Patent · US Expired

Method and apparatus for forming dye sublimation images in solid plastic

US7810538B2 · kind B2 · utility

19Cited by
39References
17Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventors

Key dates

Filing dateAug 15, 2005
Grant dateOct 12, 2010
Priority date
Expiry dateAug 15, 2025

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
  • CPC primaryY10S428/914
  • WIPO fieldTextile and paper machines
  • WIPO sectorMechanical engineering

Abstract

Method for forming a dye sublimation image in a substrate, particularly a plastic substrate, and apparatus to perform the method. According to the method taught by the present invention, a substrate is disposed on a perforated platen and a dye carrier having an image formed thereon of a dye sublimation ink is disposed on the substrate such that the image is in contact with the substrate. The substrate, dye carrier and at least a portion of the perforated platen are then covered with a flexible membrane. A clamping pressure is then applied to the substrate and the dye carrier through the membrane. Once the clamping pressure is attained, the substrate and dye carrier are first heated, then cooled.

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.