The Toy Research Institute (AIJU) is exploring the water printing method of application to decorate toys of different geometrical shapes. This is part of the project carried out by AIJU for decorating toys through various latest methods.
The application capabilities of the water printing technology for decorating scale cars has been observed by the institute in various designs and colours.
The process of water printing can be used on many surfaces such as wood, glass, plastic and metal. Under this process, the image which is to be used is printed on water soluble Polyvinyl Alcohol film after which the film is immersed in a water filled tank in such a manner that the film comes into direct contact with water and gets dissolved while the ink floats in the water. A chemical activator is then sprayed on the ink and the sample is then introduced into the tank of water. The ink covers the sample and sticks to its surface. When the surface of the toy is clean and dry, another transparent coating is applied to make the toy more durable and resistant to intense weathering.
The Toy Research Institute, which is located in Spain, is a non-profit organisation founded through acollaboration between the Regional Government and the Spanish Toy Manufacturers Association. The main focus of the institute is to provide access to latest technology for toy manufacturers to enhance their competitivity and to assist in professional development of the employees in the sector.
Source: http://www.aiju.info