Production of 3D Structures in Printing

The ability to form a raised three dimensional image makes possible the use of modified processes, inks and substrates in fine art work, such as children’s books, business cards, postcards, and special type printing processes. If the raised image attains the required height and firmness, it can be used in printing of Braille characters. Production of three dimensional (3D) images on a substrate can be accomplished by old fashioned embossing procedures, a process using hectographic or spirit duplicating masters, or raised Xerographic printing with thermally intumesced electroscopic powders. It may also be done employing three-dimensional imaging paper with randomly distributed fibers with uniformly dispersed unexpanded synthetic thermoplastic polymeric microspheres, thermographic processes, special printing processes, which work by building parts of light curable photo-polymer in layers, or heat transfer printing with thermally-expandable ink layer. Results from our laboratory show a modified formula of hot melt ink that can be used in 3D thermal wax printing process to create raised images on the substrates. An extensive study of thermal behavior of the components of proposed phase change ink has been carried out