Stratified item for printing with sublimation inks and method for producing it
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing printing techniques for fabrics using sublimation inks require high temperatures and long transfer times, leading to increased processing times, potential damage to fabrics, rigidity issues, limited material compatibility, and high production costs, as well as restrictions on wash resistance and material range.
Innovation Solution
A stratified printing support comprising a thermo adhesive layer and a finish layer with polyester powder made from polyethylene terephthalate (PET) incorporated in a polymeric matrix, which allows for lower temperature ink fixation and improved fabric compatibility, reducing processing times and costs while maintaining fabric flexibility and wash resistance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If high temperatures and long transfer times are used for sublimation printing, then ink fixation is achieved, but processing time increases and fabric damage occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the temperature parameter by using a finish layer with lower melting point materials (such as polyamide or polyester with melting points between 150-200°C) that enable ink fixation at lower temperatures (150-200°C instead of 200-220°C), thereby reducing processing time and fabric damage while maintaining reliable ink fixation
Solution Approach 2:
The finish layer uses composite materials combining polymers with polyester powder or polyamide powder, creating a material system that facilitates ink sublimation at lower temperatures while maintaining adhesion and flexibility properties
2Reliability
If high temperatures are used for sublimation printing, then ink fixation is achieved, but fabric damage occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the temperature parameter by using a finish layer with lower melting point materials that enable ink fixation at lower temperatures (150-200°C), thereby eliminating the harmful high temperature effect on fabric while maintaining reliable ink fixation
Solution Approach 2:
The finish layer acts as an intermediary between the ink and the fabric, enabling ink fixation through sublimation at lower temperatures without directly exposing the fabric to high temperatures, thus protecting the fabric from thermal damage
3Reliability
If traditional sublimation printing is used, then ink fixation is achieved, but the decorated portion becomes rigid
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the material composition of the finish layer to include polymers with flexible properties and lower melting points, which upon cooling maintain flexibility rather than rigidity, thus preserving fabric softness and flexibility while achieving reliable ink fixation
Solution Approach 2:
The finish layer uses composite materials combining flexible polymers with polyester or polyamide powder, creating a material system that maintains fabric flexibility after ink fixation while ensuring reliable adhesion and sublimation properties
4Reliability
If traditional sublimation printing is used, then ink fixation on polyester is achieved, but material compatibility is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The finish layer is designed with multi-functional properties that enable it to work with various fabric types (cotton, polyester, blends, silk, wool) by adjusting the polymer and powder composition, thereby achieving universal applicability while maintaining reliable ink fixation on different materials
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the compositional parameters of the finish layer by incorporating different ratios of polyester powder, polyamide powder, and polymers to optimize performance for different fabric types, enabling broad material compatibility while maintaining reliable ink fixation
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 solution enables efficient, low-temperature printing with reduced fabric damage and rigidity, broadening material compatibility, and enhancing wash resistance and cost-effectiveness, while maintaining the fabric's intrinsic characteristics.
Implementation Method 1
sublimation inks for printing objects, such as fabrics in general
Implementation Method 2
the support is successively laid on the fabric or clothing item in the desired position and with the thermo adhesive layer in contact with the fabric or clothing item, and applied (fixed) to the latter through the application of heat and pressure
Data Source
Figure 1~1A
Figure 2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
The invention relates a stratified support item (50) for printing a surface (M) with sublimation inks (I). The item (50) comprises a thermo adhesive layer (12) suited to allow the item (50) to be fixed to the surface (M) and at least one finish layer (16, 18) suited to receive the sublimation inks (I). The finish layer (16, 18) comprises polyester powder and/or polyamide powder incorporated in a matrix of polymeric material.