Method and apparatus for continuously forming dye sublimation images in solid substrates
AssigneeFresco Plastics LLC
InventorJonathan C. Drake
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A method for forming a dye sublimation image in a substrate with a dye carrier having an image formed thereon of a sublimatic dyestuff is provided. The image of the dye carrier is placed against a first surface of the substrate. The substrate and dye carrier are conveyed along a path with a first part and a second part. A continuous pressure is provided against the first surface of the substrate in the first part and second part of the path and therebetween. The dye carrier is heated to a sublimation temperature in the first part of the path. The dye carrier is then cooled to a depressure temperature in the second part of the path.
Claims10
A method for forming a dye sublimation image in a substrate with a dye carrier having an image formed thereon of a sublimatic dyestuff, the method comprising:
- placing the image of the dye carrier against a first surface of the substrate;
- conveying the substrate and dye carrier along a path with a first part and a second part;
- providing a continuous pressure against the first surface of the substrate in the first part and second part of the path and therebetween;
- heating the dye carrier to a sublimation temperature in the first part of the path;
- and
- cooling the dye carrier to a depressure temperature in the second part of the path.
A method for forming a dye sublimation image in a substrate with a dye carrier having an image formed thereon of a sublimatic dyestuff, the method comprising:
- placing the image of the dye carrier against a first surface of the substrate;
- conveying the substrate and dye carrier alone a path with a first part and a second part;
- providing a continuous pressure against the first surface of the substrate in the first part and second part of the path and therebetween;
- heating the dye carrier to a sublimation temperature in the first part of the path;
- cooling the dye carrier to a depressure temperature in the second part of the path;
- removing the dye carrier from the substrate, wherein the image has been sublimated into the first surface of the substrate;
- thermal forming the substrate into a formed object;
- and
- cooling the formed object, wherein the thermal forming of the substrate provides a greater than 40% elongation of the substrate and wherein the sublimated image is not thinned.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.