Thermal Transfer Sheet Fusible Layer Peel-Off Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing thermal transfer methods face challenges in accurately removing a specific region of the transfer layer from a transfer receiving article, often resulting in reverse transfer of the peel-off layer or incomplete removal of the transfer layer, especially when using thermal transfer sheets with low adhesiveness and high-energy applications.

Innovation Solution

A method involving a thermal transfer sheet with a fusible layer and a peel-off layer, where the fusible layer is transferred onto the removal region of the transfer layer, enhancing adhesiveness and allowing the peel-off layer to accurately remove the transfer layer, which is then transferred onto the receiving article.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If the peel-off layer is used to remove the transfer layer without a fusible layer, then the process is simple, but the peel-off layer transfers to the intermediate transfer medium or the transfer layer remains on the intermediate transfer medium

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructure of thermal transfer sheetVSAvoidaccuracy of transfer layer removal
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The fusible layer acts as an intermediary substance between the peel-off layer and the transfer layer. It is transferred onto the intermediate transfer medium first, then the peel-off layer removes the transfer layer by interacting with this fusible layer, preventing direct contact and reverse transfer between the peel-off layer and intermediate transfer medium

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The fusible layer is transferred onto the intermediate transfer medium in advance before the actual removal of the transfer layer. This preliminary transfer creates a controlled interface that enables accurate removal while preventing harmful reverse transfer

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Reliability

If the adhesiveness between the substrate and peel-off layer is improved, then the peel-off property is enhanced, but the peel-off layer may transfer to the intermediate transfer medium

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepeel-off propertyVSAvoidreverse transfer of peel-off layer
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The fusible layer serves as a mediator that separates the peel-off layer from the intermediate transfer medium. This allows the peel-off layer to have high adhesiveness to the transfer layer through the fusible layer without directly adhering to the intermediate transfer medium, thus preventing reverse transfer

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The thermal transfer sheet is designed with different adhesive properties in different regions: the fusible layer provides controlled adhesion to the transfer layer while the peel-off layer maintains selective adhesion, creating local quality variations that enable precise removal without reverse transfer

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

3Strength

If high energy is applied to remove thick transfer layers, then the removal capability is improved, but the peel-off property deteriorates and reverse transfer occurs

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveremoval capability of transfer layerVSAvoidpeel-off property
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The fusible layer acts as a buffer that absorbs and distributes the high energy applied during removal. It protects the peel-off layer from direct exposure to excessive energy, maintaining the peel-off property while enabling removal of thick transfer layers

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The fusible layer is transferred onto the intermediate transfer medium in advance, creating a protective cushion that prevents direct high-energy interaction between the peel-off layer and the intermediate transfer medium, thereby preserving peel-off properties during high-energy removal

Inventive Principle:
Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

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 ensures accurate removal and transfer of the transfer layer, improving the peel-off property and enabling precise placement of the transfer layer on the receiving article, even with high-energy applications and thick transfer layers.

Implementation Method 1

transferring the fusible layer onto at least a portion on the removal region of the transfer layer

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectThermal transfer: Heating

Implementation Method 2

removing the removal region of the transfer layer by means of the peel-off layer

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAdhesion: Adhesive

Data Source

PatentEP3348412B1Method for forming print, method for peeling off transfer layer, and thermal transfer printer
Publication Date: 2019.07.24 DAI NIPPON PRINTING CO LTD
  • EP3348412B1 patent drawingFigure 1~4
  • EP3348412B1 patent drawingFigure 5(a)~5(b)
  • EP3348412B1 patent drawingFigure 6(a)~6(c)

AI summary

There are provided a method for forming a print obtained by transferring a transfer layer from which a removal region has been accurately removed onto a transfer receiving article and a method for peeling off a transfer layer by which a removal region of the transfer layer can be accurately removed. The method for forming a print comprises, by using a transfer film in which a transfer layer is provided on one surface of a support, a thermal transfer sheet in which a peel-off layer is provided on one surface of a substrate, and a transfer receiving article, a step of removing a removal region of the transfer layer of the transfer film by means of the peel-off layer of the thermal transfer sheet and a step of transferring the transfer layer from which the removal region has been removed onto the transfer receiving article. A print is obtained by preparing a transfer film 10 in which a transfer layer 5 is provided on one surface of a support 1 and (i) a thermal transfer sheet 100 in which a fusible layer 52 and a peel-off layer 51 are provided on the same surface of a substrate 50, or (ii) a first thermal transfer sheet 100A in which a fusible layer 52 is provided on one surface of a first substrate 50A and a second thermal transfer sheet 100B in which a peel-off layer 51 is provided on one surface of a second substrate 50B, transferring the fusible layer 52 onto at least a portion of the removal region of transfer layer 5, then, removing the removal region of the transfer layer 5 by means of the peel-off layer, and subsequently, transferring the transfer layer 5 from which the removal region has been removed onto a transfer receiving article 300.