The
Elmag modification allows a standard two-colour press to be used for
spot
or all-over UV coating.
For printers and converters
looking to offer spot and all-over UV coating, without the high initial
investment required by flexographic technology, Graph-Pak can now offer
entry to this market through Elmag S.p.A. The concept is to use a
standard two-colour offset machine that has the advantages of ease of
use, high production speed, easy maintenance and ready availability of
spare parts. A roller coater mounted on the machine works on the
purpose-prepared plate or on Nyloprint in applications which need
higher quantities of varnish.
The first colour unit can apply matt UV or acrylic varnish direct from
the inker, while the second colour unit modified with the roller coater
can apply high gloss UV varnish from 3 to 7 g/m². Elmag
advises that the modification can be done directly in a
printer’s factory or alternatively a second-hand machine
could be considered. Elmag suggests the best machine for this purpose
is a Roland Rekord machine with the Rolandmatic system or chiller which
uses alcohol in the dampening system. Working speeds from 5,500 to
8,000 sheets/hour can be achieved according to the thickness of the
substrate which can range from 70 to 500gsm.
The type of work that can be undertaken with this technology includes:
• Full size UV varnish like a Steinmann Colibri roller coating
line using the second colour unit of the offset machine only
• Spot UV varnish through photopolymer or another cheaper
material
(adhesive PVC or similar) using the second colour unit of the offset
machine only
• Full size UV or spot matt varnish using the inker of the
first colour unit and normal offset plate
• Matt and high gloss varnish at the same time using both
colour units
Tom Ralph, managing director of Graph-Pak, says: “This kind of
technology in Europe is winning over screen printing technology due to
its low cost and high speed, and there is no reason why it should not
find similar favour in Australia.”
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