BR112019017225B1 - METHOD FOR PRODUCING A DECAL, DECAL, DEVICE FOR PRODUCING A DECAL, AND METHOD FOR DECORATING SURFACES OF OBJECTS - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to a method for producing a decal (10, 10') with at least one decoration (12), comprising the steps of: - providing a transfer paper (14), - printing a primer (16) by means of inkjet printing on the transfer paper (14) and/or on an embossing film (18) comprising a support layer (20) and a decorative layer (22), and - applying, at least in sections, the embossing film (18) to the transfer paper (14) using hot or cold embossing. The invention also relates to a decal (10, 10'), in particular obtained according to the claimed method, comprising a transfer paper (14) and a decoration (12) which can be separated from the transfer paper (14). The decoration (12) comprises an inkjet-printed primer (16), a decorative layer (22), an embossing layer (18) and optionally an inkjet-printed colored layer and/or a colored layer (32) and/or an inkjet-printed protective coating (34). The invention also relates to a device (100, 100', 100") for producing a decal (10, 10') and to a method for decorating surfaces of objects (50), in particular three-dimensional objects (50).

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a method for producing a decal, and to a decal, as well as to a device for producing a decal, and to a method for decorating the surfaces of objects.

[0002] A variety of methods are known for decorating three-dimensional objects. Thus, for example, the slip method is known. Here, the different layers of a decoration are printed onto a transfer paper by means of screen printing. A disadvantage here is that a specially manufactured screen printing stencil is necessary, and thus has to be manufactured for each copy. The method is therefore not efficient for use in individual use, where only a few identical decorations are required, due to the plurality of screen printing stencils required. Due to the fact that in this method there is also a need for individual decoration layers to be dried for several hours first, before further layers can be applied, the method is also time-consuming and therefore expensive.

[0003] An object of the present invention is therefore to specify an improved method by means of which the indicated disadvantages are reduced or avoided.

[0004] The object is achieved by a method for producing a decal with at least one decoration, which comprises the steps of: - providing a transfer paper, - printing, by means of inkjet printing, a primer on the transfer paper and/or on a stamping film having a support layer and a decorative layer, - applying, at least in areas, the stamping film to the transfer paper by means of hot or cold stamping.

[0005] The method steps are preferably performed in the specified sequence.

[0006] The object is also achieved by a decal, in particular obtainable by a method according to the invention, which comprises a transfer paper and a decoration that can be separated from the transfer paper, wherein the decoration has an inkjet-printed primer, a decorative layer of a printing film and optionally an inkjet-printed paint and/or ink layer and/or an inkjet-printed protective varnish.

[0007] Furthermore, the object is achieved by a device for producing a decal having a transfer paper and at least one decoration, which comprises: at least a first inkjet printing head for printing a primer onto the transfer paper and/or onto a transfer film having a decoration layer and a carrier layer, and a printing station for applying the transfer film to the transfer paper, arranged downstream of the first inkjet printing head in the direction of transport of the transfer paper.

[0008] Furthermore, the object is achieved by a method for decorating the surfaces of objects, in particular three-dimensional objects, which comprises the steps of: - providing a decal, in particular a decal according to the invention, with a transfer paper and at least one decoration, - soaking the decal, in particular in water, and/or placing the decal in contact with a pad, and - applying the decoration to the object.

[0009] By means of the invention, decals can be manufactured particularly quickly, in-line and without the generation of tools. Since the generation of screen printing stencils is dispensed with in the present case, the method is also suitable for small quantities, in particular a quantity equal to one. The desired embodiments or designs of the decal can be generated electronically by means of corresponding software on a computer, then converted into corresponding electronic printing commands, and then printed on the transfer paper and/or the printing film in the desired format or design.

[0010] By means of the present invention, a simple, reliable and fast, in particular efficient, production method is generally created, which can be used in the manufacture of mass-produced goods and for individually manufactured decals. This is achieved in particular by digital inkjet printing.

[0011] In the present case, decals are understood to mean transfer designs in particular, which have a support material and in particular at least one decoration that can be detached from the support material. The decoration may have a motif. A motif may be, for example, a graphically drawn outline, a figurative representation, a picture, a visually recognizable design element, a symbol, a logo, a portrait, a pattern, an alphanumeric character, a text, a colored drawing, and so on. A water-soluble layer and/or a hot melt coating is in particular arranged between the support material and the motif. In particular, the term decal also covers slip-on decals.

[0012] Within the meaning of the invention, transfer paper is understood in particular to mean a paper or generally a substrate, preferably made of plastic and/or of a substance which is coated with a water-soluble layer such as, for example, dextrose, methyl cellulose and/or polyvinyl alcohol, and/or which is coated with a hot melt coating comprising, for example, wax and/or thermoplastic polymers. In particular, if the transfer paper has a water-soluble layer, the transfer paper is thus preferably a water transfer paper. In particular if the transfer paper has a hot melt coating, the transfer paper is preferably a hot transfer paper. The transfer paper can be supplied in rolls and as sheets.

[0013] A water transfer paper and/or a hot transfer paper are preferably provided as the transfer paper. Thus, it is possible for the transfer paper to be a water transfer paper and/or a hot transfer paper.

[0014] The transfer paper is preferably torn off before the decoration is applied to the object to be decorated.

[0015] Decoration is understood in particular to mean the layers or folds of decal which are transferred to the object to be decorated at a later time. The decal may have the primer and at least a part of the printing foil, in particular at least a part of the decorative layer. If, however, additional layers are applied to and/or printed on the printing foil and/or the decorative layer of the printing foil or the primer during the production of the decal, then these layers also represent in principle parts of the decoration.

[0016] The term transfer film refers to particular transfer films having a self-supporting carrier film on which a decorative layer is arranged which can be detached from the carrier film. The decorative layer can be transferred or conveyed to a substrate. The decorative layer can have several full-surface and/or partial layers.

[0017] The surfaces of objects are not in principle adjusted to a specific shape. The surfaces may be cylindrical, wavy, pyramidal, conical, curved, concave and/or convex. They may also be angular, in particular rectangular or generally polygonal, oval, round and/or flat.

[0018] The objects may be objects made of glass, ceramics, porcelain, plastic, wood and/or paper and/or metal and/or composites of various different materials, for example plastic/glass, plastic/metal, plastic/wood, plastic/paper. It may be advantageous to pre-treat the surface of the objects, for example by means of plasma or luminous electric discharge treatment and/or by means of pre-coating with a layer of adhesion promoter, for example with one or more layers of polymeric adhesion promoter.

[0019] The decorative layer of the stamping film can be formed with a single layer or multiple layers. The support layer of the stamping film is preferably made of PET, PC, PP, PE, PVE and/or PS. The support layer protects and stabilizes the decorative layer in particular during the production, storage and processing of the stamping film.

[0020] The decorative layer is in particular detachable from the carrier layer. In order to ensure reliable detachment between the carrier layer and the decorative layer, the printing film may have a release layer between the carrier layer and the decorative layer. The release layer is preferably designed in such a way that, on the one hand, it ensures safe handling of the printing film without the decorative layer separating from the carrier layer before the printing film is applied to the transfer paper, but, on the other hand, it makes it possible to detach, at least in areas, the decorative layer from the carrier layer after the printing film has been applied or when the decorative layer is transferred to the transfer paper.

[0021] The release layer preferably has a layer thickness of 0.001 μm to 1 μm, in particular a layer thickness of 0.001 μm to 0.1 μm, and particularly preferably a layer thickness of about 0.01 μm. The release layer can comprise waxes and/or silicones. It is advantageously a polymeric release layer. The release layer is particularly preferably wax-free and/or silicone-free. A layer that can be overprinted very well, in particular with conventional printing inks, with UV-curing printing inks, UV-curing varnishes, hybrid inks and/or hybrid varnishes (UV = ultraviolet, ultraviolet radiation), is thereby obtained. Good adhesion between the decorative layer and the print and/or printing inks can also be achieved in this way.

[0022] The release layer advantageously comprises hydroxypropylmethyl cellulose, in particular 90% by weight to about 100% by weight of hydroxypropylmethyl cellulose (% by weight = percentage by weight).

