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 […]
Cleaning Anilox Rollers
Anilox Roller Cleaning Maintaining anilox roller cleanliness is critical to ensuring the precise and consistent delivery of inks, coatings, varnishes, and adhesives to substrates in various printing and coating applications. As a precision-engineered metering roller, the anilox roller plays a key role in achieving uniform liquid transfer, making it essential to implement an effective anilox […]
What Is It About Viscosity?
Understanding and Testing of Viscosity in Coatings Viscosity tells us how thick or thin a liquid is. Coating viscosity is the property of a fluid that causes it not to flow easily because of the resistance of its molecules. When we use coatings, we need to understand viscosity, because it is key to accurate application, […]
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 […]
Storing and Handling Aqueous Coatings in Cold Temperatures
Shipping and storing aqueous coatings during the winter season presents unique challenges due to their high water content and vulnerability to freezing temperatures. Aqueous coatings, commonly used in the graphic arts industry, are formulated with various components to enhance performance, but the presence of water makes them susceptible to cold weather conditions. Proper handling, inspection, […]
Why use Soft Touch Haptic Coatings?
Why Do We Like Soft Things? Soft haptic coatings attract. We all know soft things like a baby’s skin, snow, feathers, or a kitten’s fur. Humans are naturally attracted to soft haptic things because they feel nice to touch. That’s why we like soft surfaces, which are called “soft-touch.” How We Feel Softness? The science […]
Chamber Doctor Blades: Precision Offset Coating
Chambered Doctor Blade Coaters are the Key to Precision Offset Coatings Flexo printing has long utilized doctor blade metering systems to precisely control the amount of ink delivered to an anilox roll. This results in the anilox roll delivering a predictable and repeatable quantity of ink to a plate and a substrate. Because of these […]
Test for Surface Energy before Printing on Films
When we step into a printing pressroom it’s common to observe a hum of productive activity. Presses are running, printing is taking place, substrate is moving, and pressmen are professionally doing their job. But problems can occasionally appear, seemingly out of nowhere, to surprise. One of these can involve surface energy. What is the most […]
Poly Replacements for Poly Coated Paperboards in Packaging Strategies
In an era where sustainability is a critical corporate imperative, businesses across industries are increasingly turning to poly replacements in their packaging strategies. This shift is driven by a confluence of factors including the urgent need to reduce plastic waste, stringent government regulations, evolving consumer preferences for eco-friendly products, and advances in alternative materials technology. […]