DE102009013517A1 - Method for manufacturing multi-layer laser-markable foil material for labels, involves applying color, doped with laser sensitive pigment, directly on foil of adhesive bond or on un-doped color layer - Google Patents

Abstract

The method involves applying a color (SW), doped with laser sensitive pigment, directly on a foil (L4) of an adhesive bond (CP) or on an un-doped color layer (L5) for forming a color layer (L6) and is hardened by ultraviolet-light. The foil material (F) is left in a stationary condition for allowed minimum time period. The doped color is applied directly on the color layer for forming another color layer (L7). Independent claims are also included for the following: (1) a laser-markable foil material; and (2) a label of laser-markable foil material.

Description

The Invention proposes a method for producing a multilayered laser-writable film material for labels. In addition, a sheet material produced therewith as well suggested labels made from them.

Out the prior art is laser-writable film material, too called laser foil for short, known in particular for the labeling and production of labels is suitable. The known laser films are usually based an adhesive bond made of a carrier material, an adhesive layer and a plastic film arranged thereon which essentially forms the later label.

From the DE 20 2006 013 892.7 For example, an adhesive bond of the aforementioned type is known which has a multilayer structure. As the lowermost layer, a carrier paper is provided as the carrier material, on which a silicone layer is applied. In addition, a pressure-sensitive adhesive layer is applied, on which in turn a plastic film, namely an acrylate film, is located. The acrylate film is in turn coated with various paints or varnishes as follows: First, a primer or primer is applied to the acrylate film, followed by a black printing ink layer, ie a black ink containing laser-sensitive pigments. In turn, there is a layer of transparent protective lacquer. An adhesive bond produced in this way makes it possible to provide film material for labels which can be inscribed by means of a laser. In this case, the laser light causes the pigments contained in the black-ink color layer to turn over and become transparent, so that a color layer located under the acrylate film will shine through at the inscription locations. However, the adhesive bond described here has the disadvantage that for reliable application of the respective color layers a primer or primer must be used in several layers. However, this leads to a rather complicated and therefore costly production process.

task The invention is a less expensive and less expensive Process for producing laser-writable film material for labels to propose an operational structure of a Bonding leads. In particular, the application of Color layers even without the use of Primerlack or primer allows become. Overall, a particularly cost-effective production be made possible by film material. Furthermore If a laser-writable film material to be proposed, on displays and other illuminated or transparent objects can be attached in the form of labels.

Solved The object is achieved by a method having the features of the claim 1. Also a produced by the process sheet material for Labels and a corresponding label proposed.

Therefore proposes the invention, in a first step to Formation of a first color layer one with laser-sensitive pigments doped paint directly on a film layer of an adhesive bond or to apply on an undoped colored layer located thereon and curing by means of UV light, and in a second Step the film material provided with the first color coat for a definable first minimum period of time in a retirement too leave as a third step to form a second Color layer on the doped with laser-sensitive pigments color apply the first coat of paint directly. Accordingly, will proposed a film material for labels, the one Adhesive bond and at least two color layers consisting of one having color doped with laser-sensitive pigments, wherein the at least two layers of paint directly on a foil layer of the Bonding or on an undoped on it paint layer are applied.

By the direct multi-layer application of color layers from the same Coloring material, namely the color doped with pigments, which preferably corresponds to a black print, results in a very cost effective to implement but still safer Haftverbund, which is very good for a later laser marking suitable is.

Preferably the adhesive bond also has a metal layer, in particular a Aluminum layer, on. This is preferably between the adhesive layer and the film arranged.

