Embodiments are directed to laser-based processes for forming features on the surface of a part. The feature may include a geometric element, a color element, and/or a surface finish element. In some cases, the laser-formed features are formed as a pattern of textured features that produce an aesthetic and/or tactile effect on the surface of the part. In some cases, the texture features may be sufficiently small that they may not be discerned by the unaided human eye. Also, in some cases, a multiple laser-based processes are combined to form a single feature or a finished part having a specific aesthetic and/or tactile effect.

A polymeric film assembly comprising a first solidified interlayer on a polymeric film or laminate comprising the same that is contacted with at least a portion of a surface of an underlying article to provide, for example, desired surface characteristics. At least a portion of the first solidified interlayer becomes a softened interlayer positioned between the polymeric film and the surface of the article when contacted as such. The softened interlayer is then converted to a second solidified interlayer, which second solidified interlayer may be in a different form than or same form as the first solidified interlayer initially provided, for adherence of the polymeric film to at least the portion of the surface of the article. Ease of removal and/or repair of polymeric film and laminates comprising the polymeric film that are so applied is facilitated.

Embodiments are directed to laser-based processes for forming features on the surface of a part. The feature may include a geometric element, a color element, and/or a surface finish element. In some cases, the laser-formed features are formed as a pattern of textured features that produce an aesthetic and/or tactile effect on the surface of the part. In some cases, the texture features may be sufficiently small that they may not be discerned by the unaided human eye. Also, in some cases, a multiple laser-based processes are combined to form a single feature or a finished part having a specific aesthetic and/or tactile effect.

The present disclosure relates to ornamental indicia carrier and method of producing the same. In some embodiments, the ornamental indicia carrier comprises an ultraviolet light (“UV”) cured ink printed on a thin flexible film and combined with an adhesive layer. The ornamental indicia carrier is capable of enduring the conditions inside the mouth for an extended period of time and can be used in conjunction with a dental appliance.

A method of performing foil sleeking after printing for UV inkjet printer is disclosed, which comprises steps of: positioning a workpiece with printed patterns or words; then printing an undercoat layer on areas to be foil-sleeked of the patterns or words, then irradiate the undercoat by a UV lamp with a low irradiation intensity to allow the undercoat layer to form a viscosity; and finally sticking a foil on the undercoat layer.

An improved protected graphics assembly according to the invention comprises the following sequential layers: optionally, at least one adhesive layer; at least one graphics layer; and at least one outwardly exposed polymer layer that is essentially free of low surface energy materials and has a gloss value of greater than 90 when tested according to ASTM D2457-03 at a 60-degree angle. The assembly is beneficially applied to a variety of articles and used in a variety of related methods. In an exemplary embodiment, a race car comprises a protected graphics assembly that comprises: optionally, at least one adhesive layer; at least one outwardly exposed polymer layer that is essentially free of low surface energy materials; and at least one graphics layer substantially protected from exterior exposure by the polymer layer.

An improved protected graphics assembly according to the invention comprises the following sequential layers: optionally, at least one adhesive layer; at least one graphics layer; and at least one outwardly exposed polymer layer that is essentially free of low surface energy materials and has a gloss value of greater than 90 when tested according to ASTM D2457-03 at a 60-degree angle. The assembly is beneficially applied to a variety of articles and used in a variety of related methods. In an exemplary embodiment, a race car comprises a protected graphics assembly that comprises: optionally, at least one adhesive layer; at least one outwardly exposed polymer layer that is essentially free of low surface energy materials; and at least one graphics layer substantially protected from exterior exposure by the polymer layer.

A decorative sheet including a base material, a three-dimensional shape printed portion provided on the base material by ultraviolet light curing inkjet printing, and an over-laminate film laminated on the base material and the printed portion, the over-laminate film including a film layer and an adhesive layer and having a three-dimensional shape following the three-dimensional shape of the printed portion.

A method of manufacturing an in-mold decorative molded article includes supplying an in-mold transfer foil to a metal mold, injecting and cooling a molding resin and taking out an molded article formed of the molding resin cooled and cured in the metal mold in which a clear layer and a transfer layer having a decorative figure in the in-mold transfer foil are integrated on the surface by opening the mold, molding the molded article integrally with a cutting portion not necessary for a target product inside the metal mold by the molding resin at an outer periphery of the product and arranging a boundary of a printing region of the clear layer in the in-mold transfer foil in the cutting portion so as to be larger than the outer periphery of the product.

An exemplary embellishment is configured for use with sports or recreational equipment having a flat/planar surface. The embellishment is in the form of a planar sheet including a front surface and a rear surface opposite the front surface. The planar sheet is sized and shaped to correspond to a size and shape of the planar surface of the equipment. The front surface comprises at least one ornamental marking and/or at least one functional marking. Each functional marking relates to performance of a sport or recreational activity corresponding to the equipment. The rear surface has disposed thereon an adhesive configured to removably secure the planar sheet to the planar surface.