| 摘要 |
<p>A dye transfer ribbon (1) comprises a supporting substrate (2) and a relatively thick dye layer (3) consisting of a dye dispersed within a dye binder. A modulated scanning laser beam (7) heats selected pixel regions of the ribbon (1) and causes dye to diffuse from these regions to the receiver sheet (5) and print a number of pixels thereon which build up to form an image (sublimation transfer is also possible). In order to allow the ribbon (1) to be reused, and so not waste the ribbon or the untransferred dye, the ribbon (1) is passed between a pair of heated rollers (8a, 8b) to cause dye in the dye layer (3) to diffuse to an even density, so that the regions depleted of dye during the print process are replenished, and so that the ribbon may be reused. Instead of the replenishment dye coming from the body of the ribbon (1), it may come from a separate source. The ribbon (1) may be replaced by a dye sheet or a pad, such as a roller, and provision may be made for colour printing.</p> |
