PaperCon 2017 – Minneapolis, MN

PaperCon 2017

PaperCon 2017
April 23-26, 2017
Minneapolis Convention Center
Room: M100D
Minneapolis, MN

Don’t miss the opportunity to be part of the most important gathering of Paper and
Board Professionals in the industry.

PaperCon brings together industry professionals from around the world eager to share knowledge, innovation and new ideas about the paper and board industry.  These professionals know that PaperCon is the premier industry event offering them the opportunity to learn and discuss the latest technologies, best practices, issues and solutions to help them stay competitive in today’s marketplace.

Learn from a panel of experts from TAPPI’s Coating and Graphic Arts Division

This exceptional training in the basics is held as part of the Coating Program at PaperCon 2017, and it’s a great way to kick off all the events taking place in Minneapolis, Minnesota.

The topics covered:

  • Current commercial print methods and the equipment used, including traditional offset and emerging digital technologies
  • Paper and packaging grades that are typically printed and the methods used
  • Examples of print and press problems, how to identify and potential solutions
  • Predicting and testing print quality
  • Color perception and color gamut

Introduction to Printing 101

This two-day introductory course is designed for those who need to understand print quality, attend print trials, trouble shoot print problems or are generally new to printing operations.You’ll learn from a panel of experts from TAPPI’s Coating and Graphic Arts Division.This exceptional training in the basics is held as part of the Coating Program at PaperCon 2017, and it’s a great way to kick off all the events taking place in Minneapolis, Minnesota.The topics covered: Current commercial print methods and the equipment used, including traditional offset and emerging digital technologies.

  • Paper and packaging grades that are typically printed and the methods used
  • Examples of print and press problems, how to identify and potential solutions
  • Predicting and testing print quality
  • Color perception and color gamut

For a complete agenda, registration information and other useful information please visit http://www.papercon.org/attendevents/

 

What Sets UV, Aqueous and Laminates Apart?

Screen Shot 2016-01-24 at 1.50.00 PMGraphic finishers and commercial printers alike have constantly dealt with the challenges of matching the right coating or laminate with the printed sheet. Many factors are involved in this decision that can affect the outcome of the project. And while no set rules exist on choosing one over the other, there are specific advantages and disadvantages of each process that can help determine the best overall choice.

Ultra-Violet Coatings
UV is a very popular coating choice due mostly to the high gloss finish one can achieve, adding a brilliance to the finished sheet unlike any other coating method. UV coatings also provide good resistance to solvents and abrasion – much better than most water-based coatings. Because of its high sheen, UV coatings are popular on a wide variety of consumer products, including paperback books, trading cards, and cosmetic packaging.

However, UV coatings are not the best choice for all applications. Special precautions are necessary, especially when hot stamping foil, scoring, folding, or gluing is involved. Certain types of UV coatings can also cause cracking problems if the sheet or carton is to be scored and folded. UV coatings are a challenge when foil stamping is involved as well. If the coating has a high level of silicone, hot stamping foils will simply not adhere. Even special UV coatings without a heavy silicone addition are difficult in many situations. It is suggested to foil stamp first and then apply the UV coating to avoid potential problems. Even in this scenario, the foil stamper should check with its foil supplier to choose a foil that is overcoatable.

In addition, UV coatings have been known to yellow over long periods of time and are highly susceptible to fingerprinting. Environmental concerns also surround the use of UV coatings. Although very little waste is left to dispose of when applying UV, what is left is very toxic. Special arrangements are necessary to dispose of this waste.

Aqueous Coatings
Probably the number one advantage of aqueous coating is the cost savings you can achieve – especially in sheet-fed applications. Aqueous coatings are very user-friendly when additional finishing is necessary as well. They work efficiently over most printing process inks, wet over wet or in some cases, wet over dry. They also accept many glues and are very receptive to hot stamping foil.

Aqueous coating is promoted as environmentally friendly. There is a small percentage of solid waste (about 10%) left from an aqueous run and should still be handled with some precautions. It is certainly the environmental choice when compared to UV or film lamination.

Thermal Film Lamination
When protecting the printed sheet or carton from abrasion, chemicals, or even when fingerprinting is of utmost importance, film lamination is the best choice without exception.  Film lamination is available in several matte and gloss finishes and can even be applied with a special embossed roller that leaves a textured pattern over the laminated sheet.

As the number one advantage of aqueous coatings is the cost savings, a major deterrent to the use of film lamination is the price. High volume production of many packaging applications prohibits the use of thermal lamination because of the expense of the film itself and the slower off-line application used to apply the film compared to UV or water-based coatings. In addition, certain types of film laminates have a very low dyne count, meaning the surface tension of the sheet restricts the adhesion of other finishing processes, including hot stamping foils and glues. In the past, the film was corona treated, providing an acceptable surface. The challenge was that the corona treatment would wear off over a period of time. Special films have now been developed with a permanent chemical additive that will readily accept hot stamping foils and glues. If you have questions on the overstampability of the film, it may be wise to consider foil stamping before laminating the sheet.

As you can see, a great deal of analysis must go into the decision when choosing between UV coating, aqueous coating, and film lamination. From a graphic finisher’s point of view, you might think steering your customer towards UV or lamination (because you offer the service and know aqueous will be applied in-line) is the best choice. This certainly is not the right approach for long-term growth with the customer. Helping printers or other customers you work with analyze the advantages and disadvantages of the different coatings and laminates available and helping them match the right choice with the right application will solidify your position with the customer. Suggesting aqueous over UV when the application warrants it, will translate to a happier customer and a longer lasting relationship for the future.

Editorial by FSEA.com

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.

 

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.