Polyamide Print Receptor for Sharp Dye Diffusion Images
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing plastic substrates for dye diffusion thermal transfer printing face challenges in achieving adequate absorbency for printing ink without impairing image sharpness and color intensity.
Innovation Solution
A plastic material comprising a polyamide component and a (co)-polyamide based on ether units and amide units, such as PEBA polymers, is used to enhance ink absorbency and maintain image quality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If conventional plastic substrates are used for dye diffusion thermal transfer printing, then the printing process can be performed, but the color intensity and image sharpness are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical composition parameters of the plastic substrate by incorporating specific polyamide components (PA6, PA6.6, PA11, PA12) in controlled ratios (60-95 wt% PA6/PA6.6, 5-40 wt% PA11/PA12). This parameter optimization enables the substrate to achieve both high color intensity and sharp image edges by controlling dye absorption and diffusion characteristics during thermal transfer printing
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a composite plastic material system combining multiple polyamide types (PA6, PA6.6, PA11, PA12) with complementary properties. PA6 and PA6.6 provide structural stability and dye affinity, while PA11 and PA12 contribute flexibility and controlled porosity. This composite structure enables simultaneous achievement of good color intensity, image sharpness, and printability
2Quantity of substance
If the plastic substrate surface is made more absorbent to improve ink absorption, then ink absorbency increases, but image sharpness and color intensity are impaired
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes the chemical composition parameters of the polyamide blend to achieve balanced absorbency. The specific ratio of PA6/PA6.6 (60-95%) provides sufficient dye absorption capacity while maintaining surface integrity for sharp image formation. The controlled incorporation of PA11/PA12 (5-40%) modulates the substrate's porosity and surface energy, enabling adequate ink uptake without excessive diffusion that would blur image edges
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates local quality differences within the substrate structure through the polyamide blend, where different polyamide components provide different functional zones: one region provides absorbency for ink uptake, while another region maintains surface stability for sharp image definition. This local differentiation allows simultaneous achievement of good ink absorption and image sharpness
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 material achieves good color intensity and image sharpness in dye diffusion thermal transfer printing, suitable for security and valuable documents.
Implementation Method 1
dye diffusion thermal transfer printing
Implementation Method 2
thermally transferring an ink and/or a dye onto a plastic material
Data Source
Figure 1~9
AI summary
The present invention relates to use of a plastic material as the ink receiver or printing medium in dye diffusion thermal transfer printing, wherein the plastic material comprises (a) a polyamide component (a), and (b) a (co) -polyamide (b) based on ether units and amide units. The present invention also relates to a layered structure comprising a layer produced from the plastic material, use of the layered structure in dye diffusion thermal transfer printing, and a process for the for the production of the layered structure as well as a security and/or valuable document, comprising the layered structure. The present invention is based on the finding that the (co) -polyamide (b) offers sufficient absorbency for the printing ink, and the layer produced from the plastic material can be printed on by means of dye diffusion thermal transfer printing with a good colour intensity.