Adhesive Coatings on Offset Press

[macjmccoy]

Has anyone heard of, or had experience printing adhesive coatings on an offset press? This would be for packaging purposes. Like a printed board (with and adhesive coating that is maybe heat sensitive) that has an item on it and wrapped with plastic. The plastic would stick to said coating.

Thanks

 

[Cold]

Hello Mac,

Below is a curt summary:

Heat-seal, or blister pack printing is a critical process due to the liability potential for seal failures. There are 4 key materials to a successful job:

1. Paper - There are specific papers manufactured for blistercards. It is not nescessary to use this paper, but does help ensure better bi-directional paper tear.

2. Ink - Inks are specifically formulated for heat-seal processes. It is important to use an ink specified for this. I have run across alot of inks that "should be" suitable that end up being the failure point.

3. Heat-seal Coating - Film weight and supplier specifications are critical. Most common annilox coaters for commercial work will have a bcm of appx. 8. For blister work a new annilox may be needed with a higher bcm in order to apply enough film weight. If using a roller coater, then the ability to adjust to the coating specified film weight will be needed.

4. Blister shell - Depending on the plastic used, PET etc., communication may be required with the coating manufacturer for confirmation of suitability.

There are alot of nuances, but it is still offset printing. Your ink maker will nost likely be a great rescource for you in developing a successful process.

If you'd like a more detailed explanation, send me a private message with your phone number and I'll call you.


Best,



Cold

 

[Cold]

Of note -

BCM stands for billion cubic microns. It is a metric applied to volume much the same as a gallon or a liter. Thus, the higher your bcm, the more volume that cell can carry. All things being equal(line screen, geometry, and coating viscosity), a 12.4 bcm will apply much more coating than a 8.7 bcm.


Best,


Cold