Notable differences between Aqueous Coatings and UV Coatings

Aqueous - UV Differences

Aqueous print coatings and UV (Ultraviolet) print coatings are types of coatings applied to printed materials to enhance their appearance, durability, and other functional properties. First and foremost both Aqueous (water-based) and UV coatings have achieved widespread use in the Graphic Arts Industry as competing top coats. Both offer aesthetic enhancement and protection, adding value […]

Mystery of Drying Aqueous Coatings

Aqueous Coating

It’s well known and understood that washed clothing dries when the wash water is evaporated.  Similarly, paint dries when the diluent solvent is evaporated, leaving a film of dry paint solids. Aqueous coatings dry as volatile components (mainly water), about 60% of the typical formula composition, evaporate or are absorbed by a porous substrate.  Coalescence […]

Aqueous and UV Coatings Tricks to Cleanup Process

Printing Separation

Aqueous and UV / EB Coatings have distinct cleanup methods that can make the processes run better.  This article will address specific tricks to cleanup before, during, and after press runs of aqueous, UV, and EB Coatings. Safety First and Second We will tackle the important steps in the cleanup of coatings for both Aqueous […]

PFAS: Phasing Out Banned Chemical Compounds

PFAS Chemicals Banned

KNOWLEDGE IS POWER WITH REG’S PHASING-OUT BANNED PFAS Momentum is seemingly building to speed the phase-out of PFAS.  Some states have now taken action regarding its use in direct food contact packaging. Let’s review what we’re dealing with: Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) made their appearance in the 1940s, due to the attractiveness of properties […]

Recycled Paperboard Presents Challenges

Recycled Paperboard Challenges

Yes, Recycled Paperboard is Different Recycled Paperboard can provide challenges to printing and coating processes.  Some time ago, we at Cork were astounded during a sheetfed litho aqueous coating trial.  Run on several varieties of recycled paperboard, inks would simply not set on one particular stock. This occurred after a successful in-line print/high gloss aqueous […]

Trends Affecting Printing & Coating Markets

Printing Trends

Trends that affect Printing and Coating Markets Covid-19 Accelerates Trends in Printing and Coating Various trends are in place that are now and will continue to affect printing and coating markets. Covid-19 has acted as an accelerant for these trends. When the initial reaction to Covid-19 locked-down world wide economies, businesses closed, people stayed home, […]

Replacing Poly (PE) Coated Paper and Paperboard in Food Packaging

Poly Replacement Food Package

A Poly Coated (PE) Replacement Aqueous Coating Want an alternative to polyethylene (PE) coated paper and paperboard? Replacements for poly exist in food packaging. The answer is simple, FDA direct food compliant water-based (aqueous) coatings, supplied by Cork Industries are providing an alternative to PE coated paper and paperboard. Poly Replacement in Food Packaging can […]

Aqueous Coatings Fundamentals: Temperature, Pressure, & Viscosity

Aqueous Coating Temperature, Pressure, Viscosity

The Essence of Aqueous Coatings The practice of applying a coating successfully is a result of understanding and being attentive to a few fundamentals. These are pressure, viscosity, and pile temperature.  Success requires that these key variables be under control. Pressure in Aqueous Coatings PRESSURE: “KISS” is the key to a successful trouble-free coating application.  […]

The Growth of In-Mold Labels: IML

IML: In-mold Label

In-Mold Labels: A Cost-effective, Sustainable Alternative Time flies, and as improbable as it may seem, in-mold labeling (IML) debuted in the late 1970s.  Looking back historically, IML developed as a high volume, low cost, paper substrate driven market.  The beginning applications consisted of long-run blow-molded branded bottles, and to a lesser degree, injection molded containers. […]