Patent ID: 6444148
Filing Date: 2002-09-03
Classification: B41M,B44C,B44F

Abstract:
A method for dimensionally expanding and printing a picture image on a printable sheet and making a picture print thermoforming female mold of castible shrinkable material, said method comprising:i) digitally storing said picture image in a computer memory; ii) dimensionally expanding said picture image stored in said memory from: a) an original dimensional size having a length and a width identical to a final picture print size on a thermoformable plastic sheet to be molded in said female mold of castable shrinkable material, to: b) an expanded dimensional size having an expanded length and width wherein said expanded dimensional size is determined in direct relationship to the amount of shrinkage of said castible shrinkable material forming said female mold; and iii) printing said expanded picture image onto said sheet by use of computer driven printer having a moveable printing head which prints said image as said printing head is moved relative to said sheet; iv) brushing onto said printed expanded image a hardenable compound to replicate on said printed image, brush strokes of an original picture image to form said male mold; v) making said female mold by pouring said castible shrinkable material on said male mold, curing said castible shrinkable material whereby said material shrinks a predetermined extent in length and width to take on said original dimensional size of said length and width for said final picture print size.