Patent ID: 9221246
Filing Date: 2015-12-29
Classification: B41J,B41M,B42D,B44F,Y10T

Abstract:
1. A method for printing an image onto a predetermined area of a thermoplastic substrate, the method comprising: (a) providing a thermoplastic substrate comprising in the predetermined area a pattern of recessed image receiving surfaces below a nominal surface of the thermoplastic substrate and a pattern of bridges separating the recessed image receiving surfaces, the depths of the recessed image receiving surfaces and the areas of the bridges separating the recessed image receiving surfaces, relative to the areas of the recessed image receiving surfaces, chosen to provide durability to the image after the image has been printed onto the predetermined area, wherein the pattern of recessed image receiving surfaces comprises a cell pattern of predetermined dimensions separated by a bridge pattern of predetermined dimensions, the predetermined dimensions of cells of the cell pattern comprising a depth in the range of approximately 50-80 microns and a nominal breadth or diameter in the range of approximately 100-200 microns, and the predetermined dimensions of bridges of the bridge pattern comprise a breadth in the range of approximately 40-60 microns; and, (b) printing the image, by ink jet printing, onto the predetermined area of the thermoplastic substrate.