The present invention relates to a hot embossing method that can be used to make a structural and visual modification to a surface polymer. The present invention also relates to the embossing device used to make said structural and visual modification to the surface polymer.

A multi-purpose heat foil embossing machine and a heat foil adapter are disclosed herein. According to an embodiment the heat foil adapter includes an injection molded body, a metal heat plate configured in the cavity of the molded body, a heating element, a temperature control system configured to maintain metal heat plate temperature, and a polycarbonate lid. According to another embodiment, the multi-purpose heat foil embossing machine is of platform and roller type construction wherein platform provides a flatbed working area and roller is moved over it that eliminates need to sandwich folder between plastic mats and push the mat between the rollers. According to another embodiment, the heat plate adapter is configured within a cavity on the platform of the embossing machine with electric connectivity.

A production facility for manufacturing motor vehicle license plates includes a hot stamping machine configured for the continuous application of ink to stamped plates by hot stamping. At least one first conveying component is provided to transport stamped plates through the hot stamping machine. The production facility includes at least one transfer arrangement having a buffer with a cashing component for at least two flat objects wherein the production facility includes a control unit for controlling the buffer for a successive deposition of flat objects from the buffer onto the first conveying component. In particular, with such a buffer, stamped plates and/or templates can be deposited on the first conveying component. The disclosure also relates to a process for operating such a production facility.

The invention relates to a flat bed embossing machine (1) comprising a tool plate (20) with a tool side (36) for receiving at least one embossing tool and with a tool plate rear side (35) which lies opposite the tool side (36), further a base plate (10) with a tool plate side (12) which faces the tool plate rear side (35) and with a base plate rear side (11) which is lies opposite the tool plate side (12), for transmitting an embossing force which is exerted upon the tool plate (20), between the tool plate side (12) and the base plate rear side (11), as well as an induction heating appliance (3) for heating the at least one embossing tool (23). The induction heating appliance (3) comprises an inductor (16), the design of which and its arrangement between the tool plate side (12) and the base plate rear side (11) being such that a magnetic alternating field (19) which on the tool plate side (12) reaches beyond the base plate (19) and is for the inductive heating of an inductively heatable tool plate (20) can be produced beyond of the tool plate side (12) and outside the base plate (10).

A foil transfer method of performing foil transfer onto a surface of a transfer subject includes preparing a foil transfer tool including a light output portion, preparing the transfer subject and a transfer foil, stacking the transfer foil and a light absorbing film with optical absorptivity on a surface, of the transfer subject, on which the foil transfer is to be performed, to produce a stack body, and while moving either one of the stack body and the foil transfer tool with respect to the other, putting the foil transfer tool into contact with a surface of the stack body at which the light absorbing film is provided and outputting light from the light output portion.

A decoration device decorates a decoration subject by foil transfer and imprinting and includes a holding table holding the decoration subject, at least one grasping tool grasping a foil transfer tool and/or an imprinting tool at the same time or selectively, a conveyor moving one of the holding table and the at least one grasping tool with respect to the other, and a controller driving the at least one grasping tool and the conveyor. The controller defines or includes a foil transfer controller executing foil transfer control and an imprinting controller executing imprinting control before and/or after the foil transfer control by the foil transfer controller.

A method for manufacturing a decorative component includes providing an embossing device which has female embossing mold and male embossing mold, and providing at least one decorative material layer. The method also includes disposing the decorative material layer between the female embossing mold and the male embossing mold in such a manner that a visible surface of the decorative material layer faces the female embossing mold, and a reverse face of the decorative material layer that is opposite the visible surface faces the male embossing mold. The method also includes carrying out an embossing procedure by means of the embossing device such that the decorative material layer after the embossing procedure has a raised region on the visible surface, and opposite thereto a depressed region on the reverse face. The method also includes disposing an insert element for stabilizing the raised region in the depressed region.

A method for manufacturing a decorative component includes providing an embossing device which has female embossing mold and male embossing mold, and providing at least one decorative material layer. The method also includes disposing the decorative material layer between the female embossing mold and the male embossing mold in such a manner that a visible surface of the decorative material layer faces the female embossing mold, and a reverse face of the decorative material layer that is opposite the visible surface faces the male embossing mold. The method also includes carrying out an embossing procedure by means of the embossing device such that the decorative material layer after the embossing procedure has a raised region on the visible surface, and opposite thereto a depressed region on the reverse face. The method also includes disposing an insert element for stabilizing the raised region in the depressed region.

A stamping machine is configured for stamping with a stamping head onto an article, The stamping machine includes a camera and a computer system. The computer system includes a display. The computer system is configured to capture from the camera an image of the article prior to the stamping and presents the image on the display. A user selects a symbol using the computer system prior to the stamping onto the article. The user using the computer system, positions the selected symbol as a displayed symbol superimposed on the image of the article.

A multi-purpose heat foil embossing machine and a heat foil adapter are disclosed herein. According to an embodiment, the heat foil adapter includes an injection molded body, a metal heat plate configured in the cavity of the molded body, a heating element, a temperature control system configured to maintain metal heat plate temperature, and a polycarbonate lid. According to another embodiment, the multi-purpose heat foil embossing machine is of platform and roller type construction wherein platform provides a flatbed working area and roller is moved over it that eliminates need to sandwich folder between plastic mats and push the mat between the rollers. According to another embodiment, the heat plate adapter is configured within a cavity on the platform of the embossing machine with electric connectivity.