WO2004028794A2 - Dimensionally stable laminate with removable web carrier and method of manufacture - Google Patents
Dimensionally stable laminate with removable web carrier and method of manufacture Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- WO2004028794A2 WO2004028794A2 PCT/US2003/029606 US0329606W WO2004028794A2 WO 2004028794 A2 WO2004028794 A2 WO 2004028794A2 US 0329606 W US0329606 W US 0329606W WO 2004028794 A2 WO2004028794 A2 WO 2004028794A2
- Authority
- WO
- WIPO (PCT)
- Prior art keywords
- laminate
- web carrier
- polymer
- polymer film
- layer
- Prior art date
Links
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 title claims description 45
- 238000004519 manufacturing process Methods 0.000 title claims description 17
- 238000003475 lamination Methods 0.000 claims abstract description 39
- 239000000758 substrate Substances 0.000 claims abstract description 29
- 229920000642 polymer Polymers 0.000 claims abstract description 25
- 238000012545 processing Methods 0.000 claims abstract description 16
- 229920006254 polymer film Polymers 0.000 claims description 123
- 238000004049 embossing Methods 0.000 claims description 59
- 229920002620 polyvinyl fluoride Polymers 0.000 claims description 56
- 239000011347 resin Substances 0.000 claims description 45
- 229920005989 resin Polymers 0.000 claims description 45
- 239000010408 film Substances 0.000 claims description 37
- 239000000463 material Substances 0.000 claims description 27
- 229920000728 polyester Polymers 0.000 claims description 18
- 239000000853 adhesive Substances 0.000 claims description 17
- 230000001070 adhesive effect Effects 0.000 claims description 17
- 229920000515 polycarbonate Polymers 0.000 claims description 9
- 239000004417 polycarbonate Substances 0.000 claims description 9
- NIXOWILDQLNWCW-UHFFFAOYSA-N acrylic acid group Chemical group C(C=C)(=O)O NIXOWILDQLNWCW-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 claims description 8
- 238000010030 laminating Methods 0.000 claims description 7
- JOYRKODLDBILNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N Ethyl urethane Chemical compound CCOC(N)=O JOYRKODLDBILNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 claims description 6
- 239000002033 PVDF binder Substances 0.000 claims description 6
- 238000005266 casting Methods 0.000 claims description 6
- 229920005644 polyethylene terephthalate glycol copolymer Polymers 0.000 claims description 6
- 239000004800 polyvinyl chloride Substances 0.000 claims description 6
- 229920000915 polyvinyl chloride Polymers 0.000 claims description 6
- 229920002981 polyvinylidene fluoride Polymers 0.000 claims description 6
- 239000000956 alloy Substances 0.000 claims description 4
- 229910045601 alloy Inorganic materials 0.000 claims description 4
- 239000004642 Polyimide Substances 0.000 claims description 3
- 229920001721 polyimide Polymers 0.000 claims description 3
- 229920006267 polyester film Polymers 0.000 claims 1
- 238000013461 design Methods 0.000 abstract description 9
- 239000010410 layer Substances 0.000 description 137
- 230000001681 protective effect Effects 0.000 description 9
- 238000010276 construction Methods 0.000 description 6
- 230000014759 maintenance of location Effects 0.000 description 6
- 239000000047 product Substances 0.000 description 6
- 229920001169 thermoplastic Polymers 0.000 description 5
- 239000004416 thermosoftening plastic Substances 0.000 description 5
- 239000011248 coating agent Substances 0.000 description 4
- 238000000576 coating method Methods 0.000 description 4
- 125000000391 vinyl group Chemical group [H]C([*])=C([H])[H] 0.000 description 4
- 229920002554 vinyl polymer Polymers 0.000 description 4
- 238000007639 printing Methods 0.000 description 3
- 239000004925 Acrylic resin Substances 0.000 description 2
- 229920000178 Acrylic resin Polymers 0.000 description 2
- 230000002411 adverse Effects 0.000 description 2
- 239000000969 carrier Substances 0.000 description 2
- 238000007646 gravure printing Methods 0.000 description 2
- 230000000704 physical effect Effects 0.000 description 2
- 238000012360 testing method Methods 0.000 description 2
- ZNAMMSOYKPMPGC-HTOAHKCRSA-N (2r,3r,4s,5r,6s)-2-(hydroxymethyl)-6-(2-phenylethylsulfanyl)oxane-3,4,5-triol Chemical compound O[C@@H]1[C@@H](O)[C@@H](O)[C@@H](CO)O[C@H]1SCCC1=CC=CC=C1 ZNAMMSOYKPMPGC-HTOAHKCRSA-N 0.000 description 1
- XECAHXYUAAWDEL-UHFFFAOYSA-N acrylonitrile butadiene styrene Chemical compound C=CC=C.C=CC#N.C=CC1=CC=CC=C1 XECAHXYUAAWDEL-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 230000015572 biosynthetic process Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000007795 chemical reaction product Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000007796 conventional method Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000005034 decoration Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000007547 defect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000012467 final product Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000001939 inductive effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000009434 installation Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000007650 screen-printing Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000000126 substance Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000002344 surface layer Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000004634 thermosetting polymer Substances 0.000 description 1
Classifications
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B32—LAYERED PRODUCTS
- B32B—LAYERED PRODUCTS, i.e. PRODUCTS BUILT-UP OF STRATA OF FLAT OR NON-FLAT, e.g. CELLULAR OR HONEYCOMB, FORM
- B32B38/00—Ancillary operations in connection with laminating processes
- B32B38/06—Embossing
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
- B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
- B29C59/00—Surface shaping of articles, e.g. embossing; Apparatus therefor
