(Aqueous & UV Coatings/Adhesives - Glossing Over Differences)
Printers are increasingly concerned about choosing a water-based or UV-light coating that will give the print a higher gloss.
UV curing technology is a strong competitor for the glossing and gluing markets - it has outstanding high gloss, abrasion resistance, heat resistance and chemical resistance. With these high-quality features, water-based gluing and glazing equipment can meet the needs of most users. Merchants are advised to purchase gluing or glazing paint based on existing equipment and work.
Gloss "unveiled"
When it comes to the advantages of waterborne and UV-curable coatings, the manufacturers of polishing equipment are arguing that the UV gloss can achieve higher gloss and are more durable than waterborne coatings. Craig, which manufactures water-based and UV-curing coatings and gluing equipment, insists on this view.
At the GATF2001 technology forum held in January this year, Mr. Don Duncan, research and development manager of Wikoff Color Company, pointed out the advantages of UV polishing to improve the gloss. He said: “When the curing unit of the printing press is exposed, UV and EB-cured inks can be dried instantaneously and there is less paint clogging than waterborne coatings."
At the same time, waterborne coatings have similar characteristics, but they are somewhat lacking in degree. They are usually divided into three levels in terms of gloss, with no alcohol and very few VOCs.
The choice of glazing materials depends on the equipment, economic conditions and base conditions. Some facts indicate that the UV curing products are expanding into the narrow web market. This is mainly due to the fact that the UV lamps on the press are more water soluble than the UV lamps. It is much easier to coat large drying equipment.
Now UV glazing has a very high market share. However, many aqueous glazing materials used in food packaging have little taint and odor. It is a good choice for porous bases, and UV glazing is not available. Required requirements.
The price of UV varnish coating is high, but it can also reduce some waste properly and increase productivity, which should be equally valued.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Two Polishing Materials
Waterborne coating coating advantages:
* High gloss * Dry fast * High abrasion resistance * Can be operated online * Meet FDA (Food and Drug Administration) requirements for dry/wet food contact * Protectable metallic inks * Alcohol free * High definition * Three Basic specifications: high gloss, ordinary gloss, matt
Disadvantages:
# Lack of UV-specific gloss # Sometimes due to alkalinity (pH 8.0-9.0) causes photographic inks to hydrate and color shift # cannot be used for inkjet printing
UV-CURABLE coating advantages:
* Highest gloss* Instantaneous drying performance * High abrasion resistance, moisture resistance, chemical resistance * Less frequent sticking problems
Disadvantages:
# On-line process is harder to achieve # No direct contact with food # Can cause odor