Transfer printing method of electronic image and transfer sheet
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electronic image forming technologies require multiple thermal press processes and complex steps for transfer printing on fabrics, leading to inefficiencies and poor masking properties, especially when printing white images on black surfaces.
Innovation Solution
A method using two sheets, A and B, where a sheet A with a substrate, release, and porous resin layers is combined with a sheet B having a substrate, release, and white porous resin layers, with ink/resin toner layers formed on both, allowing for single-step thermal adhesion and separation to create a transfer sheet that adheres robustly to fabrics without medium separation, enabling clear and durable white image printing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a medium layer (PVA layer or polyester resin layer) is used in the transfer sheet to enable image transfer, then the electronic image can be transferred to the fabric, but the medium must be separated twice after transfer printing, requiring additional time and steps
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts and removes the medium layer (PVA layer or polyester resin layer) from the transfer sheet structure. By eliminating this intermediate medium layer, the patent achieves direct adhesion of the adhesive layer to the toner layer without requiring separation steps, thus resolving the technical contradiction between maintaining image transfer capability and reducing processing time.
2Productivity
If the toner layer is situated on the surface of the transfer sheet, then the electronic image can be directly transferred, but the physical property against rubbing is inferior
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the vertical arrangement (dimensional structure) of the layers. Instead of placing the toner layer on the surface, the patent positions the toner layer between the adhesive layer and the substrate layer, creating a sandwich structure. This dimensional reorganization allows the toner layer to be protected by the adhesive and substrate layers, improving rubbing resistance while maintaining transfer printing efficiency.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If white color material is used to print on black fabric surfaces, then masking property is needed, but existing electronic image forming apparatus lack white color material capability
Solution Approach 1:
The invention introduces a white porous resin layer as an intermediary between the black fabric surface and the electronic image forming apparatus. This white layer serves as a base that provides the necessary masking property for white images on black surfaces, while the existing apparatus only needs to print their native colors on top of this white intermediary layer, maintaining compatibility with current equipment.
4Strength
If multiple thermal press processes are used to achieve durable image transfer, then image durability is improved, but the production cost and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges multiple functions into a single thermal press step. By designing the transfer sheet with the adhesive layer directly adhering to the toner layer without an intermediate medium, the patent achieves both image transfer and durable bonding in one thermal press operation, eliminating the need for multiple separate thermal press processes and reducing overall process complexity.
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 method simplifies the transfer printing process, reduces costs, and enhances the durability and clarity of printed images by eliminating the need for double thermal press steps and improving masking properties, allowing for quick and low-cost production of high-quality images on fabrics.
Implementation Method 1
both of the sheets A and B are superimposed on one another and brought into adhesion with heat
Implementation Method 2
the adhesive layer of the sheet B is separated from the release layer and is adhered to the sheet A
Implementation Method 3
the transfer sheet A is placed on the fabric surface or the like, and is heated to a temperature in a range from 110° C. to 140° C. and is pressed
Data Source
AI summary
A transfer sheet is provided, whereby a T-shirt or the like can be printed in few steps by means of an electronic image forming device that uses powdered toner, liquid ink, or the like containing a plastic resin. By means of mirror-image printing a picture pattern, which is an electronic image, onto a first sheet, aligning the first sheet and a second sheet, and heat-pressing, a coating is spread over a portion of the picture pattern printed onto the first sheet. The first sheet has a structure including a mold release layer, a resin layer, and a porous resin layer in a substrate, and the second sheet includes a mold release layer, a resin layer, an adhesive layer, and a colored porous resin layer in a substrate.