DECORATIVE FOIL, METHOD FOR PRODUCING A DECORATIVE FOIL AND METHOD FOR DECORATING A TARGET SUBSTRATE

Abstract

A decorative foil, a method for producing a decorative foil as well as a method for decorating a target substrate. The decorative foil, in particular laminating foil, cold stamping foil or hot stamping foil, includes a carrier film (42) and an all-over varnish layer (41), wherein the carrier film (42) has a thickness in the range of from 3.0 μm to 10.0 μm.

Claims

1. A decorative foil comprising a carrier film and an all-over varnish layer wherein the carrier film has a thickness in the range of from 3.0 μm to 10.0 μm.

2. The decorative foil according to claim 1, wherein the all-over varnish layer has a thickness in the range of from 1.0 μm to 2.5 μm.

3. The decorative foil according to claim 1, wherein the ratio of the carrier film thickness to the all-over varnish layer thickness lies in a range of from 1.8:1 to 7.0:1, wherein the carrier film has a thickness in a range of from more than or equal to 3 μm to less than or equal to 7 μm and/or that wherein the ratio of the carrier film thickness to the all-over varnish layer thickness lies in a range of from 4.1:1 to 10.0:1, wherein the carrier film has a thickness in a range of from more than or equal to 7 μm to less than or equal to 10 μm.

4. (canceled)

5. The decorative foil according to claim 1, wherein the decorative foil has a transmissibility for UV radiation in the wavelength range of from 250 nm to 400 nm in the range of from 5% to 70%.

6. The decorative foil according to claim 1, wherein the tear-off force has fluctuations in the force amplitude around its average in a range of from more than or equal to −0.5 cN to less than or equal to 0.5 cN.

7. The decorative foil according to claim 1, wherein the all-over varnish layer has at least one color layer on at least one surface, wherein the adhesive force between at least one color layer of the at least one color layers and the all-over varnish layer is at least 25 cN.

8. The decorative foil according to claim 1, wherein the all-over varnish layer has a covering power of more than or equal to 99.5%, in the case of a decoration of a continuous solid surface and a decoration or point perception of more than or equal to 99.5%, in the case of a decoration of a 10% halftone area.

9. The decorative foil according to claim 1, wherein the all-over varnish layer has at least one detachment layer and/or at least one protective varnish layer and/or at least one decorative layer and/or at least one primer layer and/or at least one adhesive layer and/or at least one color layer.

10. The decorative foil according to claim 9, wherein at least one detachment layer of the at least one detachment layers comprises a material or a combination of materials selected from: waxes, silicones, polyurethanes and/or polymers, preferably acrylate copolymer, polyester copolymers, polystyrene copolymers, polycarbonate copolymers.

11. The decorative foil according to claim 9, wherein at least one detachment layer of the at least one detachment layers has a thickness in the range of from 0.01 μm to 0.50 μm.

12. The decorative foil according to claim 9, wherein at least one detachment layer of the at least one detachment layers his formed transparent and/or translucent and/or opaque and/or dyed and/or at least partially dyed and/or crystal clear.

13. The decorative foil according to claim 9, wherein at least one protective varnish layer of the at least one protective varnish layers comprises a material or a combination of materials selected from: polymers.

14. The decorative foil according to claim 13, wherein the polymers, of the all-over varnish layer have a molar mass in the range of from 1,000 g/mol to 100,000 g/mol.

15. The decorativefoil according to claim 9, wherein at least one protective varnish layer of the at least one protective varnish layers has a thickness in the range of from 0.5 μm to 3 μm.

16. The decorative foil according to claim 9, wherein at least one protective varnish layer of the at least one protective varnish layers is formed transparent and/or translucent and/or opaque and/or dyed and/or at least partially dyed and/or crystal clear.

17. The decorative foil according to claim 1, wherein the force for tearing the all-over varnish layer off the carrier film lies in a range of from 2 cN to 8 cN.

18. The decorative foil according to claim 9, wherein at least one decorative layer of the at least one decorative layers has at least one layer generating an optically variable effect.

19. The decorative foil according to claim 9, wherein at least one decorative layer of the at least one decorative layers has at least one replication varnish layer with a surface structure molded into at least one replication varnish layer of the at least one replication varnish layers.

20. The decorative foil according to claim 9, wherein at least one decorative layer of the at least one decorative layers has at least one reflective layer.

21. The decorative foil according to claim 9, wherein at least one decorative layer of the at least one decorative layers has at least one thin-film layer element for generating a color shift effect dependent on the viewing angle.

22. The decorative foil according to claim 9, wherein at least one decorative layer of the at least one decorative layers has at least one color layer formed patterned in the form of a second item of information.

23. The decorative foil according to claim 9, wherein at least one decorative layer of the at least one decorative layers comprises at least one metallic layer and/or at least one dielectric layer.