[0023] The decorative layer advantageously has at least one metal layer. The metal layer ensures in particular the visual appearance of the decorative layer and/or the decoration. The metal layer preferably comprises aluminium or consists of aluminium. However, it is also possible for the metal layer to be made of copper, chromium and/or tin, or to comprise an alloy thereof. The metal layer preferably has a layer thickness of 5 nm to 100 nm, in particular a layer thickness of 5 nm to 50 nm, and particularly preferably a layer thickness of 15 nm to 25 nm, wherein the metal layer is preferably vapor deposited by means of known PVD or CVD (PVD = Physical Vapor Deposition; CVD = Chemical Vapor Deposition) methods. The metal layer, which consists of metallic paints in particular, in particular with fine metallic pigments, can also additionally or alternatively have some printing thereon. The metal layer can extend over the entire surface, or it can be present only partially. A partial metal layer can be structured in particular by means of known demetallization methods, such as etching, washing methods or photolithographic methods.

[0024] The decorative layer preferably has at least one ink layer. The ink layer is preferably printed by means of gravure printing, screen printing, flexographic printing and/or inkjet printing, and preferably has a layer thickness of 0.2 μm to 10 μm, in particular a layer thickness of 0.5 μm to 3 μm. The ink layer can be present over the entire surface and/or partially. The ink layer can be opaque or translucent or transparent, and in each case can be colorless or colored. The chromaticity can be achieved by means of dyes and/or pigments in the ink layer. For example, the ink layer consists of polyacrylates.

[0025] It is also particularly possible to provide the paint layer and the metal layer partially in each case, and to arrange the partially provided areas in line with each other. For example, the metal layer and/or the paint layer, individually or together, represent a pattern or in each case a pattern or partial pattern.

[0026] Alignment or alignment, alignment accuracy or alignment accuracy is understood to mean a positional accuracy of two or more elements and/or layers relative to each other. The alignment accuracy must vary within a predefined tolerance, which must be as small as possible. At the same time, the alignment accuracy of several elements and/or layers relative to each other is an important characteristic in order to increase the reliability in the process. Positionally exact positioning can be carried out in particular by means of sensory, preferably optically detectable alignment marks or alignment marks. These alignment marks or alignment marks can either represent special separate elements or areas or layers, or they themselves form part of the elements or areas or layers to be positioned.

[0027] The decorative layer preferably has a base coat. The base coat ensures in particular good adhesion between the decorative layer or the printing film and the primer. The base coat preferably has a layer thickness of 0.2 μm to 10 μm, in particular a layer thickness of 0.5 μm to 10 μm, and particularly preferably a layer thickness of 0.4 μm to 0.6 μm.

[0028] Basecoats having the following composition have proven to be advantageous: Polyvinyl butyral 25% to 50% Styrene maleic anhydride 50% to 75%

[0029] In particular, sharp quinine embossing can be achieved by using styrene maleic anhydride. Furthermore, the crosslinking reactions possible with the primer can also be catalyzed in this way, i.e. made possible and/or improved.

[0030] The decorative layer may preferably comprise at least one lacquer layer, in particular a protective lacquer layer. The protective lacquer layer represents in particular a protection against mechanical and/or chemical stress for the decorative layer and/or the decoration on an object to be decorated. The lacquer layer and/or the protective lacquer layer preferably have a layer thickness of 0.4 μm to 10 μm, in particular a layer thickness of 0.5 μm to 5 μm, and particularly preferably a layer thickness of 1 μm to 1.5 μm. The lacquer layer and/or the protective lacquer layer advantageously has/have an isocyanate crosslinking. In particular, higher scratch, wear and chemical resistance can be achieved thereby. If the lacquer layer or the protective lacquer layer contains colorants, the layer can influence the optical impression of the decorative layer.

[0031] Varnish layers and/or protective varnish layers having the following composition have proven to be advantageous: polyol acrylate polyvinyl butyral diisocyanate 36 wt% to 56 wt%, 9 wt% to 14 wt%, 30 wt% to 40 wt% dyes 0 wt% to 25 wt%.

[0032] At least the lacquer layers and/or the protective lacquer layers and/or the base coat, in particular all of these layers, are advantageously provided with polymers containing hydroxyl groups. The layers thereby achieve a sufficiently high tensile strength, with the result that the decorative layer or the decoration applied to the object to be decorated does not experience cracking and/or blistering during tempering in an oven. The subsequently applied inkjet paint and the protective lacquer can also be provided with polymers containing hydroxyl groups.

[0033] The printed primer defines in particular the surface area or surface areas for the transfer of the printing foil or for the subsequent decoration. The primer preferably serves here as an adhesion promoter or adhesive to which the decoration adheres. In particular, the adhesion between the decoration and the primer is greater than the adhesion between the decoration and the unprimed surface areas.

[0034] In particular, the primer has only a very small number of solid constituents, such as particulate matter and/or particles, which must not exceed a particular size, in particular a size of 2 μm to 10 μm. In this way, it can be achieved that the nozzles of the print head do not become clogged. The primer is preferably unpigmented. In particular, the primer does not have any filler.

[0035] The primer is advantageously printed with an areal density of 0.5 g/m2 to 20 g/m2. The printed primer preferably has a layer thickness of 0.05 μm to 10 μm, in particular a layer thickness of 1 μm to 5 μm. Within this area, which ensures particularly good adhesion, the applied quantity and/or the layer thickness of the primer can be varied in order to further optimize the application result, thus in particular the adhesion of the decor to the primer.

[0036] Furthermore, it is also preferable that the primer is printed at an application temperature of 20°C to 75°C, preferably 40°C to 60°C, and/or with a viscosity in the range of 5 mPas to 100 mPas, preferably 10 mPas to 15 mPas. A temperature control of the print head here in particular ensures that the primer has the desired viscosity. In particular, the pixel size and pixel format of the applied primer depend on the viscosity, whereby with the specified values a better printability of the primer can be ensured.

[0037] A primer having the following composition has proven advantageous: 4-(1-oxo-2-propenyl)morpholine exo-1,7,7-trimethylbicyclo acrylate 29 wt % to 50 wt %, [2.2.1]hept-2-yl 2-phenoxy ethyl acrylate 25 wt % to 50 wt %, 25 wt % to 50 wt %, dipropylene glycol diacrylate 2,4,6-trimethyl benzoyl diphenyl phosphine oxide 3 wt % to 10 wt %, 3 wt % to 10 wt %.

[0038] Such a formulation results in particular in a fast complete cure and a viscosity that makes possible a good printability with a stable application and sharp edge at the same time.

[0039] A light-curing primer, in particular one that cures with UV radiation, is preferably printed on top.

[0040] In the present case, light is understood not only as the part of electromagnetic radiation visible to the human eye, but also as the regions adjacent to visible light, in particular infrared and/or ultraviolet radiation. The physical definition of light, i.e. that light encompasses the entire electromagnetic spectrum, essentially applies.

[0041] The primer can be partially cured or pre-cured and/or completely cured by means of radiation, preferably by means of UV radiation, in particular by means of UV radiation with LED.

[0042] The quality of the primer application can be improved by a pre-curing. In particular, the viscosity of the primer is thereby increased before the printing film is applied. This prevents the applied primer pixels from running or being squeezed together too much during the transfer, with the result that a particularly sharp-edged application of the printing film and a particularly high surface quality of the transferred layers are achieved. However, a slight joint squeezing of the primer pixels may be entirely desirable in order to bring directly adjacent primer pixels closer together and to combine them. This may be advantageous, for example in the case of closed surface areas and/or at motif edges, in order to avoid pixelation of the representation, i.e. to prevent individual pixels from appearing in an optically disruptive manner. The joint squeezing should only be carried out to the extent that the desired resolution is not reduced too much.

[0043] In order to prevent a squeezing together of an image and/or a pattern generated by the printed primer, it is advantageous to pre-cure the primer, preferably with a low UV radiation power. The primer is in particular partially gelatinized in this way.

[0044] The pre-curing of the primer is preferably carried out 0.02 s to 0.025 s after the primer is printed. The primer is thus fixed on the transfer paper very quickly after printing due to the pre-curing, with the result that primer drops are largely prevented from running off or spreading, and a high printing resolution is preserved as well as possible. For this reason, for example, a radiation source can be arranged directly adjacent to the print head for printing the primer.

[0045] It is expedient here if the pre-curing of the primer is carried out by means of UV radiation, of which preferably at least 90% of the energy is emitted in the wavelength range between 380 nm and 420 nm. At these wavelengths, the pre-curing is initiated reliably.

