Why Pressroom Air Evacuation Still Matters
OFFSET PRESSROOM AIR EVACUATION, WHY? Offset pressrooms need air evacuation. The control of humidity is critical in offset printing in order to optimize productivity. It is well known that dry air causes paper to lose moisture so that wrinkling, paper jams, and register issues are likely due to a pick-up in static electricity. A humidity […]
Corrugated Preprint: High-Graphics Packaging.
Corrugated Preprint Coatings Are Driving the Future of High-Graphics Packaging Corrugated preprint coatings protect and enhance high-graphics packaging. In today’s retail and e-commerce environment, brands depend on packaging to do far more than protect a product. A box must communicate, attract attention, and reinforce brand identity in a matter of seconds. This growing demand for […]
Testing the Cure of Electron Beam Coatings (EB) & Ultraviolet Coatings (UV)
The UV and EB Curing Process Prior to discussing the testing of the cure of UV/EB curable coatings let’s review what UV/EB curing is. Curing or polymerization is the process of reacting prepolymer monomers and oligomers together in a chemical reaction that forms polymer chains, or cross-linked three-dimensional networks. UV curing is a process that […]
Exploring Material Properties of Friction, COF, Slip, and Slide Angles
Opposing, as they are, friction and slip are key to much of what functions on Earth. Without friction we would not be able to walk, we would slip, and slide with little control. Driving relies on tires to maintain a grip on pavement giving us vehicle control through friction. Brakes control our ability to stop […]
Electron Beam Applications’ Expanding Footprint
The expanding use of Electron Beam (EB) applications is driven by its ability to initiate a variety of chemical reactions through accelerated electron exposure. Originally recognized for its role in cross-linking polymers, EB technology has since evolved to encompass polymerization, chain scission, grafting, and lithography, significantly broadening its commercial reach. These advancements have led to […]
Measuring Durability in Coatings with Abrasion Testing
How do we best test to predetermine the durability of printed/coated graphic arts products? Abrasion tests can determine the durability of printed and coated graphic arts. The durability of a printed coating is typically defined by such terms as, scuff, wear, rub, smudge, abrasion, blotching, and/or pick-off resistance. Historically a problem, defacing abrasion damage is […]
Aqueous and UV Coatings Tricks to Cleanup Process
Aqueous and UV / EB Coatings have distinct cleanup methods that can make the processes run better. This article will address specific tricks to cleanup before, during, and after press runs of aqueous, UV, and EB Coatings. Safety First and Second We will tackle the important steps in the cleanup of coatings for both Aqueous […]
Trends Affecting Printing & Coating Markets
Trends that affect Printing and Coating Markets Covid-19 Accelerates Trends in Printing and Coating Various trends are in place that are now and will continue to affect printing and coating markets. Covid-19 has acted as an accelerant for these trends. When the initial reaction to Covid-19 locked-down world wide economies, businesses closed, people stayed home, […]
eGreen™ High Gloss EB Coating
eGREEN™ is a high gloss, flexo, or rod applied, zero VOC, environmentally responsible, fast curing, workhorse EB curable green coating designed for application over a variety of substrates. Unlike conventional EB coatings, which are typically 100% petrochemical resource-based, eGREEN™ is made using abundant Green renewable bio-resource content. Properly applied and cured, eGREEN produces a smooth glossy, […]
Semi Gloss / Satin Finish EB Coating
Cork Industries’ family of Semi Gloss Finish Electron Beam (EB) Coatings are epoxy acrylate based overprint varnishes. They are 100% reactive and contain no solvents. Formulations vary as per the equipment and final use, but here are common features: Common Features: Smooth Semi Gloss / Satin Finish Excellent Rub Resistance Fast Cure Flexible Suitable equipment types: […]