Abstract: Apparatus for thermal transfer printing of an image from a thermal retransfer sheet onto an article, includes heating means (40, 42, 44, 46) adapted to supply heated gas at a variable flow rate. Also disclosed is a method of printing an image, and the resulting printed article.

Abstract: A support for an article onto which an image is to be printed by thermal transfer printing from a retransfer intermediate sheet has a surface shaped for engagement with the article, at least a portion of the surface being formed from an elastomeric material. Also disclosed are a method of making a support, apparatus for thermal transfer printing, a method of printing and an article bearing a printed image.

Abstract: Apparatus for thermal transfer printing of an image from a thermal retransfer sheet onto an article, includes heating means adapted to supply a flow of heated gas for causing dye transfer, and oscillating vane means for directing the heated gas in a direction transverse to the direction of flow, for distributing the heated gas over article(s) during dye transfer. Also disclosed is a method of printing an image, and the resulting printed article.

Abstract: A support for an article onto which an image is to be printed by thermal transfer printing from a retransfer intermediate sheet has a surface shaped for engagement with the article, at least a portion of the surface being formed from an elastomeric material. Also disclosed are a method of making a support, apparatus for thermal transfer printing, a method of printing and an article bearing a printed image.

Abstract: Apparatus for thermal transfer printing of an image from a thermal retransfer sheet onto an article, includes heating means (40, 42, 44, 46) adapted to supply heated gas at a variable flow rate. Also disclosed is a method of printing an image, and the resulting printed article.

Abstract: Apparatus for thermal transfer printing of an image from a thermal retransfer sheet onto an article, includes heating means adapted to supply a flow of heated gas for causing dye transfer, and oscillating vane means for directing the heated gas in a direction transverse to the direction of flow, for distributing the heated gas over article(s) during dye transfer. Also disclosed is a method of printing an image, and the resulting printed article.

Abstract: An article for receiving an image by thermal transfer printing includes an image-receiving surface of plastics material coated with a layer of dye-receptive material capable of accepting an image by means of a dye thermal transfer process, wherein the glass transition temperature (Tg) of the dye receptive material is at least 50° C. lower than the softening point of the plastics material of the image-receiving surface. By having a difference between the softening point of the plastics material article surface and the Tg of the material coated thereon of at least 50° C. it is possible to achieve printing in a single step transfer process of high density images without distortion of the plastics material. The invention can be used with three-dimensional articles possibly having compound curves, including casings for mobile telephones made of polymers such as polycarbonate.

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: An article for receiving an image by thermal transfer printing includes an image-receiving surface of plastics material coated with a layer of dye-receptive material capable of accepting an image by means of a dye thermal transfer process, wherein the glass transition temperature (Tg) of the dye receptive material is at least 50° C. lower than the softening point of the plastics material of the image-receiving surface. By having a difference between the softening point of the plastics material article surface and the Tg of the material coated thereon of at least 50° C. it is possible to achieve printing in a single step transfer process of high density images without distortion of the plastics material. The invention can be used with three-dimensional articles possibly having compound curves, including casings for mobile telephones made of polymers such as polycarbonate.

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.