24. The decorative foil according to claim 9, wherein at least one decorative layer of the at least one decorative layers has a thickness in the range of from 8 nm to 500 nm.

25. The decorative foil according to claim 23, wherein at least one metallic layer of the at least one metallic layers comprises a material or a combination of materials selected from: aluminum, silver, gold, copper, nickel, chromium and/or an alloy comprising at least two of these metals.

26. The decorative foil according to claim 23, wherein at least one dielectric layer of the at least one dielectric layers comprises a material or a combination of materials selected from: metal oxide, polymer, varnish and/or HRI material.

27. The decorative foil according to claim 9, wherein at least one primer layer of the at least one primer layers has a thickness in the range of from 0.1μm to 2 μm.

28. The decorative foil according to claim 9, wherein at least one primer layer of the at least one primer layers is formed transparent and/or translucent and/or opaque and/or dyed and/or at least partially dyed and/or crystal clear.

29-32. (canceled)

33. A method for producing a decorative foil, wherein the method comprises the following steps: a) providing a carrier film, wherein the carrier film has a thickness in the range of from 3.0 μm to 10.0 μm, b) applying an all-over varnish layer to at least one region of at least one surface of the carrier film, wherein a decorative foil is formed.

34. The method according to claim 33, wherein the all-over varnish layer in step b) has a thickness in the range of from 1.0 μm to 2.5 μm.

35. The method according to claim 33, wherein the ratio of the thickness of the carrier film to the thickness of the all-over varnish layer lies in a range of from 1.8:1 to 7.0:1, wherein the carrier film has a thickness in a range of from more than or equal to 3 μm to less than or equal to 7 μm and/or wherein the ratio of the thickness of the carrier film to the thickness of the all-over varnish lies in a range of from 4.1:1 to 10.0:1, wherein the carrier film has a thickness in a range of from more than or equal to 7 μm to less than or equal to 10 μm.

36. The method according to claim 33, wherein the all-over varnish layer in step b) has at least one detachment layer and/or at least one protective varnish layer and/or at least one decorative layer and/or at least one primer layer and/or at least one adhesive layer and/or at least one color layer.

37-40. (canceled)

41. A method for decorating a target substrate, wherein the method comprises the following steps: d) providing a decorative foil according to claim 1, e) providing a target substrate, f) applying the decorative foil to the target substrate.

42-47. (canceled)

48. The method according to claim 41, wherein at least one color layer is applied to at least one surface of the all-over varnish layer after step f), with the result that the adhesive force between at least one color layer of the at least one color layers and the all-over varnish layer is at least 25 cN.

49. The method according to claim 41, wherein the all-over varnish layer after step f) has a covering power of more than or equal to 99.5%, in the case of a decoration of a continuous solid surface and a decoration or point perception of more than or equal to 99.5%, in the case of a decoration of a 10% halftone area.

50-52. (canceled)

Description

[0098] In the following the invention is explained by way of example with reference to several embodiment examples utilizing the attached drawings. The embodiment examples shown are therefore not to be understood as limitative.

[0099] FIG. 1 shows a sectional representation of a decorative foil

[0100] FIG. 2 shows a further sectional representation of a decorative foil

[0101] FIG. 3 shows a sectional representation of a target substrate, wherein at least one adhesive layer is applied to the target substrate

[0102] FIG. 4 shows a sectional representation of a decorated target substrate

[0103] FIG. 5 shows a further sectional representation of a decorated target substrate

[0104] FIG. 6 shows a schematic representation of a method for producing a decorative foil

[0105] FIG. 7 shows a schematic representation of a method for decorating a target substrate

[0106] FIG. 8 shows a schematic representation of a method for decorating a target substrate

[0107] FIG. 9a shows the tear-off force measurement for a decorative foil with a carrier film thickness of 5.7 μm

[0108] FIG. 9b shows the tear-off force measurement for a decorative foil with a carrier film thickness of 12 μm

[0109] FIG. 10a shows the decorated 10% halftone area of a decorative foil with a carrier film thickness of 5.7 μm

[0110] FIG. 10b shows the decorated 10% halftone area of a decorative foil with a carrier film thickness of 12 μm

[0111] FIG. 11a shows a schematic representation of a decorative foil with a carrier film thickness of 5.7 μm, wherein a neutral fiber is drawn in

[0112] FIG. 11b shows a schematic representation of a decorative foil with a carrier film thickness of 12 μm, wherein a neutral fiber is drawn in

[0113] FIG. 1 shows a sectional representation of a decorative foil 40, in particular a laminating foil, cold stamping foil or hot stamping foil, comprising a carrier film 42 and an all-over varnish layer 41, wherein the carrier film has a thickness in the range of from 3.0 μm to 10.0 μm.

[0114] It is possible in particular for the all-over varnish layer 41 to have a thickness in the range of from 1.0 μm to 2.5 μm, in particular of from 1.0 μm to 1.7 μm.

