Film Processing Practices

Total Page:16

File Type:pdf, Size:1020Kb

Film Processing Practices Film processing practices Converting thin fi lms Thinner, lighter constructions The continued push for thinner and lighter constructions has been a trend in the packaging and pressure sensitive label market for the last 20 years. With changes in the type of film used in the label face (PET vs BOPP) and continued reductions in the thickness of the PET liners, we have seen a reduction in total overall caliper of 30 to 50%. Down gauged films and liners continue to be the trend in the industry for pressure sensitive decoration. Thinner films allow for improved sustainability, increased yield and reduction in manufacturing costs and storage without sacrificing the performance requirements of the label. Thin clear films normally have the potential for improved shelf appeal as well (reducing the label profile on the container for an enhanced “no label look”.) While there are many advantages to thin films there are some best practices that should be made when converting and applying these labels. Here are some converting tips and best practices when using thin film stock. Web handling • All rollers should be clean and in good working order. • Older nip rolls should be checked to ensure that durometer (hardness) has not changed signifi cantly. It is not uncommon for nip rollers to slowly increase in durometer becoming harder and smoother, causing slippage of the thinner fi lms over time. • Anti-static devices at both rewind and unwind are recommended. • The press should be well grounded. This would include any external unwind or rewind stations. • The lowest tensions should be run while still maintaining good registration. • It is recommended that six (6) inch cores be used on both the unwind and the rewind of the press. Six inch cores allow for better roll tension build on the incoming rolls and on the converted rolls. They allow a little more operating window than a three inch core on the taper and tension. • Thinner fi lms often need a sharper peel plate to Die cutting and tooling consistently dispense the label from the liner. A flat edge ground to an approximation of 0,8mm thick is ideal (not • Most die manufactures offer tighter tolerances on fl exible a rounded tip). dies and magnetic cylinders on the thinner PET fi lms. These include the 23 microns and even 19 microns • On glass and plastic bottles requiring the “no label look”, liners. The quality of the anvil roll should also be wipe down pressure should be applied as soon as the evaluated. label contacts the surface of the container to minimize air • The magnetic cylinders used should be clean and in entrapment. This is commonly achieved with rubber good working order squeegees, rollers and belt systems. The goal is to remove as much air as possible at • No damage to magnetic cylinder • No high spots the point of application to the container. • No loose magnets • Rewind tensions on the applicator may need to be • Tooling dies to the actual label stock is strongly increased slightly to assist in initial dispensing from recommended. the peel plate. • Razor type slitter knives give the cleanest cuts. If razor • Reducing the label fl ag on the peel plate may be knives are not available due to safety concerns, a shear required to assist in consistent application. slitting system is recommended. If a score slitter is used, • For clear pressure sensitive labels, soft foam rollers ensure pressure to knife is consistent. The highest quality or brushes are not recommended for laminating to score blade should be used and careful attention should the container (do not effectively remove air at point be paid to blade wear and possible grooving of the roll of application and can be the cause of air bubble used as an anvil. entrapment and haze). • Ensure the lowest amount of heat buildup in the die station by maintaining the bearings and ensuring bearers are lubricated and wipers are functioning as designed. Finishing • Ensure good roll build by starting with as low a tension setting as possible that allows for a good roll build. Tapering to a lighter tension as the roll is made is recommended. • An initially low and then tapered roll build will have – Less adhesive ooze – Less impression of label being transferred • A hard roll that allows no movement at core will likely have both adhesive ooze issues and label impression issues. Application • Applicators should ensure that label detectors (sensors) are calibrated or suitable for fi lms (especially if utilizing clear fi lms with clear fi lm liners). For the highest speed and highest accuracy, a single capacitive sensor would be best, but caution should be used if the label is metalized or has cold foil present where the sensor is wto be lined up. Conductivity of fi lm negatively affects this type of sensor. The many advantages of fi lm Functional, attractive, and sustainable – learn more about fi lm label stock and discover www.upmrafl atac.com some versatile alternatives to PP and PE. 05/2017 ENG 1356.
