Image transfer product including a thin printing surface layer
AssigneeDay International, Inc.
InventorsJoseph L. Byers, W. Toriran Flint, Samuel R. Shuman
Life of this patent
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Abstract
An image transfer product such as an offset printing blanket or sleeve is provided which comprises a very thin printing surface layer in combination with a smooth image reinforcement layer comprising a polymeric film, a fabric, or a polymer-coated fabric. The thin printing surface layer has a thickness between about 0.001 to about 0.012 inches (about 0.025 to about 0.3 mm). The image transfer product is more efficiently manufactured due to reduced solvent usage and reduced number of coating passes, and in use, exhibits uniform feed, web control, and registration characteristics.
Claims18
An image transfer product comprising a printing blanket or sleeve comprising a thin printing surface layer having a thickness of between about 0.001 to about 0.012 inches (about 0.025 to about 0.3 mm) over an image reinforcement layer selected from the group consisting of a 100% solids thermoplastic or thermosetting polyurethane or alloys thereof which is free of reinforcing fibers, a fabric having a denier of 150 or less, or a fabric coated with a polymer such that said fabric has a smooth surface.
A method of making an image transfer product comprising a printing blanket or printing sleeve having a thin printing surface layer comprising:
- providing a blanket carcass or base sleeve;
- applying an image reinforcement layer to said blanket carcass or base sleeve, said image reinforcement layer selected from the group consisting of a 100% solids thermoplastic or thermosetting polyurethane or alloys thereof which is free of reinforcing fibers, a fabric having a denier of 150 or less, or a fabric coated with a polymer such that said fabric has a smooth surface;
- and
- applying a printing surface layer having a thickness of between about 0.001 to 0.012 inches (about 0.025 to about 0.3 mm) to said image reinforcement layer.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.