Vacumet Corp. has an extensive technical team capable of supporting any converting operation. Vacumet’s broad range of expertise includes research and development, quality engineering and operations to support customer requirements. This team has experience in all commercial print technologies, laminating, holography, coating and general converting. We have recapped Vacumet’s ink recommendations on this page. For more information on printing and processing Vacumet products, we recommend you visit their site at www.vacumet.com
1. Flexographic and gravure ink systems should be recommended by the ink manufacturer.
2. For lithographic printing, Vacumet recommends the following:
2.1 Ink - Inks for synthetic/non-absorbent stocks are recommended for optimum results on metallized papers. Inks formulated with higher solids are recommended so ink film integrity, adhesion, and abrasion characteristics are achieved. This is for all inks including opaque white.
2.2 Ink Tack - Inks should be tack rated medium for sufficient trapping. The first color should be between 18 to 20 at 1,200 rpm or 11 to 14 at 800 rpm. Tack of subsequent colors should be dropped one unit to achieve good trapping percentages.
2.3 Fountain Solution - Fountain solution must be mixed fresh and carefully maintained due to the non-absorbent nature of the metalized surface. The minimum amount of ink and water needs to be applied. Contaminants from paper, ink, and wash up solution can greatly affect the wetting and cleaning properties. Vacumet metallized papers are fully compatible with alcohol and alcohol substitute fountain solutions.
2.4 pH - The fountain solution should not be too acidic so that drying of the ink is not hindered. A pH of 4.5 is highly recommended.
2.5 Ink Holdout - Due to the non-absorbent substrate, ink holdout is maximized. This outstanding feature allows for many graphic effects to be achieved with combinations of opaque white for backing up images, leading to crisp contrasts which are ideal for 4 and 6 color work.
2.6 Coatings - Aqueous and UV coatings are compatible with metallized papers. Coatings enhance gloss and provide protective properties against rub and abrasion.
Aqueous coatings need to be specifically designed for use on metallized or foil papers so the ink film is allowed to set prior to final dry of the coating. This will avoid “mud-cracking.” Inks should be fully dried prior to UV coating so adhesion and uniform lay of the coating is achieved, usually 48 - 72 hours after printing. For all coating recommendations, please consult your coating and ink supplier.
2.7 Blankets - Printing blankets should be conventional, designed for quick release.
2.8 Dryography - Dryography is an alternative method of traditional offset printing that requires special plates, inks, and rollers but uses no fountain solution. Because the challenge of balancing ink and water is removed, waterless printing provides a brighter, more stable four-color reproduction with higher image resolution. Dryography may also enhance color trapping and reduce problems with process color dominance, such as flesh tones that appear too yellow or red in cast.
3. Print the un-metalized side first.
4. When printing directly on the metallic surface without an opaque white base coat, there are no special precautions necessary for a superior printed finish.
5. When printing conventional inks over a dry trap, allow at least 24 hours before the second pass for adequate drying.
6. Printed sheets or rolls should always be protected from moisture changes by wrapping in poly film. This is true between passes of a multi-pass job as well as after printing and converting.
7. Temperatures exceeding 104F during printing or while in storage can diminish the holographic effect.
For more details, please visit: www.vacumet.com
HOLOPRISM is a registered trademark of Vacumet.
This information contains basic guidelines for printing and using holographic material. NovaVision does not warranty any information provided here as to it’s correctness. Nova Vision’s website is intended to highlight general tips for printers. This information should always be used along with recommendations of the ink supplier and press manufacturer. NovaVision communicates these tips as suggestions and guidelines and assumes no liability for any loss or damage resulting from any acts or omissions based on this information provided.