Recommended publications
  • Refreshing Your Label Increasing a Successful Brand’S Perceived Value Through Evolutionary Packaging Modifications
    Refreshing Your Label Increasing a successful brand’s perceived value through evolutionary packaging modifications Tony Auston Tony Auston is the brand architect and creative director of Auston Design Group. His experience in wine branding spans more than 25 years and encompasses a wide range of successful, award-winning package designs for national and international brands. Auston is involved in every aspect of the creative process at Auston Design Group, from initial consultation and strategic development, through final design. of your package is not such a product, thus eroding consumer connection to the brand. Brand loyalists hard decision when you have a decent product and your sales have been flat often associate the brand with the experiences they’ve had while enjoying the or on the decline. In these cases, it might be worth taking a risk and losing product—and the package is the face of their brand. Too much of a change a percentage of your current consumer base to potentially attract a higher can deter once-loyal consumers and sales may suffer. percentage of new consumers. A redesign can make a sizable difference in A good example of an ill-advised packaging decision came with the brand perception and appeal to a much larger audience. redesign of the Smoking Loon brand. Roughly 10 years ago, it was one of the But what can you do to keep the image and packaging of an established, top-selling brands with huge upward momentum—a brand that competi- highly successful brand from becoming stale or out-of-date? It is the rare tors held as a benchmark.
    [Show full text]
  • Technical Bulletin Die-Cutting
    DIE-CUTTING "What do we understand by die -cutting?" The force required to sever a material by the pressing action of the die is considerably greater The answer is as follows. than the force required for a cutting process using a blade. Die-cutting is a process by which the material is compressed and cut with the aid of a die. The Various factors influence the forces which come process is performed either on a flat-bed die- into play during the die-cutting process: cutting machine or on a rotary die-cutting machine. The nature of the material to be die-cut The dies on a flat-bed die-cutting machine are shaped out of steel strip. A rotary die-cutting The configuration of the cutting lines machine is equipped either with a magnetic cylinder, onto which an engraved die plate is mounted, or The width of the cutting lines with a cylinder which is itself the die-cutting tool, that is to say, the cutting lines are engraved directly The type of material to be die-cut will determine into the solid body of the cylinder. the type of cutting die to be used. If paper is to be die-cut, a single-bevelled tool is normally used, When die-cutting self-adhesive paper, the print carrier with an angle of bevel of approx. 80°. If a relatively and the adhesive are compressed by the die until tough polyethylene film is to be die-cut, a double- the paper tears and recoils. In the case of film, the bevelled, more acutely angled tool is required.
    [Show full text]
  • The Impact of the Flexo Folder-Gluer on Packaging Distribution
    The Impact of the Flexo Folder-Gluer on Packaging Distribution Alexandra Hartford Michigan State University School of Packaging A322 Bailey Hall East Lansing, MI 48825 [email protected] 231.884.4840 Table of Contents Introduction 1 The Flexo Folder-Gluer 2 Feed Section 3 Printing Section 4 Creaser-Slotter 5 In-Line Die Cutter 6 Glue Lap Unit 8 Folding Section 9 Delivery End 9 Conclusion 10 Hartford 1 Introduction Corrugated boxes have been successful for over 100 years and statistics show that the corrugated industry is still thriving. Corrugated boxes are one of the most stable packaging forms in today’s industry. According to The Marketing Guide to the U.S. Packaging Industry, in 2004 paperboard packaging products made up 40.3% of the shipment packaging industry. Paperboard sales were more than double any other material during both 2004 and 2005. Inside of the paperboard industry, corrugated board made up 64% of all paperboard sales in 2004. According to the same source, corrugated shipping containers alone had $29.5 billion in shipments during the 2005 year. This was more than all plastic packaging material combined which totaled $26.346 billion. Not only do corrugated shipping containers dominate as distribution packages, the industry continues to grow. It is expected that the corrugated container industry will grow by 1.3% from 2005 to 2010 despite the threat from other packaging materials, such as plastics (The Marketing Guide, 2006). The properties of corrugated boxes make them valuable distribution packages and give the corrugated industry a slight advantage over other competitors. Corrugated boxes are best suited as a shipping container because of their strength to cost ratio (Jonson, 1999).
