Kodak approval - substrate curling issues

[meddington]

We are producing proofs on a Kodak approval laminating to metalized foils and polypropylene substrates for product mock ups. Wondering if anyone has any techniques you used to decrease curl in the substrate. As it is the proofs are very hard to utilize due to curl.

 

[Fran401]

substrate curling

substrate curling

Here is a pdf dedicated to reducing curl on various substrates.

http://tag.kpgraphics.com/Downloads...proval Techniques for Flexible Substrates.pdf

 

[Fran401]

Kodak Proofing Carrier Sheet
Product Information Sheet MPDH-021.4
October 2009
October 2009
Overview
New Kodak Proofing Carrier Sheet enables successful lamination of Kodak Matchprint Digital
Halftone System or Kodak Approval Digital Color Imaging System proofs onto a much wider range
of substrates, including heat sensitive materials such as flexible food packaging films or lenticular lens.
Kodak Proofing Carrier Sheet is a 6.5 mil polyester carrier film coated on one side with a heatstabilizing,
non-transferring material. Used with either Kodak 800XL or 447L Laminators, Kodak
Proofing Carrier Sheet holds many heat-sensitive substrate materials through the lamination process,
enabling Approval System or Matchprint Digital Halftone System proofs to be transferred that
would otherwise lose dimensional stability or integrity through the process.
To maintain cleanliness and separation of sheets, each Kodak Proofing Carrier Sheet is supplied with
an attached liner, which is removed prior to use. Some cosmetic non-uniformity in the soft coating may
be apparent as a result. This is normal and in no way impairs functionality or performance. A Kodak
Proofing Carrier Sheet can often be reused for additional proofs depending on the nature and condition
of individual substrate materials. Product shelf life is two (2) years.
Standard settings for Kodak 800XL or Kodak 447L Laminators are generally satisfactory for use with
Kodak Proofing Carrier Sheet.
For Matchprint Digital Halftone System proofs on certain thicker substrate materials, Kodak 800XL
Laminator settings may require adjustments to further optimize performance with Kodak Proofing
Carrier Sheet. A Kodak Field Engineer can establish these settings.
For additional technical application information and recommended best practices to achieve optimum
lamination results with use of the Kodak Proofing Carrier Sheet, see the following Kodak Product
Information Sheets:
MPDH-022.0 Best Practices – Lamination Procedures – Heat-Stable Substrates
MPDH-023.0 Best Practices – Lamination Procedures – Heat-Sensitive Substrates
Kodak Proofing Carrier Sheet Information
Part Number Product Name Sheet Size Inches Sheet Size mm Sheets per Box
30008879 Kodak Proofing Carrier
Sheet
23 in x 32in 584 mm x 813 mm 25
30008732 Kodak Proofing Carrier
Sheet
31 in x 42 in 787 mm x 1067
mm
25

 

[meddington]

Here is a pdf dedicated to reducing curl on various substrates.

http://tag.kpgraphics.com/Downloads...proval Techniques for Flexible Substrates.pdf

Thanks for that. That's the procedure that we follow for laminating to flexible substrates though it doesn't necessarily address curl issues. I should point out that the substrate is curling before we even laminate, and the proofing process doesn't seem to effect it at all.

Also regarding this document, clear polypropylene samples we have on sight have a dyne level of 30 or under and the pre-coat material noted in the PDF is not effective in raising this to a usable level.

I'll not go into my thoughts on whether proofing on actual substrate is necessary, though I have some pretty strong feelings on this at the moment.