PERSONALIZATION OF CERAMIC OBJECTS: INKJET IMAGE TRANSFER PROCESS AND MATERIALS

摘要

Methods and materials allow personalizing ceramic products such as coffee mugs, plates, vases, etc. by transferring an inkjet image to the surface of a ceramic object. According to embodiments of the invention, personalizing a ceramic object may include three elements: an image receptive layer that has been deposited on a ceramic object to form an image receptive surface, an inkjet image to be transferred, and control over the image transfer process. An inkjet image is printed on an image transfer sheet, which is then brought into contact with the image receptive surface of a ceramic object. The dyes comprising the image begin to migrate into the image receptive layer of the ceramic object under suitable conditions.

主权项

1. A method of transferring an image to a ceramic object, the method comprising:
depositing an image receptive layer on a surface of the object; printing the image in reverse onto a portion of an image transfer sheet; placing the portion of the image transfer sheet onto which the image in reverse has been printed in contact with the image receptive layer; and separating the portion of the image from the image receptive layer.