[0115] In this embodiment variant the all-over varnish layer 41 comprises a detachment layer 43, a protective varnish layer 44, a decorative layer 45 and a primer layer 46. In an alternative embodiment variant it is preferably provided that the all-over varnish layer 41 has at least one detachment layer 43 and/or at least one protective varnish layer 44 and/or at least one decorative layer 45 and/or at least one primer layer 46 and/or at least one adhesive layer 47 and/or at least one color layer. It is preferred that the ratio of the carrier film thickness to the all-over varnish layer thickness lies in a range of from 1.8:1 to 7.0:1, preferably of from 2.5:1 to 5.8:1, wherein the carrier film 42 has a thickness in a range of from more than or equal to 3 μm to less than or equal to 7 μm and/or that the ratio of the carrier film thickness to the all-over varnish layer thickness in a range of from 4.1:1 to 10.0:1, preferably of from 4.4:1 to 8.3:1, wherein the carrier film 42 has a thickness in a range of from more than or equal to 7 μm to less than or equal to 10 μm.

[0116] It is advantageous in particular if the decorative foil 40 has a transmissibility for UV radiation in the wavelength range of from 250 nm to 400 nm in the range of from 5% to 70%, in particular of from 10% to 40%.

[0117] The carrier film 42 preferably comprises a material or a combination of materials selected from: PET, PMMA, PC, PE, PVC, PS, ABS, PU, PBS, PLA, PAN and/or glass.

[0118] At least one detachment layer 43 of the at least one detachment layers 43 preferably has a thickness in the range of from 0.01 μm to 0.50 μm, preferably of from 0.10 μm to 0.30 μm.

[0119] At least one detachment layer 43 of the at least one detachment layers 43 preferably comprises a material or a combination of materials selected from: waxes, silicones, polyurethanes and/or polymers, preferably acrylate copolymer, polyester copolymer, polycarbonate copolymer, polystyrene copolymer.

[0120] At least one detachment layer 43 of the at least one detachment layers 43 is preferably formed transparent and/or translucent and/or opaque and/or dyed and/or at least partially dyed and/or crystal clear.

[0121] The protective varnish layer 44 is an optional layer which serves in particular to protect the decorative layer 45 from mechanical and/or chemical stress. The protective varnish layer 44 is in particular a varnish layer based on nitrocellulose and acrylate polymers, polyester copolymer, polycarbonate copolymer, polystyrene copolymer and/or SMA copolymers.

[0122] At least one protective varnish layer 44 of the at least one protective varnish layers 44 preferably has a thickness in the range of from 0.5 μm to 3 μm, in particular of from 0.8 μm to 1.3 μm.

[0123] At least one protective varnish layer 44 of the at least one protective varnish layers 44 is preferably formed transparent and/or translucent and/or opaque and/or dyed and/or at least partially dyed and/or crystal clear.

[0124] It is preferably possible for at least one protective varnish layer 44 of the at least one protective varnish layers 44 to comprise a material or a combination of materials selected from: polymers, in particular acrylate copolymers, polyester copolymers, polystyrene copolymers, polycarbonate copolymers and/or SMA copolymers.

[0125] The polymers, in particular acrylate copolymers and/or SMA copolymers, polyester copolymer, polycarbonate copolymer, polystyrene copolymer or combinations thereof, of the all-over varnish layer 41 preferably have a molar mass in the range of from 1,000 g/mol to 100,000 g/mol, preferably of from 3,000 g/mol to 35,000 g/mol.

[0126] It is provided that at least one decorative layer 45 of the at least one decorative layers 45 comprises at least one metallic layer and/or at least one dielectric layer.

[0127] Further, it is provided in particular that at least one metallic layer of the at least one metallic layers comprises a material or a combination of materials selected from: aluminum, silver, gold, copper, nickel, chromium and/or an alloy comprising at least two of these metals.

[0128] It is preferably possible for at least one dielectric layer of the at least one dielectric layers to comprise a material or a combination of materials selected from: metal oxide, polymer, varnish and/or HRI material, in particular MgO, TiO.sub.n, Al.sub.2O.sub.3, ZnO, ZnS and/or SiO.sub.n, wherein the variable n preferably lies in the range of from more than or equal to 0 to less than or equal to 3.

[0129] It is preferably provided that at least one decorative layer 45 of the at least one decorative layers 45 has a thickness in the range of from 8 nm to 500 nm, preferably of from 8 nm to 60 nm, in particular preferably of from 10 nm to 30 nm. In particular, at least one metallic layer of the at least one metallic layers has a thickness in the range of from 8 nm to 60 nm, preferably of from 10 nm to 30 nm. This layer thickness guarantees that a high level of transmissibility for UV radiation is achieved for at least one metallic layer of the at least one metallic layers. This is of interest in particular when a cold glue and/or an adhesive that can be cured by means of electromagnetic radiation, particularly preferably an adhesive that can be cured by means of UV radiation, is used, as it can thus be guaranteed that the UV radiation of a light source emitting UV radiation penetrates in particular at least one metallic layer of the at least one metallic layers and thus the UV adhesive located underneath can be cured. At the same time, a good visibility and decorative effect of at least one metallic layer of the at least one metallic layers is achieved.