[0046] It is also advantageous if the pre-curing of the primer is carried out with a gross irradiance of 2 W/cm2 to 5 W/cm2 and/or a net irradiance of 0.7 W/cm2 to 2 W/cm2 and/or an energy input to the primer of 8 mJ/cm2 to 112 mJ/cm2. In this way, it is possible for the primer to achieve the desired increase in viscosity while it is not completely cured, with the result that the necessary adhesive effect of the primer is preserved when the stamping film is applied.

[0047] The pre-curing of the primer is preferably carried out with an exposure time of 0.02 s to 0.056 s. The energy input required for the pre-curing is thus ensured at the mentioned transport speeds of the transfer paper and the specified irradiances.

[0048] It is expedient if, during pre-curing of the primer, its viscosity increases to 50 mPas to 200 mPas. Such an increase in viscosity may mean that drops of primer are squeezed together during application of the transfer film to the transfer paper, with the result that the transfer film may be transferred to the transfer paper at substantially the resolution obtained during printing of the primer.

[0049] The complete curing of the primer is preferably carried out after the printing film has been applied. It is expedient here if the complete curing of the primer is carried out with UV light, of which preferably at least 90% of the energy is emitted in the wavelength range between 380 nm and 420 nm. At these wavelengths, the complete curing is reliably initiated.

[0050] Furthermore, it is preferred that full cure of the primer be performed with a gross irradiance of 12 W/cm2 to 20 W/cm2 and/or a net irradiance of 4.8 W/cm2 to 8 W/cm2 and/or an energy input to the primer of 200 mJ/cm2 to 900 mJ/cm2, preferably 200 mJ/cm2 to 400 mJ/cm2. A reliable full cure of the primer is obtained with such an energy input.

[0051] Furthermore, it is advantageous if the complete cure of the primer is carried out with an exposure time of 0.04 s to 0.112 s. The net energy input required for the complete cure of the primer is thereby ensured at the specified gross irradiances and usual transport speeds.

[0052] It is advantageous if the complete curing of the primer takes place together with the complete curing of other layers, which were also additionally printed on the transfer paper. The entire decoration is thus completely cured in just one step, which makes the method very efficient.

[0053] The primer is preferably dried after printing, preferably dried by means of IR radiation (IR = infrared). The duration here is preferably between 1 s and 60 s and/or the temperature is between 40°C and 120°C.

[0054] The embossing film is preferably applied in a rolling method. For this purpose, the embossing station has at least one embossing roller and/or an embossing wheel and/or a curved embossing punch.

[0055] In a further step, at least one ink and/or at least one ink layer are preferably printed by means of inkjet printing. The ink and/or the ink layer are in particular printed on the printing foil or on the decorative layer. The ink and/or the ink layer form/form in particular a part of the decoration and thus also determine/determine the visual appearance of the decoration. In particular, the ink and/or the ink layer can be applied in alignment with an element of the printing foil. The element can be a registration mark and/or a motif on the printing foil.

[0056] A light-curable ink and/or ink layer, in particular a UV-curable ink, particularly preferably a LED-curable ink, in particular preferably a UV-LED curable ink, is preferably printed.

[0057] The paint and/or paint layer can be partially cured or pre-cured and/or completely cured by means of radiation, preferably by means of UV radiation, in particular by means of UV radiation with LED. In particular, the partial and/or complete curing of the paint and/or paint layer is carried out in a manner analogous to or under the same conditions as in the case of the primer described in the present case.

[0058] The layer thickness of the paint and/or the paint layer is preferably between 0.5 μm and 10 μm, in particular between 0.5 μm and 5 μm.

[0059] Paints and/or paint layers having the following composition have proven to be advantageous: 2-phenoxyethyl acrylate 25 wt% to 50 wt%, 4-(1-oxo-2-propenyl)morpholine acrylate exo-1,7,7-trimethylbicyclo[2.2.1]hept-2-yl 2,4,6-trimethyl diphenyl phosphine oxide 10 wt% to 25 wt%, 20 wt% to 25 wt%, benzoyl 10 wt% to 25 wt%, dipropylene glycol diacrylate 3 wt% to 10 wt%.

[0060] In a further step, at least one protective varnish is preferably printed by means of inkjet printing. In particular, the protective varnish is printed on the decorative layer and/or the paint and/or the ink layer. The protective varnish forms in particular a part of the decoration.

[0061] The protective varnish protects the decoration on an object to be decorated in particular against mechanical and/or chemical stress.

[0062] Preferably, a light-curing, in particular UV-curing, particularly preferably LED-curing, in particular preferably UV-LED-curing, protective varnish is printed.

[0063] The protective varnish can be partially cured or pre-cured and/or completely cured by means of radiation, preferably by means of UV radiation, in particular by means of UV radiation with LED. In particular, the partial and/or complete curing of the protective varnish is carried out in a manner analogous to or under the same conditions as in the case of the primer described in the present case.

[0064] The layer thickness of the protective varnish is preferably between 0.5 μm and 10 μm, in particular between 0.5 μm and 5 μm.

[0065] Protective varnishes having the following composition have proven to be advantageous: 2-phenoxyethyl acrylate 4-(1-oxo-2-propenyl)morpholine acrylate exo-1,7,7-trimethylbicyclo[2.2.1]hept-2-yl oxide 2,4,6-trimethylbenzoyl diphenylphosphine dipropylene glycol diacrylate

[0066] It is 25 wt.% to 50 wt.%, 10 wt.% to 25 wt.%, 20 wt.% to 25 wt.%, protection are completely cured together. In addition to the complete curing of the paint and/or paint layer and protective varnish together, the complete curing of the primer is advantageously carried out. Ideally, a complete curing is carried out when all layers that ultimately form the decoration, in particular the decorative layer, the paint/paint layer and/or the protective varnish, have been applied and/or printed on the transfer paper. If one of the layers to be cured within the layer composite to be cured is not sufficiently permeable to the radiation that is necessary for its curing, it is advantageous to irradiate with the radiation necessary for curing two opposite sides of the transfer paper. In principle, however, it is also possible for the individual layers of decoration or the decal to be cured separately in each case.

[0067] The production of the decal and/or decoration is advantageously carried out in an in-line production, in particular in an assembly line production. In this case, in-line production is understood to mean in particular a continuous production. This means that the decals are produced substantially without interruption, in particular in a continuous process. If a method step for the production of the decal is carried out, then the subsequent method step follows essentially directly. The individual method steps are changed from one another almost seamlessly. In particular, no intermediate storage and/or winding or stacking of the decal and/or decoration is carried out during an in-line production.

[0068] A carrier is expediently applied in a further step. The carrier ensures in particular better handling of the decoration and/or decal during further processing. The carrier is preferably applied to the decoration. In particular, the carrier is applied to an outermost side of the decoration. By the outermost side of the decoration, in particular, a free side of the decoration is understood which faces away from the object when the decoration is applied to the object. The carrier is thus arranged on a side of the decoration which faces away from the transfer paper.

[0069] Because the backing is applied to the particular decal as a final layer, the backing also serves to protect the decoration from damage. The backing may be applied to the decorative layer, the paint and/or the protective varnish. The backing may cover the entire surface of the decal or, alternatively, cover only those surface areas of the decal to which the decoration is applied.

[0070] The support preferably has a layer thickness between 10 μm and 500 μm, preferably a layer thickness between 10 μm and 200 μm, particularly preferably a layer thickness between 20 μm and 30 μm. An acrylate film, in particular a self-crosslinkable acrylate film, is preferably used as the support. The support can be formed self-supporting.

[0071] The application of the support is advantageously carried out by means of printing. This can be carried out either by screen printing or preferably by means of inkjet printing.

[0072] It is advantageous if the application or printing of the support is carried out substantially immediately after the manufacture of the decoration. The application of the support is thus preferably carried out in particular as an integral constituent of the production of the decal. The application of the support is advantageously carried out in in-line manufacture.

[0073] For printing the layers, in particular the primer, the ink, the paint layer, the protective varnish and/or the carrier, at least one inkjet print head is preferably used. At least one separate inkjet print head is preferably used for each layer to be printed.