- B29C59/02—Surface shaping of articles, e.g. embossing; Apparatus therefor by mechanical means, e.g. pressing
- B29C59/04—Surface shaping of articles, e.g. embossing; Apparatus therefor by mechanical means, e.g. pressing using rollers or endless belts
- B29C59/046—Surface shaping of articles, e.g. embossing; Apparatus therefor by mechanical means, e.g. pressing using rollers or endless belts for layered or coated substantially flat surfaces
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B32—LAYERED PRODUCTS
- B32B—LAYERED PRODUCTS, i.e. PRODUCTS BUILT-UP OF STRATA OF FLAT OR NON-FLAT, e.g. CELLULAR OR HONEYCOMB, FORM
- B32B27/00—Layered products comprising a layer of synthetic resin
- B32B27/06—Layered products comprising a layer of synthetic resin as the main or only constituent of a layer, which is next to another layer of the same or of a different material
- B32B27/08—Layered products comprising a layer of synthetic resin as the main or only constituent of a layer, which is next to another layer of the same or of a different material of synthetic resin
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B32—LAYERED PRODUCTS
- B32B—LAYERED PRODUCTS, i.e. PRODUCTS BUILT-UP OF STRATA OF FLAT OR NON-FLAT, e.g. CELLULAR OR HONEYCOMB, FORM
- B32B37/00—Methods or apparatus for laminating, e.g. by curing or by ultrasonic bonding
- B32B37/14—Methods or apparatus for laminating, e.g. by curing or by ultrasonic bonding characterised by the properties of the layers
- B32B37/26—Methods or apparatus for laminating, e.g. by curing or by ultrasonic bonding characterised by the properties of the layers with at least one layer which influences the bonding during the lamination process, e.g. release layers or pressure equalising layers
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B32—LAYERED PRODUCTS
- B32B—LAYERED PRODUCTS, i.e. PRODUCTS BUILT-UP OF STRATA OF FLAT OR NON-FLAT, e.g. CELLULAR OR HONEYCOMB, FORM
- B32B7/00—Layered products characterised by the relation between layers; Layered products characterised by the relative orientation of features between layers, or by the relative values of a measurable parameter between layers, i.e. products comprising layers having different physical, chemical or physicochemical properties; Layered products characterised by the interconnection of layers
- B32B7/04—Interconnection of layers
- B32B7/06—Interconnection of layers permitting easy separation
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B32—LAYERED PRODUCTS
- B32B—LAYERED PRODUCTS, i.e. PRODUCTS BUILT-UP OF STRATA OF FLAT OR NON-FLAT, e.g. CELLULAR OR HONEYCOMB, FORM
- B32B2307/00—Properties of the layers or laminate
- B32B2307/70—Other properties
- B32B2307/732—Dimensional properties
- B32B2307/734—Dimensional stability
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B32—LAYERED PRODUCTS
- B32B—LAYERED PRODUCTS, i.e. PRODUCTS BUILT-UP OF STRATA OF FLAT OR NON-FLAT, e.g. CELLULAR OR HONEYCOMB, FORM
- B32B2607/00—Walls, panels
-
- Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
- Y10T—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION
- Y10T156/00—Adhesive bonding and miscellaneous chemical manufacture
- Y10T156/10—Methods of surface bonding and/or assembly therefor
- Y10T156/1002—Methods of surface bonding and/or assembly therefor with permanent bending or reshaping or surface deformation of self sustaining lamina
- Y10T156/1007—Running or continuous length work
- Y10T156/1023—Surface deformation only [e.g., embossing]
-
- Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
- Y10T—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION
- Y10T156/00—Adhesive bonding and miscellaneous chemical manufacture
- Y10T156/10—Methods of surface bonding and/or assembly therefor
- Y10T156/1002—Methods of surface bonding and/or assembly therefor with permanent bending or reshaping or surface deformation of self sustaining lamina
- Y10T156/1039—Surface deformation only of sandwich or lamina [e.g., embossed panels]
-
- Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
- Y10T—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION
- Y10T428/00—Stock material or miscellaneous articles
- Y10T428/24—Structurally defined web or sheet [e.g., overall dimension, etc.]
- Y10T428/24479—Structurally defined web or sheet [e.g., overall dimension, etc.] including variation in thickness
- Y10T428/24612—Composite web or sheet
-
- Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
- Y10T—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION
- Y10T428/00—Stock material or miscellaneous articles
- Y10T428/24—Structurally defined web or sheet [e.g., overall dimension, etc.]
- Y10T428/24802—Discontinuous or differential coating, impregnation or bond [e.g., artwork, printing, retouched photograph, etc.]
- Y10T428/24851—Intermediate layer is discontinuous or differential
- Y10T428/2486—Intermediate layer is discontinuous or differential with outer strippable or release layer
-
- Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
- Y10T—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION
- Y10T428/00—Stock material or miscellaneous articles
- Y10T428/24—Structurally defined web or sheet [e.g., overall dimension, etc.]
- Y10T428/24802—Discontinuous or differential coating, impregnation or bond [e.g., artwork, printing, retouched photograph, etc.]
- Y10T428/24851—Intermediate layer is discontinuous or differential
- Y10T428/24868—Translucent outer layer
- Y10T428/24876—Intermediate layer contains particulate material [e.g., pigment, etc.]
-
- Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
- Y10T—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION
- Y10T428/00—Stock material or miscellaneous articles
- Y10T428/24—Structurally defined web or sheet [e.g., overall dimension, etc.]
- Y10T428/24802—Discontinuous or differential coating, impregnation or bond [e.g., artwork, printing, retouched photograph, etc.]
