Patent Description:
Preferably the panels obtainable with the method of the invention may relate to furniture panels, ceiling panels, flooring panels or similar, wherein these panels preferably comprise a wood-based substrate, such as an MDF or HDF substrate (Medium or High Density Fiberboard) or a substrate material consisting of or essentially made of wood particleboard. In alternative embodiments the panel can comprise a polymeric based substrate, preferably thermoplastic based substrate, such as PVC (Polyvinyl chloride), PP (Polypropylene), LVT (Luxury Vinyl Tile), SPC (Solid Polymer Composite) or WPC (Wood polymer composite) based substrate. The invention can further relate to mineral-based board of cement-based board, like for example, fiber cement based board or magnesium oxide based board.

The invention is of particular interest when the decorative sheet has to be used in a panel manufacturing process in which one or more steps involve a heat or press treatment, for example heat pressing or thermal lamination.

Traditionally, the decor or pattern of such panels is printed on a printable substrate, for example a paper sheet or a thermoplastic foil, by means of offset or rotogravure printing. The obtained décor paper is taken up as a decorative paper in a so-called laminate panel. For manufacturing the panels the DPL process can be practiced. According to the DPL process (Direct Pressure Laminate) the already printed paper or decorative paper is provided with melamine resin to form a decorative layer. Afterwards a stack is formed comprising at least a plate shaped substrate, said decorative layer and possibly a protective layer on top of said decorative layer, wherein said protective layer or overlay is based on resin and/or paper as well. Said stack is pressed and the press treatment results in a mutual connection or adherence of the decorative paper, the substrate and the protective layer, as well as in a hardening of the resin present in the stack. As a result of the pressing operation a decorative panel is obtained having a melamine surface, which can be highly wear resistant. At the bottom side of the plate shaped substrate a counter layer or balancing layer can be applied, or as an alternative a decorative layer might be attached to the bottom side as well, especially in the case of laminate panels for furniture. Such a counter layer or balancing layer or any other layer at the bottom side of the laminate panel restricts or prevents possible bending of the decorative panel, and is applied in the same press treatment, for example by the provision of a resin carrying paper layer as the lowermost layer of the stack, at the side of the stack opposite said decorative layer. For examples of a DPL process reference is made to <CIT>, from which it is further known to provide a relief in said melamine surface during the same press treatment or pressing operation, namely by bringing said melamine surface in contact with a structured press element, for example a structured press plate. Preferably, said relief can be in register with the pattern on the decorative layer. In case of thermoplastic foil, for manufacturing the decorative panels thermal lamination or gluing can be practiced. According to the thermal lamination process the already printed sheet is fixed with action of heat and pressure on top of a substrate. Alternatively, the decorative sheet can be thermal laminated to a surface of a transparent or translucent thermoplastic protective layer. In this latter case, after thermal lamination, a stack is formed comprising at least a plate shaped substrate, said decorative sheet and the layer. Said stack can result in a mutual connection or adherence of the layers after thermal lamination or gluing of the decorative sheet with on top of the plate shaped substrate. As a result, a decorative panel is obtained. It is possible to provide a relief in the surface of the panel, for example in the protective layer, during the same thermal lamination operation, namely by bringing said protective layer in contact with a structured press element, for example a structured roller. Preferably, said relief can be in register with the pattern on the decorative layer.

The printing of the sheet, paper or foil, by means of an analog printing process, such as by rotogravure or offset printing, at affordable prices inevitably leads to large minimal order quantities of a particular decorative paper or foil and restricts the attainable flexibility. A change of decor or pattern necessitates a standstill of the printing equipment of about <NUM> hours. This standstill time is needed for exchange of the printing rollers, the cleaning of the printing equipment and for adjusting the colors of the new decor or pattern to be printed.

Instead of analog printing techniques, digital printing techniques, especially inkjet printing techniques, are becoming increasingly popular for the creation of decors or patterns. Such digital techniques can enhance the flexibility in the printing of decors significantly. Reference is amongst others made to the <CIT>, <CIT>, <CIT>, <CIT>, <CIT>, <CIT>, <CIT> and the <CIT>, where such techniques are disclosed.

During private research, the inventors have noticed that thermal lamination and/or heat pressing of the decorative paper or foil can lead to a color change in the printed patter. This may lead to an extensive color match operation to make sure that the color in the final panel is the desired one that may cause an increase of costs for sampling and interruption of production runs.

<CIT> discloses a decorative paper that can be impregnated in such a way to show the same color after impregnation as in the untreated form. <CIT> discloses a paper layer with an ink receiver coating composition adapted to improve the color stability and resistance of a printed décor. <CIT> discloses a method for maintaining color consistency in printing batch using color patches and colorimetry control.