[0074] The inkjet print head may have in particular a resolution of 300 to 1,200 nozzles per inch (npi). A high-resolution application of the layers thereby becomes possible. The inkjet print head may have a nozzle diameter of 15 μm to 25 μm with a tolerance of no greater than ±5 μm and/or a nozzle spacing of 30 μm to 150 μm, in particular a nozzle spacing of 30 μm to 80 μm, with a tolerance of no greater than ±5 μm. The small nozzle spacing, in particular transverse to the printing direction, ensures that the transferred drops of the layers to be printed are sufficiently close to each other or optionally even overlap, with the result that a good resolution is achieved over the entire printed surface.

[0075] The inkjet print head can be designed in such a way that the drops of the layers to be printed are provided at a frequency of 6 kHz to 110 kHz. At usual conveying speeds of the transfer paper to be printed of 10 m/min to 30 m/min, a resolution of 360 dpi to 1,200 dpi can thus be achieved in the transport direction. It is expedient if the drops of the layers to be printed are provided by the inkjet print head with a volume of 2 pl to 50 pl with a tolerance of no greater than ±6%. The required amount of the layers to be printed can thus be applied uniformly.

[0076] Furthermore, the inkjet print head is formed in such a way that the drops of the layers to be printed are provided at a flight speed of 5 m/s to 10 m/s with a tolerance of no greater than ±15%. Deflection of the drops, in particular by air currents, is thereby minimized during transfer from the print head to the transfer paper and/or the decorative layer, with the result that the drops land on the transfer paper and/or the decorative layer in the desired defined arrangement.

[0077] The device for producing a decal preferably has at least one second inkjet printing head for printing an ink and/or an ink layer onto the printing film and/or the decorative layer. The second inkjet printing head is in particular arranged downstream of the printing station in the direction of transport of the transfer paper.

[0078] It is expedient if the device has at least a third inkjet print head for printing a protective varnish on the decorative layer and/or the ink. The third inkjet print head is in particular arranged downstream of the second inkjet print head in the transport direction of the transfer paper.

[0079] The individual layers of the decoration can be applied to the transfer paper in line due to the arrangement of the inkjet print heads in the transport direction of the transfer paper one behind the other or in a row.

[0080] The device preferably has at least one curing apparatus for pre-curing and/or fully curing the primer, the paint and/or the paint layer and/or the protective varnish. A UV light source, in particular a (UV)LED light source, can be used as the curing apparatus.

[0081] In principle, a curing apparatus can be arranged behind, in the direction of transport of the transfer paper, each inkjet print head which prints a light-curing, in particular UV-curing, ink or UV-curing substance. In this way it is possible that, after the ink or substance has left the printer, it can be immediately at least pre-cured or else also completely cured.

[0082] The device preferably has a curing apparatus between the first inkjet print head and the printing station. The curing apparatus serves in particular to pre-cure the primer, with the result that it partially gelatinizes and a joint squeezing of the image and/or motif generated by the printed primer is reduced and/or prevented.

[0083] It is advantageous if a curing apparatus, preferably exclusively a curing apparatus, is arranged downstream, in the direction of transport of the transfer paper, of the rearmost inkjet print head which prints a light-curable, in particular UV-curable, ink. All layers can thus be completely cured in just a single process or in just a single method step. If a second inkjet print head is present, a curing apparatus can be arranged downstream of the second inkjet print head in the direction of transport of the transfer paper. If, in addition to the second inkjet print head, the device also has a third inkjet print head, then a curing apparatus is preferably arranged downstream of the third inkjet print head in the direction of transport of the transfer paper. A curing apparatus which is arranged behind the second inkjet print head but in front of the third inkjet print head in the direction of transport of the transfer paper can then in particular be dispensed with.

[0084] The device may have a drying apparatus for drying the primer. The drying apparatus is preferably arranged behind the first inkjet print head and in front of the embossing station in the direction of transport of the transfer paper.

[0085] It is expedient if the device has an apparatus for applying a carrier to the decoration. The apparatus is preferably arranged downstream of the embossing station, the second inkjet print head or after the third inkjet print head in the direction of transport of the transfer paper. Ideally, the apparatus is preferably located downstream, in the direction of transport of the transfer paper, after the embossing station or the inkjet print head that produces an outermost layer and/or the outermost side of the decoration. It is thus possible for the carrier to form the final layer of the decal. The carrier thereby protects the decoration against damage.

[0086] It is advantageous if the apparatus for applying the support is formed as at least a fourth inkjet print head.

[0087] It is expedient if the object provided with the decoration is cured. The adhesion of the decoration or the adhesion between the base coat and the primer and/or the resistance of the decoration to, for example, water, alcohol, wear and/or nails can be improved in this way. The decorated object is preferably cured at a time interval between 10 minutes and 30 minutes and/or at a temperature between 165°C and 200°C. The decoration must in particular be formed in such a way that it is resistant to scratches from nails after being immersed in 52% alcohol for 30 minutes and/or being immersed in water for 60 minutes.

[0088] The decoration is preferably transferred to the object by means of pad printing. It is thus possible to integrate the decoration of the object and the production of the decoration in-line or in an in-line manufacture, in particular in an assembly line manufacture. In particular, a substantially fully automated method for decorating objects can thus be created. In principle, however, the manual transfer of the decoration to the object is also conceivable.

[0089] Furthermore, it is possible that the detachment of the decal from the transfer paper is preferably carried out by placing the decal on the transfer paper in contact, or upon contact, with a particularly heated pad, rather than by soaking the transfer paper, in particular water transfer paper, in water.

[0090] Here, the transfer paper preferably comprises a hot melt coating, which has in particular a melting range between 50°C and 150°C, preferably between 80°C and 120°C. For this purpose, the hot melt coating of the transfer paper may have, for example, predominantly constituents made of a wax and/or made of a thermoplastic polymer. Such a transfer paper, which has a hot melt coating, is in particular a hot transfer paper.

[0091] The adhesive strength of the hot melt coating is advantageously reduced when the hot melt coating is heated to a temperature within the melting range in such a way that the transfer paper, in particular the hot melt transfer paper, can be torn off or separated from the decal, in particular the decoration.

[0092] Furthermore, it is advantageous if the pad is heated actively and/or passively in particular before and/or during the transfer. The temperature range of the heated pad is advantageously between 70°C and 150°C, preferably between 120°C and 140°C. In this way, it is possible for the hot melt coating of the transfer paper, in particular of the hot transfer paper, to soften when the pad is brought into contact or upon contact with the decal and for a transfer of the decal, in particular of the decoration on the pad to be carried out. The transfer paper, in particular of the hot transfer paper, is then advantageously removed from the decoration. The transfer of the decal, in particular of the decoration, on the object and possible further processing is preferably carried out as described above or analogously to the design of the transfer paper as a water transfer paper.

[0093] The decoration may be arranged on the object in alignment with other elements of the object, for example its external contours, the internal and/or external contours of the object, other decorative elements, colorings, functional elements and so on. If the object is fixed to a part receiver, for example, during the application of the decoration, the decoration on the object may also be arranged in alignment with elements and/or against the part receiver. In this way, it is possible to insert the decoration into an existing overall design and/or an overall function of the object.

[0094] The decal, the decoration of which is transferred to an object, is advantageously produced by means of a method according to the invention.

[0095] If the decal has a backing, then it is advantageous if the backing is removed from the decoration after the decoration has been applied to the object. The backing can, however, also remain on the object, for example, for an even longer time during transport and/or during storage of the object.

[0096] The invention is explained by way of example below with reference to several exemplary embodiments with the aid of the attached figures. They are shown in:

[0097] Figure 1 - a schematic representation of a method as well as a device in a drawing for producing a decal in an embodiment,

[0098] Figure 2 - a schematic representation of another method, as well as a device in another drawing for producing a decal in a further embodiment,

[0099] Figure 3 - a schematic representation of another method, as well as a device in another drawing for producing a decal in a further embodiment,

[0100] Figure 4 - a schematic representation of a stamping film in one embodiment,

[0101] Figure 5 - a schematic representation of a method for decorating surfaces of objects,

[0102] Figure 6 - a schematic representation of an additional method for decorating surfaces of objects.

[0103] Figure 1 shows a schematic representation of a method as well as a device 100 in a drawing for producing a decal 10 in one embodiment.

