Method and apparatus for applying a material onto articles with a pre-distorted transfer component

A process for applying a transfer material onto the surface of a three-dimensional article comprising:

• providing at least one three-dimensional article which has a surface;
• providing a deposition device;
• providing a transfer component with initial dimensions, a surface, and an initial configuration, wherein the transfer component is continuous;
• depositing a material onto a portion of the transfer component with the deposition device to form a transfer material on the transfer component;
• modifying the portion of the transfer component with the transfer material thereon to conform the transfer component with the transfer material thereon to at least a portion of the surface of the three-dimensional article, wherein the portion of the transfer component is modified before the portion of the transfer component with the transfer material thereon is placed into contact with the surface of the article;
• and
• transferring the transfer material from the transfer component onto the surface of the article.