Patent ID: 6447629
Filing Date: 2002-09-10
Classification: B41M,B44C,C09D,D06P,D06Q,Y10S

Abstract:
A method of digitally printing a reactive ink from a ribbon by means of a thermal printer which prints from a ribbon, comprising the steps of:(a) preparing a reactive ink for use in a thermal printer which is computer controlled, said reactive ink comprising a colorant, at least one compound having at least one functional group which reacts with active hydrogen, at least one compound having at least one functional group containing active hydrogen, and at least one blocking agent which, during printing of said reactive ink by said thermal printer, prevents a reaction between said at least one compound having at least one functional group which reacts with active hydrogen, and said at least one compound having at least one functional group containing active hydrogen; (b) coating said reactive ink on a ribbon; (c) supplying said thermal printer with said ribbon; (d) thermally printing said reactive ink onto a substrate by means of said thermal printer to form an image on said substrate, wherein said blocking agent inhibits a reaction of said reactive ink prior to, during, and after the step of thermally printing said reactive ink; and (e) subsequently applying heat to said reactive ink at a temperature which is higher than a temperature at which the reactive ink is thermally printed, removing said blocking agent by the application of said heat, and reacting said at least one compound having at least one functional group containing active hydrogen with at least one compound having at least one functional group which reacts with active hydrogen, and bonding said image to said substrate.