An image transfer article can include an image-imparting member and a removable substrate disposed adjacent to the image-imparting member. The image-imparting member can have a softening point temperature less than about 220° C. The image-imparting member can include at least one surface configured to receive and carry indicia to be transferred and at least one portion comprising a pigment providing an opaque background for received indicia. In some examples, the image-imparting member can comprise a first polymer including the indicia and at least a second polymer including the pigment. In some examples, the image-imparting member can comprise a polymer including the indicia and the pigment. The indicia and the opaque background can be arranged to concurrently transfer to a woven- or fabric-based article or paper in contact with the image-imparting member, upon application of iron pressing temperatures.

The present disclosure provides an apparatus for printing an image on a substrate with an irregular surface using dye sublimation, the apparatus comprising: an autoclavable envelope bag comprising a sealable opening and a first port; a breather material to hold in place a paper carrying colorants forming the image on the irregular surface; a hollow metal receptacle comprising a second port that connects with the first port on the autoclavable envelope bag, a third port that connects to a vacuum pump, and a valve that opens and closes the third port; and a vacuum pump with a tube that connects with the third port on the hollow metal receptacle. Also provided is a method of printing an image on a substrate with an irregular surface using dye sublimation with the disclosed apparatus.

A thermal transfer sheet includes a back face layer provided on one surface of a substrate, and a transfer layer provided on the other surface of the substrate. The transfer layer has a single-layer structure or a layered structure including a protective layer, and the back face layer contains a resin component including Si in the structure. When the thermal transfer sheet is subjected to the test described in the specification, the mass reduction ratio of the thermal transfer sheet between before and after the test is 1% or less.

An in-mold transfer film includes a release layer, a scent-emitting hard layer, a color-changing print layer and an adhesive layer formed sequentially in one direction on one side of a base layer, wherein the scent-emitting hard layer includes aromatic microcapsules, and the color-changing print layer changes its color according to the temperature. An method for manufacturing an in-mold transfer film includes the following steps: forming a release layer on one side of a base layer; forming a scent-emitting hard layer on an upper surface of the release layer; forming a print primer layer on an upper surface of the scent-emitting hard layer; forming a color-changing print layer formed on an upper surface of the print primer layer; forming an adhesive primer layer on an upper surface of the color-changing print layer; and forming an adhesive layer on an upper surface of the adhesive primer layer.

A process and apparatus for sublimating printed images onto two or more products substantially simultaneously are disclosed. Software components are configured to receive input of a desired number of products to sublimate, and then determine a spatial arrangement of the printed images on transfer media to sublimate the desired number of products substantially simultaneously. The apparatus is configured to print the images onto the media according to the spatial arrangement, then position the media onto a substrate. The products are automatically placed on the media proximate to their corresponding printed images. The apparatus manipulates the media to substantially surround the products and places at least one image onto each side of each product to be sublimated. One or more heating platens engage the media to sublimate the images. The heating platens are configured, using a control, to sublimate multiple products substantially simultaneously in a single thermal cycle.

A process and apparatus for sublimating printed images onto two or more products substantially simultaneously are disclosed. Software components are configured to receive input of a desired number of products to sublimate, and then determine a spatial arrangement of the printed images on transfer media to sublimate the desired number of products substantially simultaneously. The apparatus is configured to print the images onto the media according to the spatial arrangement, then position the media onto a substrate. The products are automatically placed on the media proximate to their corresponding printed images. The apparatus manipulates the media to substantially surround the products and places at least one image onto each side of each product to be sublimated. One or more heating platens engage the media to sublimate the images. The heating platens are configured, using a control, to sublimate multiple products substantially simultaneously in a single thermal cycle.

An applicator for transferring an indicia to a substrate includes an ink layer forming the indicia. A white layer is disposed on the ink layer. An adhesive layer is disposed on the white layer. The adhesive layer is configured to adhere the ink layer and the white layer to the substrate.

An applicator for transferring an indicia to a substrate includes an ink layer forming the indicia. A white layer is disposed on the ink layer. An adhesive layer is disposed on the white layer. The adhesive layer is configured to adhere the ink layer and the white layer to the substrate.

Provided is an image transfer material, comprising a support, optionally at least one barrier layer, a melt transfer layer, and an image receiving layer. Also provided is a process for preparing the image transfer material. Further provided is a heat transfer process using the disclosed material. In the heat transfer process, after imaging, the image receiving layer and melt transfer layer are peeled away from the optionally barrier-coated support material and placed, preferably image side up, on top of a receptor element. A non-stick sheet is then optionally placed over the imaged peeled material and heat is applied to the top of the optional non stick sheet. The melt transfer layer then melts and adheres the image to the receptor element. A composition comprising: at least one self-crosslinking polymer, and at least one dye retention aid.

Provided is an image transfer material, comprising a support, optionally at least one barrier layer, a melt transfer layer, and an image receiving layer. Also provided is a process for preparing the image transfer material. Further provided is a heat transfer process using the disclosed material. In the heat transfer process, after imaging, the image receiving layer and melt transfer layer are peeled away from the optionally barrier-coated support material and placed, preferably image side up, on top of a receptor element. A non-stick sheet is then optionally placed over the imaged peeled material and heat is applied to the top of the optional non stick sheet. The melt transfer layer then melts and adheres the image to the receptor element. A composition comprising: at least one self-crosslinking polymer, and at least one dye retention aid.