Edited by Lara Copeland, contributing editor, Plastics Decorating Proell, Inc., the US subsidiary of Proell KG based in Germany, is located in St. Charles, Illinois, and first opened its doors more than 20 years ago. However, over 80 years ago, Proell began producing high-quality inks and functional lacquers for innovative industrial applications and graphic printing. Pad … [Read more...] about Proell’s Inks and Functional Lacquers
Articles
Inkjet Printing and Adhesion of Low Surface Energy Polymers
Long before the first ink drop is jetted onto a plastic product, designers make key decisions that predetermine whether ink printing will be easy or difficult. Adhesion is essentially a superficial phenomenon, depending as it does upon interactions between the liquid ink and the surface of the substrate. Principal factors affecting adhesion are polymer selection (including … [Read more...] about Inkjet Printing and Adhesion of Low Surface Energy Polymers
Q&A: UV LED Curing for Plastics Decorating
UV LED curing is becoming a more popular option for plastic parts molders and decorators. To find out more about this evolving technology, Plastics Decorating sat down with industry consultant Jennifer Heathcote of Eminence UV. What are some advantages of using UV LED curing for inks and coatings on plastic parts? UV LED technology offers numerous curing, process control, … [Read more...] about Q&A: UV LED Curing for Plastics Decorating
Simulating PANTONE Colors on Colored Substrates
Anyone who has attempted to match spot colors when printing on colored substrates knows that the process presents various unique challenges. However, incorporating a few key suggestions can lead to great results. This article looks at why these challenges exist and how to approach overcoming them. In today’s world it may be hard to imagine, but there was a time when a printer, … [Read more...] about Simulating PANTONE Colors on Colored Substrates
The Evolution of Pad Printing
Looking back to the late 1980s, it is easy to see how the industry has evolved. At that time, pad printing was just beginning to compete with hot stamping and screen printing. Additionally, sealed ink cups had just been invented. By the mid-90s it was not uncommon for large manufacturers to have dozens of pad printing systems dedicated to printing the same parts, over multiple … [Read more...] about The Evolution of Pad Printing