Apparatus for reducing flash for thermal transfer printers

An intermediate transfer printing assembly configured to transfer an image to a product, the intermediate transfer printing assembly comprising:

• an intermediate transfer media comprising an image disposed thereon;
• a transfer assembly comprising a transfer device, wherein the transfer assembly is configured to transfer the image from the intermediate transfer media to the product;
• at least one sensor configured to detect the position of the product relative to the transfer assembly;
• a blower configured to provide a cooling stream of air along and in contact with a peel interface defined where the intermediate transfer media is peeled away from the product, the blower including a first nozzle having a closed side positioned toward the transfer device and an open side positioned away from the transfer device, the closed side opposing the open side;
• and
• control circuitry in communication with the at least one sensor and configured to engage the blower to provide the cooling stream of air proximate the product when the product is disposed in a first position relative to the transfer assembly and not provide the cooling stream of air proximate the product when the product is disposed in a second position relative to the transfer assembly.

An intermediate transfer printing assembly configured to transfer an image to a product, the intermediate transfer printing assembly comprising:

• an intermediate transfer media comprising an image disposed thereon;
• a transfer assembly comprising a transfer device, wherein the transfer assembly is configured to transfer the image from the intermediate transfer media to the product by:
• receiving the product and the intermediate transfer media into the transfer assembly along a first direction such that the intermediate transfer media is compressed between the transfer device and the product,
• expelling the product from the transfer assembly along a second direction such that the intermediate transfer media is peeled from the product,
• providing, via a first nozzle having a closed side positioned toward the transfer device and an open side positioned away from the transfer device and opposing the closed side, a cooling stream of air along and in contact with a peel interface defined where the intermediate transfer media is peeled away from the product while the intermediate transfer media is peeled from the product.