Materials
- Published: February 29, 2004, By Edited by Deborah Donberg, Associate Managing Editor
Substrates, Inks, Adhesives, Polymers...
Uncoated Paper Smooth as Silk
Monadnock Paper Mills, Bennington, NH; 603/588-3311; mpm.com
Astrolite Silk uncoated paper is described as ultrasmooth and said to offer a level, luxuriously tactile surface. Company adds paper delivers consistent excellence in printing and image performance, brilliant “balanced” white surface results in high-impact, high-contrast graphics, and alkaline pH and calcium carbonate buffered characteristics meet ANSI standards for longevity and archival properties. Double-thick cover weights are suited for premium packaging.
Prevent Calcium Carbonate Buildup
National Adhesives, unit of National Starch and Chemical Co., Bridgewater, NJ; 800/797-4992; nationalstarch.com
Ridi-Cal polymer is said to provide a low-cost, efficient method of preventing calcium carbonate buildup caused by hard water or flexo wash-up water commonly used in corrugating operations. Deposits may cause uneven adhesive transfer and decrease board quality and production efficiency.
UV-Curable Inks Are Durable
Flint Ink Corp., Ann Arbor, MI; 734/622-6000; flintink.com
Duracure UV-curable inks are formulated for use on a variety of nonporous substrates, including plastics, laminated boards, and foils. Said to be ideal for use on preformed cups and tubs. Ink system utilizes state-of-the-art resin and photoinitiator chemistry to provide what is described as excellent press performance and the adhesion required in a wide range of applications where durability is important. Company adds inks are designed to provide superior transfer, dot fidelity, and press stability, as well as high resistance to scratches and scuffing.
Coating Has High Resistance
ADM Tronics Unlimited, Northvale, NJ; 201/767-6040; admtronics.com
Aqualene 4364 water-based coating for paper packaging applications is said to exhibit a glossy, smooth, and durable surface and provide excellent grease-, oil-, and water-resistant properties. These characteristics make it suitable for cup, box, pouch, and other demanding packaging structures, company says, adding it can be an effective alternative to LDPE because of its high barrier properties to penetration. Aqueous nature assures economical laydown weights can be used with conventional coating equipment.
Nonwoven Fabrics Come in Many Colors
BBA Fiberweb Filtration, Old Hickory, TN; 615/847-7144; bbafiberwebfiltration.com
DiamondWeb spunbond nonwoven polyester filtration media is said to combine quality with cost-effective performance. Features pattern bond weights from 17-85 gsm; area bond weights from 17-136 gsm; and various color options including white, blue, black, gray, and Syngergex II (a calendered version). Fabrics are available in both area and pattern bond technologies.
UV Inks Offer Super Opacity
Deco-Chem, Mishawaka, IN; 574/259-3787; 800/348-7191; decochem.com
Super opaque white UV flexo inks, designated 7969, are said to be pinhole-free, have low viscosity, and adhere to many films. Solvent-resistant inks cure to 600 fpm and overprint with UV inks or water inks.
HIPS Films Protect Electronics
Klöckner Pentaplast of America, Gordonsville, VA; 540/832-3600; kpfilms.com
Pentastat W-1301 AS high-impact PS film is added to company's line of ESD packaging films. Suited for packaging applications of static-sensitive electronic products, films are two-side-coated and engineered to offer surface uniformity for easy processing and superior performance as well as physical protection of the packaged product, company reports. Also said to have superior gauge control and low outgassing and corrosivity.
Blend Creates Barrier Material
Ticona, Summit, NJ; 908/598-4000; ticona.com
Company offers what it says is the first cyclo-olefin copolymer (COC) blend that allows blister packaging made from Topas COC film to be steam-sterilized. Blends enable Topas COC-based film to be used as a barrier material for sterile products such as single-dose liquid medications and other drugs, solutions, and veterinary pills.
White UV Ink Is Easy to Use
Water Ink Technologies, Lincolnton, NC; 704/735-8282; waterinktech.com
Supreme White UV opaque ink is said to have excellent flow characteristics that make it easy for press operators to use, while providing excellent opacity and adhesion on a wide variety of film substrates. Can be overprinted and trapped with water-based and UV inks for additional graphics. Ink is formulated for operator safety.
Water-Borne Coating Has Soft Feel
Newchem Corp., Plainville, MA; 508/643-9313
Newrane 8000 is a water-borne, thermal-cure, soft-feel coating for paper, film, and foil. Company notes coated substrates will have a matte finish with a soft suede-like feel. Coating can be applied using gravure roll, reverse roll, and other conventional web applications. Offers compliance benefits with VOC of 1.7#/gal.
