Similar to any technology-driven industry, there is a very rapid evolution of the digital printing market. HP Indigo Users are visualizing a steady flow of new presses and novel application methods. The primer range of Michelman has evolved so as to be at the front line of these changes, making it more convenient to take complete advantage of the novel capabilities offered by the Indigo presses. All primers have indicator solutions in order to verify the primer presence on the substrate.
DigiPrime
DigiPrime products are extensively used for the demanding labels and packaging presses where their adhesion to a broad range of substrates and the HP Indigo ElectroInks offer versatility and security in a large variety of applications. By using DigiPrime, one can rest assured that the final product appears just as it was intended.
The table below shows the print receptive primer product range for HP Indigo.
Table 1. Indicator Solutions are available for all primers to verify the presence of the primer on the substrate.
| Products |
Features |
| DigiPrime 2000 |
- For uncoated and coated paper grades
- Flexo and gravure ready
- Direct food contact*
|
| DigiPrime 4431 |
- Patented technology
- Flexo and gravure ready
- Direct food contact*
- Excellent adhesion to most films and papers
|
| DigiPrime 4450 |
- For two-sided printability
- Flexo and gravure ready
- For most films and papers
- Direct food contact*
|
| DigiPrime 5000 |
- Flexo and gravure ready
- For most treated synthetics and soft vinyls
|
| Sapphire Priming Solution |
- For paper
- Once applied to the substrate must be protected from humidity
- Limited shelf life of coated substrate
|
| Topaz 17 |
- For untreated plastic sheets
- Suitable for screen printed application
- Solvent-based
|
*Please contact your Michelman representative for complete details.
For applications in which direct food contact is involved, DigiPrime 4431 is the recommended product. For applications involving two-sided printing for both food and non food contact applications, DigiPrime 4450 is the ideal product. Initial recommendations based on flexo application for the primer range are shown in Table 2. With most water-based coatings, it is essential to have a corona treatment before application on a polymer substrate to enable good adhesion and wet out.
Table 2. Indicator Solutions are available for all primers to verify the presence of the primer on the substrate
| Substrate |
Product |
Target Weight (wet) |
Anilox lines/inch |
Anilox lines/cm |
Cell Volume bcm |
Cell Volume c/mm2 |
| Unsupported Films |
DigiPrime 4431 |
1.0 gsm |
400 lpi |
160 l/cm |
3.9 bcm |
6 cc/m2 |
| Label Stock |
DigiPrime 4431 |
1.0 gsm |
400 lpi |
160 l/cm |
3.9 bcm |
6 cc/m2 |
| Uncoated Papers |
DigiPrime 2000 |
1.5 gsm |
300 lpi |
118 l/cm |
5.8 bcm |
9 cc/m2 |
| |
DigiPrime 4431 |
1.5 gsm |
300 lpi |
118 l/cm |
5.8 bcm |
9 cc/m2 |
| |
Sapphire |
1.5 gsm |
300 lpi |
118 l/cm |
5.8 bcm |
9 cc/m2 |
| Clay coated papers |
DigiPrime 2000 |
1.0-1.5 gsm |
300 lpi |
118 l/cm |
5.8 bcm |
9 cc/m2 |
| |
DigiPrime 4431 |
1.0-1.5 gsm |
300 lpi |
118 l/cm |
5.8 bcm |
9 cc/m2 |
| |
Sapphire |
1.0-1.5 gsm |
300 lpi |
118 l/cm |
5.8 bcm |
9 cc/m2 |
| Vinyls |
DigiPrime 5000 |
1.5 gsm |
300 lpi |
118 l/cm |
5.8 bcm |
9 cc/m2 |
Advantages
The key benefits of the DigiPrime range of products are:
- Provides the operator eco-friendly, water-based chemistry
- Displays superior storage stability, with no shelf life or ageing issues
- Remains clear and shows no discoloration with time
- Enables excellent adhesion of ElectroInks to the substrate
- Is available in versions approved for food contact
- Enables a long blanket life and less down time for the presses
- Is suitable for commercial presses and labels & packaging presses
Sapphire Priming Solution
The Sapphire Priming solution is a treatment utilized for optimizing papers based on the application of a water-soluble polymer. Hence it is essential that substrates treated with Sapphire, and not intended for immediate printing, are stored in a vapor barrier wrapping paper away from light. Even with this type of storage, the shelf life of the coated material may be limited.
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Topaz
Topaz 17 is a product designed for the plastic sheet materials, typically PVC sheets for card production. This solvent-based coating can be applied directly to the substrate without the need for corona or other pre-treatment, making it especially useful for priming sheeted material. The precautions required for using this material should be strictly followed.
DigiGuard Overprint Varnishes
In addition to primers, Michelman offers varnishes for protection and enhancement of the printed images.
In-Line Primers
HP Indigo’s high capacity web presses, both for commercial and labels and packaging are provided with in-line priming units. Users of HP Indigo W7200 and W3250 can choose suitable primers to be used on coated and uncoated papers. Label and packaging press owners will find that Michelman offers a complete range of products (primers, cleaners, and indicators) for these applications.
About Michelman
Michelman is a global developer of water-based barrier and functional coatings for flexible film packaging, paperboard, and corrugated cartons; and water-based surface modifiers, additives and polymers for numerous industries including wood and floor care, industrial coatings, inks, fibers, composites, and construction products. Michelman serves its multinational and regional customers with production facilities in the U.S., Europe and Singapore, and a worldwide network of highly trained field technical support personnel.
This information has been sourced, reviewed and adapted from materials provided by Michelman.
For more information on this source, please visit Michelman.