The present invention aims in the first place at an alternative method for manufacturing decorative sheets that, in accordance with several of its preferred embodiments, is directed to solve one or more of the problems arising in the state of the art.

Therefore the present invention, in accordance with its first independent aspect, relates to a method for manufacturing a printed décor sheet comprising the steps of: providing a first printed substrate having a printed color patch on at least one of its surfaces, said color patch having at least one color spot; performing at least one predetermined operation on said first substrate, wherein said predetermined operation causes a color shift on said at least one color spot; determining a first color coordinate set of said at least one color spot; determining a first ICC profile on the basis of the color coordinate set; providing a first master image and visualizing said first master image on a display device using said first ICC profile; performing an image processing operation on said first master image to obtain a second master image during said visualization; printing said second master image on a second printable substrate to obtain the décor sheet. In this way it is possible to predict what will be the color change caused by said operation and preparing the second master image while visualizing the color that will be obtained inly after said operation, so that color matching operation is simplified, and the number of trials is reduced or possibly set to zero so that after the image processing step it is possible to immediately start the operation run. Preferably said predetermined operation can be performed multiple times on multiple first substrates, and a color coordinates set can be determined after each predetermined operation and one first ICC profile can be determined on the basis of said multiple color coordinates sets. In this way the ICC profile can be determined with a better approximation. Preferably said second master image can be printed using a second ICC profile, said second ICC profile can be specific of a printer used for printing the second master image. In this way, an operator can prepare a second master image visualizing the color that wants to finally have on the panel and the décor shift will be printed with a different color or color shade in such a way that that the predetermined operation will cause the color on the panel to shift from the printed one to the desired one as predicted.

In the most preferred embodiment said step of providing said first printed substrate can comprise the steps of providing a first printable substrate and the step of printing said color patch on said first printable substrate. Said color patch can be printed on said first printable substrate using the same printer and/or the second ICC profile used for printing the second master image. In this way the final color after the predetermined operation can be predicted with a better approximation.

In a preferred embodiment, said first substrate can be subjected to multiple predetermined operations each causing a color shift at the at least one color spot. Preferably said first color coordinate set and/or said first ICC profile is calculated only after the last predetermined operation. In this way the operator can subsequently visualize on the display device a prediction of the color that will be obtained after that all the predetermined operations will be performed.

In a preferred embodiment, the method of the first aspect comprises the step of determining a second color coordinate set for said color spot before performing said predetermined operation; determining a third ICC profile on the basis of the determined second color coordinate set; calculating the color shift from the third ICC profile to the first ICC profile. Thank to the calculation of said color shift it can be possible for an operator to have a better understanding of the impact of the predetermined operation on the color change and it may be possible to use said knowledge in the image processing operation. In a special embodiment, the steps of determining a further color coordinate steps and determining a further ICC profile are performed after some, preferably each, predetermined operation and/or after one or more combination of said predetermined operations. It may also be possible calculate the color shift from the ICC profiles determined before and after one or more of said predetermined operations. In this way it may be possible to improve the understanding of each predetermined operation and/or of combinations of predetermined operations on the color change. Thanks to said improved knowledge said first ICC profile, for visualizing the first master image, can be determined on the basis of the calculated color differences. For example said first ICC profile can be determined on the basis of said calculated difference starting from a starting ICC profile, for example the ICC profile of the printer. In this way it may be possible to visualize the first master image using an ICC profile that predict the color changes caused by one or more planned predetermined operations, so that it may be possible to plan modifications to the further processing of a manufactured décor sheet, for example a decorative panel manufacturing process starting from the décor sheet, and manufacturing said décor sheet in view of said modifications without necessarily manufacturing any samples and performing the predetermined operation with the subsequent determination of a new first ICC profile. In this case, in fact, it may be possible to determine the first ICC profile starting from the knowledge of previous calculations, for example stored in a database, according to the need.

In the preferred embodiment said color patch can comprise multiple color spots, said first color coordinates set being determined for each color spot and said first ICC profile being calculated on the basis of multiple, preferably all, first color coordinates sets. It is not excluded that in alternative embodiment technical patterns other than color patches can be used.

Said determination of the ICC profile can be performed via dedicated software like for example ColorGate Production Server, X-Rite i1Profiler, Heidelberg Prinect Color Toolbox.

Said color coordinate set can be for example coordinates of the CIELAB color space. Preferably, said color coordinate set can be determined using a spectrophotometer or a scanner. In a preferred embodiment said color coordinate set can be determined using a photographic camera, more preferably a high-definition photographic camera. Using photographic cameras can provide for a color recognition that is independent from glossiness, reliefs or other surface characteristics of the first printed substrate.