[0130] In particular, it is possible for at least one decorative layer 45 of the at least one decorative layers 45 to have at least one layer generating an optically variable effect. Particularly high-quality optical properties of the decorative foil 40 can thereby be achieved. Furthermore, it is possible for these to be security elements which are preferably forgery-proof.

[0131] Furthermore, it is preferred that at least one decorative layer 45 of the at least one decorative layers 45 has at least one replication varnish layer with a surface structure molded into at least one replication varnish layer of the at least one replication varnish layers, in particular selected from: diffractive surface structure, refractive surface structure, lens structure, matte structure and/or blazed grating.

[0132] In particular, it is advantageous if at least one decorative layer 45 of the at least one decorative layers 45 has at least one reflective layer, in particular has at least one reflective layer formed patterned in the form of a first item of information.

[0133] It is further preferably provided that at least one decorative layer 45 of the at least one decorative layers 45 has at least one color layer formed patterned in the form of a second item of information.

[0134] It is possible in particular for at least one decorative layer 45 of the at least one decorative layers 45 to have at least one thin-film layer element for generating a color shift effect dependent on the viewing angle.

[0135] Further, it is provided in particular that at least one primer layer 46 of the at least one primer layers 46 has a thickness in the range of from 0.1 μm to 2 μm, in particular preferably of from 0.2 μm to 0.8 μm.

[0136] It is preferably possible for at least one primer layer 46 of the at least one primer layers 46 to be formed transparent and/or translucent and/or opaque and/or dyed and/or at least partially dyed and/or crystal clear. In particular if at least one primer layer 46 of the at least one primer layers 46 is dyed at least partially and/or dyed, the advantage results that the contrast to the target substrate 10 is increased and this achieves a particularly high-quality optical impression or effect.

[0137] It is preferred that at least one primer layer 46 of the at least one primer layers 46 has a surface roughness in the range of from 100 nm to 200 nm, preferably of from 120 nm to 160 nm.

[0138] In addition, it is possible for example for the all-over varnish layer 41 to comprise several primer layers 46, which are different in terms of their chemical and/or physical properties, with the result that the optimum adhesion to the adjoining layers is formed. Thus, it is possible for example to achieve, on the one hand, an optimum adhesion towards at least one decorative layer 45 of the at least one decorative layers 45 and, on the other hand, an optimum adhesion towards at least one adhesive layer 47 of the at least one adhesive layers 47.

[0139] The decorative foil 40 is represented in FIG. 2 with the same structure as shown in FIG. 1, except that an adhesive layer 47 covers a surface of the all-over varnish layer 41 in the first regions 21 and does not cover it in the second regions 22.

[0140] It is provided in particular that at least one adhesive layer 47 of the at least one adhesive layers 47 covers at least one first region 21 of the all-over varnish layer 41 at least partially or over the whole surface.

[0141] It is furthermore also provided that at least one adhesive layer 47 of the at least one adhesive layers 47 does not cover at least one second region 22 of the all-over varnish layer 41, in particular wherein at least one second region 22 of the at least one second regions 22 does not overlap at least one first region 21 of the at least one first regions 21 or overlaps it at least partially or over the whole surface.

[0142] In particular, it is possible for at least one first region 21 of the at least one first regions 21 and/or at least one second region 22 of the at least one second regions 22 to comprise at least one of the following design elements or a combination of the following design elements: alphanumeric character, character, symbol, microprint, image, photo, logo, portrait, pictogram, pattern, in particular endless pattern, grid, in particular periodic grid, amplitude-modulated grid, dot grid, line grid, motif. Individual design possibilities can thus be implemented which produce a particularly high-quality impression for the observer.

[0143] Further, it is preferably possible for at least one adhesive layer 47 of the at least one adhesive layers 47 to be formed of a hot glue and/or a thermoplastic adhesive and/or a cold glue and/or a radiation-curable adhesive, in particular an adhesive that can be cured by means of electromagnetic radiation and/or electron beam radiation and/or by means of UV radiation, and/or an oxidatively curing adhesive and/or a low-migration adhesive. The decorative foil 40 can hereby be applied to the target substrate 10 by means of cold stamping for example when a cold glue and/or an adhesive that can be cured by means of UV radiation is used or applied to the target substrate by means of hot stamping for example when a thermoplastic adhesive is used, by activating the at least one adhesive layer 47 of the at least one adhesive layers 47, which comprises a thermoplastic adhesive, by means of a heated pressure stamp and/or a pressure roller.