[0104] Provision of a transfer paper 14 is carried out in a method step A. In a method step B, a primer 16 is then printed, by means of inkjet printing, on the transfer paper 14 and/or on a printing film 18 having a decorative layer 22 and a support layer 20. The printed primer 16 defines in particular the surface area or surface areas for the transfer of the printing film or for the subsequent decoration 12. The device 100 preferably has at least a first inkjet print head 102 for printing the primer 16.

[0105] The transfer paper 14 is preferably a water transfer paper and/or a hot transfer paper.

[0106] In particular, the primer 16 has only a very small number of solid constituents, such as a particulate material and/or particles, which must not exceed a particular size, in particular a size between 2 μm and 10 μm. It is thereby ensured that the nozzles of an inkjet print head 102 are not clogged. The primer 16 is preferably unpigmented. The primer 16 has in particular no filler.

[0107] The primer 16 is advantageously printed with an areal density of 0.5 g/m2 to 20 g/m2. The printed primer 16 preferably has a layer thickness of 0.05 μm to 10 μm, in particular a layer thickness of 1 μm to 5 μm. Within this area, which ensures particularly good adhesion, the applied quantity and/or the layer thickness of the primer 16 can be varied in order to further optimize the application result.

[0108] Furthermore, it is preferable that the primer 16 is printed at an application temperature of 20°C to 75°C, preferably 40°C to 60°C, and/or with a viscosity in the range of 5 mPas to 100 mPas, preferably 10 mPas to 15 mPas.

[0109] Primers 16 having the following composition have proven to be advantageous:

[0110] The primer 16 is preferably a light-curable, in particular UV-curable, primer 16. The primer 16 can be pre-cured or partially cured and/or completely cured in a method step C. For this purpose, the device 100 preferably has a curing apparatus 110. The curing apparatus 110 preferably has at least one UV light source with LED.

[0111] The application quality of the primer 16 can be improved by a pre-curing. In particular, the viscosity of the primer 16 is thereby increased before the printing film 18 is applied. This prevents the applied primer pixels from running or being squeezed together too much during the transfer, with the result that a particularly sharp-edged application of the printing film 18 and a particularly high surface quality of the transferred layers are achieved. However, a slight joint squeezing of the primer pixels can also be entirely desirable in order to place the primer pixels directly adjacent to each other and to combine them. This is advantageous in particular, for example, in the case of closed surface areas and/or at motif edges, in order to avoid pixelation of the representation, i.e. to prevent the individual pixels from appearing in an optically disruptive manner. The joint squeezing should only be carried out to the extent that the desired resolution is not reduced too much.

[0112] In order to prevent the squeezing together of an image and/or a pattern generated by the printed primer 16, it is advantageous to pre-cure the primer 16, preferably with a low UV radiation power. The primer 16 is in particular partially gelatinized in this way.

[0113] The pre-curing of the primer 16 is preferably carried out 0.02 s to 0.025 s after the primer 16 has been printed. The primer 16 is thus fixed on the transfer paper 14 very quickly after printing due to the pre-curing, with the result that primer drops are largely prevented from running off or spreading, and a high resolution of the print is preserved as well as possible. For this, for example, a radiation source can be arranged directly adjacent to the print head 102 for printing the primer 16.

[0114] It is expedient here if the pre-curing of the primer 16 is carried out by means of UV radiation, of which preferably at least 90% of the energy is emitted in the wavelength range between 380 nm and 420 nm. At these wavelengths, the pre-curing is reliably initiated.

[0115] It is also advantageous if the pre-curing of the primer 16 is carried out with a gross irradiance of 2 W/cm2 to 5 W/cm2 and/or a net irradiance of 0.7 W/cm2 to 2 W/cm2 and/or an energy input to the primer 16 of 8 mJ/cm2 to 112 mJ/cm2. In this way, it is possible for the primer 16 to have the desired increase in viscosity, but while it is not yet completely cured, with the result that the necessary adhesive effect of the primer 16 is preserved when the stamping film 18 is applied.

[0116] The pre-curing of the primer 16 is preferably carried out with an exposure time of 0.02 s to 0.056 s. The energy input required for the pre-curing is thereby ensured at the mentioned transport speeds of the transfer paper 14 and the specified irradiances.

[0117] It is expedient if, during pre-curing of the primer 16, its viscosity increases to 50 mPas to 200 mPas. Such an increase in viscosity ensures that the primer droplets are not squeezed together during application of the printing film 18 to the transfer paper 14, with the result that the printing film 18 can be transferred to the transfer paper 14 substantially with the resolution obtained during printing of the primer 16.

[0118] In addition to the pre-curing or partial curing of the primer 16, a complete curing of the primer 16 can also take place at a later point in time. In principle, however, it is also possible to dispense with a pre-curing of the primer 16. Simply, only a complete curing of the primer 16 can then take place.

[0119] The complete curing of the primer 16 is preferably carried out after the application of a printing film 18 or additional layers. It is expedient if the complete curing of the primer 16 is carried out with UV light, of which preferably at least 90% of the energy is emitted in the wavelength range between 380 nm and 420 nm. At these wavelengths, the complete curing is reliably initiated.

[0120] Furthermore, it is preferred that full cure of primer 16 be performed with a gross irradiance of 12 W/cm2 to 20 W/cm2 and/or a net irradiance of 4.8 W/cm2 to 8 W/cm2 and/or an energy input to the primer of 200 mJ/cm2 to 900 mJ/cm2, preferably 200 mJ/cm2 to 400 mJ/cm2. A reliable full cure of primer 16 is obtained with such an energy input.

[0121] Furthermore, it is advantageous if the complete curing of the primer 16 is carried out with an exposure time of 0.04 s to 0.112 s. The net energy input required for the curing of the primer 16 is thereby ensured at the specified gross irradiances and the usual transport speeds.

[0122] It is advantageous if the complete curing of the primer 16 takes place together with the complete curing of additional layers that have also been additionally printed or applied to the transfer paper 14. The entire decor 12 can thus be completely cured in particular in just one step, which makes the method very efficient.

[0123] In Figure 1, an application, at least in areas, of the embossing film 18 to the transfer paper 14 is carried out in a method step D. In Figure 1, the application is carried out by means of hot embossing in a rolling method. The embossing film 18 is applied to the transfer paper 14 in particular under pressure and temperature. The hot embossing is preferably carried out by means of an embossing station 104, which preferably has at least one embossing roller and/or an embossing wheel. After embossing the embossing film 18, the carrier layer 20 is preferably torn off the decorative layer 22 and only at least a part of the decorative layer 22 remains on the transfer paper 14.

[0124] In a method step E, at least one ink and/or at least one ink layer 32 are printed by means of inkjet printing. The ink and/or the ink layer 32 is/are here in particular printed on the decorative layer 22. The ink and/or the ink layer 32 form in particular a part of the decoration 12 and thus influence/influence the visual appearance of the decoration 12. The device 100 preferably has at least one second inkjet print head 106 for printing the ink and/or the ink layer 32.

[0125] A light-curable, in particular UV-curable, particularly preferably LED-curable, particularly preferably UV-LED-curable ink and/or ink layer 32 is preferably printed. In particular, the ink and/or ink layer 32 can be applied in alignment with an element of the printing film 18. The element can be a registration mark and/or a motif on the printing film 18.

[0126] The paint and/or paint layer 32 can be partially cured or pre-cured and/or completely cured by means of radiation, preferably by means of UV radiation, in particular by means of UV radiation with LED. In particular, the paint or paint layer 32 is completely cured and/or pre-cured in a manner analogous to the primer 16.

[0127] The thickness of the paint layer and/or ink layer 32 is preferably between 0.5 µm and 10 µm, in particular between 0.5 µm and 5 µm. Paints and/or paint layers 32 having the following composition have proven to be advantageous: 2-phenoxyethyl acrylate 25 wt% to 50 wt%, 4-(1-oxo-2-propenyl)morpholine 10 wt% to 25 wt%, exo-1,7,7-trimethylbicyclo[2.2.1]hept-2-yl acrylate 20 wt% to 25 wt%, 2,4,6-trimethylbenzoyldiphenylphosphine oxide 10 wt% to 25 wt%, dipropylene glycol diacrylate 3 wt% to 10 wt%.