The second master image can be printed using a digital printer, preferably an inkjet digital printer. Said printer can be of the multi pass or, preferably, single pass type. Said printer can be configured to print with a set of inks comprising one more color ink. Said inks can be preferably pigment containing inks and can water-based, UV-based or hydro-UV based. Oil-based or solvent-based inks are not excluded. In the most preferred embodiment said set of inks comprises at least four inks selected for the group comprising: cyan, magenta, yellow, black, red, light magenta, light red. Preferably, light magenta and/or light red ink can comprise a lower pigment content than the respective non-light ink, preferably less than a fifth of said pigment content. According to the preferred embodiment the ink used for printing on the second substrate are similar, preferably, the same provided on the first substrate.

In the most preferred embodiment, the first printable substrate and the second printable substrate can comprise one or more features in common, preferably they have the same characteristics. Preferably said features in common can be selected from weight per square meter, thickness, material, glass transition temperature, plasticizer content, Gurley value, ash content, resin penetration time. Within the context of the invention with feature in "common" it is meant the feature, in particular the value thereof, are substantially the same in the first substrate and in the second substrate, and that the value of said features can be slightly different each other, preferably they can differ for less of the <NUM>%, preferably less of the <NUM>%. The inventor has found that more the first and second substrate are similar each other, the higher is the accuracy with which the color change can be predicted.

In one preferred embodiment, the first substrate can be made of paper. In case the first substrate is made of paper, it is preferably in form of a paper sheet having a base paper weight, i.e. without ink receiving layer, higher than <NUM> grams per square meter, preferably between <NUM> to <NUM> grams per square meter, e.g. between <NUM> and <NUM> grams per square meter. Preferably, the paper sheet comprising the ink receiver layer shows a resin penetration time lower than <NUM> sec. Preferably, the paper sheet is opaque and/or contains titanium oxide as a whitening agent and/or other inorganic fillers. Alternatively, the paper sheet may be a colored, pigmented and/or dyed base paper. The paper layer can show a mean air resistance as expressed in Gurley value below <NUM> sec, preferably below <NUM> sec. Paper showings said mean air resistance are more prone to impregnation with resins.

In some embodiment it is preferred that the paper used for the first substrate is free from inorganic fillers, like whitening agents or pigments, for example titanium oxide. The paper layer can be made of <NUM> alfa cellulose.

In a special embodiment the first substrate can comprise a paper sheet having a base paper weight, i.e. without ink receiving layer, lower than <NUM> grams per square meter, preferably between <NUM> to <NUM> grams per square meter. The paper layer according to this special embodiment can show a mean air resistance as expressed in Gurley value below <NUM> sec. The paper layer according to this special embodiment can be used during a "dry press operation" during HPL, CPL or DPL lamination. With dry press it is meant that the printed paper is not impregnated, but it is sandwiched between two paper layers which contain resin and the bonding is performed during lamination.

In another preferred embodiment, the first substrate is made of a polymeric material. In the most preferred embodiment, the first substrate is preferably in form of a thermoplastic foil, for example made of polyvinylchloride (PVC), polyethylene (PE) or polypropylene (PP) or PET. In this case the first substrate can comprise a thickness ranging between <NUM> micron and 200micron.

The first substrate and/or the second substrate can comprise or be provided with an ink receiver layer before being subjected to said predetermined operation, in particular before being printed upon.

In some embodiments the method can comprise the step of providing the first and/or second printable substrate with the ink receiver layer, preferably in line with said printer.

Said ink receiver layer can be or be provided in a predetermined amount between <NUM>/sqm and <NUM>/sqm dry weight.

Preferably the ink receiver layer comprises at least a binder and/or a pigment.

Preferably, said first substrate is provided with <NUM> to <NUM>/m<NUM>, and preferably between <NUM> and <NUM>/m<NUM> dry coating weight of pigment in said ink receiver layer. Preferably said pigment has a BET surface area between <NUM> and <NUM><NUM>/g, and preferably between <NUM> and <NUM><NUM>/g.

According to the most preferred embodiment, for the pigment of said ink receiver layer at least or mainly silica particles are used.

According to variants, for the pigment of said ink receiver layer at least or mainly particles are used chosen from the list consisting of calcium carbonate, alumina, aluminosilicates, ordered mesoporous materials, modified silica, organosilica, modified organosilica, organoalumina, modified alumina, aluminates, modified aluminates, organoaluminates, modified organoaluminates, zeolites, metal organic frameworks and porous polar polymers.

According to some deviant embodiments, the ink receiver layer can also be pigment free.

Preferably, said first substrate is provided with <NUM> to <NUM>/m<NUM>, and preferably between <NUM> and <NUM>/m<NUM>, dry coating weight of a binder in said ink receiver layer. According to the most preferred embodiment, for the binder in said ink receiver layer at least or mainly polyvinyl alcohols are used.

