how to: print
popular—in the past few years, particularly with the application of cold foil in-line with large format sheet-fed presses. This technology utilizes a tacky adhesive that is applied in the first printing head of a sheet-fed printer. The foil is nipped to the adhesive and the foil carrier is stripped away, thereby applying the foil only where the clear adhesive is laid down.
Foil Fusing Technology
Therm-O-Type has introduced a new foil fusing technology called High Speed Foil Fusing (HSFF) that increases the utility of the foil fusing process. The HSFF process solves speed, paper surface finish and foil waste limitations associated with traditional foil fusing. With the new technology installed on a Therm-O-Type NSF press, foil can be fused to paper without the use of traditional dies at speeds up to 4,000 impressions per hour. HSFF can be used to apply not only metallics, but also pigment and holographic pattern foils. It is an excellent alternative for adding foil to graduation name cards, announcements, invitations, business cards and greeting card personalization.
Coating and Laminating Effects
UV coatings, both spot and flood, have been a popular choice for adding a protective shine to all types of printed materials. Recently, extensions to standard UV have surfaced, providing even more choices to enhance the printed sheet. One of these newer technologies is a patent-pending process called Cast and Cure, offered by Breit Technologies. This technology creates diffractive surfaces to produce high-gloss, matte and holographic finishes with the use of UV coatings and a specialty film, and can be utilized on both sheet-fed and web-fed applications. The Cast and Cure process utilizes a specialty film that has a micro-embossed holographic pattern. Once the UV coating is applied, the film lays over the top of the sheet before the coating is cured. Then the sheet with the film still applied runs through the UV dryer and is cured. The film is stripped away, leaving the holographic effect on the sheet. Given the fact that no actual film or laminate is left on the sheet and the UV coating process does not omit any VOCs, Cast and Cure is marketed as an environmentally friendly decorating process as well. Another growing trend with the UV coating process is the addition of glitter into the UV as it is applied. Glitter is not a new process and has been used for many years on greeting cards and invitations, but had always been limited because the conventional process of applying glitter leaves a residue not suitable for many applications. When combining the glitter within the UV coating, the glitter is cured with the coating, sealing it in and eliminating any residue. Laminating films have seen many changes over the past few years as well. Films are no longer relegated solely to clear films used for protecting printed materials. Rather, they are now available in many metallic and holographic patterns that can be overprinted or foil stamped. Clear iridescent films also are available, providing a unique appearance when tilted from side to side. They are completely translucent, allowing
graphics and text to show through and still provide a unique pattern with the film.
Laser Cutting
Although laser cutting is not a new technology, it has continued to be a growing decorating process that can provide extremely intricate cutout shapes and graphics. The technology has grown and costs have decreased, making laser cutting a more feasible option for greeting cards, stationery, packaging applications, and promotional mailings. Laser cutting is not a preferred process or competing process to standard diecutting. If a shape or printed sheet can be diecut conventionally, that is still the best option from a cost standpoint. Laser cutting is an excellent choice to provide extremely detailed cuts for decorative purposes only. It is most cost effective for small- to medium-sized runs. The running speed for a laser-cutting job can run from 200 to 2,000 sheets per hour, depending on the job requirements. BIO: Jeff PetersOn is the Executive Director of the Foil & Specialty Effects Association, a non-profit organization that educates the graphic arts community on print enhancement technologies. For information, visit www.fsea.com or call 785-271-5816.
The Cast and Cure UV process provides a clear holographic look without laying down a foil or laminate.
Sheet-fed cold foil units are becoming more popular for applying foil and overprinting large areas.
process
fall 2009
7