Laminating Adhesives
Lamination of rigid PVC is sometimes problematic because of poor adhesion of the overlay to some printing inks. This is particularly true for UV cured inks and full bleed offset colors. To overcome this problem one must use adhesive coated overlay or apply a coating to the printed stock.
The increasingly stringent regulations regarding emission of volatile organic compounds (VOC) to the atmosphere, combined with the insurance industry pressure to reduce workplace exposure to flammable and hazardous solvents, has created a need for a good waterbase laminating adhesive.
WINK Waterbase laminating adhesive has the following characteristics:
- Low VOC
- Low heavy metals
- Short Laminating Cycles
- Adhesion to UV inks
- Full bleed colors without coated overlay
- Superior adhesion under lamination
- Application by screen printer or roll coater
- Good shelf-life
- Fast drying without clogging screens
Of special interest for manufacturers of laminated PVC is the superior adhesion obtained to both printed substrate and overlay. For laminated cards this allows the use of uncoated overlay even when the ink contains high loadings of pigment such as with metallic effects, full bleed offset colors or highly crosslinked UV ink. This superior adhesion can also result in shorter laminating cycles for improved plant efficiency. Lower temperature laminating cycles can also be used (270°F), which results in better edge distortion control and higher yields.
The adhesive may be applied by a number of application methods including Gravure, Roll, and Screen Printing. The last letter of the WINK item number indicates the intended application method. For example, WINK 809S is designed for screen printing. WINK 813R is designed for Gravure and Roll coating.
A complete range of WINK Waterbase ink colors, including metallic and pearlescents as well as custom color matching, is also available.