- Y10T428/24893—Discontinuous or differential coating, impregnation or bond [e.g., artwork, printing, retouched photograph, etc.] including particulate material
- Y10T428/24901—Discontinuous or differential coating, impregnation or bond [e.g., artwork, printing, retouched photograph, etc.] including particulate material including coloring matter
-
- Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
- Y10T—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION
- Y10T428/00—Stock material or miscellaneous articles
- Y10T428/31504—Composite [nonstructural laminate]
Definitions
- the present invention pertains generally to laminate structures made with polymeric films and, more particularly, to polymeric film laminates with decorative features including textures and print patterns.
- Decorative and structural panels for architectural and transport vehicle applications commonly have a decorative laminate outer cover affixed to a substrate.
- Decorative laminates are typically constructed with an exterior surface that is either an embossed texture, print pattern or both aesthetic design features. The decorative laminate is then formed and adhered to an underlying structural substrate layer. Maintaining uniformity of the texture and print pattern design features of the decorative laminate throughout the manufacturing process is very important.
- such laminates are constructed using multiple layers of various films laminated together under high temperature and pressure, and/or embossed (again at high temperature and pressure) at different stages in a continuous roll-forming manufacturing process.
- U.S. Patent No. 5,976,671 discloses two conventional constructions of a decorative laminate.
- the decorative laminate possesses two layers: a first embossed layer that imparts surface release to the laminate and a second decorative layer that overlies the first.
- This decorative layer is typically either screen printed (i.e., multi-graphics) or integrally colored (i.e., internally pigmented).
- the single laminate includes a textured layer consisting of a thermo-setting or thermoplastic emboss resin overlayed with a decorative layer composed of a thin layer of pigmented thermo-plastic film.
- Laminates have three basic dimensions which can be represented by reference to x, y, and z axes, where the z-axis represents the thickness of the laminate.
- permanent distortion occurs along the x or y axis, or both, when the laminate is heated and stretched in one or more directions as a result of forces applied in a mechanical lamination process such as roll-forming. As the laminate cools it retains such distortion.
- decorative laminates manufactured with materials and manufacturing techniques currently known result in a laminate, which when applied to a substrate under heat and vacuum, transmits defects in the substrate and loses texture retention. Therefore, a need exists for a laminate producible from materials with the desired aesthetic properties of texture and graphical features, and which does not distort or deform dimensionally in a roll-forming manufacturing process.
- Some polymer films which are used as layers in laminates are provided with a pre- applied layer bonded directly to the polymer film by one of several conventionally known methods such as solution casting.
- films with no or low-orientation have relatively high elongation and shrinkage at temperatures required for embossing, which makes creating a laminate product in a continuous roll difficult.
- the present invention provides a novel laminate structure and method of manufacture which utilizes a removable web carrier which remains on one or more of the polymer films of a laminate of two or more polymer films as the films are laminated together, for example in a continuous roll-forming process.
- the invention uses a web carrier which is selected to balance with the physical properties of the other layers of the laminate product, wherein the web carrier is removably attached or bonded to at least one of the layers of the laminate, and thereby provides the laminate resistance to distortion which can otherwise occur during lamination as a result of heat and mechanical strain.
- the invention includes the selection of laminate layers to balance with physical properties of a removable web carrier to minimize distortion of the laminate layers when laminated and/or processed with the web carrier attached.
- Laminates of the invention have improved texture retention properties and dimensionally stable print patterns as the result of force balancing with a removable web carrier.
- the invention involves the selection of layers of a laminate, including at least one layer which is attached to or mated with a web carrier, such that when the layers are laminated together and/or embossed, the bonding force of the web carrier is sufficient to resist distortion of any of the layers of the end laminate product during and after lamination and other processing.
- a laminate structure which has a first polymer film, a web carrier attached to a first side of the first polymer film, a second polymer film positioned parallel to and adjacent to a second side of the first polymer film, wherein a bonding force of the web carrier with the first polymer film overcomes forces which tend to distort the first and second polymer films during lamination, and the laminate of the first and second polymer films maintains dimensional stability after removal of the web carrier.
- a laminate in accordance another general aspect of the invention, includes a first polymer film, a second polymer film positioned in a plane parallel to and on one side of the first polymer film, a web carrier positioned in a plane parallel to the first and second polymer films and removably attached to another side of the first polymer film, the first and second polymer films being laminated together, wherein the laminated first and second polymer films are free from distortion after lamination as a result of the removable attachment of the web carrier to the first polymer film, the web carrier being removable from the first polymer film without distortion of the end laminate.
- the invention further provides a low distortion laminate produced by a process comprising the steps of providing a first polymer film, positioning a second polymer film in a plane parallel to and on a first side of the first polymer film, removably attaching a web carrier to one of the first or second polymer films, laminating the first and second polymers films, and removing the web carrier without distortion of the laminated first and second polymer films.
- Print and embossing resin layers may be added to the laminate, for example between the polymer film layers, without inducing distortion during or after the lamination process.
- a dimensionally stable laminate product having a first polymer film, a second polymer film positioned in a plane parallel to and on one side of the first polymer film, and a web carrier positioned in a plane parallel to the first and second polymer films and removably attached to another side of the first polymer film, the first and second polymer films laminated together, the laminated first and second polymer films being free from distortion relative to dimensions of the first and second polymer films prior to lamination as a result of the removable attachment of the web carrier to the one side of the first polymer film, the web carrier being removable from the laminated first and second polymer films which remain free from distortion of dimensions, print or texture features after removal of the web carrier from the laminate.
- a texture can be applied to the laminate through the web carrier prior to removal of the web carrier.