[0128] In a method step F, at least one protective varnish 34 is printed by means of inkjet printing. In particular, the protective varnish 34 is printed on the ink and/or paint layer 32. The protective varnish 34 in particular forms a part of the decoration 12 and protects the decoration 12 on an object 50 to be decorated in particular against mechanical and/or chemical stress. The device 100 preferably has at least a third inkjet print head 108 for printing the protective varnish 34.

[0129] Preferably, a light-curable, in particular UV-curable, particularly preferably LED-curable, particularly preferably UV-LED-curable protective varnish 34 is printed. The protective varnish 34 can be partially cured or pre-cured and/or completely cured by means of radiation, preferably by means of UV radiation, in particular by means of UV radiation with LED. In particular, the protective varnish 34 is completely cured and/or pre-cured in a manner analogous to the primer 16.

[0130] The layer thickness of the protective varnish 34 is preferably between 0.5 µm and 10 µm, in particular between 0.5 µm and 5 µm. Protective varnishes 34 having the following composition have proven advantageous: 2-phenoxyethyl acrylate 25 wt.-% to 50 wt.-%, 4-(1-oxo-2-propenyl)morpholine 10 wt.-% to 25 wt.-%, exo-1,7,7-trimethylbicyclo[2.2.1]hept-2-yl acrylate 20 wt.-% to 25 wt.-%, 2,4,6-trimethylbenzoyldiphenylphosphine oxide 10 wt.-% to 25 wt.-%, dipropylene glycol diacrylate 3 wt.-% to 10 wt.-%,

[0131] In a method step G, the paint and/or paint layer 32 and the protective varnish 34 are preferably completely cured together. For complete curing, the device 100 preferably has a curing apparatus 112. The curing apparatus 112 is preferably designed as a UV-LED light source.

[0132] In addition to the complete curing of the paint and/or the paint layer 32 and the protective varnish 34 together, the complete curing of the primer 16 is also advantageously carried out. Ideally, a complete curing is carried out when all layers 16, 22, 32, 34 that ultimately form the decor 12 have been applied and/or printed on the transfer paper 14.

[0133] The production of the decal 10 is advantageously carried out in a line production, in particular in an assembly line production. The decal 10 is preferably produced here substantially without interruption, in particular in a continuous process. If a method step for the production of the decal 10 has been carried out, then the subsequent method step follows essentially directly. The individual method steps are interchanged with each other almost seamlessly.

[0134] The finished decal 10 is represented in a step I of the method. The decal 10 comprises the transfer paper 14 and the decoration 12 which can be separated from the transfer paper 14. The decoration 12 preferably comprises the primer 16 printed by means of inkjet printing, the decorative layer 22 of the printing film 18, in particular comprising a metallic layer 28, and the ink and/or the paint layer 32 printed by means of inkjet printing and the protective varnish 34 printed by means of inkjet printing.

[0135] For printing the layers, in particular the primer 16, the ink, the ink layer 32, the protective varnish 34 and/or a carrier 36, at least one inkjet print head 102, 106, 108, 116 is preferably used. At least one separate inkjet print head 102, 106, 108, 116 is preferably used for each layer 16, 32, 34, 36 to be printed.

[0136] The inkjet print head 102, 106, 108, 116 may have in particular a resolution of 300 to 1,200 nozzles per inch (npi). A high resolution application of the layers 16, 32, 34, 36 thereby becomes possible. The inkjet print head 102, 106, 108, 116 may have a nozzle diameter of 15 μm to 25 μm with a tolerance of no greater than ±5 μm and/or a nozzle spacing of 30 μm to 150 μm, in particular a nozzle spacing of 30 μm to 80 μm, with a tolerance of no greater than ±5 μm. The small nozzle spacing, in particular transverse to the printing direction, ensures that the transferred drops of layers 16, 32, 34, 36 to be printed are sufficiently close to each other or optionally even overlap, with the result that a good resolution is achieved over the entire printed surface.

[0137] The inkjet print head 102, 106, 108, 116 may be formed in such a way that the drops of the layers 16, 32, 34, 36 to be printed are provided at a frequency of 6 kHz to 110 kHz. At usual driving speeds of the transfer paper 14 to be printed, of 10 m/min to 30 m/min, a resolution of 360 dpi to 1,200 dpi may thus be obtained in the transport direction. It is expedient if the drops of the layers 16, 32, 34, 36 to be printed are provided by the inkjet print head 102, 106, 108, 116 with a volume of 2 pl to 50 pl with a tolerance of no greater than ±6%. The required amount of layers 16, 32, 34, 36 to be printed can thus be applied evenly.

[0138] Furthermore, the inkjet print head 102, 106, 108, 116 is formed in such a way that the drops of the layers 16, 32, 34, 36 to be printed are provided at a flight speed of 5 m/s to 10 m/s with a tolerance of no greater than ±15%. Deflection of the drops, in particular by air currents, is thereby minimized during transfer from the print head 102, 106, 108, 116 to the transfer paper 14 and/or the decorative layer 22, with the result that the drops land on the transfer paper 14 and/or the decorative layer 22 in the desired defined arrangement.

[0139] Figure 2 shows a schematic representation of a further method as well as a device 100' in a further drawing for producing a decal 10 in a further embodiment. The method shown in Figure 2 differs from the method shown in Figure 1 substantially in that it is a cold stamping method instead of a hot stamping method and the primer 16 is dried in a step C' of the method. For drying or partially drying the primer 16, the device 100' has a drying apparatus 114. The duration of the partial drying and/or drying is preferably between 1 s and 60 s and/or the drying temperature is preferably between 40°C and 120°C. In principle, however, it is possible that the drying apparatus 114 and thus step C' of the method can be dispensed with. With regard to further steps A and B of the method as well as E to I, reference is made to the indications made with respect to Figure 1.

[0140] Figure 3 shows a schematic representation of another method, as well as a device 100" in another drawing for producing a decal 10' in a further embodiment.

[0141] In Figure 3, the stamping film 18 - as already shown in Figure 1 - is applied by means of hot stamping. With regard to method steps A to G as well as I and the corresponding device apparatuses 102, 110, 104, 106, 108 and 112, reference is therefore made to the information given with respect to Figure 1. In principle, however, it is also possible that the stamping film 18 in Figure 3 is applied by means of cold stamping instead of hot stamping.

[0142] The device 100' shown in Figure 3 has an apparatus 116 for applying a support 36 to the decoration 12. The apparatus 116 is arranged downstream of the second curing apparatus 112 in the direction of transport of the transfer paper 14. Ideally, the apparatus 116 is at least preferably downstream, in the direction of transport of the transfer paper 14, after the inkjet print head 108 which produces an outermost layer 38 and/or an outermost side of the decoration 12. It is thus possible for the support 36 to form the final layer of the decal 10'. The support 36 thereby protects the decoration 12 against damage. The support 36 also ensures better handling of the decoration 12 and/or the decal 10' during further processing. The apparatus for applying the support 36 is advantageously formed as at least a fourth inkjet print head 116.

[0143] It is advantageous if the application or printing of the support 36 is performed substantially immediately after the manufacture of the decoration 12. The application of the support 36 is advantageously performed in in-line manufacture.

[0144] The support 36 preferably has a layer thickness between 10 μm and 500 μm, preferably a layer thickness between 10 μm and 200 μm, particularly preferably a layer thickness between 20 μm and 30 μm. An acrylate film, in particular a self-crosslinkable acrylate film, is preferably used as support 36.

[0145] Figure 4 shows a schematic representation of a stamping film 18 in one embodiment. The stamping film 18 has a support layer 20 and a decorative layer 22, wherein the decorative layer 22 of the stamping film 18 may be formed in a single layer or in multiple layers.

[0146] The backing layer 20 of the embossing film 18 is preferably made of PET, PC, PP, PE, PVE and/or PS. The backing layer 20 protects and stabilizes the decorative layer 22 in particular during the production, storage and processing of the embossing film 18.

[0147] The decorative layer 22 is in particular detachable from the carrier layer 20. In order to be able to ensure a reliable detachment between the carrier layer 20 and the decorative layer 22, the printing film 18 may preferably have a release layer 24 between the carrier layer 20 and the decorative layer 22. The release layer 24 is preferably designed in such a way that, on the one hand, it ensures safe handling of the printing film 18 without the decorative layer 22 separating from the carrier layer 20 before the printing film 18 is applied to the transfer paper 14, but, on the other hand, it makes it possible to detach, at least in areas, the decorative layer 22 from the carrier layer 20 after the printing film 18 has been applied or when the decorative layer 22 is transferred to the transfer paper 14.

