New on the market, metallic inks are a real opportunity in the digital printing sector. They add an extra decorative touch to the precision and flexibility of digital printing.
Between precision and flexibility
This product is destined to become more and more popular on the label printing market as it saves time, money and material compared to foiling: the printing process is faster, the possibility of different colors is very varied and the cost is significantly lower. In addition, printing results will be more precise.
This process can be used on any type of substrate. The effects will be more pronounced on synthetics, but paper is also a suitable substrate. However, we do not recommend structured materials which can affect the metallized aspect of the inks.
The application of digital metallic inks on sleeves is also possible as the shrinkage resistance is higher than foil stamping. This opportunity can be interesting for our customers in the wine sector as it allows the printing of limited editions at an affordable price and with a low risk of defect during shrinkage.
These high value-added inks are also advantageous for our customers in the cosmetics sector, but are suitable for many other markets.
In addition, they comply with all applicable food and environmental requirements. There are currently no contraindications. Only a too high degree of shrinkage could lead to powdering of the ink and thus alter its appearance.
Printing process
Digital metal printing is done in 3 steps. All these steps are carried out in a single machine pass in order to gain in efficiency.
- The first step is to print a supporting white, in order to get a visible metallic effect.
- Then HP Indigo ElectroInk Silver Ink is applied. This new ink contains metallic particles, but these have no negative impact on food safety, consumer health or the environment.
- Finally a layer of conventional inks is eventually printed to obtain an unlimited variety of metallic colors.
It is important to notice that the brilliance is still less pronounced than a traditional foil stamping, but this printing method is perfectly suitable for small and medium print quantities requiring a specific metallic color.
If you have any questions or would like to request samples,you can send us an email at marketing@stratuspackaging.com or please click here.
Digital metallic inks