JP6770699B2 - A method of forming a transparent convex shape on an intermediate transfer medium and a method of forming a printed matter using the same. - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a method of forming a transparent convex shape on an intermediate transfer medium. The present invention also relates to a method for forming a printed matter having a transparent convex shape on the surface using the intermediate transfer medium.

Conventionally, a thermal transfer recording method has been widely used as a simple printing method. Since various images can be easily formed in the thermal transfer recording method, the number of printed matter may be relatively small, for example, ID card creation such as identification card, business photograph, personal computer printer, video printer, etc. It is used in.

At present, with the diversification of applications of heat transfer image receiving sheets, there is an increasing demand for forming a heat transfer image on an arbitrary object. Normally, a dedicated thermal transfer image receiving sheet having a receiving layer provided on a substrate is used as an object for forming a thermal transfer image, but in this case, restrictions may occur on the substrate or the like. Under such circumstances, it has been proposed to use an intermediate transfer medium in which the receiving layer is detachably provided on the substrate. According to this intermediate transfer medium, the heat transfer sheet can be used to transfer to the receiving layer to form an image, and then the intermediate transfer medium can be heated to transfer the receiving layer onto an arbitrary transfer target. , It is possible to form a thermally transferred image without being restricted by the transferred object.

Here, the thermal transfer sheets used in the thermal transfer recording method can be roughly classified into so-called melt transfer in which the thermal meltable colored layer is melted and softened by heating and the thermal meltable colored layer is transferred to the transferred object, that is, the thermal transfer image receiving sheet. It is classified into a type of thermal transfer sheet and a so-called sublimation type thermal transfer sheet in which the dye in the color material layer is sublimated by heat sensitivity and the dye is transferred to the thermal transfer image receiving sheet. Here, when producing an image display body such as an ID card such as an identification card or a credit card, particularly when forming a monotonous image such as characters or numbers, a heat-melting type thermal transfer sheet is used. When manufacturing such an image display body, various proposals have been made in order to impart an anti-counterfeiting effect. For example, it has been proposed to provide a transparent thin film layer / pattern layer / transparent thin film layer inside an image display using an intermediate transfer sheet (see Patent Document 1). It has also been proposed to provide a pattern-like thickness difference in the receiving layer of the intermediate transfer medium (see Patent Document 2).

JP-A-11-34545 JP-A-2007-1163

However, regardless of which of the intermediate transfer media of Patent Documents 1 and 2 is used, the pattern formed inside the image display body (printed matter) does not stand out on the surface of the printed matter.

The present invention has been made in view of the above background art, and an object of the present invention is to provide an intermediate transfer medium capable of forming a transparent convex shape such as characters on the surface of a printed matter.

As a result of diligent studies to solve the above problems, the present inventors have found that the above problems can be solved by performing thermal transfer on an intermediate transfer medium using a thermal transfer sheet having a specific layer structure. The present invention has been completed based on such findings.

That is, according to one aspect of the present invention.
A method of forming a transparent convex shape on an intermediate transfer medium using a thermal transfer sheet.
A step of preparing a thermal transfer sheet including a substrate sheet and a first transfer layer containing at least a transparent resin layer on one surface of the substrate sheet.
A step of preparing an intermediate transfer medium including a base material and a second transfer layer including at least a receiving layer on one surface of the base material.
A step of superimposing the transparent resin layer of the thermal transfer sheet on the receiving layer of the intermediate transfer medium and performing thermal transfer to form a transparent convex shape in which the transparent resin layer is laminated on the intermediate transfer medium.
Methods are provided, including.

In the above aspect of the present invention, it is preferable that the thermal transfer sheet further includes a release layer between the base material sheet and the transparent resin layer.

In the above aspect of the present invention, it is preferable that the first transfer layer of the thermal transfer sheet includes a color material layer.

In the above aspect of the present invention, it is preferable that the second transfer layer further includes a protective layer between the base material and the receiving layer.

In the above aspect of the present invention, it is preferable that the transparent resin layer and the receiving layer contain the same resin.

In the above aspect of the present invention, the step of superimposing the color material layer of the thermal transfer sheet on the receiving layer on which the transparent convex shape is formed and thermally transferring the image to form an image on the intermediate transfer medium is further added. It is preferable to include it.

According to another aspect of the invention
A method of forming a printed matter having a transparent convex shape on the surface using an intermediate transfer medium.
A step of preparing an intermediate transfer medium having a transparent convex shape formed on the surface by the above method, and
The process of preparing the transfer material and
Provided is a method comprising a step of superimposing a second transfer layer of the intermediate transfer medium on a transfer target and performing thermal transfer to form a printed matter having a transparent convex shape on the surface.

In another aspect of the present invention, it is preferable that the convex shape on the surface of the printed matter is a character.