The adhesive bond is preferably also provided with a metal layer, in particular an aluminum layer. In this case, the metal layer or aluminum layer is preferably arranged in the adhesive bond between the adhesive layer and the film. This is done in particular by steaming the film with aluminum. From this material labels can be made which have transparent lettering, logos and the like by means of laser inscription, which can even be multicolored translucent and in particular for displays or transparent objects, such. As bottles, etc., can be used. Because with such a film material labels can be produced, which allow a transparent or transparent label. When labeling the laser light causes both an envelope of the pigments within the color layers (black pressure layers) as well as evaporation of the very thin metal layer at the respective labeling points. Such labels with translucent (transparent or multi-colored) lettering and / or logo are particularly well suited to be mounted on backlit displays.

at The manufacturing process can also in a further step to Forming a protective layer a transparent protective lacquer on the second color layer are applied. In this context is it is advantageous if the coated film material for a predetermined second minimum period of time is stored, in particular is stored conditioned. Increase these measures again the final adhesion of the applied color layers.

Of Furthermore, it can be provided that before the first step on the Films of the adhesive composite an undoped color layer, in particular a colorful layer of paint is applied. In this context can be provided that the color layer of at least two different Colors or colors is colored and applied so that the different colors within the color layer spatially Cover adjacent areas. Because by attaching Such a multi-part ink layer is the realization of single or multi-colored labels possible, with different Areas of the later label different colors can have.

Also it is beneficial if the first as well as the second color layer (Black print layers) are applied by means of anilox rollers, preferably in both application steps the same scoop volume is applied. The color used for this or the Black print has a pigment content of about 7-11%, preferably 8th%.

moreover may also be provided a protective layer by applying a protective varnish is formed by means of anilox rolls, however in this step, a larger scoop volume is applied.

Preferably becomes when applying the respective colors or the protective varnish adhered to a predetermined speed, for example between 30 m / min. and 40 m / min. lies. To carry out the second step, in which the film material after application The first color coat rests, is a minimum period of at least 2 hours respected.

to Implementation of the particular air-conditioned storage of finished coated film material is a period of at least 48 hours advantageous.

Also it is advantageous if when applying the colors as well as the Applying the protective varnish a temperature is maintained, the is between about 20 and 25 degrees Celsius.

Preferably the application of the colors or the protective varnish happens directly and without the use of primer. It has been shown that the procedure can be done especially well if used Colors are not older than half a year.

These and further advantages of the invention will become apparent from the dependent claims.

following the invention is based on embodiments and described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

The 1 schematically shows the sequence of a method according to the invention.

The 2 schematically shows the multilayer structure of a film material according to the invention in the form of an adhesive bond.

The 3a and 3b show exemplary embodiments of labels produced from the film material.

The 1 shows a schematic representation of the sequence of a method according to the invention 100 for the production of laser-writable film material, wherein subsequently also on 2 Reference is made, which illustrates the layer structure of such a sheet material.

In a first step 110 is applied to the film layer L4 of the adhesive CP or, as in this example, on a color layer located thereon L5, a first color layer L6, which is then cured by means of UV light. This first color layer L6 consists of a color material doped with pigments, which preferably has a black color or corresponds to a black print.

According to the invention is now in a further step 120 this first applied ink layer L6 for a minimum period of about 2 hours not further processed, but left alone. The rest period of at least 2 hours serves to ensure that this color layer L6 (black printing layer) can not easily detach from the starting material, ie from the underlying color layer L5 (colored layer) or the underlying layer L4. The application of the first color layer by means of anilox rollers, wherein a scoop volume of, for example, 7.5 cm ³ / m ^{2 is} maintained. As a color here is a color or a black printing type Y6-S1400, which is mixed with 8% pigments. The transfer of the ink from the anilox rollers to the actual surface takes place by means of a flexible cliché (so-called sleeve), which enables a seamless printing. The hardness of the tool (sleeve or pressure roller) is matched to the color and the material to be printed. The speed with which the paint is applied is about 32 m / min. and should be 40 m / min. do not exceed. Compliance with this rate is also important to ensure complete curing and optimal anchoring of the components to the material when exposed to UV light.

Through in step 120 maintained rest time, the adhesion of the coated paint is increased to the ground.

