Viscosity Techtalk
The Viscosity Measuring Dip Cup That You Use Matters If you search for “Zahn cups” using your web browser you’ll find multiple supplier listings. Looking at these you’ll notice different brand names and countries of origin, mostly China and Hong Kong. This is not to say that foreign manufacturers cannot make good products adhering to good […]
Foam can be a Problem in Coatings
How Foam is Formed Foam consists of bubbles that are formed when air or a gas is trapped in a liquid or solid substance. Certain conditions are required for foam to be formed. Mechanical work or agitation is required, as are surfactants that reduce surface tension, so that work increases surface area. Also, foam must […]
Color Shift & Aqueous Coatings
The Success of Aqueous Coatings The use of aqueous coatings by the printing industry is, without doubt, a success story that now sees many millions of pounds of coating used annually to protect and enhance the printed material. This success has not always come easy, as the processes of printing involve many variables which must […]
Why and How Viscosity is Measured
Viscosity Overview Viscosity is a measure of a fluid’s resistance to flow. It describes the internal friction of a moving fluid due to its molecular makeup. A high viscosity (thick) fluid resists motion because of high internal friction, while a low viscosity (thin) fluid flows readily because of low internal friction. Viscosity is measured because […]
Folding Carton Paperboard Choices
Substrate Options Superior folding cartons begin with the proper choice of substrate, paperboard with the performance and graphics quality to successfully market the packaged product. The wide variety of substrates available to the folding carton producer make it easy to make the wrong choice. Converters must carefully assess printability, packaged product protection, package design requirements, […]
UV Growth Continues Unabated
Growth of UV Ink in the Global Printing Ink Market UV Ink as a component of the global printing ink market has been forecast to grow at a 15.7% CAGR between 2015-2020 to reach $3.5 billion in 2020. Currently the global market for UV coatings has a value of $3,430. million with a future forecast […]
Differences Between Aqueous and UV Coatings
First and foremost both Aqueous (water-based) and UV coatings have achieved widespread use in the Graphics Arts Industry as competing top coats. Both offer aesthetic enhancement and protection, adding value to a variety of printed products.
Poly (PE) Replacement Barrier Coatings and Test Methods
Why Replace Petroleum Based Extrusion Coated Polyethylene? More and more printers and converters are responding to requests for paper and paperboard coatings that can replace petroleum based extrusion coated polyethylene (PE) or Poly Replacement. Alternative barrier coating products that are safe for the environment are in favor due to brand marketers, and legislative, political, and […]
Inkjet, The Engine behind Digital Printing Growth
Growth of Digital Printing Digital printing has advanced continually since its introduction in the 1970’s. Electrophotography and inkjet having been the beneficiaries of the majority of development money spent on printing technology. Great improvements have followed in speed, quality, reliability, and scalability leading to new applications.
Aqueous Coatings: Storing, Handling & Using
Opening Aqueous Coatings Aqueous coatings may be thermoplastic or thermoset, emulsion or solution polymer blends. The major volatile component is water along with small percentages of other volatile items. Some of these, such as ammonia or amine can evaporate and accumulate in the headspace of a sealed container, therefore opening is best done in a […]