In another aspect of the present invention, the height of the convex shape on the surface of the printed matter is preferably 5 μm or more and 30 μm or less.

According to the present invention, it is possible to provide an intermediate transfer medium capable of forming a transparent convex shape such as characters on the surface of a printed matter. Further, it is possible to provide a printed matter having a transparent convex shape such as characters on the surface by using such an intermediate transfer medium.

It is a conceptual diagram which showed one Embodiment of the method of forming a transparent convex shape on the intermediate transfer medium by this invention. It is a conceptual diagram which showed one Embodiment of the method of forming a print article by this invention. It is sectional drawing which showed the other aspect of the thermal transfer sheet used in the method of forming a transparent convex shape on the intermediate transfer medium by this invention.

<Method of forming a transparent convex shape on the intermediate transfer medium>
The method for forming a transparent convex shape on the intermediate transfer medium according to the present invention is
A method of forming a transparent convex shape on an intermediate transfer medium using a thermal transfer sheet.
A step of preparing a thermal transfer sheet including a substrate sheet and a first transfer layer containing at least a transparent resin layer on one surface of the substrate sheet.
A step of preparing an intermediate transfer medium including a base material and a second transfer layer including at least a receiving layer on one surface of the base material.
A step of superimposing the transparent resin layer of the thermal transfer sheet on the receiving layer of the intermediate transfer medium and performing thermal transfer to form a transparent convex shape in which the transparent resin layer is laminated on the receiving layer of the intermediate transfer medium. ,
Is included.

An embodiment of the method for forming a transparent convex shape on the intermediate transfer medium according to the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. First, a base sheet 11 and a first transfer layer 14 containing a transparent resin layer 12 and a coloring material layer 13 (yellow 13A, magenta 13B, cyan 13C) on one surface of the base sheet 11 are provided. A thermal transfer sheet 10 is prepared, and an intermediate transfer medium 15 including a base material 16 and a second transfer layer 19 including a protective layer 17 and a receiving layer 18 is prepared. Next, the transparent resin layer 12 of the thermal transfer sheet 10 is superposed on the receiving layer 18 of the intermediate transfer medium 15 and heat-transferred, and the transparent resin layer 12 is laminated on the receiving layer 18 of the intermediate transfer medium. The shape 20 is formed, and the intermediate transfer medium 22 having the transparent convex shape 20 formed on the surface is obtained. The color material layer 13 may be transferred onto the receiving layer 18 before the transfer of the transparent resin layer 12, and then the transparent resin layer 12 may be transferred onto the color material layer 13. As a result, the second transfer layer 21 of the intermediate transfer medium 22 has a transparent convex shape 20 on the surface. As shown in FIG. 3, the thermal transfer sheet 10 may further include a release layer 26 between the base sheet 11 and the transparent resin layer 12. Hereinafter, each layer constituting the thermal transfer sheet used in the present invention will be described in detail.

<Thermal transfer sheet>
The thermal transfer sheet used in the present invention includes a first transfer layer containing at least a transparent resin layer on one surface of the base sheet, and a release layer is provided between the base sheet and the transparent resin layer. You may also prepare. Further, the thermal transfer sheet may be provided with a back layer on the other surface of the base sheet.

(Base sheet)
The base sheet is provided to hold the first transfer layer, the back surface layer, and the like. The base sheet is not particularly limited, and it is desirable that the base sheet has mechanical properties that can withstand the heat applied by the thermal head when forming a thermal transfer image on the receiving layer of the intermediate transfer medium and do not interfere with handling. Examples of such a material include polyester such as polyethylene terephthalate, polyarylate, polycarbonate, polyurethane, polyimide, polyetherimide, cellulose derivative, polyethylene, ethylene / vinyl acetate copolymer, polypropylene, polystyrene, acrylic, polyvinylidene chloride. , Polyvinylidene chloride, polyvinyl alcohol, polyvinyl butyral, nylon, polyether ether ketone, polysulfone, polyether sulfone, tetrafluoroethylene / perfluoroalkyl vinyl ether, polyvinyl fluoride, tetrafluoroethylene / ethylene, tetrafluoroethylene / hexafluoro Various plastic films or sheets such as propylene, polychlorotrifluoroethylene, polyvinylidene fluoride and the like can be mentioned. Further, the thickness of the base sheet can be appropriately set according to the material so that its strength and heat resistance are appropriate, and is generally about 2 μm or more and 100 μm or less, preferably 1 μm or more and 10 μm or less. ..

Further, one surface of the base sheet may be subjected to an adhesive treatment. By applying the adhesive treatment, the adhesion between the base sheet and the first transfer layer or the base sheet and the back surface layer can be improved.

