Printing
on PolySyn™
Ink
Selection
We
recommend that you work with your current ink supplier
to choose the ink that will provide the end result you
are seeking. We have done our research with Superior
Printing Ink and achieved excellent results. Standard
paper inks can be used for one-color applications.
Control of the ink-water ratio should be carefully
monitored. Specially formulated inks are recommended for
multi-color close register work. Provide your ink
supplier with a sample of PolySyn™, and they will
recommend the most suitable job.
Standard
inks with high solvent content may cause distortion in
print quality on close register multi-color work -
especially on lightweight gauges. We suggest using
special ink with a very small concentration of mineral
oil on it. Drying by oxidation is also recommended. Inks
are available in a great range of single color and in
process sets with four (4) colors. State the name of the
product when requesting special ink.
Offset
and Letter Press
PolySyn™
is suitable for small offset presses and standard
printing presses. We recommend a test before printing.
Usually,
standard paper ink will work nicely.
To
Avoid Set-off
When
proofing, it is important to avoid using too much ink.
This may cause set-off while in production. We recommend
low ink film weight for a clearer image.
Drying
Drying
time is 4 - 5 hours. PolySyn™ absorbs ink well whether
it is applied directly from the can or thinned before
applying. Consult with your ink manufacturer about
drying times and using UV drying techniques for UV inks.
Excessive
heat causes tension on the material. This could impair
work on the web-fed multicolor presses.
Plates
We
recommend metal plates rather than paper melinex plates.
Fount additives might hinder or prevent drying when
paper plates (with a grained surface) are used instead
of anodized (metal).
Water
and Ink Balance Prevents Dampening of Fountain Solutions
Dampening
is a major hazard when litho printing. Using plain water
with pH level of 6 or higher will accommodate fountain
solutions. We recommend reducing the manufacturer's
recommended ratio by 50%. Excess water or fountain
solution could impair drying time.
Other
Printing Techniques
Screen-printing:
We recommend inks that are oxidized and that dry
by evaporation for this printing technique. Consult with
the ink manufacturer about the end application and test
the ink before applying. If using an oven for drying,
the temperature must not exceed 150° F (64° C), and a steady
temperature should be maintained. Avoid overheating.
Prints should be racked for drying.
Tags
and Labels
Solvent
and water-based inks work nicely for printing tags and
labels on PolySyn™. We do not recommend heat fusion
lasers or photocopying with PolySyn™. Cold or chemical
fusion lasers and copiers are compatible.
Numerous
Finishing Choices
PolySyn™
is conducive to; guillotining, binding, die cutting,
folding, scoring, drilling, perforating, and more.
The
possibilities are endless, when left to your
imagination!
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