[0144] A sectional representation of the target substrate 10 is represented in FIG. 3, wherein a surface of the target substrate 10 is covered with at least one adhesive layer 47 in the third regions 23 and not covered in the fourth regions 24. It is provided in particular that, before the application of the decorative foil 40 to the target substrate 10, at least one adhesive layer 47 of the at least one adhesive layers 47 is deposited in at least one third region 23 of the at least one third regions 23 and is not deposited in a fourth region 24 of the at least one fourth regions 24.

[0145] It is also possible for at least one adhesive layer 47 of the at least one adhesive layers 47 to cover at least one surface of the target substrate 10 over the whole surface.

[0146] For this embodiment variant, a sectional representation of a decorated target substrate is represented in FIG. 4. In particular, at least one adhesive layer 47 of the at least one adhesive layers 47 is arranged on a target substrate 10 such that it covers a surface of the target substrate 10 over the whole surface. Further, the decorated target substrate comprises an all-over varnish layer 41 of the decorative foil 40, wherein the carrier 42 has already been peeled off the decorative foil 40. It can preferably also be provided that the carrier 42 remains on the decorative foil 40.

[0147] In the embodiment shown the detachment layer 43 is also transferred to the target substrate 10 and does not remain or only partially remains on the carrier film 42. In an alternative embodiment, not represented in more detail, it is also possible for the detachment layer 43 to remain on the peeled-off carrier film 42 or for only very few regions of the detachment layer 43 to also be transferred to the target substrate 10.

[0148] A sectional representation of a further alternative for a decorated target substrate is shown in FIG. 5. Here, at least one third region 23 of the at least one third regions 23 is decorated by the all-over varnish layer 41 and at least one fourth region 24 of the at least one fourth regions 24 is not decorated by the all-over varnish layer 41.

[0149] However, it is also possible for at least one first and/or third region 21, 23 of the at least one first and/or third regions 21, 23 to be decorated by the all-over varnish layer 41 and/or at least one second and/or fourth region 22, 24 of the at least one second and/or fourth regions 22, 24 not to be decorated by the all-over varnish layer 41.

[0150] It is provided in particular that the all-over varnish layer 41 has at least one color layer on at least one surface, wherein the adhesive force between at least one color layer of the at least one color layers and the all-over varnish layer 41 is at least 25 cN, preferably at least 30 cN.

[0151] A schematic representation of a method for producing a decorative foil 40 is shown in FIG. 6, wherein the method comprises the following steps, which are carried out in particular in the following sequence: [0152] a) providing a carrier film 42, wherein the carrier film 42 has a thickness in the range of from 3.0 μm to 10.0 μm, [0153] b) applying an all-over varnish layer 41 to at least one region of at least one surface of the carrier film 42, wherein a decorative foil 40 is formed.

[0154] It is preferably possible for the all-over varnish layer 41 in step b) to have a thickness in the range of from 1.0 μm to 2.5 μm, preferably of from 1.0 μm to 1.7 μm.

[0155] In particular, it is provided here that the ratio of the carrier film thickness to the all-over varnish layer thickness lies in a range of from 1.8:1 to 7.0:1, preferably of from 2.5:1 to 5.8:1, wherein the carrier film 42 has a thickness in a range of from more than or equal to 3 μm to less than or equal to 7 μm and/or that the ratio of the carrier film thickness to the all-over varnish layer thickness in a range of from 4.1:1 to 10.0:1, preferably of from 4.4:1 to 8.3:1, wherein the carrier film 42 has a thickness in a range of from more than or equal to 7 μm to less than or equal to 10 μm.

[0156] Further, it is preferably provided that the all-over varnish layer in step b) has at least one detachment layer 43 and/or at least one protective varnish layer 44 and/or at least one decorative layer 45 and/or at least one primer layer 46 and/or at least one adhesive layer 47 and/or at least one color layer.

[0157] It is in particular also possible for at least one detachment layer 43 of the at least one detachment layers 43 and/or at least one protective varnish layer 44 of the at least one protective varnish layers 44 and/or at least one decorative layer 45 of the at least one decorative layers 45 and/or at least one primer layer 46 of the at least one primer layers and/or at least one adhesive layer 47 of the at least one adhesive layers 47 and/or at least one color layer of the at least one color layers to be applied by means of gravure printing and/or screen printing and/or relief printing and/or pad printing and/or inkjet printing and/or offset printing and/or flexographic printing and/or casting techniques.

[0158] It is in particular provided that in step b) the at least one adhesive layer 47 is applied as a hot glue, a thermoplastic adhesive, a cold glue, a radiation-curable adhesive, in particular an adhesive that can be cured by means of electromagnetic radiation and/or electron beam radiation and/or by means of UV radiation, or an oxidatively curing adhesive and/or a low-migration adhesive. It is further also possible for the adhesive layer 47 to be applied to a surface of the all-over varnish layer 41 at least partially.