    [Show full text]
  • Manufacturing of Paperboard and Corrugated Board Packages
    Lecture 9: Manufacturing of paperboard and corrugated board packages Converting operations: printing, die-cutting, folding, gluing, deep-drawing After lecture 9 you should be able to • describe the most important converting operations in paper and paperboard package manufacturing • discuss important runnability considerations in paperboard package handling • relate factors affecting runnability to pppaperboard app earance and pyphysical performance quality parameters 1 Literature • Pulp and Paper Chemistry and Technology - Volume 4, Paper Products Physics and Technology, Chapter 10 • Paperboard Reference Manual, p. 157-225 • Fundamentals of packaging technology Chapters 4, 6, 15 and 18 Paperboard Packaging Design is the result of • Personal creativity plus – Knowledge and understanding of packaging materials, including: • Structural properties • Graphic capabilities • Converting processes and converting properties • Customer packaging systems • Marketing objectives • Distribution requirements • Retail outlet expectations • Needs and desires of end user • How end user will use the product • Many people may contribute to the design 2 Overall, the design must provide: • Containment of product • Protection of product • Ease in handling through distribution • Prevention of product spoilage • Tamper evidence • Consumer convenience • Brand identification • Communications for the consumer: – Instructions for product use – Coding for quality assurance, expiration dates – Dietary and nutritional information The design should consider: 1. Converting
    [Show full text]
  • Die Cutting Equipment RP SERIES ROLLER DIE CUTTING MACHINES
    Die Cutting Equipment RP SERIES ROLLER DIE CUTTING MACHINES RP28-2 RP22-1 EXPERIENCE THE STARVIEW ADVANTAGE: A simple and economical solution to provide steel rule die cutting for skin boards, thermoformed parts, gaskets, etc. Simple controls for ease of operation. Utilizes standard low-cost steel rule cutting dies for quick and easy changeover. Starview exclusive soft-start and soft-stop solid state drive system for longer system life. Rolls reverse for cutting in both directions to increase productivity. Larger than industry normal precision ground pressure rollers for minimal deection during cutting. Industry leading design, construction, features and customer support. DESCRIPTION: Starview’s RP Series Roller Die Cutters are versatile enough to handle a full range of low to high production requirements. These machines will trim a wide range of materials such as skin packaged products, thermoformed products, cork, rubber and any other application where a steel rule die can be utilized. Single driven pressure roller machines RP-1 Series may be used where cutting registration is not critical and cutting pressures are low. Double driven RP-2 Series pressure roller machines should be used where registration is important or for higher cutting pressures. For applications where it is advantageous to cut with the product facing up or to have the ability to program cutting without manufacturing steel rule dies for each conguration please consider or SDC Series Slitter/Die Cutters. more on next page SPECIFICATIONS: RP221 RP282 RP342 Maximum die
    [Show full text]
  • 5 Color Digital Printing Capability. Sizes
    280 Pond Street Randolph, MA 02368 2801-781 Pond-961 Street-1800 (phone) Randolph,1-781-961 -MA1805 02368 (fax 1-781-961-1800 (phone) 1-781-961-1805 (fax Summary of Capabilities Summary of Capabilities Manufacturing - All standard and special sizes from 3 ½ ” x 5” through 10x13” booklet and 12 x 15 ½ open end – all commercial Manufacturingsizes from #6 ¼ -through All standard #14 including and special remittance sizes from-style 3 ½envelopes ” x 5” . throughWe make 10x13 all kinds” booklet of special and 12 size x 15 envelopes ½ open endincluding – all commercial A-style, sizesbaronial from, and #6 bang¼ through-tail as #14 well including as special remittance windows.-style We haveenvelopes . Wehundreds make ofall diekinds sizes of specialin stock size: side envelopes seam and including diagonal A seam-style,. baronial , and bang-tail as well as special windows. We have hundredsConverting of die– All sizes sizes in per stock above.: side We seam will andconvert diagonal your seamsheets. or can supply stock either printed or unprinted. We can convert up to 65# Convertingcover weight – on All commercial sizes per above. sizes andWe willup toconvert 80# on your many sheets booklet or can or supplycatalog stock sizes either. We’ll printed work with or unprinted. certain hard We-to can-fold convert or handle up stockto 65# coversuch as weight coated on 2commercial side, translucent sizes andand upbag to kraft. 80# on many booklet or catalog sizes. We’ll work with certain hard-to-fold or handle stock suchPrinting as coated - One 26” side and, translucenttwo 3” jets print and 2/2bag and kraft.
