Flexo Technology
that they offer. For instance, sealability, durability and barrier resistance. Substrates are sometimes modified and combined to produce a substrate with enhanced layer properties not normally obtainable from any single source. Replacing these materials, perhaps with innovative mono web structures, bio-based, biodegradable or co-joined structures, does not compromise on quality and, whilst performance takes time, progress is being made. A better understanding of light manipulation technology and heat management together with pre-press support makes LED curing a more realistic proposition. Low odour and low migratory inks are available, particularly for filmic flexible packaging, pharmaceuticals, medical and electronics. A significant benefit is that there is minimal heat/energy transfer, which is essential given that filmic materials are often heat sensitive.
The LED lamps provided with the FlexiProof LED UV typically offer a tailored output either at the important 385 or 395 nm wavelength. The FlexiProof LED UV is being used for colour matching, determining
printability and trialling. Interestingly a couple of units have been supplied to customers far removed from packaging, labelling, etcetera. Two banks, the Banque de France and Guangzhou Banknote Company, are utilising the FlexiProof LED UV for what purpose, one can only speculate. Will it process? Probably the most often question voiced by converters and others engaged in the production process. Devices such as colour communication proofing devices from the FlexiProof family, together with the VCML pilot coater with selectable coating applicator technology, and with flexo print capability monitor quality and speed bringing products to market. Short run capability facilitates product trials and experimentation, thereby addressing the question of “will it process?”
Paper and paperboard is for many brand owners, product marketing personnel and converters and flexographic printers the dream material. It ticks many of the right boxes. It has great environmental credentials and unlike many packaging materials it is derived from inherently renewable and recyclable materials. The impact of paper
products on the environment is generally regarded as being positive. A well-managed forest plantation has the potential to produce an endless supply of paperboard. Once used, recycled and reprocessed, it can be converted into a wide range of products. Some brands owners have begun to shift from shrink-wrap outer layers to cardboard for bundled kitchen/toilet products, incontinence and baby products, as well as grocery carry on bags and much more besides.
There are many bio-based materials being developed, one however that is well known is cellulose, the main cell wall constituent of plants. Typically associated with paper and board, there is some interest in using separated fibres, which are then processed using small amounts of binders, natural and synthetic into cellulose film or cellophane. Cellulose can also be made into cellulose acetate. This is manufactured by cellulose reacting with acetic anhydrite. The formulae is precipitated in water, dried and dissolved in acetone prior to being cast as a film. Most cellulous-based films are coated, metallised or laminated. Coatings can be synthetic or bio based.
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February 2025
www.convertermag.com
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