[0159] It is in particular also possible for step b) further to comprise the following step and/or for the following step further to be carried out after step b): [0160] c) applying at least one adhesive layer 47 of the at least one adhesive layers 47 such that at least one adhesive layer 47 of the at least one adhesive layers 47 covers at least one first region 21 of the all-over varnish layer 41 at least partially or over the whole surface and/or does not cover a second region 22 of the all-over varnish layer 41, in particular wherein at least one second region 22 of the at least one second regions 22 does not overlap at least one first region 21 of the at least one first regions 21 or overlaps it at least partially or over the whole surface.

[0161] In particular, it is also possible for at least one first region 21 of the at least one first regions 21 and/or at least one second region 22 of the at least one second regions 22 to comprise at least one of the following design elements or a combination of the following design elements: alphanumeric character, character, symbol, microprint, image, photo, logo, portrait, pictogram, pattern, in particular endless pattern, grid, in particular periodic grid, amplitude-modulated grid, dot grid, line grid, motif.

[0162] A method for decorating a target substrate 10 is represented schematically in FIG. 7, wherein the method comprises the following steps, which are carried out in particular in the following sequence: [0163] d) providing a decorative foil 40, [0164] e) providing a target substrate 10, [0165] f) applying the decorative foil 40 to the target substrate 10.

[0166] As represented schematically in FIG. 8, it is in particular also provided that the following step is carried out before step f): [0167] g) applying at least one adhesive layer 47 to the decorative foil 40 such that at least one adhesive layer 47 of the at least one adhesive layers 47 covers at least one first region 21 of the all-over varnish layer 41 at least partially or over the whole surface and/or does not cover at least one second region 22 of the all-over varnish layer 41, in particular wherein at least one second region 22 of the at least one second regions 22 does not overlap at least one first region 21 of the at least one first regions 21 or overlaps it at least partially or over the whole surface, and/or applying at least one adhesive layer 47 to the target substrate 10 such that at least one adhesive layer 47 of the at least one adhesive layers 47 covers at least one third region 23 of the target substrate 10 at least partially or over the whole surface and/or does not cover at least one fourth region 24 of the target substrate 10, in particular wherein at least one fourth region 24 of the at least one fourth regions 24 does not overlap at least one third region 23 of the at least one third regions 23 or overlaps it at least partially or over the whole surface.

[0168] It is furthermore also provided that at least one first and/or third region 21, 23 of the at least one first and/or third regions 21, 23 and/or at least one second and/or fourth region 22, 24 of the at least one second and/or fourth regions 22, 24 comprises at least one of the following design elements or a combination of the following design elements: alphanumeric character, character, symbol, microprint, image, photo, logo, portrait, pictogram, pattern, in particular endless pattern, grid, in particular periodic grid, amplitude-modulated grid, dot grid, line grid, motif.

[0169] At least one adhesive layer 47 of the at least one adhesive layers 47 in step g) is preferably formed of a hot glue, a thermoplastic adhesive, a cold glue, a radiation-curable adhesive, in particular an adhesive that can be cured by means of electromagnetic radiation and/or electron beam radiation and/or by means of UV radiation, and/or an oxidatively curing adhesive and/or a low-migration adhesive.

[0170] It is further provided in particular that in step g) at least one adhesive layer 47 of the at least one adhesive layers 47 is applied by means of gravure printing and/or screen printing and/or relief printing and/or pad printing and/or inkjet printing and/or offset printing and/or flexographic printing and/or casting techniques.

[0171] It is also possible for at least one first and/or third region 21, 23 of the at least one first and/or third regions 21, 23, which is covered by the at least one adhesive layer 47 of the at least one adhesive layers 47 at least partially or over the whole surface, to be decorated by the all-over varnish layer 41.

[0172] Furthermore, it is advantageous if at least one color layer is applied to at least one surface of the all-over varnish layer 41 after step f), with the result that the adhesive force between at least one color layer of the at least one color layers and the all-over varnish layer 41 is at least 25 cN, preferably of at least 30 cN.

[0173] It is also advantageous if the all-over varnish layer 41 after step f) has a covering power of more than or equal to 99.5%, preferably of 100%, in the case of a decoration of a continuous solid surface and a decoration or point perception of more than or equal to 99.5%, preferably of 100%, in the case of a decoration of a 10% halftone area.

[0174] It is also preferably conceivable that the following step is further carried out in step f) and/or after step f): [0175] h) pressing on the decorative foil 40 with at least one pressure stamp and/or at least one pressure roller.

