Conventional transfer

Transfer refinishing technology initially developed to produce synthetic imitation leather has become an established split enhancement technology, with transfer refinishing lines commonly used especially where high quality is required.

With release paper it is possible to reproduce the mirror image of a full-grain, box calf, goatskin, python or reptile design or effects such as patent leather, slate, and various degrees of matt all over the split, evenly and precisely.

The process involves depositing multiple thin layers of a film, normally a water-based polyurethane film, over embossed paper, laminating the split normally, pressing it to increase adhesion and then separating the split with the film from the paper after final drying.

The impression of the paper is thus transferred to the split to obtain a perfect reproduction, even with very fine grain. Release paper may be used repeatedly.


There are two technologies for coating release paper available on the market:

1. Knife coating system
2. Roller coating system

Both systems are efficient, but roller technology offers the following added benefits:

• Ease of execution
  Once the appropriate cylinder has been identified, various prints can be reproduced infinitely without requiring trained personnel to continue adjusting the thickness of the doctor blade.
  
  
• Less coating defects
  When working with splits, dust is often created in the area, so that any impurities entering product used with a doctor blade coating system will scratch the film coating, and rigid or large impurities will break the release paper or cause permanent damage which will render it unsuitable for reuse. With the roller system this problem is eliminated, as any impurities will be held back by the doctor blade which scrapes the coating engraved cylinder without damaging the release paper.
  
  
• Lower plant cost
  The simplicity of the mechanics in the roller system decreases the cost of the coating plant considerably, making it more accessible economically.

Gemata, world leader in the manufacture of roller refinishing machines with many conventional roller lines already in operation, is now offering the innovative patented ECODERM cowhide split refinishing system.

The ECODERM system

The ECODERM system differs from the conventional process in that the adhesive is applied directly to the split, which is automatically laminated with release paper.

This achieves an increased adhesion of film to split due to the mechanical action of the coating roller:

CONVENTIONAL SYSTEM		ECODERM SYSTEM
Section of film applied using a conventional system after 80,000 dry strokes with a deflectometer. The film does not break, but is clearly raised above the split		Section of film applied using the ECODERM system after 100,000 dry strokes with a deflectometer. The film is still perfectly anchored onto the split

ECODERM and conventional system: comparative solidity table

SOLIDITY	TRADITIONAL SYSTEM		ECODERM SYSTEM
	MIN	MAX	MIN	MAX
Dry flex (cycles)	-	80,000	-	> 100,000
Wet flex (cycles)	-	30,000	-	30,000
Dry rub	-	> 500	-	> 500
Wet rub	-	> 500	-	> 500
Dry adhesion of the coating	18 N/cm	24 N/cm	43 N/cm	53 N/cm
Wet adhesion of the coating	8 N/cm	14 N/cm	23 N/cm	28 N/cm

Video