In a further step 130 , the several steps 131 to 133 includes, inter alia, the application of the same color (black print) to another color layer L7. In this case, in turn, one or the anilox roller is used and the same pumping volume of 7.5 cm ³ / m ^{2 is} maintained. The application of this further color layer L7 takes place in the partial step 131 ,

The following is in a sub-step 132 a transparent protective coating applied to a layer L8, wherein also an anilox roller is used. In this case, however, a higher scoop volume of, for example, 9.6 cm ³ / cm ^{2 is} set.

In a further step 133 Then the finished coated film material (see also F in 2 ) stored for a longer period of about 48 hours air-conditioned. By this measure, a particularly high final adhesion of the coatings is achieved.

In a final step 140 the produced film material F can be supplied to the laser inscription.

to Labeling of the film material becomes, for example, a Nd YAG Laser used. This has a wavelength of 1060 nm and has a beam quality of <S2.0. The pulse repetition frequency of 50 kHz is set at 10 watts of power. When the generated laser beam meets the film material, this does not lead to one reversible color change of the black color layers L6 and L7 in transparent zones.

The laser inscription ensures that the pigments present in the layers L6 and L7 turn over and thus have a transparent permeability. This results in a possibly underlying color layer shining through. The said layers L6, L7 and L8 can also be applied directly to the film L4 (see FIG. 2 ).

In However, the example described here has previously been a color coat L5 was applied to the film L4 and then subsequently the said layers L6 to L8 applied. The color layer L5 can different areas with different colors or Have bright colors, such as red RD or blue BL. Consequently is the realization of a multi-colored film material or label possible.

In addition, if the bond, as in 2 shown, also has a metal layer L3, this can be shot through by the irradiation with the laser at the labeling points. For example, here an aluminum layer L3 is provided, which is then evaporated at the labeled locations due to the laser action and transparent. From this material it is therefore possible to produce labels which have transparent lettering, logos and the like by means of laser inscription, which can even be multicolored translucent and can be used in particular for displays with backlighting (eg dashboard in a motor vehicle).

The provision of a metal layer can also be applied to an adhesive bond which does not have a color layer (see L5 in FIG 2 ) having. In this case, the laser inscription leads to the layers L6 and L7 as well as the aluminum layer L3 become transparent at the labeling points and thus labels with a clear transparent or at least white-opaque lettering can be formed. This finally creates a display film, which can be illuminated in the lasered areas by light sources, such as light sources of an instrument panel, from the background.

If, as in the example shown, a color layer with one or more colors is also provided (see layer L5 in FIG 2 ), also a colored translucent impression can be achieved.

With the adhesive bond CP described here (see p. 1 ) is essentially the composite of support material (layer or support film L1), adhesive (layer L2) and the actual label material (film L4) meant that has no applied layers (L5 to L8), but at most a metal layer (layer L3 ). The term "film material" or "laser film" is understood here to mean essentially the composite (layers L2 to L8) which is obtained after coating of the adhesive bond and removable from the carrier material (layer L1).

The Laser film described here or the adhesive bond is preferably made by using the following materials: As film L4 is particularly suitable for a PET film, for example, with Aluminum is vapor-deposited (see layer L3). The aluminum layer L3 gives the material the necessary opacity for the production the display foils in day and night design. To form the color layers For example, L6 and L7 come in a black Y6-S1400 color for use. As a protective lacquer for forming the layer L8, for example a glossy protective coating of the type U0720 can be used. The pigments doped in the color layers L6 and L7 are in the form of from so-called Laserflair 825 and 835 available. The for The colors used in layer L5 can be specific Background colors (eg, according to PANTONE color scheme or scheme, HKS or RAL standardized).

It has proven to be advantageous if the film produced at least Is stored conditioned for 48 hours after preparation before she arrives for further processing. By this measure can especially when temperature fluctuations occur, the emergence be avoided by condensate, which adversely affects the adhesion properties of the colors.