[0148] The release layer 24 preferably has a layer thickness of 0.001 μm to 1 μm, in particular a layer thickness of 0.001 μm to 0.1 μm, particularly preferably a layer thickness of about 0.01 μm. The release layer 24 can comprise waxes and/or silicones. It is advantageously a polymeric release layer 24. The release layer 24 is particularly preferably wax-free and/or silicone-free. A layer that can very well receive an overprint, in particular with conventional printing inks, with UV-curing printing inks, UV-curing varnishes, hybrid inks and/or hybrid varnishes, is thereby obtained. A good adhesion between the decorative layer and the print and/or printing inks can also be achieved in this way.

[0149] The release layer 24 advantageously comprises hydroxypropylmethyl cellulose, in particular from 90% by weight to about 100% by weight of hydroxypropylmethyl cellulose.

[0150] Furthermore, the decorative layer 22 shown in Figure 4 preferably has at least one metal layer 28. The metal layer 28 ensures in particular the visual appearance of the decorative layer 22 and/or the decoration 12. The metal layer 28 is preferably made of aluminium. However, it is also possible for the metal layer 28 to be made of copper, chromium and/or tin, or to comprise an alloy thereof. The metal layer 28 preferably has a layer thickness of 5 nm to 100 nm, in particular a layer thickness of 5 nm to 50 nm, particularly preferably a layer thickness of 15 nm to 25 nm. The metal layer 28 is preferably vapor deposited by means of PVD or CVD methods (PVD = Physical Vapor Deposition; CVD = Chemical Vapor Deposition). The metal layer 28, which consists in particular of inks loaded with metallic pigments, can also be additionally or alternatively printed. The metal layer 28 may be over the entire surface or may be present only partially. A partial metal layer may be structured in particular by means of known demetallization methods, such as etching, washing methods or photolithographic methods.

[0151] In principle, however, it is also conceivable that the decorative layer 22 has an ink layer. The ink layer is preferably printed by means of gravure printing, screen printing, flexographic printing, inkjet printing, and has a layer thickness of 0.2 μm to 10 μm, in particular a layer thickness of 0.5 μm to 3 μm. The ink layer can be present over the entire surface and/or partially. The ink layer can be opaque or translucent or transparent and in each case can be colorless or colored. The chromaticity can be achieved by means of dyes and/or pigments in the ink layer. For example, the ink layer consists of polyacrylates.

[0152] In particular, it is also possible for the decorative layer 22 to have a paint layer and a metal layer 28, whereby the layers are preferably to be provided partially in each case and the partially provided areas are to be arranged in line with one another. For example, the metal layer 28 and/or the paint layer, individually or together, represent a motif, or in each case a motif or a partial motif.

[0153] The decorative layer 22 may also have a base coat 30. The base coat 30 ensures in particular good adhesion between the decorative layer 22 or the printing film 18 and the primer 16. The base coat 30 preferably has a layer thickness of 0.2 μm to 10 μm, in particular a layer thickness of 0.5 μm to 3 μm, particularly preferably a layer thickness of 0.4 μm to 0.6 μm.

[0154] Base coatings 30 having the following composition have proven to be advantageous: polyvinyl butyral 25 wt% to 50 wt%, styrene maleic anhydride 50 wt% to 75 wt%.

[0155] The decorative layer 22 may also preferably comprise at least one varnish layer 26, in particular a protective varnish layer. The protective varnish layer 26 represents in particular a protection against mechanical and/or chemical stress for the decorative layer 22 and/or the decoration 12 on an object 60 to be decorated.

[0156] The lacquer layer and/or the protective lacquer layer 26 preferably has a layer thickness of 0.4 μm to 10 μm, in particular a layer thickness of 0.5 μm to 5 μm, particularly preferably a layer thickness of 1 μm to 1.5 μm. The lacquer layer and/or the protective lacquer layer 26 advantageously has an isocyanate crosslinking. In particular, increased scratch, wear and chemical resistance can be achieved thereby. If the lacquer layer or the protective lacquer layer 26 contains dyes, the layer 26 can influence the optical impression of the decorative layer 22 and/or the decoration 12.

[0157] Varnish and/or protective varnish layers 26 having the following composition have proven to be advantageous: polyol acrylate 36% by weight to 56% by weight, polyvinyl butyral 9% by weight to 14% by weight, diisocyanate 30% by weight to 40% by weight, dyes 0% by weight to 25% by weight.

[0158] At least the lacquer layers and/or the protective lacquer layers 26 and/or the base coat 30, in particular all of these layers, are advantageously provided with polymers containing hydroxyl groups. The layers thereby obtain a sufficiently high tensile strength, with the result that the decorative layer 22 or the decoration 12 applied to the object 60 to be decorated does not experience cracking and/or blistering during tempering in a furnace.

[0159] Figure 5 shows a schematic representation of a method for decorating surfaces of objects 50 by means of steps K to P of the method.

[0160] The surfaces of the objects 50 are in principle not adjusted to a specific shape. The surfaces may be cylindrical, wavy, pyramidal, conical, curved, concave and/or convex. They may also be angular, in particular rectangular or generally polygonal, oval, round and/or flat.

[0161] The objects 50 may be objects 50 made of glass, ceramic, porcelain, plastic, wood and/or paper and/or metal and/or composites of various different materials, for example plastic/glass, plastic/metal, plastic/wood, plastic/paper. It may be advantageous to pre-treat the surface of the objects 50, for example by means of plasma or luminous electrical discharge treatment and/or by means of pre-coating with an adhesion promoter layer, for example with one or more layers of polymeric adhesion promoters.

[0162] The provision of the decal 10' is carried out in a method step K. The decal 10' is preferably produced by means of a method according to the invention. In principle, the provision of a decal 10 without a support 36 is also conceivable. The decal 10' is soaked in a method step L. The decal 10' is preferably immersed in water 118. Due to the soaking of the decal 10', a water-soluble layer of the transfer paper 14 dissolves and the transfer paper 14 can be removed from the decor 12 together with the support 36. Because of the water-soluble layer of the transfer paper 14, the transfer paper 14 shown in Figure 5 is a water transfer paper. This is represented in a method step M in Figure 5. In a method step N, the decoration 12 is now applied to the object 50 together with the carrier 36. Then, the detachment of the carrier 36 from the decoration 12 is then preferably carried out. This is represented in a method step O in Figure 5. The outer side 38 of the decoration is exposed by removing the carrier 36. In a method step P, the finished decorated object 60 having the decoration 12 is shown. The transfer of the decoration 12 is preferably carried out in line with the production of the decal 10, 10'.

[0163] It is expedient if the object 50 provided with the decoration 12 is cured. The adhesion of the decoration 12 or the adhesion between the individual layers of the decoration 12, in particular between the base coat 30 and the primer 16, can thereby be improved. The resistance of the decoration 12 to, for example, water, alcohol, wear and/or fingernails is also improved. For this purpose, the decorated object 60 is preferably cured for a time interval between 10 minutes and 30 minutes and/or at a temperature between 165°C and 200°C. The decoration 12 should in particular be designed in such a way that it is resistant to fingernail scratches after being immersed in 52% alcohol for 30 minutes and/or being immersed in water for 60 minutes.

[0164] Figure 6 shows a schematic representation of an additional method for decorating surfaces of objects 50.

[0165] Provision of the decal 10 is performed in a method step K. After the decal 10 has been soaked preferably in the water 118 in a method step L, the transfer paper 14 can be removed from the decoration 12. This happens in a method step M1 in Figure 6. The transfer paper 14 shown in Figure 6 is a water transfer paper. The decoration 12 is transferred to the object 50 in a method step N' by means of pad printing, preferably by means of a pad 120. A finished decorated object 60 is thereby obtained.

[0166] Furthermore, it is also possible that the detachment of the decal 10 from the transfer paper 14 is preferably also carried out by bringing the decal 10 onto the transfer paper in contact with, or upon contact with, a particularly heated pad instead of, as shown in Figure 5 and Figure 6, soaking the transfer paper, in particular the water transfer paper, in water. Here, the transfer paper 14 expediently comprises a hot melt coating, which has in particular a melting range between 50°C and 150°C, preferably between 80°C and 120°C. For this purpose, the hot melt coating of the transfer paper 14 can have, for example, predominantly constituents made of a wax and/or made of a thermoplastic polymer. Such a transfer paper 14, which has a hot melt coating, is a hot transfer paper.