Examples of the bonding treatment include known resin surfaces such as corona discharge treatment, flame treatment, ozone treatment, ultraviolet treatment, radiation treatment, roughening treatment, chemical treatment, plasma treatment, low temperature plasma treatment, primer treatment, and grafting treatment. The reforming technology can be applied as it is. Further, two or more kinds of these treatments can be used in combination.

(First transfer layer)
The first transfer layer includes at least a transparent resin layer, and may further include a color material layer. In the first transfer layer, the transparent resin layer and the coloring material layer are preferably formed on the base material in a surface-sequential manner.

(Transparent resin layer)
The transparent resin layer is a layer for forming a transparent convex shape by being transferred onto the receiving layer of the intermediate transfer medium. The transparent convex shape preferably has a haze value of 60% or less, and more preferably 40% or more and 60% or less. Further, the transparent convex shape preferably has a glossiness of 30% or more at a measurement angle of 20 degrees, and more preferably 30% or more and 60% or less.
The haze value and glossiness are measured using a haze meter (manufactured by Toyo Seiki Seisakusho Co., Ltd., model number: Microhaze Plus), the glossiness at a measurement angle of 20 degrees is JIS Z 8741: 1997, and the haze value is JIS K 7136: 2000. It was measured in accordance with.

Examples of the resin material forming the transparent resin layer include acrylic resins such as poly (meth) acrylate and poly (meth) acrylamide, polyvinyl alcohol resin, polyvinyl acetate resin, salt vinegar biresin, polyvinyl butyral resin, and polyvinyl acetal. Resin, vinyl resin such as polyvinylpyrrolidone, polyethylene terephthalate resin, polyester resin such as polyethylene naphthalate tree, urethane resin such as polyurethane acrylate, ethyl cellulose resin, hydroxyethyl cellulose resin, ethyl hydroxy cellulose resin, methyl cellulose resin, cellulose acetate resin Examples thereof include cellulose-based resins such as, polyamide resins, aromatic polyamide resins, polyamide-based resins such as polyamideimide resins, acetal-based resins, and polycarbonate-based resins.

The method for forming the transparent resin layer is not particularly limited, but it can be formed by a conventionally known coating method. For example, the above resin material is added to an appropriate solvent to dissolve or disperse each component to prepare a coating liquid, and then this coating liquid is applied onto a release layer by a gravure coating method, a roll coating method, or a comma coating method. It can be formed by coating and drying using known means such as a method, a gravure printing method, a screen printing method, and a gravure reverse roll coating method. The thickness of the transparent resin layer is not particularly limited, but is preferably 0.5 μm or more and 30 μm or less, and more preferably 1 μm or more and 20 μm or less.

(Color material layer)
The color material layer is a layer for forming an image such as letters and numbers by being transferred onto a receiving layer of an intermediate transfer medium. As the color material layer, as shown in FIG. 1, a plurality of types of color material layers such as yellow, magenta, and cyan may be provided in a surface-sequential manner.

Examples of the resin material forming the coloring material layer include acrylic resins such as poly (meth) acrylate and poly (meth) acrylamide, polyvinyl alcohol resin, polyvinyl acetate resin, salt vinegar biresin, polyvinyl butyral resin, and polyvinyl acetal. Resin, vinyl resin such as polyvinylpyrrolidone, polyethylene terephthalate resin, polyester resin such as polyethylene naphthalate tree, urethane resin such as polyurethane acrylate, ethyl cellulose resin, hydroxyethyl cellulose resin, ethyl hydroxy cellulose resin, methyl cellulose resin, cellulose acetate resin Examples thereof include cellulose-based resins such as, polyamide resins, aromatic polyamide resins, polyamide-based resins such as polyamideimide resins, acetal-based resins, and polycarbonate-based resins.

As the colorant used for the colorant layer, a conventionally known colorant can be used, but a colorant having good properties as a printing material, for example, having a sufficient coloration density, light, heat, temperature, etc. It is preferable that the color does not change due to. Further, it may be a substance that develops color by heating or a substance that develops color by contacting with a component applied to the surface of the transferred body. The colorant may exhibit at least one color selected from the group consisting of black, white, silver, cyan, magenta, yellow, red, green, and blue. For example, as colorants, carbon black for black ink, titanium oxide for white, and inorganic materials such as aluminum for silver, and C. for cyan, magenta, yellow, red, green, and blue. I. It is preferable to use each pigment or dye described in Pigment.

The method for forming the color material layer is not particularly limited, but it can be formed by a conventionally known coating method. For example, the above resin material and colorant are added to an appropriate solvent to dissolve or disperse each component to prepare a coating liquid, and then this coating liquid is applied onto a release layer by a gravure coating method or a roll coating method. , A comma coating method, a gravure printing method, a screen printing method, a gravure reverse roll coating method and the like, and can be applied and dried to form. The thickness of the color material layer is not particularly limited, but is preferably 0.5 μm or more and 30 μm or less, and more preferably 1 μm or more and 20 μm or less.

