Liquid Plastic Image Embedding in Elastic Plastics
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for fixing images on plastics are inadequate for thermoplastic deformation and stretching, often resulting in image loss or damage, and lack effective methods for creating three-dimensional effects by layering image information within the plastic.
Innovation Solution
A method involving an image receiving layer made of liquid plastic that is applied to an adhesive layer, where the liquid plastic phase is converted into a solid phase, allowing the image to be embedded within the plastic and maintain integrity during deformation, using miscible components that form strong molecular interactions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional image transfer methods are used on plastic surfaces, then images can be applied to the surface, but the images cannot withstand thermoplastic deformation or elastic stretching without tearing or damage
Solution Approach 1:
The adhesive layer and image receiving layer are merged into a single integrated structure where the adhesive layer serves as both the bonding medium and the image carrier. This eliminates the need for separate protective layers and allows the image to move with the plastic during deformation without tearing.
Solution Approach 2:
The adhesive layer uses a thermoplastic polymer with a melting point below the processing temperature, allowing it to transition from solid to liquid state during processing. This enables the layer to flow and conform to deformed plastic surfaces while maintaining image integrity, then re-solidifies to lock the image in place.
2Reliability
If additional protective layers are applied to protect the digital image from mechanical influences, then the image is protected from abrasion, but the production costs increase and the material homogeneity is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The adhesive layer performs multiple functions simultaneously: it bonds the image to the plastic, protects the image from abrasion, and allows for thermoplastic deformation. This eliminates the need for separate protective layers while maintaining all required functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The adhesive layer is made from the same thermoplastic polymer as the plastic substrate, creating a materially homogeneous structure. This eliminates the need for additional protective layers of different materials and simplifies recycling processes.
3Reliability
If images are transferred to plastic surfaces using conventional methods, then images can be applied, but the images do not behave like part of the plastic during elastic stretching or plastic deformation
Solution Approach 1:
The adhesive layer transitions from solid to liquid state at processing temperatures, allowing it to flow and conform to the plastic substrate during deformation. This creates a materially homogeneous structure where the image layer behaves like part of the plastic itself.
Solution Approach 2:
The adhesive layer is formed from a composite of thermoplastic polymer and image-bearing components, creating a materially homogeneous structure that combines the bonding properties of adhesive materials with the deformability of thermoplastic plastics.
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
The method enables images to be embedded within plastics without quality loss, allowing for elastic deformation and reducing material stresses, while avoiding the use of composite materials and solvent-based inks, thus enhancing product design flexibility and reducing production costs.
Implementation Method 1
an image receiving layer made of liquid plastic is applied to the image created on the adhesive layer with or without an additional carrier Constituents of the adhesive layer are at least partially miscible with the application of the liquid plastic with this, and then the liquid plastic phase is converted into a solid plastic phase
Implementation Method 2
Constituents of the adhesive layer are at least partially miscible with the application of the liquid plastic with this, and then the liquid plastic phase is converted into a solid plastic phase
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a process for fixing images in plastics and to fixed images. The problem addressed by the invention is to provide a process for fixing images in plastics mouldings, permitting fixing of images in a plastics moulding in such a way that the image has been embedded in the same and does not undergo any lasting alterations, even in the case of elastic plastics mouldings. The intention is to avoid any losses of image quality during its transfer into the plastics moulding. The solution of the problem uses a process for fixing images in plastics mouldings after generating an image on an adhesive layer, characterized in that an image-receptor layer made of liquid plastic is applied to the image which, with or without any additional carrier, has been generated on the adhesive layer, and constituents of the adhesive layer are at least to some extent miscible with the liquid plastic when this is applied, and then the liquid plastics phase is converted to a solid plastics phase.