Method of applying indicia to plastic parts

Abstract

The invention relates to a method of applying indicia such as labels, text, logos, bar codes, or the like to plastic parts, in particular storage and transport containers, palettes, or trays. The goal is to create a cost-effective method of the application of multi-colored and consistently easily readable, durable printing to the plastic parts mentioned above with a low level of logistical expenditure. In order to attain this goal in a combined hot embossing and thermotransfer printing unit, first a background color is applied as contrast to the plastic part that has been removed from a production machine, using hot embossing and then, in the same location, the indicia is applied using thermotransfer printing.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.