(Release layer)
The release layer is provided between the base material sheet and the transparent resin layer, and is a layer for improving the transferability of the transparent resin layer. By adding fine particles to the release layer, the surface of the transparent resin layer on the release layer side is matted during transfer to form a convex shape having a matted surface on the receiving layer of the intermediate transfer medium. be able to.

Examples of the resin material forming the release layer include acrylic resins such as poly (meth) acrylate and poly (meth) acrylamide, polyvinyl alcohol resin, polyvinyl acetate resin, salt vinegar biresin, polyvinyl butyral resin, and polyvinyl acetal. Resin, vinyl resin such as polyvinylpyrrolidone, polyethylene terephthalate resin, polyester resin such as polyethylene naphthalate tree, urethane resin such as polyurethane acrylate, ethyl cellulose resin, hydroxyethyl cellulose resin, ethyl hydroxy cellulose resin, methyl cellulose resin, cellulose acetate resin Examples thereof include cellulose-based resins such as, polyamide resins, aromatic polyamide resins, polyamide-based resins such as polyamideimide resins, acetal-based resins, and polycarbonate-based resins.

Examples of the release agent used for the release layer include fine particles, silicone oil, phosphoric acid ester-based plasticizer, fluorine-based compound, wax, and metal soap, and silicone oil is preferably used. As the fine particles, silica, titanium oxide and the like can be used.

The method for forming the release layer is not particularly limited, but it can be formed by a conventionally known coating method. For example, the above resin material and an additive such as a mold release agent are added to an appropriate solvent to dissolve or disperse each component to prepare a coating liquid, and then this coating liquid is used as a base material. It can be formed by applying and drying on it by using known means such as a gravure coating method, a roll coating method, a comma coating method, a gravure printing method, a screen printing method, and a gravure reverse roll coating method. The thickness of the release layer is not particularly limited, but is preferably 0.05 μm or more and 5.0 μm or less, and more preferably 0.1 μm or more and 3 μm or less.

(Back layer)
The back layer is a layer for improving heat resistance to heat from the back surface side of the base sheet (the side of the base sheet where the first transfer layer is not provided) and running performance of the thermal head during thermal transfer. is there.

The back layer can be formed by appropriately selecting a conventionally known thermoplastic resin or the like. Examples of the thermoplastic resin include polyester resins, polyacrylic acid ester resins, polyvinyl acetate resins, styrene acrylate resins, polyurethane resins, polyethylene resins, polyolefin resins such as polypropylene resins, and polystyrene resins. , Polyvinyl chloride resin, polyether resin, polyamide resin, polyimide resin, polyamideimide resin, polycarbonate resin, polyacrylamide resin, polyvinyl chloride resin, polyvinyl butyral resin, polyvinyl acetacetal resin and other polyvinyl acetal resins Such as thermoplastic resins, these silicone modified products and the like. Among them, a polyvinyl acetal resin, a polyamide-imide resin, or a modified silicone thereof can be preferably used from the viewpoint of heat resistance and the like.

In addition to the above thermoplastic resin, the back layer includes wax, higher fatty acid amide, phosphoric acid ester compound, metal soap, silicone oil, mold release agent such as surfactant, fluorine resin, etc. for the purpose of improving slipperiness. It is preferable that it contains various additives such as organic powder, silica, clay, talc, and inorganic particles such as calcium carbonate, and it is particularly preferable that it contains at least one of a phosphoric acid ester or a metal soap. Further, it may contain a curing agent for improving heat resistance.

For the back layer, for example, a coating liquid obtained by dispersing or dissolving the above-mentioned thermoplastic resin and various additives added as needed in an appropriate solvent is applied onto a base sheet by a gravure printing method, a screen printing method, or the like. It can be formed by applying and drying by a known means such as a reverse roll coating printing method using a gravure plate. The thickness of the back layer is preferably 2 μm or less, more preferably 0.1 μm or more and 1 μm or less.

<Intermediate transfer medium>
The intermediate transfer medium used in the present invention includes a base material and a second transfer layer containing at least a receiving layer on one surface of the base material.

