Lamination method to create a pre-press proof with a thermal mark

Abstract

A method, a laminator ( 10 ), and a belt, for creating a pre-press proof ( 200 ) with a thermal mark ( 190 ) which comprises laminating a pre-laminate sheet ( 240 ) consisting of a first thermoplastic layer, and a first support layer ( 150 ) to a receiver stock ( 160 ); removing the first support layer ( 150 ) forming a pre-laminated receiver stock ( 350 ); creating an imaged receiver sheet ( 140 ) with a second print layer ( 308 ) and a second support layer ( 170 ); laminating the imaged receiver sheet ( 140 ) with the pre-laminated receiver stock ( 350 ) using an embossing belt ( 110 ) with an embossing mark 115; and removing the second support layer ( 170 ) creating a pre-press proof with a thermal mark ( 230 ).

What is claimed is:  
     
         1 . A method for creating a pre-press proof with a thermal mark consisting of: 
 creating a pre-press proof having an image formed thereon; and    embossing the surface of said pre-press proof while laminating said pre-press proof with an endless embossing belt having an embossing mark to form a thermal mark thereon, wherein the image has a resolution of between 1000 dpi and 4000 dpi.    
     
     
         2 . A dual sided pre-press proof having a thermal mark on both sides of said dual sided pre-press proof by the method of  claim 1 .  
     
     
         3 . A method for creating a pre-press proof with a thermal mark comprising: 
 creating a pre-press proof having an image formed thereon;    overlaying and laminating said pre-press proof with a plastic cover sheet;    forming a thermal mark on the surface of said plastic cover sheet by laminating with an embossing belt having an embossing mark to form a thermal mark thereon; and    forming a pre-press proof with a thermal mark.    
     
     
         4 . A pre-press proof with a thermal mark with a resolution of between 1000 dpi and 4000 dpi formed by the method of  claim 3 .  
     
     
         5 . A pre-press proof with a thermal mark with a resolution of between 1200 dpi and 3600 dpi formed by the method of  claim 3 .  
     
     
         6 . A dual sided pre-press proof having a thermal mark on both sides of said dual sided pre-press proof by the method of  claim 3 .  
     
     
         7 . A method for creating a pre-press proof with a thermal mark comprising: 
 creating an imaged receiver sheet having a support layer and a print layer having an image formed on said print layer;    laminating said imaged receiver sheet to a sheet of receiver stock;    forming a thermal mark on the surface of said pre-press proof by laminating said glossy pre-press proof with an embossing belt having an embossing mark to create a thermal mark thereon;    removing said support layer creating a pre-press proof;    forming a pre-press proof with a thermal mark; and    wherein thermal mark with a resolution of between 1000 dpi and 4000 dpi.    
     
     
         8 . A pre-press proof with a thermal mark with a resolution of between 1200 dpi and 3600 dpi formed by the method of  claim 7 .  
     
     
         9 . An embossed dual sided pre-press proof having both sides of said embossed dual sided pre-press proof embossed generated by the method of  claim 7 .  
     
     
         10 . A method for creating a pre-press proof with a thermal mark comprising: 
 laminating a pre-laminate sheet consisting of a first print layer, and a first support layer to a receiver stock;    removing the first support layer forming a pre-laminated receiver stock;    creating an imaged receiver sheet with a second support layer and a second print layer having an image formed on said second print layer;    laminating said imaged receiver sheet to said pre-laminated receiver stock;    embossing the pre-press proof using an embossing belt with an image to form a thermal mark;    removing said second support layer forming a pre-press proof with a thermal mark; and    wherein thermal mark with a resolution of between 1000 dpi and 4000 dpi.    
     
     
         11 . A pre-press proof with a thermal mark with a resolution of between 1200 dpi and 3600 dpi formed by the method of  claim 10 .  
     
     
         12 . A dual sided pre-press proof having a thermal mark on both sides of said dual sided pre-press proof generated by the method of  claim 10 .  
     
     
         13 . A laminator for forming a pre-press proof with a thermal mark having an identifying mark comprising: 
 a first roller located on a first side of a media passage;    a second roller located on a second side of said media passage so as to oppose said first roller, wherein a nip portion is defined between said first and second rollers so as to apply pressure to media in said media passage which passes through said nip portion;    wherein at least one of said first and second rollers is a solid roller and at least one embossing belt;    wherein said embossing belt creates a thermal mark on a pre press proof upon passing of said pre-press proof through said laminator; and    an embossed dual sided pre-press proof has both sides of said embossed dual sided pre-press proof embossed.    
     
     
         14 . A pre-press proof with a thermal mark with a resolution of between 1000 dpi and 4000 dpi formed by the method of  claim 13 .  
     
     
         15 . A pre-press proof with a thermal mark with a resolution of between 1200 dpi and 3600 dpi formed by the method of  claim 13.