According to variants, the ink receiver layer includes, as a binder, a polymer selected from the group consisting of hydroxyethyl cellulose; hydroxypropyl cellulose; hydroxyethylmethyl cellulose; hydroxypropyl methyl cellulose; hydroxybutylmethyl cellulose; methyl cellulose; sodium carboxymethyl cellulose; sodium carboxymethylhydroxethyl cellulose; water soluble ethylhydroxyethyl cellulose; cellulose sulfate; vinylalcohol copolymers; polyvinyl acetate; polyvinyl acetal; polyvinyl pyrrolidone; polyacrylamide; acrylamide/acrylic acid copolymer; polystyrene, styrene copolymers; acrylic or methacrylic polymers; styrene/acrylic copolymers; ethylene-vinylacetate copolymer; vinyl-methyl ether/maleic acid copolymer; poly(<NUM>-acrylamido-<NUM>-methyl propane sulfonic acid); poly(diethylene triamine-co-adipic acid); polyvinyl pyridine; polyvinyl imidazole; polyethylene imine epichlorohydrin modified; polyethylene imine ethoxylated; ether bond-containing polymers such as polyethylene oxide (PEO), polypropylene oxide (PPO), polyethylene glycol (PEG) and polyvinyl ether (PVE); polyurethane; melamine resins; gelatin; carrageenan; dextran; gum arabic; casein; pectin; albumin; chitins; chitosans; starch; collagen derivatives; collodion and agar-agar. The most preferred variants for the binder are polyvinyl acetates, ethylvinylacetates, block copolymers based on polyvinylacetate, block copolymers based on polyvinylalcohol, acrylates, latexes, polyvinyl derivaties, VCVAC derivatives, polyurethanes based on polyols and isocyanates, polyurethanes based on polycarbamates and polyaldehydes, e.g. both as a watery dispersion/emulsion or a watery or solvent solution.

As stated above preferred binders for the ink receiving layer include polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), but according to variants a vinylalcohol copolymer or modified polyvinyl alcohol may be applied. The modified polyvinyl alcohol may be a cationic type polyvinyl alcohol, such as the cationic polyvinyl alcohol grades from Kuraray, such as POVAL C506, POVAL C118 from Nippon Goshei.

Preferably, said ink receiver layer has, globally seen, a pigment to binder ratio between <NUM>/<NUM> or <NUM>/<NUM> and <NUM>/<NUM>, preferably between <NUM>/<NUM> or <NUM>/<NUM> and <NUM>/<NUM>. It is not excluded that the ink receiver layer is non uniform and shows layerwise or areawise differences in composition, in which case the above values are average values for the totality of the inkjet receiver layer.

The ink receiver layer can further comprise a crosslinking agent. Preferably, the ink receiver layer can preferably comprise a content of crosslinking agent below <NUM> % based on dry weight of the composition. The crosslinking agent can be preferably selected from the group comprising: aldehydes, polyaldehydes, dialdehydes, alcohols, boronic acid, borax, polyalcohols, carbamates, polycarbamates, carbonic acids, glyoxal based agent, zirconium-based agents, titanates and polycarbonic acids.

The ink receiver layer can further comprise a dispersant. A dispersant is an oligomer or polymer which stabilize the liquid dispersions of pigment contained in the ink against flocculation. The dispersant can comprise polycarboxylates, polyphosphates, a polyionic polymer, preferably polyDADMAC (Polydiallyldimethylammonium chloride) polyamine or alumina salts.

Preferably, the ink receiver layer is provided with less than <NUM> %, more preferably less than <NUM>% based on dry coating weight of dispersant, for example between <NUM> and <NUM>%. Preferably, said ink receiver layer has, globally seen, a pigment to dispersant ratio between <NUM>/<NUM> and <NUM>/<NUM>.

The ink receiver layer can also comprise a flocculant, preferably a metal salt, preferably a cationic metal salt. Preferably said metal salt is chosen from the list consisting of CaCl<NUM>, MgCl<NUM>, CaBr<NUM>, MgBr<NUM>, CMA (Calcium Magnesium Acetate), NH<NUM>Cl, Calcium Acetate, ZrCl<NUM>, calcium nitrate and Magnesium Acetate. The positive ion of the dissolved metal salt will tend to neutralize the electrosteric stabilization function of the pigment contained in the ink thereby improving its absorption. The most preferred cationic metal salts are CaCl<NUM>, MgCl<NUM>, CMA, Calcium Acetate, calcium nitrate and Magnesium Acetate, as the inventors have obtained the best results with these ink reactive compounds. Said flocculant can also be chosen from the list consisting of sodiumaluminate, a double sulphate salt such as alum, polyaluminumchloride, polyacrylate, dicyandiamide (e.g. Floquat DI5 from SNF) and polyacrylamide. The flocculating agent pulls the ink pigments out of the ink dispersion. Thereby the pigments are prevented from penetration to far down into the ink receiver layer. Mainly the vehicle of the ink, e.g. the water in the case of waterbased inks, is absorbed deeper down into the ink receiver layer.