(Base material)
The base material is provided to hold the second transfer layer. The base material is not particularly limited, and it is desirable that the base material has mechanical properties that can withstand the heat applied by the thermal head during thermal transfer to the transferred body and do not hinder handling. Examples of such a material include polyester such as polyethylene terephthalate, polyarylate, polycarbonate, polyurethane, polyimide, polyetherimide, cellulose derivative, polyethylene, ethylene / vinyl acetate copolymer, polypropylene, polystyrene, acrylic, polyvinylidene chloride. , Polyvinylidene chloride, polyvinyl alcohol, polyvinyl butyral, nylon, polyether ether ketone, polysulfone, polyether sulfone, tetrafluoroethylene / perfluoroalkyl vinyl ether, polyvinyl fluoride, tetrafluoroethylene / ethylene, tetrafluoroethylene / hexafluoro Various plastic films or sheets such as propylene, polychlorotrifluoroethylene, polyvinylidene fluoride and the like can be mentioned. The thickness of the base material can be appropriately set according to the material so that its strength and heat resistance are appropriate, and is generally about 2 μm to 100 μm, preferably 1 μm to 10 μm.

(Second transfer layer)
The second transfer layer is a layer that is peeled off from the base material and transferred onto the transfer target during thermal transfer. The second transfer layer includes at least a receiving layer, and the receiving layer is located on the outermost surface of the intermediate transfer medium. Further, the second transfer layer may further include a protective layer between the base material and the receiving layer. By performing re-transfer using an intermediate transfer medium, the second transfer layer is re-transferred (totally transferred) onto the transferred body to form a printed matter having the second transfer layer provided on the transferred body. be able to.

(Receptive layer)
The receiving layer is a layer in which a convex shape made of a transparent resin layer or an image made of a coloring material is formed by heat-transferring a heat transfer sheet. Such a second transfer layer is re-transferred (totally transferred) onto the transferred body, and as a result, a printed matter provided with the second transfer layer on the transferred body is formed.

Examples of the resin material forming the receiving layer include acrylic resins such as poly (meth) acrylate and poly (meth) acrylamide, polyvinyl alcohol resin, polyvinyl acetate resin, salt and vinegar resin, polyvinyl butyral resin, and polyvinyl acetal resin. , Vinyl resin such as polyvinylpyrrolidone, polyethylene terephthalate resin, polyester resin such as polyethylene naphthalate tree, urethane resin such as polyurethane acrylate, ethyl cellulose resin, hydroxyethyl cellulose resin, ethyl hydroxy cellulose resin, methyl cellulose resin, cellulose acetate resin, etc. Examples thereof include cellulose-based resins, polyamide resins, aromatic polyamide resins, polyamide-based resins such as polyamideimide resins, acetal-based resins, and polycarbonate-based resins. As the resin material forming the receiving layer, it is preferable to use the same kind of resin material as the resin material forming the transparent resin layer from the viewpoint of adhesion and the like.

The method for forming the receiving layer is not particularly limited, but it can be formed by a conventionally known coating method. For example, the above resin material is added to an appropriate solvent to dissolve or disperse each component to prepare a coating liquid, and then this coating liquid is applied onto a substrate by a gravure coating method, a roll coating method, or a comma coating method. It can be formed by coating and drying using known means such as a method, a gravure printing method, a screen printing method, and a gravure reverse roll coating method. The thickness of the release layer is not particularly limited, but is preferably 0.05 μm or more and 5.0 μm or less, and more preferably 0.1 μm or more and 3 μm or less.

(Protective layer)
The protective layer is a layer for protecting the printed matter from abrasion, light, chemicals, etc. after the second transfer layer is transferred from the intermediate transfer medium to the transferred body, and constitutes the outermost surface of the printed matter. It will be. In the present invention, the convex shape composed of the transparent resin layer existing in the printed matter pushes up the protective layer on the surface side, and brings about the transparent convex shape on the outermost surface of the printed matter. With such a convex shape on the surface, transparent characters and the like can be formed on the surface of the printed matter.

Examples of the resin material forming the protective layer include polyester resin, polycarbonate resin, acrylic resin, ultraviolet absorbing resin, epoxy resin, polystyrene resin, polyurethane resin, acrylic urethane resin, and resins obtained by modifying each of these resins with silicone. A mixture of each of these resins, an ionizing radiation curable resin, an ultraviolet absorbing resin and the like can be used.

Further, the protective layer containing an ionizing radiation curable resin can be suitably used as a binder for the protective layer because it is particularly excellent in plasticizer resistance and scratch resistance. The ionizing radiation curable resin is not particularly limited, and can be appropriately selected and used from conventionally known ionizing radiation curable resins. For example, a radically polymerizable polymer or oligomer is crosslinked by ionizing radiation irradiation. , Cured, and if necessary, a photopolymerization initiator is added, and the polymer crosslinked by electron beam or ultraviolet rays can be used. The protective layer containing the ultraviolet-absorbing resin is excellent in imparting light resistance to the printed matter.

