Thermal Transfer Sheet Release Layer for Peel-Free Intermediate Transfer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Transfer layer peeling and scumming occur at positions on the thermal transfer sheet where no image is formed, affecting the appearance of printed materials.
Innovation Solution
A combination of a thermal transfer sheet and an intermediate transfer medium, where both include substrates and layers containing release materials, such as silicone oils, to prevent transfer layer peeling and scumming.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the thermal head temperature is maintained at a moderately high temperature to ensure successful transfer of the melt transfer coloring layer, then the transfer reliability is improved, but transfer layer peeling and scumming occur at positions where no image is formed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by giving different thermal properties to different regions of the intermediate transfer medium. The release material is selectively positioned at non-image forming portions to provide localized release functionality where needed, while maintaining normal adhesion at image forming portions. This resolves the contradiction by allowing high thermal head temperature for reliable transfer while preventing peeling and scumming only at specific locations where no image is formed.
Solution Approach 2:
The release material acts as an intermediary substance between the melt transfer coloring layer and the intermediate transfer medium at non-image forming portions. This intermediary layer prevents direct adhesion that would cause peeling and scumming, while allowing the thermal head to maintain moderately high temperature for successful image transfer. The release material mediates the interaction between the thermal head, transfer sheet, and intermediate transfer medium.
2Manufacturing precision
If the thermal head temperature is increased to ensure complete transfer of the melt transfer coloring layer, then the transfer completeness is improved, but the melt transfer coloring layer adheres to the intermediate transfer medium at non-image positions
Solution Approach 1:
The release material is selectively applied only at non-image forming portions of the intermediate transfer medium, creating localized anti-adhesion zones. This allows the thermal head to operate at temperatures sufficient for complete coloring layer transfer without causing unwanted adhesion at non-image positions. The local quality principle ensures that release properties are present only where needed, maintaining manufacturing precision while preventing harmful adhesion.
Solution Approach 2:
The intermediate transfer medium is functionally segmented into image forming portions and non-image forming portions with different surface properties. The release material is positioned only at non-image forming portions, creating distinct functional zones. This segmentation allows different thermal and adhesive behaviors in different regions, enabling complete transfer at image positions while preventing adhesion at non-image positions.
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
Effectively prevents transfer layer peeling and scumming at positions without images, improving the quality of printed materials.
Implementation Method 1
the melt transfer coloring layer and the receiving layer contain a release material
Data Source
AI summary
A combination of a thermal transfer sheet and an intermediate transfer medium according to the present disclosure is characterized in that the thermal transfer sheet includes a first substrate and a melt transfer coloring layer, the intermediate transfer medium includes a second substrate and a transfer layer including a receiving layer, and the melt transfer coloring layer and the receiving layer contain a release material.