Process for creating a sublimated printed heat-sealable applique

Abstract

A process for producing a colorfast thermal applique using a polyester fabric blank, dye-sublimation printing a graphic image on the fabric blank, and calendar or heat-press laminating a multi-layer composite consisting of two opposing outer layer polyurethane adhesive sides with a middle layer or layers of die impeding and absorbing polymers adhered onto the unprinted side of the printed fabric blank. The multi-zone composite comprises a first layer of clear or pigmented polyurethane adhesive followed by a pigmented disperse die impeding and absorbing polymer layer or layers and a third clear layer of polyurethane adhesive. The first layer of the triple-layer adhesive is fused under combined temperature and pressure to the polyester blank until said first layers impregnates into said fabric blank. The fabric blank is then cut into a discrete finished applique which, upon application to a fabric substrate, does not substantially change the physical and visual characteristics of that substrate, including performance fabric substrates to which the applique is applied.