As the ultraviolet absorbing resin, for example, a resin obtained by reacting and binding a reactive ultraviolet absorber to a thermoplastic resin or the above-mentioned ionizing radiation curable resin can be used. More specifically, it is added-polymerizable to a conventionally known non-reactive organic ultraviolet absorber such as salicylate-based, benzophenone-based, benzotriazole-based, substituted acrylonitrile-based, nickel chelate-based, and hindered amine-based. Examples thereof include those in which a reactive group such as a bond (for example, vinyl group, acryloyl group, metaacryloyl group, etc.), alcoholic hydroxyl group, amino group, carboxyl group, epoxy group, isocyanate group is introduced.

In addition, if necessary, for example, lubricants, plasticizers, fillers, antistatic agents, antiblocking agents, cross-linking agents, antioxidants, ultraviolet absorbers, light stabilizers, dyes, colorants such as pigments, and others. Additives and the like may be added. As a method for forming the protective layer, one or more of the resin materials exemplified above are dissolved or dispersed with an appropriate solvent to prepare a coating liquid for the protective layer, and this is used as a base material (necessarily). It can be formed by applying and drying by a conventionally known means such as a gravure printing method, a screen printing method, or a reverse coating method using a gravure plate on a release layer (correspondingly provided on a substrate). The thickness of the protective layer is not particularly limited, but is preferably in the range of 0.1 μm or more and 50 μm or less.

<Method of forming photographic paper>
The method for forming a printed matter according to the present invention is
A method of forming a printed matter having a transparent convex shape on the surface using an intermediate transfer medium.
The intermediate transfer medium step in which the transparent convex shape is formed on the surface by the method of forming the transparent convex shape on the intermediate transfer medium described above,
The process of preparing the transfer material and
This includes a step of superimposing a second transfer layer of the intermediate transfer medium on a transfer target and performing thermal transfer to form a printed matter having a transparent convex shape on the surface.

An embodiment of the method for forming a printed matter according to the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. First, the intermediate transfer medium 22 shown in FIG. 1 is prepared, and the transferred body 23 is prepared. Next, the second transfer layer 21 of the intermediate transfer medium 22 is superposed on the transfer target 23 and thermally transferred (total transfer) to form a printed matter 25 having a transparent convex shape 24 on the surface.

In the present invention, by completely transferring the second transfer layer of the intermediate transfer medium onto the transfer target, the convex shape made of the transparent resin layer is directly reflected on the outermost surface of the printed matter, resulting in a transparent convex shape. With such a convex shape on the surface, transparent characters and the like can be formed on the surface of the printed matter.

The height of the convex shape on the surface of the printed matter is preferably 5 μm or more and 30 μm or less, more preferably 7 μm or more and 25 μm or less, and further preferably 10 μm or more and 20 μm or less. With such a height, characters and the like can be more easily recognized.

<Transcribed body>
The transfer material that can be used for thermal transfer of the intermediate transfer medium is not particularly limited, and for example, a conventionally known material can be used. Examples of the transferred body include a resin molded body such as polyethylene terephthalate and polycarbonate, a resin film, natural fiber paper, coated paper, tracing paper, glass, metal, ceramics, wood, cloth and the like.

<Transfer method>
The transfer method in the present invention is not particularly limited, and can be performed using a conventionally known thermal transfer printer. Further, the heating means is not particularly limited, and transfer may be performed using a thermal head, a hot plate, a hot stamper, a heat roll, a line heater, an iron, or the like.

Hereinafter, the present invention will be described in more detail with reference to Examples and Comparative Examples, but the present invention is not limited to the following Examples.

[Example 1]
<Creation of thermal transfer sheet>
An easily adhesive-treated polyethylene terephthalate film having a thickness of 4.5 μm was used as a base sheet, and a coating liquid for a back layer having the following composition was applied onto the film so as to be 0.8 g / m ² when dried. A back layer was formed. Next, on the other surface of the base material, the coating liquid for the transparent resin layer having the following composition has a coating amount of 3.0 g / m ² at the time of drying, the coating liquid for the yellow color material layer, and the coating for the magenta color material layer. The liquid and the coating liquid for the cyan color material layer are applied in sequence so that the coating amount at the time of drying is 0.6 g / m ² , respectively, and the transparent resin layer, the yellow color material layer, and the magenta color material layer are applied. , And a first transfer layer including a cyan color material layer was formed to prepare a thermal transfer sheet 1.

