|
This section offers general information regarding the storing and
printing of film substrates.
The following information is intended to serve as
a general guide when storing and printing nonporous substrates such
as vinyl and polyester. However, each film substrate has different
characteristics, therefore it is important that you fully test any
substrate prior to production and application. Please contact GPA
Customer Service for specific information on the storing and printing
of ClingZ ®.
Storing & Stacking
- Store in sealed cartons or wrapped skids in a
cool, dry location (at 70° F and 50% relative humidity).
- Stack no more than 10-15 cartons high. Do not
double stack skids or pallets.
- Keep cartons flat and horizontal.
Back
to top Acclimating
- Allow the substrate to acclimate or adjust to the
pressroom temperature 24-48 hours prior to printing or cutting.
Skid packed product may require up to 72 hours to acclimate.
- Keep product in sealed cartons or protective wrapper
until ready to use.
Back
to top Cutting
- Always use a sharp blade (preferably with a double
angle grind - 26% & 24%).
- Wipe blade (front and back) with silicone sprayed
rag for a smoother cut and to help reduce adhesive ooze.
- Cut the stock in small lifts (100-200 sheets).
- Cut the stock upside down so the blade goes through
the liner and silicone coating first.
- Use clamp pads or chip board on the top and bottom
of the stock.
- Back the clamp pressure off to 40 psi or as light
as possible.
- Clean the cutter thoroughly before and after cutting
with type or blanket wash.
Back
to top Ink Selection
- Always use fresh ink.
- Inform your ink supplier you are printing on a
film substrate, include length of the run, type of press, number
of colors and sequence to assist your ink supplier in determining
your ink formulation. Since film substrates vary, provide samples
of the film for your ink manufacturer to test.
Back
to top Dyne Level (Surface
Energy)
- Dyne level testing is often done with a solution
to determine the surface energy of a given substrate.
- Dyne level readings should be conducted with a
cotton swab and solution method. The tip of dyne pens can become
contaminated from prior use.
- Dyne solution can dissolve top coatings and may
provide an inaccuate reading.
- Dyne level reading indicate the ability of ink
to adhere to that substrate. It DOES NOT indicate the ability
of the ink to dry.
Back
to top Drying
- Run small lifts to prevent off-setting and to
decrease drying time - no more than 1-1/2”.
- If printing with heavy coverage toward the center
of the sheet, plenty of oxygen is a must.
- Increase the size of your offset powder to keep
the sheets separated (+50 micro-encapsulated).
- Drying time depends on the following variables:
ink formulation, temperature, humidity, fountain solution, pH,
ink coverage and oxygen from the air.
- Allow ink to dry prior to running the sheets back
through the press, guillotine cutting or die-cutting.
Back
to top |
|
|