[0176] Further, it is preferably also possible for at least one pressure stamp of the at least one pressure stamps and/or at least one pressure roller of the at least one pressure rollers in step h) to be designed as a heated planar and/or forming stamp and/or a heated roller, wherein this activates at least one adhesive layer 47 of the at least one adhesive layers 47 at least partially and/or in at least one first and/or third region 21, 23 of the at least one first and/or third regions 21, 23 and joins the decorative foil 40 to the target substrate 10.

[0177] It is in particular also possible for the following step further to be carried out after step f):

[0178] peeling the carrier film 42 off the all-over varnish layer 41, wherein the peel angle between the carrier film 42 and the all-over varnish layer 41 lies in a range of from 0° to 120°, preferably of from 0° to 90°.

[0179] When the carrier film 42 is peeled off the all-over varnish layer 41, it is provided in particular that at least one adhesive layer 47 of the at least one adhesive layers 47 is applied to at least one first and/or third region 21, 23 of the at least one and/or third regions 21, 23 and a decoration takes place in this region. In order that a decoration only takes place in the named region, the so-called cracking force must be overcome. The cracking force is the force which has to be overcome during the transfer to a surface area to be decorated or region to be decorated, in order that defined local breaks in the all-over varnish layer 41 of the decorative foil 40 occur and a sharp-edged decoration of the surface area to be decorated or region to be decorated is made possible.

[0180] The outer edge, in particular the front edge in the feed direction, of at least one adhesive layer 47 of the at least one adhesive layers 47 is called the cracking edge. It is provided in particular that the all-over varnish layer 41 breaks exactly and in a defined manner at this cracking edge, with the result that at least one adhesive layer 47 of the at least one adhesive layers 47, which is applied in at least one first and/or third region 21, 23 of the at least one first and/or third regions 21, 23, predefines the decoration.

[0181] The outer back edge, in the feed direction, of the adhesive layer 47 is called the tearing edge. It is provided in particular that the all-over varnish layer 41 breaks exactly and in a defined manner also at this tearing edge, with the result that at least one adhesive layer 47 of the at least one adhesive layers 47, which is applied in at least one first and/or third region 21, 23 of the at least one first and/or third regions 21, 23, predefines the decoration.

[0182] After the cracking of the all-over varnish layer 41 has taken place, the decoration of the surface area to be decorated or of the region to be decorated is effected by detachment of the all-over varnish layer 41 from the carrier film 42. The force required for this is called the tear-off force and it is as a rule smaller than the cracking force as the all-over varnish layer 41 does not need to be broken through. In general it is true that a small and homogeneous tear-off force over the entire region to be decorated guarantees a high covering power, and the number of decoration defects is reduced.

[0183] By way of example, the force curves of the tear-off force for a decorative foil 40 according to the invention with a thickness of the carrier film 42 of 5.7 μm (FIG. 9a) and a decorative foil 40 according to the state of the art (FIG. 9b) with a thickness of the carrier film 42 of 12 μm are shown in FIGS. 9a and 9b, wherein the tear-off force is indicated in cN over the distance in mm. The two decorative foils 40 tested have identical layer structures and identical material compositions, except that the carrier film thicknesses are different.

[0184] A materials testing machine of the Z005 type from ZwickRoell GmbH & Co. KG was used to record the measured values. The carrier film 42 to be peeled off has a width of 13.5 mm and a length of 41 mm in both tests. The detachment of the carrier film 42 is effected in the longitudinal direction at a speed of 100 mm/min.

[0185] The average of the tear-off force for a decorative foil 40 with a carrier film thickness of 5.7 μm is approximately 2.75 cN (see FIG. 9a), whereas the average of the tear-off force for a decorative foil 40 with a carrier film thickness of 12 μm is approx. 4.5 cN (see FIG. 9b).

[0186] The fluctuations in the force amplitude, wherein by this is meant in particular the fluctuation in the tear-off force around its average, turn out to be smaller for a decorative foil 40 with a carrier film thickness of 5.7 μm (FIG. 9a) than for a decorative foil 40 with a carrier film thickness of 12 μm (FIG. 9b). The fluctuations in the force amplitude, regarded absolutely, are smaller than ±0.5 cN for a decorative foil 40 with a carrier film thickness of 5.7 μm, whereas fluctuations in the force amplitude of up to ±1 cN around the average occur in the case of a decorative foil 40 with a carrier film thickness of 12 μm.

[0187] Overall, it can thus be said both that the absolute tear-off force in the case of a decorative foil 40 with a carrier film thickness of 5.7 μm is smaller than in the case of a decorative foil 40 with a carrier film thickness of 12 μm and that the fluctuations in the force amplitude around its average are much smaller in the case of a decorative foil 40 with a carrier film thickness of 5.7 μm than in the case of a decorative foil 40 with a carrier film thickness of 12 μm. With a decorative foil 40 the carrier film 42 of which has a thickness in the range of from 3 μm to 10 μm, the tear-off force behaves particularly homogeneously, whereby an improved decoration and an improved covering power result.