    [Show full text]
  • Big Shot Die-Cut Machine
    Big Shot die-cut machine Stampin’ Up! is pleased to team up with Sizzix to offer you a multipurpose die-cut system! With the Sizzix Big Shot Starter Kit and dies from Stampin’ Up!, you can create die-cut shapes, envelopes, and tags with ease! Use the Bigz, Originals, Sizzlits®, and Decorative Strip–sized dies to make cards, scrapbook pages, home décor, and more. This manual die-cutting machine works with card stock, Designer Series paper, fabric, chipboard, plastic, and more. Use the machine with our exclusive Stampin’ Up! dies or Sizzix dies—plus it’s compatible with other dies in the market. Nothing will get you started faster than our Special Edition Starter Kit Big Shot Die-Cut Machine Multipurpose Platform and Standard Cutting Pads 2 Stampin’ Up! Exclusive BigzTM Dies (Scallop Envelope and Top Note, shown on page 3) 1 Stampin’ Up! Exclusive Sizzlits 4-Pack (Birds & Blooms, shown on page 3) 1 Stampin’ Up! Exclusive Decorative Strip (Join in the Cheer, shown on page 4) Decorative Strip Cutting Pads and Extended Spacer Platform 113481 Special Edition Starter Kit $195.95 113482 Special Edition Starter Kit with Bag $259.95 1 © 2008 STAMPIN ’ UP ! Big Shot Die-Cut Machine To get started, you need the Big Shot With the Big Shot, you can create die die-cut machine, Standard Cutting cuts with any of our exclusive Pad, Multipurpose Platform (both Stampin’ Up! dies—or any Sizzix die. included with the Big Shot) and a die. Machine includes standard cutting Each pair of cutting pads lasts for pads and multipurpose platform so hundreds of cuts! Rotate the pads you can start cutting immediately.
    [Show full text]
  • Perfect Positioner Guide
    PERFECT POSITIONER Dies don’t shift for perfect cutting every time! Tired of dies moving and shifting even on magnetic platforms? The Little B Perfect Positioner helps keep nested dies in place for faster, easier and more precise die-cutting. DOUBLE-SIDED ADHESIVE ∙ Adhesive is slightly tacky to hold dies in place but allow for easy release of paper, die cut shapes and dies. ∙ Adhesive on back holds Perfect Positioner to any die-cutting tool platform. ∙ Adhesive on front holds dies in place while die cutting. PRINTED GUIDES ∙ Features a printed .25 in ruler grid and 12 card template guides for easy and precise die placement. COMPATIBILITY ∙ Compatible with any die-cutting tool platform. ∙ Designed for use with thin metal cutting dies. AWARD -WINNING ∙ Winner of the 2014 Best New Product Award from the Craft and Hobby Association ™ Perfect Positioner PERFECT POSITIONER HOW-TO Remove clear plastic protector from Adhere to any die-cutting Position nested dies using ruler grid front. Repeat for the back. tool platform. as guide then gently press to secure. Place paper over die and follow your Remove die-cut shape after die Remove from platform and cover tool instructions for cutting. cutting. with plastic protector when not cutting nested shapes. TIPS & TRICKS ∙ While the Perfect Positioner can be used during any die-cutting project, to increase the longevity use only when die-cutting nested die cut designs and remove and recover the Perfect Positioner with the included plastic protective sheets when not in use. ∙ The Perfect Positioner is 6”x12”, which will fit most die-cutting tool platforms.
