Finishing Processes Industrial and Commercial Practice
Laminating Process of layering materials together Uses a PP film glued to paper under high pressure Advantages: High gloss Strength low cost
Encapsulation Similar to laminating but requires heat seams What are heat seams? Material that covers edges of the board or paper e.g. posters on the wall /menus Advantages: Waterproof doesn’t wrinkle keeps it clean
Varnishing High gloss finish - sprayed on e.g. front of book / magazine covers Advantage: Protects underneath Disadvantage: Takes couple hours to dry as is oil/water-based – have to UV light to speed up = expensive
Varnishing UV Sparkle varnish: contains metallic polyester flakes Fragrance burst inks: scratch and sniff Silver latex “scratch offers”: e.g. lottery card
Hot Foil Blocking To produce true ‘reflective metal’ Transfers foil coating to paper/board by heated die Advantage: No fumes/vapours (dye process) / goods can be handled immediately Image is 100% opaque / can be economic in short run Disadvantage: Image can spread as under heat/pressure –difficulty with tinting Range of colours is limited
Embossing 3D image/design raised into paper/board Process involves compressing paper between female and male die –creates raised surface Commercially use a converted letterpress which gives high quality finish but is expensive E.g. Toblerone packaging / greeting cards
Laser Cutting Uses laser to cut materials – melts/burns/vaporises waste material Direct Laser Imaging Uses CO2 laser to burn waste material and form a negative printing plate Direct Laser Engraving Using high power CO2 laser to form sharp relief images with steep, smooth edges
Laser Cutting – Pros/Cons Advantages Disadvantages Clean edge Precision – computer controlled No wearing of tools Reduced chance of warping Produces features difficult to cut by other means Very expensive machinery High energy consumption
Vinyl Cutting Plasticised PVC Ideal for one-off/batch Vinyl sheets use contact or impact adhesive Soft and flexible Often used for signage