Preferably, ink receiver layer is provided with <NUM> to <NUM> %, based on dry coating weight of flocculating agent, in particular of metal salt.

The ink receiver layer may also comprise one or more of the following agents:.

According to the most preferred embodiment said inkjet receiver layer is present on the first substrate in the form of a unique layer. Anyway, it is not excluded that said inkjet receiver coating is in the form of two layers, wherein respectively a first layer with a first composition and a second layer with a second composition wherein said first and second composition may be either the same or different compositions.

The predetermined operation can be any operation that is able to cause a color variation on the printed décor. Preferably the predetermined operation can be selected from the group comprising: impregnation, heating, pressing, stretching, lamination or a combination thereof.

In the preferred embodiment, in case the printable substrate comprises a paper sheet, the predetermined operation involves at least impregnating the first substrate with a liquid, preferably a resin, more preferably a thermosetting resin. The thermosetting resin can preferably be a melamine-based resin. Preferably the paper sheet can be impregnated with a quantity of thermosetting resin equaling <NUM> to <NUM>% dry weight of resin as compared to weight of the paper. Preferably the paper sheet can be provided with such an amount of thermosetting resin, that at least the paper core is satisfied with the resin. Such satisfaction can be reached when an amount of resin is provided that corresponds to at least <NUM> or at least <NUM> times the paper weight. It should be clear that the resin, which is provided on the paper sheet, is not necessarily only available in the core of the paper, but may form surface layers on both flat sides of the paper. The inkjet receiver coating may then be present on the surface of the paper with the intermediary of such a surface layer of thermosetting resin. Preferably, the obtained resin provided paper layer, i.e. after provision of the thermosetting resin, has a relative humidity lower than <NUM>%, and still better of <NUM>% by weight or lower. Preferably the step of providing said paper layer with thermosetting resin involves applying a mixture of water and the resin on said paper layer. The application of said mixture might involve immersion of the paper layer in a bath of said mixture and/or spraying, jetting or otherwise coating said mixture on said paper. Preferably the resin is provided in a dosed manner, for example by using one or more squeezing rollers and/or doctor blades to set the amount of resin added to the paper layer. Next to melamine-based resin, other alternatives such as urea-based resin, polyurethane-dispersion resin, acrylate dispersion resin and combinations thereof can be used.

The predetermined operation may also involve hot pressing the printed and resin provided paper sheet, at least to cure the resin. This paper sheet can be hot pressed on top of a substrate, preferably a wood-based substrate like MDF or HDF, so that this hot pressing simulates or is part of a DPL process. It is of course not excluded that this hot pressing simulates or is part of a CPL (Compact Laminate) or an HPL (High Pressure Laminate) process in which the printed paper sheet is hot pressed at least with a plurality of resin impregnated core paper layers, e.g. of so called Kraft paper, forming a substrate underneath the printed paper sheet, and wherein the obtained pressed and cured laminate layer, or laminate board is, in the case of an HPL, glued to a further substrate, such as to a particle board or an MDF or HDF board.

In case of a printable substrate comprising a thermoplastic sheet, said predetermined operation can preferably involve a thermal lamination of said thermoplastic foil with a second thermoplastic foil, for example a transparent thermoplastic foil. Alternatively, the predetermined operation can preferably involve a thermal lamination of said thermoplastic foil on a substrate, for example a flexible or rigid substrate. Said substrate can be made of a polymeric material, a wood-based material or mineral based material.

Thermal lamination can be conducted at a temperature above <NUM>, preferably above <NUM>.

Said image processing operation can involve a graphic design operation. For example, the first master image can be a scanned image of a natural or artificial material like a wood, natural stone, ceramic, metal or cement.

In the preferred embodiment said display device can be, for example, a monitor of a personal computer. In alternative embodiments, it is not excluded that said display device can be a sheet or any other device suitable to visualize the color of the patch.

The obtained decorative sheet can be used as decorative layer in decorative panels, for example floor, wall, ceiling or furniture panel. The said decorative panels may be of the type comprising a support layer and a top layer, the top layer comprising at least the decorative layer. According to alternative embodiments, the printed layer can be use for decorative surfaces in general, for example wallpaper.

The support layer can be a wood-based board or panel, preferably a such as to a particle board or an MDF or HDF board.