[0167] The adhesion strength of the hot melt coating is advantageously reduced when the hot melt coating is heated to a temperature within the melting range in such a way that the transfer paper 14, in particular the hot melt transfer paper, can be torn off or separated from the decal 10, in particular from the decoration 12.

[0168] Furthermore, it is advantageous if the pad is heated actively and/or passively in particular before and/or during the transfer. The temperature range of the heated pad is advantageously between 70°C and 150°C, preferably between 120°C and 140°C. In this way, it is possible for the hot melt coating of the transfer paper 14 to soften when the pad is brought into contact or upon contact with the decal 10, and for a transfer of the decal 10, in particular of the decoration 12 on the pad to be carried out.

[0169] The transfer paper 14 is then advantageously removed from the decoration 12. The transfer of the decal 10, in particular the decoration 12, onto the object 50 and possible further processing are preferably carried out as described above or analogously to the design of the transfer paper 14 as a water transfer paper.

[0170] The decoration of the object 50 and the production of the decal 10, 10' are preferably integrated in-line or in an in-line manufacturing, in particular in an assembly line manufacturing. In particular, a substantially fully automated method for the decoration of the objects 50 can thereby be created. List of Reference Numbers 10, 10' decal 12 decoration 14 transfer paper 16 primer 18 stamping film 20 carrier layer 22 decorative layer 24 release layer 26 varnish (protective) layer 28 metallic layer 30 base coat 32 ink/paint layer 34 protective varnish 36 carrier 38 outer side of decoration 50 object 60 decorated object 100, 100', 100" device 102 first inkjet print head 104, 104' stamping station 106 second inkjet print head 108 third inkjet print head 110 first curing apparatus (pre-cure/full cure) 112 second curing apparatus (full cure) 114 drying apparatus 116 carrier/fourth inkjet print head application apparatus 118 water 120 A-P cushion method steps

Claims (15)

1. A method for producing a decal (10, 10') with at least one decoration (12), characterized in that it comprises the steps of: - providing a transfer paper (14), wherein a water transfer paper is provided as the transfer paper (14), - printing, by means of inkjet printing, a primer (16) on the transfer paper (14) and/or on a stamping film (18) having a support layer (20) and a decorative layer (22), and - applying, at least in areas, the stamping film (18) to the transfer paper (14) by means of hot or cold stamping, in a further step at least one ink and/or at least one ink layer (32) is printed by means of inkjet printing, and/or in a further step at least one protective varnish (34) is printed by means of inkjet printing, wherein the ink and/or the ink layer (32) and/or the protective varnish (34) are applied to the transfer paper (14) by means of a hot or cold stamping process. protection (34) are completely cured by radiation. 2. Method according to claim 1, characterized in that a hot transfer paper is provided as transfer paper (14) and/or the transfer paper (14), in particular the hot transfer paper, has a hot melt coating, which has in particular a melting range between 50°C and 150°C, preferably between 80°C and 120°C, and/or that the transfer paper (14), in particular the water transfer paper, comprises a water-soluble layer, wherein the water-soluble layer preferably comprises dextrose, methyl cellulose and/or polyvinyl alcohol. 3. Method according to either of claims 1 or 2, characterized in that it comprises printing on a light-curing primer (16), wherein the primer (16) is partially cured and/or completely cured by means of radiation, preferably by means of UV radiation, in particular by means of UV radiation with LED, and/or the primer (16) is dried, preferably dried by means of IR radiation. 4. Method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the primer is printed at an application temperature of 20°C to 75°C, preferably of 40°C to 60°C and/or the provision of a primer (16) with a viscosity in the range of 5 mPas to 100 mPas, preferably in a range of 10 mPas to 15 mPas and/or the embossing film (18) is applied in a rolling method. 5. Method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that in said additional step at least one ink and/or at least one ink layer (32) is printed by means of inkjet printing onto the decorative layer (22), and/or in said additional step at least one protective varnish (34) is printed by means of inkjet printing, preferably onto the decorative layer (22) and/or onto the ink and/or the ink layer (32). 6. Method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the paint and/or the paint layer (32) and/or the protective varnish (34) are completely cured by means of UV radiation, in particular by means of UV radiation with LED and/or the paint and/or the paint layer (32) and the protective varnish (34) and preferably the primer (16) are completely cured together and/or the production of the decal (10, 10') and/or the decoration (12) is carried out in an in-line production, in particular in an assembly line production and/or a support (36) is applied to the decoration (12) in a further step. 7. Decal (10, 10') which can be obtained by a method as defined in any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that it comprises a transfer paper (14) and a decoration (12) which can be separated from the transfer paper (14), wherein the decoration (12) has a primer (16) printed by means of inkjet, a decorative layer (22) of a printing film (18) and optionally an ink and/or an ink layer (32) printed by means of inkjet and/or a protective varnish (34) printed by means of inkjet. 8. Decal (10, 10') according to claim 7, characterized in that the transfer paper (14) is a water transfer paper and/or a hot transfer paper and/or the transfer paper (14), in particular the hot transfer paper, has a hot melt coating, which in particular has a melting range between 50°C and 150°C, preferably between 80°C and 120°C, and/or wherein the transfer paper (14), in particular the water transfer paper, comprises a water-soluble layer, wherein the water-soluble layer preferably comprises dextrose, methyl cellulose and/or polyvinyl alcohol. 9. Decal (10, 10') according to either of claims 7 or 8, characterized in that the decorative layer (22) has a metallic layer (28), comprising aluminum in particular, and optionally a base coat (30) and/or a protective varnish layer (26). 10. Decal (10, 10') according to any one of claims 7 to 9, characterized in that it comprises a support (36) which is arranged on a side of the decoration (12) facing away from the transfer paper (14), in particular that the support (36) has a layer thickness of 10 μm to 500 μm, preferably a layer thickness of 10 μm to 200 μm, in particular a layer thickness of 20 μm to 30 μm and/or the support (36) is formed as an acrylate film, in particular as a self-crosslinkable acrylate film. 11. Device (100, 100', 100") for producing a decal (10, 10') having a transfer paper (14) and at least one decoration (12), by means of a method as defined in any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that it comprises: at least a first inkjet printing head (102) for printing a primer (16) on the transfer paper (14) and/or on a transfer film (18) having a decoration layer (22) and a support layer (20), and a transfer station (104, 104'), for applying the transfer film to the transfer paper, arranged downstream of the first inkjet printing head (102) in the transport direction of the transfer paper (14). 12. Device (100, 100', 100") according to claim 11, characterized in that it comprises at least a second inkjet print head (106) arranged downstream of the stamping station (104) in the direction of transport of the transfer paper (14) for printing an ink and/or an ink layer (32) on the stamping film (18) and/or on the decorative layer (22) and/or characterized in that it comprises at least a third inkjet print head (108) arranged downstream of the second inkjet print head (106) in the direction of transport of the transfer paper (14) for printing a protective varnish on the decorative layer (22) and/or on the ink and/or on the ink layer (32). 13. Device (100, 100', 100") according to either of claims 11 or 12, characterized in that it comprises at least one curing apparatus (110, 112), in particular a UV light source, for pre-curing and/or completely curing the primer (16), the ink and/or the ink layer (32) and/or the protective varnish (34), in particular that a curing apparatus (110) is arranged between the first inkjet print head (102) and the embossing station (104) and/or that a curing apparatus (112) is arranged downstream of the third inkjet print head (108) in the transport direction of the transfer paper (14). 14. Method for decorating surfaces of objects (50), in particular three-dimensional objects, characterized in that it comprises the steps of: - providing a decal (10, 10') as defined in any one of claims 7 to 10 with a transfer paper (14) and at least one decoration (12), - soaking the decal (10, 10'), in particular in water (118), and/or placing the decal in contact with a pad, - applying the decoration (12) to the object (50). 15. Method according to claim 14, characterized in that the decoration (12) is transferred to the object (50) by means of pad printing and/or the decoration (12) is transferred to the object (50) manually.