Month: April 2016

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.