Remelting of printed hot melt ink images

摘要

In the particular embodiment of the invention described in the specification, a hot melt ink print is prepared by applying the ink to a porous substrate, permitting it to solidify, and reheating the substrate and the ink to a temperature 5 DEG C. to 30 DEG C. above the melting point of the ink for 0.5 to 10 seconds. In one embodiment, the porous substrate is supported on a platen which is maintained at least 30 DEG C. below the melting point of the ink to prevent drying of the substrate and to inhibit spreading of the ink into the substrate. The subsequent reheating of the ink in a controlled manner causes the ink to penetrate to a desired extent into the substrate while preventing shrinkage or cockling of the substrate.