(Coating liquid for back layer)
-Polyvinyl butyral resin (manufactured by Eslek BX-1 Sekisui Chemical Co., Ltd.)
2.0 parts by mass, polyisocyanate (Bernock D750 manufactured by Dainippon Ink and Chemicals Co., Ltd.)
9.2 parts by mass

-Phosphate ester-based surfactant (manufactured by Prisurf A208N Daiichi Kogyo Seiyaku Co., Ltd.)
1.3 parts by mass, talc (Micro Ace P-3 Nippon Talc Industry Co., Ltd.) 0.3 parts by mass, toluene 43.6 parts by mass, methyl ethyl ketone 43.6 parts by mass

(Coating liquid for transparent resin layer)
-Vinyl chloride-vinyl acetate copolymer (manufactured by CNL Nisshin Chemical Industry Co., Ltd.) 25 parts by mass-Polyester resin (manufactured by GK250 Toyobo Co., Ltd.) 70 parts by mass-Epoxy-modified silicone (KP-1800U Shin-Etsu Chemical Co., Ltd.) )) 5 parts by mass, 200 parts by mass of toluene, 200 parts by mass of methyl ethyl ketone

(Coating liquid for yellow color material layer)
-Yellow dye 7.0 parts by mass-Polyvinyl acetal acetal resin (KS-5 manufactured by Sekisui Chemical Co., Ltd.) 1.8 parts by mass-Polyvinyl butyral resin (Eslek BH-S manufactured by Sekisui Chemical Co., Ltd.)
0.9 parts by mass ・ Ethyl cellulose resin (Etocell STD45 manufactured by Nikkei Seisei Co., Ltd.) 0.3 parts by mass ・ Silicone (X-22-3939 manufactured by Shin-Etsu Chemical Co., Ltd.) 0.06 parts by mass ・ 45 parts by mass of toluene ・Methyl ethyl ketone 45 parts by mass

(Coating liquid for magenta color material layer)
-Magenta dye 7.0 parts by mass-Polyvinyl acetal acetal resin (KS-5 manufactured by Sekisui Chemical Co., Ltd.) 1.8 parts by mass-Polyvinyl butyral resin (Eslek BH-S manufactured by Sekisui Chemical Co., Ltd.)
0.9 parts by mass ・ Ethyl cellulose resin (Etocell STD45 manufactured by Nikkei Seisei Co., Ltd.) 0.3 parts by mass ・ Silicone (X-22-3939 manufactured by Shin-Etsu Chemical Co., Ltd.) 0.06 parts by mass ・ 45 parts by mass of toluene ・Methyl ethyl ketone 45 parts by mass

(Cyan color material layer coating liquid)
-Cyan dye 7.0 parts by mass-Polyvinyl acetal acetal resin (KS-5 manufactured by Sekisui Chemical Co., Ltd.) 1.8 parts by mass-Polyvinyl butyral resin (Eslek BH-S manufactured by Sekisui Chemical Co., Ltd.)
0.9 parts by mass ・ Ethyl cellulose resin (Etocell STD45 manufactured by Nikkei Seisei Co., Ltd.) 0.3 parts by mass ・ Silicone (X-22-3939 manufactured by Shin-Etsu Chemical Co., Ltd.) 0.06 parts by mass ・ 45 parts by mass of toluene ・Methyl ethyl ketone 45 parts by mass

<Creation of intermediate transfer medium>
A 12 μm-thick polyethylene terephthalate (PET) film is used as a base material, and the following protective layer coating liquid is applied to one surface of the base material by a gravure coating method so as to be 2.0 μm after drying. It was dried to form a protective layer. Next, on this protective layer, the following coating solution for a receiving layer is applied by a gravure coating method to a thickness of 2.5 μm after drying to form a receiving layer, and the protective layer and the receiving layer are included. An intermediate transfer medium including the second transfer layer was prepared.

(Coating liquid for protective layer)
・ Styrene-acrylic resin (Muticle PP320P, manufactured by Mitsui Chemicals, Inc.)
150 parts by mass, polyvinyl alcohol (C-318, manufactured by DNP Fine Chemical Co., Ltd.)
100 parts by mass, water / ethanol (1/2 by mass ratio) 70 parts by mass

(Coating liquid for receiving layer)
-Vinyl chloride-vinyl acetate copolymer (manufactured by CNL Nisshin Chemical Industry Co., Ltd.) 25 parts by mass-Polyester resin (manufactured by GK250 Toyobo Co., Ltd.) 70 parts by mass-Epoxy-modified silicone (KP-1800U Shin-Etsu Chemical Co., Ltd.) )) 5 parts by mass, 200 parts by mass of toluene, 200 parts by mass of methyl ethyl ketone

<Thermal transfer onto an intermediate transfer medium>
After forming an image on the receiving layer of the intermediate transfer medium using the above thermal transfer sheet, the above intermediate transfer medium, and the thermal transfer printer, the transparent resin layer of the thermal transfer sheet was transferred to form a transparent convex shape.
Subsequently, the glossiness of this convex portion at a measurement angle of 20 degrees was measured using a haze meter (manufactured by Toyo Seiki Seisakusho Co., Ltd., model number: Micro Haze Plus) in accordance with JIS Z 8741: 1997. , 135.0%. Moreover, when the haze value was measured according to JIS K 7136: 2000, it was 37.1%.