Alternatively, the support layer can be made of a polymeric material, preferably a thermoplastic material, for example made of polyvinylchloride (PVC), polyethylene (PE) or polypropylene (PP), PET. It is also possible that the support layer is comprises a mineral-based or a cement-based board, for example an MgO-based or a Portland cement board. Said mineral-based or cement-based board can comprise fiber, for example glass or cellulose fibers.

In the preferred embodiment, wherein the panel is a floor panel, the method may comprise the step of providing said support layer with coupling elements for mechanical coupling to another floor panel. Said step of providing the support layer with coupling element is preferably performed after that the decorative layer has been provided on the support layer. It is noted that said support layer can also be in form of large board that are cut into multiple laminate panel.

The method of the invention can comprise the step of providing said top layer, including at least said decorative layer, onto said support layer. In particular, the decorative layer can be pressed, heat pressed, thermal laminated or glued on top of the support layer. in the most preferred embodiment, the decorative layer is preferably heat pressed on top of the support layer after that it has been impregnated with a resin. Said resin being preferably a melamine-based resin. Said impregnation and/or said heat pressing can be performed substantially in the same way as per the above mentioned predetermined operation.

The top layer can further comprise a wear layer, preferably a transparent layer and possibly comprising hard particles. Said wear layer can comprise a paper sheet impregnated with a resin, preferably the same impregnating the printed layer. In some embodiments, said wear layer can comprise a thermoplastic sheet for example made of PVC. The protective layer can be thermal laminated on top of the decorative layer. The thermal lamination of the protective layer on the decorative layer can happen before, during and or after the decorative layer has been provided on the support layer. For example, the protective layer is thermal laminated on top of the decorative layer in the same step of thermal lamination of the decorative layer itself on top of the support layer. In a second preferred embodiment, the protective layer is thermal laminated on top of the decorative layer to form the top layer and subsequently the top layer is either thermal laminated or glued on top of the support layer.

The method of the invention may comprise the step of forming a relief on the surface of said panel. Said relief is preferably formed at least in said top layer. In the most preferred embodiment the relief is in register with the printed décor provided on the printed layer, i.e. the relief has structural feature corresponding to structural features of the printed décor. For example, in case of a printed décor representing a wood imitation the relief has an excavation shaped to imitate a wood pore where the printed décor shows a wood pore. Thanks to the inventive solution proposed herein, it is possible to improve the alignment between the printed décor and the relief since any deformation of the printed décor that can occur before and/or during the alignment of the printed décor with the relief is taken into account.

The relief can be embossed in the top layer during the heat pressing step using an embossment plate or roller. The relief can also be obtained before or after that the top layer is provided on the support layer.

With the intention of better showing the characteristics according to the invention, in the following, as an example without limitative character, an embodiment is described, with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein:.

<FIG> a decorative sheet <NUM> for laminate panels obtainable through the method of the invention. Said decorative sheet <NUM> comprises a printed substrate <NUM> having a decorative pattern <NUM> on one of its surfaces. In the example, the decorative pattern <NUM> represents a wood décor.

<FIG> shows an enlarged view of the section along plane II-II of <FIG> shows that the printed substrate <NUM> comprises a base paper <NUM> and an ink receiver layer <NUM> that coats the surface of the base paper layer <NUM> that is provided with the printed pattern <NUM>.

The base paper <NUM> of the embodiment comprises a weight, i.e. without ink receiving layer <NUM>, higher than <NUM> grams per square meter, preferably between <NUM> to <NUM> grams per square meter, e.g. between <NUM> and <NUM> grams per square meter. Preferably, the base paper <NUM> comprising the ink receiver layer <NUM> shows a resin penetration time lower than <NUM> sec. Preferably, the base paper <NUM> is opaque and/or contains titanium oxide as a whitening agent and/or other inorganic fillers. Alternatively, the base paper <NUM> may be a colored, pigmented and/or dyed base paper. The base paper <NUM> can show a mean air resistance as expressed in Gurley value below <NUM> sec, preferably below <NUM> sec.

In the example the ink receiver coating <NUM> comprise polyvinyl-alcohol as binder, silica particles as pigments and a cationic metal salt chosen from the list consisting of CaCl<NUM>, MgCl<NUM>, CaBr<NUM>, MgBr<NUM>, CMA (Calcium Magnesium Acetate), NH<NUM>Cl, Calcium Acetate, ZrCl<NUM>, calcium nitrate and Magnesium Acetate.

Said ink receiver coating <NUM> is provided in a predetermined amount between <NUM>/sqm and <NUM>/sqm on the base paper sheet <NUM>.

