Photopolymeric Craft Stamp Indexing Images and Method of Making

Abstract

An indexing image for craft stamps that is opaque to the eye but transparent to UV light is produced by printing a wavelength-specific solvent-based ink on the stamp substrate. This eliminates the step of printing a separate adhesive-backed indexing image sheet and applying it to the substrate.

1 . A craft stamp indexing image, comprising:
 an actinic radiation-transmitting substrate; and   ink applied to the substrate;
 the ink being that does not transmit visible wavelengths of light and does transmit radiation that cures photopolymers. 
   
     
     
         2 . The image of  claim 1 , wherein:
 said ink is solvent-based; and   said substrate is compatible with said ink.   
     
     
         3 . The image of  claim 2 , wherein:
 said substrate comprises a plastic taken from the list of:   (a) vinyl-based plastic;   (b) polyester.   
     
     
         4 . The image of  claim 3 , wherein:
 said vinyl-based plastic is taken from the list of:   polyvinylethylene; and   polyvinyl chloride.   
     
     
         5 . The image of  claim 4 , wherein:
 said ink comprises visible light blockers.   
     
     
         6 . The image of  claim 5 , wherein:
 said visible wavelengths are between about 390 nm and 700 nm.   
     
     
         7 . A method for making a craft stamp, comprising the steps of:
 (a) print masking images on a masking film;   (b) print stamp relief images on a relief image film;   (c) print an indexing image on a compatible substrate;   (d) place the relief image film on the bottom glass of a UV exposure unit;   (e) optionally cover the relief image film with a protective film;   (f) optionally pull a vacuum under the relief image film;   (g) cast a layer of liquid photopolymer on top of the relief image film;   (h) place the substrate in contact with the upper surface of the liquid photopolymer layer;   (i) place the masking film on top of the substrate;   (j) lower the lid on the UV exposure unit and optionally pull a vacuum on the masking film and substrate;   (k) shine polymerizing radiation through the masking film for an amount of time suitable to form polymerized floor images of a desired thickness in the liquid photopolymer;   (l) shine polymerizing radiation through the relief images for an amount of time suitable to form polymerized relief images in the liquid photopolymer between the polymerized floor images and the relief images;   (m) remove the above materials from the exposure unit;   (n) remove the masking film and the relief image film from the materials; and   (o) clean the polymerized material and substrate.   
     
     
         8 . The method of  claim 7 , in which:
 step (c) is: print an indexing image with an inkjet printer using a UV-transmitting and visible light-opaque ink on the substrate, the substrate comprising vinyl-based polymeric material.   
     
     
         9 . The method of  claim 7 , in which:
 step (c) is: print an indexing image with an inkjet printer using a UV-transmitting and visible light-opaque ink on the substrate, the substrate comprising polyvinylethylene.   
     
     
         10 . The method of  claim 7 , in which:
 step (c) is: print an indexing image with an inkjet printer using a UV-transmitting and visible light-opaque ink on the substrate, the substrate comprising polyvinyl chloride.   
     
     
         11 . The method of  claim 7 , in which:
 step (c) is: print an indexing image with an inkjet printer using a UV-transmitting and visible light-opaque ink on the substrate, the substrate comprising polyester.   
     
     
         12 . A craft stamp indexing image, comprising:
 an actinic radiation-transmitting substrate;
 the substrate comprising solvent ink-printable polymers; 
   ink applied to the substrate;
 the ink being solvent-based;
 opaque to visible wavelengths of light; and 
 able to transmit radiation that cures photopolymers.