www.AIMCAL.org
  Technical Q&A
  Technical Panel
  ASK AIMCAL

Back to Question List

Question

#1973
Subject: How do I print on metallized films (foil like, highly reflective) with an wet offset printer that has UV curing system.

I would like your professional opinion on how to print on metallized films (foil like, highly reflective) with an wet offset printer that has UV curing system.


Answers (links jump to full text of answer below)

#1974

First you must have an ink designed for metallized films


#1974
Author: Eldridge M. Mount III,
Email: www.emmount-technologies.com
Subject: First you must have an ink designed for metallized films

First you must have an ink designed for metallized films which you will have to find by discussing with your ink suppliers.

Next the metal surface is easily contaminated when wound in a roll which can cover the aluminum with organic material which forms a weak layer on the metal and this is where the ink bond is failing. In general with printing on metallized film it is advisable to prime the metal surface to insure uniform adhesion. In some cases if the film is "old" the contamination of the metal surface interferes with the primer so the metal surface may need to be "cleaned" with a corona treatment step.

So for the most uniform result with a "good" ink you should treat the metal surface to clean it and then prime the clean surface prior to printing.



Back to top

                                                                                                                                                                                                                          

Other Recent Questions

Technical Panel

In addition to AIMCAL members the following consultants participate on the AIMCAL Technical panel.
Edward D. Cohen
Eldridge M. Mount
James M. Wheeler
David Roisum
Larry Gogolin
Neil I. Steinberg
Edgar B. Gutoff
Timothy J. Walker
Charles A. Bishop

Ask AIMCAL Column

Questions from the Tech Q&A archive are featured in the
Ask AIMCAL Column
featured in
Converting Magazine.

AIMCAL.org