. The film forming binder is polar. A method of using the kit is disclosed that includes the steps of a) imaging the substantially non-porous printable surface to form an imaged surface having printed and un-printed areas; b) positioning the outer layer adjacent the imaged surface; c) transferring a portion of the outer layer to the printed area while transferring a lesser portion of the outer layer to the non-printed area to form a coated imaged surface having a non-printed area with less coating than the printed area; and d) thereafter transferring the coated image to a substrate. Alternate methods of using the kit and applying images to substrates that provide good image appearance and durability are also disclosed.