[0188] A further series of tests proves the advantages set out above. Firstly, several similar target substrates 10 are prepared, wherein an adhesive layer 47 is applied to the target substrates 10 in a halftone area with 10% surface coverage, i.e. 10% of the surface area of the target substrate 10 is covered with adhesive dots. The 10% halftone area has a resolution of 100 Ipi (Ipi=“lines per inch”), is amplitude-modulated and has an angulation of the grid dots of 45°.

[0189] To determine the maximum adhesive dots per target substrate 10, a target substrate 10 without decorative foil 40 is scanned in with a scanner with a resolution of 1,200 dpi and the number of adhesive dots is counted. The image forming is also called the adhesive image.

[0190] The same procedure is also carried out for decorated target substrates 10, wherein beforehand a target substrate 10 is decorated with a decorative foil 40 with a carrier film thickness of 5.7 μm (A) and a target substrate 10 is decorated with a decorative foil 40 with a carrier film thickness of 12 μm (B) and the carrier film 42 is detached from the all-over varnish layer 41 after the curing of the adhesive layer 47.

[0191] This process is likewise also carried out for several target substrates 10, in which the adhesive layer 47 is applied in a full-tone area, thus with a 100% surface coverage.

[0192] The result of this series of tests is represented in the following table:

TABLE-US-00001 relative proportion 10% grid (of 8240 determined covering power (number of dots from adhesive of the full-tone decorated dots) image) in % area in % A (5.7 μm) 8240 100 100 B (12 μm) 5116 62 99

[0193] In the 10% grid, all 8240 adhesive dots are decorated by a decorative foil 40 with a carrier film thickness of 5.7 μm; this is also represented in FIG. 10a. In contrast, merely only 62% of the adhesive dots are decorated with a decorative foil 40 with a carrier film thickness of 12 rim, as is also to be seen in FIG. 10b. Thus, for a decorative foil 40 with a carrier film thickness of 5.7 μm it can be said that there is a clean stamping or a high point perception, this is because 100% of the adhesive dots are decorated and thus the all-over varnish layer 41 optimally breaks at the cracking edge and/or at the tearing edge.

[0194] Further, a covering power of the full-tone area of 100% is achieved with a decorative foil 40 with a carrier film thickness of 5.7 rim, whereas a covering power of the full-tone area of 99% is achieved with a decorative foil 40 with a carrier film thickness of 12 μm.

[0195] The advantages of a clean stamping and a very high covering power therefore result for a decorative foil 40 with a carrier film thickness in the range of from 3 μm to 10 μm.

[0196] By way of explanation, FIGS. 11a and 11b are further mentioned, in which in each case a neutral fiber 50 is drawn in for a decorative foil 40 with a carrier film thickness of 5.7 μm (FIG. 11a) and for a decorative foil 40 with a carrier film thickness of 12 μm (FIG. 11b). The neutral fiber 50 runs along the geometric center plane or center line of the decorative foil 40. The neutral fiber 50 is the fiber the length of which does not change when twisted and/or bent, i.e. no tensile stresses or pressure stresses act on the neutral fiber 50. Further, the distance x from the neutral fiber to the all-over varnish layer 41 is represented. The smaller the carrier film thickness of the decorative foil 40, the smaller the distance x. With a shrinking distance x, the normal stress of the all-over varnish layer 41 as a result of bending is then also reduced. The reduced normal stress of the all-over varnish layer 41 in the case of a decorative foil 40 with a carrier film thickness in the range of from 3 μm to 10 μm ensures that undefined and/or random local breaks in the all-over varnish layer 41 do not already occur before the detachment of the carrier film. A clean stamping or a very high point perception can thus be achieved.

[0197] It is provided in particular that the tear-off force has fluctuations in the force amplitude around its average in a range of from more than or equal to −0.5 cN to less than or equal to 0.5 cN.

[0198] Further, it is preferably provided that the all-over varnish layer 41 has a covering power of more than or equal to 99.5%, preferably of 100%, in the case of a decoration of a continuous solid surface and a decoration or point perception of more than or equal to 99.5%, preferably of 100%, in the case of a decoration of a 10% halftone area.

[0199] It is possible in particular for the force for tearing the all-over varnish layer 41 off the carrier film 42 to lie in a range of from 2 cN to 8 cN.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

[0200] 10 target substrate

[0201] 21 first region

[0202] 22 second region

[0203] 23 third region

[0204] 24 fourth region

[0205] 40 decorative foil

[0206] 41 all-over varnish layer

[0207] 42 carrier film

[0208] 43 detachment layer

[0209] 44 protective varnish layer

[0210] 45 decorative layer

[0211] 46 primer layer

[0212] 47 adhesive layer

[0213] 50 neutral fiber

[0214] x distance