    [Show full text]
  • Starview Slitting and Die Cutting Machines
    SDC SERIES AUTOMATIC SLITTING-DIE CUTTING MACHINES Standard SDC Slitter-Die Cutter EXPERIENCE THE STARVIEW ADVANTAGE: Two sizes available to handle 18” through 30” wide skin boards. A single machine able to cut, slit or perforate with products facing up on skin boards. Cross-cut is programmable and slitting wheels are moveable for altering cutting pattern without having to make new cutting dies. Linear skin board travel facilitates production work ow. Small footprint to conserve oor space. Industry leading design, construction, features and customer support. DESCRIPTION: Starview’s SDC Series combination slitting and die cutting machines are a cost eective way to trim skin packaged products. These machines eliminate the use of individual steel rule dies for each dierent package conguration. The SDC Series features an intermittent motion in-feed conveyor to transfer skin boards to the die cutting and slitting area. Circular cutters running against a hardened steel roller are used to slit parallel to the movement of the skin board. A pneumatic press activates the cross cutting perpendicular to the move- ment of the skin board. The interval at which this cut is made is programmable from the touch screen operator interface panel. Starview’s SDC Series machines utilize photocells and clear polycarbonate guards for oper- ator safety. To prevent damage to the cross cutting knife, the SDC Series machines also utilize photocells to detect products that may be in the cutting area. For standard die cutting operations using conventional steel rule dies Starview’s RP Series Roller Die Cutters should be considered. more on next page SPECIFICATIONS: SDC24 SDC30 Maximum skin card width: 24” 30” Maximum skin card length: 40” 40” Maximum product height: 5.0“ 5.0“ Slitting: (5) single-cut standard (5) single-cut standard Cross cut style: 10,000 lbs.
    [Show full text]
  • Winemakers' Federation of Australia
    WINEMAKERS’ FEDERATION OF AUSTRALIA WINE PACKAGING GUIDELINE Guidelines for the Use of Wine Packaging WINEMAKERS’ FEDERATION OF AUSTRALIA INCORPORATED National Wine Centre, Botanic Road, Adelaide SA 5000 (PO Box 2414, Kent Town SA 5071) Telephone: 08 8133 4300, Facsimile: 08 8133 4366 Email: [email protected] ABN 38 359 406 467 WINEMAKERS’ FEDERATION OF AUSTRALIA INCORPORATED National Wine Centre, Botanic Road, Adelaide SA 5000 (PO Box 2414, Kent Town SA 5071) Telephone: 08 8133 4300, Facsimile: 08 8133 4366 Email: [email protected] ABN 38 359 406 467 Wine Packaging Guidelines: The following guidelines have been prepared by the Winemakers’ Federation of Australia (WFA) Packaging Committee. The guidelines are intended to provide a basic level of understanding of fundamental wine packaging issues for small to medium wineries and new entrants to the industry and are best used as a guide to the discussions that wineries should be having regarding specifications required for dry goods between packaging suppliers, wineries/brand owners and wine packagers. The expert advice provided by members of the WFA Packaging Committee in the preparation of this document is gratefully acknowledged. These guidelines are supplemented by ‘The Code of Good Manufacturing Practice for the Australian Grape and Wine Industry’ prepared by the Australian Wine Research Institute (AWRI) and available to download from the AWRI website: www.awri.com.au and the Wine Packagers of Australia (WPA) Specifications. WFA Packaging Committee: The Packaging Committee was established by the WFA to enable the development of a unified position for the wine industry in regard to packaging related issues.