- a second web carrier can be used in contact with the second polymer film.
- FIG. 1 is a schematic illustration of a laminate structure in accordance with the present invention
- FIG. 2 is a schematic illustration of a roll-forming lamination process which can be used to construct a laminate in accordance with the present invention
- FIG. 3 is a schematic illustration of an alternate embodiment of a laminate structure in accordance with the present invention
- FIGS. 4A and 4B are schematic illustrations of a geometric pattern on a layer of a laminate structure
- FIG. 5 is a schematic illustration of an embossing process which can be used in accordance with the present invention.
- FIG. 1 schematically illustrates a laminated structure, indicated generally at 10, which includes a first layer 100 which is preferably a polymer film, which may be any material suitable for construction of a laminate, and preferably a polymeric film (also referred to herein as a polymer film) such as for example polyvinyl fluoride (PVF), polyvinylidene fluoride, acrylic, polycarbonate, polyvinyl chloride, PETG, urethane, ABS or polyester.
- PVF polyvinyl fluoride
- Tedlar® PNF film manufactured by E.I. du Pont de Nemours of Wilmington, Delaware
- Tedlar SP PVF which is cast on to a polyester web carrier, and which provides excellent conformability, color stability, chemical resistance, thermo- formability and durability.
- a second layer 200 which is also preferably a polymer film of the same or different material than first layer 100, lies in a plane adjacent and parallel to first layer 100. Additional layers may be combined with first and second layers 100, 200, in any compatible number or combination, and with varying thickness, densities, material properties or other variables.
- a print or print layer 20 is provided proximate to first polymer film 100 as shown, or alternatively proximate to second polymer film 200. The bond of the web carrier to one of the first or second polymer films, or to both, maintains dimensional stability of the polymer films and any print pattern applied thereto, thereby avoiding any distortion of the print as might otherwise result from stresses at the interface of the laminate layers.
- Intermediate layers 70 are provided between layers 100, 200 preferably in the form of an embossing resin or other suitable material, which provides additional thickness to the laminate 10, and which accepts an embossed texture applied through layer 100, as further described herein.
- a web carrier layer 50 (referred to herein generally as a "web carrier”) is provided, which is bonded, cast or otherwise attached to one side of either the first layer 100 or the second layer 200 or both, opposite the interfacing sides of the first and second layers 100, 200.
- the web carrier 50 as an outer layer of the laminate 10 can be located on the first layer 100 only, the second layer 200 only, or on both the first and second layers 100, 200.
- first, second, “top”, “bottom” are used for descriptive reference only and are not to be construed as limiting the laminate 10 or any of its layers to any particular orientation or arrangement.
- the material of the first and second polymer film layers may be polyvinyl fluoride (PVF), polyvinylidene fluoride, polyvinyl chloride, acrylic, polyester, polycarbonate, PETG, urethane, ABS or other suitable fluorinated materials or alloys thereof.
- PVF polyvinyl fluoride
- a presently most preferred material for a polymer film with a removably attached web carrier to serve as the first or second layer 100, 200 with a web carrier 50 is Type 8 Tedlar® SP PNF film which is cast on to a polymer sheet which serves as a web carrier in the present invention.
- the web carrier 50 is left on the accompanying layer 100, 200 during and throughout lamination and other processing of the laminate 10, including embossing and/or printing, and removed if at all from the finished laminate 10 upon completion of lamination and processing, or after final installation of the laminate to thereby serve as a protective mask, as further described herein.
- the web carrier 50 can be any suitable material which can be removable bonded to one or both of the first, second layers 100, 200, and wherein the removable bond between the web carrier and at least one of the first or second layers 100, 200 is sufficient to maintain dimensional stability of the laminate structure formed by lamination of the first and second layers 100, 200 and any intermediate layers 70.
- a removable bond between the web carrier 50 and the first layer 100 is formed by casting the PVF film onto the web carrier and dried without orientation.
- a web carrier to one or both of the polymer films, such as for example by releasable adhesive, may be suitable provided the web carrier 50 can be removed after lamination or other processing of the polymer film in accordance with the invention.
- materials which may be suitable for use as the web carrier 50 include, without limitation, polyester, paper, rigid polymer films, polycarbonate or polyimide, or any other dimensionally stable material which can be removably bonded to one or both of the polymer film layers.
- the term "dimensionally stable” refers to the property of a web carrier which does not distort or deform when adhered to one or more of the polymer films, and maintains its dimensions and the dimensions of the layers of a laminate to which it is attached within design parameters for the end use application of the laminate.
- Intermediate layers 70 serve as an embossing layer or layers, applied or otherwise laminated to the first or second layers 100, 200 as shown.
- the embossing layer is any suitable thermoplastic or thermoset resin, cast, calendared or extruded, which functions to bond the first and second layers 100, 200 internal to laminate 10, and provides a depth dimension to the laminate 10 which accepts and retains an embossed texture.
- the laminate 10 is designed to be balanced in the sense that stresses induced in the layers 100, 200, and through intermediate layers 70 during lamination and texture/printing processing do not overcome the dimensional stability which the bond of the web carrier to at least one of layers 100, 200 provides. This results in the finished laminate 10 having dimensional stability with respect to any applied texture or print pattern.
- the balancing of forces between the layers 100 and 200, and the bond of the web carrier 50 with one or both of these layers, is achieved by selection of materials based primarily on thickness and orientation, such that lamination processing does not produce forces which exceed the dimensional stability provided by the bond of the web carrier 50 to one or both of layers 100, 200.
- the thickness and bonding force of the web carrier 50 are also selected or varied to balance the forces acting on layers 100, 200 during lamination processing to achieve a dimensionally stable laminate 10.
