Influence of 3% slip stabilizing paste added to flexographic inks on coefficient of friction of OPP cast film

Abstract

For a number of years, flexographic printing has been used in the process for the production of flexible packaging as well as other applications where high quality is required. Today, this printing technology is highly automated in all phases of the process. Production time is shorter and product quality is constantly improved. Flexographic inks consist of three main ingredients: pigment, binder and solvent., Each of these components has different functions, however, one depends on the others. Additives used for ink can be of various types. They can be added during ink production or during the printing process to improve printing properties. The film coefficient of friction is one of very important parameters in the flexographic printing process. The determination of static and dynamic coefficient of friction is particularly useful for film substrates that are further processed in packaging and printing machines. The value of the COF is a guide for further processing and refers to the surface structure, which in turn is important for printing. Influencing COF gives packaging manufactures the opportunity to optimize performance and avoid problems during the printing and packaging process, transport, and storage of packaging. In order to examine the effect of the addition of slip stabilizing paste on COF of OPP cast film and on the printing process, a test was carried out in a printing house using the 8-colour UTECO machine with a central cylinder. The amount of 3% additive was added to flexographic ink.