    [Show full text]
  • Can Lid Peelable Membrane
    CASE STUDY: CAN LID PEELABLE MEMBRANE CHALLENGE Cut peelable membrane with a folded tab and seal it to a metal ring that can be sealed to paper tube style containers used for peanut packaging. This lid was designed to replace all metal lids that could be torn open leaving a ragged edge possibly endangering consumers. The newly designed lid has rolled metal edges on the metal ring to which a peelable membrane was sealed. SOLUTION RESULTS Bernal’s system engineers designed a turn-key system Multiple systems were provided that manufactured to produce production volumes of sealed and inspected this product to very demanding specifications on a lids. The system die cut the tab, folded and tacked production basis. Up time and scrap rates exceeded the tab, and vacuum transferred multiple lanes of the customer requirements. This customer initially membrane to heated metal rings traveling on a featured came to Bernal with a request to cut the membrane metal belt and ironing a seal between the membrane shape. Further discussions revealed the entire and the metal ring to ridged specifications. 100% of process which included multiple separate operations the rings were inspected for pin hole and seal leaks that Bernal ended up integrating into one production at speed prior to delivering the rings into horizontal system eliminating costly labor and part handling. The batches for packaging. Tab die cutting, membrane die new lids solved an issue with the previous design used cutting, ring feed and transfer were all registered to each to package various food products where raw metal other to maintain precise tolerances edges were a safety hazard for children.
    [Show full text]
  • The Basic Fundamentals of Labeling
    THE BASIC FUNDAMENTALS OF LABELING Whitlam Label’s Resource Guide 01 www.whitlam.com Table of Contents 03 Basic Fundamentals of Labeling Checklist 04 Labeling Construction 05-07 Label Characteristics 08 Label Dimensions & Tooling 09 How will the label be applied? 10 Slitting & Cutting Options 11 Finishing Formats Styles 12 Finishing Format Options 13 Barcodes and Variable Printing 14 Barcodes and Variable Printing 15-21 Label Terminology 02 Basic Fundamentals of Labeling Checklist When getting started on a labeling project, ask yourself these questions to help guide you through the process: Label Performance ❑ What does the label adhere to? (Plastic, metal, glass, corrugated, aluminum) ❑ What are the surface conditions? (Smooth, or textured, flat or curved, clean or oily) ❑ What environment will the label be exposed to? ❑ At what temperature will the label be applied? ❑ Does the label need to be permanent or removable? ❑ Is there any imprinting? If imprinting, what method is being used? ❑ Is “PPAP” required? Label Characteristics ❑ Do you have a sample? If yes, do you want us to match your sample? ❑ Do you have a blueprint? If yes, please provide. ❑ What is the size of the label? Do you want exact size or is there a +/-? ❑ How many colors? (Spot color or CMYK) ❑ Material type?(Paper, Film, Polyester, Polypropylene, etc.) ❑ Is there a “Mandatory Liner “if yes what is it? ❑ Does the label need “Lamination” for protection? (Gloss, matte, etc.) ❑ How is it being applied? (Machine or hand-applied) ❑ Is there consecutive numbering? ❑ Are there any bar codes? If yes, what is the symbology? ❑ Any copy changes? If yes, how many? Finishing Requirements ❑ Is it die cut or butt cut? ❑ What’s the “finishing style”? ❑ How do you want your finished copy position? ❑ What’s the quantity per roll or stack? 03 Label Construction A typical label consists of a topcoat, facestock, adhesive and a liner GRAPHIC LAYERED INK Ink is laid down between the topcoat and the facestock.
    [Show full text]