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Soft Feel Coatings Enhance Haptic Feel

soft feel coatingsSoft Feel coatings, also known as Soft Touch® are manufactured to create a smooth, leathery surface and enhance tactile appeal of printed substrates like paper, film and foil including nylon, PET and OPP. Soft Feel coatings dry quickly and are non-yellowing, offering a lasting, finished look in end use applications. Often used to deliver high clarity and matte muted graphics, these aqueous coatings offer a luxurious, sophisticated look while providing a scuff and mar resistant barrier to printed substrates.

Soft Feel Coatings and Graphic Arts 

Known for excellent print receptivity, Soft Feel coatings are a popular option for darker color palettes, making them appear muted and offering a rich, more luxurious finished look. Soft Feel coatings are generally applied to a semi or high gloss surface, to avoid flattening of the printed graphics post-production. Receptive to a wide variety of inks, these coatings are manufactured to work well with solvent borne, water based, UV and offset inks.

Soft Feel coatings are applied in-line during the printing process and protect the substrate from abrasion. Converters use Soft Feel coatings to avoid purchasing secondary matte films to achieve the same matte look and feel. Film laminates also use Soft Feel coatings to create a scuff and mar resistant clear matte appearance while offering a surface that does not change gloss when scuffed or marred like traditional aqueous matte coatings.

Soft Feel coatings are commonly used for end use applications like:

  • Printed marketing materials
  • Food & beverage product packaging
  • Over laminate films
  • Book cover paper stock

For more information about aqueous Soft Feel coatings, please contact Roymal, Inc. at roymal@roymalinc.com or by calling (603) 863-2410.

 

Understanding Aqueous Coatings

Aqueous Coatings: Defined.

waterbased coatings, custom coatings

A lot of people are confused about what aqueous coatings are and their advantages for users. For a long time, it was industry standard to use varnish as coating and it was thought of as good enough. Aqueous coatings were introduced to the market at the end of the 70s, but they were prohibitively expensive back then.

Also called water based coatings, they were invented and adopted because they are vastly superior to varnish. The finish and quality one gets from aqueous coatings far exceeds anything that is possible with varnish or any other type of coating. It is also better than varnish in many other ways. There is no yellowing problem with time which is a common complaint when it comes to varnish. Ghosting issues are also solved with aqueous coatings and they also do not pose a risk to the environment the way varnish does.

There are many different types of aqueous coatings such as:

High Gloss
If you want a high gloss finish then aqueous coatings will be a great choice for you. They provide a high amount of gloss and also offer press stability, tailored coefficient of friction, and good hot stamp receptivity.

Matte Finish
Aqueous coatings are also available in matte finish with gloss ranges in 5-20° at 60° angles. The clarity and adhesion of these is excellent plus they also have great water and chemical resistance.

Soft Feel
Soft Feel aqueous coatings have a luxurious leather type feel along with excellent rub and mar protection. They are receptive to ink as well as ballpoint pens.

Chemical Resistant
Aqueous coatings can also be made resistant to alkalis, acids, ketenes, alcohols, dry cleaning solvents, acetates, household cleaners as well as automotive fluids.

Controlled C.O.F.
Controlled COF (coefficient of friction) allows a stable COF and are available in both gloss and matte finish.

Heat Resistant
Heat resistant aqueous coatings can survive temperatures up to 450°F (232°C) which makes them ideal for processes involving hot temperatures.

Heat Seal
Heat Seal aqueous coatings can be used to keep the heat locked in and have a dwell time as low as 0.01 to 0.1 seconds and can handle pressure up to 40-0 psi.

Security Coatings
Aqueous coatings can also be used for invisible security purposes and are only visible in certain conditions.

UV Cure
UV (ultraviolet) curable aqueous coatings are specially formulated to act as topcoats and primers.

Print Receptive
These are receptive to many different types of inks such as digital, solvent borne, offset, water based, inkjet and UV.

To learn more about custom aqueous coatings please contact Roymal, Inc. at (602) 2863-2410 or email roymal@roymalinc.com.

Graphics of the Americas Tradeshow

The Fort Lauderdale Convention Center
February 16 – 18, 2017

Throughout the past 40+ years, Graphics of the Americas has developed a special relationship with professionals and associations in North, South, Central America and the Caribbean. Over 40%Graphics of the Americas Tradeshow of GOA’s 6,500 attendees in 2016 came from more than 72 countries.