<Creation of photographic paper>
Using the intermediate transfer medium on which the above transparent characters and images were formed, retransfer (total transfer) was performed on the white PVC card to be transferred to form a printed matter. Transparent characters (convex shape) were formed on the surface of the printed matter. The height of the character (convex shape) was 10 μm.

[Example 2]
<Creation of thermal transfer sheet>
The same as in Example 1 except that the following coating liquid for the release layer was applied to the other surface of the base material, and the coating liquid for the transparent resin layer was applied on the release layer. The thermal transfer sheet 2 was prepared.
(Coating liquid for release layer)
・ Acrylic resin filler (RS mat 10 manufactured by Showa Ink Industry Co., Ltd.) 45 parts by mass ・ Acrylic resin (cell top 226 manufactured by Daicel Chemical Industries, Ltd.) 38 parts by mass ・ Aluminum catalyst (cell top CAT-A Daicel) (Manufactured by Kogyo Co., Ltd.) 12 parts by mass, 7 parts by mass of toluene, 7 parts by mass of methyl ethyl ketone

<Thermal transfer onto an intermediate transfer medium>
Next, thermal transfer was performed on the intermediate transfer medium in the same manner as in Example 1 except that the thermal transfer sheet 2 was used. The convex shape on the intermediate transfer medium was matted.
When measured in the same manner as in Example 1, the glossiness of this convex portion at a measurement angle of 20 degrees was 49.7%, and the haze was 48.6%.

<Creation of photographic paper>
Subsequently, a printed matter was formed in the same manner as in Example 1. Transparent characters (convex shape) were formed on the surface of the printed matter. The height of the character (convex shape) was 12 μm. In addition, the letters were clear and easy to read.

[Comparative Example 1]
<Thermal transfer onto an intermediate transfer medium>
Thermal transfer was performed in the same manner as in Example 1 except that the transparent resin layer of the thermal transfer sheet 1 was not transferred onto the intermediate transfer medium.

<Creation of photographic paper>
Subsequently, a printed matter was formed in the same manner as in Example 1. No transparent characters (convex shape) were formed on the surface of the printed matter.

10 Thermal transfer sheet 11 Base material sheet 12 Transparent resin layer 13 Color material layer (13A yellow, 13B magenta, 13C cyan)
14 1st transfer layer 15 Intermediate transfer medium 16 Base material 17 Protective layer 18 Receptive layer 19 2nd transfer layer 20 Convex shape 21 2nd transfer layer with convex shape on the surface 22 Intermediate transfer with convex shape on the surface Medium 23 Transferee 24 Convex shape 25 Printed matter 26 Release layer

Claims (9)

A method of forming a transparent convex shape on an intermediate transfer medium using a thermal transfer sheet.
A step of preparing a thermal transfer sheet including a substrate sheet and a first transfer layer containing at least a transparent resin layer on one surface of the substrate sheet.
A step of preparing an intermediate transfer medium including a base material and a second transfer layer including at least a receiving layer on one surface of the base material.
A step of transferring a color material layer included in the thermal transfer sheet or a color material layer included in a different thermal transfer sheet onto the receiving layer of the intermediate transfer medium to form an image.
After image formation by the color material layer, the transparent resin layer of the thermal transfer sheet was superposed on the receiving layer of the intermediate transfer medium and heat-transferred, and the transparent resin layer was partially laminated on the intermediate transfer medium. A method comprising, forming a transparent convex image. The method according to claim 1, wherein the thermal transfer sheet further includes a release layer between the base material sheet and the transparent resin layer. The method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the thermal transfer sheet includes a coloring material layer as the first transfer layer so as to be surface-sequential with the transparent resin layer. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the image formed by the color material layer and the image formed by the transparent resin layer are different images. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the second transfer layer further includes a protective layer between the base material and the receiving layer. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the transparent resin layer and the receiving layer contain the same resin. A method of forming a printed matter having a transparent convex shape on the surface using an intermediate transfer medium.
A step of preparing an intermediate transfer medium having a transparent convex shape formed on the surface by the method according to any one of claims 1 to 6.
The process of preparing the transfer material and
A step of superimposing a second transfer layer of the intermediate transfer medium on a transfer target and performing thermal transfer to form a printed matter having a transparent convex shape on the surface reflecting the convex shape of the second transfer layer. Including methods. The method according to claim 7, wherein the convex shape on the surface of the printed matter is a character. The method according to claim 7 or 8, wherein the height of the convex shape on the surface of the printed matter is 5 μm or more and 30 μm or less.