Automation is the process of using technology to make repetitive tasks easier and to reduce human intervention to a minimum. Increased technological advancements enable enhanced levels of productivity in our everyday lives, from automated home appliances to alarm clocks that wake us up when we want, to cars that automatically regulate the internal temperature of the vehicle. We all experience automation daily in our personal lives, and we can also experience automation in our printing lives, too. From front-end processes, to the pressroom floor, to bindery and post-bindery, the automated options for our industry are growing at a steady pace.
Paper and plastic and film, oh my! Paper and plastic and film, oh my! There are no tin men or ruby red slippers in this story, but there is a discussion about new proofing material that mimics printing on tin, as well as adhesive film options for the store window where they sell ruby red slippers. This month’s discussion of substrates will focus on Epson’s line of proofing media, as well as unique adhesive options in 3M’s line of commercial Graphic Solutions substrates.
Epson’s Proofing Media for the Packaging Industry
With the capabilities of GMGColor’s proofing software and the power of the Epson Stylus Pro WT7900, a new innovation in packaging prototyping and proofing has been born. This Epson Stylus Pro WT7900 is a white ink printer, which allows a white base to be printed on transparent film or metal foil. Paired with this base layer, the printer’s extended gamut can reproduce 98 percent of the Pantone GOE colours to accurately create an example of the finished product much faster and less costly than traditional press proofing methods. The time and cost savings, as well as increased consistency achieved using this system, are revolutionary for packaging designers and printers alike.
The proofing media for the Epson Stylus Pro WT7900 includes: CrystalClear Film, ClearProof Film, ClearProof Thin Film, ClearProof Adhesive Film and MetallicProof Silver Film. All substrates are available in 17-inch and 24-inch roll widths.
Epson CrystalClear Film: An optically clear polyester film that is 114 microns thick with a gloss finish. It has 11 percent opacity and can accept all colours in any print order (“colour on white” or “white on colour”). It has a “five-minute dry time with amazing image quality,” according to Epson.
Epson ClearProof Film: An optically clear PET film that is 120 microns thick with a gloss finish. It is very similar to Epson’s CrystalClear Film except that it is described by Epson as “instant dry with extreme image quality.”
Epson ClearProof Thin Film: This substrate has the same properties as the ClearProof film, but 70 microns thick.
Epson ClearProof Adhesive Film: This substrate has the same properties as the ClearProof film, but with an adhesive backing.
MetallicProof Silver Film: A high-gloss silver metallic PET film that is 150 microns thick and enables production of contract proofs with metallic effects. Projects such as flexible packaging, labels and other related products can be simulated by printing either “colour on white” or “white on colour.” If the ink is applied directly to the silver film, metallic colours will be achieved. This substrate is fast drying due to its specially designed coating.
3M’s Commercial Graphic Solutions Film Products
3M is known for ‘bringing sticky back.’ From Post-it notes to Scotch tape to Nexcare adhesive bandages, 3M has a long history of “sticking” their ideas and products all over the world. They are viewed as leaders and innovators in this industry because of their long history of originality, and the two products outlined below are no exception.
3M Scotchprint Wrap Film Series 1080
This 3M product is a unique solution for customers who are looking to customize their vehicle in a non-permanent way. We have semi-permanent hair dye and temporary tattoos, and we can now demonstrate the same creativity with our cars (without the remorse)! The adhesive films are ready for use out of the box and can be applied to a number of surfaces on the vehicle. There is a series of matte options, as well as brushed metallic finishes and carbon fiber patterns. The film is 60-inches wide, therefore entire sections of the car can be covered without the need for seams. The film is pressure activated so it can be repositioned until it is just right. 3M’s non-visible air release channels, paired with firm pressure, ensure a smooth and consistent application.
3M Scotchcal Clear View 8150 Graphic Film
This removable transparent film allows for unparalleled printing on a film substrate, as the unprinted areas remain vividly clear (cast PVC film). Therefore, there is no need for contour cutting around images in order to see through the non-printed areas when adhered to glass. This naturally allows for a wide array of applications, such as retail window displays, mobile displays and informational signs. It is compatible with all digital and screen-printing systems, which further broadens the scope of this product. It can be used on both indoor and outdoor applications (durability of seven years outdoors), and as 3M articulates, this technology “opens up new possibilities for the future – in architecture, shop design or advertising on vehicles.” Special effects like frosted glass can be achieved by printing white ink. It is also possible to print a hole matrix pattern and apply it to the entire vehicle, where one-way vision is achieved without having to perforate the film.
All of these products from Epson and 3M expand the current capabilities of how, what and where we imagine, design and print products. Substrates with increased functionality and flexibility, like those described here, provide an excellent foundation for the continued growth of packing and promotional printing.
