Abstract: Laser-addressable thermal transfer materials for producing color proofs, printing plates, films, printed circuit boards, and other media are disclosed. The materials contain a substrate coated thereon with a propellant layer wherein the propellant layer contains a material capable of producing nitrogen (N.sub.2) gas at a temperature of preferably less than about 300.degree. C.; a radiation absorber; and a thermal mass transfer material. The thermal mass transfer material may be incorporated into the propellant layer or in an additional layer coated onto the propellant layer. The radiation absorber may be employed in one of the above-disclosed layers or in a separate layer in order to achieve localized heating with an electromagnetic energy source, such as a laser. Upon laser induced heating, the transfer material is propelled to the receptor by the rapid expansion of gas.

Abstract: An automated lamination system for transferring an image to a print medium includes a photoconductive drum bearing a toned image on an electrostatic outer surface thereof. A dual purpose, heated lamination roller is moved to a first lamination position adjacent the drum to define a first nip between the drum and roller. The first nip in part defines a path for an image transfer web, and forces a thermally activated adhesive layer on the web against the drum. The image on the drum surface is embedded in the heated and softened adhesive layer as the web is advanced under pressure through the first nip. The dual purpose roller is later moved to a second lamination position adjacent a second lamination roller, to define a second nip therebetween. The second nip is configured to receive an image transfer substrate in registry with the latent image embedded in the adhesive of the web.