High Gloss Metal Effect Papers UV Varnish Inversion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current metal effect printing on paper fails to achieve a brilliant, mirror-like gloss, which is essential for packaging and decorative purposes, as the existing methods result in a glossy surface that is not as high or brilliant as a metallic mirror.
Innovation Solution
A method involving the application of a UV varnish directly on paper, followed by curing with a UV lamp and overprinting with a solvent-based metallic ink containing vapor-deposited aluminum particles, achieving a high and brilliant gloss. This method uses epoxy acrylates and ethoxylated amine modified polyether acrylates in the UV varnish composition, combined with aluminum ink for enhanced results.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If a solvent containing aluminum ink is printed directly on paper and overprinted with a high gloss UV varnish, then the paper surface becomes glossy, but the gloss is far from brilliant or mirror-like
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the conventional printing sequence by first applying and curing a high gloss UV varnish layer on the paper, then overprinting with solvent-based metallic ink. This reversal allows the UV varnish to form a brilliant, mirror-like base surface that enhances the metallic effect, achieving gloss values exceeding 500 relative gloss units compared to conventional methods
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a composite structure combining UV-cured varnish and solvent-based metallic ink layers. The UV varnish layer (comprising epoxy acrylates and photoinitiators) forms a glossy base, while the overprinted metallic ink (containing vapor-deposited aluminum particles) adds reflective properties, producing a synergistic brilliant metallic gloss effect
2Illumination intensity
If conventional metal effect printing is used to achieve a glossy surface, then the surface becomes glossy, but it fails to achieve the brilliant gloss of a metallic mirror
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by first curing the UV varnish layer before applying the metallic ink. This pre-formed glossy surface provides an optimized substrate that enhances the brilliance of the subsequent metallic ink application, achieving mirror-like gloss that conventional simultaneous application cannot achieve
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The method produces a paper with a mirror-like gloss, significantly increasing the gloss value beyond traditional methods, making it suitable for high-end packaging and decorative applications.
Implementation Method 1
B) curing the composition by using a UV lamp
Implementation Method 2
C) printing an aluminum layer on the cured composition wherein the aluminum layer comprises a binder and vapour deposited aluminum particles
Data Source
AI summary
The instant invention pertains to a method for the production of brilliant glossy metal coatings on paper substrates. Further aspects of the invention are a paper product obtainable using the method and the use of such a paper for decorative or packaging purposes.