PROCESS FOR PRINTING ON METAL WITH SUBLIMABLE INKS

摘要

A process for printing on a surface (20) of a metallic substrate (18) comprises the steps of applying a primer/basecoat (22) and polymeric coating (24) to the surface (20) of the metallic substrate (18) which has a substantially flat profile. A transfer sheet (10) is placed on the coated surface (24) with the transfer sheet (10) containing sublimable ink in the form of a pattern (12) to be transferred to the coated surface (24). The transfer sheet (10) and coated surface (24) are subjected to temperatures and pressures sufficient to cause the sublimable ink to sublime and become attached to the polymeric coating (24). The transfer sheet (10) is then removed and the metal substrate (18) is subjected to a process which causes the substrate to lose its substantially flat profile. A top coat (26) may be added depending on the application.