Known for its unique ability to create the industry’s most diverse and dynamic marketplace, GOA combines creative, pre/post-press, offset, digital inject  grand format, flexo/label/packaging, direct-to-substrate and dye sublimation printing, bindery and finishing, mailing and fulfillment – all in one place and under one roof. Our Show Floor Feature areas provide you an excellent opportunity to showcase your products and interact with print professionals from all over the world who make purchasing decisions for your products and services.

Exhibitors are describing GOA 2016 as an “unprecedented buying show” where numerous deals for equipment were consummated. It was a great way to start off the year! As an exhibitor at our industry’s most dynamic trade show for over forty years, your company will be visible to thousands of graphics industry professionals from around the world who are coming to discover new products, technologies, services and trends. They come to interact with the leading manufacturers and suppliers in the industry to learn, compare and buy.

Education at GOA provides comprehensive content, case studies and actionable insight germane  to the current and future of the print industry.

Learn more about the Graphics of the America’s Tradeshow here.

Waterbased Coatings for Industrial HVAC Applications

Desiccant Wheel Coatings for Improved Design

HVAC coatings

HVAC manufacturers are challenged by the balance of properties required for the design and manufacturing of desiccant wheel applications for humidity exchange HVAC systems.

Waterbased coatings offer HVAC desiccant wheel applications advantages like:

  • Substrate Adhesion
  • Scratch Resistance
  • Flexibility
  • Corrosion Resistance
  • Humidity/Water Resistance
  • Durability

Custom waterbased coatings by Roymal, Inc. can be designed and manufactured to suit a variety of HVAC desiccant wheel substrates and applications.

For more information about waterbased coatings for HVAC applications, contact Roymal. Inc. at (603)863-2410 or email roymal@roymalinc.com.

Aqueous Ultraviolet (UV) Cure Coatings

Pushing the Limit of Aqueous Coatings

flexible packaging

Packaging engineers, print designers and graphics art professionals are constantly creating new applications that push the limits of aqueous coating technology.

These higher performance applications require aqueous coatings that will perform under the most severe conditions.  Roymal offers a wide variety

of aqueous UV curable coatings that are formulated to perform as primers and topcoats, our coatings offer excellent adhesion to films, are heat and chemical resistant and can be applied to paper, paperboard, foil and film products.

Application of Aqueous Ultraviolet (UV) Coatings

Commercial printers frequently send their jobs through using an inline UV curing equipment or an offline, “stand alone” UV curing unit. Aqueous (waterbased) UV cure coatings require the use of a thermal oven to remove the volatiles before the UV curing step.  The UV curing step can also be accomplished in an offline UV cure unit as the aqueous UV coatings have non-blocking properties and can be rolled in reel form prior to UV cure.  Aqueous UV primers and topcoats can be applied via rotogravure and meyer rod.

Roymal Inc. has formulated a select number of aqueous UV coatings that allow printers to take advantage of this unique technology for their variety of end applications, including ink receptive primers (can covalently cure with UV inks) and topcoats.

 

Roymal Inc. Offers Aqueous UV Curable Coatings like:  

  • UV Curable Print Receptive Primer
  • UV Curable Topcoat
  • UV Curable Soft Feel Topcoat
  • UV Cure Inline or Offline

 

Aqueous UV Curable Coatings offer:

  • Gloss or Matte Availability
  • Excellent Water Resistance
  • Excellent Rub Resistance
  • Excellent Chemical Resistance
  • Excellent Heat Resistance
  • Excellent Filmic Adhesion Properties
  • Good Print Receptivity

For more information about water based coatings and aqueous UV curable products, contact Roymal Inc. at roymal@roymalinc.com or by calling (603) 863-2410.

Waterbased Coatings and Environmental Advantages

Waterbased Coatings Defined

waterbased coating, aqueous coating, custom coatingsWaterbased coatings are made from resins and binders, the combination of those components are used to develop a coating formulation. Urethanes, acrylics, alkyds and epoxies are all examples of resins and binders used in typical coating formulations. Additionally, additives are used to lend application, performance and color (pigment) properties to a coating.

It is important to identify which type of coating is right for your application, since waterbased and solvent based coating perform differently under various end use conditions. Discussing your application with a coating professional will ensure you are making the right choice for your business.

Waterbased Coatings and the Environment

Waterbased coatings are generally used to provide a heavy-duty protective coating to a variety of surfaces. Well known for producing fewer odors and being more environmentally friendly, these aqueous coatings are often used in the flexible packaging, graphic arts and film industries.