- the web carrier 50 holds the high distortion film in place during manufacture and processing of the laminate 10, as shown in FIG. 2. This allows for better texture retention because higher temperatures can be utilized during processing without stretching or distortion of the laminate.. It also allows geometric prints on a continuous basis because the print is not distorted during processing. It has been discovered by the inventors that it is preferable to utilize a layer in the laminate construction during the manufacturing process that was removable from the laminate without affecting the physical characteristic of the laminate after lamination and/or embossing. A web carrier, which is attached to one of the polymer films, e.g.
- graphics or other decoration are applied to the laminate construction by laminating a film or printing art to the Tedlar SP opposite the web carrier side.
- FIG. 2 illustrates a roll-forming type lamination process by which a dimensionally stable laminate 10 of the invention is made, wherein the combined layers 50, 100, 20, 70, 200, and any additional layers are fed from the left side against a first roller A into an embossing roller combination B and C, with the embossing roller B imparting a texture to the laminate through the web carrier 50 and first layer 100, into the embossing resin 70, as shown in cross-sectional detail in FIG. 5.
- the laminate 10 then proceeds over rollers D and E, after which the web carrier 50 is removed on to spooling roller F, with the finished laminate 10 being loaded on to roller G.
- the web carrier 50 remains an integral part of the laminate throughout permanent bonding of the layers and texturization, and is then removed prior to loading the finished laminate on to a delivery roller.
- the presence and bonding force of the web carrier to the laminate throughout the process causes the finished laminate to be dimensionally stable.
- the web carrier 50 can be left on the laminate 10 as a protective mask until or after final application of the laminate 10 to a substrate.
- Tests of texture retention, formability, and print distortion, and other standard tests were performed on a laminates 10 made by the manufacturing processes of the invention.
- the laminate showed a change in the 60 degree gloss of less than 5 gloss units (compared prior art laminates without a polymeric film cast on to a low distortion carrier is 10 gloss units).
- the laminate 10 had a 3 inch draw in less than 5 inch vacuum at 212°F (compared to prior art laminates with a 3 inch draw in 8 inch, vacuum at 212°F).
- print distortion the product has less than 2% uniform distortion, which is substantially less than prior art laminates which have nonuniform distortion.
- FIG. 3 illustrates removal of the web carrier 50, from one or both sides of the laminate 10, irrespective of the particular production process used.
- FIG. 4A illustrates an overhead view of a finished laminate 10 of the invention made with an attached web carrier as described, and which has a visible print pattern of print layer 20 as part of the laminate structure as described, showing the dimensional stability of the pattern with respect to the x and y axes, with the vertical arrow on the left indicating the direction of travel of the laminate through roll-forming machinery.
- the print pattern P remains dimensionally stable due to the fact that the bonding force of the web carrier with one of the polymer films is sufficient to resist forces which would otherwise distort one or more layers of the laminate during lamination or texture processing.
- FIG. 4B illustrates a laminate with a print pattern P which is distorted, i.e., not dimensionally stable, due to elongation generally along the y axis in the direction of roll-forming machine travel as indicated by the arrow on the right.
- the distorted print pattern is a result of unbalanced forces between layers of the laminate caused by heat-induced shrinkage and mechanical strain which exceeds the strength of the bonding force between the layers, and the absence of an attached web carrier which maintains the layers in dimensionally stable alignment, as in the laminate of FIG. 4A.
- a 1 mil polyester carrier layer 50 and first layer 100 are provided in the combined form of Tedlar SP, Type 8, and laminated with 4 mils of embossing resin, and a 2 mil layer of Type 5 Tedlar.
- This laminate is produced with a pre-coating of embossing resin, e.g. 1-2 mils, followed by lamination to a printed Tedlar SP film layer and to another layer of embossing resin, 1-2 mils, and to a back ply layer of Tedlar Type 5, e.g., 2.0 mils.
- the laminate is embossed through the Tedlar SP layer with the web carrier attached and into the embossing resin.
- the laminate can be coated with a substrate application adhesive, which is heat activated or pressure sensitive.
- the web carrier can be stripped from the Tedlar SP layer after lamination, or after final application to a substrate to thereby serve as a protective mask during shipping, handling and final application.
- a relatively lighter weight dimensionally stable laminate is made with Tedlar SP as a face ply, a 2 mil thick layer of embossing resin, and a formable 2 mil thick back ply.
- a. web carrier e.g. 1 mil polyester
- embossing resin 2 mils; e. back ply film, 2 mils, Type 5 Tedlar
- f. substrate attachment adhesive (optional).
- This laminate is produced with a pre-coating of embossing resin, e.g. 1.0 mils, followed by lamination to a printed Tedlar SP film layer and to another layer of embossing resin, and to a back ply layer of Tedlar Type 5, e.g., 2.0 mils.
- the laminate structure is embossed through the Tedlar SP layer with the web carrier attached and into the embossing resin.
- the laminate can be coated with a substrate application adhesive, which is heat activated or pressure sensitive.
- the web carrier can be stripped from the Tedlar SP layer after lamination, or after final application to a substrate to thereby serve as a protective mask during shipping, handling and final application.
- EXAMPLE 3 A dimensionally stable laminate with a screen printed design and which may also be textured.
- a. web carrier b. 0.5 mil polyvinylflouride, non-oriented film solution cast on to web carrier, e.g. Type 8, Tedlar SP; c. print layer or layers, geometric or linear; d. embossing resin (e.g. 2.0 mils); e. embossing resin (e.g. 2.0 mils); f. back ply film, e.g. Tedlar (2.0 mils); g. substrate application adhesive (optional).
