Abstract: A thermal transfer and process for producing it that provides a fully-digital printed heat transfer capable of little to no process changeover between different graphics. Specifically, the method comprises printing a digital image onto a treated adhesive substrate, applying the image side to a carrier substrate, then digitally cutting and removing substrate not containing graphic elements photographic quality, durable print transfers for the apparel and soft goods industry.

Abstract: A process for producing a digital printed heat transfer, the process comprising the steps of: 1) obtaining a substrate having a release layer; 2) applying a primer suitable for electrophotographic toner to the release layer; 3) digitally-printing electrophotographic toner to define a graphic within a defined region of a substrate inclusive of both printed and unprinted areas within that region; 4) digitally printing a tacky viscoelastic binder in registration with the printed areas of the digitally-printed graphic; 5) applying a polyurethane-based powder adhesive to the defined region of said substrate; 6) removing loose powder adhesive that does not adhere to the defined regions of said graphic; and 7) fusing and bonding the adhesive to the digital printed graphic. The binder precisely secures the adhesive powder to the printed graphical areas. The result is then cooled to set the image for use as a heat transfer.

Abstract: A thermal transfer and process for producing it that provides a fully-digital printed heat transfer capable of little to no process changeover between different graphics. Specifically, the method comprises printing a digital image onto a treated adhesive substrate, applying the image side to a carrier substrate, then digitally cutting and removing substrate not containing graphic elements photographic quality, durable print transfers for the apparel and soft goods industry.

Abstract: A thermal transfer and process for producing it that provides a fully-digital printed heat transfer capable of little to no process changeover between different graphics. Specifically, the method comprises printing a digital image onto a treated adhesive substrate, applying the image side to a carrier substrate, then digitally cutting and removing substrate not containing graphic elements through a combination of kiss-and-through cutting to produce a high stretch, multi-color photographic quality print transfers for the apparel and soft goods industry.

Abstract: A multidimensional heat-seal emblem having a digitally-printed image on one side in registration to a three-dimensional relief profile. The emblem has enhanced aesthetic impact, flex, stretch, durability and is suitable for soft goods. A method of production is also disclosed that provides 0.05 mm level relief detail with high profile features up to 6 mm in height.

Abstract: A thermal transfer and process for producing it that provides a fully-digital printed heat transfer capable of little to no process changeover between different graphics. Specifically, the method comprises printing a digital image onto a treated adhesive substrate, applying the image side to a carrier substrate, then digitally cutting and removing substrate not containing graphic elements through a combination of kiss-and-through cutting to produce a high stretch, multi-color photographic quality print transfers for the apparel and soft goods industry.

Abstract: A process for producing a colorfast thermal appliqué using a polyester knit fabric blank, dye-sublimation printing a graphic image on the fabric blank, and laminating a triple-layer polyurethane adhesive on another side of the printed fabric blank. The triple-layer adhesive comprises a first layer of clear ink resistant polyurethane adhesive followed by a white-pigmented ink resistant polyurethane adhesive and a third clear layer of ink-resistant polyurethane adhesive. The first layer of the triple-layer adhesive is fused under combined temperature and pressure to the polyester blank until said first and second layers impregnates into said fabric blank. The fabric blank is then cut into a discrete finished appliqué that does not substantially change the physical and visual characteristics of a performance fabric substrate to which the appliqué is applied.

Abstract: A digitally produced heat transfer can be manufactured by digitally printing an image onto the protective coating that is receptive to ink and/or toner to form a printed area and an unprinted area of the protective coating, and digitally printing an attractant precisely onto the printed area and not onto the unprinted area. An adhesive powder can be applied onto the printed area and the unprinted area. The adhesive powder can then be removed from the unprinted area and the remaining adhesive powder can be bonded to the printed area. A digitally produced heat transfer can include a protective coating that is receptive to ink and/or toner, a digital image printed onto the protective coating to form a printed area and an unprinted area of the protective coating, an attractant digitally printed precisely onto the printed area, and an adhesive powder applied onto the attractant.

Abstract: A thermal transfer and process for producing it that provides a fully-digital printed heat transfer capable of little to no process changeover between different graphics. Specifically, the method comprises printing a digital image onto a treated adhesive substrate, applying the image side to a carrier substrate, then digitally cutting and removing substrate not containing graphic elements through a combination of kiss-and-through cutting to produce a high stretch, multi-color photographic quality print transfers for the apparel and soft goods industry.

