Thermoadhesive Label Embossed Graphic Effects Manufacturing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing thermoadhesive labels with embossed graphic effects face limitations in flexibility and cost due to the need for machine-made metal drums and lengthy, expensive manufacturing processes, which restrict the variety of textures and increase production costs.

Innovation Solution

A thermoadhesive label with a catalysed silicon embossed portion and a polymeric layer made of non-catalysed, non-cross-linked single-component polyurethane resin, allowing for silk-screen printing and drying to create embossed patterns and textures, reducing manufacturing complexity and costs while enhancing tactile perception and ecological compatibility.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If machine-made metal drums with engraved patterns are used to create embossed effects, then graphic/texture effects can be reproduced, but manufacturing flexibility is lost and costs increase due to the need to absorb machining costs over large production quantities

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemanufacturing flexibilityVSAvoidmachining complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces expensive, complex metal drum machining with a simple silicone rubber stamp that can be easily copied and modified. The stamp captures the embossed pattern through a simple pressing action against the label material, eliminating the need for expensive metal machining operations while maintaining production flexibility for different designs

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses inexpensive silicone rubber stamps that can be easily replaced or modified for different designs, replacing expensive, durable metal drums. This allows for cost-effective production runs of various sizes without the need to absorb high upfront machining costs, enabling small batches and design changes economically

Inventive Principle:
Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

2Strength

If cross-linked polymeric layers are used, then adhesion strength is improved, but tactile perceptibility of texture is reduced and the transfer becomes harder

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadhesion strengthVSAvoidtactile perceptibility
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent modifies the polymeric layer composition by incorporating plasticizers and specific polymer blends that maintain adhesion strength while reducing cross-linking density. This chemical parameter change allows the material to remain softer and more tactilely perceptible while still providing sufficient bonding strength for the label application

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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, economical production of thermoadhesive labels with varied textures, reducing chemical components, simplifying production, and improving ecological compatibility, while maintaining excellent performance features and flexibility.

Implementation Method 1

the embossed portion is made of a catalysed silicon material

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCatalysis: Catalysis

Implementation Method 2

the polymeric layer is made of dried single-component polyurethane resin

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectEvaporation: Evaporation

Implementation Method 3

able to allow adhesion by the transfer following a contextual application of pressure and heat

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHeating: Heating

Data Source

PatentEP3645303B1Thermoadhesive label with embossed graphic effects and a method for manufacturing the same
Publication Date: 2020.07.29 STILSCREEN SRL
  • EP3645303B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3645303B1 patent drawingFigure 3a~3d
  • EP3645303B1 patent drawingFigure 3e~3h

AI summary

A thermoadhesive label with embossed graphic effects comprises a support element (2) provided with a first face (2a) substantially flat and a second face (2b) having an embossed portion (5) made of catalysed silicon material (6) and a transferable element (3) provided with a graphic portion (3a) provided with at least one polymeric layer (7) printed directly on the second face (2b) of the support element (2) and counter-shaped to it so as to cover its bulges (5b) and fill the depressions (5a) and an adhesive portion (3b) provided with at least one adhesive layer (12). The polymeric layer (7) is made of dried single-component polyurethane resin, non-catalysed and non cross- linked.