Hallmark Cards, Inc.

Ramon J Magee

John B Watkins

Arthur E Doerflinger

William E Brown

Dennis R McCoy

A generally cylindrical image embossing tool which can be used for embossing a web of material in continuous manner is made by placing an image or pattern which is to be replicated onto an embossable material maintained in the form of a cylinder. An electroform in generally cylindrical form corresponding to the image or pattern to be replicated is formed from the imaged embossable material and the electroform is supported on a rigid cylindrical support to form the image transfer tool. A novel imaging tool has a curved stamping surface carrying an embossed image or pattern. The radius of curvature of the stamping surface matches the radius of curvature of a cylindrical surface which is to be stamped so as to transfer the image or pattern which is to be replicated.

Image transfer tool

A resurfaceable rotary die counter is prepared by employing a cylindrical counter core having a central, circumferentially extending relieved area filled with readily replaceable synthetic resin material containing pre-tensioned, spirally wound glass fiber roving which renders the resin craze and crack resistance even under extended continuous use. Economical counter production is possible because of preparation of the counter on the press during makeready using the die as a counter forming element. The resin is run in against the die prior to hardening of the same to form a reverse design surface in the counter which exactly mates with the die surfaces. A viscous resin having a minimum viscosity of about 6000 cps. is employed which has the characteristics of remaining on the counter core without substantial flow until ultraviolet cure can be effected. Fiber glass roving spirally wound under tension around the resin backed core during application of successive resin layers thereto provides a ten fold increase in strength over previously available systems.

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Independence, MO, United States of America

Ramon J Magee