- embossing resin e.g. 2.0 mils
- embossing resin e.g. 2.0 mils
- f. back ply film e.g. Tedlar (2.0 mils
- substrate application adhesive optionally.
- This laminate is produced with a pre-coating of embossing resin, e.g. 1-2 mils, followed by screen printing a geometric or linear print either on the embossing resin or on the back of the SP Tedlar layer, laminating the embossing resin layers, and laminating to a back ply layer of Tedlar Type 5, e.g., 2.0 mils.
- the laminate structure is embossed through the Tedlar SP layer with the web carrier and into the embossing resin.
- the laminate can be coated with a substrate application adhesive, heat activated or pressure sensitive.
- the web carrier can be stripped from the Tedlar SP layer after lamination, or after final application to a substrate to thereby serve as a protective mask during shipping, handling and final application.
- EXAMPLE 4 A printed dimensionally stable laminate with a print design applied by a rotary or gravure printing process, and which may also be textured by embossing, with a web carrier on a face ply or top layer of the laminate, which may be removed when the laminate structure is completed.
- a. web carrier b. 0.5 mil polyvinylflouride, non-oriented film solution cast on to web carrier, e.g. Type 8, Tedlar SP; c. print layer or layers, rotary or gravure; d. embossing resin (2.0 mils); e . embossing resin (2.0 mils) ; f. film back ply (e.g. Tedlar Type 5, 2.0 mils); ⁇ g. substrate application adhesive.
- This laminate is formed with an initial 2.0 mil thick embossing layer.
- the Tedlar SP layer is printed with the desired print design by rotary or gravure printing processes as known in the art.
- the printed Tedlar SP layer is then laminated to the embossing resin layers, and to the back ply layer, Tedlar Type 5.
- the laminate is embossed through the face ply Tedlar SP layer and the web carrier thereon, into the embossing resin layers.
- the laminate is coated with a substrate application adhesive.
- the web carrier is stripped off of the Tedlar SP layer after lamination, or after final application of the laminate to a substrate, to thereby serve as a protective mask.
- a colored dimensionally stable laminate made with colored vinyl and a protective polymer film cover.
- a. web carrier 1 mil;
- substrate application adhesive The Tedlar SP and vinyl layers are laminated and embossed under pressure and heat, and a substrate application adhesive applied to the vinyl layer.
- the web carrier is stripped off after lamination or at any time prior to or after final application of the laminate to a substrate to thereby serve as a protective mask.
- EXAMPLE 6 A dimensionally stable printed and textured laminate made with two strippable web carriers, one of polyester and one of paper, and an acrylic resin back ply.
- f. paper web carrier e.g. 5 mils.
- This laminate is produced with a pre-coating of embossing resin, e.g. 1-2 mils, followed by lamination to a printed Tedlar SP film layer and to another layer of embossing resin, 1-2 mils, and to a back ply of acrylic resin precoated onto a 2 mil polyester web carrier.
- the laminate structure is embossed through the Tedlar SP layer with the web carrier and into the embossing resin.
- the web carrier is removed from the back of the acrylic layer and the laminate can be coated with a substrate application adhesive, heat activated or pressure sensitive.
- the web carrier can be stripped from the Tedlar SP layer after lamination, or after final application to a substrate to thereby serve as a protective mask during shipping, handling and final application.
- a dimensionally stable printed and textured laminate made with the web carrier adhesively bonded to the back of the laminate.
- thermoplastic adhesive that does not distort laminate during removal of web carrier g. paper web carrier, e.g. 5 mils.
- This laminate is formed with the embossing layers cast and laminated onto the back film ply Tedlar which has a paper web carrier attached to it with a thermoplastic adhesive.
- the printed Tedlar SP layer is then laminated to the embossing resin layers, and to the back ply layer, and paper web carrier.
- the SP web carrier can be removed or stay on for the embossing operation.
- the laminate is embossed through the face ply Tedlar SP layer, into the embossing resin layers.
- the paper is removed from the laminate after embossing and an optional substrate adhesive is applied.
- the principles of the invention apply equally to the selection of the web carrier or carriers, and to the selection of layers of the laminate with consideration for balancing distortion relative to the web carrier, so that the end product laminate remains within design tolerances.
