Valéron Strength Films and XSYS Print Solutions Take a Technical Step Forward
 
The problems of added time and cost incurred by narrow-web converters who have to outsource expensive print-receptive surface coatings for films, or undertake the specialist process themselves, could be at an end - thanks to a new inline primer system jointly developed by durable film manufacturers Valéron Strength Films and dedicated narrow-web ink manufacturers XSYS Print Solutions.

The new system means that reel-to-reel printers can now produce durable labels on truly high-specification substrates - without the need for offline preparation of the substrate, laying down a print-receptive topcoating offline.   This is an interesting development in the world of narrow web print, expanding converters` opportunities to enter the high-margin niche market for durable film tags, labels, and similar products for rugged and technical applications.

Says Petri Ven, Business and Market Development Manager for Valéron Strength Films:  `While our films have been perceived as the most durable choice, there has been some resistance in the web printing market to buying a product which requires surface processing prior to printing. This can be costly, and it also extends the time required for delivery of the printed items. In today`s competitive label and tag market, the added cost of heavy coatings or fillers to the cost of the film substrate, plus an additional and specialised machine pass (often off-site), have to a certain extent limited Valéron Strength Films to premium uses, where performance rather than price is the prime driver. This ground-breaking new inline primer system -  which partners XSYS Print Solutions` industry-standard Flexocure Gemini UV flexo inks perfectly -  is about to change all that, I believe.`

The XSYS Print Solutions inline primer UVT00100-408 - applied on press, inline, on one standard print station - performs all the functions previously required of offline specialty coatings and fillers to make the print on Valéron Strength Films as durable as the films themselves.  Adhesion of the printed image to the film`s surface is said to be outstanding.   Scratch resistance, as well as water, chemical, and UV resistance, are high.   The printed image passes all the industry-standard TESA tape tests, and Valéron`s own in-house tests have proved that it also withstands high-pressure cleaning with a water jet at 100 bars without damage. Overall, the combination of Valéron Strength Films with this new XSYS Print Solutions inline primer together offer higher durability than the unprimed films themselves.  It is also a more environmentally-friendly solution than surface fillers and offline coatings.

`Technically speaking, what the new primer brings is an optimal combination of UV monomers and resins to give the right surface tension and good ink wet-out qualities.  Our expertise with UV flexo ink developments has helped us, working with Valéron,  to develop a ``cocktail`` of monomer, binder, and photo-initiator for the unique properties of their films, to deliver good cure response and through-cure.  This minimises shrinkage - essential for high-specification durable print.   Both the primer and Flexocure Gemini inks offer a low-odour solution, too, which is desirable for medical disposables and similar products.

`Perhaps, from the converter`s point of view, the most significant feature of this new development is the opportunity to offer customers the established market-leading durable films without the added cost of offline pre-treatment.   Our new inline primer really brings significant savings in time and money - and will certainly help converters to take new business by adding value and shortening delivery times in the very competitive durable labels field.`

XSYS Print Solutions has pioneered a number of developments in inks and other coatings for UV flexo - today`s fastest-growing narrow- and medium-web print technology.   `We were delighted to be able to work with the narrow-web innovators to the benefit of the whole industry`, says Petri Ven.

Media Contact:
Petri Ven
Valeron Strength Films
+32 3 670 07 30
pven@valeron.com

For more information, visit www.valeron.be