<FIG> shows some step of a method for obtaining the decorative sheet <NUM>. The method comprises a first step of providing a first printed substrate <NUM> as shown in <FIG>. The first printed substrate <NUM> preferably comprises a base paper <NUM> and an ink receiver layer <NUM> as described above in relation to the decorative sheet <NUM>. The first printed substrate <NUM> comprises a color chart <NUM> having a plurality of color spots <NUM>. Each color spot <NUM> comprises a printed color characterized by a specific color having respective visual color coordinates. Said color coordinates can be identified in the CIELAB space. The color chart <NUM> is preferably printed by inkjet printing using a plurality of inks preferably selected from the group comprising: cyan, magenta, red, yellow and black. Thereto each color spot <NUM> comprises also a set of color coordinate that can be expressed in the CMYK or CRYK space.

The first substrate <NUM> is subjected to a predetermined operation shown in <FIG>. In the example, the predetermined operation involves impregnating the first substrate <NUM> with a thermosetting resin <NUM>, in particular a melamine-based resin. In particular, the first substrate <NUM> is transported to a first impregnation station <NUM> where said first substrate <NUM> is immersed in a bath <NUM> of said thermosetting resin <NUM>, more particularly a mixture of water and thermosetting resin composition. The first substrate <NUM> is then allowed to rest while in this case being transported upwards. The resting allows for the resin <NUM> to penetrate the core of the first substrate <NUM>. The first substrate <NUM> then comes into a second impregnation station <NUM> where it is, in this case, again immersed in a second bath <NUM> of resin <NUM>, more particularly a mixture of water and resin. A set of squeezing rollers and doctor blades <NUM> allows to dose the amount of resin applied to the first substrate <NUM>.

The first substrate <NUM> is then dried and its residual humidity level is brought to below <NUM>%. In the example a hot air oven <NUM> is used, but alternatively other heating equipment can be used, such as microwave or infrared drying equipment.

In the example the first substrate <NUM> is cut to sheet <NUM> and heat pressed between a substrate <NUM>, for example made of MDF, and a transparent layer <NUM> by means of a hot press <NUM>. Said transparent layer can be for example a resin impregnated overlay paper.

The heat pressing causes a color variation at the color spots <NUM> in the color chart <NUM>. Although the CMYK or CRYK color coordinates of the printed color spots <NUM> remain the same, the visual color coordinate in the CIELAB space change. The new color coordinate can be measured with a scanner or a spectrophotometer <NUM> to obtain a first set of color coordinates for each color spot <NUM>.

Said first sets of color coordinate is sent to a processing unit PU, that determines a first ICC profile that is configured simulate the visual appearance of the color chart, after the color change, on a display device <NUM>, preferably the monitor of a personal computer.

The first ICC profile is used to visualize on said display device <NUM> a first master image, in the example a scanned image of a real natural wood. In this way a graphic designer can visualize on the display device <NUM> what will be the color change after printing and after the predetermined operation. Therefore, the operator can perform an image processing operation on said first master image while visualizing it through the first ICC profile, so that what will be the final visual result on a laminate panel can be simulated, to thereby obtaining a second master image.

Subsequently a blank paper layer <NUM> as described with reference to <FIG> can be uncoiled from a first roll <NUM> and fed to a coating station <NUM> to be coated with the ink receiver layer <NUM>, having the features described above, to obtain a second printable substrate <NUM>.

The second printable substrate <NUM> is transported to a printer <NUM> for printing the second master image on the second printable substrate <NUM>. The printer <NUM> of the example is a single pass inkjet printer configured to print with a plurality of ink, preferably at least four inks selected from the group comprising: cyan, magenta, red, yellow, black. The inks are preferably pigment containing ink, more preferably water-based. Said second master image is printed using a second ICC profile that is preferably specific for the printer. Preferably said second ICC profile is the same used to print the color patch <NUM> on the first substrate <NUM>.

The printed second substrate <NUM> is then then dried to obtain the decorative sheet <NUM>. In the example a hot air oven <NUM> is used, but alternatively other heating equipment can be used, such as microwave or infrared drying equipment.

The obtained decorative sheet <NUM> is then rolled up in a second roll <NUM>.

<FIG> shows some steps of a method for manufacturing a laminate panel <NUM>, as illustrated in <FIG>, starting from the decorative sheet <NUM>.

The laminate panel <NUM> at least comprise a substrate <NUM>, for example of HDF or MDF, and a top layer <NUM>. The top layer <NUM> comprises the decorative layer formed by the decorative sheet <NUM>. In the example the decorative panel <NUM> is a floor panel comprising coupling means <NUM> on the long and short edges for coupling with adjacent floor panels in a floor covering. As illustrated in <FIG> such coupling means or coupling parts <NUM> an basically have the shape of a tongue and a groove.

In particular, <FIG> shows that the decorative sheet <NUM> is subjected to the above-mentioned predetermined operation, in the example is impregnated with the melamine resin <NUM>. Said impregnation is preferably conducted in the same way as for the first substrate and as described in <FIG>.