The used colors should not be older than half a year and should be just before production freshly mixed together according to recipe with the pigments become. This can be as even as possible Distribution of laser flair can be achieved. The actual coating takes place preferably in a temperature range between 20 and 25 degrees Celsius, to the viscosity of the colors not afterthoughts to impair.

through The laser technology can not only be a label of the manufactured Foil can be achieved, but can also cut out labels out of the film so that it lends itself to the film material as endless material to produce and offer. The coating and production is also with prefabricated goods on wheels, possible in a stack or as a sheet.

In the 3a and 3b For example, labels produced according to the invention are shown. In the 3a a first label LBL is shown, which is intended to reproduce a colorful color label. By laser inscription lettering and coding C or the like can be accurately lasered. For example, the codes (barcode, data matrix) appear in yellow or white and the lettering in green. This color impression can be defined by a sectioned multicolored colored layer (see L5 in 2 ).

In the 3b For example, a label LBL 'is shown, which is designed as an opaque display film. This means that the lasered areas C 'are transparent. The film material has the metal layer (see L4 in 2 ), which evaporates at the writing marks during laser marking. Depending on the application, a colored ink layer (see L5 in 2 ) can be omitted to achieve a clear, translucent effect, or can also be used partially colored (one or more bright colors) to achieve a colored translucent effect. Thus, this type of film is particularly suitable for use in backlights, such as in the instrument panel area of control systems, in interior areas in vehicles or aircraft and the like. For example, the codes C 'are not colored and appear clearly transparent, but the lettering is z. B. dyed blue.

It is also possible to use different colors in certain areas (compare layer L5 in 2 ).

The here presented procedures as well as the resulting products, like foil material and labels, are not just on the ones described here Use cases limited but can also transferred depending on the application to other applications or materials become.

100

Procedure with the steps 110 to 140 , in which 131 . 132 . 133 Sub-steps of the step 130 are

F

film material

CP

bonding with the following layers:

L1

backing

L2

adhesive layer

L3

metal layer (Optional)

L4

Foil, made of PET

L5

coat of paint from at least one color, here: RD red or BL blue spatially distributed

L6

first Pigment-doped ink layer (black print)

L7

second Pigment-doped ink layer (black print)

L8

protective layer from protective lacquer (optional)

LBL

label (without metal layer L3) with:

C

labeled Areas (logo, coding, lettering), non-transparent

LBL '

label (with metal layer L3) with:

C '

labeled Areas (logo, coding, lettering), transparent, here colored translucent, for use with displays

QUOTES INCLUDE IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list The documents listed by the applicant have been automated generated and is solely for better information recorded by the reader. The list is not part of the German Patent or utility model application. The DPMA takes over no liability for any errors or omissions.

Cited patent literature

• - DE 202006013892 [0003]

Claims (23)

