초록 ▼

A method is disclosed for the preparation of a thermoformable transfer film that may be pre-cut or is pre-positioned for continuous application during the forming of plastic articles by an insert molding decorating technique. A carrier film is first bonded to the transfer film from which the transfe

A method is disclosed for the preparation of a thermoformable transfer film that may be pre-cut or is pre-positioned for continuous application during the forming of plastic articles by an insert molding decorating technique. A carrier film is first bonded to the transfer film from which the transfer is prepared, to form a composite. The composite is then printed with appropriate decorating indicia on the free surface of the transfer film component thereof. Printing may be single-stage or multi-stage, depending upon the indicia desired, and a subsequent metalization of the transfer film may be performed. The fully printed composite is then indexed into position and thermoformed to form the insert which later may be indexed directly into the mold chamber. The insert may be die-cut after its formation or prior to thermoforming. The present method facilitates the decoration of insert molded products in a manner which eliminates the need for conventional insert molding.

대표청구항 ▼

A method for continuously preparing decorated three-dimensional molded articles consisting essentially of: A. forming a laminated composite from a thermoformable organic resinous carrier film used in hot-transfer decorating process and having a thickness of from 0.5 mil to 7 mil, and a printable the

A method for continuously preparing decorated three-dimensional molded articles consisting essentially of: A. forming a laminated composite from a thermoformable organic resinous carrier film used in hot-transfer decorating process and having a thickness of from 0.5 mil to 7 mil, and a printable thermoplastic transfer film, said transfer film having a thickness of from 0.5 mil to 3 mil; B. printing at least one decorating indicia on said composite, on at least a portion of the free surface of said thermoplastic transfer film; C. thermoforming said composite by applying deformation heat and pressure to form an insert bearing said decorating indicia defining at least a portion of the outer surface of the final three-dimensional molded article; D. die-cutting said insert, wherein at least a portion of said die-cutting is performed in a controlled manner to fully penetrate the thickness of said transfer film without penetrating the adjacent surface of said carrier film; E. indexing said insert into a molding chamber and forming the remainder of said molded article thereagainst, and F. separating the decorated molded article from said carrier film.