Abstract: A process for producing a colorfast thermal appliqué using a polyester knit fabric blank, dye-sublimation printing a graphic image on the fabric blank, and laminating a triple-layer polyurethane adhesive on another side of the printed fabric blank. The triple-layer adhesive comprises a first layer of clear ink resistant polyurethane adhesive followed by a white-pigmented ink resistant polyurethane adhesive and a third clear layer of ink-resistant polyurethane adhesive. The first layer of the triple-layer adhesive is fused under combined temperature and pressure to the polyester blank until said first and second layers impregnates into said fabric blank. The fabric blank is then cut into a discrete finished appliqué that does not substantially change the physical and visual characteristics of a performance fabric substrate to which the appliqué is applied.

Abstract: A processor producing a colorfast thermal appliqué using a polyester kiln fabric dye-sublimation printing a graphic image on the fabric blank, and laminating a triple-layer polyurethane adhesive on another side of the printed fabric blank. The triple-layer adhesive comprises a first layer of clear ink resisting polyurethane adhesive followed by a white-pigmented is resistant polyurethane adhesive and a third clear layer or ink-resistant polyurethane adhesive. The first layer of the triple-layer adhesive is fused tinder combined temperature and pressure to the polyester blank until said first and second layers impregnates into said fabric blank. The fabric blank is then cut into a discrete finished appliqué that does not substantially change the physical and visual characteristics of a performance fabric substrate to winch the appliqué is applied.

Abstract: A process for producing a colorfast thermal appliqué using a polyester knit fabric blank, dye-sublimation printing a graphic image on the fabric blank, and laminating a triple-layer polyurethane adhesive on another side of the printed fabric blank. The triple-layer adhesive comprises a first layer of clear ink resistant polyurethane adhesive followed by a white-pigmented ink resistant polyurethane adhesive and a third clear layer of ink-resistant polyurethane adhesive. The first layer of the triple-layer adhesive is fused under combined temperature and pressure to the polyester blank until said first and second layers impregnates into said fabric blank. The fabric blank is then cut into a discrete finished appliqué that does not substantially change the physical and visual characteristics of a performance fabric substrate to which the appliqué is applied.

Abstract: An apparatus and process are provided for forming a tubular article. A tube holder is mounted to a support stand via an automatic alignment device. A tubular metal sleeve is placed in the tube holder. A coating material is provided. A bullet-shaped or spherical element is passed through the metal sleeve such that the element runs along an inner circumferential surface of the metal sleeve. The automatic alignment device allows the metal sleeve and the tube holder to level themselves such that the element is substantially aligned with the metal sleeve as the element moves through the metal sleeve. The element spreads the coating material generally evenly along the inner circumferential surface of the metal sleeve as the element passes through the metal sleeve.

Abstract: An apparatus and process are provided for forming a tubular article. A tube holder is mounted to a support stand via an automatic alignment device. A tubular metal sleeve is placed in the tube holder. A coating material is provided. A bullet-shaped or spherical element is passed through the metal sleeve such that the element runs along an inner circumferential surface of the metal sleeve. The automatic alignment device allows the metal sleeve and the tube holder to level themselves such that the element is substantially aligned with the metal sleeve as the element moves through the metal sleeve. The element spreads the coating material generally evenly along the inner circumferential surface of the metal sleeve as the element passes through the metal sleeve.

Abstract: An apparatus and process are provided for forming a tubular article. A tube holder is mounted to a support stand via an automatic alignment device. A tubular metal sleeve is placed in the tube holder. A coating material is provided. A bullet-shaped or spherical element is passed through the metal sleeve such that the element runs along an inner circumferential surface of the metal sleeve. The automatic alignment device allows the metal sleeve and the tube holder to level themselves such that the element is substantially aligned with the metal sleeve as the element moves through the metal sleeve. The element spreads the coating material generally evenly along the inner circumferential surface of the metal sleeve as the element passes through the metal sleeve.

Abstract: An apparatus and process are provided for forming a tubular article. A tube holder is mounted to a support stand via an automatic alignment device. A tubular metal sleeve is placed in the tube holder. A coating material is provided. A bullet-shaped or spherical element is passed through the metal sleeve such that the element runs along an inner circumferential surface of the metal sleeve. The automatic alignment device allows the metal sleeve and the tube holder to level themselves such that the element is substantially aligned with the metal sleeve as the element moves through the metal sleeve. The element spreads the coating material generally evenly along the inner circumferential surface of the metal sleeve as the element passes through the metal sleeve.

Abstract: An electrophotographic imaging device includes a print media transport assembly and a fuser positioned in association with the print media transport assembly. The fuser includes a heater assembly having a ceramic substrate and an endless flexible belt positioned around the heater assembly. The flexible belt includes an inner base layer comprised of a polyimide with a thermally conductive filler; a metallic layer adjacent the base layer; a first primer layer adjacent the metallic layer; a thermally conductive elastic coating adjacent the first primer layer; a second primer layer adjacent the thermally conductive elastic coating; and an outer release layer adjacent the second primer layer.