Drytac’s ReTac brings vibrant colour to wide-format print and can be removed without damage
Considering the incredible applications that synthetic substrates can offer to digital printers, these non-pulp-based media could open doors to jobs which had previously gone unnoticed. Michal Lodej reports.
As the name suggests, synthetic paper is a paper look alike synthetic film. Generally it is a co-extruded white opaque matte finish thick BOPP film which is used as a replacement of paper in applications where durability and weather resistance is desired.
Synthetic paper finds applications in a wide range of printing and finishing applications where strength, durability, moisture resistance and chemical resistance are critical factors.
Cosmo Films offers two types of synthetic paper, Standard Synthetic Paper and Coated Synthetic Paper. Cosmo’s Standard Synthetic Paper is available in 95-430 microns and recommended for conventional offset and screen printing techniques. The company’s Coated Synthetic Paper, however, is available in 75-430 microns and supports most printing techniques such as conventional and UV offset, UV flexo, letterpress, screen, thermal transfer and digital toner technologies.
Opportunities abound
The real benefits of synthetic substrates are the innovative ways they can be used. Some benefits can help customers keep costs down by eliminating the need for laminating. You do not have to look far to see the successes with just this one technique. For many leading restaurant chains, the switch to synthetic stocks has meant easier to clean menus and reduced replacement costs. Hospitals have found that synthetics for most of their documents mean faster turnaround times without the risk of delamination and contamination. Military documents all over the world, from maintenance manuals to safety procedures, are going to synthetics to guarantee the prints are readable in any environment. Large retailers use synthetics for their instore heavily used reference documents which use to be laminated.
The ability to stick to surfaces without any special preparation has made synthetic substrates popular in retail applications
Kernow Coatings delivers synthetic media with alcohol resistance and static control. Each material produced by Kernow is designed to match the print equipment it is destined to be run on. These can open a whole new world of durability and flexibility to printers looking to increase their value and bottom line. However, the company adds that it is important for printers to be aware that not all synthetics are created equal. Melting points, chemical resistance, and static are just some of the differences and print operators need to be careful to make sure that the synthetics they purchase are guaranteed for their equipment.
Premier Paper’s digital media range has several product offerings of high quality, synthetic substrates suitable for all digital print processes. These include products such as Teslin, a synthetic, waterproof printing paper that is tough and durable, with versions available for Xeikon, HP Indigo and colour laser applications. Teslin has tough and durable qualities, with good finishing properties, it is suitable for the production of security items such as credit cards, store cards, loyalty cards and point of sale materials such as menus.
Synaps is a versatile synthetic sheet that handles, print and finishes just like paper. It combines robustness with a high quality print and feel and is completely recyclable. Synaps OM is developed specifically for use on HP Indigo and Synaps XM is for use on colour laser machines. Synaps is also available in wide format rolls for use on aqueous machines.
Picofilm is a coated polyester film, suitable for production on digital presses including Xerox, HP Indigo, Xeikon, Kodak Nexpress and Canon, it offers excellent toner and ink adhesion, providing clear and sharp images whilst running well.
Sticking without adhesive
Ultra-Mag Digital is an HP certified product, suitable for use with both HP Indigo 5000 and 5500 commercial sheet fed presses. Ultra-Mag Digital is a flexible, rubber backed magnetic printing media, with a white film bonded on top. It is supplied un-magnetised, but the magnetiser is supplied separately and lasts forever. Xerox UltraMagnet is an un-magnetised cut-sheet solution, which has a glossy coated paper face sheet which can be used to produce customised and personalised items, such as fridge magnets, business cards, calendars. Its flexible and creative qualities allow the production of both on-demand and short run direct mail items, as well as promotional advertising magnets.
An interesting range of synthetic papers comes from the Japanese Yupo Corporation which has a product range of more than 50 synthetic papers and annual production capacity of more than 40,000 tonnes.
A selection of this range is available from various UK paper merchants such as Premier Paper and Antalis. Eye-catching and highly functional, each product within the range, such as Yupo Jelly and Yupo Tako, features a micro suction structure, rendering it completely adhesive-free, Tako means octopus in Japanese. This means that signage, point of sale or seasonal decorations can be quickly and easily applied, removed and repositioned – all without incurring any damage to either the product or the surface it is being applied to. Whether applied to windows, walls or electrical appliances, it is designed to withstand multiple use and will leave zero surface residue or stickiness.
Another product within the range is Yupo Blue which is both waterproof and also tear proof. Many Yupo grades are HP Indigo approved with the press manufacturers highest level of certification, three stars, and are 100% tree free and recyclable. It is not only tear resistant, but also stain resistant, and requires no surface treatment before printing.
Although this range has been developed for specific interior applications, it has proven particularly popular within the retail sector where delicate, flat surfaces such as TV screens and refrigerator doors are used to carry promotional offers and messaging.
A variety of grades are available for different printing methods, including UV silk screen, UV digital, UV offset, Eco Solvent & Latex printing. PVC-free, the range is environmentally friendly and 100% recyclable.
Chris Green, head of channel for Sign & Display at Antalis, examined the potential of using synthetic substrates for niche applications such as wall displays. He said, ‘There is an increasing appetite from our existing customers, as well as those who are new to the market, for ways to diversify or expand their business offering. As a result, we continue to see a good deal of interest in our range of synthetic substrates which include Yupo, Drytac and Coala.
‘Easy-apply, printable substrates such as these can be personalised and are suitable for a range of commercial and domestic applications – including floors and wallcoverings – and all remove the need for skilled fitting, which is good news for those seeking to diversify.’
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