Abstract: A retransfer intermediate sheet for receiving an image to be printed onto an article by thermal retrasfer comprises a substrate which is preferably heat-deformable; and an image-receiving coating on one side of the substrate, comprising an image-receiving layer for receiving an image by printing, preferably inkjet printing, of dye-containing ink, the image-receiving layer comprising amorphous porous silica, a first, non-dye absorbing polymeric binder and a second, flexible polymeric binder. The sheet is particularly useful for printing on three dimensional articles, e.g. being heated and vacuum formed to conform to an article. The invention also coven a method of printing and an article bearing a printed image.

Abstract: A retransfer intermediate sheet for receiving an image to be printed onto an article by thermal retrasfer comprises a substrate which is preferably heat-deformable; and an image-receiving coating on one side of the substrate, comprising an image-receiving layer for receiving an image by printing, preferably inkjet printing, of dye-containing ink, the image-receiving layer comprising amorphous porous silica, a first, non-dye absorbing polymeric binder and a second, flexible polymeric binder. The sheet is particularly useful for printing on three dimensional articles, e.g. being heated and vacuum formed to conform to an article. The invention also coven a method of printing and an article bearing a printed image.

Abstract: A method of printing a fluorescent image on a surface of a receiver medium comprises forming on the surface by a thermal dye transfer printing process a first image of a first fluorescent dye; and forming on the first image by a thermal dye transfer printing process a superimposed second image of a second fluorescent dye, the first and second dyes having different emission maxima. The method thus enables production of a non-monochrome fluorescent image (that can be substantially invisible in daylight but that is revealed on irradiation with ultraviolet (UV) light) that can be of substantially better quality than those produced by mass transfer printing processes. The method preferably involves the use of three different fluorescent dyes, for improved color image quality. The invention also provides thermal transfer media suitable for use in the method and the resulting printed material bearing a fluorescent image.

Abstract: A receiver medium for inkjet printing includes a porous substrate, having on at least one surface thereof a porous ink-absorbent coating having a colloidal particulate material, a water-insoluble liner binder polymer, and optionally a film forming polymer dispersion. On printing, the medium rapidly absorbs ink to give a touch-dry surface. The receiver medium can also have a satin finish surface. Also disclosed is a method of making the receiver medium.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a coating material for producing a porous ink-absorbent coating on a substrate to be used in ink-jet printers, comprising radiation curable material and particulate material in a liquid carrier, wherein the weight ratio of particulate material to radiation curable material is greater than 1:1. Also disclosed is a process for preparing a coated substrate using such a coating material. Advantageously, the coating material of the present invention does not crack upon curing, and conveniently forms a porous coating having a glossy surface, while retaining a porous structure for ink-absorption.

Abstract: A thermal transfer printer includes three light emitting diodes (7, 8, 9) emitting red, green and blue light respectively, and respective detectors (10, 11, 12) mounted on the opposite side of a dyesheet (1) passing through the printer. The detectors (10, 11, 12) detect the light absorption ratios of three colour print panels (Y, M and C) of the dyesheet, and these detected ratios are compared with acceptable ranges of light absorption ratios. If the detected light absorption ratio for any colour falls outside the corresponding range, use or further use of the dyesheet in the printer is prevented, for example by disabling an essential function of the printer or ejecting the dyesheet from the printer.

Abstract: A receiver medium for inkjet printing comprises a porous substrate (typically paper), having on at least one surface thereof a porous ink-absorbent coating comprising a colloidal particulate material (such as silica), a water-insoluble linear binder polymer, and optionally a film-forming polymer dispersion (such as an acrylic copolymer comprising tertiary amino groups). On printing, the medium rapidly absorbs ink to give a touch-dry surface. The receiver medium can also have a satin finish surface. Also disclosed is a method of making the receiver medium.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a coating material for producing a porous ink-absorbent coating on a substrate to be used in ink-jet printers, comprising radiation curable material and particulate material in a liquid carrier, wherein the weight ratio of particulate material to radiation curable material is greater than 1:1. Also disclosed is a process for preparing a coated substrate using such a coating material. Advantageously, the coating material of the present invention does not crack upon curing, and conveniently forms a porous coating having a glossy surface, while retaining a porous structure for ink-absorption.

Abstract: A transparent receiver sheet adapted to receive a color toner image by an electrophotographic or electrostatic process and suitable for use in an overhead projector, comprises a toner acceptance layer that comprises a resin condensation product of toluene sulphonamide. The resin is conveniently a condensation product of toluene sulphonamide and formaldehyde. One or more secondary polymers are preferably included in an amount in the range 0-60% weight.

Abstract: A dye donor, such as a transfer ribbon, comprises a supporting substrate and a relatively thick dye layer consisting of a dye dispersed within a dye binder. A heater, such as a modulated scanning laser beam, heats selected pixel regions of the ribbon and causes dye to diffuse from the heated regions to a receiver sheet and print a number of pixels thereon which build up to form an image. In order to allow the donor to be reused, it is passed between a pair of heated rollers to cause dye in the dye layer to diffuse to an even density whereby the regions depleted of dye during the print process are replenished. Instead of the replenishment dye coming from the body of the donor, it may be supplied by a separate source.

Abstract: A scanning laser beam heats selected regions of a dye donor ribbon to transfer dye to a receiver sheet to form an image therein. The beam scan rate and delay time between the start of successive pulses is set so that adjacent heated pixel regions overlap and so that a significant amount of residual heat from a first printed pixel is still present when heat is applied to the next adjacent pixel. The use of this residual heat improves the printing efficiency. An elliptical beam may have its major axis in the scan direction to facilitate overlap. Printing may be effected to a non-square grid with more information, or a repetition of information, a set number of times in the scan direction. The power applied to a pixel may be adjusted depending on the darkness of previous adjacent printed pixels.

Abstract: Printing methods and apparatus for thermal transferring dye from a dye donor to a dye receiver wherein electromagnetic radiation such as a laser beam is applied through the dye receiver to effect dye transfer. Either or both of the dye donor and the dye receiver used with such printing methods and apparatus can be in the form of individual sheets or continuous ribbons and may be either stationary or moving. In various embodiments, the dye receiver is held between a convex surface of a rigid support plate and the dye donor during thermal transfer of dye. A variety of methods and devices for providing electromagnetic radiation and for transporting dye donors and dye receivers during printing are also disclosed.

Abstract: A dye sheet for thermal transfer printing comprising a substrate having on one surface thereof a dye coat which comprises a dye capable of thermal transfer dispersed in a polymer binder, characterized in that R-1 is a minimum whereR=K.sub.sl /K.sub.tt, whereinK.sub.sl =AD.sub.sl /AP.sub.sl where AD.sub.sl is the absorption due to the dye and AP.sub.sl is the absorption due to the polymer over the surface layer;K.sub.tt =AD.sub.tt /AP.sub.tt where AD.sub.tt is the absorption due to the dye and AP.sub.tt is the absorption due to the polymer for the total thickness of the coating;and the values for AD.sub.sl, AP.sub.sl, AD.sub.tt and AP.sub.tt being measured by Attenuated Total Reflection Spectroscopy.