Procedure ( 100 ) for producing a multilayer laser-writable film material (F) for labels, comprising the following steps: in a first step ( 110 ) is applied to form a first color layer (L6) with a laser-sensitive pigments doped color (SW) directly on a film (L4) of an adhesive bond (CP) or on an undoped thereon ink layer (L5) and cured by means of UV light; in a second step ( 120 ), the film material (F) provided with the first color layer (L6) is left in an idle state for a predefinable first minimum period of time; in a third step ( 130 ), the color (SW) doped with laser-sensitive pigments is applied directly to the first color layer (L6) to form a second color layer (L7) (substep 131 ). Procedure ( 100 ) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the adhesive bond (CP) is also provided with a metal layer, in particular an aluminum layer (L3). Procedure ( 100 ) according to claim 2, wherein the metal layer, in particular the aluminum layer (L3), in the adhesive bond (CP) between the adhesive layer (L2) and the film (L4) is arranged, in particular by vapor deposition of the film (L4) is applied. Procedure ( 100 ) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein in the third step ( 130 ) is applied to the second color layer (L7) to form a protective layer (L8) a transparent protective lacquer (sub-step 132 ). Procedure ( 100 ) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein in the third step ( 130 ) the coated film material (F) is stored for a predeterminable second minimum period of time, in particular is stored conditioned (sub-step 133 ). Procedure ( 100 ) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein before the first step ( 110 ) on the film (L4) of the adhesive bond (CP), the undoped color layer (L5), in particular as a colored ink layer, is applied. Procedure ( 100 ) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the undoped color layer (L5) by means of at least two different colors (RD, BL) is applied so that the different colors (RD, BL) within the color layer (L5) cover different spatially adjacent areas. Procedure ( 100 ) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein a black color or black print (SW) doped with laser-sensitive pigments is used to form the first and second color layers (L6, L7), which has a pigment content of 7% to 11%, in particular 8%, having. Procedure ( 100 ) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the color (SW) doped with laser-sensitive pigments is applied by means of anilox rollers to form the first and second color layers (L6, L7). Procedure ( 100 ) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the color (SW) doped with laser-sensitive pigments is applied by means of anilox rollers, wherein in both steps ( 110 . 131 ) the same scoop volume is applied. Procedure ( 100 ) according to one of claims 4 to 10, wherein to form the protective layer (L8) the protective lacquer is applied by means of anilox rollers, in which step ( 131 ) a larger scoop volume is used than in the two steps ( 110 . 131 ) for applying the color doped with laser-sensitive pigments (SW). Procedure ( 100 ) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein when applying the laser-sensitive pigments doped with the color (SW) and / or the protective coating by means of the anilox rollers a predetermined speed between 30 m / min. and 40 m / min. is complied with. Procedure ( 100 ) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein as a first minimum period of time a period of at least 2 hours is maintained. Procedure ( 100 ) according to one of claims 5 to 13, wherein as a second minimum period of time a period of at least 48 hours is maintained. Procedure ( 100 ) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein when applying the laser-sensitive pigments doped color (SW) and / or the protective coating, a temperature between 20 and 25 degrees Celsius is maintained. Procedure ( 100 ) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the application of the laser-sensitive pigments doped color (SW) and / or the protective lacquer is carried out directly and without the use of primer. Procedure ( 100 ) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein only one laser-sensitive pigment-doped (SW) color is used which is younger than 1/2 year. Laser inscribable foil material (F) for Eti chain having an adhesive bond (CP) and having two color layers (L6, L7) of a color (SW) doped with laser-sensitive pigments, wherein a first (L6) of the two color layers directly on a film (L4) of the adhesive bond (CP ) or on an undoped ink layer (L5) thereon and a second (L7) of the two color layers is applied directly on the first color layer (L6). Laser-writable film material (F) according to claim 18, wherein the adhesive bond (CP) with a metal layer, in particular an aluminum layer (L3) is provided. Laser-writable film material (F) according to claim 19, wherein the metal layer, in particular the aluminum layer (L3), in the adhesive bond (CP) between the adhesive layer (L2) and the Foil (L4) is arranged, in particular by vapor deposition of the film (L4) is applied. Label (LBL, LBL ') made of laser-inscribable foil material (F), which has an adhesive bond (CP) and the two color layers (L6, L7) of a color doped with laser-sensitive pigments (SW), wherein a first (L6) of the two color layers directly on a film (L4) of the adhesive bond (CP) or on one of them undoped color layer (L5) is applied and a second (L7) of the two color layers directly on the first color layer (L6) is applied. Label (LBL ') according to claim 21, wherein the adhesive composite (CP) also with a metal layer, in particular an aluminum layer (L3). Label (LBL ') according to claim 22, wherein the metal layer, in particular the aluminum layer (L3), in the adhesive bond (CP) between the adhesive layer (L2) and the film (L4) is arranged, in particular by vapor deposition of the film (L4) is applied.