Companies operating in small spaces with minimum ventilation turn to waterbased coating options to protect the health and safety of their employees, since solvent based coatings release chemical compounds into the air as they evaporate. Waterbased coatings also reduce the concentration of flammable materials that may build up in facilities with small footprints and sub-par air filtration capabilities. Waterbased coatings generally meet the OSHA approved confined space safety measures more easily than do solvent based coatings.

Waterbased Coatings and VOC’s

Environmental compliance is another concern for companies weighing aqueous vs. solvent based coating options. Many solvents evaporate into volatile organic compounds, or VOC’s. National, state and local governments often regulate VOC’s by limiting how much businesses are allowed to emit in a given length of time. The US EPA sets national rules for VOCs and some states issue further emission restrictions.

Waterbased coatings may contain what is known as a co-solvent, these are solvents that are present in a lower concentration to aid in the performance of the coating formulation. However, even with the co-solvents present, waterbased coatings most often have zero, or very little VOC’s, making it easier for companies to meet the national and state emission regulations, spend less on environmental compliance advising and avoiding costly fines for exceeding VOC quotas.

For more information about custom waterbased coatings, contact Roymal, Inc. at roymal@roymalinc.com or by phone at (603) 863-2410.

 

 

 

Polyurethane Matte Coating Technology for Product Packaging

Polyurethane Matte Coatings and Consumer Perception

Polyurethane matte coatings are becoming increasingly more popular among today’s consumers who are increasingly focused on all natural and organic products. As a result, brand owners, in an effort to differentiate their consumable goods, are looking to emphasize the perception of product quality through matte packaging which is often associated with the perception of natural-ingredient-based products. Aqueous matte coatings are manufactured to deliver a smooth, matte finish, while maintaining a high degree of color retention and offering several additional features and benefits.

Polyurethane Matte Coatings Offer a Unique Finish

Roymal’s custom polyurethane matte coatings are engineered to impart reduced gloss and a soft, luxurious feel, while also maintaining a high degree of color retention. This polyurethane coating technology and unique polymer design can help packaging professionals create a distinctive finish and provide a “natural” aesthetic to the product packaging. Roymal’s polyurethane matte coating performance, compared to existing matte coating alternatives in the marketplace, offer a distinct look, feel and performance.

The physical properties of polyurethane matte coatings promote a number of features and benefits valuable to converters, packagers, and brand owners, including:

  • Low gloss
  • Excellent clarity
  • Consistent matting from all angles when viewing a package
  • Pleasant aesthetics and a soft haptic feel
  • Excellent print receptivity
  • Heat-resistance suitable for use in further packaging assembly & processing
  • Excellent mar resistance
  • Superior UV resistance

Polyurethane matte coatings are designed for excellent wear and abrasion resistance on packaging films and surfaces. These coatings are engineered for application using conventional technologies and equipment. Aqueous matte coatings can be applied to printed substrates in either spot or complete package coverage. They offer excellent adhesion to ink, with high quality print definition that creates a smooth matte finish. Roymal’s custom matte coatings are applicable to numerous packaging markets and could be an attractive alternative to several existing options, including:

  • Matte films (embossed and silica-filled polyolefin)
  • Matte solvent based lacquers (silica based)
  • Gloss packaging

For more information about custom aqueous matte coating technology, contact Roymal, Inc. by email at roymal@roymalinc.com or by phone at (603) 863-2410

 

 

Custom Aqueous Coatings for Flexible Packaging Applications

A Leader in Custom Aqueous Coatings

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Roymal, a leader in custom aqueous coatings, has made its mark among the flexible packaging and consumer goods  industry by manufacturing unique, innovative, problem solving solutions for today’s converting industry. Roymal’s custom aqueous coatings offer superior functionality to complex food packaging applications that are manufactured with a range of substrates which include paper, film and foil.

Roymal’s waterbased custom coating technologies include:

  • Overprint Varnish (gloss or matte)
  • Ink Receptive Primers
  • Heat Seal (lidding and blister)
  • Moisture Barrier
  • Heat Resistant (stand up pouches)
  • Insulation Coating
  • Security Coating

Well known for their superior functionality and unique characteristics, these custom coatings offer qualities that enhance the performance and print quality of flexible packaging and consumer goods products.

Waterbased Heat Seal Coatings

Roymal’s heat seal coatings are generally comprised of acrylic chemistries but also use polyurethane chemistries when applicable. Our heat seal coatings can be sealed coating to coating or coating to substrate, depending on the end-use application. Typical heat sealing conditions have temperature ranges from 225-350°F with 40-80 psi pressure and 0.1-1.0 seconds dwell time.