Abstract
Description
Claims
Priority Applications (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
AU2003279716A AU2003279716A1 (en) | 2002-09-24 | 2003-09-24 | Dimensionally stable laminate with removable web carrier and method of manufacture |
AT0924403A AT500294B1 (en) | 2002-09-24 | 2003-09-24 | LAMINATE AND METHOD FOR THE PRODUCTION THEREOF |
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US41342902P | 2002-09-24 | 2002-09-24 | |
US60/413,429 | 2002-09-24 |
Publications (2)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
WO2004028794A2 true WO2004028794A2 (en) | 2004-04-08 |
WO2004028794A3 WO2004028794A3 (en) | 2005-09-22 |
Family
ID=32043250
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
PCT/US2003/029606 WO2004028794A2 (en) | 2002-09-24 | 2003-09-24 | Dimensionally stable laminate with removable web carrier and method of manufacture |
Country Status (5)
Country | Link |
---|---|
US (1) | US7052761B2 (en) |
CN (1) | CN100564017C (en) |
AT (1) | AT500294B1 (en) |
AU (1) | AU2003279716A1 (en) |
WO (1) | WO2004028794A2 (en) |
Families Citing this family (11)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
WO2005108062A1 (en) * | 2004-05-03 | 2005-11-17 | Schneller, Inc. | Decorative laminate with graffiti resistance and improved combustion reaction properties |
US7452493B2 (en) * | 2005-04-15 | 2008-11-18 | The Boeing Company | Protective cover and tool splash for vehicle components |
KR100791774B1 (en) * | 2007-09-18 | 2008-01-03 | 정두호 | Manufacturing process of interior material by using transfer paper |
US20120009427A1 (en) * | 2010-07-08 | 2012-01-12 | Christopher Hable | Solvent cast flame retardant polycarbonate coatings, films and laminates |
CN102294865A (en) * | 2011-07-20 | 2011-12-28 | 江苏立霸实业股份有限公司 | Environment-friendly type polyethylene glycol terephthalate-acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (PET-ABS) bright membrane |
CN102442039A (en) * | 2011-09-29 | 2012-05-09 | 江苏立霸实业股份有限公司 | Environment-friendly PET-PVF (polyethylene terephthalate-polyvinyl fluoride) beamy film |
CN103517558B (en) * | 2012-06-20 | 2017-03-22 | 碁鼎科技秦皇岛有限公司 | Manufacture method for package substrate |
KR101865686B1 (en) * | 2015-03-24 | 2018-06-08 | 동우 화인켐 주식회사 | Method and manufacturing apparatus for film touch sensor |
US11633904B2 (en) * | 2016-06-15 | 2023-04-25 | Flooring Industries Limited, Sarl | Long plastic layer with embossing in register with pattern and rolling method and device therefor |
US11633905B2 (en) * | 2016-06-15 | 2023-04-25 | Flooring Industries Limited, Sarl | Long decorative material with embossing in register with pattern and rolling method and device therefor |
CN109109428A (en) * | 2018-08-16 | 2019-01-01 | 思嘉环保材料科技(上海)有限公司 | In a kind of PVF membrane structure production process on side glue processing method |
Citations (4)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US4693926A (en) * | 1984-08-31 | 1987-09-15 | The Boeing Company | Flexible, fire-resistant, decorative laminates and methods of manufacture thereof |
US5284693A (en) * | 1989-10-19 | 1994-02-08 | Avery Dennison Corporation | Process for manufacturing plastic siding panels with outdoor weatherable embossed surfaces |
US5518786A (en) * | 1992-11-05 | 1996-05-21 | Avery Dennison Corporation | Exterior automotive laminate with pressure sensitive adhesive |
US5897735A (en) * | 1996-01-16 | 1999-04-27 | Peskin; Dennis L. | Method for producing a decorative design laminate for application to a substrate utilizing an embossing resin |
Family Cites Families (19)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US3551283A (en) | 1968-09-23 | 1970-12-29 | Formica Corp | Decorative heat and pressure consolidated laminate having on its back most surface a coating of a polymer of an acrylic monomer having certain parameters with respect to film formation temperature,tukon hardness and transition temperature |
US4420527A (en) | 1980-09-05 | 1983-12-13 | Rexham Corporation | Thermoset relief patterned sheet |
US4456639A (en) | 1982-06-07 | 1984-06-26 | Sealtran Corporation | Laminating film of thermoset polyester resin with external layer of embossable thermoplastic resin |
US4695503A (en) | 1986-03-07 | 1987-09-22 | Mobil Oil Corporation | Coated, oriented, polymer film laminate |
US4701369A (en) | 1986-04-23 | 1987-10-20 | Mobil Oil Corporation | Opaque polymer film laminate having an absorbent surface |
JPH082550B2 (en) * | 1987-03-27 | 1996-01-17 | エイベリ インタナショナル コーポレイション | Dry paint transfer product and method |
US4988540A (en) | 1988-05-25 | 1991-01-29 | E. I. Du Pont De Nemours And Company | Method of making fluoropolymer laminates |
US4877683A (en) | 1988-05-25 | 1989-10-31 | E. I. Du Pont De Nemours And Company | Fluoropolymer laminates |
US5055346A (en) * | 1988-08-30 | 1991-10-08 | Frank Rohrbacher | Thermoplastic acrylic polymer coated composite structure |
US4936936A (en) * | 1988-08-30 | 1990-06-26 | E. I. Du Pont De Nemours And Company | Method of making thermoplastic acrylic polymer coated composite structure |
CA2045651C (en) | 1989-10-19 | 1997-03-18 | Patrick Leon Spain | Process for manufacturing plastic siding panels with outdoor weatherable embossed surface |
US5137775A (en) | 1991-05-30 | 1992-08-11 | E. I. Du Pont De Nemours And Company | Embossable laminates |
US5304413A (en) | 1992-04-29 | 1994-04-19 | E. I. Du Pont De Nemours And Company | Molded PVF laminar structures |
ZA964731B (en) * | 1995-06-07 | 1997-01-07 | Avery Dennison Corp A Legal Bo | Extrusion coating process for making protective and decorative films |
US6348117B1 (en) * | 1996-10-07 | 2002-02-19 | E. I. Du Pont De Nemours And Company | Process of preparing textured fluoropolymer films |
