Introduction to the use of synthetic paper

In the printing industry, rapid changes are a living fact. In many ways, it reflects the technological revolution that surrounds the entire world. In order to increase efficiency, innovations in new tools, new technologies and new materials have been widely recognized, and this approach has been successful for a long time.
Printers are urgently seeking ways to improve work efficiency. They are turning to new information technologies and media. As a result of these changes, people began to speculate that old-fashioned paper may disappear from the use market. However, paper makers should use synthetic paper to supplement traditional paper before paper exits the market (although many still prefer the paper market).

Images printed on synthetic paper have better software quality. And more importantly, this type of paper can increase the useful life of a variety of internal prints. Commercial cards, brochures, manuals, reports, market data, etc. will generally only be printed in small batches. The life of this type of job printed with synthetic paper will be greatly improved. Different from traditional paper, synthetic paper has strong water resistance and tear resistance, and it is particularly smooth, but its whiteness is not uniform.

Printing workshop

The printer manager should know that changing to synthetic paper for printing jobs does not require changes to the equipment. The offset printing process is a basic example. Synthetic paper can be used on any type of offset press, from the smallest monochrome copy to the most advanced multicolor machine. However, there are several minor factors to consider:

1. Adaptability to the Environment Compared with traditional paper, synthetic paper needs to adapt to the printing shop environment, at least 48 hours. In order to reduce static electricity generation, a relative humidity of 50% is recommended for print shop temperatures of 70°F to 80°F. When cold paper hits a dry environment, static electricity is generated, which makes it very difficult to print paper.
2. Fountain Solution To successfully print on non-absorbent materials such as synthetic paper, the only important factor is controlling the amount of fountain solution on the press. If there is too much water on the plate, it will hinder the transfer of the ink, resulting in excessive emulsification of the ink. Setting the ink balance of each unit to just get dirty is the best way to avoid problems related to wetting.
3. Inks For lithographic printing on synthetic paper, inks, coatings, and coatings used for this type of paper should be used. Special inks for synthetic papers require more pigment, less solvent, and greater solidity. UV inks can also be used on synthetic paper because they have a suitable water base or UV base. Water-based and UV coatings can improve the overall print quality and also add an additional protective layer to the print.
Since synthetic paper is non-absorbent, it is important to control the thickness of each coating (ink layer, water, coating, and gloss layer). Because synthetic paper has a thick ink attachment feature, printers should use thinner ink layers to achieve the same color and density as standard paper. In the offset printing process, if the ink film is too thick, it will cause slow drying and sticking problems.
4. Drying Several simple techniques ensure that ink is quickly and reliably dried on synthetic paper. One of the most important aspects of proper drying is the use of high quality inks, coatings, and coatings for synthetic paper. In addition, it is also possible to discuss with the ink supplier what the addition of 1/2 oz. grapho desiccant per pound of ink. Grapho desiccant is a hydrophilic desiccant. In the natural emulsification process, adding grapho desiccant will trigger the drying process of the ink and will make the proofs dry faster. According to the coverage area of ​​the ink, the weight of the paper and the height of the paper stack, synthetic paper printing should be sprayed with 24-27 micron dry powder.

Paper baskets should be placed horizontally on a smooth conveyor table. The maximum height should not exceed 4 inches to prevent back-scratching. When the ink is further dried, it is advisable to lightly blow the paper on the stacker with either a secondary or a secondary air to reduce the risk of ghosting failures.

Finally, avoid the use of high fountain solutions containing ethylene glycol glycerol because they are non-volatile, wet solvents that delay drying. Acceptable fountain solution pH between 4.5 and 5.5.

Synthetic method

Synthetic paper has a variety of useful features, so it is well suited for a variety of printing equipment. In addition to the external advantages of synthetic paper, its internal characteristics (high opacity, whiteness and chemical resistance, anti-scratch characteristics) will increase the life of the printed sheet and high-performing image features.