Patent ID: 6198898
Filing Date: 2001-03-06
Classification: G03G

Abstract:
A method of printing monochrome and full colour images onto a surface having a continuous surface, the method comprising the steps of(a) transferring the image onto a first image carrier to provide a toner image on the first image carrier,(b) placing the first image carrier against a second image carrier with the toner image between the first image carrier and the second image carrier, the second image carrier having a greater affinity for the toner than the first image carrier when the toner is heated and being formed from a material selected from the group consisting of a film form polyethylene ester material having a thermal shrinkage characteristic of less than 1% or a film form polyimide material;(c) heating the first and second image carriers, with the toner image therebetween, under pressure;(d) thereafter removing the first image carrier from the second image carrier, with the toner image wholly transferred to the second image carrier;(e) placing the second image carrier against a surface of a substrate, onto which the toner image is to be ultimately transferred, with the toner image therebetween, the substrate having a greater affinity for the toner than the second image carrier;(f) heating the second image carrier and the substrate, with the toner image therebetween, under pressure;(g) thereafter removing the second image carrier from the substrate, with the toner image transferred to the substrate; and(h) enhancing the toner image after transfer to the substrate.