Heat Seal Coating Substrates & Printing Processes

Peel strengths can be customized pending your coat weight and substrate specifications. Typical examples of laminations include paper to paper, paper to film, paper to foil, film to film and film to foil. These coatings are applied to paper, paperboard and film using the standard printing processes, i.e., rotogravure, flexographic and offset. Heat seal coatings can be used not only for an overall surface coating, but also for pattern coating, in which the heat seal is printed only on those parts of the packaging that need to be sealed.

Heat Seal Coating Product Features:

  • FDA Approval
  • Broad Substrate Adhesion
  • Water Resistance
  • Chemical Resistance
  • Custom Peel Strength
  • Tailored COF
  • Gloss or Matte
  • Custom Pigmented Formulations

For more information about custom waterbased coatings for flexible packaging, please contact Roymal at roymal@roymalinc.com or by calling (603) 863-2410. Our custom coating specialist will work with you to develop tailored solutions that meet your needs.

Waterbased Polyurethane Coatings for Flexible Packaging and Graphic Arts

flexible packaging coatingThe uses of waterbased polyurethane coatings in the flexible packaging and graphic arts markets offers a broad spectrum of solutions and benefits. Polyurethane topcoats, overprints and primers can enhance a product’s appearance and lengthen its lifespan, making it a vital property in the manufacturing of films & product packaging. Custom formulated polyurethane coatings are common among industries like:

·      Flexible Packaging

·      Industrial Graphics

·      Film Coatings

·      Paper Packaging

Polyurethane Coatings Include Topcoats, Overprints and Varnishes

Roymal manufactures custom topcoat chemistries that deliver a variety of benefits to the film converting, printing and graphic arts industry. Polyurethane can enhance the aesthetics of a finished product, by adding a matte, gloss or soft feel finish. Polyurethane properties include flexibility with abrasion, chemical resistance, water resistance and print receptivity to a wide variety of inks including UV, digital and offset. Those benefits include:

Polyurethane overprints are used to protect and lengthen the lifecycle of printed flexible packaging, making them resistant to harsh conditions. They are highly durable to prevent damage from UV, abrasion and exposure to various chemicals. They are conformable for ease of use and when printed on, as well as protect the image and maintain the integrity of the product over time. They are ideal for commercial applications that risk exposure to environmental elements including weather and temperature extremes.

For more information about custom polyurethane coatings please contact Roymal Inc., at (603) 863-2410 or email roymal@roymalinc.com.

 

 

Waterbased (Aqueous) Coatings & Common Printing Technology

waterbased aqueous coatings for product packaging Aqueous coatings have been in use by commercial packaging professionals for nearly three decades. As the demand for aqueous coatings grows, print technologies become more advanced. Three common print technologies are used to print aqueous coatings. They are flexographic, gravure and offset printing.

Aqueous coating vs. traditional overprint varnish:

• Good gloss
• Increased rub resistance
• Smoother feel
• Elimination or reduction of spray powder applications
• Faster handling of the printed products
• Decreased application time

The type of aqueous coating required depends heavily on the application. Below are three of the most common printing techniques for aqueous coatings.

Flexography

Flexography (often abbreviated to flexo) is a printing process which utilizes a flexible relief plate. It is essentially a modern version of letterpress which can be used for printing on almost any type of substrate, including plastic, metallic films, cellophane and paper. It is widely used for printing on the non-porous substrates required for various types of food packaging (it is also well suited for printing large areas of solid color).

Rotogravure

Rotogravure (roto or gravure for short) is a type of intaglio printing process, which involves engraving the image onto an image carrier. In gravure printing, the image is engraved onto a cylinder because, like offset and flexography, it uses a rotary printing press. It is often used for commercial printing of filmic substrates and other product packaging.

Offset

Offset printing is a commonly used technique in which the inked image is transferred (or “offset”) from a plate to a rubber blanket, then to the printing surface. When used in combination with the lithographic process, which is based on the repulsion of oil and water, the offset technique employs a flat (planographic) image carrier on which the image to be printed obtains ink from ink rollers, while the non-printing area attracts a water-based film (called “fountain solution”), keeping the non-printing areas ink-free. The modern “web” process feeds a large reel of paper through a large press machine in several parts, typically for several meters, which then prints continuously as the paper is fed through.

If you have questions about our custom formulated coatings, overprint varnishes, primers or print technology, please contact Roymal, Inc. for assistance at (603) 863-2410 or email roymal@roymalinc.com.