US5976671A (en) | 1997-10-20 | 1999-11-02 | The Boeing Company | Polyvinylidene fluoride-based decorative laminate |
CN1320037C (en) | 1999-10-26 | 2007-06-06 | 出光兴产株式会社 | Polypropylene film and multilayer laminate |
US6548431B1 (en) | 1999-12-20 | 2003-04-15 | E. I. Du Pont De Nemours And Company | Melt spun polyester nonwoven sheet |
US6506324B1 (en) | 2000-03-27 | 2003-01-14 | Gerber Scientific Products, Inc. | Method for embossing a sheet-type work material |
-
2003
- 2003-09-24 US US10/670,430 patent/US7052761B2/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
- 2003-09-24 AU AU2003279716A patent/AU2003279716A1/en not_active Abandoned
- 2003-09-24 AT AT0924403A patent/AT500294B1/en not_active IP Right Cessation
- 2003-09-24 WO PCT/US2003/029606 patent/WO2004028794A2/en not_active Application Discontinuation
- 2003-09-24 CN CNB038250179A patent/CN100564017C/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
Patent Citations (4)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US4693926A (en) * | 1984-08-31 | 1987-09-15 | The Boeing Company | Flexible, fire-resistant, decorative laminates and methods of manufacture thereof |
US5284693A (en) * | 1989-10-19 | 1994-02-08 | Avery Dennison Corporation | Process for manufacturing plastic siding panels with outdoor weatherable embossed surfaces |
US5518786A (en) * | 1992-11-05 | 1996-05-21 | Avery Dennison Corporation | Exterior automotive laminate with pressure sensitive adhesive |
US5897735A (en) * | 1996-01-16 | 1999-04-27 | Peskin; Dennis L. | Method for producing a decorative design laminate for application to a substrate utilizing an embossing resin |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
CN100564017C (en) | 2009-12-02 |
CN1735506A (en) | 2006-02-15 |
AT500294A1 (en) | 2005-11-15 |
US7052761B2 (en) | 2006-05-30 |
AU2003279716A8 (en) | 2004-04-19 |
AU2003279716A1 (en) | 2004-04-19 |
WO2004028794A3 (en) | 2005-09-22 |
AT500294B1 (en) | 2011-03-15 |
US20040076828A1 (en) | 2004-04-22 |
Similar Documents
Publication | Publication Date | Title |
---|---|---|
CA2025977C (en) | Process for preparing embossed, coated paper | |
US7052761B2 (en) | Dimensionally stable laminate with removable web carrier and method of manufacture | |
US20020048665A1 (en) | Bright indium-metallized formable film laminate | |
US20140311660A1 (en) | Textured structure and method of making a textured structure | |
US5232535A (en) | Process for preparing embossed, coated paper | |
JP4194672B2 (en) | Acrylic insert molding and its manufacturing method, multilayer film for insert molding | |
CN214167825U (en) | INS membrane with interior 3D effect | |
KR20170107773A (en) | a producing method for a exterior decoration sheet comprising solid patterns and the exterior decoration sheet produced by the method | |
JP2019038233A (en) | Decorative sheet, structure including decorative sheet and method for producing decorative sheet | |
JP2016210046A (en) | Decorative sheet and decorative plate having the decorative sheet | |
US20020192440A1 (en) | Bright tin-metallized formable film laminate | |
JP4262324B2 (en) | Panel face decorative board for game board | |
JP2003103673A (en) | Hairline decorative sheet and method for manufacturing the same | |
KR20020015339A (en) | Multilayer structure containing cavitated materials for use in the production of security documents | |
JP3248168B2 (en) | Film-adhered printed matter and method for producing the same | |
JP2581134B2 (en) | Method of manufacturing synchronized sheet for molding | |
KR20040102542A (en) | Decoration sheet comprising alignment print-layer and method for preparing the same | |
JP4574763B2 (en) | Surface decorative sheet, method for producing the same, and transfer sheet used for the production | |
JP2017087730A (en) | Decorative sheet and decorative plate having the decorative sheet | |
JPH0985916A (en) | Decorative sheet | |
JPH03234619A (en) | Manufacture of thermosetting resin decorative board | |
KR200323718Y1 (en) | Decoration sheet comprising alignment print-layer and method for preparing the same | |
JPH04168099A (en) | Manufacture of thermally curable resin decorative board | |
JPH0641179B2 (en) | Manufacturing method of tuning sheet for molding | |
JPH0456760B2 (en) |
Legal Events
Date | Code | Title | Description |
---|---|---|---|
AK | Designated states |
Kind code of ref document: A2 Designated state(s): AE AG AL AM AT AU AZ BA BB BG BR BY BZ CA CH CN CO CR CU CZ DE DK DM DZ EC EE EG ES FI GB GD GE GH GM HR HU ID IL IN IS JP KE KG KP KR KZ LC LK LR LS LT LU LV MA MD MG MK MN MW MX MZ NI NO NZ OM PG PH PL PT RO RU SC SD SE SG SK SL SY TJ TM TN TR TT TZ UA UG UZ VC VN YU ZA ZM ZW |
|
AL | Designated countries for regional patents |
Kind code of ref document: A2 Designated state(s): GH GM KE LS MW MZ SD SL SZ TZ UG ZM ZW AM AZ BY KG KZ MD RU TJ TM AT BE BG CH CY CZ DE DK EE ES FI FR GB GR HU IE IT LU MC NL PT RO SE SI SK TR BF BJ CF CG CI CM GA GN GQ GW ML MR NE SN TD TG |
|
121 | Ep: the epo has been informed by wipo that ep was designated in this application | ||
DFPE | Request for preliminary examination filed prior to expiration of 19th month from priority date (pct application filed before 20040101) | ||
ENP | Entry into the national phase |
Ref document number: 92442003 Country of ref document: AT Kind code of ref document: A |
|
WWE | Wipo information: entry into national phase |
Ref document number: A9244/2003 Country of ref document: AT |
|
WWE | Wipo information: entry into national phase |
Ref document number: 20038250179 Country of ref document: CN |
|
122 | Ep: pct application non-entry in european phase | ||
NENP | Non-entry into the national phase |
Ref country code: JP |
|
WWW | Wipo information: withdrawn in national office |
Ref document number: JP |