<FIG> further illustrates that a the impregnated decorative sheet <NUM> is taken up in a stack to be pressed in a short daylight press <NUM> between upper and lower press plates <NUM>-<NUM>. Said stack comprises from bottom to top a counter layer <NUM>, the plate shaped substrate <NUM>, the abovementioned impregnated decorative sheet <NUM> and a wear layer <NUM>, wherein the counter layer <NUM> and the wear layer <NUM> both comprise a paper sheet <NUM>, in case of the wear layer <NUM> called overlay paper, and resin <NUM>. The stack is then pressed and the press treatment results in a mutual connection between the constituent layers <NUM>-<NUM>-<NUM> including the substrate <NUM>, of the stack, as well as in a hardening or curing of the available resin <NUM>. More particularly here a polycondensation reaction of the melamine-based resin takes place, having water as a by-product.

The upper press plate <NUM> is a structured press plates having a structure relief <NUM> that provides a relief in the melamine surface of the panel <NUM> during the same press treatment, by bringing the structured surface of the upper press plate <NUM> into contact with the melamine of the wear layer <NUM>.

It is noted that preferably the thermal lamination step of <FIG> is preferably performed in the same way as described in relation to <FIG>.

<FIG> shows an alternative embodiment of the invention wherein the first printed substrate <NUM>', comprises a base sheet made of thermoplastic material, preferably PVC. <FIG> shows the predetermined operation that in the example involves thermal laminating, in a thermal lamination station <NUM>, the printed substrate <NUM>' to a transparent wear layer <NUM> made of thermoplastic material, preferably PVC, to form a top layer <NUM> for a laminate panel.

The obtained top layer <NUM> is subsequently attached to a substrate <NUM>, for example made of thermoplastic material like PVC or a mineral based board, via gluing or thermal lamination.

The thermal lamination causes a color variation at the color spots <NUM> in the color chart <NUM>. Although the CMYK or CRYK color coordinates of the printed color spots <NUM> remain the same, the visual color coordinate in the CIELAB space change. The new color coordinate can be measured with a scanner or a spectrophotometer <NUM>' to obtain a first set of color coordinates for each color spot <NUM>.

Said first sets of color coordinate is sent to a processing unit PU', that determines a first ICC profile that is configured simulate the visual appearance of the color chart, after the color change, on a display device <NUM>', preferably the monitor of a personal computer.

The first ICC profile is used to visualize on said display device <NUM>' a first master image, in the example a scanned image of a real natural wood. In this way a graphic designer can visualize on the display device <NUM>' what will be the color change after printing and after the predetermined operation. Therefore, the operator can perform an image processing operation on said first master image while visualizing it through the first ICC profile, so that what will be the final visual result on a laminate panel can be simulated, to thereby obtaining a second master image.

Subsequently a second printable substrate <NUM>' in the form of a thermoplastic material sheet can be uncoiled from a first roll <NUM>' and fed a printer <NUM>' for printing the second master image on the second printable substrate <NUM>'. The printer <NUM> of the example is a single pass inkjet printer configured to print with a plurality of ink, preferably at least four inks selected from the group comprising: cyan, magenta, red, yellow, black. In This alternative example the inks are preferably pigment containing ink, more preferably UV-based or hydro-UV based, anyway it is possible that water-based inks are used. It is noted that since in this alternative example the inks are UV-based the second printable substrate <NUM>', and preferably the first printable layer <NUM>', is free from an ink receiver layer, anyway it is not excluded that an ink receiver layer is used or that any other coating below or above the printed pattern is applied. Said second master image is printed using a second ICC profile that is preferably specific for the printer. Preferably said second ICC profile is the same used to print the color patch <NUM> on the first substrate <NUM>'.

The printed second substrate <NUM>' is then subjected to UV curing, via UV lamps <NUM>, of the inks to obtain the decorative sheet <NUM>.

Claim 1:
A method for manufacturing a decorative sheet (<NUM>) for decorative panels comprising the steps of:
a) providing a first printed substrate (<NUM>) having a printed color patch (<NUM>) having multiple printed color spots (<NUM>);
b) subjecting the first printed substrate (<NUM>) to at least a predetermined operation that cause a color shift of said color spots (<NUM>);
c) determining a first color coordinate set for said color spot (<NUM>) after performing step b);
d) determining a first ICC profile using said first set of color coordinate set;
e) visualizing a first master image on a display device (<NUM>) using said first ICC profile;
f) performing an image processing operation on said first master image to obtain a second master image during said visualization, said image processing operation being s performed by an operator;
g) printing said second master image on a second substrate (<NUM>) to obtain the decorative layer (<NUM>).